• 6 AUGUST - *1907 - Gen. Macario Sakay, one of the Filipino military leaders who had continued fighting the imperialist United States invaders eight years into the Ph...
    11 years ago

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Two years is an added burden – parents

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Two years is an added burden – parents


By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL and IGAL JADA SAN ANDRES
Bulatlat.com
Main story: K+12, worsening shortages to greet school opening
Related stories: Rushed trainings, lack of materials mar implementation of K to 12
Lawmakers expect problems on June 4 school opening

MANILA – If there is someone who worries about the implementation of the K to 12 program – it’s the parents. The addition of two years to basic education does not sit well with the parents especially those who work hard just to send their children to school.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), one of the benefits of the K to 12 program is that it is affordable. However, the Alliance of the Concerned Teachers (ACT) said the additional two years in the four years of high school is an additional cost to parents.

“How can it be affordable when the DepEd added two years to the four years of high school? Of course it is an additional cost to parents. A parent does not only spend money in tuition but also in transportation, school projects and food,” said France Castro, secretary general of ACT..... MORE

SourceBulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/05/30/two-years-is-an-added-burden-%E2%80%93-parents/

Lynch mob prevails EDITORIAL 05/31/2012

Lynch mob prevails

EDITORIAL
Click to enlarge
05/31/2012
The conviction of Chief Justice Renato Corona came grudgingly for most of the senator-judges who voted, by their own admission, based on their belief of the quasi-political nature of the impeachment process which in plain language would be going along with the herd that holds Corona of having exploited his position as head of the Supreme Court (SC) to enrich himself.

The vote declaring Corona guilty of the allegation in the second impeachment article of his not having fully disclosed his wealth in his statement of assets, liabilities and networth (SALn) was indeed overwhelming and so did the expression of reservations for most of the votes.

Watching some of the judges labor through explaining their vote to convict was perhaps similar to witnessing the pain of Pontius Pilate wash his hands after handing Jesus Christ to the mob..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120531com1.html

All pain, no gain FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 05/31/2012

All pain, no gain

FRONTLINE
Ninez Cacho-Olivares
05/31/2012
Just what did the nation gain in getting the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court impeached and convicted, especially as the Aquino administration used up all the resources of government to attain that which he had wanted even before he assumed the presidency in 2010?

In the past five months, when Noynoy Aquino’s focus was entirely on demonizing Renato Corona and ensuring his conviction, hardly anything moved by way of improving the economy or for that matter, improving the plight of the poverty-stricken Filipinos.

The mantra of Noynoy was setting up Corona as the example of his determination to rid the judiciary of graft and corruption and reforming the courts, although too many Filipinos see through that hypocritical mantra, as it is much too clear that the obsessively vindictive Noynoy made this conviction his personal fight against yet another perceived political foe identified with the previous administration..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120531com2.html

US ready to act on Syria outside UN?



US ready to act on Syria outside UN?


The US has hinted at taking actions against the Syrian regime bypassing the authority of the UN Security Council. This comes as pressure is piling up on Damascus following massacre in Houla that claimed over 100 lives.

US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice has said that if the council does not take swift action to pressure Syrian authorities to end 14-month crackdown on the anti-government uprising, the Security Council members may have no choice but to consider acting outside the UN.

Members of the international community are left with the option only of having to consider whether they are prepared to take actions outside of the Annan plan and the authority of this council,” Rice said on Wednesday after the 15-member council met in a closed door session to discuss last week’s massacre..... MORE

SourceRT.com

URL: http://www.rt.com/news/us-sanctions-syria-un-649/

Obama's kill list - All males near drone strike sites are terrorists

Obama's kill list - All males near drone strike sites are terrorists


Depending on whom you ask, the Obama administration has either executed hundreds of civilians abroad with poorly planned drone strikes or none at all. A new report, however, finally offers insight into those conflicting conclusions.

A New York Times article published on Tuesday unearths a lot of information about the White House’s largely secretive drone program: despite being a hallmark of the presidency of Barack Obama, authorities working under the commander-in-chief — as well as Obama himself — are for the most part mum when questions arise about the administration’s ongoing air strikes by way of unmanned robotic aircraft. In particular, the question of civilian casualties and the death toll of innocent Afghans and Pakistanis who have lost their life at the hands of Washington’s war machine are often left unanswered or, even worse, addressed differently. According to the Times’ latest write-up, though, the Obama administration has some scandalous opinions on who can and can’t be killed by its murder program..... MORE

SourceRT.com

URL: http://rt.com/usa/news/drone-strike-obama-casualties-604/

Abortion — What is it? VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 05/31/2012

Abortion — What is it?

VIEWPOINTS
Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz
05/31/2012
This article — together with the two following others — is especially and ardently dedicated to those who are performing abortions, as well as those who are assiduously moving and decidedly promoting the passage of the notorious “Reproductive Health Bill.”

The only reason behind this article and the two hereafter coming, is one and the same: Do not say that you have not been told, have not been warned. Say not wherefore that you do not know that the said bill — which is a population control legislative priority of no less than the Commander-in-Chief — does not include abortion, considering that some contraceptive pills are also abortive in content and finality. So it is than when contraception fails, abortion takes over eventually to also lessen people.

Question: What is abortion? In plain and direct language, abortion is the deliberate killing of an unborn human being while still in the maternal womb and herein growing moment by moment, day by day.
Abortion is a deliberate killing — knowingly, willingly, intentionally — of a yet unborn child. Abortion is the purposeful slaughter of a human being when still in the mother’s womb and where the same stays from the conception to his or her joyful and triumphant birthday..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120531com6.html

Dictatorship creeps in INSIDE CONGRESS Charlie Manalo 05/31/2012

Dictatorship creeps in

INSIDE CONGRESS
Charlie Manalo
05/31/2012
With the conviction of Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice (CJ) Renato Corona by the Senate in its capacity as an impeachment court, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino was finally to fit in the last two remaining pieces in the puzzle signaling the start of his quest for a dictatorial rule.

First, the Senate’s overwhelming vote to convict the Chief Justice was a clear indication that Noynoy may now be in control of the two chambers of Congress, one of the rare instances it had happened, with the last one occurring during the time of the late President Cory Aquino, who scored a whopping 22-2 victory over the opposition led by former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada and now Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

Of course, the situation then was understandably in favor of Cory, Noynoy’s mother, as the people were still then euphoric over the first Edsa uprising which toppled the regime of the late strongman, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120531com5.html

Victory bash at Palace lasted until early morning By Fernan J. Angeles 05/31/2012

Victory bash at Palace lasted until early morning

By Fernan J. Angeles 05/31/2012

Moments after the Senate impeachment court ruled to convict Chief Justice Renato Corona, a fleet of cars with special plates bearing number “8” swarmed Malacañang Palace in what a top Palace official claimed as an unexpected visit of the House prosecutors eagerly excited to share the victory to the President.

The unex-pected visit lasted until 2 in the morning sources said was an apparent victory party for the ousting of Corona.

Answering media queries, deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte confirmed (in a text message) that President Aquino had unexpected visitors Tuesday night hours after the chief magistrate, on a vote of 20-3, was convicted by the Senate impeachment court which found Corona guilty for violating Article II of the first impeachment complaint against an SC chief justice..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120531hea6.html

Not Drilon nor Carpio as CJ, Noynoy urged By Angie M. Rosales 05/31/2012

NO ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE ALLOWED IN CHARTER — ENRILE

Not Drilon nor Carpio as CJ, Noynoy urged

By Angie M. Rosales 05/31/2012

A day after the ouster of Renato Corona as head of the Supreme Court as a result of a Senate impeachment court vote to convict him, the next logical question is who takes his place but what was mostly offered yesterday are those who should not assume the post of Chief Justice.

A close Palace ally in the Senate yesterday hinted the inclination of President Aquino to pick an “outsider” of the Supreme Court as replacement of Corona.

Unless the Chief Executive has already had a change of mind recently, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he would be proven wrong.

In his various television appearances and radio interviews, Escudero was consistent in underscoring this fact that from what he personally knows on the matter is that the President’s inclination is to choose from those outside of the SC..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120531hea1.html

SC to vote on PCOS purchase sans Corona By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/31/2012 A Supreme Court minus impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona will take up the cases ques-tioning the allegedly anomalous multibillion-peso contract for supposedly defective vote counting machines to be used in next year’s elections. Speaking to reporters, acting spokesman Ma. Victoria Gleoresty Guerra announced that “the court has resolved to place in the agenda of June 13, 2012 the Comelec-PCOS (Commission on Elections-Precinct Count Optical Scan) machines case where it will be put to a vote.” The SC is-sued last April 24 a temporary restraining order (TRO) enjoining Comelec and Smartmatic-TIM from proceeding with the contract.

SC to vote on PCOS purchase sans Corona

By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/31/2012

A Supreme Court minus impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona will take up the cases ques-tioning the allegedly anomalous multibillion-peso contract for supposedly defective vote counting machines to be used in next year’s elections.

Speaking to reporters, acting spokesman Ma. Victoria Gleoresty Guerra announced that “the court has resolved to place in the agenda of June 13, 2012 the Comelec-PCOS (Commission on Elections-Precinct Count Optical Scan) machines case where it will be put to a vote.”

The SC is-sued last April 24 a temporary restraining order (TRO) enjoining Comelec and Smartmatic-TIM from proceeding with the contract..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120531hea2.html

KL pardons 3 Pinoys on death row 05/31/2012

KL pardons 3 Pinoys on death row

05/31/2012
Three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been saved from the death penalty in Sabah after the Malaysian government granted them pardons, Vice President jejomar Binay said.

The Philippine Embassy in Malaysia identified the three as Basir Omar, Jaliman Salleh and Aldipal Hadani.

In his talk with Malay-sian Foreign Minister Dato’ Sri Anifah Aman last Tuesday, Binay, also the presidential adviser on OFW concerns, thanked the Malaysian government for granting the pardons..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120531hea4.html

BoC, DA urged to go after smugglers of agri products By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/31/2012

BoC, DA urged to go after smugglers of agri products

By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/31/2012

A holiday on the sale of rice, vegetables, fish, pork and chicken is being mulled by leaders of the agricultural sector to force the government to dismantle the smuggling syndicates.

“We do not want to come to that point but the continued inaction leads us to the strong possibility of a market holiday to dramatize our point against the continued smuggling of foodstuffs which is threatening the local agricultural producers,” Abono chairman and Swine Development Council director Rosendo said, adding the allied industries of the pork and chicken sectors have decided to join them in forming a united front to confront the problems of uncontrolled smuggling and over-importation.

The group called on Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon to institute the necessary mechanisms to check rampant syndicated smuggling of agricultural products..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20120531met1.html

86 schools and universities, 65 dorms found violating fire safety regulations By Gina Peralta-Elorde 05/31/2012

86 schools and universities, 65 dorms found violating fire safety regulations

By Gina Peralta-Elorde 05/31/2012

At least 86 schools and universities and 65 dormitories in Metro Manila have been found by the Bureau of Fire Protection to have violated certain fire safety rules and regulations.

BFP officer-in-charge Chief Supt. Samuel Perez in a report to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo said of the 86 schools and universities inspected, 46 were in Manila, 21 in Muntinlupa, 11 in Makati and eight in San Juan, while the 65 dormitories were from the city of Manila.

The inspection was conducted by teams from Manila Fire District under Fire Marshal Felixberto Abrenica, San Juan fire marshal Chief Insp. Gilbert Dolot, Makati fire marshal Supt. Ricardo Perdigon and Muntinlupa fire marshal Chief Insp. Rodrick Aguto..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20120531met4.html

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

Rejecting waivers FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 05/29/2012

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Rejecting waivers

FRONTLINE
Ninez Cacho-Olivares
05/29/2012
Looks like the ones who have something to hide are Noynoy, his Cabinet officials plus some holier-than-thou senator-judges and prosecutors, and not Chief Justice Renato Corona, who certainly wasn’t afraid to lead the way to ushering true transparency in government.

After Corona bared all during his second testimony and submitted an unconditional waiver of his bank accounts, a spontaneous movement appears to have suddenly sprouted, with people now calling on Noynoy and other government officials to bare open their bank accounts through a waiver, in the same way Corona did.

Groups are demanding that Noynoy should now fulfill his campaign pledge to waive his bank secrecy rights, but Malacañang quickly rejected this demand, even coming up with a non-sequitur reason for Noynoy not to do so..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120529com2.html

Deliver transparency, Noynoy EDITORIAL 05/29/2012

Deliver transparency, Noynoy

EDITORIAL
Click to enlarge
05/29/2012
The impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona based on the closing arguments presented by the contending counsels of the defense and the prosecution boils down to the contents of his bank accounts and whether these were intentionally withheld from public scrutiny by Corona’s failure to include these in his statement of assets, liabilities and networth (SALn), a conundrum that should be addressed to all government officials.

Yet Noynoy and his yellow cabal cling to the argument that it is only Corona who is on trial and only his financial records should be turned inside out in full view of the public.

Consequently, the challenge of Corona in executing an unconditional waiver on the confidentiality of his bank accounts that other government officials should follow suit, for Noynoy and his allies, is optional and that there is no obligation to accept the dare..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120529com1.html

Oops, BBC: Iraq photo to illustrate Houla massacre?

Oops, BBC: Iraq photo to illustrate Houla massacre?


With the shock of the Houla tragedy ringing across the world, the BBC has released a story with a harrowing picture of rows and rows of children's bodies awaiting burial… But isn’t that post-Saddam Iraq?

­Photographer Marco di Lauro who took the shot grabbed by the BBC says he nearly “fell off his chair” after finding the picture on the network’s website with a caption reading: “Photo from Activist. This image – which cannot be independently verified – is believed to show bodies of children in Houla awaiting funeral.

The picture was actually taken on March 27, 2003; it depicts an Iraqi boy jumping over dozens of white body bags containing skeletons found in a desert south of Baghdad..... MORE
SourceRT.com

URL: http://www.rt.com/news/bbc-iraq-syria-houla-400/

Both parties guilty in Houla massacre – Lavrov



Both parties guilty in Houla massacre – Lavrov


Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said some political players are undermining the UN-brokered ceasefire in Syria. He also said both opposition groups and regime troops “had a hand” in the Houla massacre.

“It is clear that both sides had a hand in the Houla incident that left civilians dead, including women and children,” he said following bilateral talks with his English counterpart William Hague.

He went on to state that artillery and tank shells were found in Houla and that many of the bodies showed evidence of a violent death, including some that had been shot in the head at close-range..... MORE

SourceRT.com

URL: http://www.rt.com/news/peace-plan-syria-regime-374/

War machine smoke: Nearly half new US vets seek disability benefits

War machine smoke: Nearly half new US vets seek disability benefits


More US soldiers than ever are surviving oversees deployments, but the injuries sustained in Afghanistan and Iraq mean 45 per cent of the new vets are seeking disability benefits. In the long run the compensation may cost Americans up to $1 trillion.

­The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have produced some 1.6 million veterans – 720,000 of them (45 per cent) are now seeking service-related compensation. Each one of them claims an average of eight to nine ailments.

By comparison, only 21 per cent of Gulf War veterans who were deployed to battlefields in the early 1990s claimed disability, while the average Vietnam veteran receives compensation for fewer than four ailments. .... MORE

SourceRT.com

URL: http://rt.com/usa/news/us-disability-benefits-veterans-404/

The drama, and still, JPE NO HOLDS BARRED Armida Siguion-Reyna 05/29/2012

The drama, and still, JPE

NO HOLDS BARRED
Armida Siguion-Reyna
05/29/2012
Killing time while waiting for this late afternoon’s vote on the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, we talk about how the defendant in his last two outings went highly on what we in the entertainment business refer to as “performance level” — mahihiya ang mga dramaturgo, pati na si Shakespeare.

For even when the mode was strictly legalistic, my goodness, the guy tried his best to shift back to paiyak and paawa. Look at this excerpt from the transcript of Day 42, May 25, 2012:
“Senator Defensor Santiago: Second question: In your experience as Chief Justice, and insofar as you know of the opinion or of the sentiments of your colleagues in the Supreme Court, what is the effect of this impeachment trial on the following principles of our tripartite democracy?.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120529com4.html

Lies, lies and more lies INSIDE CONGRESS Charlie Manalo 05/29/2012

Lies, lies and more lies

INSIDE CONGRESS
Charlie Manalo
05/29/2012
It started with lies and it has to end with lies.

The Corona impeachment trial opened up with volleys of lies founded on the alleged 45 properties owned by Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice (CJ) Renato Corona along with his tons of peso and dollar deposits.

The prosecution ploy was so effective its impact reverberated throughout the four corners of the country with even those who were less interested in the trial convinced of the prosecution’s bombshell.

But as the trial progressed, the defense ably parried the prosecution blows, disproving their allegations regarding the 45 properties and instead proving on the contrary CJ Corona maintains only five real estate properties..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120529com7.html

Reprimand a possibility?, Miriam wants to know By Angie M. Rosales and Fernan J. Angeles 05/29/2012

Reprimand a possibility?, Miriam wants to know

By Angie M. Rosales and Fernan J. Angeles 05/29/2012

A Senator judge wanted members of the impeachment court to settle among themselves the possibility of embattled Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona being meted with a much “lower” penalty other than removal from his post if a conviction on one of the remaining three impeachment charges are meted on Corona in today’s verdict.

“The Constitution provides that ‘judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than, shall not extend further than, removal from office and disqualification to hold office under the
Republic of the Philippines.’ Thus the Senate to impose a letter of penalty, like censure, reprimand, fine, suspension from office or the like. My question is, in case of conviction, how should the penalty be determined. I humbly present this question both to the presiding officer and to our colleagues, not necessarily to be answered immediately, but to be disposed of at the discretion of this court,” Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said in open court, on the eve of the so-called “promulgation” of the impeachment case of Corona..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120529hea5.html

ROTC alumni, PNP retirees decry pension irregularities By Mario J. Mallari and Gina Peralta-Elorde 05/29/2012

ROTC alumni, PNP retirees decry pension irregularities

By Mario J. Mallari and Gina Peralta-Elorde 05/29/2012

The National ROTC Alumni Association (NARAA) Inc. is rejecting the new military pension system being pushed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Retirement and Separation Benefit System (AFP-RSBS), branding the move as a possible cause of demoralization in the organization.

In a manifesto, the NARAA said the proposal of the AFP-RSBS to reform the military pension system was “economically untenable, patently unjust and prejudicial to the welfare of the Filipino soldiers.”

The group added that “such a pension legislative initiative is grossly irresponsible. A cause for serious concern since we think that such a proposal would certainly create demoralization in the entire military organization.”.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20120529nat1.html

UPLB coed’s case elevated to rape with homicide By Fernan J. Angeles 05/29/2012

UPLB coed’s case elevated to rape with homicide

By Fernan J. Angeles 05/29/2012

After dragging for some time, the case of slain University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) coed Given Grace Cebanico made a breakthrough after the counsels of the victim’s family succeeded in elevating the case from robbery with homicide to rape with homicide.

In an order penned by judge Alberto Serrano of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 92 in Calamba City, Laguna, an instant motion of the public prosecutor was granted to replace the case of robbery with homicide with the non-bailable offense of rape with homicide.

The arraignment of accused-respondents Percival de Guzman and Lester Ivan Rivera was set on May 23 this year in Calamba City..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20120529nat2.html

Pasig judge wants to give The Tribune reporter’s assailant “another chance” 05/29/2012

Pasig judge wants to give The Tribune reporter’s assailant “another chance”

05/29/2012
The Daily Tribune reporter Fernan Angeles has decried the apparent leniency shown by the Pasig Regional Trial Court towards drug personality Faisal Sangcopan and two other suspects in a murder attempt on him.

In a statement, Angeles said “I am deeply disturbed with the ‘leniency’ that is being displayed by Pasig RTC Judge Antonio Reyes, which handles the frustrated murder case I filed against drug personality (Sangcopan) and two other suspects at large, in connection with the March 11 slay try on me.”.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20120529met5.html

JV seeks rationalization of college tuition fee increase By Charlie V. Manalo 05/29/2012

JV seeks rationalization of college tuition fee increase

By Charlie V. Manalo 05/29/2012

With 300 more colleges seeking to increase their tuition fees this year, San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito proposed that a rationalization of tuition fees be strictly implemented in all educational institutions to ease the burden of parents from additional expenses.

Ejercito has filed House Bill 4598, also known as the Tuition Fee Rationalization Act, which seeks to impose that all colleges and universities be only permitted a tuition fee hike ceiling of 15 percent

“Public and private colleges and universities should bear in mind the ongoing and simultaneous price increase of basic commodities,” said the solon, a member of the House committee on youth and sports..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20120529met6.html

People’s lawyering goes a long way back in history

Monday, May 28, 2012

People’s lawyering goes a long way back in history


By Satur C. Ocampo


Apolinario Mabini, Jose Abad Santos, Claro M. Recto, Jose W. Diokno, and Lorenzo M. Tanada. What do these historical figures have in common?

They were all lawyers and patriots, yes. Above and beyond that, at crucial junctures in Philippine history, these men proved to be “passionately committed people’s lawyers.” They serve as polestars to the public-interest, human rights, or people’s lawyers of today.

As a lawyer and head of the Cabinet of the First Philippine Republic at the turn of the 20th century, Mabini’s most important act was to author the decree placing under the government all the agricultural lands that had been grabbed by the Spanish friars, ultimately for distribution to the Filipino tillers.

Mabini was the quintessential advocate of genuine agrarian reform. Sadly, after subduing the First Republic in the Philippine-American War, the Americans reversed that historic decree. Agrarian reform remains unfulfilled until today..... MORE

SourceBulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/05/25/peoples-lawyering-goes-a-long-way-back-in-history/

Strife continues EDITORIAL 05/28/2012

Strife continues

EDITORIAL
Click to enlarge
05/28/2012
Whatever verdict the Senate impeachment court will hand Chief Justice Renato Corona, what is certain is that the deep wound the whole process inflicted on the country would be difficult to heal, if it will ever heal at all.

The deep wounds of Edsa past have not as yet healed. We were a divided nation then; we remain divided even more today with more divisions likely coming at a future time and with another democratic institution probably undergoing yet another political destruction.

Even as the trial is scheduled for wrapping up after the prosecutors and the counsels of Corona sum up their arguments for and against the impeachment case, there are no signs that a conviction or an acquittal would resolve the conflict introduced by Noynoy and his allies..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120528com1.html

E-Batmen to the rescue: Craigslist, Reddit onboard Internet Defense League

E-Batmen to the rescue: Craigslist, Reddit onboard Internet Defense League


Inspired by fruitful virtual protests against the SOPA and PIPA online piracy bills, Internet activists have united their forces and formed an organization to protect the web from “bad laws and monopolies.”

­The idea of an Internet Defense League was first suggested by Tiffiniy Cheng, the head of the Fight for the Future nonprofit group. It has already been supported by activists and web companies who reach millions of Internet users, like Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of social news web-site Reddit, and Craig Newmark, founder of the free online classified network Craigslist..... MORE
SourceRT.com

URL: http://www.rt.com/news/cispa-internet-league-reddit-336/

Pentagon ‘prepared’ to attack Iran – Panetta

Pentagon ‘prepared’ to attack Iran – Panetta


Leon Panetta has stated that the US is ready to do everything it can to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The American envoy to Israel earlier said that the military option is “fully available” and the necessary planning has been done.

­“We will do everything we can to prevent them from developing a weapon,” Panetta told ABC News.
Panetta thus confirmed US Ambassador Dan Shapiro's comments on Israel's Army Radio on May 17, that Washington has a military contingency plan in case “diplomatic talks” fail to “pressure” Iran successfully.

Shapiro said the option is not only “fully available", but “ready.”.... MORE

SourceRT.com

URL: http://www.rt.com/news/panetta-us-attack-iran-prepared-352/

No photo – no problem: NATO to ban its Afghan forces from taking war-zone pics

No photo – no problem: NATO to ban its Afghan forces from taking war-zone pics


NATO forces in southwestern Afghanistan will implement a total ban on soldiers’ taking personal photos during military operations. This comes in the wake of major scandals involving US servicemen being pictured with dead Taliban fighters.

­The ISAF command in Helmand province announced only official photos will be allowed to be taken. The restriction is going to affect 36,000 troops, including 15,800 US Marines.

A vast array of amateur photographs and videos filmed by soldiers will now be cut out of the picture. In particular, the ISAF hopes to do away with those embarrassing incidents portraying marines urinating on the bodies of prostrate enemies, or video clips showing how the US soldiers conduct themselves in a real skirmish..... MORE

SourceRT.com

URL: http://www.rt.com/news/afghanistan-warzone-photo-ban-330/

Family questions circumstances surrounding death of OFW in Singapore

Family questions circumstances surrounding death of OFW in Singapore


By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com
Manila-The family of a 23-year old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who fell to her death in Singapore last May 12 is pleading to authorities to help them find justice. The parents of Apple Gamale refuse to accept the explanations of the Singapore police that their daughter jumped from a building because she was severely depressed.

Gamale’s body arrived at the Davao International Airport early this week and was immediately taken to the Gamale residence in Ilangay, Lupon Davao Oriental.


(Photo grabbed from Apple Gamale Facebook account / bulatlat.com)
According to a report from the Davao City office of Migrante International, Gamale arrived in Singapore only last May 4 this year and began working for her new employer on May 9. On May 13, her family received a call from the Singapore police informing them that the young woman was killed after jumping from the balcony of the employer’s sixth floor condominium unit the previous day. The Philippine Embassy in Singapore, in the meantime, said that Gamale had been suffering from severe homesickness and depression and this was what prompted her to leap to her death. Her body was reportedly found on the fourth floor’s balcony.

The regional coordinator of Migrante International in Davao City Lanie Oñada said the Aquino government and its agencies involved in OFW employment and welfare should investigate the circumstances surrounding Gamale’s death. She said both the group and Gamale’s family find the Philippine Embassy in Singapore’s explanation questionable and unacceptable.

In her Facebook page, Gamale’s last posts previous to her arrival in Singapore carried a happy, excited and enthusiastic tone. It was evident that she was looking forward to going to Singapore. The last photos she posted featured her hanging out with friends in what was presumably a send-off party..... MORE

SourceBulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/05/24/family-questions-circumstances-surrounding-death-of-ofw-in-singapore/

Court martial rushes Basilan trial By Mario J. Mallari 05/28/2012

Court martial rushes Basilan trial

By Mario J. Mallari 05/28/2012

The general court martial (GCM) hearing the charges against four senior officers of the Army’s elite Special Forces has vowed to expedite the trial in connection with last year’s bungled operation in Basilan that resulted in the killing of 19 SF soldiers, including four junior officers.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said GCM president Brig. Gen. Teodoro Cirilo Torralba made the commitment during the arraignment of the court martial proceedings against Colonels Alexander Macario and Amikandra Undug and Lt. Colonels Leo Pena and Orlando Edralin.

“The directive of General Torralba is to expedite the trial of these cases. This is not only for the benefit of the victims, those who died but also to the accused,” Burgos said..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120528hea6.html

No verdict seen today after final arguments By Angie M. Rosales 05/28/2012

CUEVAS MAINTAINS CJ’S RIGHT TO QUESTION RULING BEFORE SC

No verdict seen today after final arguments

By Angie M. Rosales 05/28/2012

Senator-judges will not be rushed into issuing a verdict on Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona who is facing three impeachment charges immediately after hearing today the closing arguments of both the defense and prosecution panels, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said yesterday.

A number of senator-judges have expressed their desire to allow them to study the case, for the last time, and hand down their verdict Tuesday.

But more than pressing for more time in reviewing the case, some of them have voiced serious concern on rendering decision immediately after the closing arguments as some sectors might have the impression that they have prejudged the case..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120528hea1.html

240 containers of bananas being returned to RP By Fernan J. Angeles 05/28/2012

240 containers of bananas being returned to RP

By Fernan J. Angeles 05/28/2012

Far from what Malacaang officials claim, the trade sanction that China slapped on the Philippine exports has yet been fixed even as the clearance that the Philippine agriculture officials got for the banana exports from the Chinese authorities isnt an assurance of a continuing trade partnership between the two countries.

No less than the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) shrugged off statements issued by deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte boasting of what has been referred to as another government accomplishment in securing the clearance for the entry of some 190 containers of Philippine
banana exports into Chinese territory..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120528hea4.html

Tarlac marks 139th year 05/28/2012

Tarlac marks 139th year

05/28/2012
Popularly known as the “Sugar Capital of Luzon” because of its vast sugar plantations, Tarlac celebrates its 139th founding anniversary today with activities slated for the week-long celebration which kicked off Sunday last week.

It was in 1999 when then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada issued Presidential Proclamation 109 declaring May 28 as a special non-working holiday in the entire province of Tarlac in commemoration of its founding anniversary. This came about after Tarlac historians, commissioned by the late governor and congressman Jose Yap, discovered that Tarlac was formally declared as a province on May 28, 1872.

The province’s anniversary celebration this year, which features a trade exhibit of the different Tarlaqueno products, a franchising fair, a sports festival, the first Kuran-Tayab Festival, a design and art painting contest, a talent show, a football festival, the launch of the Tarlac food Web site, the Kuran Queen Festival,.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20120528nat5.html

PNP bares it needs doctors, lawyers, chaplain, technicians 05/28/2012

PNP bares it needs doctors, lawyers, chaplain, technicians

05/28/2012
In line with its efforts to make the police service a more professional one, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on May 24 announced that it has 75 vacancies for technical professionals wishing to enter its Officer Corps.
PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. said the Directorate for Personnel and Records

Management (DPRM) is conducting another round of lateral entry screenings to fill authorized vacancies for technical service officers in the national support units this year..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20120528nat4.html

HPG asks owner of bullet-proof SUV used by CJ to give his side By Mario J. Mallari 05/28/2012

HPG asks owner of bullet-proof SUV used by CJ to give his side

By Mario J. Mallari 05/28/2012
The police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) is giving the real owner of the bullet-proof sports utility vehicle (SUV), which was used by Supreme Court Chief Justice (CJ)Renato Corona when he appeared before the Senate last week, until this afternoon to explain why it has similar plate numbers with a van in Cebu.

Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina, HPG director, said the HPG will give Mark Anthony Lopez, who presented himself as the owner of the Chevrolet Suburban SUV which is using the licensed plate numbers ZEE-868, until this afternoon to present pertinent documents of the vehicle.

“Tomorrow (today), they will submit documents that would start the investigation. We will give them up to Monday afternoon,” Espina said..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20120528met2.html

CA junks appeal of hospital which filed fake health claims By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/28/2012

CA junks appeal of hospital which filed fake health claims

By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/28/2012

The Court of Appeals (CA) has dismissed a suit filed by a local hospital against the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PHIC).

In its 11-page decision, the appellate court’s Ninth Division through Associate Justice Ramon Cruz dismissed the petition filed by the Matias Clinic and Hospital (MCH) which, along with its owner Dr. Bonifacio Valdez, had been found by PHIC to have filed claims for non-admitted patients and misrepresentation by false or incorrect information.

Associate Justices Rosalinda Asuncion-Vicente and Antonio Villamor concurred with the ruling which upheld the decision of the PHIC..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20120528met1.html

Ridiculously fudged EDITORIAL 05/27/2012

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Ridiculously fudged

EDITORIAL
Click to enlarge
05/27/2012
Who is Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz trying to kid in insisting on a government figure showing less than 10 percent of the country’s labor force are unemployed?

The government, in repeating the figures from its self-serving surveys make Noynoy and everybody in his Cabinet look as if they live in a glass tower and never touching base with Filipinos.

The government uses a ridiculous formula in determining unemployment which does not consider those not looking for a job as unemployed even if they have grown tired of looking for a job because there is nothing to look for.

Also the formula in the labor force survey of the National Statistics Office (NSO) considers those working far less than eight hours and those who do jobs within their own family and do not get paid at all as being employed. A sub-category called underemployment is reserved for them but still they are reported as having jobs..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120527com1.html

Probable reversal FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 05/27/2012

Probable reversal

FRONTLINE
Ninez Cacho-Olivares
05/27/2012
It was a good thing Chief Justice Renato Corona returned to the witness stand and even provided the Senate court with an unconditional waiver of all his bank accounts, baring all when senator-judges posed several queries to him.

There can also be hardly any doubt that Corona did not just walk out of the trial, as it had become evident later that he was indeed very ill, with doctors having placed him under observation for a possible heart attack.

Any official who provides the right forum his bank waiver, which could then be made public, can only mean that which he had testified to, such as his savings in dollars having started in the ’60s when the dollar peso exchange rate was just P2 to a dollar, strengthens his testimony, since such can be checked out to be either accurate or inaccurate..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120527com2.html

Vatileaks: Pope’s butler arrested for stealing confidential correspondence

Vatileaks: Pope’s butler arrested for stealing confidential correspondence


The identity of the man who leaked dozens of confidential documents that have embarrassed the Vatican in recent months appears to have been uncovered, after Pope Benedict’s butler was arrested. But the Vatileaks scandal will not end here.

A string of leaked letters exposing the Vatican from the inside has dominated the headlines in Italy this year.

Now, Paolo Gabriele, a married layman who has personally served the 85 year-old pontiff since 2006, has been detained and placed in one of the Vatican’s own jail cells, after being caught red-handed with “secret documents.”.... MORE

SourceRT.com

URL: http://www.rt.com/news/vatileaks-benedict-pope-whistleblower-305/

FBI secretly creates Internet police

FBI secretly creates Internet police


The FBI was rather public with its recent demands for backdoor access to websites and Internet services across the board, but as the agency awaits those secret surveillance powers, they're working on their own end to have those e-spy capabilities.

Not much has been revealed about one of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s newest projects, the Domestic Communications Assistance Center, and the FBI will probably try to keep it that way. Despite attempting to keep the DCAC largely under wraps, an investigation spearheaded by Cnet’s Declan McCullagh is quickly collecting details about the agency’s latest endeavor.

Governmental agencies have been searching seemingly without end for ways to pry into the personal communications of computer users in America.... MORE
SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://rt.com/usa/news/fbi-communications-dcac-surveillance-250/

Manoling faces electioneering raps FEATURE 05/27/2012

Manoling faces electioneering raps

FEATURE

05/27/2012
Manoling Morato’s remarkable streak of good luck dating back to 1986 when he was given his first real taste of power by the late President Cory Aquino, who appointed him chairman of the country’s censorship agency Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), has finally come to an inglorious end.

The irony of it all is that the axe had to fall on Morato’s lily-white neck at this time, during the tenure of Cory’s son (President Noynoy Aquino) whom he had rabidly campaigned against in the 2010 presidential elections.

Morato only has himself to blame for betting on the wrong horse. He unfortunately and unwisely put all his chips on the Arroyo administration’s standard bearer Gilberto Teodoro who garnered a measly 11.33 percent of the 38-million total voting turn out for fourth place, as against Mr. Aquino’s 42 percent (15.2 million votes).

So now he has hell to pay..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120527com4.html

Noynoy’s marionette NO NONSENSE Jacinto ‘Jing’ Paras 05/27/2012

Noynoy’s marionette

NO NONSENSE
Jacinto ‘Jing’ Paras
05/27/2012
Last week, this writer talked about certain officials albeit, officials of constitutional offices who are supposed to be independent but have allowed themselves to be used as puppets by the powers that be. I mentioned in particular former Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales who is now the Ombudsman. She was the choice of BS Aquino as Ombudsman right before her undertaking the oath of office of Mr. BS as the new President of the Republic. Despite her gaining the age of 71 which is beyond the retirement of any government official under the civil service, she still accepted the office and according to CJ Corona, it is precisely to serve a secret purpose already planned by Mr. BS Aquino for her as can now be clearly shown at the Senate hearing where she maligned him by making false and fabricated statements which are lies indeed. The fact about Carpio-Morales was also mentioned by my good friend Herman Tiu Laurel in his Tribune article where he said, “BS Aquino’s immoral deal with Merceditas Gutierrez of accepting her resignation and absolving her of wrongdoings was resorted to in exchange for the appointment of Carpio-Morales as new Ombudsman despite the fact that there were more qualified, capable, younger and incontrovertibly independent legal luminaries of proven integrity than the latter.”.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120527com5.html

Asking for it VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 05/27/2012

Asking for it

VIEWPOINTS
Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz
05/27/2012
She could have become the pride of the country by making the sacrifice of no longer aspiring for the presidency. She formally and loudly said so before, in order to unite the people. But she later broke her own word. She spared nothing and no one to win the 2004 national elections. No trick was not thought of, no threat was spared for her to become president. She wanted to be the president, come what may, no matter what the cost.

Her election machinery was put into action; she appropriated and spent public funds unlimited to oil it. She made well chosen political kingpins work for her victory, she rendered the country broke. She divided the people. She used even gambling payolas to fund her lavish and feverish campaign..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20120527com6.html

‘Manual system better than pre-determined automated polls’ By Fernan J. Angeles 05/27/2012

‘Manual system better than pre-determined automated polls’

By Fernan J. Angeles 05/27/2012

An alliance of socialist organizations that used to work with presidential political adviser Ronald Llamas would opt for a manual election system for next year’s mid-term polls rather than get “pre-determined results in a defective automated election,” citing the final forensic findings on the program of the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines.

Fourteen cause-oriented groups, most of which claiming to have been part of the left-leaning coalition that supported the 2010 presidential bid of then Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, are also asking both Congress and the Supreme Court to seriously look into the conclusive findings contained in the final report submitted by a joint forensic team that discovered the vulnerability of the PCOS machines to election fraud.

Part of the forensic report, a copy of which was duly received by the Office of the Senate President, states that the “extracted hash code did not match the published hash code.”.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20120527hea2.html

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