Noy’s lips have slipped EDITORIAL 06/26/2011

Noy’s lips have slipped

EDITORIAL

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06/26/2011
The string of ratings upgrade that the country received the past few days appears to be teasers for Noynoy to persuade him to push forward the breaking of his pledge of no new taxes or tax increases.

Already, Noynoy had stated that taxes will be increased in 2013, saying that the pledge for new taxes was only for a year.

Plagiarizing the elder and the better George H.W. Bush during his 1988 US presidential campaign, Noynoy boasted “Read my lips, no new taxes” during his own campaign in the elections last year to stress his politician’s vow.

After being elected, he was already singing a different tune saying that the new taxes or tax increases pledge was only effective for his first year in office and which means it will effectively expire this month..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110626com1.html

Non-sequiturs from Noynoy EDITORIAL 06/26/2011

Non-sequiturs from Noynoy

EDITORIAL

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06/26/2011
Miffed at former President Gloria Arroyo’s blast of Noynoy’s “nobody home” presidency, along with her stating that Noynoy has not built on the economic gains made, Malacañang quickly put its dukes up and said it was ready for a fight with Gloria.

But Noynoy’s deputy mouthpiece, Abigail Valte, charged that Gloria’s blurbs against her patron, Noynoy, are “unsurprising” and full of generalizations, and that they in the Palace give specific answers.

Yet in was clear that even as Valte was slamming Gloria, she failed to answer directly what which was being charged, such as the 10-year economic growth toward sustainability that certainly has decelerated under Noynoy’s presidency.

For all that Gloria is, and is not, what cannot be denied and official data can attest to that, is that it was under her presidency that there was uninterrupted growth and that the first quarter growth this year under Noynoy, has slowed, with the economy expected to slow down some more..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110626com2.html

Aspersion VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 06/26/2011

Aspersion

VIEWPOINTS

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz

06/26/2011
After saying something about the lamentable and distressing syndrome called “Asperger’s Disorder,” what comes to mind in the context of words and sounds is the term “Aspersion.”
In its more common understanding, aspersion is a reproach, a censure, a depreciation.

Aspersion is in a way understandable when the object of contempt is vile, obnoxious and revolting. But when something is virtuous, noble and lofty, its aspersion is not only a big shame but also a downright abomination.

And the Malacañang occupant plus his loyal cohorts and obedient allies are now avidly engaging in “kadiri to death” aspersion on the endearing presence of children, on the profound blessing of family and the big wonder of human sexuality, Malacañang plus buddies in the legislature and comrades among the NGOs, are bent on pushing and selling the following hideous agenda: Hate children (Reproductive Health bill). Destroy families (Divorce bill). Debase sex (Same Sex Marriage bill).

Poor Philippines. Pitiful Filipinos. It is not enough that the country is going nowhere in commerce and industry. It is neither enough that the Filipinos are wallowing more and more in poverty and misery. Nor it is enough that the national leadership talks but does little. Thus it is that: Development is but a pie in the sky. Better living conditions are simply a big drawing. Justice and peace are merely dreams and more dreams..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110626com5.html

Obama stays open to more foreign intervention FEATURE 06/26/2011

Obama stays open to more foreign intervention

FEATURE

06/26/2011
WASHINGTON — US President Barack Obama declared Wednesday that although battered by a decade of war America should not shrink into isolationism but remain pragmatic and open to foreign intervention.

Announcing the start of the US drawdown from Afghanistan, Obama acknowledged the heavy cost of America’s overseas adventures as he sought to reassure a war-weary public the “tide of war is receding.”

Under pressure from Congress over continued US involvement in the three-month-old air war in Libya, the President stood firm and warned against caving in to those questioning the nature of America’s foreign engagements.

“Some would have America retreat from our responsibility as an anchor of global security, and embrace an isolation that ignores the very real threats that we face,” he said. “Others would have America over-extend ourselves, confronting every evil that can be found abroad.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110626com7.html

Kasambahay TABLETS OF STONE Larry Faraon, OP 06/26/2011

Kasambahay

TABLETS OF STONE

Larry Faraon, OP

06/26/2011
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is urging President P-Noy to certify as priority legislation that would uplift the plight and labor conditions of the kasambahays or the 2.5 million domestic helpers in the country. Senate Bill 78, also known as the “Freedom Charter for the Household Workers,’’ is long overdue, perhaps as far back as time immemorial, for as long as there have been family households, kitchens to mind, dirty linens to launder, living rooms to tidy up, kids and elderly to watch over and care for.

To further neglect their plight in terms of minimal working conditions and benefits that rightfully belong to them is already “immoral” or a “sin of omission” on the part of the government and the legislators. We hope that the urgency of this bill evades the perceived dilly-dallying or indecisiveness of this administration!

The bill recently approved by the Senate defines household workers as maids, cooks, yayas and houseboys. In Metro Manila their compensation shall be pegged at P2,500 as monthly minimum wage, while those in chartered cities will receive P2,000. It is noted that some household workers receive salaries as low as P800 per month! This is aside from the present and post-employment benefits from the Social Security System (SSS), Phil-Health and Pag-IBIG fund which respective premiums shall be paid for by the employers..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110626com6.html

15 missing, 300,000 affected as ‘Falcon’ leaves RP 06/26/2011

15 missing, 300,000 affected as ‘Falcon’ leaves RP

06/26/2011
After dumping rains and causing major floods in various parts of the country, including Metro Manila, tropical storm “Falcon” left Philippine territory early yesterday and is moving further away toward China with its full strengh intact.

Nearly 90,000 people were forced to flee their homes due to floods caused by Falcon, with 15 persons listed as missing, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) yesterday said.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned that rains brought by the southwest monsoon will still fall over Metro Manila.

While Falcon only brushed the eastern side of the country, it still brought torrential rain for most of the week..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110626hed5.html

Noy: Bring it on; GMA: Face issues By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan and Charlie V. Manalo 06/26/2011

AQUINO, ARROYO ALLIES POUNCE ON EACH OTHER

Noy: Bring it on; GMA: Face issues

By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan and Charlie V. Manalo 06/26/2011

The Aquino-Arroyo battle royale raged on yesterday as the Palace dared the camp of former President Arroyo to bring it on amid her allegations of the lack of leadership of Aquino, while a key Arroyo ally challenged the administration to face head on the issues raised by the current Pampanga representative in the House.

Presidential deputy spokesman Abigail Valte said yesterday the former President’s attacks against Aquino was designed to “deflect attention from her refusing to submit to proper procedures for ascertaining accountability.”

“We’ve been parrying the attacks of former President Arroyo’s camp for too long now but this time we are hitting back. We are ready,” Valte said in response to Mrs. Arroyo’s claim that the Aquino administration supposedly did not build on the gains of her administration but eroded them instead.

Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay, an ally of Arroyo, however, claimed it is the Palace that is diverting the people’s attention from its failure to address the country’s pressing concerns, adding the Aquino administration should face head-on the issues raised by Arroyo..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110626hed1.html

SMC’s P13.5-B Caticlan Airport rehab gets Noy’s PPP rolling By Danessa O. Rivera 06/26/2011

SMC’s P13.5-B Caticlan Airport rehab gets Noy’s PPP rolling

By Danessa O. Rivera 06/26/2011

It took Asian conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to get the President Aquino’s Private-Public Partnership (PPP) initiative going with the inauguration of the renovated Caticlan Airport at a cost of $300 million or P13.5 billion that SMC unit TransAire Development Holdings Corp. is undertaking.

Aquino led yesterday’s inauguration of the airport, which serves as gateway to the world renowned Boracay beaches, saying that it will pave the way for more tourism opportunities for the country.

He said the development of the Caticlan Airport will bring long-term economic benefits for the country, particularly by creating more jobs for the people in the tourism sector. These developments in the Caticlan Airport will make tourists more comfortable, according to the President.

SMC president Ramon Ang said the $300 million investment will cover all developments, including the expansion of the runway, terminal, convention center, commercial centers and hotels. Ang said setting up complete tourism facilities would assure that the airport will draw in more tourists..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110626hed2.html

Authorities to probe target of bomb blast in Bulacan jail By Gina Peralta-Elorde 06/26/2011

Authorities to probe target of bomb blast in Bulacan jail

By Gina Peralta-Elorde 06/26/2011
The Bulacan police are conducting investigation to determine who was the target in the bomb explosion that took place inside the Bulacan provincial jail last Saturday afternoon, police report said.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr., two suspects reportedly climbed at the detention facility’s wall and dropped two hand grenades and two molotov bombs inside the detention cell.

The Bulacan police are looking into an angle that the two suspects who hurled the two bombs are targeting Alfredo Mendiola — a prime witness in the murder of car dealer Venson Evangelista.

“Malaki ang posibilidad na si Mendiola ang target ng mga suspects pero nangangalap pa ng konkretong ebidensya ang pulisya,” Cruz added..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110626nat3.html

Tornado rips 20 houses in Bulacan 06/26/2011

Tornado rips 20 houses in Bulacan

06/26/2011
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan— Twenty houses were partially damaged after a powerful tornado swirled through Meycauayan City and Marilao town as strong winds and heavy rains pounded many parts of Bulacan last Saturday morning.

However, no casualties were reported according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC).

The PDRRMC said that 17 houses were partially damaged in Barangay Bayugo and one in Barangay Bahay Pare in Meycauayan City and two houses were washed out in Barangay Poblacion 1st in nearby Marilao town.

Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado sent a team to assess the total damage wrought by the tornado and provide assistance to the victims..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110626nat1.html

Binay exhorts fellow alumni: Help UP produce more patriotic scholars 06/26/2011

Binay exhorts fellow alumni: Help UP produce more patriotic scholars

06/26/2011
Vice President Jejomar Binay has called on his fellow University of the Philippines alumni awardees to take a proactive stance in helping the university produce more Filipino scholars committed to serving the country.

“As awardees, it becomes our solemn duty to do whatever it is within our individual and collective capacities to raise the State University’s standards to the summit of universal excellence,” Binay said during a special dinner for awardees hosted by UP president Alfredo Pascual.

The Vice President noted that UP alumni could help the university “continue to produce an endless and a more abundant stream of Filipino scholars and patriots worthy of the highest aspirations and hopes of our people and country.”

Binay has been chosen as the UP Alumni Association’s (UPAA) Most Distinguished Alumus for 2011. The Vice President accepted his award yesterday, June 25, at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110626met5.html

Solon seeks magna carta for aggie, fisheries workers By Charlie V. Manalo 06/26/2011

Solon seeks magna carta for aggie, fisheries workers

By Charlie V. Manalo 06/26/2011

The country can ultimately achieve sustained food security by ensuring the economic and social well-being of its agriculture and fishery development workers.

This is the logic behind the proposed Magna Carta of Agriculture and Fisheries Development Workers, contained in House Bill 4602, principally authored by Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Macapagal Arroyo and co-authored by former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo.

“This bill seeks to accelerate the development and modernization of Philippine agriculture and, more importantly, improve the economic and social well-being as well as their working conditions and employment status of the sector’s workers,” the young Arroyo said.

The Bicol lawmaker added the proposed measure is a companion statute to the landmark Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (AFMA) which provides the “policies and plans to the continuing modernization and development of the agriculture and fisheries sector amid the ever-changing demands of globalization and food security.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110626met1.html

Removed from reality EDITORIAL 06/25/2011

Removed from reality

EDITORIAL

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06/25/2011
The probability of Noynoy Aquino being far removed from the reality of the country\'s multi-faceted problems is extremely high, now that he himself has disclosed he does not want to hear any bad news from his Cabinet secretaries and other officials, three of whom he said always brought up problems whenever they seek an appointment with him.

Noynoy also said this was the reason he immediately approves appointments from his secretaries who always bring him \"good news\" and have solutions to the problems.

It has come to the point, he told an audience composed of Department of Public Works and Transportation officials and personnel, that everytime these three secretaries who are the bearers of \"bad news\" ask for an appointment with him, he has to force himself to see them, all the while wondering what bad news they are going to give him..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110625com1.html

In the wrong, totally FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 06/25/2011

In the wrong, totally

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

06/25/2011
Danding Cojuangco has always been the legitimate owner of the San Miguel Corp. shares of stock and all those anti-Danding groups—esepcially the so-called farmers’ group, many of whom are not really coconut farmers but hired workers in coconut plantations, including the government officials who wrongfully sequestered Danding’s shares, know it. Yet they continue to claim that the shares are not his, and that he had obtained these shares through the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB), insisting that the shares are part of ill-gotten wealth.

These groups have slammed the Supreme Court ruling that said the SMC shares were not obtained illegally and that Danding is the legitimate owner of those shares, amounting to some 20 percent.

Anybody in his right mind certainly knows that if one borrows money from a bank to buy anything for himself or a corporation, for that matter, that bought asset—whether shares of stock or real property—belongs to the borrower, as long as he pays off his loans, interest and principal that the bank charges.

Just because Danding took out a bank loan to buy the shares of stock of San Miguel, does not translate to these bought shares of stock in SMC as having been ill-gotten..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110625com2.html

Afghan endgame unclear after Obama decision FEATURE 06/25/2011

Afghan endgame unclear after Obama decision

FEATURE

06/25/2011
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s decision for a partial troop withdrawal from Afghanistan may ease political pressure at home, but fails to resolve the overriding dilemma of how to extricate the United States from the long war, experts said.

In announcing Wednesday the departure of 33,000 surge troops by the summer of 2012, Obama split the difference between war hawks and skeptics but left uncertain the terms of an endgame involving a possible deal with the Taliban.

Obama’s plan addressed the military’s wish to keep the bulk of the US surge force in place through this year, while offering the start of a drawdown demanded by members of his own party.

But both sides in the debate over the war came away disappointed, accusing Obama of either abandoning the war effort or deepening an open-ended quagmire..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110625com3.html

Youth groups launch campaign for release of political prisoners including UP student Maricon Montajes

Youth groups launch campaign for release of political prisoners including UP student Maricon Montajes

“My daughter is only one among hundreds victimized by state repression. They are languishing in jail without fair trial, and are charged with common and sometimes petty crimes.” – Concepcion Montajes
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com
Militant youth organizations launched its own campaign for the release of political prisoners with particular focus on those who belong to the sector of youth and students. They have sounded the alarm over the one year detention of 21-year old Maricon Montajes, Ronilo Baes, 19; and Romiel Cañete, 22 years old.

The Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP), Anakkbayan, the League of Filipino Students (LFS), KARATULA, College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), and the National Union of Students in the Philippines (NUSP) demand the dismissal of all charges against all political prisoners, saying they were not guilty of anything but of practicing their political beliefs.

In the pre-dawn hours of June 3, 2010, the 743rd Combat Squadron of the Philippine Air Force conducted a raid in Taysan, Batangas. The three youth were immediately arrested and charged with frustrated murder and homicide, illegal possession of firearms and violation of gun ban. Since then, they have been detained at the Batangas Provincial Jail.

Prior to her arrest, Montajes was a film major at the student of the University of the Philippines (UP) Baes hails from Batangas while Cañete is from Diliman, Quezon City.

Earlier in May this year, former UP Faculty Regent Prof. Judy Taguiwalo and Act Teacher’s Party List Rep. Antonio Tinio accompanied three members of the Ontario Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (OCHRP) to visit political detainees Maricon Montajes, Ronilo Baes, Romiel Cañete and the Talisay 3 in the Batangas Provincial Jail in Batangas City. (Photo courtesy of Task Force Freedom for Maricon / bulatlat.com)

With the full support of various human rights groups and student organizations, Montajes’ mother, Maria Concepcion or “Ching” has established Task Force Maricon to press for the release of her daughter and her companions. In a short speech she delivered to the 28th Buklod Atenista Leadership Summit last May at the Ateneo de Davao University, Mrs. Montajes said that she was determined to bring her daughter’s case to the attention of the respective peace panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and seek their intervention for Maricon’s immediate release.... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com
URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/24/youth-groups-launch-campaign-for-release-of-political-prisoners-including-up-student-maricon-montajes/

Fact-Finding Mission to expose impact of Aurora Pacific Economic Zone begins June 23

Fact-Finding Mission to expose impact of Aurora Pacific Economic Zone begins June 23

 By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com
June 23 marks the start of a national fact-finding and solidarity mission in Aurora as peasant advocacy groups seek to expose the impact of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Act (APECO) project in the region. It will continue until June 25.

The regional farmers’ group Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL, Peasant Alliance in Central Luzon), Panlalawigang Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Aurora (PAMANA, Provincial Peasant Alliance of Aurora) and their national organization Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) are at the forefront of the mission. They are being joined by representatives from various people’s organizations including the human rights group Karapatan, Pagkakaisa para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (PATRIA), and Katribu.

According to reports, Apeco was established on the strength of Republic Act 10083 which was passed on April 22, 2010. The project covers 13,000-hectares of land. According to repots, five barangays with a total population of 5,430 are directly affected by the project.

Farmers, fisherfolk and Dumagat tribe members continue their protests against the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone program, saying that it’s immediate and long-term effects on the environment, the residents’ livelihood and welfare are grossly destructive.(Photo by Jon Carlos Sarmiento / Bulatlat.com)

Last February, President Benigno Aquino III appointed former Labor secretary Bienvenido Laguesma as Apeco’s board director.

Joseph Canlas, chairman of AMGL insists that the project has destructive effects on the land, livelihood and survival of farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous people living within the project’s territory and the immediate, surrounding areas.
“APECO is the result of a program that came into being through legislation, and like many of its kind, its proponents and supporters mainly sought to financially benefit from it. Those who masterminded the Apeco — primarily Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara and his father Sen. Edgardo Angara and their foreign partners — thought very little if at all what the impact of the project will be on the lives of the marginalized people in Casiguran,” Canlas said.

According to the AMGL, APECO is an expanded version of another, similar project, the Aurora Special Economic Zone Act of 2007 (ASEZA) which, in turn, was established via Republic Act 9490 or the Aurora Special Economic Zone Act of 2007.

Aseza only covered 493-hectares of land involving two barangays, Estevez and Dibet. In Apeco, the land areas of Aseza was expanded, and now it covers the said 13,000 hectares, with two more barangays falling under its jurisdiction. The APECO program is composed of residential, commercial, industrial, eco-tourism, highways, ports and airport projects..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/23/fact-finding-mission-to-expose-impact-of-aurora-pacific-economic-zone-begins-june-23/

Seven activists jailed for 58 hours for doing a Rizal on Rizal’s commemoration

 Seven activists jailed for 58 hours for doing a Rizal on Rizal’s commemoration

“The fight for our right to free speech does not end with the release of the Calamba 7. These brave and selfless activists should never have been arrested and detained in the first place if the Aquino administration truly values the freedom of expression fought and died for by Filipino martyrs four decades ago.” – Kabataan Party-list
By CHRISTIAN RAY BUENDIA

Bulatlat.com
CALAMBA, LAGUNA – Michael Jayson Mozo received a most confounding gift for his 19th birthday: a comforting but uncertain freedom. Along with six other members of the so-called “Calamba 7”, he stepped out of the Calamba City police station at around 6:45 p.m. yesterday under an overcast sky to receive warm congratulations from supporters who were holding a vigil there since Sunday.

After a solidarity program held AT the Calamba City Hall, the seven activists, together with around 150 supporters from worker, peasant, student, women and urban poor sectors, marched from the city hall to Halang, Calamba City despite heavy rains to celebrate their release.

Released after 58 hours of detention, members of the Calamba 7 leads supporters in a march towards Halang, Calamba City for a propaganda action. (Photo by Jonelle Marin / Bulatlat.com)

Mozo, together with fellow Kabataan Partylist – University of the Philippines Los Baños members Ynik Ante, Bhen Aguihon, Ruffa Solano, and Catherine Gigantone and Anakpawis-Southern Tagalog members Joefrey Barreto and Rodel Badayos, was arrested last June 19 after the progressive groups conducted a lightning rally midway through President Benigno Aquino III’s speech commemorating Dr. Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary at the Calamba City Hall.

The protestors criticized the administration of President Aquino, whose speech lauded Rizal’s commitment in correcting social injustices, for “neglecting the welfare of the youth and blatantly disregarding the education sector.”

“Nobody should be detained or put behind bars for decrying the crimes of this administration against the Filipino people. What we did isn’t wrong or disrespectful. We merely gave voice to the 7.93 million youth that cannot afford to go to school this year because of chronic poverty aggravated by the government’s anti-poor social and economic policies,” Mozo said.

The Calamba 7, who were detained for 58 hours, were freed after posting a reduced bail amounting to P12,000 ($278) for all of them. Although released for the meantime, the members of Calamba 7 may face six months to three years of prison time if convicted of charges of tumult and other public disorders under Art. 153 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

“Justice will not be served to the Calamba 7 until the court dismisses the trumped up charges filed against them,” John Paolo Bautista, Kabataan Partylist-Southern Tagalog coordinator, said.

Bautista said the militant youth group will be lobbying for an inquiry into the alleged illegal arrest and detention of the Calamba 7, and will elevate the campaign for the dismissal of the case to the national level.

“The fight for our right to free speech does not end with the release of the Calamba 7. These brave and selfless activists should never have been arrested and detained in the first place if the Aquino administration truly values the freedom of expression fought and died for by Filipino martyrs four decades ago,” he added.

Snowballing support 

Immediately after their arrest, the Calamba 7 were inundated with material and moral support from various groups and individuals.

Several individuals, student organizations and alliances in UP Los Baños, as well as progressive sectoral groups in the Southern Tagalog region have gathered food and cash donations for the detainees and have issued statements condemning the arrest and detention of the militants..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/23/7-activists-jailed-for-58hours-for-doing-a-rizal-on-rizal-commemoration/

SC: Military officials liable for abduction of UP students

Shortages in schools worsen with kindergarten program — ACT
“It’s good news but it [the decision] took so long. Unfortunately, the decisions of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court have not resulted in the surfacing of the disappeared.” – Mrs. Concepcion Empeño, mother of missing UP student Karen Empeño

By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – Concepcion Empeño has been searching for her daughter Karen for almost five years. She, along with Erlinda Cadapan, mother of Sherlyn, went to military camps, hospitals, funeral parlors and the courts but failed to find her dearest Karen.

Karen and Sherlyn, both students of the University of the Philippines (UP), were abducted in Hagonoy, Bulacan together with Manuel Merino on June 26, 2006 at a farmer’s house. They remain missing to this day.
In a decision promulgated May 31, the Supreme Court en banc ordered the military, headed by Ret. Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr., to immediately release the two UP students and Merino from their detention. It affirmed the appellate court’s decision dated September 17, 2008 on the writ of amparo petition filed by the parents of the missing activists.

Mrs. Empeño received the news yesterday. “It’s good news but it [the decision] took so long. Unfortunately, the decisions of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court have not resulted in the surfacing of the disappeared,” Mrs. Empeño said in a text message.

As early as July 17, 2006, parents of both activists filed a petition for the writ of habeas corpus at the Court of Appeals but the said petition was dismissed on March 29, 2007 on the basis of the military’s denial of custody over Sherlyn and Karen. On October 24 of the same year, Mrs. Empeno and Mrs. Cadapan filed a petition for a Writ of Amparo. The Court of Appeals then granted the said writ but the UP students remain missing.

‘Punish the perpetrators’ 

Human rights groups deemed that the recent SC decision will bolster the criminal complaint filed by Mrs. Empeño and Mrs. Cadapan in May. Charges of rape, serious physical injuries, arbitrary detention, maltreatment of prisoners, grave threats, grave coercion, violations, among others, were filed against Palparan, Lt. Col. Rogelio Boac of the 56th Infantry Battalion and Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado of the 24th Infantry Battalion, M/Sgt. Donald Caigas and M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario and several “John Does.”


“We hope that the perpetrators would be punished,” Mrs. Empeño said..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/21/sc-finds-military-officials-responsible-for-abduction-of-up-students/

Shortages in schools worsen with kindergarten program — ACT

Shortages in schools worsen with kindergarten program — ACT

 “The DepEd is trying to show that there is reform in the basic education system by implementing universal kindergarten. But the change is not for the better, the change is for the worse.” – France Castro of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers.
By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Bulatlat.com

MANILA – Fe Ramirez, 43, is worried about her child’s situation in school. “There are 35 pupils in her kindergarten class and they have only one teacher. Their room is too small, it is congested and scorching hot. How can they concentrate on their lesson?” asked Ramirez. She said that the implementation of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) universal kindergarten is ill prepared and only puts their child’s learning at stake.

(Photo by Anne Marxe D. Umil / bulatlat.com)

Ramirez’s daughter, Roxanne, is four years old and one of the 800 kindergarten pupils at Corazon Aquino Elementary School in Batasan, Quezon City. According to DepEd, there are 1.93 million kindergarten pupils enrolled in public schools nationwide.

DepEd recently imposed the mandatory kindergarten for children as part of its K+12 basic education program, which adds two more years in basic education. Under the universal kindergarten program, all five-year old children are mandated to enter kindergarten in public schools before they enter Grade 1. Education Secretary Armin Luistro said that the public kindergarten program is part of the department’s Education For All campaign in a bid to meet the country’s Millennium Development Goal on education. DepEd, however, is apparently unprepared.

Huge shortages in public schools remain. According to the data of Gabriela Women’s Party, there is a shortage of 100,000 teachers, 152,000 classrooms, 13,000 school chairs, 95,000 textbooks and 13,000,000 water and sanitation facilities in public schools nationwide.

“If there is any change in the system of education under the new administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III, it is for the worse. Why? For decades, shortages in our basic education system were not acted upon by the previous administrations. They even left backlogs in shortages of teachers, classrooms, facilities, etc. The hasty implementation of the universal kindergarten in basic education does not answer this shortages, it worsened the problems instead,” said France Castro, secretary general of Alliance for Concerned Teachers (ACT) during an interview with Bulatlat.com.

ACT called DepEd’s implementation of universal kindergarten as a man-made disaster. True enough, Ramirez said, Roxanne’s first day in school was stressful. Ramirez witnessed the long queues entering the school premises; students were sweating because of the scorching heat and they had to compete for the limited chairs. “Pupils do not leave their chairs for fear of losing their seat. When a student stands up another will take his or her seat. Some are even sitting on the floor,” Ramirez told Bulatlat.com.

ACT said that the DepEd is fully aware that the total classroom shortage for school year 2011-2012 is around 150,000 classrooms. For the 1.93 million new kindergarten pupils alone, at a ratio of 1 teacher to 25 pupils per class on a desired single shift session, a total of 77,000 new classrooms are needed. But ACT said that the government intends to build only 18,000 new classrooms out of the 152,000 needed..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/18/shortages-this-school-year-have-become-worse-with-kindergarten-program-act/

US ready to arm RP amid China tension By Michaela P. del Callar 06/25/2011

US ready to arm RP amid China tension

By Michaela P. del Callar 06/25/2011
The United States will stand by the Philippines against any armed threat in the region amid heightened tensions in the disputed South China Sea, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday, adding that it is providing the country with affordable weaponry to counter attacks.

Describing its partnership with the Philippines as a “critical alliance,” Clinton stressed that the US will honor its obligations under the 60-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty with the country.

“I’m not going to discuss hypothetical events, but I want to underscore our commitment to the defense of the Philippines,” Clinton told a joint press conference in Washington with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

The Philippines and Vietnam traded allegations with China for intruding in its claimed territories, reigniting tensions in the potentially gas and oil-rich region also claimed by Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110625hed2.html

Aquino gov’t leaderless, economic gains wasted By Charlie V. Manalo and Gil J. Bugaoisan 06/25/2011

PALACE HITS BACK, BLAMES GMA FOR RP PROBLEMS; SILENT ON ISSUES RAISED

Aquino gov’t leaderless, economic gains wasted

By Charlie V. Manalo and Gil J. Bugaoisan 06/25/2011

LUBAO, Pampanga – Former President, now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo yesterday lashed at the “fault-finding” administration of President Aquino for wasting the country’s economic gains brought about by the joint efforts of the previous administrations, saying that the rate of the country’s economy deceleration under the Aquino administration is clear proof the country economy is nearing critical level.

But Malacañang quickly blasted away at the former President, saying that she was using this press conference for media exposure and to divert public attention from her plunder charges, to the point of Arroyo not even attending the preliminary investigation held at the Department of Justice.

It was, however, noted that none of the issues raised by Arroyo was answered by the Palace aide.
In one of the rare times the former President faced the media, Arroyo said contrary to criticisms hurled against her by the Aquino administration, she has left behind a robust economy effected through 10 years of uninterrupted growth..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110625hed1.html

Sotto demands from DENR status report of major rivers By Angie M. Rosales 06/25/2011

Sotto demands from DENR status report of major rivers

By Angie M. Rosales 06/25/2011

Acting Senate President Vicente Sotto III yesterday demanded a status report on the country’s major river basins from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

As the metropolis was inundated once again by flood waters last Thursday due to incessant heavy rains brought about by typhoon Falcon, the majority leader said the DENR should make it known whether there are some areas that may be prone to experiencing the same calamity as that in Cotabato City.

Sotto, currently at the helm of the upper chamber since both Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada are currently out of the country, wanted a disclosure from DENR as to whether there remain other bodies of water or river system engulfed by Water lilies or water hyacinths as in the case of Rio Grande de Mindanao which caused massive flooding in Cotabato City..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110625nat8.html

Mayors defer implementation of vehicle tagging scheme By Pat C. Santos 06/25/2011

Mayors defer implementation of vehicle tagging scheme

By Pat C. Santos 06/25/2011

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) yesterday approved the deferment of the implementation of the vehicle tagging scheme for 90 days for all public utility vehicles, except city buses.

Chairman Francis Tolentino of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said the decision was a result of previous consultations and dialogs with various transport groups as to the timeliness and viability of the tagging scheme.

Provincial bus operators formally requested the postponement of the vehicle tagging scheme which has been set for implementation on July 25, citing there is a pending proposal in Congress to utilize an electronic identification system for all PUVs which might conflict with the tagging scheme.

Meanwhile, various groups of city bus operators pledged their support to the scheduled implementation of the tagging scheme, especially those units plying Edsa, as they believe it would eventually curb the operations of “colorum” buses..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110625met1.html

3 US warships, 800 US troops to participate in Carat Exercises By Mario J. Mallari 06/25/2011

3 US warships, 800 US troops to participate in Carat Exercises

By Mario J. Mallari 06/25/2011

Three United States Navy warships and some 800 US servicemen are participating in next week’s 17th Coopration Afloat Readiness and Training (Carat) exercises with the Philippine Navy in Palawan amid
tension between the Philippines and China over the disputed Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) or the Spratlys.

The US Navy is sending guided-missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93) and USS Howard (DDG-83), and the diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS-50) to Puetro Princesa City on Tuesday for the opening of the 11-day 2011 US-RP Carat exercises.

In a statement, Lt. Commander Mike Morley said the three US warships are the US Navy’s centerpieces for the exercise, which features 11 days of training exchanges with the Philippine Navy, both ashore and at sea..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110625nat1.html

MILF sacks Kabalu as its spokesman By Mario J. Mallari 06/25/2011

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A disaster in Cotabato EDITORIAL 06/24/2011

A disaster in Cotabato

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

06/24/2011
Noynoy’s former high survey ratings are receding and his allies are starting to worry but not his several alternating Palace mouthpieces who still hold that those respondents expressing satisfaction on the administration remain in the majority.

What is striking about the survey results, however, is that these are going downhill continuously and at an increasing rate.

Moreover, in Metro Manila where the fate of presidents is made or unmade, Noy’s approval rating hangs in the balance at 57 percent in the latest Pulse Asia survey which means that those who are either undecided or the dissatisfied with his performance and the believers of Noy are almost even — if one goes by the surveys..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110624com1.html

Know nothing Noynoy FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 06/24/2011

Know nothing Noynoy

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

06/24/2011
Incredible! Filipinos actually have a president who knows nothing, doesn’t and can’t even offer solutions to a flooding problem in Mindanao, which has been going on for weeks.

Expecting to be given a solution to their problems, which currently is the problem of constant flooding in Cotabato City, Noynoy says, “we are still studying it. All I wanted to see on my visit are the sites which are always flooded,” then adds: “You have to remember that I have only been one year in office.”

OMG! What a crass answer from a President of the Republic. All he wanted was a cheap photo op.

No wonder the local official, Cotabato Mayor Japal Guiani, came out to state that it shouldn’t matter whether a president has been president for six months or one year, this kind of problem has to have an immediate solution..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110624com2.html

The ‘Ruling Crass’ DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 06/24/2011

The ‘Ruling Crass’

DIE HARD III

Herman Tiu Laurel

06/24/2011
I can understand why the Santiago couple should be celebrating, and not just for staying married all these years as officially stated. Both have been through tragic trials that one wonders if the successes they are celebrating are indeed such great things in light of certain tragic events. The death of their youngest son by the barrel of a gun is still haunted by ugly rumors. It never helped that the case was closed after the waiver of the requisite legal and forensic requirements, just like many other unsolved celebrity deaths in this country. Then there is the case of the young secretary who was hurried off to the US after an alleged scandal in the private Quezon City offices of the couple, which reportedly cost a certain amount and a US visa for the dropping of charges.

Jun Santiago has been scandal-ridden for his alleged activities in the Bureau of Customs and in his favorite cockpits, as well as for a certain black Mercedes Benz believed to be sequestered.

Miriam Santiago, on the other hand, aside from her explosive temper and verbiage, is infamous for her promise to “jump headfirst from a helicopter in Luneta if Estrada gets removed from power,” which she later recanted by saying, “I lied,” followed with laughter. She also gets into verbal jousts with just about everyone, including an even feistier lady, Madame Dionisia Pacquiao, over the RH bill controversy. She has written books which have never made any mark in intellectual circles, such as her book Christianity vs Corruption, which is long on motherhood statements but completely devoid of political-economic analyses — a trademark of her vituperations on her every pet issue.

The Santiagos of Matino St. really have climbed the ladder of social status and opulence in this society which, if the Bureau of Internal Revenue really takes its “lifestyle checks” seriously, find little firm ground to stand on.

The Santiagos have done very well while their supposed constituencies have gotten poorer and poorer. But this isn’t any different from what other politicians, most of whom were invited to the celebration, have notched up as a record: Getting rich as the nation sinks deeper into poverty; blabbering endlessly in their respective legislative halls and passing oppressive laws such as the Electric Power Industry R(d)eform Act (Epira), eVAT, as well as onerous Build-Operate-Transfer measures; then hobnob with the oligarchs for whom they pass these to legalize their plunder; and then party even more while the middle classes and the masses, who suffer deepening penury, watch with stupefaction.

There’s also the picture of this oligarch congratulating the couple, grinning and smiling.

The whole caboodle of the “ruling personalities” at the wedding bash clearly has no shortage of such ironies.
There they were all together there — economic and political oligarchs alike. Even Gloria Arroyo, was rubbing elbows with her ilk and reveling in the splendor as a member of the ruling class.

Yet, all of them are mere unproductive “rentiers,” part of a “Ruling Crass” that use power and position to amass all they can, possessing only such values as greed, narcissism, and more greed. They haven’t even for a minute thought about where all the wealth they wallow in come from.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “There will never be enough of any one’s greed. There will always be enough for everyone’s needs.” If this country continues to nosedive into poverty, it is simply because this “Ruling Crass” prevails. Witnessing such a gathering of the greedy, anti-social, insensitive, pathological, hedonistically rich and infamous members of the socio-economic parasite class without expressing disgust might be mistaken for vicarious enjoyment, if not open endorsement. Thanks to those who voiced their disdain for this display of ultimate social phoniness. There is hope after all.

(Tune in to Radyo OpinYon, Monday to Friday, 5 to 6 p.m., and Sulo ng Pilipino, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 6 to 7 p.m. on 1098AM; Talk News TV with HTL, Tuesday, 8 to 9 p.m., with replay at 11 p.m., on GNN, Destiny Cable Channel 8, on “Crushing 24 million coconut farmers’ dependents”; visit http://newkatipunero.blogspot.com and http://hermantiulaurel.blogspot.com for our articles plus TV and radio archives) .


(Reprinted with permission from Mr. Herman Tiu-Laurel)


Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110624com6.html

Chongqing, home of China’s ‘red’ revival focus 06/24/2011 CHONGQING — At the international airport in Chongqing in southwest China, travellers are greeted with a massive sign inviting them to “sing red songs” and spread the Communist party’s good word. Thirty-five years after the death of Mao Zedong, the revolutionary spirit is alive and thriving in this teeming province-sized mega-city, despite the more capitalist leanings adopted by the world’s second-largest economy. The old-school Maoist propaganda campaign includes sending officials to work in the countryside, red chorales at state-run firms, patriotic television shows and cutting sentences for anybody convicted of a crime if they have been involved in boosting “red” culture. For Chongqing’s older residents, the movement is tinged with nostalgia. Every afternoon, people gather at the square in front of the city’s Great Hall of the People for impromptu — and somewhat out-of-tune — singing sessions.

Chongqing, home of China’s ‘red’ revival

focus

06/24/2011
CHONGQING — At the international airport in Chongqing in southwest China, travellers are greeted with a massive sign inviting them to “sing red songs” and spread the Communist party’s good word.

Thirty-five years after the death of Mao Zedong, the revolutionary spirit is alive and thriving in this teeming province-sized mega-city, despite the more capitalist leanings adopted by the world’s second-largest economy.

The old-school Maoist propaganda campaign includes sending officials to work in the countryside, red chorales at state-run firms, patriotic television shows and cutting sentences for anybody convicted of a crime if they have been involved in boosting “red” culture.

For Chongqing’s older residents, the movement is tinged with nostalgia. Every afternoon, people gather at the square in front of the city’s Great Hall of the People for impromptu — and somewhat out-of-tune — singing sessions..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110624com7.html

What now, about Rizal? NO HOLDS BARRED Armida Siguion-Reyna 06/24/2011

What now, about Rizal?

NO HOLDS BARRED

Armida Siguion-Reyna

06/24/2011
Media to the left and right of us let out a flood of articles in connection with National Hero Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary. He was all over the papers, on free and cable TV, discussed on radio, a giant statue of him was unveiled near his ancestral home in Laguna, by no less than the President, and, hey, not even the rains stopped people from going to his birthday picnic, on Facebook announced by an invite that read: “Imbitado ka sa 150th Birthday ko! Magpapa-picnic ako sa Fort Santiago, Intramuros, sa June 19, 6 p.m. Sa Linggo na!”

Never mind that the face on the invite wasn’t Rizal, but his classmate, Amado Carpio. It was an impressive gathering at the Walled City, with most attendees wearing Filipino costumes loaned out by organizers to those who had applied to borrow early enough, there was a program, good singing, and no, the weather just couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm, although had the sun been out there would have been more in the picnic.

Monday at the SM City Baguio, some 150 men from the ages of three to 70, attracted attention wearing the closest to the Rizal look as could be imagined, dark suits and top hats, while city officials spoke about Rizal’s student life and heroism, followed by a stage play, the opening of a Rizaliana exhibit and the showing of what I presumed to be the Gerry de Leon Noli Me Tangere, described in the write-up as “a film made in the 60s and preserved in its best form by the Philippine Historical Society.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110624com4.html

Noy’s ARMM polls delay move faces SC challenge By Angie M. Rosales, Aytch S. de la Cruz and Gerry Baldo 06/24/2011

Noy’s ARMM polls delay move faces SC challenge

By Angie M. Rosales, Aytch S. de la Cruz and Gerry Baldo 06/24/2011
The enactment of the law allowing the postponement of this year’s elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is poised to be challenged before the Supreme Court (SC), with no less than the original author of the organic law debating before the high tribunal the unconstitutionality of the legislation now awaiting signature of President Aquino.

Former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. yesterday bared the planned move, which he had committed to take, having been approached by some concerned members of the Muslim communities.

The postponement violates the character and the soul of the autonomy that has been granted to the autonomous region, Pimentel stressed.

He, however, said they will have to wait until Aquino affixes his signature to the said measure to take its effect as a law or wait for it to lapse into law on June 30 before they can file a petition before the SC..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110624hed3.html

Noy wants only good news from aides By Gil Bugaoisan and Angie M. Rosales 06/24/2011

NIXES 3 SECRETARIES WHO ALWAYS GIVE HIM ‘BAD NEWS’

Noy wants only good news from aides

By Gil Bugaoisan and Angie M. Rosales 06/24/2011

President Aquino may be far removed from the reality of numerous problems the country faces, and the reason nothing moves in Malacañang.

He yesterday bared in a speech of “two or three” of his Cabinet members who have brought him nothing but problems and “bad news,” saying that whenever they try to get an appointment with him, he is reluctant to give them his time and invariably wonders: “What bad news are they going to report to me again?”

Aquino made this pronouncement during the 113th anniversary rites of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), days after two polling firms simultaneously reported a drop in his satisfactory and trust rating.

Airing his exasperation over their performance, Aquino said the still unnamed Palace officials have not given any contribution to his administration and have instead caused him nothing but suffering due to the problems they present to him, upon his assumption to the presidency..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110624hed1.html

Jinggoy wants Noynoy to certify as urgent bill for maids’ wages By Angie M. Rosales 06/24/2011

Jinggoy wants Noynoy to certify as urgent bill for maids’ wages

By Angie M. Rosales 06/24/2011
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada yesterday urged President Aquino to certify as urgent the bill seeking to increase mininum wage for household helpers or “kasambahay” along with additional benefits, saying that the measure is long overdue.

Estrada also twitted colleagues from the House of Representatives for apparently sitting on the bill, which has been pending in Congress for almost two decades now while the Senate’s version had been approved as early as December last year.

“President Aquino must certify this bill as urgent as the Philippines had already committed to the international community that it will be one of the first countries to ratify the Domestic Workers Convention of 2011.

Further, it is also our country as Chairman of the ILO (International Labor Organization) Committee on Domestic Workers that steered the passage of this measure. Otherwise, our policies would be perceived as inconsistent and hollow,” he said..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110624nat2.html

Appellate court discounts foul play in Balikatan interpreter’s death By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/24/2011

Appellate court discounts foul play in Balikatan interpreter’s death

By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/24/2011

A ruling by the Court of Appeals (CA) has turned down suits filed by the family and relatives of Gregan Cardeño, who was found dead a day after being hired as interpreter for the American military participating in Balikatan exercises in last year.

In a 16-page decision, the CA held that the petition filed by the Cardeños “lacks material details to sustain their cause of action” and noted that the Cardeño family failed to show proof that would contradict the findings of investigating officers that Cardeño actually committed suicide,

He was found dead on Feb. 2, 2010 inside his room at the Joint Special Operations Task Force of the Philippines headquarters in Marawi City. The Marawi City police and US troops reported that he committed suicide by hanging himself, but the Cardeño family believes he was a victim of heinous crime inside the barracks of the US troops..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110624nat3.html

Transparency in probe of rape inside PSG barracks urged By Angie M. Rosales 06/24/2011

Transparency in probe of rape inside PSG barracks urged

By Angie M. Rosales 06/24/2011
Sen. Pia Cayetano yesterday called on Malacañang to assure transparency in the handling of alleged rape incident that happened right inside the Presidential Security Group (PSG) barracks committed against a minor last Sunday night.

Cayetano, chairman of the committee on youth, women and family relations, also urged the Palace to accord full protection to the victim.

“Malacañang should closely monitor this case. It should accord full protection to the victim, who’s a minor, and ensure that all the perpetrators are unmasked and put behind bars..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110624met1.html

Loud sounds from videokes, karaokes within residential areas banned in Makati 06/24/2011

Loud sounds from videokes, karaokes within residential areas banned in Makati

06/24/2011
A new city ordinance passed by the Makati City Council has banned unreasonably loud sounds generated from videokes, karaokes and similar amplified audio devices within residential areas and along public streets in Makati.

Approved by Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, City Ordinance No. 2011-019 also requires a permit to be issued by the barangay captain or an authorized representative for the regulated use of the devices in public streets or roadsides within his or her jurisdiction.

Binay said the ordinance seeks to protect residents and the general public from serious discomfort and health hazards posed by the unregulated use of videokes, karaokes and amplified sound systems within residences and on the streets. He noted that collapsible tents sheltering such audio devices and groups of people singing loudly till the wee hours of the morning were becoming a common sight on the streets of many barangays..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110624met4.html

Accurate gauge of the public pulse? EDITORIAL 06/23/2011

Accurate gauge of the public pulse?

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

06/23/2011
The unreliability in measuring the public pulse by these “independent” surveys can be shown through a comparison of the survey results from two different firms, conducted more or less during the same time frame (May 21 to June 4, for Pulse Asia and June 3 to 6 for Social Weather Stations), with both having a respondent base of 1,200 and the same error margins.

SWS had a 64 percent satisfaction rating for Noynoy, down five percentage points from his March ratings of 69 percent, with 18 percent dissatisfied in June.

Pulse Asia had a trust rating for Noynoy at 71 percent and a distrust rating of eight percent, with 22 percent undecided.

About the same results were found in both Pulse trust and approval ratings..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110623com1.html

Yes it does pay, Virginia FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 06/23/2011

Yes it does pay, Virginia

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

06/23/2011
Yes, Virginia. It really pays to be Noynoy’s kabarilan. Scout’s honor.
Just think, Virginia, your namesake, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Virginia Torres, a known target range shooting buddy of your Yellow president, with all the confidence in the world, tells reporters that it would be an insult to Noynoy and his government if she resigns from her post.

Who would have that kind of chutzpah to come out with such an audacious statement, if not from someone who knows that she would never be dismissed by her kabarilan, Noynoy, because she knows she is one of his coddled and protected officials and from the same province yet!

After all, Virginia, you can figure it out for yourself. Noynoy had his Commission on Audit (CoA), now headed by his appointees, come out with a report that your tocayo in the LTO did the right thing in withholding a P1 billion payment to Stradcom Corp. for services already rendered to the LTO, being its IT service provider..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110623com2.html

British private college plan fuels higher education debate FEATURE 06/23/2011

British private college plan fuels higher education debate

FEATURE

06/23/2011
LONDON — Plans in Britain to open a private college modelled on US institutions and fronted by high-profile academics to rival public universities have fuelled a debate about the future of higher education.

Prominent philosophy professor A. C. Grayling sent shockwaves through the academic establishment this month when he unveiled plans to launch the New College of the Humanities in London, which will open next year.

Its founders say the college will offer a broad syllabus and intensive teaching that top British universities, even the best known such as Oxford and Cambridge, are struggling to provide.

The new college has enlisted a host of leading academics and will charge £18,000 ($29,000, 20,400 euros) a year, double the amount permitted in the state sector..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110623com6.html

Libya war redrawing US political allegiances focus 06/23/2011

Libya war redrawing US political allegiances

focus

06/23/2011
WASHINGTON — The complexity of the Libya conflict is drawing some strange alliances in Washington’s corridors of power, blurring traditional party lines and dividing both Democrats and Republicans.

While President Barack Obama has drawn support from some hawkish Republicans, including from his erstwhile-rival for the White House Sen. John McCain, some of his Democratic allies on the left are now up in arms.

From within his own camp, Obama on Monday was accused of being “an extremist” who is failing to comply with the law by not winning congressional approval for the involvement of US forces in Libyan conflict..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110623com3.html

Marginalizing the marginalized INSIDE CONGRESS Charlie Manalo 06/23/2011

Marginalizing the marginalized

INSIDE CONGRESS

Charlie Manalo

06/23/2011
Before Congress went on recess early this month, the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms was in the thick of a deliberation on various proposals to amend the law governing party-lists.

Various proposed amendments have been discussed including defining once and for all what constitutes a marginalized sector, the income bracket for a marginalized representative or even the social status of the individual representing the party-list group. But it would be no surprise that the members of the House would be expected to be very cautious on the last issue as most of the current and past representatives of the party-list groups are members of the millionaires club, including the losing senatorial candidate who petitioned for the disqualification of some party-list nominees in the last elections on the grounds they were millionaires like her..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110623com5.html

Noy absolves Torres, lambasts Stradcom By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 06/23/2011

Noy absolves Torres, lambasts Stradcom

By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 06/23/2011

President Aquino seems to have taken to heart the statement of his shooting buddy, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Virginia Torres, that she would be insulting him and his government, should she even consider resigning her post, as he defended her to the hilt.

Yesterday, Aquino absolved Torres of any wrongdoing and even praised his kabarilan profusely for the “reforms” he said she has instituted at the LTO, and slammed the IT provider of LTO as he alleged that corruption exists in Stradcom Corp. and its ways.

Praising his shooting crony while laying all blame on Stradcom, Aquino said Torres should be credited for the anti-corruption reforms that are now taking place at the LTO, thereby ignoring the recommendations of the Department of Justice (DoJ) that pushed the LTO chief’s dismissal from the service.

Also scrapped by Aquino were the memorandums from outgoing DoTC chief Jose “Ping” de Jesus who had spelled out the benefits the government derives from Stradcom through computerization as against a manual system, along with the memorandum asking Aquino to discipline Torres for gross insubordination and gross neglect..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110623hed1.html

RP starts Spratlys airstrip rehab; gov’t won’t abandon claim — Noy By Mario J. Mallari, Michaela P. del Callar and Aytch S. de la Cruz 06/23/2011

RP starts Spratlys airstrip rehab; gov’t won’t abandon claim — Noy

By Mario J. Mallari, Michaela P. del Callar and Aytch S. de la Cruz 06/23/2011
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will start bringing construction materials to Pagasa on the Kalayaan island group (KIG), also known as the Spratlys, in the disputed South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) for the rehabilitation of the airstrip there, a ranking military official yesterday said.

AFP-Western Command (Westcom) chief Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban said the military will be sending construction materials to Pagasa anytime soon to start the repair and rehabilitation of the 36-year-old airstrip on the island.

“We will be bringing materials there anytime now,” said Sabban, whose command has jurisdiction over the KIG.

According to the military official, heavy equipment of the Air Force stationed on the island are awaiting arrival of the construction materials to start the repair..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110623hed2.html

14 dead in widespread RP floods 06/23/2011

14 dead in widespread RP floods

06/23/2011
Widespread flooding due to unusually heavy rains in many parts of the country has killed 14 people in recent days, the government said yesterday.

A total of 10 people drowned in villages lining the Pulangui, one of 11 rivers on the major southern island of Mindanao that overflowed their banks, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

In two other incidents in Mindanao, a girl drowned in Cotabato City and a man was killed by the overflowing Lanang River, the government agency said in its latest report.

Two other deaths were reported on the main island of Luzon..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110623hed6.html

Solgen opposes lifting of freeze order on Ampatuan assets By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/23/2011

Solgen opposes lifting of freeze order on Ampatuan assets

By Benjamin B. Pulta 06/23/2011
State lawyers have formally asked the Court of Appeals (CA) to turn down motions seeking to lift the freeze order on the assets and banks accounts of the members of the Ampatuan family who have been indicted in connection with the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

In its comment, Solicitor General Jose Anselmo Cadiz — in behalf of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) — said the motions to lift the freeze order have no legal basis.

Motions to lift the freeze were filed by Maguindanao and Cotabato City First District Rep. Bai Sandra Sinsuat Ampatuan Sema, Bai Monadja Ampatuan Abdullah, Soraida Biruar Ampatuan, the Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (Magelco), and a certain Dr. Tahir Sulaik..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110623nat2.html

Troops capture two Abu Sayyaf terrorists, rescue three civilians By Mario J. Mallari 06/23/2011

Troops capture two Abu Sayyaf terrorists, rescue three civilians

By Mario J. Mallari 06/23/2011
Two Abu Sayyaf terrorists were captured while several high-powered firearms were seized by elite forces of the Army during an operation in Basilan province early dawn yesterday.

Quoting reports from the field, Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz said that elements of the Special Operations Task Force, led by Col. Alexander Macario, swooped down on an Abu Sayyaf hideout on the outskirts of Barangay Upper Cabengbeng in Sumisip.

Captured were Stanyul Ahlalul and Nurudin Mandiki. Three other civilian-villagers, who were forcibly taken by the Abu Sayyaf men as porters, were also safely rescued..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110623nat1.html

PNP-CIDG gives public tips on how to avoid falling prey to social network hackers 06/23/2011

PNP-CIDG gives public tips on how to avoid falling prey to social network hackers

06/23/2011
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) yesterday reminded the public to take extra precautions against potential lawless elements in social networking sites on the Internet due to reports of increasing crime related to it.

These include Facebook, Twitter, Multiply, Friendster, Tumbler, My Space, Friend Finder and Yahoo Messenger.

PNP-CIDG head Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said in 2010, there were 72 cases related to social networking criminality, including identity theft, hacking, scamming, harassment and estafa..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110623met2.html

‘JV’ reminds De Lima: My father has no ‘killer instinct’ By Gerry Baldo 06/23/2011

‘JV’ reminds De Lima: My father has no ‘killer instinct’

By Gerry Baldo 06/23/2011

San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito yesterday chided Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for insinuating former President Joseph Estrada might be summoned to the revived investigation into the 2000 murders of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.

Ejercito, son of the former President, said his father has no “killer instinct” and told De Lima to spare his family from the controversy surrounding the twin killings.

“That is so unlikely, so out of character of President Estrada to be involved in such a crime,” Ejercito said yesterday..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110623met1.html