Affidavit of support requirement breeds corruption- Migrante chapter in UAE

Affidavit of support requirement breeds corruption- Migrante chapter in UAE

“We are continuously receiving complaints from OFWs whose relatives were victimized by an extortion gang in the NAIA. These extortionists demand to be shown the AOS, but afterwards went on to ask for money.” – Migrante
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com

MANILA — Instead of being a measure to prevent human trafficking, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ “Affidavit of Support” (AOS) requirement is becoming an instrument of corruption.

Several Filipino workers groups in the United Arab Emirates headed by the Dubai chapter of Migrante International Migrante-UAE is intensifying its campaign to have the AOS requirement, which the DFA is demanding from all visiting relatives of overseas Filipino workers based in the United Arab Emirates and other countries, removed.

Since July 12, 2010, OFWs securing an affidavit of support for their relatives from the Philippine consulate are required to be present even if they filed their visit visa at the UAE Immigration through travel agencies. They are also required to have their affidavit of support in red ribbon. The document has to be notarized at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and it costs around P1,000 (US$23.25).

Last year, Migrante-UAE initiated public discussions among Filipino groups in Dubai as part of its campaign to oppose the AOS requirement. In the next few weeks, the group will engage in a petition signing campaign, the results of which it will present to the Philippine consulate in Dubai. It also intends to send copies to Malacañang and the House of Representatives.

According to the DFA, the AOS aims to put an end to human trafficking and illegal deployment of OFWS through unscrupulous recruitment agencies. Nhel Morona, Migrante-UAE Secretary-general said the AOS requirement was “nothing but a form of legalized ‘kotong’ or mulcting.

A useless document

“It’s a useless document. It won’t stop human traffickers from their illegal activities, but it will breed extortion activities,” he said.

Morona cited reports his group received sometime on May 2011 about a group of passengers who boarded a flight from Manila to Dubai with a stopover in Hong Kong . They were supposedly asked to pay grease money by immigration officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) when they discovered that the passengers were all on a visitor’s visa. He also said there was a Filipina nurse who was forced to hand out P25,000 (US$581) allegedly to agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in NAIA so she would be allowed to fly back to Dubai on a visitor’s visa..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/28/affidavit-of-support-requirement-breeds-corruption-migrante-chapter-in-uae/

Bacolod-based green activist builds own green house

Bacolod-based green activist builds own green house

By KARL G. OMBION
Bulatlat.com
Green activist Rusty Binas remains true to his commitment to restore ecological balance in the City of Smiles.
 
Binas , a global advisor of Holland-based development agency CORDAID in its program of Community-managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR), is building a a house in Marapara Heights that combines the basic elements of green architecture and stone-age architectural concepts.

His own concept of a green house is not really new, but it does offer a lot of unique systems. For one, it reduces construction costs by introducing the use of volcanic rocks, clay, mud and pebbles. For another, it utilizes its rooftop for rain water catchment and for potable water storage.

Natural aesthetics is another unique feature of the house design as it makes use of stones and rocks for the columns, foundations and ceilings, making it appear like a stone house in the neolithic period dating some 4000 BC.

Each main column has a built-in drip water system, which complements the gravitational water pressure from the rooftop water catchment. This is what keeps the column wet, allowing moss to develop on it and, in the process, harden and strengthen it over time.

Green house architecture being built in Bacolod.(Photo by Karl G. Ombion / bulatlat.com)

To maximize a natural cooling system, Binas employed the concept of a house design that has less walls and covers for its rooms, kitchen, living room. This allows fresh air to flow freely through all all parts of the house even as it maximizes daylight. The house also comes with an automatic closure system during wind and rain surges. Even the comfort room is without roofing to allow maximum light and fresh air, but it does have an automatic canopy system that can be used during rainy periods. With it, the house needs no air-condition units and fans; neither does it use lights during daytime.

Another feature of this unique green house is the utilization of green energy through solar power for its lightings, water system, few AC facilities, and for power charging needs. So even with long brown-outs in the neighborhood, residents of the Binas house need not worry about light or temperature settings because the house will provide for itself with the help of nature..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/26/bacolod-based-green-activist-builds-own-green-house/

Benjie Oliveros | War and health

Benjie Oliveros | War and health

When I began thinking about this topic and doing my research, I realized that I should be discussing not only about war and health but, more importantly, on the war against the people’s right and access to health.

The two wars against the people’s right and access to health occurred simultaneously during the last decade of the previous century: the war of globalization and the war against “terrorist states,” “rogue states,” “the axis of evil,” and eventually the war on terror. The war on terror did not begin with the World Trade Center attacks in September 11, 2001. If began after the change in the political landscape in Eastern Europe and the USSR and the conception of the Defense Policy Guidelines in 1992 by then Defense Sec. Dick Cheney and Paul Wolfowitz, and the 2000 policy paper “Rebuilding America’s Defenses – Strategy, Forces, and Resources for a New Century” of the conservative think tank Project for a New American Century, which, by the way, is comprised of the very same group of people: Dick Cheney and Paul Wolfowitz, Jeb Bush, I. Lewis Libby, and Donald Rumsfeld, who became the Defense secretary of Bush Jr.

The change in political landscape in the Eastern bloc during the latter part of the 1980s provided both an opportunity and a challenge to the US. The communist bogey no longer exists while at the same time, it provided the US with the opportunity to use its political and military dominance to push for its own economic interests and agenda. Thus, even as there was no longer any serious challenge to its hegemony, it refused to downscale its military spending. It even increased it by creating a hype about a supposed new specter: Islamic fundamentalism. That is why even before the September 2011 attacks, the US, in its defense policy paper “Rebuilding America’s Defense – Strategy, Forces, and Resources for a New Century,” was already able to underline the principles that would shape its global “defense” policy. The 9-11 attacks merely gave the US the perfect excuse to launch its war on terror.

What were these principles guiding US defense policy and global positioning?

• we need to increase defense spending significantly if we are to carry out our global responsibilities today and modernize our armed forces for the future;

• we need to strengthen our ties to democratic allies and to challenge regimes hostile to our interests and values;

• we need to promote the cause of political and economic freedom abroad;

• we need to accept responsibility for America’s unique role in preserving and extending an international order friendly to our security, our prosperity, and our principles

Those countries that were included in the list of “terrorist,” “rogue,” or “evil,” states are those that “stridently oppose US presence and influence in their regions” and those that oppose “economic freedom” or the “free market ideology” of globalization.

Globalization, as we experienced it during the last two decades is about “downplaying government intervention” in the economy, of controlling budget deficits, and deep cuts in government social spending. It is, according to economist Joseph Stiglitz, about “austerity packages and privatization.” And among the most hit by these measures are the budgets for health and education. And the countries that refuse these measures, as well as US power projections run the risk of being targets of the US war on terror..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/24/benjie-oliveros-war-and-health/

Brocka at Bernal vs. indie filmmakers

Brocka at Bernal vs. indie filmmakers

Ni ROLANDO B. TOLENTINO
Bulatlat.com
Isang taon yata nang huli kaming magkita ni Mau Tumbocon, kritiko at film programmer. At dalawang taon na rin kaming tumutungo sa aming paboritong dessert at coffee na lugar sa Castro Street, at natagpuan naming muli na naghuhuntahan na naman kami tungkol sa pelikula. Pangalawang beses na ulit.

May nostalgia kami sa mga pelikula nina Lino Brocka at Ishmael Bernal, mga higanteng figura sa aming panahon, at lampas pa rito. Natanong ni Mau kung sino sa indie filmmakers ang sumusunod sa yapak ng dalawang direktor? At wala akong maisip na madaling sagot.

Nabanggit ko si Joel Lamangan at Brillante Mendoza. Si Joel ay napapanahon ang politikal na tema ng mga pelikula — Flor Contemplacion, abduction at politikal na pagpaslang, torture at rebolusyon. Pero mas naunang henerasyon ng filmmakers si Joel. Si Brillante naman ay kilala sa artistikong pelikula, na slice-of-life, na wala pang mass following sa loob ng bansa.

Sina Brocka at Bernal ay mga politikal na animal, sa positibong pagtingin. Kasama sila sa laban sa sensura, freedom of expression ng artist, pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina, anti-diktadurya, at maging anti-Cory Aquino sa panahong hindi ito popular. Organisado sila sa mga politikal na afiliasyon, at ginagamit ang kanilang politikal na posisyon para higit na magpopularisa ng mga isyu. Gayundin, ginagamit din nila ang kanilang sining para manghasik ng kontraryong kaisipan at karanasan pang-sining.

Ang naturing naming kaibahan nina Brocka at Bernal sa isang banda at ang kasalukuyang indie filmmakers sa kabilang banda ay ang mas madilim na pangitain hinggil sa pelikula at lipunan. Kina Brocka at Bernal ay nakaangkop sa naratibong disenyo ang pagpasok ng politika, at ang rekurso sa politikal na antagonismo ng mga bida rito..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2010/11/04/brocka-at-bernal-vs-indie-filmmakers/

Zombadings, on modern day acceptance

Zombadings, on modern day acceptance

By CYRIL ANNE DAYAO
Bulatlat.com

There is a mystery that has been puzzling the people in the colorful town of Lucban, Quezon. A serial killer is on the loose and the succession of events clearly shows who the targets are. In the midst of this chaos, Remington (played by Martin Escudero) discovers something about himself and develops a fear of the unknown.
Dubbed as the country’s first zombie comedy film (directed by Jade Castro; written by Raymond Lee, Michiko Yamamoto, and Jade Castro), “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington” is a story of a young man who is being haunted by his gay-taunting past. As a child, Remington was fond of ridiculing gay people he encountered as he kept on calling them names. Until one day, he met a gay grieving in a cemetery (played by Roderick Paulate), who got mad at the mocking and cursed that Remington will also be gay when he grows up.

No semblance of homosexuality would be seen in Remington as he is the typical macho slacker who either spends his day doing nothing or drinking lambanog with his neighbors. As the straight guy that he is, Remington is head over heels for a girl named Hannah (played by Lauren Young), who just got back in town. But one night, an assault from an unidentified creature changed Remington’s life as he felt that he is turning into someone else.

The shaved legs, the tight girly shirts, the gay lingo, Remington is transforming by the day. He became fond of looking at guys, and eventually develops an attraction to his best friend Jigs (played by Kerbie Zamora). And by turning gay, he worried that he would be a target of the serial killer.

But Remington had other worries; how will he be back to his natural self?

Queer experience

Remington may have been cursed to be gay, but the film Zombadings showed that being homosexual is not a bad thing. It is worth noting that despite the obvious changes in him, the people around him still treated him the same way. His life even became more colorful with his new-found personality, undeniably something that comes with being gay.

After some speculations on his gender, it is touching to see how Remington’s parents (played by Janice de Belen and John Regala) understood the bizarre occurrence and did what they had to for their son. Indeed an ideal scene, as sympathy is rarely seen in a situation as such.

Suppressing discrimination

In a rather traditional society like ours, there are still people who detest the existence of gay people. It may not be highlighted in the news, but the worst kind of aversion does exist in the form of hate crimes on the group.

Zombadings had take on this issue in a lighter way in the form of a mysterious equipment that serves as a gaydar. In the film, a homophobe (played by Daniel Fernando) once delivered his speech regarding his hatred for the gay community, but his talk was drowned by the celebration in the town. The particular scene spoke much about putting an end to the age-old ridicule on gay people..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/13/zombadings-on-modern-day-acceptance/

Death and damage By ELENA L. ABEN, AARON B. RECUENCO and FRANCO G. REGALA September 27, 2011, 11:23pm

Death and damage

By ELENA L. ABEN, AARON B. RECUENCO and FRANCO G. REGALA

September 27, 2011, 11:23pm

Typhoon Pedring caused a storm surge and flooded many areas in Luzon and Metro Manila, forcing the evacuation of people from homes with many wading in hip deep waters to escape the deluge.

MANILA, Philippines — At least 12 people were killed as typhoon “Pedring” whipped Luzon with heavy rains and forceful winds that wrought destruction, knocked out power and communication lines, paralyzed air, sea, and land transport, and caused a rare storm surge in Manila Bay.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that five people were killed in Metro Manila; one in Catanduanes in the Bicol region; one each in Subic and Olongapo City in Zambales; one in Aurora; one in Cagayan province; one in Pampanga; and another in Camarines Sur.

Four people, including three children, died when a concrete wall collapsed on them in Barangay Mapulang Lupa, Valenzuela City at the height of Pedring’s onslaught yesterday morning...... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/335781/death-and-damage

In mob Noy trusts EDITORIAL 09/27/2011

In mob Noy trusts

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

09/27/2011
If he has not realized it yet, Noynoy and his yellow Palace cohorts’ efforts to divide the government with their arrogance have become so successful that the government is now on a straight path to a standstill.

The imperious attitude at the Palace is one where whatever comes out of it, an edict or a mere idea, should be deemed infallible and those complaining against these are given the right to cry out to their hearts content and to walk away after with no Palace concern.

The Senate and the judiciary are certainly the most recent victims of the Palace conceit.

The Senate recently issued a resolution recommending that Noy use his presidential privileges to order the suspension of the increases in toll rates and the fares of the mass rail transit systems.

The Palace ignored the resolution, replying that increases in the fares of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems will benefit the poor in the long run. Twisted logic it is, but since it came from what the Palace believes is Mt. Olympus, it must therefore be the right logic. This was how Noynoy’s mouthpieces presumably understand their statements..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110927com1.html

Promising president FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 09/27/2011

Promising president

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

09/27/2011
Noynoy Aquino really goes big with his promises — despite already common knowledge that while he continues to give out promises, he somehow hardly delivers on his pledges — even before he ascended to Malacañang.

In Tokyo last Sunday, Noynoy told a group of overseas Filipino workers that when he leaves Malacañang in 2016, he will have left the Filipinos with a “much different Philippines” as his legacy, as he pledged to “catapult the country to unprecedented progress where Filipinos will no longer seek jobs abroad and instead work in the country with pride and contentment.”

He was quoted as saying to the crowd: “I have a simple goal. Create more jobs so you will no longer go abroad. What we want is a situation where you go abroad to work because it is your choice, not because you can’t find a job (in the Philippines). As long as you are one with me, you are my bosses, there’s no doubt that the Filipino race will triumph because of industry and talent. Our goals are within our reach.”

Noynoy even went as far as saying that “Before, they (governments and investors) would just snub us. Now, they would race to call on us because they know that we are rising with dignity and we ourselves are eager to effect changes.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110927com2.html

Uncertainty as Zimbabwe deadline for foreign handover looms focus 09/27/2011

Uncertainty as Zimbabwe deadline for foreign handover looms

focus

09/27/2011
HARARE — Foreign companies operating in Zimbabwe have until Sunday to hand in plans to sell majority stakes to local blacks, under a law that has alarmed investors, who are uncertain how the rules will work.
The government’s order for the transfer of 51-percent ownership has been called the final phase of “economic emancipation,” after controversial land reforms targeting white-owned farms a decade ago. But analysts are skeptical.
“There is no way the locals and the government have the money to buy shares in the companies. Everybody knows that,” Anthony Hawkins, a University of Zimbabwe economics professor, told AFP.
The indigenization drive could hurt the economy in the same way as the land reforms, which sparked an economic nose-dive after supporters of President Robert Mugabe violently seized white-owned farms, he warned..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110927com3.html

Unmask the cohorts NO HOLDS BARRED Armida Siguion-Reyna 09/27/2011

Unmask the cohorts

NO HOLDS BARRED

Armida Siguion-Reyna

09/27/2011
Media revelations on just how much the Arroyo administration stole boggle the mind. The thieves got away with it when they were entrenched, but did they really think the lid would stay tight on their pilferage? Fat chance, that.

As early as July 3, 2009, I wrote, here in this same space, that: “For at least 50 foreign trips and state visits, Mrs. Arroyo spent over P2 billion traipsing the globe from 2002-2007, P408.6 million in 2008, and P436 million for this year only half-way over.

“We remember when she flew to China while her husband was recovering from a heart procedure, and that was to witness the signing of the ZTE-NBN memorandum of agreement. That she went to the US during Typhoon ‘Frank’ in June of 2008 and a shipload of 600-plus passengers sank, hundreds of others killed in floods and landslides. We recall how once she had her entire family with her for a state visit to China, grandchildren and yayas included, how usually congressmen and spouses would be in the ‘official’ entourage to the US, Europe and to here and there, a senator or two. And still the usual staff that accompanies a head-of-state, the security men, and the media people.

“All the hangers-on say they paid out of their own pocket. We merely have their word and how good is their word, given the lying they’ve done? Lalaki ba nang ganyan kalaki ang gastos kung ang mga miron ay talagang nagkanya-kanyang bayad ng hotel at pamasahe?”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110927com4.html

Poverty in the USA AN OUTSIDERS VIEW Ken Fuller 09/27/2011

Poverty in the USA

AN OUTSIDERS VIEW

Ken Fuller

09/27/2011
In 2010, a further 2.6 million Americans descended into poverty, bringing the total to 46.2 million, a peak not previously reached in the 52 years since the Census Bureau started compiling such statistics. The impoverished represent 15.1 percent of the population, a level last seen in 1993.

Those in “deep poverty,” defined as existing on less than half the amount determining the official poverty line, increased to 20.5 million. At 16.4 million, child poverty is the highest since 1962. And, as might be expected, those who are not white stand a greater chance of being poor, the poverty-rates being 27 percent for blacks, 26 percent for Hispanics, and 12.1 percent for Asians, compared to 9.9 percent for whites – but they’re all on the increase.

Needless to say, unemployment is largely responsible for this state of affairs, and last year a staggering 48 million people between the ages of 18 and 64 did not work a single week — an increase of 3 million in 2009. But things are also bad on the wages front, and average earnings for a full-time male worker, adjusted for inflation, were slightly lower than they were in 1973. Yes, 1973.

If you’re poor, things are bad even when times are “good.” For example, the report in the New York Times on Sept. 13 cited a researcher at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities who pointed out that “the period from 2001 to 2007 was the first recovery on record where the level of poverty was deeper, and median income of working-age people was lower, at the end than at the beginning.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110927com5.html

Where villains are heroes INSIDE CONGRESS charlie manalo 09/27/2011

Where villains are heroes

INSIDE CONGRESS

charlie manalo

09/27/2011
In its grand effort to mask its incompetency, the Aquino administration has embarked on an unrelenting crusade to pin down the previous administration for alleged anomalies it had committed during its incumbency.

Precisely, there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, the Aquino administration, for all its bravado, deserves a 21-gun salute. But only if it had been fair and objective in its quest for truth and justice.

For its opening salvo, it had launched an offensive against the previous administration using the infamous Pajero issue it allegedly donated to some members of the Catholic Church, which of course backfired on the administration.

Having lost miserably on the Pajero battle, Sen. Ping Lacson then opened fire, accusing the former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo of effecting the sale of his family-owned second hand choppers passed off as brand new to the Philippine National Police..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110927com6.html

Noynoy gives ‘failed’ ARMM P40-B budget By Angie M. Rosales 09/27/2011

DESPITE PALACE CLAIMS OF MUSLIM REGION’S CORRUPTION

Noynoy gives ‘failed’ ARMM P40-B budget

By Angie M. Rosales 09/27/2011

Government’s attempt, after two decades of devolving some of the Executive’s power by instituting the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and with the current Malacañang tenant constantly saying that the ARMM has been proven to be a failure despite the infusion of almost P124 billion from the national budget in the last 20 years, money in the tens of billions will still be splashed by the current administration to the ARMM.

This admission was made yesterday by Sen. Franklin Drilon, the chairman of the Senate finance committee, as he disclosed that the Aquino government has provided nearly P40 billion in total allocation to ARMM, the highest in the history for the region.

“Our computation is that apart from the P12.4 billion presented under the NEP (national expenditure program), the ARMM also gets from the other national government agencies under the budget of DA (Department of Agriculture), and others, an amount equivalent to P11.5 billion. ARMM also gets an internal revenue allotment of P14.2 billion. There is the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) or the allocation of the legislators for ARMM amuonting to P560 million. All in all, the NEP would call for an allocation of P38.7 billion to the ARMM,” Drilon said, citing the current budget at only P11.8 billion.
.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110927hed1.html

‘Pedring’ intensifies, thousands evacuated from path of typhoon By Mario J. Mallari 09/27/2011

‘Pedring’ intensifies, thousands evacuated from path of typhoon

By Mario J. Mallari 09/27/2011

Tropical storm “Pedring” yesterday intensified into a typhoon, prompting government weather forecasters to place several areas under storm signals, particularly in Bicol Region where more than 50,000 residents have already been evacuated as part of the preemptive actions by government authorities.

“Pedring” is expected to make landfall this morning along the vulnerable eastern edge of Luzon, then dump heavy rains hundreds of kilometers inland to areas including the National Capital Region.

Rafaelito Alejandro, Office of Civil Defense-Bicol director, said as of 1 p.m. yesterday a total of 7,491 families in Albay province, composed of 51,669 people have been evacuated to safer grounds due to the threat posed by the typhoon.

He said OCD-Bicol and other allied government agencies are continuously monitoring situation in flood- and landslide-prone areas in the region..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110927hed3.html

Stock market bleeds amid debt crisis in Europe By Danessa O. Rivera 09/27/2011

Stock market bleeds amid debt crisis in Europe

By Danessa O. Rivera 09/27/2011

The local stock market, which has been used to the familiar ground of breaking records since the start of the year, suffered a blood bath yesterday as the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dropped a steep 164.74 points to close at 3,721.22, the lowest level for the year and erasing its gains since January.

The sharp drop in the bourse index, however, merely mirrored a downtrend in Asia where most markets tumbled amid the worsening debt crisis in Europe.

Anxious Asian traders fear European leaders will not be able to find a solution to the region’s debt crisis.

Accord Capital Equities Corp. analyst Justino Calaycay said the PSEi failed to keep a marginal gain at the market’s opening as a regional slump dragged shares lower amid elevated risks as an acceptable solution to the Greece crisis remained elusive..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110927hed2.html

MILF body drops Kato from ranks By Mario J. Mallari 09/27/2011

MILF body drops Kato from ranks

By Mario J. Mallari 09/27/2011

Efforts by the Council of Ulamas to bring back renegade commander Ameril Umbra Kato back to the folds of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and patch up differences with MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad has failed, prompting the MILF-Central Committee to officially drop Kato from its ranks.

MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said the two-week deadline given by the Ulamas to Kato to meet with Murad and return to the MILF ranks ended yesterday with negative results.

“He ignored the appeal of the ulamas for him to go back to the folds of the MILF and he stood firm and insisted on staying out of the MILF…officially, as far as the MILF is concerned, he is no longer an MILF (member),” Jaafar said.

Last Sept. 12, the Council of Ulama talked with Kato and tried to convince him to return to the MILF and patch up differences with Murad. The ulamas gave Kato two weeks to make a decision. However, the efforts proved futile..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110927nat1.html

Solon demands disclosure of Aquino trade, economic deals with China, US, Japan 09/27/2011

Solon demands disclosure of Aquino trade, economic deals with China, US, Japan

09/27/2011
Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano yesterday asked Malacañang to disclose to the public the various trade agreements and deals entered into by President Aquino during his recent visits to China, United States and from his ongoing trip to Japan.

In a statement, Mariano took note that in all of his trips, Aquino was accompanied by his economic advisers and local businessmen and that in his last three trips, the President and his official entourage have spent at least P70 million,

“The President is making rounds to top global economies to tell the world about his administration’s domestic and foreign policy thrusts, anti-corruption and good governance agenda. But in real terms, Aquino is announcing to the world that ‘the Philippines is open for business’ and enticing foreign investors to set up businesses in the country. Our local agriculture, domestic natural resources and Filipino workforce are at stake in all of the trade deals that the President entered into,” Mariano said..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110927nat4.html

Pichay loses appeal before CA By Benjamin B. Pulta 09/27/2011

Pichay loses appeal before CA

By Benjamin B. Pulta 09/27/2011

A ruling by the Court of Appeals (CA) has turned down the appeal of embattled Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) chairman and former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay who is questioning his suspension by the Ombudsman.

In a four-page ruling, the appellate tribunal’s Second Division said Pichay’s motion for reconsideration is moot and academic because then acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro had already dismissed Pichay. The Office of the Ombudsman placed Pichay under a six-month preventive suspension for misusing LWUA funds in acquiring a troubled thrift bank in 2008.

The CA said ruling on the Ombudsman’s preventive suspension order against Pichay is “inconsequential” and does “not serve any useful purpose,” according to the appellate court.

“It bears to note that the Office of the Ombudsman has already adjudged petitioner guilty of the administrative charges against him and ordered his dismissal from the service, which decision is immediately executory even pending appeal,” according to the CA decision written by then CA Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe, who was recently promoted to the Supreme Court..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110927met1.html

MMDA seeks court consent to order ad agencies to remove billboards By Pat C. Santos 09/27/2011

MMDA seeks court consent to order ad agencies to remove billboards

By Pat C. Santos 09/27/2011

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino sought the consent of the court yesterday after it filed an urgent motion before Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 133 to order the advertising agencies to remove the billboards along Edsa and other national roads in the metropolis view of the possible onslaught of Typhoon “Pedring.”

On Sept. 1, Judge Elpidio Calis granted the petition of the Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines’ (OAAP) for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the MMDA’s anti-billboard campaign.
The TRO ordered the MMDA to stop the enforcement of its Memorandum Circular No. 10 Series of 2011 to regulate the display of advertising billboards along major roads and open spaces. The TRO lapsed on Sept. 22.

The motion was filed in deference to the current status quo agreed upon by MMDA and OAAP during the last court hearing held on Sept. 21..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110927met2.html

Priorities DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 09/26/2011

Priorities

DIE HARD III

Herman Tiu Laurel

09/26/2011
Upon Aquino III’s return from his visit to the US of A, numerous local mainstream newspapers emblazoned the growing critical outspokenness of even the most conservative sectors in Philippine society. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI); the Philippine Steelmakers Association (PSA); the Philippine Exporters Confederation (PhilExport); UP National Engineering Center; the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), including the Associated Labor Union; and, ironically a group that advocated privatization of the power industry, the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), spoke out on one major issue: The Philippines’ highest power cost in Asia. In a joint statement, they bewailed the fact that “there appears to be no specific and strong action program or roadmap coming from the executive department” to address the current power rate crisis.

TUCP Party-list Rep. Democrito Mendoza, not always the most assertive labor leader, worked up the courage to state: “We ask the Aquino administration to bring power rates down” — this, as the chief operating officer of PhilExport, citing figures from the Department of Energy (DoE) on RP’s power rates at 24 US cents per kilowatthour compared to Thailand and Malaysia’s eight and seven US cents per kwh, respectively, added that it is “the biggest disincentive to the entry of new foreign direct investors to our shores.”

More pointedly, the ALU’s Gerard Seno demanded that Aquino III “make the necessary bold policy interventions… including the suspension and review of all pending power rate increase petitions in the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC),” with Mendoza calling for the scrapping of the 15.8-percent “Performance-Based Rate” (PBR) formula and the restoration of the 12-percent Return on Rate Base (RoRB) price setting mechanism by the ERC, adding that high power rates eat up as much as 11 percent of workers’ income.

Power company director Jojo Borja of Iligan Light, who has been helping us in our fight against the ERC and Meralco (Manila Electric Co.) with documented evidence of the latter’s overpricing, called me to highlight these headlines with enthusiasm, while expressing frustration over the wishy-washy stance of many so-called business leaders. Raul Concepcion, for instance, whom he has sought out for help against the ERC and power companies’ abuses and provided with all the hard evidence, given the former’s leadership of the Oil Price Watch, a supposed consumer protection watchdog that often publishes comments on electricity rates, has sadly only given lip service. This is precisely why Borja stresses that consumers themselves must keep up the pressure.

Still, we should all be happy that the aforementioned groups are now speaking out more boldly, even as they are still short of taking legal and demonstrative actions such as pickets and rallies — maybe even “planking” at Meralco to force the issue further.

As vital as the power price crisis issue is, the other headline that came out of Aquino III’s US trip was his “buko” (coco water) discovery, as if it were a new and fantastic development from his tête-à-tête with Obama.

Readers of this column know that for the past two years, we have promoted the coconut industry as a definitive economic lifesaver for the country. From the development of coco water, to coconut milk as replacement for imported dairy that will save us $1 billion in imports regularly, to coconut fiber textiles against soil erosion, to soil conditioners for many desert regions such as those in China, to high tech coco-chemicals for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical purposes, as well as for fuels and explosives, our coconuts can work wonders.

We have long reported that after commercial beverage brands Gatorade and Powerade were exposed as frauds, their manufacturers PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Co. shifted to coconut water as the base for these sports drinks.

It is enough, however, for the Aquino III government to finally realize the importance and potential of the coconut industry as a game changer for the economy. It is, after all, a sector that it had nary a care for when it appointed a small-time Quezon province lawyer who is ignorant of the coconut industry to head the Philippine Coconut Authority.

Among the coconut’s many applications, which we have enumerated in previous columns, there is also a product from it that will not only help the economy but those infirmed in old age with dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s. Scientific tests reveal that “monolaurin” from virgin coconut oil (VCO) reverses this scourge of the world’s aging population.

But one does not need to be at risk for Alzheimer’s to understand that unless government wakes up to its perilous neglect of the coconut sector, the once 500-million strong coconut tree population that has been reduced to 300 million today may soon no longer provide the miracles it is touted for. From being the top coconut products producer, the Philippines has now been overtaken by Indonesia, with India fast catching up.

The government of Aquino III has been going around in circles with its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects (that have been delayed for another year) and its expensive Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, with all sorts of rationalizations from foreign case studies (such as from Mexico, now reeling in macro-economic decay and drug-induced anarchy) citing upticks in child nutrition based on doleouts that do not increase a country’s economic viability.

In the power and coconut industry sectors, Aquino III can resort to ready-made high impact projects that can turn around the economy in both the near and medium term. With drastic power rate cuts, the people’s economic hardship will be reduced in as short as a few months’ time. With a crash diversification program for the coconut industry, a bountiful harvest will be reaped in two to three years. Aquino III should therefore set these two as his government’s priorities over and above the prevailing programs that have been proven to be serious duds.

(Tune in to Sulo ng Pilipino/Radyo OpinYon, Monday to Friday, 5 to 6 p.m. on 1098AM; Talk News TV with HTL, Saturday, 8:15 to 9 p.m., with replay at 11 p.m., on GNN, Destiny Cable Channel 8 on “ERC-Meralco Conspiracies”; visit http://newkatipunero.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/20110926com5.html

Red flag is up EDITORIAL 09/26/2011

Red flag is up

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

09/26/2011
The business and labor sectors went out united and in full force last Friday to protest the astronomical cost of electricity which the Philippines has the unenviable distinction of having the highest in the world. Pro-market Noy through his Palace pawns merely shrugged off the pleas and directed the protestors to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), an agency which as far back as memory can recall has not made any lasting contribution to the lowering of power rates.

Instead, the supposed regulator is currently reviewing a string of applications for further increases in electricity bills from the power sector that appears emboldened by the stance made known by Noynoy to all and sundry that his administration will not stand in the way of price setting.

Appeals for the government to intervene in the rising costs of fuel and road tolls, for instance, failed to get the sympathy of Noynoy who merely said that government not intervening in the pricing of basic commodities and services will benefit the country in the long run.

The plain truth, however, is that price increases make living for Noynoy more convenient with the 12 percent value added tax (VAT) in place. Without much effort, the VAT assures his administration of extra revenues for every price increase..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110926com1.html

Not the boss at all FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 09/26/2011

Not the boss at all

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

09/26/2011
Noynoy says the people are his boss, but from all indications, buttressed by his anti-people statements, never does he listen to the voice of the people or do anything for them, despite their being in miserable straits.

And it is not just the common tao that is seeking relief, but even business and labor, given the high cost of electricity, gasoline, food, rent and all the essential goods and services combined.

The Filipino people have been asking for lower prices, whether in transportation or in electricity and gasoline, and various suggestions have been put forth by the public, such as, but not limited to, suspending the 12 percent eVAT on these oil products as well as electricity. Subsidy for transportation instead has been announced by the Palace to be cut off, as Malacañang claims that the subsidy is costing the government too much, apart from that stupid justification from the Palace that it is unfair to the non-Metro Manila taxpayers to keep on subsidizing the Light Rail and Metro Rail transits’ riders.

Even business is groaning over the high cost of electricity which makes it more difficult for business to prosper, not to mention putting off other investors who may have thought of investing in the country..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110926com2.html

Population control, US and Aquino governments’ hidden agenda – Gabriela

Population control, US and Aquino governments’ hidden agenda – Gabriela

“Population control defeats the rights-based, health-based, pro-poor characteristics of the RH Bill. As we call for the removal of population control provisions in the RH bill, the retention of pro-poor provisions lifted from Gabriela’s Comprehensive RH bill is non-negotiable.” – GWP Rep. Luz Ilagan
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — Maternal and child health care or population control?

In the escalating debate over the proposed reproductive health law, Gabriela Women’s Party Representatives Luz Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus said President Benigno Aquino III is engaging in double-talk. Aquino has previously declared his support for the RH bill, but, the Gabriela lawmakers said, instead of increasing allocations for public health services, the administration has in fact slashed it.

This has prompted some quarters to conclude that Aquino’s support for healthcare for women and mothers is fake, and his interest lies more on the RH bill as a population control measure.

“Aquino is saying one thing yet doing the opposite. How can he claim support for programs on reproductive health or even responsible parenthood when he has cut the budget for health?,” said Ilagan.

Ilagan was referring to statements made by Aquino, September 22, when he appeared at the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) in Washington DC in the United States. Aquino said he supports the RH bill because it will help educate parents about birth spacing and responsible parenthood. Aquino also said the proposal was never meant to be solely a means to promote contraceptives.

“For all of his supportive words, Aquino has done the opposite – he has immobilized the government agencies and institutions tasked to provide health services by implementing budget cuts. Responsible parents must first have access to services to raise a healthy family,” Ilagan said.

The Gabriela solon explained that in the 2012 budget, five of the 12 Metro Manila-based special hospitals, and 18 of the 54 local hospitals nationwide did not t receive an increase in their allotment for maintenance and operating expenses. The Department of Budget and Management cut the DOH’s proposed budget from P80,143,863,00 (US$ 186,381,076) to P42,771,536,000 (US$994,686.883)) The government hospitals’ presentations also showed the negligible help that patients get from PhilHealth. At the Philippine Children Medical Center, for instance, PhilHealth accounts only for 14 percent of the total bill of PCMC patients for the year 2010. Majority of the expenses were shouldered by the patients, with 27 percent of the rest of the expenses covered by promissory notes.

The budget for “Health Facilities Enhancement program” which, based on Aquino’s budget message, is geared toward the improvement of maternal health, and the well-being of infants was slashed from P7.1 billion (US$162,790,697) in 2011, to P5.1 billion (US$116,27,907) in 2012.

“President Aquino should put his money where his mouth is and demonstrate his sincerity in upholding women and children’s rights to healthcare.”

US population control scheme in the guise of health projects?
President Aquino’s alacrity in supporting the RH bill, even as he allotted a minuscule budget to health services, has already prompted questions. Some quarters have said that Aquino’s stance on the RH bill is heavily influenced by groups that promote population control because these agencies are already giving financial and logistical support for population control programs in the guise of health projects.
The allegations of several anti-RH bill senators such as Sen. Tito Sotto that the RH bill is the handiwork of political and economic forces that want to impose population control over the Philippines appears to have some truth to it.

According to reports, he US Agency for International Development (USAID) mission in the Philippines has, since 2007, been implementing the PRISM Project, or the Private Sector Mobilization for Family Health (PRISM) Project.

The USAID is the United States federal government agency primarily responsible for administering foreign aid. It was established by former US president John F. Kennedy in 1961 via an executive order to implement development assistance programs in the areas authorized by the Congress in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. As an independent federal agency, it receives overall foreign policy guidance from the United States Secretary of State. USAID’s stated goals include providing “economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy goals of the United States.” It operates in Sub-Saharan Africa; Asia and the Near East, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, and Eurasia.

In the Philippines, the Prism Project is already in its second phase and, according to the USAID, it “ expands private sector provision of health services on maternal and child health (MCH), and family planning (FP), through workplace initiatives, market development and private practice initiatives.” Specifically, Prism2 is also said to provide financial and logistical support to the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, local government units (LGUs) and other national and local partners when it comes to the delivery of FP/MCH products and services. The project is being implemented in 78 provinces/independent cities nationwide from 2009 to 2014.

The USAID implements Prism2 also by coordinating with companies and cooperatives to increase employees or cooperative members’ access to family health information and services.

The USAID is also implementing a whole slew of projects that are aimed supposedly to improving the quality of health of Filipinos, specifically mothers and children. Through its Health Policy Development Program (HPDP), the USAID continues to involve itself in the development of what are supposed to be “appropriate policies and build a systematic policy change process” in the DOH. The focus of the USAID’s involvement is in developing contraceptive self-reliance/FP/MCH.

When it comes to health care financing, the USAID backs the DOH as it implements schemes to ensure “sustainability of essential health services, including expansion of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), multi-year financing of the costs of priority health programs, and ensuring equitable and efficient distribution of health resources across the country.”

In a word, the schemes comprise “privatization.”

According to the USAID website, its health policy development program runs an operations research project in Compostela Valley. There, the agency is testing “an integrated approach for preventing mother and child deaths through information and social mobilization.”

When it comes to its dealings with local government units, the USAID has its Strengthening Local Governance for Health (HealthGov) Project and the Sustainable Health Improvements through Empowerment and Local Development (SHIELD) Project. Here, the US agency involves itself in LGUs’ operations when it comes to establishing or maintaining health systems, on matters of financing, and in health service provision. The two projects are at the core of the the US agency’s health program areas — maternal and child health, family planning, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and emerging infectious diseases in areas in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) thru the Shield Project) and non-ARMM areas (through HealthGov).
HealthGov is said to focus on maternal and child health. Through the project, the USAID develops technical assistance products such as a tool to access the health department’s MCH grants by local governments. The project also supports advocacy for increased funding support and improved programs on MCH and other health issues.

As for the Shield Project, it is the means by which the USAID involves itself in local communities in coordination with local governments. The project sends Community Health Action Teams (CHATs), which supposedly assist health service providers in caring for mothers and newborns, including early detection and referral of mothers and newborns with complications.

In the meantime, it’s not just health programs that the USAID mission to the Philippines is involved in. It also works closely with the US Department of Defense through the Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) in pushing for peace and security programs.

“This well-established civilian-military cooperation has enhanced the effectiveness of US foreign assistance, spread the benefits of assistance more widely, and fostered goodwill towards America among the Philippine people,” the USAID described the JUSMAG in its website.

Wikileaks on RH bill

Former US ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney in a cable exposed by Wikileaks has also commented on the RH bill, saying that there were ““Landmark appropriations and draft legislation reflect increasing commitment within the Philippine Government to further expand and sustain programs started forty years ago with US. Government’s assistance through USAID.

Kenney said in a cable, sent from Manila to Washington, DC in July 2008 that the US”continues to be the largest donor in the Philippine population sector supporting efforts to improve local government service delivery and increase private sector contributions to family health outcomes.”.... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com


URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/26/population-control-us-and-aquino-governments%E2%80%99-hidden-agenda-%E2%80%93-gabriela/

Gabriela calls on CBCP to take action on rape of 17-year old girl by Agusan priest

Gabriela calls on CBCP to take action on rape of 17-year old girl by Agusan priest

 “We see very good signs that Leah will be able to recover from the horrors she went through; but we are certain that she can only be made truly whole again if justice is given her.” – Gabriela
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com

MANILA — Supporters of the 17-year old rape victim “Leah” from Agusan del Sur sought the help of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines against the parish priest who allegedly committed the crime. With the support of the Gabriela progressive women’s organization, Leah ‘s plight was made officially known to the CBCP leadership through a letter addressed to CBCP President Rev Bishop Jose Palma.

In the missive, the women’s group related Leah’s sufferings at the hands of former Tubay parish priest Fr. Raul Cabonce. Leah has since filed cases of child abuse, act of lasciviousness and rape against the priest last August 25 at the Butuan Regional Trial Court. Leah said Cabonce repeatedly molested and evetually raped her when she was under his supposed care in St. Anne Parish in Tubay.

The said letter, signed by Gabriela secretary-general Lana Linaban, and co-signed by Mo. Mary John Mananzan, Chairperson of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of Women in the Philippines, and Carmencita Karagdag of the Ecumenical Women’s Forum. The women leaders expressed hope that the CBCP will aid in alleviating Leah’s suffering by taking action on her case and ensuring that justice will be rendered against her tormentor.

“Knowing well that your pastoral action and intervention can make a lot of difference for Leah and other victims’ journey towards justice, we appeal for your immediate action. In the name of integrity of justice, we ask you to intercede,” it read..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/26/population-control-us-and-aquino-governments%E2%80%99-hidden-agenda-%E2%80%93-gabriela/

LRay ups the ante C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S Jonathan De la Cruz 09/26/2011

LRay ups the ante

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

Jonathan De la Cruz

09/26/2011
Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund (LRay) Villafuerte has been in the news lately battling it out with his father, Rep. Luis Sr., and three of the four other members of the province’s congressional delegation, including Deputy Speaker Noli Fuentebella, on the matter of creating a new province out of Bicol’s biggest province. The debate which CamSur folks had hoped would essentially be civil and above aboard has become so heated it has in fact deteriorated into a highly personal “war,” if we may call it such, between LRay and the other leaders. Lately, the youthful governor has upped the ante by filing a plunder case against the Fuentebella family, which is very, very sad and unfortunate indeed. Not only because LRay and the other leaders have been allies for years but because it detracts from a sober and proper discussion of the merits of the proposed measure creating the province of Nueva Camarines..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110926com4.html

Senate to Palace: Explain junking of resolution vs fare hikes By Angie M. Rosales 09/26/2011

Senate to Palace: Explain junking of resolution vs fare hikes

By Angie M. Rosales 09/26/2011

The Palace should explain President Aquino’s decision to ignore a resolution in the Senate urging him to exercise his prerogative to suspend the implementation of impending price increases in the transport sector, opposition Sen. Joker Arroyo said yesterday.

“You cannot (just) disregard (the position taken by) 13 senators. That is the majority of the Senate. They cannot just treat it like that, for Malacanang to dismiss outright our resolution,” Sen. Joker Arroyo said.

“What’s the merit of the resolution of the Senate? The resolution is a polite way of telling the Executive that they should reconsider this (plan). What’s wrong with that kind of resolution? Malacañang should explain where we erred,” the senator said.

Arroyo was referring to Senate resolution 602, initiated by him along with Senators Manuel Villar Jr. and a known strong Aquino ally, Sen. Ralph Recto, and ably supported by nine other colleagues that included the three key leaders of the upper chamber, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110926hed2.html

Judiciary protests, marks ‘Black Monday’ 09/26/2011

PALACE SCRAMBLES, VOWS DIALOG

Judiciary protests, marks ‘Black Monday’

09/26/2011
The hostile relationship between the Judiciary and the Executive is expected to come to a head today as court employees hold a “Black Monday” protest today against plans of the Palace to dip its hands into the budget of the judicial branch under the miscellaneous personnel benefit fund (MPBF) item in the national budget for next year that the Office of the President will have discretion on.

Malacañang tried to head off the nationwide protest, saying that a dialog between the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the judiciary has been scheduled to settle differences between the two branches of government over the budget.

In a statement, the Judiciary Employees Association of the Philippines (Judea) said court employees will wear black shirts and armbands today and on every Monday to show their opposition to the Palace move of impounding the judiciary’s budget.

The MPBF is a source of conflict in the budget since it reduced the judiciary’s budget for next year to P13.4 billion while juggling the budget for unfilled positions to the MPBF..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110926hed1.html

Malacañang in state of denial over sex tourism — Cayetano 09/26/2011

Malacañang in state of denial over sex tourism — Cayetano

09/26/2011
The Aquino administration had chosen to be in a state of denial in questioning the remarks made recently by United States Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. that up to “40 percent” of foreign male tourists go to the country primarily for sexual adventure, Sen. Pia Cayetano said yesterday as she took Malacañang and newly appointed Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez to task for not confronting the real issue on the existence of sex tourism in the country.

“The Palace and Jimenez appear to be in a state of denial regarding the existence and continued proliferation of sex tourism in our country. The remark made by Ambassador Thomas that up to 40 percent of male foreign tourists come here primarily for sex was met by an avalanche of denials from the government,” Cayetano, chairman of the Senate committee on youth, women and family relations, said.

“Instead of directly addressing the issue, Deputy Presidential Spokesman Abigail Valte and Jimenez dwelt on questioning the accuracy of the ambassador’s statistics. But really, may we ask, what has the government been doing to address these problems?” she asked..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110926hed3.html

AFP to host intel confab to be attended by Asean military execs 09/26/2011

AFP to host intel confab to be attended by Asean military execs

09/26/2011
As part of its commitment to regional counter-terrorism efforts in Southeast Asia, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will host tomorrow a two-day intelligence exchange conference among member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence Maj. Gen. Francisco Cruz Jr., who conceived and organized the first ever Asean Militaries Analyst-to-Analyst Intelligence Exchange (AMAIE) Conference, said the meet is part of the efforts to strengthen military cooperation in the Asean region.

“It is designed not only to build ties and enhance networking between and among Asean military intelligence analysts but also to strengthen military cooperation within the Asean region through sharing of best practices and lessons learned, particularly in countering terrorism,” Cruz said.

AFP-Public Affairs Office chief Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said that the inaugural AMAIE Conference on Terrorism will open on Tuesday at the Traders Royal Hotel along Roxas Boulevard..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110926nat7.html

Pirates release 14 abducted Pinoy sailors, announces DFA By Michaela P. del Callar 09/26/2011

Pirates release 14 abducted Pinoy sailors, announces DFA

By Michaela P. del Callar 09/26/2011

The 14 Filipino crew members of a Cyprus-flagged tanker seized by pirates in West Africa were released last Saturday after 10 days in captivity, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Citing a report from Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos Salinas, the DFA said the sailors “are well and safe.” Salinas did not say if ransom was paid to secure the release of the ship and crew.

The MT Mattheos I, with a total of 23 seafarers of mixed nationalities on board, is already on its way to a neutral port, the DFA said. The vessel, which is managed by a Norwegian firm, was captured by Nigerian pirates on Sept. 14 in Lome, Togo.

The last incident of kidnapping in West Africa was in July 2011, involving 20 Filipino seafarers of MT Anema E Core who were eventually released after four days of captivity..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110926nat1.html

DoJ drops complaint vs local drug distributor M E T R O F I L E 09/26/2011

DoJ drops complaint vs local drug distributor

M E T R O F I L E

09/26/2011
In a move upholding the Cheaper Medicine Law, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has dismissed a counterfeiting charge filed against a local drug distributor by three multinational companies. In a six-page resolution, penned by Assistant State Prosecutor Cesar Calubag, the DoJ found insufficient evidence of drug counterfeiting to indict Renante Dumasig. The complaint was filed by Astra Zeneca, Pfizer Phils. and Novartis. The DoJ panel said “while the complainants’ evidence tends to prove that the medicines seized from Dumasig on Nov. 18, 2010 were not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), their conclusion that the items were counterfeit lacks merit.” “A clearer scrutiny of the samples submitted by complainants would show the drugs were manufactured and registered in other country as appearing in their labels. This explains why the seized medicines were not registered with out FDA and the labels thereof were not in accordance with the Philippines Generic Labeling Requirements..... MORE
Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110926met7.html

Dam important to prevent another ‘Ondoy,’ says solon By Gerry Baldo 09/26/2011

Dam important to prevent another ‘Ondoy,’ says solon

By Gerry Baldo 09/26/2011

A lawmaker from Marikina City yesterday pushed the construction of a dam that would prevent another devastating floods that hit the city during typhoon “Ondoy” in 2009.

According to Rep. Miro Quimbo, the people of Marikina constantly live in fear of another Ondoy and that unless intermediate, comprehensive and effective strategies to address flooding in our city are adopted the possibility of another disaster is there.

“It has been two years since Marikina was brought to its knees by typhoon Ondoy and no major flood control project has yet been thought of or is in the drawing board to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy,” Quimbo said.

Quimbo maintained there is a need to come up with a comprehensive plan that will involve not just Marikina but the surrounding cities and municipalities of Antipolo, Pasig, San Mateo and Montalban as well..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110926met1.html

Half-baked measure half-baked measure EDITORIAL 09/25/2011

Half-baked measure half-baked measure

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

09/25/2011
Noynoy’s allies in the House rushing the approval of the budget for next year apparently on the prodding of the Palace, is resulting in an unprecedented spectacle in the legislature of a measure being literally regurgitated, reflecting mostly on the poor leadership of the lower chamber.

The House process requires that the budget bill be in its complete form when it passes second reading as the third and final reading of the bill would merely be a matter of the fine-tuning of its wordings before it is transmitted to the Senate.

For an important bill such as the budget, the process requires a more thorough scrutiny of the measure that should have been done prior to this bill being sent to the plenary, which was supposed to have been done during the first and second readings of the bill.

The third reading should have been done since the bill is to merely receive formal approval of Congress and where amendments are not allowed anymore..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110925com1.html

The hypocrisy of it all FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 09/25/2011

The hypocrisy of it all

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

09/25/2011
For someone who went to New York to speak about transparency in government, he comes off as merely again paying lip service to his pledges and claims of transparency in his government and of his claimed good governance.

Noynoy and his Palace mouthpieces may even think that they have succeeded in convincing, not just the Filipinos but also the world leaders that indeed, his is a transparent and “honest” government that is out to stamp the plague of corruption.

They should think again. Recall that while these various ambassadors to the Philippines openly give their praises of the Noynoy government and lavishly, what they write back home, by way of their secret cables may just be a different picture of what this Noynoy government is.

Still, it is the nature of the usual pro-government Manila media to portray their president in much too good a light, omitting or burying the actual picture..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110925com2.html

DAR accused of ‘conniving’ with Henry Sy’s firm to evict Hacienda Looc farmers

DAR accused of ‘conniving’ with Henry Sy’s firm to evict Hacienda Looc farmers

“DAR officials are fully aware that Hacienda Looc is a contested land and that the fraudulent cancellation of their certificates is not equivalent to a conversion order,” KMP secretary general Danilo Ramos said.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com
Sidebar: Hacienda Looc farmers decry harassment, tag Henry Sy as a ‘landgrabber’
MANILA – Fighting for their land and livelihood, farmers from Hacienda Looc camped outside the national office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Sept. 19.

Farmers belonging to Ugnayan ng mga Mamamayan Laban sa Pangwawasak ng Kalupaan ng Hacienda Looc (Umalpas-Ka) reiterated their demand to stop the conversion of 8,650 hectare Hacienda Looc in Nasugbu, Batangas.

SM Land, owned by business tycoon Henry Sy, is developing 5,800 hectares of Hacienda Looc into the Hamilo Coast project that includes the Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club and the Pico De Loro Residential Condominiums. It aims to develop 13 natural coves, 25 kilometers of pristine beachfront; forests, mountains, limestone cliffs, and rock formations. Since 2004, SM Land has been building structures along the coastal areas, converting farmlands and displacing farmers and fishermen of Hacienda Looc.

Farmers from Hacienda Looc set up a camp in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). (Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea / bulatlat.com)

Umalpas-Ka and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) accused DAR officials and SM Land of collusion to evict farmer-beneficiaries from the hacienda.

“The DAR and SM Land are obviously in collusion with each other to evict farmers and push through with the anti-people Hamilo Coast project in Hacienda Looc,” Armando Lemita, Umalpas-Ka spokesman, said. “The DAR allowed SM Land to grab our lands,” Lemita said.

Lemita said that during their dialogue with DAR, Sept. 13, officials failed to present any conversion order. “SM Land has arbitrarily converted more than 200-hectares of the contested land for the Hamilo Coast land development project,” Lemita said.

In 1990, the DAR granted a collective certificate of land ownership award (CLOA) and emancipation patents (EPs) to farmers in Hacienda Looc under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). After several years, the DAR cancelled the certificates after the government’s Assets Privatization Trust (APT) sold the whole hacienda to Manila Southcoast Development Corp. (MSDC), a member of the SM Group of Companies.

“DAR officials are fully aware that Hacienda Looc is a contested land and that the fraudulent cancellation of their certificates is not equivalent to a conversion order,” KMP secretary general Danilo Ramos said..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/22/dar-accused-of-%E2%80%98conniving%E2%80%99-with-henry-sy%E2%80%99s-firm-to-evict-hacienda-looc-farmers/

Palestinians say UN bid is non-violent resistance focus 09/25/2011

Palestinians say UN bid is non-violent resistance

focus

09/25/2011
UNITED NATIONS — Despite dire warnings that their demand for UN state membership will unleash a cycle of violence, Palestinian leaders say their move is anchored in a tradition of peaceful resistance.

“When you’re occupied and downtrodden and you see that the world is standing next to you it gives you hope,” said top Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath.

“To be honest, part of that hope will go into keeping the Palestinian determination on non-violence and keeps incitement away and keeps also the determination to get their rights back.”

Opponents of the application for a state of Palestine to be admitted as a full member of the United Nations say the move is doomed to fail and will only fuel new bloodshed in a region scarred by decades of unrest.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110925com3.html

Biazon should be steadfast N.O . N.O.N.S.E.N.S.E Jacinto ‘Jing’ Paras 09/25/2011

Biazon should be steadfast

N.O . N.O.N.S.E.N.S.E

Jacinto ‘Jing’ Paras

09/25/2011
Last Thursday, Biazon , the new Commissioner of Customs, made a big bang by announcing that he had filed with the Department of Justice a complaint against Petronas Energy Philippines over the questionable importation of LPG resulting in a loss of revenue to government in the amount of a billion pesos. We could have said thank you for the good job except for the question of, why only against Petronas? Why not against Shell Pilipinas which had been caught several times for smuggling at the Port of Batangas and involving several billions of pesos that were lost in government revenues due to said smuggling activities?

Is Shell so influential and powerful that the Bureau of Customs (BoC) now under the leadership of Biazon cannot touch? Is it because of the interference of a Malacañang official by the name of Secretary Rene Almendras that Biazon is not acting against Shell? It has been said that former Commissioner Alvarez refused to file a complaint against Shell and collect from the oil firm the sum of P1.5 billion as excise taxes and VAT despite the very clear findings of smuggling and the subsequent recommendation from the BoC at the Port of Batangas to file charges and collect the said taxes from Shell..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110925com5.html

Smoking VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 09/25/2011

Smoking

VIEWPOINTS

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz

09/25/2011
There is no need for any more scientific investigation, for further laboratory experimentation. Men, women and young people know it. Professionals, businessmen and laborers know it. Practically anybody and everybody know it. What? Smoking is bad! It is bad for the health of the smoker as well as for all those around the latter. Smoking ruins the lungs and the heart of smokers together with those inhaling their smoke that slowly invades a bigger and bigger space.

No wonder that even cigarette packs carry the clear and signal warning that smoking is a danger to the wellbeing of people, the smokers themselves in particular. This is why there are simple as well classy restaurants, small together with huge buildings — mega malls included — where smoking is banned altogether. Thus it is that smoking is now even considered taboo in these and those public places. In other words, no one with a sound mind and good will recommends smoking whenever to whoever.

Nicotene — this is the archenemy of good health, the primary cause of many fatal sickness, the distinct curse of smokers — with all those engulfed by the smoke they blow here and there..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110925com7.html

P300-M loans for farmers become Quedancor pabaon 09/25/2011

PANGILINAN SAYS SENATE TO INVESTIGATE

P300-M loans for farmers become Quedancor pabaon

09/25/2011
The Senate is looking into possible another anomaly during the term of former President Arroyo involving the diversion a loan program for farmers under the Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) acquired by the Quedan Rural Credit Guarantee Corp. (Quedancor) to provide Quedancor officials with golden parachutes on their retirement.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate committee on agriculture and food, said his committee would investigate irregularities in the use of the ACEF which was worth P10 billion but was mostly diverted for purposes other than lending to farmers including pabaons for Quedancor officials.

The conversion scheme called pabaon was made popular by revelations of a similar program in the military in which princely amounts are given to retiring generals obtained from the diversion of military funds.

Pangilinan said that based on the report submitted to him last January, the ACEF records show that it only has P1.8 billion balance..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110925hed1.html