Racism, war — and laughs for Arab-Americans focus 10/01/2011

Racism, war — and laughs for Arab-Americans

focus

10/01/2011
NEW YORK — Osama bin Laden, racial profiling, airport security, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict — and that was just the opening for Arab-American comedians at a New York festival.

No topic was too edgy at the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival in a packed Manhattan club on Wednesday. And for a group often marginalized, if not mistrusted, since the Sept. 11 attacks, it was a chance to unwind.

“People tell me, ‘We killed Osama, what do you think, bro?’ I say I don’t care. Tell me when someone kills my landlord,” Sam, a Lebanese-American comedian said.

As the laughter died down, he declared, deadpan, that he didn’t think the al-Qaeda leader had really been killed..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20111001com3.html

UP administration, students scoff at Abad’s justification for SUC budget

UP administration, students scoff at Abad’s justification for SUC budget

“If we are given a zero budget, would that mean that we would land in the top position?” UP student regent Krissy Conti told bulatlat.com, adding that Malacañang should not compare the University of the Philippines with other private universities that are profit-oriented.
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Bulatlat.com
 
MANILA — For a few weeks now, students across the country have been holding protest actions condemning the proposed budget cuts on state universities and colleges. The Aquino administration has repeatedly denied that there are cuts in the budget for SUCs. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad claims that the budget for SUCs increased from $540.1 million to $594.8 million, which is broken down into $537.8 million for the core budget of SUCs, $45.6 million to fill up vacancies lumped under the Miscellaneous and Personnel Benefit Fund (MPBF), and $11.4 million allotted to the Committee on Higher Education to align the curriculum of SUCs to available jobs.

“We do not know where Abad got his figures. But even if it is true, it is still a far cry from the P45 billion that we are asking for and the allotment for the capital outlay remains zero,” University of the Philippines student regent Krissy Conti told Bulatlat.com.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad also said a higher budget for SUCs does not necessarily translate to a higher quality of education citing the Quacquarelli Symonds world university report where the University of the Philippines (UP) still fared better than other private universities.

“Note the recent international survey where the well-funded Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and UST (University of Santo Tomas) fared worse than the underfunded UP,” Abad said in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report.

Other stakeholders in the issue, however, think otherwise.

Prof. Danilo Arao, assistant to the vice president for Public Affairs and director of System Information Office of UP, said in an interview with bulatlat.com that Abad’s view may be one way of looking at it. “But how much more if we are given our sufficient budget?”

“If you look at the grand scheme of things, we rank 62 in Asia and is way behind worldwide,” Arao said. He added that UP should not be compared to other private universities because it is a “national university” by virtue of its charter..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/30/up-administration-students-scoff-at-abads-justification-for-suc-budget/

PAL workers intensify protest actions

PAL workers intensify protest actions

By October 1, regular PAL workers are under threat of being locked out of PAL, as the Lucio Tan Group of companies would start its outsourcing plan in earnest.
By MARYA SALAMAT
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — While typhoon Pedring was ravaging the Philippines last Tuesday, a combined force of the Philippine National Police, Manila International Airport Authority and Philippine Air Lines security guards unleashed their strength on the protesting workers of PAL, as they dispersed and bodily dragged off the airline premises hundreds of these PAL workers.

In the nearby OLAP (Our Lady of Airways Parish) chapel where some workers and supporters gathered in the afternoon, the police also reportedly barricaded its premises and threatened the workers congregating inside, prompting the parish priest to come out and remind the police that “it is the workers’ right to conduct rallies and express themselves, and the police have no right to interfere inside the church.”

In Cebu, members of the now 65-year-old Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) also held a picket last Tuesday.

As of this report, PALEA members are still conducting various kinds of protests in the vicinity of the airport. Meanwhile, the management of PAL and President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino who arrived from Japan last night were threatening protesters with legal cases for having conducted a mass action last Tuesday. The said protest was blamed by PAL management for the cancellation of domestic and international flights at the height of typhoon Pedring.

But some flights remained cancelled on Wednesday even if the protesters had been bodily hauled off the airline premises by the police. Sources from plane cabin crews noted that the cancellations and the confusion that resulted in passengers being told to shuttle from one place to another were caused by still untrained new workers brought in by Lucio Tan Group’s MacroAsia.

Last Tuesday’s protest and the ongoing pockets of protests this week erupted from a series of commotions in the airport involving PAL regular workers refusing to give up their jobs or work with “non-PAL workers” brought in by Tan’s Macro Asia. Unionists’ postings in their Facebook also revealed that tensions are rising in the airport as employees continue to defy PAL’s outsourcing plan while management gears to lock the workers out by the end of this month.

It appears that Tan’s MacroAsia is shaping up as the third-party service provider who would take over the soon-to-be outsourced departments of PAL.

Implementation of questionable outsourcing plan

Since two years ago, members of PALEA had expressed hopes that their infamous 10-year CBA moratorium was finally over and that they could start negotiating a new CBA. They said all indications pointed to PAL having successfully bounced back from its crisis. But as it turned out, most PALEA members found themselves threatened instead.

Members told bulatlat.com that instead of a thank you for their decade-long sacrifice, the PAL management is seeking to retrench them (at least 2,600 workers of the 3,700-plus union) via a so-called outsourcing scheme.

The workers condemned the scheme as just a contractualization and union-busting plan in disguise. The labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno said it is geared only for Lucio Tan’s increased “profiteering,” and not because of business exigencies as “incurring losses.” But the labor department and then the office of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III still ignored these and approved the Lucio Tan Group’s outsourcing plan.... MORE
Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/29/pal-workers-intensify-protest-actions/

Farmers fear Aquino selling out to foreign firms

Farmers fear Aquino selling out to foreign firms

“These land lease schemes have turned farmers into mere low wage-earning agricultural workers instead of being empowered owner-cultivators.” – Randall Echanis, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas
By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com

MANILA – While President Benigno S. Aquino III is ecstatic about the planned $15-million dollar investment in processing coco water by U.S. companies, farmers feel otherwise.

Aquino, upon his arrival Sept. 23 from a working visit to the US, said two companies – Pepsi Co. and Vita Coco.– have expressed interest in investing in the country’s coconut industry. Aquino said Vita Coco officials told him that they intend to invest $15 million in the next four years.

Aquino said the coconut industry must meet the international demand for coco water (popularly known as buko juice in the Philippines), an alternative to commercial energy drinks.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) feared that the 3.3 million hectares of coconut lands would be controlled by US agro-corporations.

“We fear that Aquino’s pasalubong would replicate the experience of farmers in Mindanao where US-based agro-corporations like Del Monte and Dole now enjoy lifetime control over tens of thousands of hectares of lands,” Randall Echanis, KMP deputy secretary general, said, referring to the country’s 50-year leaseback agreement with the US corporations that is renewable for another 25 years.

Echanis called on Aquino “to divulge the terms” of the investments fearing that this could lead to “one-sided and onerous land lease deals” between the US and the Philippines.

“These land lease schemes have turned farmers into mere low wage-earning agricultural workers instead of being empowered owner-cultivators,” Echanis said adding that the schemes “undermined the rights of farmers over their lands.”
There are 3.4 million farmer-families dependent on the country’s 3.37 million hectares of land devoted to coconut or 26 percent of the country’s total agricultural lands.

In Quezon province alone, 204,000 coconut farmer-families are dependent on 388,664 hectares of coco lands, according to a study by the Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (Kasama-TK).

“The sellout of lands to foreign investors that Aquino cannot do in his family’s Hacienda Luisita due to the controversial agrarian dispute and farmworkers’ resistance, he is now doing in the country’s vast coconut lands,” Echanis said.

Coco levy
 
Echanis also said if the Aquino administration is really sincere in developing the coconut industry, it should “immediately return to small coconut farmers the more than P150 billion coconut levy funds trapped in his uncle Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco’s San Miguel Corporation.”

“The $15 million investment from the US is no match to the P150 billion ($3.488 billion) coco levy funds and the billions of pesos of agricultural funds being plundered by corrupt officials. The immediate return of the coco levy funds to genuine small coconut farmers is still among the solutions for the development of the coconut industry and not through onerous and one-sided investments,” Echanis said..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/29/farmers-fear-aquino-selling-out-to-foreign-firms/

Support for wage hike bills snowballs in Congress

Support for wage hike bills snowballs in Congress

 
The recorded profit of the top 1,000 corporations in the Philippines ballooned more than five times (552-percent) in a decade, but the average wages and salaries increased only 31-percent over the same period.
Sidebar: Rep. Winnie Castelo to plank for wage hike bill
By MARYA SALAMAT
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – Citing papal writings and research findings on economic, historical and comparative aspects of continuously denying the Filipino workers a substantial wage hike, a legislators’ forum organized by the House of Representatives labor committee upon the request of Anakpawis Partylist Rafael Mariano last Monday succeeded in gathering additional authorship and support for wage hike bills in Congress. Rep. Mariano is the author of House Bills 375 and 3746, which seek to enact a significant increase in the minimum wages of workers in the private and public sectors.

“A democratic state can do no less than side with their workers and their wages over capitalists and their profits,” said Sonny Africa, head of research of non-government economic think-tank Ibon Philippines. Africa showed the gathered legislators and unionists the huge disparity between the Filipino workers’ wages, which had barely increased in the last decade, and the capitalist profits which had ballooned nearly six times over the same period. Africa also showed how wage rates have continuously lagged behind and farther even from the government’s estimated family living wages.

From 2001 to 2009, the recorded net income of the top 1,000 corporations in the Philippines had ballooned more than five times (552-percent), from P116-billion ($2.65b) in 2001 to P756-billion ($17.27b) in 2009. But the average daily wages and salaries increased only 31-percent over the same period, from P222 ($5.1) in 2001 to P291 ($6.6) in 2009.

Sonny Africa of Ibon and other labor leaders told legislators that a substantial wage hike is good for the economy.(Photo by Marya Salamat / bulatlat.com)

Under President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s more than a year-old administration, Filipinos’ wages have also not yet significantly increased despite his promises of change and fulfilling the Filipinos’ dreams during his campaign. The P22 ($0.50) additional cost-of-living-allowance it granted last May has barely brought the minimum wages closer to the needed family living wage.

In the National Capital Region, Ibon computed the family living wage at P999 ($22.82) as of Aug this year, but the minimum wage is pegged in the National Capital Region (NCR), where it is highest, at P426 ($9.73). The gap between minimum wages and family living wage is wider outside of NCR. Africa clarified that they based the computations on the National Wages and Productivity Commission’s data, even as he noted that the NWPC’s webpage for such data has been “under construction” for quite a while now.

Ibon also told the legislators that a P125 ($2.86) across-the-board wage increase nationwide will only mean a 15-percent cut in profits of companies operating in the country. It will still not bring the minimum wages close to the needed living wages, which the Philippine constitution has explicitly guaranteed its citizens.

There is budget, but little priority is given to public sector workers’ wages

Taxes collected by the government in the last decade have more than doubled (from P600-billion [$13.71b] in 2001 to P1,250-billion [$28.6b] in 2010), Ferdinand Gaite, national president of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage) told the legislators’ forum. But the wages of public sector workers in the same period, noted Mr Gaite, have increased by only less than half (49-percent), and a big part of it was accounted for by bigger leaps in salaries of executives in government agencies, rather than in salaries of sub-professional and professional levels..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/28/support-for-wage-hike-bills-snowballs-in-congress/

Senators cool to con-ass By Angie M. Rosales 10/01/2011

DRILON PRESSES CHA-CHA, ECONOMIC AMENDMENTS

Senators cool to con-ass

By Angie M. Rosales 10/01/2011

Senators yesterday expectedly raised a howl over the reported consensus reached by Congress leaders during Thursday’s legislative summit, to explore the idea of tinkering with the Constitution, saying that there was no prior discussion on this, much more, was there a collective position among upper chamber members even reached.

An administration senator said agreements reached by leaders of the two Houses of Congress “do not bind the Senate in any way.”

A member of the minority bloc said she and her colleagues were unaware that Charter change (Cha-cha) is even part of their senators’ priority agenda under the current Congress.

Sen. Franklin Drilon, who delivered a paper on the possible revision of the 1987 Constitution in the summit held at the Edsa Shangri-la hotel in Mandaluyong, was quick to defend the congressional leaders’ move, amid criticisms hurled at them by their peers..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20111001hed1.html

Aquino junks FoI, says it will be misused By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 10/01/2011

Aquino junks FoI, says it will be misused

By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 10/01/2011
With the congressional leaders agreeing to list, as one of Congress’ priority bills, the Freedom of Information bill, there was an instant reaction from President Aquino, who came up with yet another excuse not to have this bill prioritized and conjuring up images of dangerous situations as a result of an FoI Act.

Aquino stressed that while he wants Filipinos to be completely informed, he also wants to make sure that the idea of a little knowledge leading to a “lot of danger” won’t happen here.

But he admitted that he has gone cold on the FoI bill because of fears that providing the public with access to government documents might not be put to good use and instigate panic or even cause harm to certain people.

He failed to explain why such access to public documents can instigate panic and cause harm to certain people, obviously referring to his officials, since these are public and government documents and that, if everything is above-board, an FoI should not create any panic in government officials, including himself, nor cause harm to them..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20111001hed2.html

‘Quiel’ intensifies, storm signals up over ‘Pedring’-ravaged areas 10/01/2011

‘Quiel’ intensifies, storm signals up over ‘Pedring’-ravaged areas

10/01/2011
More areas in the northern part of the country have been placed under storm signals by the government’s weather service as typhoon “Quiel” intensified further and increased its threat to Northern Luzon, which areas are still reeling from the devastation brought about by typhoon “Pedring.”

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), as of press time yesterday, placed Cagayan and Isabela Storm Signal No. 3.

Under Storm Signal No. 2 are: Northern Aurora, Quirino, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Kalinga, Apayao, Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands while the rest of Aurora, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Abra, are under Storm Signal No. 1.

Manila should be spared the worst of the weekend weather, forecaster Sonny Pajarillo said..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20111001hed3.html

RP takes territorial dispute with China to UN body By Michaela P. del Callar 10/01/2011

RP takes territorial dispute with China to UN body

By Michaela P. del Callar 10/01/2011
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The Philippine government has taken a long simmering territorial dispute with China to the United Nations General Assembly, where it called for a rules-based solution to the conflict and used West Philippine Sea to refer to the vast sea body in contention in defiance of Beijing’s stance.

Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN Libran Cabactulan, in his speech during the General Debate of the 66th UN General Assembly last Tuesday, said rule of law, such as the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), “is the key to finding solutions to the disputes over conflicting claims in the West Philippine Sea,” otherwise known as the South China Sea.

“In instances of disputes – particularly of a territorial nature - the rule of law ensures peaceful settlement and resolution,” Cabactulan said. “Adherence to the rule of law prevents from conflicts.”

Speaking on the conflicts before an international forum further demonstrated the Philippines’ unwavering position to defend and re-assert its claim over its territories within maritime boundaries set by the Unclos, risking another backlash from China, which prefers a bilateral discussion of the issue..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20111001nat4.html

Magsaysay joins calls for wage increase for workers nationwide 10/01/2011

Magsaysay joins calls for wage increase for workers nationwide

10/01/2011
Amid the irrevocable implementation of the 12 percent VAT on toll starting today, October 1, Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay joined progressive lawmakers in calling on the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to reassess the feasibility of a wage increase for workers to able to cope with inflation and skyrocketing prices of goods.

According to Magsaysay, even a recent report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) indicated that wages in the country have been stagnant compared to our Asian neighbors.

“Compounding this issue is the incessant increases in the prices of basic commodities, and expenses such fares and the worst being the high prices of petroleum products which cause a ripple effect on goods and transport, which is exacerbated by the 12 percent VAT on toll and the impending increase in MRT and LRT fares,” Magsaysay said.

Militant lawmakers have been calling for a legislated P125 across-the-board wage hike..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20111001met2.html

No price hike in basic goods despite VAT on toll — Palace By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 10/01/2011

No price hike in basic goods despite VAT on toll — Palace

By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 10/01/2011

Even with the implementation of the value added tax (VAT) on toll starting today, Malacañang downplayed claims that this would jack up prices of basic commodities and may even warrant a fare increase in public utility vehicles plying along tollways.

At a press briefing yesterday, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said there’s nothing to worry about even if toll rates would now be higher by 12 percent as a result of the VAT on toll because “the effects on transport fare and goods of the tax measure would be minimal.”

“The effect on goods, or the effect on passenger buses and the effect on passengers will be very insignificant,” Lacierda said as he noted that “any incremental increase in fares would be shared by passengers and the effect would be minimal.”

But while allaying fears that the effect of the VAT on toll would be hardly felt by the public, Lacierda raised the possibility that some traders might take advantage of the situation and jack up their prices..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20111001met1.html

Super Nora explosion By Kathleen Llemit 10/01/2011

Super Nora explosion

By Kathleen Llemit 10/01/2011
The sleeping town of Aling Sula and local tinseltown stuck in the doldrums were shaken by the homecoming of a star that was thought by many to have faded into oblivion. In just a month after an eight-year hiatus from the land that gave birth to her showbiz Superstar status, La Aunor, Ate Guy or Nora Aunor reentered the scene in which she had reigned for so long like a supernova, explosive and intense.

And like a supernova, the Superstar caused a pandemonium as soon as her plane landed at the NAIA earlier last month as legions of her loyal fans, some of which reportedly came from the provinces and rented a bus just to see her, were seen crying at the sight of their long lost idol.

As explosive as a supernova, La Aunor has managed to be the face of several glossies including her controversial cigarette-holding cover of the latest issue of Yes! magazine, which had some sectors reacting that her cover does not help in the promotion of a smoke-free Philippines.

In the same issue, La Aunor spills the beans about her real sexuality, her “admiration” for erstwhile “rival” and now Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, and her straightforward answer on why she chooses not to work with a certain station, all of which generated an overflow of reactions ranging from approval to blind fanaticism to severe dislike in several entertainment Web sites such as www.pep.ph..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110930com6.html

Our energy ‘Sputnik’ moment DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 09/30/2011

The usual divide and rule path

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

09/30/2011
The divide and rule tack of Noynoy’s yellow appointees at the state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is working perfectly, which may be enough to destroy the global reputation of the bank.

The DBP is the government’s premier commercial bank which, along with the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), that in turn was created to supposedly serve the vast agricultural sector, was designed as tools for the country’s development.

Lately, however, the only development that has been seen at DBP is infighting among its officials and a bitter feud among Noynoy’s appointees and the past leadership of the bank.

The conflict within the DBP is a microcosm of the many conflicts within the fractious Noynoy administration.
The public, for instance, is now used to hearing about the Balay and the Samar factions’ internal struggle in Malacañang and the almost public display of one faction pathetically trying to outdo the other.

There were also several instances when Noynoy’s yellow people tried to impose their will on the agencies that they colonize.

At the DBP, the yellow appointees backed by the minions of Noynoy’s cronies are supposedly on a crusade to cleanse the state bank of its crooked past.

On the cross hair of the yellow appointees are the former DBP officials and businessman Roberto Ongpin who has long been suspected by the yellows and the new administration officials to be a chief crony of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

Employees were not asked but ordered to turn in what they knew about past irregular dealings and when the evidence is considered insufficient, it does not matter that these are manufactured to suit their whims.

The turf battle at DBP has reached international notice, with credit watchdog Standard and Poors issuing a subtle warning about a possible downgrade of DBP’s credit grade that would make it more expensive, if not difficult, for the bank to borrow abroad or the value of guarantees that the bank gives on loans to private companies degraded.

The derating on the bank, it being an integral part of government, may also reflect on the overall credit grade of the country.

The conflict at DBP only goes to show the shortsighted character of Noynoy and the people around him in running the government or its different arms.

Noynoy similarly has the penchant of deciding based on immediate needs while not seeing the future implications of his decisions. A clear proof of this, was his donating $1 million to the Japanese victims of the earthquake that happened way back in March.

The day after the donation, while he was still in Japan, typhoon “Pedring” struck, devastating most of Luzon, including Metro Manila.

Those left in the country found out to their dismay that only P3 million was left in the calamity fund to be spent which would not last for long for the many victims of the devastation caused by the typhoon.

The DBP situation would not have been blown out of proportion had the appointees of Noynoy shed their cloak of conceit and sought cooperation from employees of the bank instead of threatening them.

As it turned out, the appointees of Noynoy are being resisted by those who they are supposed to work with in improving the performance of the state bank.

Consider that the first order of business of Noynoy’s appointees was to dig up alleged irregular loans transacted with the bank instead of attending to the many requests from troubled business sectors for government assistance.

A serious reform at all levels of government is indeed expected from the administration of Noynoy but not through an abrasive mob-like manner that the yellow crowd surrounding to which Noynoy is accustomed.
Now, trouble at the DBP is near tipping point with the employees up to the managerial level appears to be closing ranks against the appointees of Noynoy.

The resolution of the conflict in the state bank would require either most of the employees being terminated or the appointees of Noynoy being sent packing out of DBP.

The latter is more ideal but would likely not happen with Noynoy’s help.
 

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110930com6.html

The usual divide and rule path EDITORIAL Click to enlarge 09/30/2011

The usual divide and rule path

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

09/30/2011
The divide and rule tack of Noynoy’s yellow appointees at the state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is working perfectly, which may be enough to destroy the global reputation of the bank.

The DBP is the government’s premier commercial bank which, along with the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), that in turn was created to supposedly serve the vast agricultural sector, was designed as tools for the country’s development.

Lately, however, the only development that has been seen at DBP is infighting among its officials and a bitter feud among Noynoy’s appointees and the past leadership of the bank.

The conflict within the DBP is a microcosm of the many conflicts within the fractious Noynoy administration.
.... MORE

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

Cha-cha on their mind FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 09/30/2011

Cha-cha on their mind

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

09/30/2011
Senate and House leaders during their first Legislative Summit yesterday reportedly agreed on a new mode of amending the Charter to be called the “bicameral constituent assembly (con-ass)” whereby the two chambers come together, but vote separately on the proposed amendments to the 1987 Charter.

This way, said some leaders, the controversial provision regarding the matter of a three-fourth vote from all the members of the entire Congress, i.e., the House and the Senate, voting as one body and not separately, will have been resolved through the “bicameral con-ass.”

As long as this mode of changing the Charter is not challenged before the high court, that mode is likely to push through. But what if this is challenged?

It has to be pointed out that there are only two modes by which Congress can amend the Charter and the first mode stated clearly in the Constitution says that “Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed by (1) Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its members; or (2) a constitutional convention (con-con).”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110930com2.html

Down with the billboards NO HOLDS BARRED Armida Siguion-Reyna 09/30/2011

Down with the billboards

NO HOLDS BARRED

Armida Siguion-Reyna

09/30/2011
This lola did not agree with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) anti-smoking memorandum that empowered its men to arrest smokers caught on sidewalks and curbsides and inside private vehicles on Edsa. Neither, with its suggestion to arm traffic enforcers.

With the first, it wasn’t so much to defend smokers’ rights, as it was to recognize the myriad crimes taking place in the city’s main artery na nadadagdagan pa, imbes kumonti. Never mind the jaywalkers, although those who reject the use of walkways and pedestrian lanes run the risk of being hit-and-run victims. Mas dapat bang unahing hulihin ang naninigarilyo kaysa sa mga rugby solvent-sniffers, motorcycling thieves grabbing cell phones and handbags and bands of minors preying on unlocked taxis?

Regarding arming MMDA traffic enforcers to protect them from the deleterious effects of “road rage,” well, I’ve let out my bit about that, almost just recently, here in this same space. The proposal was borne by the “lack of respect” for the MMDA man-on-the-road, reasoning along the lines of “If we can’t respect him, then we arm him, so he’s able to shoot back.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110930com4.html

Palea vs the people C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S Jonathan De la Cruz 09/30/2011

Palea vs the people

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

Jonathan De la Cruz

09/30/2011
Unfortunate and grave! This is all I can say about that wildcat strike launched by the Philippine Airlines (PAL) employees’ union, Philippine Airlines Employees Association (Palea), last Tuesday, as Typhoon “Pedring” battered the metropolis. That strike stranded thousands of PAL passengers not only in the country but overseas and disrupted for a good 11 hours the operations of the nation’s flag carrier. One passenger, a certain Annie Recio, who was flying to Iloilo to visit her ailing mother and who braved the rains to be at the airport on time only to be told flights were cancelled summed the public’s sentiments well when she said “while she could sympathize with the Palea members’ plight what they did was unforgivable...they have a responsibility to the passengers and the public to do their job and not let them suffer as well.”

Indeed, that strike could not have been done at the worst time. There was a typhoon, people were hurrying to their destinations and essential cargoes were being moved in, out and around the country that any kind of disruption would cause irreparable damage not only to PAL but probably even more to its customers such as Recio whose presence beside her ailing mother was beyond any consideration. No wonder she was visibly shaken and angry when she got interviewed by members of media..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune
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URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110930com5.html

Senate, House agree on Cha-cha By Angie M. Rosales, Charlie V. Manalo and Virgilio Bugaoisan 09/30/2011

MALACAÑANG INSISTS CHARTER CHANGE NOT A PRIORITY

Senate, House agree on Cha-cha

By Angie M. Rosales, Charlie V. Manalo and Virgilio Bugaoisan 09/30/2011

It took a Legislative Summit organized by the leaders of both houses of Congress to agree on amending the Constitution through a newly introduced mode that will enable the House and the Senate to vote separately, instead of jointly, as stated in the Constitution.

But Malacañang said it is not keen on pushing Charter change even if it is only to amend restrictive economic provisions but that it would not stop Congress if one or both chambers proceed in pursuing constitutional reforms.

Leaders of both chambers of Congress yesterday agreed, during the summit, to proceed separately on the manner by which to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

The Constitution is, however, clear on the modes by which Congress can amend or revise the Charter, and in both instances, the Charter states that both chambers must vote jointly, either with a three-fourths vote for Congress itself to introduce amendments, or two-thirds, or a majority, again voting jointly, to amend the Charter through a constitutional convention..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110930hed1.html

Ball on Palace’s court, SC says on tolls VAT By Virgilio Bugaoisan and Benjamin B. Pulta 09/30/2011

Ball on Palace’s court, SC says on tolls VAT

By Virgilio Bugaoisan and Benjamin B. Pulta 09/30/2011

The Supreme Court yesterday said the ball is on Malacañang’s court whether or not to impose the value-added tax (VAT) on road tolls starting tomorrow as there is no more legal impediment with the lifting of the temporary restraining order on the tax despite a pending motion for reconsideration on its imposition.

SC spokesman and Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez said the Bureau of Internal revenue (BIR) may opt to impose the unpopular 12-percent VAT on toll rates after the SC lifted yesterday the freeze order issued against the imposition.

Despite wide public clamor mainly from the Senate and various transport and commuter groups, the Palace said President Aquino will not lift a finger to defer the implementation of the VAT on toll tomorrow.

At a press briefing, Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said Aquino would not intercede to stop the implementation of the VAT on toll because the Palace has no choice but to abide by the decision of the Supreme Court..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110930hed2.html

SC upholds conviction of 17 ASG in nurses’ abduction By Benjamin B. Pulta 09/30/2011

SC upholds conviction of 17 ASG in nurses’ abduction

By Benjamin B. Pulta 09/30/2011

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the conviction of 17 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits for the abduction 10 years ago of Ediborah Yap and three other nurses from a government hospital in Lamitan, Basilan.

The special second division of high tribunal turned down the appeal of the accused and stood by its earlier decision last June that affirmed the conviction of the terrorist group led by the late Khadaffy Janjalani and Abu Sabaya.

“The court resolves to deny the motion with finality, the basic issues raised therein having been duly considered and passed upon by the court in the aforesaid decision and no substantial argument having been adduced to warrant the reconsideration sought,” stated the notice of resolution signed by division clerk of court Ma. Luisa Laurea.

The SC again held that the Court of Appeals was correct in directing the convicted Abu Sayyaf bandits to pay P200,000 in moral damages to the family of Yap and to kidnap victims Shiela Tabuñag, Reina Malonzo and Joel Guillo, and also to pay additional P150,000 in civil indemnity and exemplary damages to Yap’s heirs..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110930nat1.html

Roxas’ biofuels unit start full operations 09/30/2011

Roxas’ biofuels unit start full operations

09/30/2011
The bio-fuel unit of listed sugar group Roxas’ Holdings Inc. (RHI), Roxol Bioenergy Corp., has started full operations after the government announced the guidelines for the much-awaited pricing mechanism for ethanol will be signed soon.

RHI chairman Pedro Roxas said the company was informed that the guidelines shall involve a reference price for locally produced fuel ethanol based on the National Biofuel Board’s published prices of feedstock as monitored by the Sugar Regulatory Administration..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/business/20110930bus6.html

Pimentel calls for probe into GMA cover-up of massive poll fraud in 2007 09/30/2011

Pimentel calls for probe into GMA cover-up of massive poll fraud in 2007

09/30/2011
Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III yesterday called for an investigation into the alleged cover-up by former President Arroyo of massive fraud during the 2007 senatorial elections.

“There is sworn testimony that the former President was the main player behind the cover-up of the rigging of the 2007 elections,” Pimentel said.

The senator, chairman of the Senate committee on electoral reforms, was referring to the sworn testimony, dated Aug. 22, http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110930met1.html2011 of former South Cotabato acting provincial election supervisor Lilian Suan-Radam.

Radam surfaced recently and revealed a grand scheme involving former Malacañang officials and former top officials of the Commission on Elections led by then chairman Benjamin Abalos.

Radam admitted she and several other election officers were given instructions to manipulate the results to favor the Arroyo administration’s Team Unity senatorial candidates..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110930met1.html

Navotas, Malabon cities placed in state of calamity after ‘Pedring’ 09/30/2011

Navotas, Malabon cities placed in state of calamity after ‘Pedring’

09/30/2011
The cities of Navotas and Malabon have been placed under a state of calamity as most villages of the two neighboring areas in northern Metro Manila are still flooded and thousands of families remain holed up at various evacuation centers.

In separate phone interviews, Navotas Mayor John Reynald Tiangco and Malabon Mayor Tito Oreta said they were elated by the quick reaction of the members of the two cities’ Sanggunian who held emergency council sessions for the purpose.

“Thus we are declaring a state of calamity in the city so as the affected residents will be immediately provided with the much-needed assistance, especially those still holed up at several temporary shelters put up by the city government,” Tiangco and Oreta said.

Tiangco cited the importance of placing the coastal city under such state, saying this would be beneficial to the families since the local government can be able to purchase their immediate needs through emergency procurement..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110930met2.html

Unprepared, as usual EDITORIAL 09/29/2011

Unprepared, as usual

EDITORIAL

Click to enlarge

09/29/2011
Despite being a typhoon-prone country, with at least 20 typhoon visits annually, government authorities have proven to still be unprepared for typhoon disasters. And even with a change of leadership in the weather bureau that had been given more weather forecasting equipment, we are still unprepared for the big ones, especially on typhoons hitting Metro Manila.

By the time the weather bureau and Malacañang sounded the alarm, Metro Manila streets were already flooded, and too many schoolchildren as well as office workers had already made their way to their schools and offices, leaving them wet and stranded, with nowhere to seek shelter from the howling winds and heavy rains.

Why could not the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the traffic policemen, for instance have stationed themselves near the flooded areas to at least stop drivers and their vehicles from continuing with their driving into the streets that already had the waters rising? That way, if they were turned away and closed the streets early enough, such as the Pasay-Manila stretch of Roxas Boulevard, all the way to Bonifacio Avenue, less vehicles would not have been stranded right smack into the impassable flooded areas..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110929com1.html

Creating more problems FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 09/29/2011

Creating more problems

FRONTLINE

Ninez Cacho-Olivares

09/29/2011
One is unsure whether Noynoy believes it is the Spratlys issue that will keep him popular with the international community, specifically the US and Japan and the Asean governments, or if he is angling for more support for him and the disputed Spratlys favoring the Philippine stand against China.

Whatever the reason, Noynoy is playing a fairly dangerous game against China, because no matter how much the US and Japan side with Noynoy, due mainly to “international sea lanes access” particularly untrammeled passage rather than regional security reasons, when China shove comes to push, neither the US nor the Japanese government, and for that matter, the Hanoi government is likely to wage a war against super power China.

It certainly was much too indiscreet of Noynoy to state, when he was in the US some weeks back, that China will be “reasonable” on this Spratlys issue as long as China can save face.

And truly, there was no need for Noynoy to bring up the disputed Spratlys problem in the US, since his trip there had nothing to do with the disputed islands, but to speak before a forum launching a transparency in government theme. Yet he had to bring this issue up, either before a business meeting or a Filipino community type meeting..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: lhttp://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110929com2.html

Australian history looms over boatpeople issue focus 09/29/2011

Australian history looms over boat people issue

focus

09/29/2011
SYDNEY — A national obsession with border security, the legacy of outdated racist policies, and fears over job security have made asylum-seekers one of Australia’s thorniest political problems, experts say.

Boatpeople arrivals have for years prompted heated debate in Australia, with some deriding them as “queue-jumpers” taking the place of other needy refugees, and others seeing them as desperate people in need of protection.

The issue can be an electoral game-changer and politicians have battled to balance intense voter sentiment, national obligations toward refugees, and establishing a deterrent to unauthorized and sometimes fatal sea journeys.

“There’s something in the national imagination that’s sparked by the arrival of boats on our northern borders,” said high-profile immigration researcher David Corlett, who also works as a consultant to refugee groups..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110929com3.html

A P5 million ‘worthless’ school edifice INSIDE CONGRESS charlie manalo 09/29/2011

A P5 million ‘worthless’ school edifice

INSIDE CONGRESS

charlie manalo

09/29/2011
The other day, officials of the Batino Elementary School in Quirino District in Quezon City approached a member of the media asking that they be assisted in finding sponsors to have their new school building finished.

The school building, with four classrooms, is bare. No school furniture and fixtures such as blackboards, desks and fans, it is still unpainted. Worse, even if the building has its own comfort room, it has no septic tank making it virtually non-functional. And the whole structure is worth P5 million.

According to the school officials, the building was funded with the Priority Development Assistance Fund of Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello. And for this reason, members of the Akbayan party-list have requested that one of the rooms be reserved for their exclusive use for the group’s headquarters.

If these reports are true, then this could very well serve as a fitting monument to Akbayan’s hypocrisy..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110929com5.html

Treasure hunters VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 09/29/2011

Treasure hunters

VIEWPOINTS

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz

09/29/2011
Recently, a well-known and much read national daily carried a news item about local treasure hunting. As expected, the avid and prolonged search was reported to be in conjunction with a “Yamashita Treasure.” It was furthermore said that the venture was officially stopped by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in coordination with the local government officials and residents in the place that has long since signified their unanimous objection to the venture — basically for reasons of their safety and health.

The Filipinos as a whole are rather well-acquainted with treasure hunting — especially so after the Japanese occupation and particularly so with reference to treasure said to be buried here and there by this and that Japanese military official.

The truth of the matter, however, is that the hunt for hidden treasure in the country also has reference to Spanish coins which were said to be kept in different ways and places, basically for safe keeping..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110929com7.html

‘Pedring’ leaves 23 dead; new storm draws near 09/29/2011

‘Pedring’ leaves 23 dead; new storm draws near

09/29/2011
The death toll from typhoon “Pedring” yesterday climbed to 23 as thousands of people battled widespread flooding and a new weather disturbance draws near.

Rescuers reported two more deaths overnight, while 35 others remained missing, after Pedring unleashed heavy rains, winds and storm surges across Luzon, including Metro Manila, last Tuesday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council-Office of Civil Defense (NDRRMC-OCD) said the typhoon affected 68,601 families or 320,945 individuals in eight regions in Luzon, including Metro Manila.

One of the worst affected areas was Bulacan province where dikes burst and water was released from dams that reached critical levels during the height of Pedring’s fury..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110929hed3.html

PAL ‘strikers’ damage ground equipment; scaled down flights on By Conrado Ching and Charlie V. Manalo 09/29/2011

PAL ‘strikers’ damage ground equipment; scaled down flights on

By Conrado Ching and Charlie V. Manalo 09/29/2011

Philippine Airlines (PAL) management said it has resumed its flight operations, albeit operating on a reduced schedule, with the deployment of two US-bound flights, three regional and two domestic flights early yesterday morning, amid charges that certain ground equipment was damaged by striking workers of the flag carrier’s ground crew union.

PAL management condemned the illegal work stoppage by the members of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (Palea) that led to the suspension of airport operations and the cancellation of 172 inbound and outbound flights (102 international and 70 domestic) from PAL’s hub at NAIA Terminal 2 yesterday.

PAL said it would lose millions of dollars in operational losses due to the wildcat strike of its ground handling crew which paralyzed the operations at its hub at the NAIA Terminal 2.

Close to 400 members of the PAL union workers assigned to the check-in counters, baggage, ramp and catering services suddenly abandoned their posts causing the cancellation of over a hundred international and domestic flights and inconveniencing thousands of passengers..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110929hed4.html

Over 18,000 Pinoy kids work in mining, quarrying on job sites — ILO 09/29/2011

Over 18,000 Pinoy kids work in mining, quarrying on job sites — ILO

09/29/2011
At least one million children in Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia, including the Philippines, work in small-scale mining and quarrying operations, the International Labor Organization (ILO) reported.

In the Philippines alone, more than 18,000 children, aged 10 to 14, work in this hazardous environment, data from the National Statistics Office showed. Child labor in the country is common due to widespread poverty, obligating children to help support to their families to meet daily needs.

The ILO expressed alarm that child laborers’ continued exposure to dust and mercury-based chemicals in mines can cause serious brain damage. Child laborers in the mining industry also often are undersized as a result of carrying excessively heavy loads.

The ILO believes that child laborers in mining sites are likely to increase due to the higher prices and demand for minerals from countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and emerging economies..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune


URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110929nat3.html

Abu Sayyaf raids Muslim village in Basilan; 6 killed By Mario J. Mallari 09/29/2011

Abu Sayyaf raids Muslim village in Basilan; 6 killed

By Mario J. Mallari 09/29/2011

At least six persons, including four civilians, were killed after Abu Sayyaf terrorists raided a Muslim village in Basilan province yesterday morning that triggered an intense firefight with government security forces in the area.

Col. Alexander Macario, commander of the Army’s Special Operations Task Force in Basilan, said that more or less 15 fully-armed Abu Sayyaf men terrorized civilian populace in Barangay Lower Benembengan around 5:30 a.m..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110929nat1.html

MMDA files another motion to allow it to roll down billboards on Edsa By Pat C. Santos 09/29/2011

MMDA files another motion to allow it to roll down billboards on Edsa

By Pat C. Santos 09/29/2011
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to file another urgent motion before the Makati Regional Trial Court today seeking permission for the second time to be allowed to roll down billboards along Edsa and other major thoroughfares in the metropolis.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said they will file the motion before the sala of Makati RTC Branch 133 Judge Elpidio Calis as part of their preparation for the possibility of another typhoon hitting the country this coming weekend.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said a tropical depression off Northern Luzon has developed into a storm that has been given an international code name of “Nalgae,” the Korean word for wings.

Once it enters the country the weather bureau said it will be given the local name “Quiel.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110929met2.html

The Philippines: The real origin of species? By Deni Rose M. Afinidad, Staff Writer 09/29/2011

The Philippines: The real origin of species?

By Deni Rose M. Afinidad, Staff Writer 09/29/2011
The reports are staggering: P35 million worth of black corals, 163 endangered hawksbill and green turtles, and other marine life were seized by the customs at the port of Manila early this year. The black corals, reports say, include 21,169 species or the equivalent of 190 square kilometers of coral reef — about five times the size of Manila.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, the remorseless hunt for wildlife species for home displays and exotic décor has been threatening the country’s tourism, employment, pharmaceutical research and food security.
But the Philippines is not the only one that should be alarmed, said marine biologist Kent Carpenter during a recently held symposium titled “Scientific Discovery and Conservation in the Philippines.”

Preserving the Philippines, Carpenter noted, should be a global priority because the country, according to his years of research verified by many scientists from different fields, has been found out to be “the center of the center of marine life in the universe,” the place with the most number of marine species per unit area, or the “bull’s eye” or concentration of species in the Coral Triangle..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/life/20110929lif1.html

‘Pedring’ crop damage at P729 million — DA By Angie M. Rosales 09/29/2011

‘Pedring’ crop damage at P729 million — DA

By Angie M. Rosales 09/29/2011

Typhoon “Pedring” left devastations on the agriculture sector worth an estimated P729 million in 28 provinces of eight regions in the country, according to initial reports provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to the Senate.

At a hearing on the proposed DA budget by the Senate finance committee, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said almost 68,000 hectares of agricultural lands of some 50,000 farmers were affected by the recent typhoon.

Rice fields were the most affected, leaving P654 million damaged crops while 6,322 metric tons of corn were also affected worth P69.2 million.

Alcala said about 39,175 metric tons of palay were damaged which was 0.6 percent of 6.5 million metric tons of the projected harvest for the remaining months of the year..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/business/20110929bus1.html

Support for wage hike bills snowballs in Congress

Support for wage hike bills snowballs in Congress

From 2001 to 2009, the recorded net income of the top 1,000 corporations in the Philippines had ballooned more than five times (552-percent), from P116-billion in 2001 to P756-billion in 2009. But the average daily wages and salaries increased only 31-percent over the same period, from P222 in 2001 to 291 in 2009.
Sidebar: Rep. Winnie Castelo will ‘plank’ for P125 wage hike bill
By MARYA SALAMAT
Bulatlat.com

MANILA – Citing papal writings and research findings on economic, historical and comparative aspects of continuously denying the Filipino workers a substantial wage hike, a legislators’ forum organized by the House of Representatives labor committee upon the request of Anakpawis Partylist Rafael Mariano last Monday succeeded in gathering additional authorship and support for wage hike bills in Congress. Rep. Mariano is the author of House Bills 375 and 3746, which seek to enact a significant increase in the minimum wages of workers in the private and public sectors.

“A democratic state can do no less than side with their workers and their wages over capitalists and their profits,” said Sonny Africa, head of research of non-government economic think-tank Ibon Philippines. Africa showed the gathered legislators and unionists the huge disparity between the Filipino workers’ wages, which had barely increased in the last decade, and the capitalist profits which had ballooned nearly six times over the same period. Africa also showed how wage rates have continuously lagged behind and farther even from the government’s estimated family living wages.

From 2001 to 2009, the recorded net income of the top 1,000 corporations in the Philippines had ballooned more than five times (552-percent), from P116-billion ($2.65b) in 2001 to P756-billion ($17.27b) in 2009. But the average daily wages and salaries increased only 31-percent over the same period, from P222 ($5.1) in 2001 to P291 ($6.6) in 2009.

Sonny Africa of Ibon and other labor leaders told legislators that a substantial wage hike is good for the economy.(Photo by Marya Salamat / bulatlat.com)

Under President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s more than a year-old administration, Filipinos’ wages have also not yet significantly increased despite his promises of change and fulfilling the Filipinos’ dreams during his campaign. The P22 ($0.50) additional cost-of-living-allowance it granted last May has barely brought the minimum wages closer to the needed family living wage.

In the National Capital Region, Ibon computed the family living wage at P999 ($22.82) as of Aug this year, but the minimum wage is pegged in the National Capital Region (NCR), where it is highest, at P426 ($9.73). The gap between minimum wages and family living wage is wider outside of NCR. Africa clarified that they based the computations on the National Wages and Productivity Commission’s data, even as he noted that the NWPC’s webpage for such data has been “under construction” for quite a while now..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/09/28/support-for-wage-hike-bills-snowballs-in-congress/

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