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DOLE employee convicted of graft, estafa
29 December 2014

The Regional Trial Court of Manila convicted Labor Employment Officer III Martin Dela Merced III (a.k.a. Arnold Cruz) of violation of Section 3 (c) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Estafa thru Falsification of Public Documents.

In the Decision rendered by Presiding Judge Reynaldo Ros, it was found that on 22 February 2006, Dela Merced demanded and received the amount of P7,000.00 in exchange for the issuance of an Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner Certificate of Accreditation. 

Private complainant Rudy Cariaga, vice-president and treasurer of a security agency, narrated that he came to know Dela Merced, who introduced himself as Arnold Cruz, when he attended a bidding activity at Petron Corporation.  As bidder, he was required to secure a basic occupational safety and health certificate as a safety practitioner from the Department of Labor and Employment-Bureau of Working Conditions (DOLE-BWC). 

One week after submitting all the necessary documents, Cariaga received a text message from Dela Merced informing him that his application for accreditation was denied.  Dela Merced then offered to fix his requirements for the approval of the accreditation in exchange for P12,000.00, which amount was later lowered to P7,000.00.

The court ruled that the “prosecution was able to prove that the accused falsified the signature of Director Villafuerte on the Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner (OSHP) Certificate of Accreditation No. 1033-060407-1551 which the accused used in deceiving complainant Rudy L. Cariaga in exchange for the amount of P7,000.00” and that “the accused appropriated and converted the money for his own use.”

In view of his conviction for violation of the anti-graft law, Dela Merced was sentenced to suffer the indeterminate penalty of six years and one month as minimum to seven years as maximum and perpetual special disqualification from public office.  He was also sentenced to suffer the indeterminate penalty of  two years and four months of prision correccional as minimum to six years of prision correccional as maximum and to pay the fine of P5,000.00 for his conviction for Estafa thru Falsification of Public Document.

Dela Merced was also ordered to return the P7,000.00 he received from Cariaga.

             Section 3(c) of R.A. No. 3019 prohibits public employees from “directly or indirectly requesting or receiving any gift, present or other pecuniary or material benefit, for himself or for another, from any person for whom the public officer, in any manner or capacity, has secured or obtained, or will secure or obtain, any Government permit or license, in consideration for the help given or to be given.”

Deped officials charged over cellphone procurement
11 December 2015

          Three former officials of the Department of Education (Deped) inTagum City, Davao del Norte are facing charges for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) for the anomalous procurement of 32 units of cellular phones amounting to P317,380.00 in 2007.

               In a six-page Resolution, Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao Rodolfo Elman ordered the filing of Informations against former Schools Division Superintendent Aurora Cubero, Division Superintendent Salvacion Yumang, and Adminitrative Officer Emma Betonio.
Records show that in November 2007, respondents facilitated the procurement of 32 cellphones by way of shopping and cash advance claiming that the items were exceptionally necessary and indispensable for official use.

According to Deputy Ombudsman Elman, “the prevailing threshold for shopping (in 2007) was only P50,000.00 for unforeseen contingency requiring immediate purchase, while P250,000.00 for ordinary or regular office supplies and equipment not available in the procurement service.”  He added that “there is no showing that the cellular phones are ordinary or regular office supplies” as contemplated in procurement laws

Manglimbawot man pud atong balhibo ani, Hubs. hehehe

Duterte-Cayetano tandem push for decentralization, spreading growth to other regions

In an effort to address the metro's worsening traffic congestion and to achieve inclusive growth throughout the country, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano are pushing for the decentralization of government power to spur development in the countryside.

"For the longest time, the drive for development is mainly focused on the National Capital Region (NCR), while the other regions are left to tend for themselves. This is not only unsustainable, it's also inequitable. It's time to think out of the box and overhaul this unequal development paradigm," Cayetano said.

Cayetano said the country's NCR-centric economic growth also contributed to the worsening traffic situation.

"NCR is perceived by many as the only place where there are real economic opportunities. Thus, people unnecesarily flock to the region creating problems such as traffic, unemplyoment and housing woes. But if development is spread evenly to the regions, we can solve these problems ," Cayetano explained.

Cayetano noted that his call for Decentralization is perfectly aligned with Duterte’s advocacy for federalism.

“This is one of the reasons why there is a strong clamor for a Duterte presidency. The mayor not only symbolizes order, he also stands for the empowerment of regions which have long been neglected by the national government," Cayetano said.

Cayetano said decentralization will change how the budget is allocated across the country’s 18 regions and 81 provinces. He pushed to allocate 1 billion per region to institutionalize a capital-lending scheme for local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The senator also called for the creation of a Philippine Decentralization Committee (PDC) that will be tasked to enhance the delivery of services in the countryside as well as to study the relocation of several government agencies to different parts of the country. This may in turn provide better opportunities for Filipinos to work and live in other regions, Cayetano noted.

"This is the real change that we speak of - a change that moves people because of opportunities made possible by a strong brand of leadership," he said. "We need to create alternative corridors of development outside NCR. This will not only decongest the already overcrowded capital but will also extend growth throughout the rest of the country. This is the foundation of the proposals that Mayor Duterte and I have long been advocating," he added.

FDA calls for public vigilance vs counterfeit medicines
By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday appealed for more public participation in the fight against the proliferation of counterfeit medicines.

According to Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go the government alone, together with its collaborations among different agencies, could not do the whole task without the participation of the public and consumers.

"Participation of the society is vital to win this fight,” said Dr. Hartigan-Go in a forum held Monday at Acacia Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City as he cited the detrimental effects of counterfeit medicines on the health of the public.

He said that counterfeit medicines had tended to cause adverse reactions to other medications and possibility of having disability and serious health implications.

The forum was in line with the observance of National Consciousness Week against Counterfeit Medicines (NCWACM).

The observance is provided under Presidential Proclamation No. 2082 series of 2010 that declared every third week of November every year for the commemoration.

With the theme “Mamamayan Makialam, Pekeng Gamot Labanan," the observance called for consumers to actively participate, engage, and be vigilant in the fight.

The Undersecretary of Health said that since the problem was also global, it was important to continue raising awareness and ensuring that the demand side of the market was involved.

He said that the department had also formed a coalition for safe medicines, which focuses on public information and advocacy, research, and policy development to address the problem on counterfeit medicine.

Melody M. Zamudio, RPh (registered pharmacist) and officer-in-charge of FDA's center for drug regulations and research, said that united effort was needed for the problem.

“As the consumers face the greatest threat of counterfeit medicines they should be empowered and be aware that they can safeguard themselves and participate in the fight against counterfeit medicines by practicing rationale use of medicine,reporting suspected counterfeit products and increasing vigilance.”Zamudio said.

She said that based on the data they had gathered, out of the 564 samples verified or tested in laboratories, about 6 percent of which were found to be counterfeit.

She added that based also from that number, they found that 81 percent were unregistered, 13 percent of which were illegally-diverted (genuine products that are not intended for the Philippine market).

FDA has recalled the products found counterfeited and issued public advisories to the public not to patronize them.

Some Php 2,9-million worth of counterfeit medicines proliferated the local market last year. The amount rose to Php 5.9 million as of October this year.

Most of the counterfeit medicines are over the counter medicines while others were found to have originated from the countries of India, Pakistan and China.

Most of the counterfeit medicines were detected this year proliferating in Metro Manila, Cavite, Pampanga, Isabela, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Davao and Zamboanga.

Some of the signs that medicines are counterfeit include the following:

The product is easily crushed, discolored, with crystals or with unusually foul odor;

The text in the blister fact is not clearly printed, or can be easily removed/erased;

Improper packaging such as leak in bottles or tampering;

It is also likely that the product is counterfeit if it was purchased in unlicensed outlets/establishments and was not issued with an official receipt.

Consumers may report the suspected counterfeit and unregistered medicines to (02) 807-8275 or at report@fda.gov.ph.

FDA also advised the public to purchase their medicines only from FDA-licensed establishments and to always ask for official receipt. (PNA)

Ombudsman indicts Biliran mayor for graft
04 December 2015


           The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to charge Caibiran, Biliran mayor Eulalio Maderazo for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) in connection with the procurement of medicines without the benefit of a public bidding.

                 Municipal Treasurer Loreto Serdeña, Jr. and Officer-in-Charge (Accounting Department) Rodolfo Baguna are also facing charges for conspiring with Maderazo in giving unwarranted benefit, advantage and preference to the supplier, Andrea Medi Center.

            In August 2010, the Municipality of Caibiran purchased medicines worth P283,335.15 for the use of its rural health unit. Soon after, complaints of overpricing and purchase without the required public bidding were received by the Office of the Ombudsman.

                In the course of the investigation, it was found that the purchase did not pass through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and that payment was processed without supporting documents such as abstract of bids and minutes of BAC meeting. The Commission on Audit reported that the purchase had “no proper documentation.”

               In an 11-page Resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said that Maderazo, Serdeña and Baguna are liable for unlawfully resorting to shopping as an alternative mode of procurement considering that the purchase price was beyond the P50,000.00-threshold allowed for a fourth class municipality.

            “The supplier, Andrea Medi Center, was awarded the procurement contract without the benefit of a fair system in determining the best possible price for the government. The supplier was able to profit from the transaction without showing proof that their prices were the most beneficial to the government,” the Resolution stated.

DOH reports spike in HIV-AIDS cases in Region 7
DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 2 (PNA) -- The Department of Health’s (DOH) mobile voluntary counseling and testing program has resulted in increased detection of persons with HIV-AIDS in Region 7 this year, according to Mark Wenceslao of DOH-7.

Speaking at a Kapihan forum Wednesday, he disclosed that records from DOH-7 showed Cebu is number one in the region with 2,304 HIV-AIDs cases from 1984 up to the present. Bohol came in second with 82 cases, Negros Oriental with 52 cases and Siquijor province with two cases.

In September alone this year, Cebu has 55 new cases, Bohol, five new cases while Negros Oriental and Siquijor had zero new cases, said Wenceslao.

National statistics would show that 24 new cases were recorded every day for the month of October this year.

With the mobile voluntary counseling and testing program, more HIV-AIDS cases have been detected, according to Wenceslao. With this comes also an increase in the percentage of monitoring and managing these cases that will reduce the possibility of transmission.

Most of those affected in Region 7 are males who inject drugs or males having sex with males numbering about 2,292 as of September 2015 compared to only 246 females.

By age group, 802 cases are persons aged 15 to 24 years, 1,055 patients aged 25 to 34 years, and 585 cases for persons aged 35 to 49 years, while only 88 cases were recorded for persons aged 50 years and above.

In Negros Oriental, 52 cases have been recorded so far since 1984, with six deaths (four males and two females), according to Cristina Dagle, HIV-AIDS coordinator of the Integrated Provincial Health Office in the province.

She disclosed in the same forum that more than 600 Negrenses have availed of the mobile voluntary counseling and testing conducted in nine local government units in Negros Oriental.

Dagle disclosed that in April this year, the treatment satellite hub of the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital was finally given a permit by the national office due to a number of detected cases in the province.

Three of those identified are taking anti-retroviral drugs from the Vicente Sotto Hospital in Cebu.

Of the 52 cases in Negros Oriental, 27 are from Dumaguete City while 25 are come from the municipalities.

Dagle said the Dumaguete HIV-AIDS Council is intensifying the advocacy with advocates from the academe, non-government organizations and other partner agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, with capability building sessions and slowly strengthening the care and support groups for HIV-AIDS clients. (PNA)
SCS/jfp/Juancho Gallarde

‘Children in Emergency’ bill gains LGUs support

TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 4 (PNA) -- The support for the passage of the Children in Emergency bill in Congress is gaining traction with the holding of policy Forum on Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Bill held at Metro Center Hotel here yesterday.

Save the Children, a non-government organization (NGO) funded by United Nations for Children Education Fund, spearheaded the said forum with the participation of local government units (LGUs) officials in the province headed by their respective municipal mayors.

Save the Children “believes there is a need for new, strengthened national legislation to improve the care and protection of children affected by disasters and to build on best practices and lessons learned during recent emergency responses.”

The proposed bill entitled “An Act Mandating The Provision of Emergency Relief and Protection For Children During A Disaster, Calamity and Other Emergency Situations,” or House Bill No. 5285 filed at the House of Representatives. It is being introduced by some 24 Representatives based on the copy distributed by Save The Children during the forum

Its counterpart is “An Act Providing Emergency Relief and Protection For Children During Disaster, Calamity and Other Emergency Situation,” also called Senate Bill No. 2448, sponsored by Senator Teofisto “TG” L. Guigona III.

Former Justice secretary Leila de Lima, who spoke before the forum during her visit here here yesterday, expressed her fully espousal of the proposed law. She said she supports the said bill seeing no objectionable provisions after going through it.

Pitching support for the passage of the said bill include the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Iloilo with the passage of its Resolution No. 2015-114, supporting the House version on children emergency protection.

Provincial Board Member Godofreda O. Tirol said that she would introduced to the plenary session today the said bill to encourage her fellow members of the provincial board to also support the said bill.

Some mayors and Governor Edgar Chatto who attended the said forum also showed support for the said proposed law for its approval by Congress.

Once the bill is passed into law, Save the Children said it would serve as a national policy to protect particular needs of the children before, during and after natural calamities.

These needs would be addressed by way of the comprehensive emergency program, less disruption of education, heightened surveillance, improved care, a system of restoring civil documents, better data collection and reporting, increased participation of children and child-centered training of all respondents. (PNA)
CTB/RVO/RIC V OBEDENCIO/EDS

Ombudsman dismisses govt execs in P54M PDAF scam
03 December 2015

Top executives from the state-owned National Livelihood Development Corporation (NLDC), Technology Resource Center (TRC), including the now defunct National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR), were dismissed from the service for their participation in the anomalous utilization of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of ex-Benguet Representative Samuel Dangwa amounting to P54 million.

In a 58-page Decision, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales imposed the penalty of dismissal for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service against 12 government officials, namely:  Gondelina Amata, Chita Jalandoni, Emmanuel Alexis Sevidal, Ofelia Ordoñez, Filipina Rodriguez and Sofia Cruz, all from NLDC; TRC’s Dennis Cunanan, Marivic Jover, Consuelo Lilian Espiritu and Belina Concepcion; and Victor Cacal and Romulo Relevo of NABCOR.

Records show that from 2007 to 2009, Dangwa received P54 million as PDAF coursed through NGOs connected with Janet Lim Napoles and NLDC, NABCOR and TRC as implementing agencies. The PDAF was intended for the acquisition of livelihood and agricultural assistance kits and packages.

In implementing the projects, Amata et.al., processed, facilitated and approved the transactions and payments for the bogus projects.

Based on the Special Audit Report of the Commission on Audit, the agricultural and livelihood assistance kits/packages supposed to be delivered were non-existent or “ghost,”; the NGOs submitted fake or falsified supporting documents to support its liquidation; the Napoles- NGOs lacked the track record and capacity to implement the projects; no public bidding or accreditation process were undertaken; and to date, P11 million of Dangwa’s PDAF remains unliquidated.

“In spite of these deficiencies, respondent public officers Amata, Cunanan, Cacal, Relevo, Sevidal, Cruz, Jalandoni, Jover, Rodriguez, Ordoñez, Espiritu and Concepcion, with indecent haste, expedited the release of the PDAF disbursements to the NGOs affiliated with or controlled by Napoles. These foregoing acts of respondents constitute Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service,” the Decision stated.

              The Office of the Ombudsman debunked their claim of good faith and presumption of regularity in the performance of their duties and ruled that “the act of certification or release of funds, approval and the affixation of signature in the disbursement vouchers, obligation slip and checks are neither mere formalities nor ministerial functions but involve the exercise of sound discretion that must be diligently performed as these are imbued with public interest.”

                Amata, et al. were also meted out the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service

COA says Cebu richest PHL province in 2014 with Php 28.181-B equity

CEBU CITY, Nov. 21 (PNA) -- Cebu Province, with an equity of Php 28.181 billion, was the richest province in the country in 2014, a Commission on Audit (COA) annual financial report said.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said he was glad about the province doing well in equity and assets in the COA report.

“Well, that probably explains why we are the third most competitive province in the country,” Davide said.

He said the Department of Interior and Local Government has recognized Cebu and granted the province the seal of good governance.

Cebu was followed by Rizal with Php 6.715 billion in equity and Cavite with Php 4.918 billion.

The COA annual financial report is based on the financial performance reports of all 80 provinces, 144 cities, and all but 11 of the 1,490 municipalities in the country.

The 11 municipalities failed to submit their reports.

Aside from Cebu, Rizal and Cavite, the other seven local government units with large amounts of equity were Negros Occidental, Laguna, Batangas, Pangasinan, Negros Oriental, Isabela and Pampanga.

Equity is the difference between a local government’s assets and liabilities.

Among high-equity cities, Cebu City ranked sixth with Php 7.855 billion in 2014.

Cebu City is the only city in Region 7 that made it to the top 10.

Makati City is the richest city with Php 34.461 billion.

Among towns, Cainta in Rizal Province, with Php 1.819 billion, ranked first in equity.

Cebu Province also reported the largest assets, at Php 29.695 billion.

Quezon City, with assets of Php 47.687 billion, and Cainta of Rizal, with assets of Php 2.826 billion, ranked first in the lists for cities and municipalities, respectively.

But Cebu Province only placed third in income.

Negros Occidental reported the highest income in 2014, at Php 3.33 billion, followed by Bulacan with Php 3.25 billion and Cebu with Php 2.76 billion.

Income includes the internal revenue allotments and fees collected for permits and services.

Cebu Province is not on the top 10 list in liabilities, while Cebu City ranked third among cities.

Cebu City’s liabilities in 2014 amounted to Php 8.87 billion. Only the cities of Quezon with Php 15.77 billion and Manila with Php 9.38 billion had bigger liabilities.

Among the provinces, the top three on the liabilities list were Bohol with Php 3.59 billion, Negros Occidental with Php 2.78 billion and Bulacan with Php 2 billion. (PNA)

NAPOLCOM okays activation of additional 2 Tourist Police Units

MANILA, Nov. 25 (PNA) -- The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) approved the activation of additional two (2) Tourist Police Units (TPUs) to ensure the safety of travelers visiting the different tourist destinations in Angeles City, Pampanga and Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Interior and Local Government Secretary and NAPOLCOM Chairman Mel Senen S. Sarmiento said that the activation of the TPUs of Angeles City Police Office and Lapu-Lapu City Police Office was approved by the Commission through Resolution No. 2015-546 dated October 30, 2015.

NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said that the TPUs are responsible for the enforcement of laws and ordinances relative to the protection of lives, properties and environment in their areas of responsibility.

“We assure both foreign and domestic tourists/travelers that the Tourist Police are always ready to serve and ensure their safety and protection while enjoying the magnificent tourist attractions in the country,” Escueta said.

The TPUs are mandated to conduct regular patrol and police visibility to ensure the safety and protection of tourists, travelers and residents within their assigned area. They are also tasked to monitor and investigate all cases involving tourists to resolve conflicts and undertake immediate appropriate action.

During emergency situations, the Tourist Police are required to secure critical areas and immediately call the participation of emergency responders. They are also tasked to assist in the conduct of emergency/disaster programs, such as search and rescue operations as well as provide cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid measures.

In conformity with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9593 otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009,” the PNP has activated a total of 29 TPUs nationwide, as follows: Ilocos Norte PPO TPU (Region 1); Cagayan PPO TPU (Region 2); Zambales PPO TPU and Angeles CPO TPU (Region 3); Cavite PPO TPU and Laguna PPO TPU (Region 4A); Puerto Princesa CPO TPU, Palawan PPO TPU and Oriental Mindoro PPO TPU (Region 4B); Camarines Sur PPO TPU (Region 5); Boracay Tourist Assistance Center and Aklan PPO TPU (Region 6); Bohol PPO TPU, Lapu-Lapu CPO TPU, Cebu CPO TPU, Cebu PPO TPU and Negros Oriental PPO TPU (Region 7); Tacloban CPO TPU (Region ; Camiguin PPO TPU and Cagayan de Oro CPO TPU (Region 10); Davao CPO TPU (Region 11); General Santos City TPU (Region 12); Surigao del Norte PPO TPU (Region 13); Baguio CPO TPU (CAR); Manila Police District TPU, Quezon City Police District TPU, Eastern Police District TPU, Northern Police District TPU and Southern Police District TPU (NCR).(PNA)

Duterte's anger and frustration directed at government failures not at Pope Francis â€" Cayetano
 
"Pope Francis is a man of God. He is loved and respected by millions of people, from different religious affiliations worldwide, Mayor Duterte included. But even Pope Francis would never allow people to suffer at his expense."

This is what Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said in response to attacks against Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte over his statements at the PDP-Laban proclamation yesterday.

"Traffic ang minura ni Mayor Duterte hindi si Pope Francis. He was not directing his anger and frustration at the Pope, he was expressing the people's frustration over the government's incompetence in handling the metro's worsening traffic situation and the daily suffering and inconvenience it causes," Cayetano said.

"It is unfortunate that the Mayor's statements were grossly taken out of context. Mayor Duterte deeply respects religious beliefs and the Filipino's spirituality. Those who know him can attest to this. He himself has a deep relationship with God. He doesn't talk about it publicly but I know this personally having discovered this through my constant engagement with him," Cayetano added.

Cayetano said he understands Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Archbishop Soc Villegas statement on Duterte's alleged remarks against the Pope.

"Mayor Duterte's environment and experience brought him up speaking tough, rough and uncensored. The Mayor came from a time and place of great conflict and suffering. While the Mayor's words and statements were stronger than what is deemed socially accepted by some, and may rub some in the wrong way, the most important thing is, he is authentic and his heart is in the right place. He is who he is. He will always fight for the people and never allow them to suffer," Cayetano said.

Cayetano reminded the public that the national debate should focus on how to change the country for the better. "We are here to change the country, not to change him."

In an interview, Duterte said he was merely expressing the people's outrage. He said it was never his intention to hurt sensibilities or disrespect the Holy Father. He said his anger is directed at the government and the 18 years of systemic neglect that has resulted in the suffering of the people.

Cayetano also questioned the sincerity of Press Secretary Edwin Lacierda in defending of the Pope. The senator said Lacierda himself justified the whitewashing of the hiding of the poor during the Pope's visit in the country. He also said the government's lack of action in defending the public from problems like the tanim bala scam and the pilferage/taxing on balikbayan boxes is a great disservice to the people.

"Sec. Lacierda obviously wanted to anger the people by using Pope Francis to score propaganda points. Pero ang tanong ko, tingin ba ni Sec. Lacierda ay sang-ayon ang taumbayan noong tinago nila ang mga pulubi at mga palaboy noong bumisita ang Papa? Tingin ba niya na pabor ang tao na bumiyahe at maipit ng 5 oras sa traffic noong nandito ang Papa kung pwede naman pala pag handaan para maiwasan ito?" Cayetano asked.

"Before Sec. Lacierda points an accusing finger at Mayor Duterte maybe he should look at his own backyard and see how the government's flawed policies and inaction have greatly disadvantaged the people,"Cayetano concluded.

If you’re like me, you probably dread an overdue notice, whether it’s for registering your car or returning a library book. For nearly a decade, our national K-12 education law has been overdue for revision, and parents, teachers, and students across the country have made it clear that it is time for a reboot.

Over that period of time, America’s fourth graders became today’s high school seniors -- ready to graduate and embrace a bright future. The students who come behind them deserve a better law focused on one clear goal of fully preparing them for success in college and future careers.

The Bipartisan Bill to Fix No Child Left Behind

Although well-intended, the No Child Left Behind Act -- the most recent version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act -- has long been broken. We can no longer afford that law’s one-size-fits-all approach, uneven standards, and low expectations for our educational system. That’s why, early on, President Obama and I joined educators and families calling on Congress to fix its flaws.

When Congress didn’t act, we did -- providing relief from the most onerous elements of the law for states and school districts willing to embrace reform.

But yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives finally answered the overdue notice and took action to revise and replace No Child Left Behind. This bipartisan plan -- the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) -- is good news for our nation’s schools. It is a compromise that builds on the work already underway in states to raise expectations for students and to help them graduate college and career-ready. The bill reflects many of the priorities we’ve put forward over the last six and a half years.

See how far we’ve come since 2009.

Today, high school graduation rates are at all-time highs. Dropout rates are at historic lows. And more students are going to college than ever before. That’s thanks to educators across the country.

ESSA will help cement that progress. All students will be taught to high learning standards that will prepare them for success in college and career. More children will have access to high-quality preschool, delivering educational opportunity earlier for our nation’s youngest learners.

Educators will have more flexibility and support to develop their own systems for improving schools. However, ESSA maintains critical guardrails, especially for the schools and groups of students that are furthest behind.

And with new resources for states to review and reduce the burden of standardized testing, ESSA will enable a smarter approach to eliminating unnecessary tests so that teachers can spend more time ensuring that all students are learning, while still following their progress each academic year and providing critical information for parents about their child’s performance.

As the President has said, education is the civil rights issue of our time. Every American deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, so every child in America -- regardless of zip code -- deserves a fair shot at a great education. I hope the Senate acts swiftly, so we can all move forward on behalf of our nation’s children.

Arne Duncan
Secretary of Education

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Cayetano to Leni: Duterte is about order, respect of the law and equality

"Duterte stands for order not violence."

This was the response made by Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano as he defended anew Davao City Mayor and presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte.

This was after Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Rep. Leni Robredo issued a statement saying that they were able to develop Naga City the same way Duterte improved Davao without subscribing to the mayor's brand of leadership.

“Many of those who are moved by Mayor Duterte’s leadership are inspired by his achievements in promoting peace and good governance. They are certainly not advocates of violence as many of them are in fact victims of crime. What they want is a leader with bold solutions and swift action, a leader that will restore order, rule of law and equality. This is what Mayor Duterte and his brand of leadership bring,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano, who is the running mate of Duterte, disagreed with Robredo’s comparison between Davao City and Naga.

"With all due respect to Rep. Leni, I think she is wide off the mark on this one. Davao’s crime volume is way below compared to Naga or Metro Manila, which are currently at alarming levels. This is despite Davao City being bigger compared to Metro Manila and Naga, and home to a diverse population composed of Christians, Muslims, other ethnic groups and groups of opposing ideologies,” Cayetano explained.

“Instead of attacking Mayor Duterte, let’s duly recognize his accomplishments, learn and find ways how his success can be replicated in other cities,” Cayetano added.

Based on the latest data released by user-contributed survey site Numbeo, Davao is now the fourth safest city in the world with a low crime index of 17.94. The Police Regional Office (PRO) in Davao also reported a decrease in the entire region's crime volume from January to March this year as compared to the same period of last year.

Naga's crime volume, on the other hand, has reached alarming levels from January to July this year. On the given period, the city's total crime volume has reached 5,692, only a few points smaller than the combined total crime volume of the other five cities in Bicol (6,026). The city's high crime volume may be considered alarming, especially considering its population of only 192,193, which is relatively small compared to the combined population of 716, 963 of the other Bicol cities.

To effectively address the issue of rising criminality, Cayetano called for an end to “pointless political bickering” and instead work collectively in making the Philippines a safe place for Filipinos.

“Huwag na sana tayo mag-siraan. Let’s just work together in making our country safe for our people. Ang kailangan ng bansang ito ay matapang na solusyon at mabilis na aksyon. Hindi madali ang pagsugpo sa krimen at paghuli sa masasamang loob, pero nagawa ito ni Mayor Duterte sa Davao. Kaya rin niya itong gawin sa buong bansa," the senator ended.

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What if the wife was not telling the truth and that indeed she was not raped but had consented to a sexual intercourse with an alleged ex bf?

oh human folly!

Cayetano slams Escudero and other Duterte critics


Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday slammed the critics of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, stressing that those who are maligning the mayor’s decision to run for president are afraid of losing to him in the 2016 presidential election.

"Takot na takot na sila. Parating na ang tunay na pagbabago," Cayetano said.

The Senator was reacting to recent statements issued by the camp of presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe and her running mate, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, that Duterte was merely using Poe’s disqualification case as an excuse to run, since he had long decided to seek the presidency.

“Klaro sa amin ni Mayor Duterte na hindi pwedeng tumakbong presidente ang isang hindi natural born citizen. Tama po ba na ang isang nanumpa sa Amerika, babalik dito, gusto maging Pangulo? Hindi pwedeng palampasin ito. Lalong hindi ito drama," Cayetano said.

"Kung gusto ninyo ng drama at pagkukunwari, nandyan ang Poe-Escudero. Kung gusto ninyo ng matapang na solusyon at mabilis na aksyon, nandito po ang Duterte-Cayetano. Basta kami, we will not cheapen the presidency," Cayetano added.

Cayetano said Poe should answer directly the issues raised against her instead of hiding behind the back of Escudero.

“Hindi maaari na hindi marinig ang tinig niya lalo na kung gusto niyang maging presidente ng bansa. If this early she is already hiding behind a person, who at best is only muddling the issue lodged against her, what more if she becomes president?” Cayetano quipped.

Cayetano also defended Duterte against insinuations that the local executive may not be allowed to run as a substitute for Martin Diño, the standard-bearer of Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), of which Duterte is a member.

“To those nitpicking at the legal issues surrounding Mayor Duterte’s planned candidacy, set your sights elsewhere. Aside from Mayor Duterte being a natural-born Filipino with a long track record of public service, there are no outstanding legal issues in his bid. Under the law, substitution is allowed. The filing of the PDP-Laban is valid,” Cayetano added.

Cayetano acknowledged that the months leading to the elections could be tough for both him and Duterte, as influential individuals and groups who are afraid of the mayor’s inclusion in the race may try to launch smear campaigns against their ticket.

“We are certainly expecting it. May mga grupo na maraming pera gaya ng mga drug lords, smugglers at crime syndicates na balak magsama-sama para hadlangan ang tambalang Duterte-Cayetano sa gobyerno. Alam nilang liliit ang mundo nila. But I have faith that the people, who are sick and tired of crime and corruption, will support us all the way. Panahon na para sa matapang na solusyon at mabilis na aksyon,” he concluded.

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Jack Ma says, "Please tell your children that the world is changing every day and no one is going to wait for you in the past.  When lighter was invented, matches slowly disappeared. When calculator was created, abacus was to fade away. When digital camera was designed, the market of negative film no longer existed. When direct market selling/internet-based selling arises, traditional marketing declines. When smartphone with 4G (wireless internet access) was introduced to the world, you no longer need to turn on your computer at home.  When WeChat and WhatsApp (mobile text/voice/video messaging) are developed, traditional text messaging is no longer as popular as before.
Let's not to blame "Who took over Whose business."  It's only because people are more adjustable and adaptable to new ideas and changes in the world.
Someone asks Jack Ma, "What is your secret for sucess?"  He says, "Really simple...I am doing (action) while you're only watching."
Please remember that the world keeps changing every day. If you don't change, you'll be left behind. You reap what you sow with your time. If you spend time to drink, you may become an alcoholic.  If you spend time to complain, you may become a blamer.  If you spend time to beautify yourself, you may become a pretty girl/handsome guy. If you spend time to stay healthy, you may enjoy a healthy good life.  If you spend time to be picky, you may become a 'mean' person. If you spend time to learn, you may gain wisdom. If you spend time with your family, you may foster a warm and loving  relationship with your loved ones.
Pass this message on to those you care!

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Lockheed's massive new airship gets go-ahead

MOSCOW, Nov. 21 (PNA/Sputnik) -- The Federal Aviation Administration gave Lockheed Martin the green light for the defense contractor’s hybrid airships, which it plans to roll out as early as 2018.

Lockheed says its airships can transport heavy cargo to remote locations, burn significantly less fuel than conventional aircraft and land on any flat surface, including sand, snow and water.

"The approval of the certification plan represents an important risk reduction milestone for our customers," program manager Robert Boyd said in a statement.

The new LMH1 hybrid airship, filled mostly with helium, can carry 20 tons of cargo, but can easily be scaled to roughly the size of a football field with 500 tons of capacity, Reuters reported. The exact dimensions have not yet been given.

It has a fuel capacity of 5,000 gallons with a range of 1,400 nautical miles, and can cruise at a speed of 60 knots.

The airship's four hovercraft-like landing pads allow it to set down on flat land without being required to be moored on large towers like traditional airships.

Lockheed says the airships can revolutionize the way oil and mining companies haul equipment to remote areas, such as the Arctic, without roads or infrastructure, enabling affordable delivery of heavy cargo and personnel.

The LMH1, prototypes of which have been in development for two decades, will have room for a crew of two, and up to 19 passengers.

Lockheed Martin's new LMH1 hybrid airship could be rolled out as early as 2018.

Lockheed kicked off sales for the 20-ton variety of the hybrid airship earlier this year and is on track to deliver operational airships by as early as 2018. Current cost estimates are around USD40 million. (PNA/Sputnik)

3 Mindanao mayors dismissed from service, 3 more face criminal charges

DAVAO CITY â€" The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from service of three mayors and 27 other local officials from all over Mindanao for Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty, Gross Neglect of Duty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

Dismissed from service are Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City Mayor Oscar Moreno, Mayor Vicente Fernandez of Matanao, Davao del Sur and Mayor Ali Untao Adiong of Ditsa-an Ramain, Lanao del Sur.  They were also perpetually barred from holding public office.

Three other mayors, four vice-mayors and 30 other local officials in Mindanao were also criminally indicted last month for various charges ranging from violation of R.A. No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), Malversation, failure to liquidate cash advances and irregularities in the procurement process, among others.

                Those who had been criminally indicted include former CDO Mayor Vicente Emano, Tandag City Mayor Alexander Pimentel and Mayor Diosdado Pallasigue of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

               In a decision approved on October 06 by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, Mayor Moreno was found to have committed Grave Misconduct for entering into a settlement agreement with Ajinomoto Philippines without prior authorization from the SangguniangPanlungsod in violation of R.A.No. 7160 (The Local Government Code).

The agreement allowed Ajinomoto to pay P300thousand instead of its original local business tax deficiency of P2.9 million.

The Office of the Ombudsman ruled that the approval of the agreement by the court cannot, in any way, legitimize the acts of Moreno. Dismissed together with Moreno was Glenn Bañez, officer-in-charge of the Treasurer’s Office.

              Ombudsman Morales also approved on October 05 the dismissal from service of Mayor Fernandez for Grave Misconduct.  Fernandez, who is facing criminal charges for the murder of a journalist, was found to have been discharging his functions as mayor even while in detention. These functions include issuing office orders, business permits and appointments, and signing official documents, among others. He was also criminally indicted for violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code (Usurpation of Official Functions).

                   Meanwhile, in a Decision approved on September 17, Mayor Adiong was found guilty of Grave Abuse of Authority, Grave Misconduct and Oppression for ordering the burning of a truck owned by JERA General Construction. The firm was hired by the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO) to install concrete electric posts and distribution lines in the municipality. Several witnesses positively identified Mayor Adiong as the one who gave the order to burn the truck.

               On September 22, the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict former CDO Mayor Emano for his willful refusal to implement a final and executory decision of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), in violation of the Revised Administrative Code of 1987. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Administrative Assistant III Leonor Esparcia who was transferred and detailed to the City Library as watchman,which resulted in the diminution of her rank or status. Aggrieved, Esparcia challenged her transfer before the CSC which ruled that she should be restored to her original position. Emano failed to file an appeal and refused to implement the CSC directive.

                       Mayor Pimentel of Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, on the other hand, was charged with violation of Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), for his refusal to pay Mario Cuartero, a member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the total amount of P 485,369.24 representing the latter’s salaries, allowances and bonuses for the period July 2010 to June 2011.

            Also criminally charged was Mayor Diosdado Pallasigue of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat for violation of Sections 3(e) and 3(f) of R.A. No. 3019 for willfully and deliberately refusing to implement the return to work order, issued by the CSC in favor of Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Elias Segura, Jr. in March 2014. He was found to have acted with manifest partiality and evident bad faith in refusing to implement lawful orders from competent authorities without justifiable cause.

Ombudsman presents PH Anti-Corruption Gains at UN Conference

3 November 2015, St. Petersburg, Russia â€" Major gains against corruption in the Philippines were highlighted at the  6th Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)  attended by over 1,500 representatives of 160 signatory states and more than 60 heads of national anti-corruption agencies.

          Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, Head of the Philippine delegation, delivered the Philippine statement. Among its highlights were the key Philippine anti-corruption initiatives which include  the Integrity Management Program of 2014, the Anti-Corruption Plan of 2015-2018 and passage of legislation which strengthened the anti-corruption court, the Sandiganbayan. Their results have gained international recognition.

           Citing the country's new ranking in the most recent Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of Transparency International, Ombudsman Carpio Morales said “In a span of five years, among the 174 countries surveyed, the Philippines’ ranking has improved by 54 notches, from 139th place in 2009 to 85th place in 2014.”

        However, she emphasized, “We cannot afford to pause and lose momentum. We celebrate our gains, but our optimism is tempered by the problems that persist, as well as challenges that may emerge.”

           Carpio Morales is a former Supreme Court Justice. As current Ombudsman, she is publicly credited with bringing the most number of high government officials to court for various administrative and criminal offenses involving graft and corruption.

          Carpio Morales also drew the connection between economic development and the fight against corruption. “The Philippines recognizes the vital role of the rule of law and accountable governance in economic development. We are confident that the spirit of good governance and integrity which drives our community of nations will triumph over the forces of corruption that cause social inequities and economic disparities,” she told the UN gathering.

         The Philippine delegation is co-headed by Commission on Audit Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo and composed of representatives from the Office of the President, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Menardo Guevarra and the Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration Ronaldo Geron.  The Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation, H.E. Carlos Sorreta, along with Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Zabedin Azis and Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Julia Bacay-Abad, were also with the Philippine Delegation.

                Ending her address, Ombudsman Carpio Morales reiterated "The Philippines strongly re-affirms its commitment to uphold the principles and spirit of the Convention and expresses its readiness to embark on the second cycle of the review mechanism."

            The Philippines signed the UNCAC on 09 December 2003 and ratified it on 08 November 2006.

Ombudsman sacks 8 Zambo employees for overpriced medicines

          Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the dismissal from the service of  eight municipal employees of Molave, Zamboanga del Sur for their involvement in the procurement of expired and overpriced medicines worth P1.8 million in 2009.

          In a ten-page Decision, Ombudsman Morales directed the current municipal mayor of Molave to implement the dismissal of Bids and Award Committee members: Gasmelba Felicitas, Marcos Bahinting, Melita delos Santos, Nikki Omboy, Jerry Gene delos Santos and Lina Lou Gitalan. Also ordered dismissed were Municipal Accountant Martin Blanco, Jr. and inspector Eleuterio Galleto.

           Felicitas, et al. were found guilty of Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service and were also meted out the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from reemployment in the government service.

The Commission on Audit (COA) found several irregularities in the procurement such as lack of public bidding, no eligibility check and no bid bonds submitted by bidders. The delivery, inspection and payment for the medicines were also found to have been processed in one day after the opening of the bids. The medicines were also overpriced by as much as 152% to 836%.

The COA also disclosed that the medicines were expired, with almost P1.2 million worth of medicines still undelivered. Respondents also procured Vitamin A capsules worth P645 thousand even if the vitamins were provided for free by the Department of Health.

Ex-Sarangani governor convicted for anomalous rice distribution

Former governor Miguel Escobar of Sarangani and provincial agriculturist Romeo Miole are facing 10 to 18 years of imprisonment after the Sandiganbayan 3rd division found them guilty of Malversation of Public Funds.   Atty. Escobar and Miole were held criminally liable for misappropriating 1,875 sacks of rice intended for victims of the La Niña.  Ombudsman prosecutors proved that the sacks of rice were diverted and given to barangay and municipal officials one week prior to the 2002 elections.

Escobar and Miole were also meted out the accessory penalties of perpetual special disqualification from holding any public office, and were ordered to pay a fine of P1.44 million.

In 2001, the provincial government adopted the Sagip Taniman Project for the livelihood rehabilitation of farmers affected by the La Niña.  To implement the project, Escobar approved the disbursement voucher (DV), purchase request, purchase order, requisition and issue slip for 1,875 sacks of rice amounting to P1.44 million intended for farmers and fisher folk.  Miole prepared the project design and certified in the DV that the expenses were necessary and lawful.

The anti-graft court said that in “allowing the distribution of the sacks of rice to the municipal and barangay officials, [Escobar] consented to the appropriation by persons who were not the listed beneficiaries of the program.”

It also junked Escobar’s contention that he came to know of such fact only after the distribution of the sacks of rice. The court highlighted that “it finds it hard to believe that a project involving the distribution of 1,875 sacks of rice that took place in his province and which he is duty bound to supervise would escape his attention. It would even be considered as an admission of his negligence because even after learning of the distribution of the sacks of rice, he did not do anything.”

Ombudsman prosecutors presented the State Auditor from the Commission on Audit who testified that “the program resulted in wastage and misuse of government funds.”

Malversation of public funds is committed by a public officer who has custody and control of public funds or property by reason his official duties, and misappropriates, consents or through abandonment or negligence, permits another person to take them.

Ombudsman: COA, LWUA execs liable for multi-million bonuses

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the dismissal from the service of six auditors from the Commission on Audit (COA) for Grave Misconduct for receiving additional compensation and bonuses from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) from 2006 to 2010. 

Ordered dismissed are state auditors Juanito Daguno, Jr., Proceso Saavedra, Teresita Tam, Corazon Cabotage, Evangeline Sison and Vilma Tiongson, including data machine operators Violeta Gamil and Roberto Villa. They were also perpetually disqualified for reemployment in the government service with cancellation of eligibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits.

COA executives Edna Anical, Thelma Baldovino, Evelyn De Leon, Daguno, Jr., Nestorio Ferrera, Gamil, Zoharayda Obog, Ligaya Principio, Jesusa Punsalan, Saavedra, Paulino Sarmiento, Tam, Villa, Cabotage, Sison and Tiongson are also facing criminal indictment for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) in connection with the multi-million peso grant of additional compensation and bonuses.

             Ombudsman Morales also found LWUA executives Lorenzo Jamora, Wilfredo Feleo, Orlando Hondrade and Daniel Landingin guilty of Simple Misconduct. They were ordered suspended without pay for six months.  In case of separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to six months’ salary.

Investigation disclosed that Jamora, et al. approved and signed Letters of Instructions directing the issuance of checks covering the irregular bonuses for LWUA and COA personnel from 2006 to 2010 totaling P25 million.

Based on the records of the COA Human Resource Office, respondent Anical received P789T; Baldovino P886T; De Leon P517T; Daguno, Jr. P615T; Ferrera P961T; Gamil P834T; Obog P658T; Principio P642T; Punsalan P602T; Saavedra P692T; Sarmiento P703T; Tam P592T; Villa P650T; Cabotage P542T; Sison P183T; and Tiongson P164T.

The Joint Resolution narrated that “the amount given were huge and arbitrary,” such that a COA machine operator assigned at LWUA received as much as P140 thousand and P43 thousand in November 2006 alone. They each received bonuses twice a month in November 2006, September and December  2007, September and December  2008, and March  2010.

It added that “their patent disregard of the existing policy of their own institution against the practice of receiving additional compensation cannot be deemed a mere lapse of judgment. Respondents, being state auditors and employees of COA itself, are presumed to know the prohibition.”

According to Ombudsman Morales, “COA auditors and employees were obviously motivated by malicious intent to favor self-interest at the expense of the public” and that “their acts are contrary to accepted rules of right and duty, honesty and good morals.”

As for Jamora, et al., “their stamp of approval and authorization for fund disbursement as payment for the questioned benefits is a clear transgression” of the Salary Standardization Law and other COA regulations.

Google has found that its most successful teams have 5 traits in common

Google, despite its penchant for childlike imagery and playful work environments, is a massive global company with 60,000 employees and a market cap of $500 billion. In order to stay dominant, it needs top talent, and to maintain top talent, it needs to foster creative and productive teams.

Following the success of Project Oxygen, an internal study that started in 2008 of what it takes to be a top manager at Google and whose findings are still used today, the company undertook another study, this one of team dynamics.

A group of Google's People Operations (HR) employees spent the past two years interviewing more than 200 Googlers across more than 180 teams to find out what distinguishes the most successful teams at Google. The main finding: A team's dynamics are more important than the talents of the individuals who comprise it.

Of 250 of these dynamics considered, five stood out.

Google announced Tuesday on its re:Work management blog the five traits of Google's best teams:

1. They establish "psychological safety."

"Psychological safety was far and away the most important of the five dynamics we found â€" it's the underpinning of the other four," People Operations analyst Julia Rozovsky writes on re:Work.

It's a term that Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson defines as "a shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk taking."

It sounds simple, Rozovsky says, but establishing an environment where no employees are afraid that one of their questions or suggestions will reveal them to be "out of the loop" requires work.

"Individuals on teams with higher psychological safety are less likely to leave Google, they're more likely to harness the power of diverse ideas from their teammates, they bring in more revenue, and they're rated as effective twice as often by executives," Rozovsky writes.

2. They require dependability.

Google defines this as, "Team members get things done on time and meet Google's high bar of excellence."

It takes an average of six weeks to secure a hire at the company. As soon as employees begin becoming lax with their demanding responsibilities, their entire team suffers.

3. They have structure and clarity.

Google's head of HR, Laszlo Bock, writes in his book "Work Rules!" that it is essential that team managers monitor their employees without micromanaging, which is essentially holding their hands on every project.

This trust is built by agreeing on a team and an individual basis on clear roles, plans, and goals.

4. They give each of their members meaning.

These roles, plans, and goals need to personally resonate with each of the employees, or else they will not be working to their full potential and pushing themselves to new limits.

It is a manager's responsibility to ensure that no team member starts dialing it in.

5. They have a purpose.

Every team needs to ask itself, "Do we fundamentally believe that what we're doing matters?" Rozovsky writes

Bock writes in his book that he tells managers that when they make a new hire, they need to clarify their team's purpose and how it is making a tangible impact.

Ombudsman charges Benguet execs over fertilizer fund scam

          Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales directed the filing of an Information for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) against officials of Bakun, Benguet for the anomalous purchase of P1.9 million worth of Nutro Ocean Liquid Fertilizers from Bry Cin Enterprises (BCE) in 2004.  Facing indictment before the Sandiganbayan are former Mayor Bartolome Sacla, Sr., Municipal Treasurer Manuel Bagayao, Municipal Accountant Virginia Kigisan and Dolly Villaflor of BCE.

The 19-page Resolution narrated that in 2004, the municipality of Bakun received the amount of P1.95 million from the Department of Agriculture (DA) as part of the Farm Inputs and Farm Implements Program (FIFIP).  The FIFIP formed part of the alleged P728 million fertilizer fund scam in 2004.

Records show that the municipality used the funds to buy 1,300 bottles of Nutro Ocean Fertilizers at P1,500.00/bottle from BCE, a company located in Quezon City. The inspection and payment for the supplier was made on 07 May 2004 even if actual delivery was made only on 14 May 2004.   

              In its audit, the Commission on Audit (COA) found that there was no public bidding conducted as the municipality did not create its Bids and Awards Committee; the fertilizers were grossly overpriced by as much as P1.74 million; based on COA’s market probe, suitable fertilizers were readily available at the market at much lower prices; and that the products delivered were substandard and not registered with the  Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority.

As a result, the COA issued a Notice of Disallowance in January 2006.

              “All these circumstances showed that public respondents, in conspiracy with Dolly Villaflor, acted with manifest partiality and gross inexcusable negligence in the procurement of nutro ocean fertilizers thereby causing undue injury to the municipality of Bakun and giving unwarranted benefit, advantage and preference to Bry Cin Enterprises and/or Dolly Villaflor,” stated the Resolution.

  Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 penalizes any public official who, by his official functions, causes undue injury to the government through manifest partiality, evident bad faith and gross inexcusable negligence. It covers private individuals who collude or conspire with public officials.

Ex-Gov. Lapid, Pampanga officials charged over fertilizer fund scam

          The Office of the Ombudsman has affirmed the finding of probable cause against former Pampanga Governor (now Senator) Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Provincial Accountant Benjamin Yuzon and Provincial Treasurer Vergel Yabut for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).  Included in the indictment are the executives of Malayan Pacific Trading Corporation (MPTC) Ma. Victoria Aquino-Abubakar and Leolita Aquino, and Dexter Alexander Vasquez, proprietor of D.A. Vasquez Macro-Micro Fertilizer Resources (DA Vasquez).

         The Special Panel for the Fertilizer Fund Scam found that several violations of the procurement rules were committed by Lapid, et. al.  when “they entered into a transaction that (was) grossly and manifestly disadvantageous to the Government as it paid P4,761,818.18 (P4,850,000.00 less net of tax of P88,181.82) without ensuring that the government benefits from the best products/services available from the market at the best price.”

     Records show that on 18 March 2004, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pampanga adopted Resolution No. 72 authorizing Lapid to enter in behalf of the province, into an agreement with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit III (DA-RFU III) for the implementation of the Farm Input Farm Implement Program in line with the DA’s Ginintuang Masaganang Ani Program.

        On 29 March 2004, then DA Undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-Joc” Bolante issued a memorandum requesting the approval of Sub-Allotment Advise for P5 million.   On 30 March 2004 and 29 April 2004, the DA issued Notices of Transfer Allotment authorizing Landbank of the Philippines to transfer P5 million to DA-RFU III.

          The local government of Pampanga received on 12 May 2004 a price quotation from D.A. Vasquez offering its Macro-Micro Foliar Fertilizer at P1,250.00 per liter/bottle, inclusive of training and technical assistance.

            On 21 May 2004, then Governor Lapid issued a purchase request covering the procurement of 3,880 bottles of fertilizer at P1,250.00 per liter/bottle.  Lapid also issued a certification that “there was no suitable fertilizer substitute with the same quality” and that the mode of procurement would be direct purchase from its exclusive distributor, MPTC.

           While in the performance of duties, Lapid, et. al.  in conspiracy with Vasquez, Aquino and Abubakar, purchased the fertilizers in complete disregard of Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).

            The Ombudsman mentioned that “if the Provincial government of Pampanga undertook the purchase through public bidding, it could have purchased a fertilizer of equal or better quality than Macro-Micro Foliar Fertilizer at a lesser or competitive cost, thus allowing the Province of Pampanga to secure the best commercially available fertilizer product at the lowest price possible.”

            In determining overprice in the procurement, it was found that “the Macro-Micro Foliar Fertilizer is 1000% higher than the other fertilizers of the same kind.”      In addition, the manner and inordinate speed by which the transaction was consummated   a mere 12 days- manifested the partiality of Lapid, et. al. to D.A. Vasquez and MPTC

Cotabato vice-mayor faces charges for eyeglass reimbursement

          The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to indict Makilala, Cotabato vice mayor Ricky Cua for two counts of Falsification due to bogus bidding documents for the purchase of reading eyeglasses in 2013. He also faces charges for violations of Section 65(3) of Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) and Section 7(a) of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).

           Investigation disclosed that Cua procured 314 reading glasses for his constituents worth P99,000.00 and asked for reimbursement from the local government. To facilitate the reimbursement, he falsified the cash invoice provided by the supplier and the abstract of canvass.

           Aside from Cua, the Ombudsman also found probable cause to charge the municipality’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) members, namely: Roel Caoagdan, Mario Ranis, Edwin Arellano, Pio Abonado, Jr., and Giovanni Ignacio, for two counts of Falsification of Public Documents.

           The BAC members were found to have falsified the abstract of canvass and resolution to simulate the procurement, therby making it appear that the supplier submitted the most advantageous price. These documents were used to support Cua’s request for reimbursement. 
           In a 10-page Resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales stated that “it was Cua himself who purchased the eyeglasses, and who prepared and processed the supporting documents in order to get refunded of their supposed value.”

        “Respondent Cua made use of the invoice in successfully obtaining the supposed reimbursement of the P99,000.00 in his favor, without which the refund would not have prospered,” the Resolution stated.

            Cua was also faulted when “he unduly influenced and exerted unwarranted pressure on the BAC members to take Naem as their chosen supplier.”

            Under Section 7(a) of R.A. No. 6713, “public officials shall not, directly or indirectly, have any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of their office.”

Sandiganbayan suspends Tuguegarao mayor, 4 DBM execs
16 November 2015

          The Sandiganbayan has ordered the suspension pendente lite of Tuguegarao mayor Jefferson Soriano for 90 days for his involvement in the anomalous procurement of rubber boats in 2008 to 2009. The order of suspension pendente lite was promulgated on 02 November 2015.

            In 2013, the Office of the Ombudsman filed graft charges against retired Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Jesus Verzosa and seven others for the purchase of defective police rubber boats.

Ombudsman investigators found that Soriano, as then Chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee, awarded four separate supply contracts for rubber boats all dated 18 December 2009 totalling P131.5 million.  Upon delivery and inspection, various defects in the equipment were discovered “which make their use risky to end-users.” The boats and engines were also not functional when fitted together, rendering them unusable for disaster operation efforts of the PNP.

In a separate case, the Sandiganbayan also ordered the suspension pendente lite of officials from the Department of Budget and Management, Technology Resource Center and National Livelihood Development Corporation, for their involvement in the anomalous utilization of the Priority Development Assistance Fund of former Benguet representative Samuel Dangwa.

Ordered suspended for 90 days are Mario Relampagos, Rosario Nuñez, Lalaine Paule, Marilou Bare, Marivic Jover, Consuelo Lilian Espiritu, Belina Concepcion, Gondelina Amata, Gregoria Buenaventura, Chita Jalandoni, Sofia Cruz, Filipina Rodriguez and Ofelia Ordoñez.

Ombudsman prosecutors said that “the suspension under Section 13 of R.A. No. 3019 admits of no exceptions” and that “the impossibility of tampering with evidence and intimidating witnesses is not a ground for denial of the preventive suspension.”  They also argued that “the period of suspension by the other Sandiganbayan divisions pertains to cases separate and independent of the present case.”
In agreeing with the Office of the Special Prosecutor, the court ruled that “the claim that the suspension from work may deprive them of their only source of income cannot override the mandatory character of Section 13 of R.A. No. 3019.

Drunk driver kills pedestrians, injures another

SAN MANUEL, Pangasinan Nov. 20 (PNA)â€"A 52 year-old farmer died while a barangay security officer was severely injured after a motorcycle driven by a drunk driver bumped them while they were walking along the road in barangay Guiset Sur here on Thursday (November 19).

Based on initial investigation of the police, the victims Regie Bangayan and Joseph Sabare,53, both residents of Zone 1 barangay Cabaritan were walking along the road when the motorcycle driven by Joselito Daroy Jr. with backrider Daryll Orit hit them.

The victims were rushed to the nearby hospital but Bangayan was pronounced dead on arrival while Sabare was transferred to the Urdaneta City District Hospital for further medical treatment.

Meanwhile, Daroy and Orit sustained minor injuries.

Daroy was found positive of alcohol intake after an alcoholic breath test and is now detained. (PNA)

Samar gov declares support for Roxas’ presidential bid

CATBALOGAN CITY, Nov. 20 (PNA) -- Despite being a stalwart member of the Nacionalist People’s Coalition in Samar province, Governor Sharee Ann Tan said she will be supporting the candidacy of Liberal Party (LP) presidential bet Mar Roxas.

Her support stems from the massive support the province received during Roxas’ stint as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The massive government assistance to this poor province came through distribution of police patrol jeepneys to poor towns, post-Yolanda reconstruction of local government-owned buildings, and water system projects for waterless communities.

“We saw for ourselves how Secretary Mar helped the province and we cannot just ignore the support he has given us,” Tan said.

In May 2015, 23 brand new units of multi-role patrol jeeps were issued by DILG to towns in Samar province. Roxas then said the patrol jeeps would help the local police force maintain the peace and order situation in Samar against communist rebels, who often clash with government troops in the area, causing violence, damages, and disruptions to daily life of innocent civilians.

In post Yolanda time, the province received Php16.52 million to fund special projects under the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) phase 1 project of the DILG.

This went to the rehabilitation of municipal halls, public markets and civic centers. Samar still received a second tranche of the post typhoon fund through RAY phase 2 projects in the amount of Php82.43 million.

RAY 2 funds are for rehabilitation of identified village facilities. Under this, Samar has 138 special projects which some have already been completed before Typhoon Yolanda had its second commemoration earlier this month.

The Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (Salintubig) Program, which started in 2011, has also been brought to Samar by Roxas, according to Tan.

Global economic power shift to Asia-Pacific offers growth opportunities for small, medium businesses

MANILA, Nov. 21 -- The Philippines and other Asia-Pacific economies need to work together to create an environment that fosters the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in overseas markets, in a bid to seize new growth opportunities as the global economic power shifts towards the region.

Chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council (ABAC) 2015, Doris Magsaysay-Ho, identified the shift in economic power among the “global megatrends” that are creating new challenges for APEC economies and businesses.

Magsaysay-Ho also noted the demographic and social change, with global population hitting 8 billion by 2025.

“These same global megatrends offer new growth opportunities, especially for SMEs. We must promote inclusive business models,” Ho said.

Magsaysay-Ho underscored the important role of electronic commerce in the internationalization of SMEs.

“The greatest driver of economic growth is innovation. And unconstrained by large fixed assets, SMEs are better positioned to understand new customer expectations and create transformational business models through innovation,” she added.

The ABAC chair said it is thus imperative for APEC economies to commit to developing their prospective innovation and digital plans.

“Fifty years ago, the life expectancy of Fortune 500 Companies was 75 years. Today, it is less than 15. Clearly, an APEC-wide plan is also needed or we will be left out of future growth,” she said.

Magsaysay-Ho further said the ABAC, together with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and ABAC Canada, is launching an interactive mapping of incubators that would allow startups to network and venture capitals to find startups to support.

She also urged APEC economies to adopt policies to promote trade and services, ratify the trade facilitation agreement (TFA) and commence steps on rapid implementation of their TFA commitments, as well as accelerate investments in resilient infrastructure.

Moreover, Magsaysay-Ho identified other global megatrends shaping the future, which are the unprecedented rise in urbanization, and climate change and resource scarcity amid growing population and middle class.

"Excellencies, these megatrends are bringing challenges and new opportunities. More than ever, we need to come together for collective action towards greater regional economic integration to achieve our shared vision of a secure, stable and prosperous region for everyone through inclusive, quality and sustainable growth,” she added. (PCOO/PNA)

Health Facilities Enhancement Program needs serious improvementâ€"PIDS

MAKATI CITY - A study by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies urges the Department of Health to address serious flaws and challenges in the implementation of its Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).

The research team of Oscar F. Picazo, Ida Marie T. Pantig, and Nina Ashley O. dela Cruz released their findings in a policy note titled, “More than infrastructure and equipment: Process evaluation of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program”. Their evaluation of the DOH program revealed gaps in implementing practices in medical infrastructure.
                   
The problematic areas they identified included service delivery, commissioned contracting, funding for building facilities, coordination, and facility licensing. Addressing the problems in these areas, urged the authors, will help improve the management of the HFEP.

The key to a better HFEP is improving coordination at all levels. It may also help to establish a manual operations for the entire project.

The authors also recommended establishing a civilian, health sector version of a SWAT team to address extraordinary situations of specific technical nature

Commissioned contracting would also eliminate the fragmentation. The protraction of deliverables would be reduced if the incremental, multiyear infrastructure funding is replaced by a “finish one-at-a-time” funding scheme.

“DOH, as financier, will only be dealing with fewer contractors, and the commissioned contractors will take on the responsibility of construction monitoring,” the authors added. (PIDS)

CBCP offers prayers for the victims and families of the 13 OFWs killed in road accident in Saudi Arabia

MANILA, Nov. 20 (PNA) -- The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is offering prayers and masses for the 13 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who died in a vehicular accident in Saudi Arabia last Tuesday.

At the same time, Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI), said they are also praying for the families of those who perished in the road mishap.

“CBCP-ECMI offers our prayers and holy masses, imploring to our Almighty God to grant them eternal rest and strength to their families,” he said.

The Balanga bishop added, "It is a tragic loss to our country and to their families. We lost not only OFWs but heroes. They went to Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their welfare and well-being of their families, willing to sacrifice and to suffer separation for the love of their families.”

Santos also lauded the Filipino workers’ dedication to their jobs and for helping to uplift the lives of their families by working far away from them.

“We remember their dedication to work, their fidelity to their family and being responsible to their duties, the true face of OFWs,” he said.

On Nov. 17, the service van with more than 20 passengers is on its way to the workers’ lodging house when it collided with a delivery truck in Al-Ahsa, a province in the Eastern Region of the kingdom.

Thirteen people perished while several others were badly injured. (PNA)

NBI asks for more time to submit report on "talim-bala" scam

MANILA, Nov. 20 (PNA) -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to extend the period within which to submit its report pertaining to the Tanim Laglag Bala (Talaba) scam at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The NBI Special Task Force was created by the DOJ to focus on the issue which only had a period of 15 days within which to submit its report to DOJ Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

The deadline for the submission of the NBI report expired on Nov. 18, 2015.

However, in the text message of DOJ Spokesman Undersecretary Emmanuel Caparas, he said that they held a meeting with the NBI Special Task Force that handles the case and the latter asked for an extension to submit the report.

According to Caparas, the NBI still needed to talk with the officials and employees of the NAIA. (PNA)

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Philippines could become world’s largest producer of mud crabs, says aquatic research exec

ILOILO CITY, Nov. 18 (PNA) -- There is a chance for the Philippines to become the world’s largest producer of mud crabs, an emerging commodity in the domestic and export market, if the remaining gaps in the production aspect will be addressed with appropriate intervention.

“The Philippines is second only to China in terms of volume that’s why there is much potential to this export commodity,” said Dr. Dalisay Fernandez of the Inland Aquatic Research and Development of Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

Mud crab production in the Philippines stands at 16,000 metric tons, mostly coming from the sea. The population in the wild, however, has been declining.

In 2012, Dalisay said that the production was valued at around 100 million dollars.

However, with the available technology that was developed by researchers from the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD) in collaboration with the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) and funded by PCAARRD it is expected that the production will be boosted.

“The chance of increasing the production is very high so people will not be collecting crablets from their natural environment. To compensate for that we have to provide the seeds from the hatchery,” said Dr. Felix Ayson, chief of SEAFDEC.

Hatcheries with an 80-ton capacity developed by SEAFDEC and UPV can produce around 90,000 crablets per run with 46 runs per year, said Dr. Fe Estepa, also of SEAFDEC AQD.

Dalisay added that they are now ready to roll out technologies that were developed to include production of hatchery-reared juveniles for soft shell crab farming, commercial production of pathogen-free marine worms (polychaetes) for broodstock diet, techniques to reduce cannibalism, development of suitable diets, immunostimulants and microbial compounds to mitigate diseases.

Secretary Mario Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during Monday’s kickoff of the three-day national mud crab congress here underscored that a prototype hatchery is already operational and turned over to the local government of Guindulman, Bohol.

The prototype hatchery can produce 40,000 crabs in one run.

“We expect other demonstration hatcheries set up strategically in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to build up the momentum towards making the mud crab industry one of the pillars of Philippine aquaculture,” he stressed.

The congress that officially culminates today, Wednesday, with a tour of the various facilities of SEAFDEC and UPV anchors on the theme ““Philippines: In the forefront of the mud crab industry development.” (PNA)

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"Paris attack similar to 2008 Mumbai carnage"

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (PNA/PTI) -- Drawing parallels between the Paris and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in terms of low-cost and level of sophistication, security experts today said that the mayhem will be a "game changer" for how the West looks at the threat posed by terrorism.

Over 120 people were killed as terrorists attacked sites throughout the French capital and at Stade de France stadium during a friendly football match between France and Germany.

French President Francois Hollande was also present at the stadium when the attack occurred.

John Miller, Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counter-terrorism of the New York Police Department told CNN that the Paris attack resembles the Mumbai terrorist attack in terms of low-cost and low resources and it carried the various features of the 26/11.

Bruce Hoffman, head of the national security program at Georgetown University, referred to a call given by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden five years ago to carry Mumbai-type attack across Europe.

"The attacks show a level of sophistication we really haven't seen in an urban area since 2008 in the attack in Mumbai," Michael Leiter, former director National Counterterrorism Center, was quoted as saying by NBC News.

"This will be a game changer for how the West looks at this threat," Leiter said.

Retired Air Force General Michael Hayden said the Paris violence was "certainly a terrorist attack" and that "our fears have been realized" because the assaults greatly mirror the 2008 terrorism in Mumbai that killed at least 166 people, including six Americans.

After the Mumbai attack, carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, intelligence agencies around the world had studied the carnage to prevent a repetition of such incidents.

"We had great fear that we would see copycat versions of that attack and now, I fear that our fears have been realized, and we're seeing that carried out tonight in Paris," Hayden said.

"It shows the fragility of free societies. It shows the great danger that international terrorism presents to all of us," he said. (PNA/PTI)
RMA/RSM

Brazilian court seizes fund from company responsible for mining disaster

RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 14 (PNA/Xinhua) -- A Brazilian court ordered Friday a provisional seizure of 300 million reais (USD 78 million) from Samarco, a company responsible for the burst of two tailings dams in which at least nine people were killed and 18 others are still missing.

The seized fund, which will be used to help the over 550 homeless people suffering from both material and immaterial damages, "was compatible with the extensiveness of the damage," according to a state court in Minas Gerais, where the disaster took place.

However, the judge asked Brazilian people not to "demonize" Samarco, as the company was operating legally, and "had created direct and indirect jobs, paid taxes, and shown itself to be an important actor in the local, regional and Brazilian economy."

Samarco was fined 250 million reais (65.2 million U.S. dollars) on Thursday by the Brazilian government for causing extensive environmental damage.

Samarco is a joint venture of Vale and BHP Billiton, two of the largest mining companies in the world. (PNA/Xinhua)

Dear Valued Client,

Please be advised of the following schedules during the November APEC Summit:

1. The following Metro Manila branches will be OPEN during the November APEC Summit:

Area   Wednesday, November 18, 2015   Thursday, November 19, 2015
Makati / Taguig   Main Office Branch   Ground Floor, UCPB Executive Offices Building, 7907 Makati Avenue, Makati City   Main Office Branch   Ground Floor, UCPB Executive Offices Building, 7907 Makati Avenue, Makati City
Pasong Tamo Extension   2295 Jannov Plaza, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City   Dela Rosa   Asian Mansion I Condominium, 109 Dela Rosa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
The Fort   Forbes Wood Heights Condominium, Rizal Drive Global City, Taguig
Manila / Pasay   Elcano   601 - 603 Elcano corner San Nicolas Street, Binondo, Manila   P. Ocampo   Torre Lorenzo Building, Taft Avenue corner Vito Cruz, Malate, Manila
Malate   Golden Empire Tower, 1322 Roxas Boulevard corner Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila   T.M. Kalaw   Traveller's Life Building, 490 TM Kalaw corner Cortada Street, Ermita, Manila
CAMANAVA   Caloocan   283 EDSA corner General Tinio Street, Morning Breeze Subdivision, Caloocan City   Karuhatan   246 McArthur Highway, Karuhatan, Valenzuela City
Quezon City   Banaue   PPSTA Dormitory Building, 245 Banaue Street, Quezon City   P. Tuazon   190 STG Building, P. Tuazon Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City
Mindanao Avenue   14 Mindanao Avenue, Barangay Tandang Sora, Dominic Subdivision, Quezon City   Muñoz   304 Roosevelt Avenue corner M.H. Del Pilar Street, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City
Commonwealth   125 Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City
New Manila   958 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, QC   E. Rodriguez   2 Judge Jimenez Street, corner E. Rodriguez Street, Barangay Pinagkaisahan, Cubao, Quezon City
Antipolo /
Marikina / Rizal   Antipolo   Circumferential Road, Barangay San Roque, Antipolo City   Antipolo   Circumferential Road, Barangay San Roque, Antipolo City
Cainta   UCPB Building, Felix Avenue, Junction, Cainta, Rizal   Cainta   UCPB Building, Felix Avenue, Junction, Cainta, Rizal
Masinag   Silicone Valley Building, Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City   Masinag   Silicone Valley Building, Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City
Q. Plaza   Q.Plaza Commercial Complex, Felix Avenue corner Marcos Highway, Cainta, Rizal   Q. Plaza   Q.Plaza Commercial Complex, Felix Avenue corner Marcos Highway, Cainta, Rizal
Taytay   Fortunil Building, National Road, San Juan, Taytay, Rizal   Taytay   Fortunil Building, National Road, San Juan, Taytay, Rizal
Mandaluyong /
San Juan / Pasig   Greenhills   A & E Building, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan City   Hanston Square   17 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Boni Avenue   677 Boni Avenue corner Aliw Street, Mandaluyong City
Pioneer   Shaw Boulevard corner Pioneer Street, Pasig City
Muntinlupa /
Parañaque /
Las Piñas / Cavite /
Laguna   Alabang   Civic Prime Building, Civic Drive corner Market Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang   Biñan   National Highway, Platero, Biñan, Laguna
Aquino Avenue   Sky Freight Building, NAIA Avenue, Parañaque City   Calamba   Lazaro & Borres Building, National Highway, Crossing, Calamba City
BF Parañaque   21 Aguirre Street, BF Homes Commercial Center, Parañaque City   Dasmariñas   Toledo Building, No. 2-A, Sampaloc 1, Dasmariñas, Cavite
Biñan   National Highway, Platero, Biñan, Laguna   Imus   Maliksi Building, Tanzang Luma, Aguinaldo Highway, Imus, Cavite
Calamba   Lazaro & Borres Building, National Highway, Crossing, Calamba City   Laguna   UCPB Building, Kilometer 32, National Highway, San Pedro, Laguna
Dasmariñas   Toledo Building, No. 2-A, Sampaloc 1, Dasmariñas, Cavite   Molino   Solagrande Center, Molino Road, Bacoor, Cavite
Imus   Maliksi Building, Tanzang Luma, Aguinaldo Highway, Imus, Cavite   Muntinlupa   Elizabeth Center Building, National Road, Putatan, Muntinlupa City
Laguna   UCPB Building, Kilometer 32, National Highway, San Pedro, Laguna   Rosario   UCPB Building, General Trias Drive, Rosario, Cavite
Las Piñas   URCI Townhomes, Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona 3, Las Piñas City   Sta. Rosa   Santa Rosa Estates Commercial, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Sta. Rosa Laguna
Molino   Solagrande Center, Molino Road, Bacoor, Cavite   Sucat   8404 Dr. A. Santos Avenue corner Rainbow Drive, Barangay BF Homes, Sucat, Parañaque
Rosario   UCPB Building, General Trias Drive, Rosario, Cavite   Zapote   UCPB Building, Real Street, Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas City
Sta. Rosa   Santa Rosa Estates Commercial, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Sta. Rosa Laguna
* Complete contact information for UCPB branches can be viewed here: https://www.ucpb.com/UCPB_Branches.php
2. All UCPB Provincial branches will remain OPEN during the APEC Summit.

3. Check clearing schedules on these dates are as follows:

November 17 and November 20 are regular clearing days. Thus, check deposits on these dates will be credited to the payees’ accounts on the day the deposit is made. Likewise, checks issued on these dates will also be debited from the issuer’s account on the same day.
There will be no clearing operations on November 18 and 19. Check deposits on these dates will only be received by UCPB branches open on these dates and will be processed as late check deposits. These will be credited to payees’ account on November 20.
On the clearing period or availability of the check deposits for withdrawals, please refer to the table below:
Deposit Date   Credit Date   Date when funds will be available
for withdrawal
November 16, 2015   November 16, 2015   November 20, 2015
November 17, 2015   November 17, 2015   November 23, 2015
November 18-20, 2015   November 20, 2015   November 24, 2015
Our electronic banking facilities will be available even during the scheduled holidays. For questions or clarifications, you may contact your maintaining branch or Customer Relations Center at (02) 811-9111 or crc@ucpb.com. You may also visit our website at www.ucpb.com.

Thank you.

Cayetano to authorities: Quell the people's fear, keep airports safe

Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday called on the government to get its act together and ensure the general safety of the people amid the growing public fear due to incidents of the “Tanim-Bala” modus at the country’s airports.

“People are afraid. Everyone who goes to our airports is bulletproofing their bags. They feel that if they are victimized, a case will be filed against them before someone listens to them. Takot na takot ang mamamayan dahil ang gobyerno ay hindi maramdaman,” Cayetano said.
                             
During yesterday’s Senate inquiry regarding the bullet-planting scandal, the senator questioned Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya’s earlier statement that they have already started their investigation on the matter, after “Tanim-Bala” victims invited at the hearing confirmed that none of the concerned agencies, DOTC included, made an effort to get their side of the story.

“An investigation means that you are looking at who is right or wrong, that you are listening to both sides. Pero ang kanang kamay ninyo, nag-file na ng kaso, sinasabing guilty sila. Ang kaliwa ninyong kamay, hindi naman sila tinatanong kung anong nangyari,” Cayetano told Abaya.

He also expressed his disbelief on how bullets allegedly carried by passengers can be intercepted by airport personnel, while kilos of drugs are smuggled unnoticed.

“What kind of x-ray machines do our airports have that are so picky that it can detect a bullet allegedly carried by OFW Gloria Ortinez but fail to detect 2.5 kilos of cocaine?” Cayetano asked.

Single department to protect OFWs from abuse

The senator said that the government should have a swift and effective response to the scam in order to quell the public’s fear and secure the country’s airports.

Meanwhile, in Cayetano’s Senate Resolution No. 1662 filed on Wednesday, he expressed the need for the government to establish a single department that will manage, harmonize, and strengthen existing policies and programs that will protect the rights of Filipino migrant workers.

He also called on the Office for Transport Security to conduct an immediate investigation and file a report within 15 days, with the end view of rendering justice to the victims and punishing all those responsible of the scam.

“What we need are simple, swift and effective measures to address this issue. Hindi pupwede ang pateka-teka. ‘Pag mabilis ang aksyon ng gobyerno, mawawala ang takot ng tao,” Cayetano concluded.

wa ba kaha to nakatungab ug bahal sa wa pa mosungasong sa mga balod sa kadagatan.

Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard to be released next week after 30 years in prison

WASHINGTON (AP) â€" Jonathan Pollard, the Navy intelligence analyst whose 1985 arrest for selling secrets to Israel set off a sensational spy saga, is scheduled to be released from federal prison next week, marking the end of a three-decade diplomatic burr in the relationship between the two allies.

Pollard, 61, had been serving a life sentence, but was granted parole this year under sentencing rules in place at the time of his prosecution that made him presumptively eligible for release this month.

Although the decision from the U.S. Parole Commission came around the same time as a sharp disagreement between the U.S. and the Israeli governments over a nuclear deal with Iran, officials from both countries have denied the release was in any way tied to that arrangement, or was intended as a concession to Israel.

The release, scheduled for next Friday, caps a case that divided public opinion in Israel and America and has been a periodic source of legal and diplomatic wrangling between the two countries.

"In terms of the quantity of stuff he gave away and the classification and the damage to relations, it certainly was a significant case," said Jeffrey Richelson, a senior fellow at the National Security Archive at George Washington University who has written on Pollard.

Pollard's plans aren't immediately clear. His lawyers said after the parole decision in July that he had lined up a job and housing in the New York area. His lawyers have said that he will be required to remain in the United States for five years, though they called on President Barack Obama to grant him clemency and permit him to move to Israel immediately.

But the White House quickly shot down that prospect, saying Pollard had committed "very serious crimes" and the president had "no intention of altering the terms of Mr. Pollard's parole."

One of his lawyers, Eliot Lauer, did not respond this week to questions about Pollard's future and said his client would not be available for an interview.

The real question, said Washington national security lawyer Mark Zaid, is "not about releasing him, because he's going to be released. He's served his time and his sentence is up. ... It's more about, 'OK, where does he go?'"

The case attracted international attention when Pollard was arrested on Nov. 21, 1985, after trying unsuccessfully to gain asylum at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. He pleaded guilty a year later to conspiracy to commit espionage and was sentenced in 1987 to life in prison. He has argued that his guilty plea was coerced and that his sentence was excessive.

Justice Department lawyers did not object to Pollard's release during a hearing this year that took into account Pollard's behavior in prison and whether he was likely to commit new crimes if released. Under sentencing rules, he was eligible for parole after spending 30 years in custody.

Though next Saturday marks the 30th anniversary of his arrest, Pollard is actually due out Friday from the Butner, N.C., prison because releases aren't scheduled on weekends or holidays, said Bureau of Prisons spokesman Ed Ross.

The case has long been a source of tension between the two countries.

American presidents have repeatedly denied Pollard's release even as the Israeli government, which granted Pollard citizenship in the 1990s and recognized him as an Israeli agent, has for years sought his freedom. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in July that he had "consistently raised the issue of (Pollard's) release in my meetings and conversations with the leadership of successive U.S. administrations."

The U.S. last year dangled the prospect of freeing Pollard early as part of a package of incentives to keep Israel at the negotiating table during talks with the Palestinians. But the peace effort collapsed and Pollard remained in prison. He came up for parole last year but was denied.

Pollard's supporters, including many Israeli citizens, have long maintained he was punished too harshly for spying on behalf of a U.S. ally and that he provided information critical to Israel's security interests at a time when the country was under threat from its Middle East neighbors. But U.S. officials have condemned him as a traitor who provided volumes of classified information to Israel, including about radar-jamming techniques and the electronic capabilities of nations hostile to Israel, including Saudi Arabia.

A damage assessment prepared by the U.S. government after Pollard's arrest found that he had "eagerly seized an opportunity to volunteer his services to Israeli intelligence," and after receiving formal instructions and operational planning, began making large biweekly deliveries of classified material and collected a monthly salary for it.

Pollard drew the suspicion of a supervisor for the large amounts of classified information that he was handling on topics concerning the Middle East that were unrelated to his official duties on North America and the Caribbean.

A lasting consequence of the case is unusual suspicion within U.S. intelligence toward those who maintain deep Israeli contacts or have spent time there, said Zaid, a lawyer who represents whistleblowers and handles national security matters. But he said that for much of the public, there's little recollection about it.

"Frankly, I don't think the general public remembers him," Zaid said. "It's part of history. It's a generation ago."

WORLD LEADERS COMMIT TO END SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN THROUGH PROSTITUTION AND PORNOGRAPHY

Today, Heads of State gathered for the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York unveil the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and set in motion the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

In doing so, world leaders make the highest possible commitment to protect children when they are the most vulnerable. The SDGs include the promise to ‘take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour (...) by 2025’ (SDG target 8.7). The International Labour Organization has clearly defined the worst forms of child labour as including the sale and trafficking of children, as well as the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution or the production of pornography.
ECPAT International welcomes the commitment of Heads of States as a victory for children everywhere. ‘We must now work harder than ever with governments and partners across all sectors to ensure this commitment holds the promise of being a game-changer for children’ said Dorothy Rozga, Executive Director of ECPAT International.

ECPAT celebrates this breakthrough, which it has been tirelessly trying to secure during three World Congresses Against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children for the last 20 years.
Today must be the start of an era of determination and action if governments are to eradicate the commercial sexual exploitation of children through prostitution and pornography before 2025.

Background information
ECPAT is a global network of 85 organisations working together in 77 countries for the elimination of all forms of child sexual exploitation through prostitution, pornography and trafficking. ECPAT International has been leading the global discussion on the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and is recognised as a strong and cohesive child rights advocacy network speaking on behalf of vulnerable children and child victims of sexual exploitation for the past 25 years. For more information, please visit www.ecpat.net

ECPAT co-organised the First World Congress Against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, convened in Stockholm in 1996. The Stockholm Congress was ground-breaking as it was the first time there was an acknowledgement and outrage at the global level of what was largely a hidden violation of children that occurred in all parts of the world. A key outcome of the Congress was an international action plan called the Stockholm Declaration. The Second World Congress Against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children was held in Yokohama, Japan in 2001 and produced the Yokohama Global Commitment. The Third World Congress Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2008 and hosted official government delegations from 140 countries.

The Post-2015 Development Agenda includes 17 SDGs and 169 specific targets, which will replace the Millennium Development Goals and are to be achieved by 2030. 

President Obama just delivered a statement on today's attacks in Paris.

"Once again we've seen an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians. This is an attack not just on Paris, it's an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share."

Read the remarks:

Good evening, everybody. I just want to make a few brief comments about the attacks across Paris tonight. Once again, we’ve seen an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians. This is an attack not just on Paris, it’s an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share.

We stand prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance that the government and the people of France need to respond. France is our oldest ally. The French people have stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States time and again. And we want to be very clear that we stand together with them in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

Paris itself represents the timeless values of human progress. Those who think that they can terrorize the people of France or the values that they stand for are wrong. The American people draw strength from the French people’s commitment to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. We are reminded in this time of tragedy that the bonds of liberté and égalité and fraternité are not only values that the French people care so deeply about, but they are values that we share. And those values are going to endure far beyond any act of terrorism or the hateful vision of those who perpetrated the crimes this evening.

We’re going to do whatever it takes to work with the French people and with nations around the world to bring these terrorists to justice, and to go after any terrorist networks that go after our people.

We don’t yet know all the details of what has happened. We have been in contact with French officials to communicate our deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed, to offer our prayers and thoughts to those who have been wounded. We have offered our full support to them. The situation is still unfolding. I’ve chosen not to call President Hollande at this time, because my expectation is that he’s very busy at the moment. I actually, by coincidence, was talking to him earlier today in preparation for the G20 meeting. But I am confident that I’ll be in direct communications with him in the next few days, and we’ll be coordinating in any ways that they think are helpful in the investigation of what’s happened.

This is a heartbreaking situation. And obviously those of us here in the United States know what it’s like. We’ve gone through these kinds of episodes ourselves. And whenever these kinds of attacks happened, we’ve always been able to count on the French people to stand with us. They have been an extraordinary counterterrorism partner, and we intend to be there with them in that same fashion.

I’m sure that in the days ahead we’ll learn more about exactly what happened, and my teams will make sure that we are in communication with the press to provide you accurate information. I don’t want to speculate at this point in terms of who was responsible for this. It appears that there may still be live activity and dangers that are taking place as we speak. And so until we know from French officials that the situation is under control, and we have for more information about it, I don’t want to speculate.

Thank you very much.

DOT to launch Child Safe Tourism program on Nov. 15

MANILA, Nov. 9 (PNA) -- Some 200 adults and children alike are expected to participate in a fun walk to show their commitment to promote the advocacy of protection and welfare of children in the tourism and travel industry.

The fun walk, slated on Sunday, is one of the highlights of the Child Safe Tourism Program under the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The walk will begin from the Bayanihan Park and Walking Street in Angeles City, Pampanga towards SM City Clark.

The program is a joint effort of the DOT, local government units (LGUs), and private sector groups which seeks to form the so-called Child-safe Tourism Network now posted on social media.

The same program has previously been launched in other tourist destinations including Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, and Puerto Princesa.

Expected to be tackled during the launch of the program is the symbolic presentation of the “7 Travel Tips” and signing of covenant on child safety.

Representatives from partner national government agencies, non-government institutions, academe, and stakeholders from the tourism and hotel sector are also expected to attend the event.

Cebu Pacific, Cebgo update list of cancelled flights during APEC

MANILA - Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific and Cebgo cancelled more flights on Friday to avoid flight inconveniences during next week’s Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings.

In an advisory, both airlines sought for guests' understanding as there may be flight schedule changes throughout the duration of the APEC Meeting in Manila.

Both airlines meanwhile assured that it is arranging the re-accommodation of affected passengers on the soonest available flights.

On the other hand, passengers travelling from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20 may avail either opt for full refund or travel fund; or rebook their flights for travel within 30 days from original departure date without additional charge.

Passengers who are unable to show up for their flights between Nov. 16 and 20 may avail themselves of a full refund or travel fund without penalties.

Reservation hotlines are currently receiving a high volume of calls.

Cancelled Cebu Pacific flights:

November 16, 2015 (Monday)

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November 17, 2015 (Tuesday)

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November 18, 2015 (Wednesday)

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November 19, 2015 (Thursday)

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November 20, 2015 (Friday)

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5J339/340 Manila â€" Kalibo â€" Manila

5J341/342 Manila â€" Kalibo â€" Manila

5J343/344 Manila â€" Kalibo â€" Manila

5J325/326 Manila â€" Legazpi â€" Manila

5J321/322 Manila â€" Legazpi â€" Manila

5J323/324 Manila â€" Legazpi â€" Manila

5J327/328 Manila â€" Legazpi â€" Manila

5J781/782 Manila â€" Ozamiz â€" Manila

5J637/638 Manila â€" Puerto Princesa â€" Manila

5J643/644 Manila â€" Puerto Princesa â€" Manila

5J635/636 Manila â€" Puerto Princesa â€" Manila

5J639/640 Manila â€" Puerto Princesa â€" Manila

5J647/648 Manila â€" Puerto Princesa â€" Manila

5J373/374 Manila â€" Roxas â€" Manila

5J375/376 Manila â€" Roxas â€" Manila

5J513/514 Manila â€" San Jose â€" Manila

5J651/652 Manila â€" Tacloban â€" Manila

5J655/656 Manila â€" Tacloban â€" Manila

5J649/650 Manila â€" Tacloban â€" Manila

5J653/654 Manila â€" Tacloban â€" Manila

5J659/660 Manila â€" Tacloban â€" Manila

5J617/618 Manila â€" Tagbilaran â€" Manila

5J619/620 Manila â€" Tagbilaran â€" Manila

5J821/822 Manila â€" Virac â€" Manila

5J851/852 Manila â€" Zamboanga â€" Manila

5J857/858 Manila â€" Zamboanga â€" Manila

Cancelled Cebgo flights

November 16, 2015 (Monday)

DG 6245/6246 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG 6317/6318 Manila â€" Kalibo â€" Manila

DG 6004/6005 Manila â€" Laoag â€" Manila

DG6113/6114 Manila â€" Naga â€" Manila

November 17, 2015 (Tuesday)

DG6043/6044 Manila â€" Busuanga â€" Manila

DG6051/6052 Manila â€" Busuanga â€" Manila

DG6055/6056 Manila â€" Busuanga â€" Manila

DG6227/6228 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6223/6224 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6245/6246 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6235/6236 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6229/6230 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6233/6234 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6241/6242 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6243/6244 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6317/6318 Manila â€" Kalibo â€" Manila

DG6004/6005 Manila â€" Laoag â€" Manila

DG6117/6118 Manila â€" Naga â€" Manila

DG6113/6114 Manila â€" Naga â€" Manila


November 18, 2015 (Wednesday)

DG6051/6052 Manila â€" Busuanga â€" Manila

DG6245/6246 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6241/6242 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6243/6244 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6317/6318 Manila â€" Kalibo â€" Manila

DG6004/6005 Manila â€" Laoag â€" Manila

DG6113/6114 Manila â€" Naga â€" Manila


November 19, 2015 (Thursday)

DG6051/6052 Manila â€" Busuanga â€" Manila

DG6043/6044 Manila â€" Busuanga â€" Manila

DG6047/6048 Manila â€" Busuanga â€" Manila

DG6229/6230 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6245/6246 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6241/6242 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6243/6244 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6227/6228 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6223/6224 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6233/6234 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6225/6226 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6235/6236 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6278/6279 Cebu â€" Caticlan â€" Cebu

DG6317/6318 Manila â€" Kalibo â€" Manila

DG6004/6005 Manila â€" Laoag â€" Manila

DG6113/6114 Manila â€" Naga â€" Manila

November 20, 2015 (Friday)

DG6041/6042 Manila â€" Busuanga â€" Manila

DG6233/6234 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6243/6244 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6227/6228 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6223/6224 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6245/6246 Manila â€" Caticlan â€" Manila

DG6113/6114 Manila â€" Naga â€" Manila

DG6117/6118 Manila â€" Naga â€" Manila

Aside from Cebu Pacific and Cebgo, other airlines have also cancelled several flights. (PNA)
RMA/ANP

Oldest known stars found at the heart of Milky Way

MELBOURNE, Nov. 13 (PNA/PTI) -- Astronomers have discovered the oldest known stars near the centre of the Milky Way galaxy, dating back to the time when the universe was just 300 million years old.

The stars are surprisingly pure but contain material from an even earlier star, which died in an enormous explosion called hypernova, the researchers said.

"These pristine stars are among the oldest surviving stars in the universe, and certainly the oldest stars we have ever seen," said lead author Louise Howes, a PhD student at the Australian National University (ANU) Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

"These stars formed before the Milky Way, and the galaxy formed around them," said Howes.

The discovery and analysis of the nine pure stars challenges current theories about the environment of the early universe from which these stars formed.

"The stars have surprisingly low levels of carbon, iron and other heavy elements, which suggests the first stars might not have exploded as normal supernovae," said Howes.

"Perhaps they ended their lives as hypernovae - poorly understood explosions of probably rapidly rotating stars producing 10 times as much energy as normal supernovae," she said.

Project leader Martin Asplund, professor at ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics said finding such rare relic stars among the billions of stars in the Milky Way centre was like finding a needle in a haystack.

"The ANU SkyMapper telescope has a unique ability to detect the distinct colours of anaemic stars - stars with little iron - which has been vital for this search," said Asplund.

Following the team's discovery in 2014 of an extremely old star on the edge of the Milky Way, the team focused on the dense central parts of the galaxy, where stars formed even earlier.

The team sifted through about five million stars observed with SkyMapper to select the most pure and therefore oldest specimens, which were then studied in more detail using the Anglo-Australian Telescope in New South Wales and the Magellan telescope in Chile to determine their chemical make-up.

The team also demonstrated that the stars spend their entire lives near the Milky Way centre and are not just passing through, a further indication that the stars really are the oldest known stars in the universe.

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We want to talk to you about our nation’s high schools for a moment.

In 2008, the Department of Education required all states, for the first time, to use the same calculation for their high school graduation rate -- a key accountability measure that this administration has embraced. In 2010, President Obama and Secretary Duncan joined the America’s Promise Alliance at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to launch the GradNation campaign, setting a national goal of a 90 percent high school completion rate by 2020.

We’re seeing tangible results.

High school graduation rates have risen and are continuing to rise across America. Preliminary data from the Department of Education for the 2013-2014 school year show the narrowing gap between students from low-income families, students of color, students with disabilities, English language learners and their peers.

This increase in graduation rates is the result of hard work by millions of young people, families, educators, community leaders, business leaders and policy makers who have come together to create brighter futures for young people.

But while we celebrate this progress, we need to be smarter and more persistent if we want to continue to raise graduation rates for all students.

Today, a diverse group of people is coming together at the White House to talk about how we can do that in a smart way. You should follow along, and join the conversation here.

Young people have to be a respected voice at the center of change. The only way this works is if they’re a part of the process.

The latest report out of our research institute asked young people who left school without graduating what would have helped them stay in school. Here’s what we found:

The most powerful “innovation” contributing to students’ success is support from caring adults in schools. Young people told us they need an anchor, someone whom they can trust to be a stable presence in their lives. Even better is a web of supportive adults and peers to help them navigate their way through life’s challenges and toward graduation and a successful adulthood.

Students who do not graduate on time have been stigmatized as ‘dropouts.’ But we’ve been listening to these young people and learning about the complex and extraordinary challenges they face -- unstable housing, food insecurity, trauma, violence, physical and emotional abuse, and bullying. Leaving school may be a last resort -- but it may also feel like their only option. We’re humbled by these students’ determination not only to survive, but to craft a safe and meaningful life and to fulfill their dreams.

Today, we want to applaud those participating in the White House Next Generation High School Summit working together to accelerate innovation that creates the conditions under which all children have a real chance to succeed.

We want to encourage everyone who participates in today’s conversation to be guided by the best evidence of what works. We hope we can ‘redesign’ in such a way that teachers and other adults in schools have the time and expectation to forge real and positive relationships at every turn.

And finally, let’s be persistent: The policies, practices and stigmas that contribute to opportunity gaps in this country were long in the making -- and they will take time and attention to dismantle.

Tune in and let’s get this incredibly important work done.

Thank you,

General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)
Founding Chair, America’s Promise Alliance

Alma J. Powell
Chair, America’s Promise Alliance

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Dear:

My name's Dora from MYD battery, we are NIMH NICD battery manufacture in China for years with 600 workers, 25000m2 non-dust workshop and 10 years export experience.

For MYD NIMH and NICD battery, we have got CE, UL approval, and sea shipping certificate.

Our batteries are widely used for emergency light in domestic and abroad, like JE WOO, BEST lighting and etc, we hope a chance of cooperation!

Thanks and best regards
Dora

It was just over nine years ago that I wore the uniform of a United States Naval Officer for the last time. It seems like it was just yesterday.

After four years at the U.S. Naval Academy and nearly seven years of active duty service, including a wartime deployment to the Middle East in 2004, I gained what I would argue is the most important and meaningful title I have ever been afforded -- I am a veteran.

I think that leaving the military is challenging for all fellow service members. From worrying about what our next careers will be, to deciding whether to go back to school, to finding a path forward through the mental and physical wounds of war, veterans face a unique set of challenges in navigating their post-military lives.

I know that this President appreciates that.

And today, he is reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that those who have served our country receive the benefits they have earned and deserve. You can watch the President’s address to veterans at Arlington National Cemetery here.

My own personal journey post-Navy has been a lucky one. It's taken me from the frenzy of a Wall Street trading desk, to the 24-7 sprint of a Presidential campaign, back to public service working for Governor Cuomo of New York, and now here to the White House, as a member of President Obama’s administration.

Of all the things I've learned during my time in uniform, there’s one that infuses all of the work we do here every day to help our veterans:

Leave no man behind.

Over the past seven years, the Administration has made good on this commitment. For all we have accomplished on behalf of our veterans, we remain vigilant and focused on the challenges that remain. As the President has said, he is "not satisfied and we are not going to let up."

Today, we are announcing important progress on each of the core pillars of the President’s agenda for veterans, as well as reinforcing the President’s steadfast commitment to doing more each and every day to help our veterans.

But there are so many ways the rest of us can make a difference. For example, yesterday the First Lady thanked Uber and Lyft for stepping up to donate free rides to veterans who need transportation to and from job interviews and work.

From the President on down, every member of this team comes to work knowing that every day is Veterans Day at the White House.

If you're proud of that record, then learn more -- and share it.

Thank you,

Rob Diamond
Special Assistant to the President & Director of Private Sector Engagement
@Rob44

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Bubbles by micu nicoletta occella, via Flickr - http://pinterest.com/pin/10485011604555629/?s=3&m=tapatalk

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Join Tubagbohol via Tapatalk, a free app for Android phones and tablets

Join Tubagbohol via Tapatalk, a free app for Android phones and tablets

Join Tubagbohol via Tapatalk, a free app for Android phones and tablets

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Clinton, other candidates: Drug addiction epidemics ravaging America

MOSCOW, Nov. 8 (PNA/Sputnik) -- US Presidential candidates reveal first-hand personal stories of their families’ struggling with drug and painkillers addiction.

White House hopefuls have something more in common than their participation in the 2016 race for the presidency â€" both Democrat and Republican frontrunners recognize the rising US death toll from drug overdoses, an epidemic that has hit the entire nation.

Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton confessed that throughout the years of her being first lady, then senator and Secretary of State, she learned one thing for sure: heavy drugs like heroin and painkillers kill Americans and the tendency still remains. So do her counterparts from the Republican Party, as some candidates revealed their own personal connections with the epidemic.

In September, Clinton proposed a plan costing USD 10 billion to help 23 millions of those afflicted with drug addiction after her meeting with a retired doctor who urged her to tackle the increase in heroin use that replaced opioid prescription analgesics as the narcotic of choice in some US cities and rural areas.

The year 2013 marked the moment when overdose deaths reached the record breaking number of 46,000 people. Statistics say that every 15 minutes someone in the US dies from drugs, alcohol or pills, and more Americans die from overdose than car accidents.

The US health care has been roundly rebuked by Republicans who have pointed out at its imperfection and selectivity while noting how drugs and painkillers have taken the lives of their family members.

On Oct. 7, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie spoke at a news conference in New Hampshire revealing a story about his classmate who ended up addicted to painkillers after a back injury. The rich, successful man lost everything including his wife, job and home, and died alone in a motel room surrounded by empty bottles of vodka and Percocet, a prescription painkiller.

"Somehow, if it's heroin or cocaine or alcohol, we say, 'They decided it, they're getting what they deserved,'" Christie told AFP.

"I'm pro-life, and I think that if you're pro-life you've got to be pro-life for the whole life, not just the nine months they're in the womb," Christie emphasized in a speech to conservatives.

Republican presidential candidate Carla Fiorina called for allocating more funds to drug treatment after sharing her own story during the Republican debate in September.

"My husband Frank and I buried a child to drug addiction," she said recalling her step daughter who died in 2009 after years of struggling with alcoholism and an addiction to pills.

She suggested recognizing addiction as a chronic mental illness requiring long-term treatment.

Noelle Bush, daughter of Republican candidate Jeb Bush, niece of former US President George W. Bush and granddaughter of the 41st President George H.W. Bush, was arrested 13 years ago for prescription fraud.

"It is the most heart-breaking thing in the world to go through," Bush said while promoting expanded drug treatment.

In October, President Barack Obama visited West Virginia, the state with the highest rate of overdose deaths where he said, "Prescription drugs become a gateway to heroin."

At Obama's behest, insurance companies were called on covering addiction treatment, but according to some pundits the requirement is slow to be implemented. (PNA/Sputnik)

LTFRB to PUV franchise holders: Get online, tamper-proof CPC

MANILA - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday urged public utility vehicles (PUVs) franchise holders to acquire tamper proof on-line verifiable certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs).

LTFRB Board Member Ariel Inton said that all grantees of PUV franchise are requested to secure on-line verifiable CPCs in line with the Board’s campaign against colorum vehicles and fixers.

CPCs can be secured from the Technical Division of the LTFRB.

Inton said that failure on the part of the grantees to secure their tamper proof CPCs will be a cause for not accepting any application as petition involving the said franchise and/or non-certification of the authorized units included in the said franchise.

Issuance of the on-line verifiable CPCs was delayed last June.

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez already issued a Memorandum for the urgent and strict implementation of the Memorandum Circular 2014-006. As per the Circular the schedule is as follows.

Expiration of CPC Schedule:

Newly issued certificates of Public Convenience and franchises expiring in the year

2014 CPC will be issued as the Decision is released

Year 2015 (July â€" August 31, 2014)

Year 2016 (September 1 â€" December 31, 2014)

Year 2017 (November 1 â€" December 31, 2014)

Year 2018 (January 1 â€" February 28, 2015)

Year 2019 (March 1 â€" April 30, 2015)

Inton meanwhile warned that failure to comply with this provision will be meted a fine of Php 1, 000 per month of delay counted from the lapse of the said 30 days period. (PNA)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_tjKYvEziI

Robin Padilla surrenders high-powered firearms
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Nov. 6 (PNA) â€" Actor Robin Padilla on Friday surrenders some of his high-powered guns to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) in Camp Crame.

Padilla, who was accompanied by his lawyer Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, surrender his four high-powered firearms such as two baby armalite rifles, one garand rifle and caliber .30

He decided to surrender his gun due to the expired licensed and following the law, specifically Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act.

”Nakikinig tayo sa advice ng ating lawyer, si Atty. Jurado, sabi niya sa akin may bagong Republic Act 10591 na naapektuhan ako… na mas maganda na maayos namin na walang armas sa bahay ko. mahirap kasi yung kinakatok. kaya para maiwasan at ipakitang sumusunod tayo sa batas, pangalawa na hindi ako threat, ako ay artista lang, wala namang intensyon na masama,” Padilla told reporters.

Padilla, a popular action star in the 90s known for his 'bad boy' role, who got jailed on 1995 due to illegal possession of firearms.

” May kasabihan nga pag nabalik ka sa bilibid yun din kaso mo, ibig sabihin wala kang kinatandaan. Wala naman sigurong gustong bumalik sa bilibid lalo na sa sitwasyon ngayon, masyadong sikat ang bilibid. masyadong ding sikat ang mga bala. mahirap na masabit dyan,” Padilla explained, who self-described a gun collector.

Jurado said his client decided to surrender his guns for safekeeping due to expired licensed and since Padilla was a convict, they have to fix some papers before the issuance of the new license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF).

”Robin, he was convicted way back in 1995. The thing is nung napasa yung 10591, required na yung applicant eh magcertify na he was not convicted of any crime. tiningnan namin, merong conviction, worse, inapply yung batas retroactively. so si Robin,na may prior conviction, apparently, madidispossess. eh merong lisensya, now because of that law. Supposedly nag-expire last year pero nagkaroon ng extension 'yung PNP ng one year [na] magi-expire this coming December,” Jurado noted.

Electoral tribunal's ruling on Poe's disqualification case out on Nov. 17
By Perfecto T. Raymundo

MANILA, Nov. 6 (PNA) -- The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) is set to render its decision in the disqualification case filed by Rizalito David against Senator Grace Poe on Nov. 17.

During the meeting of the SET in a hotel in Manila, the tribunal set the date to make the voting on the case.

According to SET Chair and Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio, the voting has been set on Nov. 17, 2015, some weeks before the release of the final list of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) of the official candidates for the May 9, 2016 elections.

However, no venue was mentioned where the voting will be cast, but on the day itself of Nov. 17, the copy of the decision may also be released officially.

In his complaint, David questioned the citizenship of Poe, specifically whether or not she is a natural-born citizen, which is one of the qualifications for the candidates for senator, congressman, vice president and president. (PNA)

Renault eyes stronger Nissan alliance amid growing gov't influence

PARIS/LONDON, Nov. 7 (PNA/Kyodo) -- Renault S.A.'s board decided Friday to seek a stronger alliance with Nissan Motor Co. as the French government aims to expand its influence on the automakers.

While planning further talks with the French government and Nissan, Renault's board "has decided to take necessary steps" to preserve the French automaker's corporate interest and strengthen its ties with the Japanese firm, the company said in a statement released after an emergency board meeting.

Possible steps under consideration include cutting Renault's shareholding in Nissan to give the Japanese affiliate voting rights in Renault, according to sources close to the matter. (PNA/Kyodo)

DILG launches coffee table book for 'Yolanda' commemoration

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 6 (PNA) â€" Remembering the devastation and lessons learned in the aftermath of supertyphoon “Yolanda,” the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Eastern Visayas, formally launched a coffee table book titled “After the Storm: Two Years On” during the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Summit Friday held at the Leyte Park Hotel.

The coffee table book features stories of survival and resilience of residents and officials of local governments severely affected by the 2013 catastrophe.

The book, written by Helen Naddeo of the DILG-Office of the Project Development Service, and Lisa Gardner, an Australian volunteer, particularly narrates how DILG’s Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) batch 1 projects helped the municipalities and the survivors on the road to recovery.

The stories focused on RAY batch 1 big-ticket projects from 93 local government units (LGUs) heavily affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda. The big-ticket projects received funds that range from Php 1.5 million and above.

In partnership with LGUs, and as part of larger government efforts to rehabilitate affected areas, DILG established the RAY DILG Fund. RAY DILG assist in the reconstruction of totally and partially-damaged provincial/city municipal buildings, public markets, civic centers and barangay infrastructure, with view to building back better.

RAY aims to facilitate sustainable, long-term recovery and return to normalcy in government services and economic activities in Yolanda-affected areas.

The national government allocated PhP2.102 billion for RAY Batch 1 projects for the repair and rehabilitation of damaged municipal facilities, provincial, city municipal hall, public market and civic center.

It also covers the rehabilitation of infrastructures in DILG Region VIII, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), respectively.

Of the 14 provinces and 171 cities/municipalities within the 50km radius of Yolanda’s deadly path, 4 provinces and 146 cities/municipalities reported significant damage to local municipal facilities.

Author Naddeo said during the book launch that compiling the stories was very “challenging” in the magnitude of the destruction as well as the number of those who were affected.

“But with great effort, we were able to compile the stories from the survivors themselves and the beneficiaries of the RAY project. Many of their stories are indeed inspiring,” Naddeo said.

In line with the second year commemoration of super typhoon Yolanda, the DILG-8 held the DRRM Regional Summit cum Build Back Better Operations Manual Launching attended by local provincial and town officials, DRRM officers and other stakeholders. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES

DILG distributes 40 patrol jeepneys in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY, Nov. 6 (PNA) -- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento led on Thursday the distribution of police patrol jeeps for various towns of Leyte province.

During the blessing and ceremonial turnover at the Tacloban Airport, 10 jeeps were handed over to town mayors. The remaining 30 units were shipped to the city Thursday night.

The patrol jeeps will boost the capability of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to fight crime.

“These patrol jeeps are one of the outcomes of Daang Matuwid. You are very lucky because in the past, the national government does not provide police cars. Under the Aquino administration, these cars are shipped directly to your province,” Sarmiento told the mayors.

Sr. Supt. Franco P. Simborio, chief of the Leyte police provincial office expressed appreciation for the patrol jeeps that will be of big help to their police operations.

“The distribution is very timely for the implementation of the Oplan Lambat Sibat program of the PNP, which has proven to be effective in the operational function. Undeniably, the jeeps are expedient and imperative in the everyday function of the entire Leyte PPO,” Simborio said.

The jeep distribution, which started during the leadership of former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, is part of the PHP1.3-billion nationwide project. It provided 1,470 units of 4 x 2 patrol jeeps of Mahindra enforcer model.

Chief Supt. Cedrick G. Train, officer-in-charge of the Eastern Visayas police regional office, said the purchase of jeeps underwent a rigorous process to ensure that there’s no corruption involved and the vehicles are of good quality.

Sarmiento, who arrived at the Tacloban airport late Thursday afternoon, also distributed patrol jeeps in Biliran and Eastern Samar prior to the activity in Leyte. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA

Bacolod City commemorates 117th anniversary of surrender of Spanish troops

BACOLOD CITY, Nov. 6 (PNA) -- A day after the Province of Negros Occidental commemorates the Al Cinco de Noviembre or the Negros Freedom Day, Bacolod City also remembers the 117th anniversary of the signing of the Act of Capitulation at the historic Fountain of Justice of the Old City Hall.

The Friday rites was led by the Bacolod Cultural Foundation Inc. and the City Government of Bacolod.

Also known as Acta de Capitulacion, the event signifies the surrender of Spanish forces under the leadership of Governor Isidro de Castro by signing a document at the house of Jose Ruiz de Luzuriaga on November 6, 1898. The location of the Luzuriaga house is now the site of the Old City Hall.

Recognizing the significance of the date, the Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously passed City Ordinance No. 08-15-727 on April 22, 2015 that declares November 6 as a permanent celebration in city.

It was authored by Councilors Em Legaspi-Ang, and Jocelle Batapa-Sige, chair and vice chair, respectively, of the committee on culture, history and arts.

Ang delivered the historical narrative during the program.

For her part, Batapa-Sigue said it is only fitting that the city honors the unsung heroes who fought to gain freedom for the province by remembering their sacrifice and sharing the “lessons of the past to the present generation”.

“We must involve the younger generation in remembering those who have died to give us our identities as Negrosanons and Bacolodnons,” the councilor stressed.

Batapa-Sigue added that the signing not only signifies an act of surrender, but also for two parties to come to terms and “fight for peace.”

Mayor Monico Puentevella recognized the dedication of the Bacolod Cultural Foundation Inc. for constantly “reminding us of our past.”

“Many people do not remember our past, but what we are now was inspired of what was used to be,” he added. (PNA)

Ombudsman in Mindanao issues erratum on name of dismissed mayor

DAVAO CITY, Nov. 6 (PNA) -- The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has apologized to Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong for inadvertently naming him as one of the three mayors in Mindanao ordered dismissed for graft.

The OMB said it was actually referring to Mayor Ali Untao Adiong and not Mamintal, who is governor of Lanao del Sur.

In its erratum to the press, the OMB wrote:

“This is with regard yesterday’s (05 November 2015) Press Release of the Office of the Ombudsman entitled 3 Mindanao mayors dismissed from service, 3 more face criminal charges. Mayor Mamintal Adiong should be read Mayor Ali Untao Adiong of Ditsa-an Ramain, Lanao del Sur. We regret the error. Our apology to Governor Mamintal Adiong of Lanao del Sur.”

OMB in a press release and action documents provided to the members of the media during a press conference at its office on Thursday mentioned Mayor Mamintal Adiong of Ditsa-an Ramain, Lanao del Sur as one of the three mayors ordered dismissed for grave Abuse of Authority, Grave Misconduct and Oppression for ordering the burning of a truck owned by JERA General Construction.

The firm was hired by the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO) to install concrete electric posts and distribution lines in the municipality.

Meanwhile, the October disposition of cases by the OMB is the biggest in number so far. In 2014, OMBâ€"Mindanao disposed all aging cases from 2010 and below. OMB records show that in 2014, criminal case workload reached a total of 1,190, of which 624 cases were resolved; 164 resulted in the filing of information in court and 26 were filed with the Sandiganbayan and 120 with the regular courts.

For the 792 administrative cases in 2014, the OMB adjudicated 526 cases; 128 resulted in the imposition of administrative penalty upon 179 respondents.

As of June 30, this year, OMB already disposed 41 percent or 322 of the 779 criminal cases and 45 percent or 317 of the 704 administrative cases.

In an interview, Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao Rodolfo Elman said the disposition of cases indicated the strong leadership of the office headed by former justice Conchita Carpio Morales.

He said the Ombudsman is determined to curb corruption and to deal with transgressors without exception even if some of the politicians who were ordered dismissed from the service are identified with the present administration.

According to Elman, in the disposition of cases they do not look into the political affiliation of the respondents charge before the office. “So you can see the strong determination conviction of the present ombudsman,” he said.

Elman also pointed out that they do not look into personalities. “We just resolve cases on the basis of evidence and so it means if there are rules, laws violated we just apply the law regardless of personalities,” he stressed.

Elman assured that their resolution or decisions are based on the evidence and records.(PNA)
LAP/LILIAN C. MELLEJOR/LDP

Published in 2007

PAG-ASA acquires new weather doppler radars

GETTING reactive over the series of misfortunes the country experienced with the typhoons that displaced families and stirred communities this week, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo directed the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to fast track the purchase of two Doppler radars.

The equipment is hoped to keep weather trackers a step ahead of disasters brought about by typhoons and other weather disturbances.

In her statement, the President said the Doppler radars could enhance the weather forecasting capability of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

“Being a climate taker than a climate maker, we cannot prevent disaster but certainly we can undertake adaptation measures to prevent the loss of lives and reduce damage to property,” she said.

She added that the country is suffering pangs of the global warming arising from extreme weather abnormalities as typhoons.

To make strategic areas in the country prepare from any approaching calamities, she said one of the Doppler radars would be based in South Cotabato while the other would be established in Cebu. These should also service the weather forecasting requirements of Iligan City and other parts of the country.

The move came after the DOST which has the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration in its keeps bore the blunt of criticism when storm Lando hit the country Monday.

The government weather bureau was harshly criticized for apparent incapacity to do its mandate of giving out exact weather forecasts.

In Iligan, eleven persons were reported killed and millions of pesos worth of properties, agricultural and livestock products, were destroyed by the typhoon.

In Bohol too, residents of four island barangays in President Garcia Bohol were displaced when a tornado partially destroyed 83 houses and crops Wednesday.

As Boholanos tracked the storm damage from the radio, questions raised during inter-actions were thrown to the government weather bureau for their apparent incapacity to forecast due to lack of the right equipment.

The President’s direction also included an announcement on the government allocation of P6 million as counterpart to the calamity fund of the local government unit (LGU).(rachiu/PIA)

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You should read the President's full Keystone XL remarks:

“President

This morning, speaking from the Roosevelt Room, the President announced that the State Department determined that the Keystone XL Pipeline would not serve the national interest of the United States.

For years, this topic has occupied a huge portion of our country's climate discourse. And after explaining why this pipeline "would not serve the national interest of the United States," the President called attention to the broader climate challenges facing America and the global community heading into international climate negotiations in Paris this December:

"…we’ve got to come together around an ambitious framework to protect the one planet that we’ve got while we still can. If we want to prevent the worst effects of climate change before it’s too late, the time to act is now. Not later. Not someday. Right here, right now."
Here's the full text of his remarks -- they're worth a read.

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. Several years ago, the State Department began a review process for the proposed construction of a pipeline that would carry Canadian crude oil through our heartland to ports in the Gulf of Mexico and out into the world market.

This morning, Secretary Kerry informed me that, after extensive public outreach and consultation with other Cabinet agencies, the State Department has decided that the Keystone XL Pipeline would not serve the national interest of the United States. I agree with that decision.

This morning, I also had the opportunity to speak with Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada. And while he expressed his disappointment, given Canada’s position on this issue, we both agreed that our close friendship on a whole range of issues, including energy and climate change, should provide the basis for even closer coordination between our countries going forward. And in the coming weeks, senior members of my team will be engaging with theirs in order to help deepen that cooperation.

Now, for years, the Keystone Pipeline has occupied what I, frankly, consider an overinflated role in our political discourse. It became a symbol too often used as a campaign cudgel by both parties rather than a serious policy matter. And all of this obscured the fact that this pipeline would neither be a silver bullet for the economy, as was promised by some, nor the express lane to climate disaster proclaimed by others.

To illustrate this, let me briefly comment on some of the reasons why the State Department rejected this pipeline.

First: The pipeline would not make a meaningful long-term contribution to our economy. So if Congress is serious about wanting to create jobs, this was not the way to do it. If they want to do it, what we should be doing is passing a bipartisan infrastructure plan that, in the short term, could create more than 30 times as many jobs per year as the pipeline would, and in the long run would benefit our economy and our workers for decades to come.

Our businesses created 268,000 new jobs last month. They’ve created 13.5 million new jobs over the past 68 straight months -- the longest streak on record. The unemployment rate fell to 5 percent. This Congress should pass a serious infrastructure plan, and keep those jobs coming. That would make a difference. The pipeline would not have made a serious impact on those numbers and on the American people’s prospects for the future.

Second: The pipeline would not lower gas prices for American consumers. In fact, gas prices have already been falling -- steadily. The national average gas price is down about 77 cents over a year ago. It’s down a dollar over two years ago. It’s down $1.27 over three years ago. Today, in 41 states, drivers can find at least one gas station selling gas for less than two bucks a gallon. So while our politics have been consumed by a debate over whether or not this pipeline would create jobs and lower gas prices, we’ve gone ahead and created jobs and lowered gas prices.

Third: Shipping dirtier crude oil into our country would not increase America’s energy security. What has increased America’s energy security is our strategy over the past several years to reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuels from unstable parts of the world. Three years ago, I set a goal to cut our oil imports in half by 2020. Between producing more oil here at home, and using less oil throughout our economy, we met that goal last year -- five years early. In fact, for the first time in two decades, the United States of America now produces more oil than we buy from other countries.

Now, the truth is, the United States will continue to rely on oil and gas as we transition -- as we must transition -- to a clean energy economy. That transition will take some time. But it’s also going more quickly than many anticipated. Think about it. Since I took office, we’ve doubled the distance our cars will go on a gallon of gas by 2025; tripled the power we generate from the wind; multiplied the power we generate from the sun 20 times over. Our biggest and most successful businesses are going all-in on clean energy. And thanks in part to the investments we’ve made, there are already parts of America where clean power from the wind or the sun is finally cheaper than dirtier, conventional power.

The point is the old rules said we couldn’t promote economic growth and protect our environment at the same time. The old rules said we couldn’t transition to clean energy without squeezing businesses and consumers. But this is America, and we have come up with new ways and new technologies to break down the old rules, so that today, homegrown American energy is booming, energy prices are falling, and over the past decade, even as our economy has continued to grow, America has cut our total carbon pollution more than any other country on Earth.

Today, the United States of America is leading on climate change with our investments in clean energy and energy efficiency. America is leading on climate change with new rules on power plants that will protect our air so that our kids can breathe. America is leading on climate change by working with other big emitters like China to encourage and announce new commitments to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. In part because of that American leadership, more than 150 nations representing nearly 90 percent of global emissions have put forward plans to cut pollution.

America is now a global leader when it comes to taking serious action to fight climate change. And frankly, approving this project would have undercut that global leadership. And that’s the biggest risk we face -- not acting.

Today, we’re continuing to lead by example. Because ultimately, if we’re going to prevent large parts of this Earth from becoming not only inhospitable but uninhabitable in our lifetimes, we’re going to have to keep some fossil fuels in the ground rather than burn them and release more dangerous pollution into the sky.

As long as I’m President of the United States, America is going to hold ourselves to the same high standards to which we hold the rest of the world. And three weeks from now, I look forward to joining my fellow world leaders in Paris, where we’ve got to come together around an ambitious framework to protect the one planet that we’ve got while we still can.

If we want to prevent the worst effects of climate change before it’s too late, the time to act is now. Not later. Not someday. Right here, right now. And I’m optimistic about what we can accomplish together. I’m optimistic because our own country proves, every day -- one step at a time -- that not only do we have the power to combat this threat, we can do it while creating new jobs, while growing our economy, while saving money, while helping consumers, and most of all, leaving our kids a cleaner, safer planet at the same time.

That’s what our own ingenuity and action can do. That's what we can accomplish. And America is prepared to show the rest of the world the way forward.

Thank you very much.

-- President Barack Obama

Pentagon determined to stay militarily superior to China

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (PNA/Sputnik) -- US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said that the United States is taking action to make sure it militarily stays ahead of China.

The United States is taking action to make sure it militarily stays ahead of China, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said on Friday in remarks at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

“We definitely keep an eye on China and we take specificactions to make sure we stay ahead of Chinese military capabilities,” Carter said. “This is built into our budget.”

The US defense secretary stopped off in Hawaii during his return from talks with Asian counterparts in Malaysia this week.

“Our policy with respect to this region is not one to divide or exclude, keep out China or anyone else. Our policy is one of inclusion,” Carter said.

On Thursday, Carter visited the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in the South China Sea signalling the US intention of maintaining a strong naval presence in the region.

“We are concerned about their [Chinese] activities in the South China Sea,” he said, adding that these disagreements should be resolved diplomatically.

Carter who first to publicly propose using naval patrols in the South China Sea to challenge Chinese territorial claims around the Spratly archipelago, and he reiterated that policy in his comments.

“The United States will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law permits,” Carter stated.

However, the Pentagon’s decision to send patrol ships through contested waters in the South China Sea has outraged Chinese officials. (PNA/Sputnik)

DENR-7 seizes PHP3.6M worth of forest products as of Oct. 30

CEBU CITY, Nov. 4 (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 7 Enforcement Division has seized a total of 316.452 cubic meters undocumented forest products worth PHP3.654 million as of October 30 in Central Visayas.

The forest products include logs, lumber, timber and flitches of various species which are now in the custody of the DENR 7 and are placed in the intended depository areas while cases and proceedings are ongoing.

The volume of seized products decreased by nearly 100 cubic meters compared to the same period last year which recorded a total confiscation of 402.994 cubic meters.

DENR 7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo said this indicated a decline on the illegal transport of forest products without the necessary permits or documents.

Montejo said this is due to the effective implementation of the Executive Order 23 issued by President Benigno C. Aquino III by putting up more functional monitoring units in seaports or piers in order to detect movement of forest products.

“We have directed all our enforcement officers to be on full alert the whole year round to seize illegal forest products,” Montejo said.

Montejo said they have so far conducted around 238 anti-illegal logging operations in Central Visayas with the help of the Regional Anti-illegal Logging Task Force (RALTF).”

The RALTF is composed of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command, Bureau of Customs (BoC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Naval Forces Central (Navforcen), and Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Of the total number of apprehensions, DENR 7 has filed 26 forestry related cases this year, of which 13 were in Cebu, one in Bohol and 12 in Negros Oriental. (PNA)