Alarm Clock
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#30508
Business and Economy / Philippine government to enhance its transparency and accountability
June 23, 2012, 09:09:17 PM
by PNA - The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reported that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) responded positively to the initiatives of the Philippine government to enhance its transparency and accountability mechanisms in financial transactions.
In an interview aired over government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued the statement following reports on the non-inclusion of the Philippines in the FATF’s black list of non-cooperative countries.
In his letter to President Benigno S. Aquino III, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., in his capacity as Chairman of the AMLC, said that the FATF had recognized the reforms instituted by the Philippine government by upgrading the Philippines from the “dark grey list†to its “grey list.â€
According to Tetangco’s report, the FATF took notice of the passage of key legislative reforms certified as urgent by the President. In particular, the bills recently signed into law â€" “An Act To Further Strengthen The Anti-Money Laundering Law†and “The Terrorism Financing Prevention And Suppression Act of 2012†â€" strengthened the capability of government to identify and prevent financial transactions related to illegal activities and those that undermine global security.
"These reforms enabled the Philippines from being classified and downgraded to the “black list,†which would have resulted in stricter inspections of financial transactions in the country, delayed remittances, and higher transaction fees,†Valte said.
Valte reiterated that transparency and accountability are among the foremost guiding principles of the Aquino administration.
"And while we recognize that more needs to be done to strengthen our existing anti-money laundering and anti-financial terrorism measures, we take the satisfaction expressed by the FATF as affirmation of the institutional reforms that we have constantly advocated," she said.
The Financial Action Task Force was established by the G-7 Summit that was held in Paris in 1989 in response to mounting concerns over money laundering. This inter-governmental body sets the standards and promotes effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
In an interview aired over government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued the statement following reports on the non-inclusion of the Philippines in the FATF’s black list of non-cooperative countries.
In his letter to President Benigno S. Aquino III, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., in his capacity as Chairman of the AMLC, said that the FATF had recognized the reforms instituted by the Philippine government by upgrading the Philippines from the “dark grey list†to its “grey list.â€
According to Tetangco’s report, the FATF took notice of the passage of key legislative reforms certified as urgent by the President. In particular, the bills recently signed into law â€" “An Act To Further Strengthen The Anti-Money Laundering Law†and “The Terrorism Financing Prevention And Suppression Act of 2012†â€" strengthened the capability of government to identify and prevent financial transactions related to illegal activities and those that undermine global security.
"These reforms enabled the Philippines from being classified and downgraded to the “black list,†which would have resulted in stricter inspections of financial transactions in the country, delayed remittances, and higher transaction fees,†Valte said.
Valte reiterated that transparency and accountability are among the foremost guiding principles of the Aquino administration.
"And while we recognize that more needs to be done to strengthen our existing anti-money laundering and anti-financial terrorism measures, we take the satisfaction expressed by the FATF as affirmation of the institutional reforms that we have constantly advocated," she said.
The Financial Action Task Force was established by the G-7 Summit that was held in Paris in 1989 in response to mounting concerns over money laundering. This inter-governmental body sets the standards and promotes effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
#30509
Philippine Laws / Compromise Agreement is Valid Even Will is not yet Probated
June 23, 2012, 05:58:52 AM
Borja v. Borja
46 SCRA 577 | Ang
FACTS:
Francisco de Borja filed a petition for probate of the will of his wife who died, Josefa Tangco, with the CFI of Rizal. He was appointed executor and administrator, until he died; his son Jose became the sole administrator. Francisco had taken a 2nd wife
Tasiana before he died; she instituted testate proceedings with the CFI of Nueva Ecija upon his death and was appointed special administatrix. Jose and Tasiana entered upon a compromise agreement, but Tasiana opposed the approval of the compromise
agreement. She argues that it was not valid, because the heirs cannot enter into such kind of agreement without first probating the will of Francisco, and at the time the agreement was made, the will was still being probated with the CFI of Nueva Ecija.
ISSUE:
W/N the compromise agreement is valid, even if the will of
Francisco has not yet been probated.
HELD:
YES, the compromise agreement is valid.
The agreement stipulated that Tasiana will receive P800,000 as full payment for her hereditary share in the estate of Francisco and Josefa.
There was here no attempt to settle or distribute the estate of Francisco de Borja among the heirs thereto before the probate of his will. The clear object of the contract was merely the conveyance by Tasiana Ongsingco of any and all her individual share and
interest, actual or eventual, in the estate of Francisco de Borja and Josefa Tangco. There is no stipulation as to any other claimant, creditor or legatee.
And as a hereditary share in a decedent's estate is transmitted or vested immediately from the moment of the death of such causante or predecessor in interest (Civil Code of the Philippines, Art. 777) there is no legal bar to a successor (with requisite contracting capacity) disposing of her or his hereditary share immediately after such death, even if the actual extent of such share is not determined until the subsequent liquidation of the estate.
46 SCRA 577 | Ang
FACTS:
Francisco de Borja filed a petition for probate of the will of his wife who died, Josefa Tangco, with the CFI of Rizal. He was appointed executor and administrator, until he died; his son Jose became the sole administrator. Francisco had taken a 2nd wife
Tasiana before he died; she instituted testate proceedings with the CFI of Nueva Ecija upon his death and was appointed special administatrix. Jose and Tasiana entered upon a compromise agreement, but Tasiana opposed the approval of the compromise
agreement. She argues that it was not valid, because the heirs cannot enter into such kind of agreement without first probating the will of Francisco, and at the time the agreement was made, the will was still being probated with the CFI of Nueva Ecija.
ISSUE:
W/N the compromise agreement is valid, even if the will of
Francisco has not yet been probated.
HELD:
YES, the compromise agreement is valid.
The agreement stipulated that Tasiana will receive P800,000 as full payment for her hereditary share in the estate of Francisco and Josefa.
There was here no attempt to settle or distribute the estate of Francisco de Borja among the heirs thereto before the probate of his will. The clear object of the contract was merely the conveyance by Tasiana Ongsingco of any and all her individual share and
interest, actual or eventual, in the estate of Francisco de Borja and Josefa Tangco. There is no stipulation as to any other claimant, creditor or legatee.
And as a hereditary share in a decedent's estate is transmitted or vested immediately from the moment of the death of such causante or predecessor in interest (Civil Code of the Philippines, Art. 777) there is no legal bar to a successor (with requisite contracting capacity) disposing of her or his hereditary share immediately after such death, even if the actual extent of such share is not determined until the subsequent liquidation of the estate.
#30510
Business and Economy / World's Biggest Banks Credit Rating Downgraded
June 22, 2012, 01:48:59 PM
by PNA - Ratings agency Moody's Investors Service announced downgrades of 15 world's biggest banks after the markets closed on Thursday.
Five U.S. banks were affected. The long-term debt ratings of Bank of America was slashed by one notch, while Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and J.P.Morgan were cut by 2 notches.
Royal Bank of Canada and nine European banks, including Barclays, Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, UBS, Credit Suisse, Credit Agricole, HSBC Holdings, Royal Bank of Scotland and Societe Generale also had their ratings cut. Credit Suisse, the second-largest Swiss bank, received the maximum reduction of 3 notches.
"All of the banks affected by today's actions have significant exposure to the volatility and risk of outsized losses inherent to capital-markets activities," Moody's Global Banking Managing Director Greg Bauer said in a statement.
The ratings agency said the long-term prospects for profitability and growth of the 15 banks were shrinking.
After the downgrades, the borrowing costs for the banks were supposed to rise as investors would ask for higher return for buying their bonds.
In February, Moody's said that it would review the ratings of 17 global investment banks. Before Thursday's downgrade, it has already cut the ratings of Macquarie and Nomura.
Five U.S. banks were affected. The long-term debt ratings of Bank of America was slashed by one notch, while Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and J.P.Morgan were cut by 2 notches.
Royal Bank of Canada and nine European banks, including Barclays, Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas, UBS, Credit Suisse, Credit Agricole, HSBC Holdings, Royal Bank of Scotland and Societe Generale also had their ratings cut. Credit Suisse, the second-largest Swiss bank, received the maximum reduction of 3 notches.
"All of the banks affected by today's actions have significant exposure to the volatility and risk of outsized losses inherent to capital-markets activities," Moody's Global Banking Managing Director Greg Bauer said in a statement.
The ratings agency said the long-term prospects for profitability and growth of the 15 banks were shrinking.
After the downgrades, the borrowing costs for the banks were supposed to rise as investors would ask for higher return for buying their bonds.
In February, Moody's said that it would review the ratings of 17 global investment banks. Before Thursday's downgrade, it has already cut the ratings of Macquarie and Nomura.
#30511
Philippine Daily News / Stress on Garbage Collection in the Philippines
June 22, 2012, 06:53:43 AM
by PNA
The government targets reducing stress on garbage collection and disposal while promoting solid waste management by mobilizing public elementary and high school enrollees as agents of waste diversion so trash can be increasingly reused and recycled, believing such strategy will help address the country's projected 40 percent rise in waste generation during the next decade.
Under the National Ecosavers Program (NEP), which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its partners will implement, the enrollees can help promote waste diversion by collecting recyclable garbage materials from their homes and elsewhere, then bringing these to their respective schools for pick-up by accredited junk shops and recyclers.
The enrollees will earn from such effort credit points they can either use to have their own bank savings accounts or later exchange for basic commodities.
"DENR is allocating as NEP seed money some P50 million that the Department of Budget and Management approved for our solid waste management (SWM) bid," Environment chief Ramon Paje said when the agency and its partners inked in Metro Manila on Thursday noon the memorandum of agreement for this program.
The agency's partners are the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and non-government organization Galing Pook Foundation (GPF).
Such partners will initially implement NEP for two years in Metro Manila's 517 public elementary schools and 246 public high schools.
"We prioritized Metro Manila for already having an existing recycling network that'll be the enrollees' market," NEP consultant Vener Garcia said on the signing ceremony's side.
He also said Metro Manila is a high-impact region so NEP's success here can move other areas in the country to adapt SWM.
Metro Manila's public elementary and high schools have a combined population of nearly two million enrollees for school year 2012-2013.
Authorities estimated each enrollee can collect about half a kilogram of recyclable garbage daily, enabling them to collectively turn over about 95 tons of trash per day.
Such volume is equivalent to the daily load of around 23 10-wheeler trucks, noted DENR planning assistant secretary Michelle Angelica Go.
"That's how much garbage NEP can capture," she said during the signing ceremony.
NEP's output can help raise waste diversion rate by at least 40 percent, she noted.
She also said NEP can help improve waste collection efficiency by over 70 percent.
The program likewise allows enrollees concerned to collect organic waste to be composted for various greening projects.
For NEP, she said DENR will implement this program as well as provide funding, technical and information dissemination support.
DepEd will implement NEP at the school level.
"We long to continue contributing solutions to our problems - waste materials become waste if we don't know how to reuse and recycle these," DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said during the event.
DILG will assist in implementing NEP at the local government unit level and provide counterpart resources for this program.
"This is a way of mobilizing communities for the environment, a campaign for good governance and a concrete means of addressing our Manila Bay clean-up commitment to the Supreme Court," DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero said during the agreement's signing.
He noted NEP is also a way of preparing for possible disasters linked to environmental degradation due to garbage pollution and other factors.
MMDA will assist in NEP's Metro Manila-wide implementation, help educate people about SWM and provide counterpart resources for the program as well.
"We assure our part in supporting NEP," MMDA SWM Office Director Alexander Umagat said during the event.
GPF committed sharing best SWM practices nationwide for possible replication around the country.
"NEP will have our support," GPF chairperson Nieves Confesor assured during the event.
Garcia said signatories to the agreement will monitor and assess NEP's progress in Metro Manila.
Results of such activities will help the signatories plan NEP's future direction, he noted.
Earlier, he said NEP builds upon the SWM program of Marikina City.
"We wanted that program scaled up so more communities can have their respective SWM efforts," he said.
He believes such scaling up is possible as previous studies show about 45 percent of garbage nationwide can be recycled.
The government targets reducing stress on garbage collection and disposal while promoting solid waste management by mobilizing public elementary and high school enrollees as agents of waste diversion so trash can be increasingly reused and recycled, believing such strategy will help address the country's projected 40 percent rise in waste generation during the next decade.
Under the National Ecosavers Program (NEP), which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its partners will implement, the enrollees can help promote waste diversion by collecting recyclable garbage materials from their homes and elsewhere, then bringing these to their respective schools for pick-up by accredited junk shops and recyclers.
The enrollees will earn from such effort credit points they can either use to have their own bank savings accounts or later exchange for basic commodities.
"DENR is allocating as NEP seed money some P50 million that the Department of Budget and Management approved for our solid waste management (SWM) bid," Environment chief Ramon Paje said when the agency and its partners inked in Metro Manila on Thursday noon the memorandum of agreement for this program.
The agency's partners are the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and non-government organization Galing Pook Foundation (GPF).
Such partners will initially implement NEP for two years in Metro Manila's 517 public elementary schools and 246 public high schools.
"We prioritized Metro Manila for already having an existing recycling network that'll be the enrollees' market," NEP consultant Vener Garcia said on the signing ceremony's side.
He also said Metro Manila is a high-impact region so NEP's success here can move other areas in the country to adapt SWM.
Metro Manila's public elementary and high schools have a combined population of nearly two million enrollees for school year 2012-2013.
Authorities estimated each enrollee can collect about half a kilogram of recyclable garbage daily, enabling them to collectively turn over about 95 tons of trash per day.
Such volume is equivalent to the daily load of around 23 10-wheeler trucks, noted DENR planning assistant secretary Michelle Angelica Go.
"That's how much garbage NEP can capture," she said during the signing ceremony.
NEP's output can help raise waste diversion rate by at least 40 percent, she noted.
She also said NEP can help improve waste collection efficiency by over 70 percent.
The program likewise allows enrollees concerned to collect organic waste to be composted for various greening projects.
For NEP, she said DENR will implement this program as well as provide funding, technical and information dissemination support.
DepEd will implement NEP at the school level.
"We long to continue contributing solutions to our problems - waste materials become waste if we don't know how to reuse and recycle these," DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said during the event.
DILG will assist in implementing NEP at the local government unit level and provide counterpart resources for this program.
"This is a way of mobilizing communities for the environment, a campaign for good governance and a concrete means of addressing our Manila Bay clean-up commitment to the Supreme Court," DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero said during the agreement's signing.
He noted NEP is also a way of preparing for possible disasters linked to environmental degradation due to garbage pollution and other factors.
MMDA will assist in NEP's Metro Manila-wide implementation, help educate people about SWM and provide counterpart resources for the program as well.
"We assure our part in supporting NEP," MMDA SWM Office Director Alexander Umagat said during the event.
GPF committed sharing best SWM practices nationwide for possible replication around the country.
"NEP will have our support," GPF chairperson Nieves Confesor assured during the event.
Garcia said signatories to the agreement will monitor and assess NEP's progress in Metro Manila.
Results of such activities will help the signatories plan NEP's future direction, he noted.
Earlier, he said NEP builds upon the SWM program of Marikina City.
"We wanted that program scaled up so more communities can have their respective SWM efforts," he said.
He believes such scaling up is possible as previous studies show about 45 percent of garbage nationwide can be recycled.
#30512
Technology / Ice Found in Moon by LRO Spacecraft
June 22, 2012, 06:52:26 AM
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft has gathered data that indicate ice may make up as much as 22 percent of the surface material in a crater located on the moon's south pole, the U.S. space agency NASA announced Wednesday.
The team of NASA and university scientists using laser light from LRO's laser altimeter examined the floor of Shackleton crater and found it is brighter than those of other nearby craters, and is consistent with the presence of small amounts of ice.
This information will help researchers understand crater formation and study other uncharted areas of the moon. The findings will be published Thursday in the journal Nature.
"The brightness measurements have been puzzling us since two summers ago," said Gregory Neumann of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, a coauthor on the paper.
"While the distribution of brightness was not exactly what we had expected, practically every measurement related to ice and other volatile compounds on the moon is surprising, given the cosmically cold temperatures inside its polar craters," he added.
In addition to the possible evidence of ice, the group's map of Shackleton revealed a remarkably preserved crater that has remained relatively unscathed since its formation more than three billion years ago. The crater's floor is itself pocked with several small craters, which may have formed as part of the collision that created Shackleton.
The crater, named after the Antartic explorer Ernest Shackleton, is two miles deep and more than 12 miles wide. - PNA
The team of NASA and university scientists using laser light from LRO's laser altimeter examined the floor of Shackleton crater and found it is brighter than those of other nearby craters, and is consistent with the presence of small amounts of ice.
This information will help researchers understand crater formation and study other uncharted areas of the moon. The findings will be published Thursday in the journal Nature.
"The brightness measurements have been puzzling us since two summers ago," said Gregory Neumann of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, a coauthor on the paper.
"While the distribution of brightness was not exactly what we had expected, practically every measurement related to ice and other volatile compounds on the moon is surprising, given the cosmically cold temperatures inside its polar craters," he added.
In addition to the possible evidence of ice, the group's map of Shackleton revealed a remarkably preserved crater that has remained relatively unscathed since its formation more than three billion years ago. The crater's floor is itself pocked with several small craters, which may have formed as part of the collision that created Shackleton.
The crater, named after the Antartic explorer Ernest Shackleton, is two miles deep and more than 12 miles wide. - PNA
#30513
Robotics & Wireless Tech / OS for Windows Phone 8
June 22, 2012, 06:51:22 AM
Microsoft on Wednesday previewed its latest mobile operating system Windows Phone 8, a further step by the software giant to beef up its mobile efforts.
The mobile software, also codenamed Apollo, has a shared core of Windows NT kernel that powers desktop and laptop versions of Windows, said Joe Belifore, Microsoft's head of Windows Phone, at the Windows Phone summit in San Francisco.
The shared core means support for multi-core processors, from dual-core, quad-core to a possible 64-core in the future, enabling consumers to have more hardware options.
Manufacturers will also be able to scale up and down in price and performance of the devices, and developers will have an easy transition from the PC system to working with the mobile platform.
Microsoft confirmed that there will be dual-core handsets initially this fall.
Windows Phone 8 also has support for Near Field Communication ( NFC) hardware, enabling users to make their smartphone a digital wallet.
Microsoft said the platform will provide users with a complete wallet experience, from credit and debit cards, loyalty and membership cards, to save deals and "tap to pay."
The platform has support for Micro-SD card expansion of storage, allowing users to transfer music, photos and video, and even install applications. It also features support for three screen resolutions.
It also has a new start screen, which is similar to the start screen in Windows Phone 7, but allows users to scale the size of the live tiles to make their phone more personal.
Meanwhile, Microsoft announced voIP (voice over telephony) integration for Windows Phone 8, enabling Skype as well as any other third party voIP applications to integrate into the mobile system.
For consumers, this will provide a near seamless user experience as Skype and other voIP applications fully integrate into the Windows Phone dialer and contacts. For example, incoming Skype calls, which are treated like cellular communications, will appear as regular calls with standard phone features.
The software giant also demonstrated Internet Explorer 10 browser on Windows Phone 8. The mobile version of IE 10 will have a phishing filter and Microsoft's SmartScreen URL reputation system, warning users against malicious sites and phishing schemes based on data used across Windows systems.
The company also announced it would replace Bing Maps with Nokia's mapping technology. Nokia maps will bring support for offline maps and better global coverage of mapping data, it said. - PNA
The mobile software, also codenamed Apollo, has a shared core of Windows NT kernel that powers desktop and laptop versions of Windows, said Joe Belifore, Microsoft's head of Windows Phone, at the Windows Phone summit in San Francisco.
The shared core means support for multi-core processors, from dual-core, quad-core to a possible 64-core in the future, enabling consumers to have more hardware options.
Manufacturers will also be able to scale up and down in price and performance of the devices, and developers will have an easy transition from the PC system to working with the mobile platform.
Microsoft confirmed that there will be dual-core handsets initially this fall.
Windows Phone 8 also has support for Near Field Communication ( NFC) hardware, enabling users to make their smartphone a digital wallet.
Microsoft said the platform will provide users with a complete wallet experience, from credit and debit cards, loyalty and membership cards, to save deals and "tap to pay."
The platform has support for Micro-SD card expansion of storage, allowing users to transfer music, photos and video, and even install applications. It also features support for three screen resolutions.
It also has a new start screen, which is similar to the start screen in Windows Phone 7, but allows users to scale the size of the live tiles to make their phone more personal.
Meanwhile, Microsoft announced voIP (voice over telephony) integration for Windows Phone 8, enabling Skype as well as any other third party voIP applications to integrate into the mobile system.
For consumers, this will provide a near seamless user experience as Skype and other voIP applications fully integrate into the Windows Phone dialer and contacts. For example, incoming Skype calls, which are treated like cellular communications, will appear as regular calls with standard phone features.
The software giant also demonstrated Internet Explorer 10 browser on Windows Phone 8. The mobile version of IE 10 will have a phishing filter and Microsoft's SmartScreen URL reputation system, warning users against malicious sites and phishing schemes based on data used across Windows systems.
The company also announced it would replace Bing Maps with Nokia's mapping technology. Nokia maps will bring support for offline maps and better global coverage of mapping data, it said. - PNA
#30514
Philippine Education / Higher education important source of economic opportunity
June 22, 2012, 06:49:39 AM
Higher education was an important source of both economic opportunity and mobility for Americans, revealed a report jointly released on Thursday by the U. S. Treasury Department and Education Department.
"The data and analysis confirm that higher education is critical for socioeconomic advancement and an important driver of economic mobility," noted the report.
The median weekly earnings for a bachelor's degree holder in 2011 was 1,053 U.S. dollars, about 65 percent higher than the 638 dollars earned by high school graduates in the United States, according to the report.
Without a college degree, children born to parents in the bottom income quintile have a 45-percent chance of remaining in the income distribution as adults. With a college degree, they have less than a 20-percent chance of staying in the bottom quintile of the income distribution, added the report.
U.S. President Barack Obama has called on Congress to keep interest rates on student loans from doubling. Without the extension by Congress, the interest rates on new federally subsidized student loans will increase from 3.4 percent, a temporary rate reduction that was enacted in 2007, to 6.8 percent since July 1.
The Obama administration estimated that about 7.4 million students would borrow such loans in the year beginning July 1, averaging 4,226 U.S. dollars for each student.
"The data and analysis confirm that higher education is critical for socioeconomic advancement and an important driver of economic mobility," noted the report.
The median weekly earnings for a bachelor's degree holder in 2011 was 1,053 U.S. dollars, about 65 percent higher than the 638 dollars earned by high school graduates in the United States, according to the report.
Without a college degree, children born to parents in the bottom income quintile have a 45-percent chance of remaining in the income distribution as adults. With a college degree, they have less than a 20-percent chance of staying in the bottom quintile of the income distribution, added the report.
U.S. President Barack Obama has called on Congress to keep interest rates on student loans from doubling. Without the extension by Congress, the interest rates on new federally subsidized student loans will increase from 3.4 percent, a temporary rate reduction that was enacted in 2007, to 6.8 percent since July 1.
The Obama administration estimated that about 7.4 million students would borrow such loans in the year beginning July 1, averaging 4,226 U.S. dollars for each student.
#30515
Health and Food / Re: Not Healthy: Filipino Dried Fish
June 21, 2012, 09:59:04 PM
dia ra ang pinakurat
#30516
Travel and Tours / June 2012 Plane Ticket Promo of Cebu Pacific
June 21, 2012, 08:49:42 PM
June 2012 Plane Ticket Promo of Cebu Pacific
#30517
Asia | Middle East / Syria in Crisis
June 21, 2012, 08:48:32 PM
By Scott Stewart
A video recently posted to the Internet depicting an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Syria has garnered a great deal of attention. A Syrian militant group called the Hawks Brigade of the Levant claimed the attack, which targeted a Syrian government armored troop bus as it traveled along a road near a rebel stronghold in the Idlib governorate. According to the group, the attack depicted in the video employed a type of IED called an explosively formed penetrator (EFP). Though the video was shot from a fairly long distance away, it does appear that the IED punched a substantial and focused hole through the armored bus -- precisely the type of effect that would be expected if an EFP were employed against such a target.
EFPs are a logical tool for militants to use against superior government forces that are heavily dependent upon armor. EFPs pose a significant threat to armored vehicles, which the Syrian military has utilized extensively, and quite effectively, in its campaign against Syrian rebel groups.
Studying the IED technology employed by a militant group is an important way to determine the group's logistics situation and trajectory. It can also be a way to discern if a group is receiving outside training and logistical assistance.
A video recently posted to the Internet depicting an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Syria has garnered a great deal of attention. A Syrian militant group called the Hawks Brigade of the Levant claimed the attack, which targeted a Syrian government armored troop bus as it traveled along a road near a rebel stronghold in the Idlib governorate. According to the group, the attack depicted in the video employed a type of IED called an explosively formed penetrator (EFP). Though the video was shot from a fairly long distance away, it does appear that the IED punched a substantial and focused hole through the armored bus -- precisely the type of effect that would be expected if an EFP were employed against such a target.
EFPs are a logical tool for militants to use against superior government forces that are heavily dependent upon armor. EFPs pose a significant threat to armored vehicles, which the Syrian military has utilized extensively, and quite effectively, in its campaign against Syrian rebel groups.
Studying the IED technology employed by a militant group is an important way to determine the group's logistics situation and trajectory. It can also be a way to discern if a group is receiving outside training and logistical assistance.
#30518
Health and Food / Re: Before You Eat McDonalds, Think Thrice First
June 21, 2012, 03:20:03 PM
ok ra coffee bugz, hinay-hinay lang sa mga fries, burgers and other oily stuff.
#30519
Health and Food / Before You Eat McDonalds, Think Thrice First
June 21, 2012, 02:37:04 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSHaZIOk9nY#
Before You Eat McDonalds, Think Thrice First
Before You Eat McDonalds, Think Thrice First
#30520
Health and Food / Why Softdrinks Can't Give You Happiness
June 21, 2012, 02:27:03 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKZ2ZqBYlrI#
Why Softdrinks Can't Give You Happiness
Why Softdrinks Can't Give You Happiness
#30521
Philippine Daily News / A Filipino Invention That Meralco Would Hate
June 21, 2012, 02:22:55 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-Fpsw_yYPg#
A Filipino Invention That Meralco Would Hate
A Filipino Invention That Meralco Would Hate
#30522
Boxing and Boxers / Manny Pacquiao Buys New Helicopter
June 21, 2012, 01:29:05 PM
Manny Pacquiao Buys New Helicopter
#30523
Showbiz & Celebrity / Mr Bean: Three Versions
June 21, 2012, 01:19:26 PM
Mr Bean: Three Versions
#30524
Love Talk / Best Friend According to the Philippines
June 21, 2012, 01:17:09 PM
Best Friend According to the Philippines
#30525
General Topic / Re: World Submarines Compared
June 21, 2012, 01:15:21 PM
unya pagkahuman i-hijacked pa jud. 
#30526
Health and Food / Ask Your Watsons Pharmacist
June 21, 2012, 01:11:49 PM
Ask Your Watsons Pharmacist
#30530
Love Talk / Top Lies of Boys: Agree or Disagree
June 21, 2012, 01:02:56 PM
Top Lies of Boys: Agree or Disagree
#30531
Love Talk / Loving Someone Is Not A Competition
June 21, 2012, 01:01:50 PM
Loving Someone Is Not A Competition
#30534
Health and Food / Not Healthy: Filipino Dried Fish
June 21, 2012, 12:57:31 PM
Not Healthy: Filipino Dried Fish
#30536
Boxing and Boxers / Manny Pacquiao Wins Over Bradley, says 5 WBO Judges
June 21, 2012, 09:08:19 AM
Five judges convened by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) unanimously scored in favor of Filipino ring icon Manny “Pacman†Pacquiao after reviewing his controversial split decision loss to American Timothy Bradley, which took place in Las Vegas June 9.
RingTV reported that the five judges, commissioned by WBO President Francisco “Paco†Valcarcel, unanimously scored the bout in Pacquiao’s favor, 117-111, 117-111, 118-110, 116-112 and 115-113.
In what was one of the most shocking decisions in boxing this year, Bradley was named the victor in their WBO welterweight clash last June 9, with judges Duane Ford and CJ Ross scoring the bout 115-113 in his favor. Only Jerry Roth scored the bout for Pacquiao, 115-113. - ABS-CBN
RingTV reported that the five judges, commissioned by WBO President Francisco “Paco†Valcarcel, unanimously scored the bout in Pacquiao’s favor, 117-111, 117-111, 118-110, 116-112 and 115-113.
In what was one of the most shocking decisions in boxing this year, Bradley was named the victor in their WBO welterweight clash last June 9, with judges Duane Ford and CJ Ross scoring the bout 115-113 in his favor. Only Jerry Roth scored the bout for Pacquiao, 115-113. - ABS-CBN
#30537
Real Estate Property / Strong Demand of Real Estate in the Philippines
June 21, 2012, 09:04:17 AM
Leading real estate services and advisory firm CBRE Philippines said in a recent briefing that the residential industry continues to feed on strong demand from a broader market in 2012 and onward.
Rick Santos, CBRE chairman and CEO, cited bank lending rates are still on the downward trajectory, sustaining the liquidity in the financial system, political stability, the robust economic growth as factors sustaining growth in the industry.
Santos said that demand in the residential sector remains strong due to the increasing affordability of funds for housing acquisitions. The liquidity in the market enables developers to provide more affordable payment terms to buyers. Low cost of borrowing are likewise spurring development expansions in the residential/housing industry.
“The Philippines is experiencing democratization in the housing sector -- from a nation of renters to owners -- based on low interest rates and financing schemes,†Santos affirmed.
An improved living standard for the Filipinos is one of the main economic objectives of the Aquino administration towards 2016. And a democratized housing industry given a low inflation and mortgage rate will allow every Filipino to own their own decent dwelling place, he said.
The single digit mortgage rate has democratized the housing ownership in the Philippines allowing Filipinos to buy rather than just being renters for life, Santos said.
In most cases, he said, monthly rent for a typical household dwelling in Metro Manila are now at par with house and lot or residential condominium products now available to a broader market base.
The modern Filipino household are becoming condominium dwellers attune to urban living within a live, play work environment. Thus, the demand for affordable condominium unit continues to grow year on year.
The reason most property developers are shifting to the development of reasonably priced condominium units around the Metro is to cater to the growing population who are empowered by the economy to own their dwelling place.
Rick Santos, CBRE chairman and CEO, cited bank lending rates are still on the downward trajectory, sustaining the liquidity in the financial system, political stability, the robust economic growth as factors sustaining growth in the industry.
Santos said that demand in the residential sector remains strong due to the increasing affordability of funds for housing acquisitions. The liquidity in the market enables developers to provide more affordable payment terms to buyers. Low cost of borrowing are likewise spurring development expansions in the residential/housing industry.
“The Philippines is experiencing democratization in the housing sector -- from a nation of renters to owners -- based on low interest rates and financing schemes,†Santos affirmed.
An improved living standard for the Filipinos is one of the main economic objectives of the Aquino administration towards 2016. And a democratized housing industry given a low inflation and mortgage rate will allow every Filipino to own their own decent dwelling place, he said.
The single digit mortgage rate has democratized the housing ownership in the Philippines allowing Filipinos to buy rather than just being renters for life, Santos said.
In most cases, he said, monthly rent for a typical household dwelling in Metro Manila are now at par with house and lot or residential condominium products now available to a broader market base.
The modern Filipino household are becoming condominium dwellers attune to urban living within a live, play work environment. Thus, the demand for affordable condominium unit continues to grow year on year.
The reason most property developers are shifting to the development of reasonably priced condominium units around the Metro is to cater to the growing population who are empowered by the economy to own their dwelling place.
#30538
Philippine Daily News / Another Philippine Typhoon is Spotted
June 21, 2012, 09:02:51 AM
Another weather disturbance has been spotted in Eastern Visayas as tropical storm “Carina†(international name: Talim) left immediately the Philippine territory, the state weather bureau said on Thursday.
Manny Mendoza, weather forecaster, said Carina entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) 8 p.m. Wednesday, but moved away from the country after three hours.
“Dumaan lang si Carina as in dinaplisan lang yung bansa natin at sa ngayon patungo na ito ng Japan (Carina just passed over. It just skimmed the country and is now headed to Japan),†Mendoza added.
He said the tropical storm on Wednesday night was seen 480 kilometers north of Basco, Batanes (25.3°N, 121.2°E) as it maintained its strength, packing winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.
Meanwhile, Mendoza said the low pressure area (LPA) spotted at 480 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas (11.2°N, 130.6°E) has a small chance to turn into tropical cyclone.
However, Mendoza said they still monitor the LPA and if it intensifies and becomes a cyclone, it will be locally codenamed "Dindo", the fourth tropical cyclone that will hit the country this year.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the southwest monsoon is still affecting Northern and Central Luzon while Metro Manila is expected to experience good weather with isolated rain showers for Thursday.
In its advisory, PAGASA said the Northern and Central Luzon will have occasional rain becoming frequent over the western section of Northern Luzon which may trigger flash floods and landslides.
Eastern Visayas and Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.
The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, it said.
Moderate to strong winds from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and Visayas coming from the southwest to west over the rest of the country. - PNA
Manny Mendoza, weather forecaster, said Carina entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) 8 p.m. Wednesday, but moved away from the country after three hours.
“Dumaan lang si Carina as in dinaplisan lang yung bansa natin at sa ngayon patungo na ito ng Japan (Carina just passed over. It just skimmed the country and is now headed to Japan),†Mendoza added.
He said the tropical storm on Wednesday night was seen 480 kilometers north of Basco, Batanes (25.3°N, 121.2°E) as it maintained its strength, packing winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.
Meanwhile, Mendoza said the low pressure area (LPA) spotted at 480 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas (11.2°N, 130.6°E) has a small chance to turn into tropical cyclone.
However, Mendoza said they still monitor the LPA and if it intensifies and becomes a cyclone, it will be locally codenamed "Dindo", the fourth tropical cyclone that will hit the country this year.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the southwest monsoon is still affecting Northern and Central Luzon while Metro Manila is expected to experience good weather with isolated rain showers for Thursday.
In its advisory, PAGASA said the Northern and Central Luzon will have occasional rain becoming frequent over the western section of Northern Luzon which may trigger flash floods and landslides.
Eastern Visayas and Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.
The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, it said.
Moderate to strong winds from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and Visayas coming from the southwest to west over the rest of the country. - PNA
#30539
Philippine Entertainment / 83-Year Old Dolphy in Critical Condition
June 21, 2012, 05:55:56 AM
by ABS-CBN
King of Comedy Dolphy is now in critical condition, according to his son Eric Quizon.
But ABS-CBN correspondent Ginger Conejero later reported from the Makati Medical Center early Wednesday afternoon that the 83-year-old comedian has already been cleared of pneumonia.
Conejero said this was seen by the Quizon family as a positive development. However, she added that doctors are now concerned about the comedian's weakened kidneys.
In a text message sent to ABS-CBN News earlier on Wednesday, Quizon appealed for understanding if they can't talk about their father's condition right now.
Quizon also asked for prayers for his father's recovery.
"Dad is critical at the moment. I hope you understand if I can't talk right now. Will update you later. We need your prayers," he texted.
King of Comedy Dolphy is now in critical condition, according to his son Eric Quizon.
But ABS-CBN correspondent Ginger Conejero later reported from the Makati Medical Center early Wednesday afternoon that the 83-year-old comedian has already been cleared of pneumonia.
Conejero said this was seen by the Quizon family as a positive development. However, she added that doctors are now concerned about the comedian's weakened kidneys.
In a text message sent to ABS-CBN News earlier on Wednesday, Quizon appealed for understanding if they can't talk about their father's condition right now.
Quizon also asked for prayers for his father's recovery.
"Dad is critical at the moment. I hope you understand if I can't talk right now. Will update you later. We need your prayers," he texted.
#30540
Science and Research / Truth or Fiction: Marijuana Benefits
June 21, 2012, 05:50:27 AM
Truth or Fiction: Marijuana Benefits
#30542
Philippine Photo Gallery / Philippine Life: Agree or Disagree
June 21, 2012, 05:46:47 AM
Philippine Life: Agree or Disagree
#30543
Philippine Photo Gallery / Now-showbiz Filipina Beauty
June 21, 2012, 05:45:29 AM
Now-showbiz Filipina Beauty
#30544
Inspiration & Hope / Never Give Up On Your Dreams
June 21, 2012, 05:43:50 AM
Never Give Up On Your Dreams
#30546
Showbiz & Celebrity / Taylor Swift vs Lady Gaga
June 21, 2012, 05:41:41 AM
Taylor Swift vs Lady Gaga
#30547
Love Talk / Re: Love Is Walking Hand In Hand: The Peanuts Gang Defines Love, 1965
June 21, 2012, 05:40:40 AM
that's love
#30548
General Topic / World Submarines Compared
June 21, 2012, 05:39:26 AM
World Submarines Compared
#30549
Philippine Daily News / Philippines Warned on Poisonous Milk from China
June 20, 2012, 05:46:04 PM
The Department of Health (DOH) has assured the public that infant milk in the country is safe.
Dr. Eric Tayag, DOH assistant secretary and spokesperson, said there was nothing to worry about the milk formula in the country, noting that FDA (Food and Drug Administration) had tasked milk inspectors to inspect possible entry of tainted milk.
He made this remarks following fears that milk from China, reportedly tainted with unusual levels of mercury, could reach the local markets, especially distributed and repacked.
"Gayunman, ang recall ay sa China, umaasa kami na di nakarating sa atin ang milk formula na iyon, kung magkagayon man at kung mayroon mann kahina-hinala na mga milk formula na sa tingin ninyo, ito ay nabanggit isurender ninyo iyan," Tayag said.
Likewise, Tayag reminds mothers of the safety and benefits of breastfeeding that should be extended up to two years of age.
Dr. Eric Tayag, DOH assistant secretary and spokesperson, said there was nothing to worry about the milk formula in the country, noting that FDA (Food and Drug Administration) had tasked milk inspectors to inspect possible entry of tainted milk.
He made this remarks following fears that milk from China, reportedly tainted with unusual levels of mercury, could reach the local markets, especially distributed and repacked.
"Gayunman, ang recall ay sa China, umaasa kami na di nakarating sa atin ang milk formula na iyon, kung magkagayon man at kung mayroon mann kahina-hinala na mga milk formula na sa tingin ninyo, ito ay nabanggit isurender ninyo iyan," Tayag said.
Likewise, Tayag reminds mothers of the safety and benefits of breastfeeding that should be extended up to two years of age.
#30550
Philippine Provinces / Leptospirosis Warning Raised on Pangasinan
June 20, 2012, 05:43:22 PM
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has warned the public against leptospirosis which usually peaks during the rainy season.
Dr. Anna de Guzman, provincial health officer, issued the warning due to the increasing number of persons afflicted with leptospirosis this year as compared to last year.
Records showed there were already 10 leptospirosis cases recorded from January 1 to June 19 this year as compared to only two during the same period last year.
The disease is caused by the infection of a person with the bacteria leptospira caused by the urine of infected rats that mixes with the floodwater during the rainy season.
De Guzman said before a person wades into the water, he or she must wear boots because no one knows if the pond which one would step on is infected with leptospira. - PNA
Dr. Anna de Guzman, provincial health officer, issued the warning due to the increasing number of persons afflicted with leptospirosis this year as compared to last year.
Records showed there were already 10 leptospirosis cases recorded from January 1 to June 19 this year as compared to only two during the same period last year.
The disease is caused by the infection of a person with the bacteria leptospira caused by the urine of infected rats that mixes with the floodwater during the rainy season.
De Guzman said before a person wades into the water, he or she must wear boots because no one knows if the pond which one would step on is infected with leptospira. - PNA
#30551
Philippine Entertainment / How Vice Ganda Would Insult You
June 20, 2012, 05:15:57 PM
How Vice Ganda Would Insult You
#30552
Basketball | NBA-PBA / Dwyane Wade Battles with Ex-wife As He Faces Oklahoma Thunder
June 20, 2012, 04:00:14 PM
by associated press
Dwyane Wade has asked a Chicago judge to suspend his ex-wife's right to visitation with their two children after a weekend incident that delayed the boys' return to his custody and led to her arrest.
Wade's attorney, James Pritikin, filed an emergency motion and appeared in court Tuesday to have it heard, hours before the Miami Heat guard was to play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A hearing was set for June 26, which would be the date of Game 7 if the Heat and Thunder extend the series to its limit.
Wade told The Associated Press that his sons have been with him in Miami since about 6 a.m. Sunday -- "That's what mattered most to me, getting them here to be with me on Father's Day," he said -- and that the incident has not adversely affected his play in the championship series.
Siohvaughn Funches-Wade was charged with two counts of attempted child abduction, two counts of unlawful visitation interference and one count of resisting arrest, Cook County Sheriff's spokesman Frank Bilecki told The AP on Tuesday. Another woman at the home at the time, Nadgee Alarcon, was charged with one count of resisting arrest, Bilecki said. All the charges are misdemeanors.
Funches-Wade posted $10,000 bond on Monday, Bilecki said, and is due back in court in August. It was not known if she had an attorney.
Dwyane Wade has asked a Chicago judge to suspend his ex-wife's right to visitation with their two children after a weekend incident that delayed the boys' return to his custody and led to her arrest.
Wade's attorney, James Pritikin, filed an emergency motion and appeared in court Tuesday to have it heard, hours before the Miami Heat guard was to play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A hearing was set for June 26, which would be the date of Game 7 if the Heat and Thunder extend the series to its limit.
Wade told The Associated Press that his sons have been with him in Miami since about 6 a.m. Sunday -- "That's what mattered most to me, getting them here to be with me on Father's Day," he said -- and that the incident has not adversely affected his play in the championship series.
Siohvaughn Funches-Wade was charged with two counts of attempted child abduction, two counts of unlawful visitation interference and one count of resisting arrest, Cook County Sheriff's spokesman Frank Bilecki told The AP on Tuesday. Another woman at the home at the time, Nadgee Alarcon, was charged with one count of resisting arrest, Bilecki said. All the charges are misdemeanors.
Funches-Wade posted $10,000 bond on Monday, Bilecki said, and is due back in court in August. It was not known if she had an attorney.
#30554
Philippine Daily News / Re: Ransom Money for Baker Abdulla Atyani
June 20, 2012, 05:48:52 AM
the AFP will not wipe out the abu, npa, milf, and mnlf because the moment it happens it will make the military less needed. consequently, military budget will be slashed in the absence of enemies. and if the budget is slashed, the generals won't make much money out of supply contracts.
whether we like it or not, more enemies can be translated to more funds. it's business after all.
whether we like it or not, more enemies can be translated to more funds. it's business after all.
#30555
European Union EU / Greece Election No Effect At All?
June 19, 2012, 09:49:46 PM
By George Friedman | Stratfor
Europe and the financial markets watched intently June 17 as Greece held general elections. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti all delayed their flights to the June 18 G-20 summit in Mexico to await the results.
The two leading contenders in the elections were the center-right New Democracy Party (ND), which pledged to uphold Greece's commitments to austerity and honor the country's financial agreements with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, and the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), a group of far-left politicians who pledged to reject Greece's existing agreements, end austerity and maintain the country's position in the eurozone. A third major party, the center-left Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), shares the ND's position of maintaining Greece's bailout agreement. PASOK had been Greece's ruling party until it formed a unity government with the ND late in 2011.
Europe and the financial markets watched intently June 17 as Greece held general elections. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti all delayed their flights to the June 18 G-20 summit in Mexico to await the results.
The two leading contenders in the elections were the center-right New Democracy Party (ND), which pledged to uphold Greece's commitments to austerity and honor the country's financial agreements with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, and the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), a group of far-left politicians who pledged to reject Greece's existing agreements, end austerity and maintain the country's position in the eurozone. A third major party, the center-left Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), shares the ND's position of maintaining Greece's bailout agreement. PASOK had been Greece's ruling party until it formed a unity government with the ND late in 2011.
#30556
Photos Unlimited / Re: Fathers Day Special: Like Father, Like Son
June 19, 2012, 05:09:27 PM
murag pareha pud ang smell sa ilang mga ilok.
#30557
World Daily News / Re: Highest Paid Athletes in 2012
June 19, 2012, 03:39:44 PM
Here's Mayweather:
#30558
Lifestyle, Culture and Arts / Re: 5 Signs You are a Sex Addict
June 19, 2012, 09:34:55 AM
murag wala kay wala pay nakiha ug rape diri. 
#30559
LGU Philippines / New Filipino Ambassador to China Sworn In
June 19, 2012, 08:44:21 AM
by PNA
President Benigno S. Aquino III formally administered the oath of office to Sonia Brady as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Monday.
The President appointed Brady, who had served as Ambassador to Beijing from 2006 to 2010, in May this year.
The Commission on Appointments, taking cognizance of her expertise and experience as a veteran diplomat, swiftly confirmed her appointment a few days after.
Aside from Brady, President Aquino also swore in three new Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals, newly appointed government officials and officers of the Philippine National Police and the National Press Club.
These were: Associate Justices Ma. Luisa Padilla, Renato Francisco, and Joseph Lopez; Assistant Secretaries of the Department of Budget and Management Janet Abuel, Gil Montalbo and Deputy Ombudsman Gerard Mosquera;
Police Deputy Director Generals Emelito Sarmiento and Rommel Heredia; Police Directors Elpidio De Asis, Jr., Samuel Diciano, Gil Meneses, Felipe Rojas, Jr., and Arnulfo Perez;
Police Chief Superintendents Roland Vicente, Diosdado Ramos, Fernando Idio, Ronilo Quebrar, Fidel Posadas, Percival Barba, Sonny Cunana, and Raul Petrasanta.
The NPC officers are: Benny Antiporda, president; Marlon Purificacion, vice president; Louie Logarta, secretary; Jerry Yap, Treasurer; Rolly Gonzalo, Auditor and Directors Mina Navarro, Alvin Murcia, Paul Gutierrez, Joel Sy Egco, Nats Taboy, William Dipasupil, Ronniel De Guzman, Arlie Calalo, Ma. Kristina Maralit and Leonel Abasola.
President Benigno S. Aquino III formally administered the oath of office to Sonia Brady as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Monday.
The President appointed Brady, who had served as Ambassador to Beijing from 2006 to 2010, in May this year.
The Commission on Appointments, taking cognizance of her expertise and experience as a veteran diplomat, swiftly confirmed her appointment a few days after.
Aside from Brady, President Aquino also swore in three new Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals, newly appointed government officials and officers of the Philippine National Police and the National Press Club.
These were: Associate Justices Ma. Luisa Padilla, Renato Francisco, and Joseph Lopez; Assistant Secretaries of the Department of Budget and Management Janet Abuel, Gil Montalbo and Deputy Ombudsman Gerard Mosquera;
Police Deputy Director Generals Emelito Sarmiento and Rommel Heredia; Police Directors Elpidio De Asis, Jr., Samuel Diciano, Gil Meneses, Felipe Rojas, Jr., and Arnulfo Perez;
Police Chief Superintendents Roland Vicente, Diosdado Ramos, Fernando Idio, Ronilo Quebrar, Fidel Posadas, Percival Barba, Sonny Cunana, and Raul Petrasanta.
The NPC officers are: Benny Antiporda, president; Marlon Purificacion, vice president; Louie Logarta, secretary; Jerry Yap, Treasurer; Rolly Gonzalo, Auditor and Directors Mina Navarro, Alvin Murcia, Paul Gutierrez, Joel Sy Egco, Nats Taboy, William Dipasupil, Ronniel De Guzman, Arlie Calalo, Ma. Kristina Maralit and Leonel Abasola.
#30560
Asia | Middle East / Harm caused by toxic chemicals and wastes
June 19, 2012, 08:43:26 AM
by PNA
As government negotiators race for a crucial agreement that many hope will set the path for a sustainable planet, over 150 groups from the Philippines asked world leaders not to neglect the harm caused by toxic chemicals and wastes and the need for resolute action to protect the public health and the environment.
In an effort to elevate the chemical safety agenda at the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development on June 20-22 in Brazil, the groups signed the “Common Statement for a Toxics-Free Future†initiated by IPEN and its international civil society partners and supported by some 1,000 organizations from over 90 countries.
The groups affirmed and asked government leaders to uphold that “living in a pollution-free world is a basic human right.â€
“We join the global campaign for a toxics-free future where exposure to toxic and hazardous chemicals is no longer a source of harm and where people have the right to enjoy healthy and sustainable green livelihoods that do not harm their bodies or the environment,†the groups declared.
Among the groups that have signed the statement were the EcoWaste Coalition, Alliance of Progressive Labor, Alyansa Tigil Mina, Asian Peasant Coalition, Buklurang Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-NCR, Cavite Green Coalition, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance-Philippines, Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Food and Sustainable Economy, Jubilee South Asia/Pacific Movement on Debt and Development, NGO Forum on ADB, No to Coal Coalition, Save Babies Coalition and the Save Sierra Madre Network.
Through the statement, the groups challenged world leaders to take steps to create a safe, sustainable approach to chemicals that include:
* Global phaseout of toxic chemicals that harm human health and the environment;
* Protection, right to know, fair compensation, medical treatment and environmental justice for workers and families impacted by chemical pollution;
* Cost structures for chemicals that reflect their true cost to people and the environment and which will help eliminate pollution; and
* Investments to create a sustainable chemical industry based on the precautionary principle.
The groups noted that health problems such as cancer, heart disease, reproductive and developmental disorders, asthma, autism, diabetes, degenerative diseases and mental health illnesses have been shown to have links to the pollution of air, water, soil and food, as well as toxic consumer products and wastes.
Citing data from the World Health Organization, the groups pointed out that industrial and agricultural chemicals and acute chemical poisonings are responsible for 1.2 million deaths per year and at least 1.7 percent of the global burden of disease, imposing unacceptable burden on developing and transition countries.
In their statement, the groups also noted that the large majority of the pesticides and industrial chemicals currently in production and use have still not been adequately tested for their impact on human health and the environment.
They expressed concern over the increasing use of synthetic pesticides and industrial chemicals, including hazardous substances and nanomaterials contained in consumer products, while developing and transition countries lack adequate infrastructure or resources to ensure the sound management of these chemicals and their subsequent wastes.
This is particularly so for the escalating quantities of electronic wastes; the ever increasing solid and liquid wastes from mining and petroleum and gas extraction; obsolete pesticides and their containers; and the vast hazardous industrial waste stockpiles, the groups said.
Finally, they emphasized that meaningful and active participation including the right to free, prior and informed consent by all sectors of civil society, particularly women, workers and indigenous peoples, is essential in regulatory decision-making related to chemical safety, and recognize the urgent need for ‘information and knowledge on chemicals throughout their life cycle, including the risks that they pose to human health and the environment.
As government negotiators race for a crucial agreement that many hope will set the path for a sustainable planet, over 150 groups from the Philippines asked world leaders not to neglect the harm caused by toxic chemicals and wastes and the need for resolute action to protect the public health and the environment.
In an effort to elevate the chemical safety agenda at the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development on June 20-22 in Brazil, the groups signed the “Common Statement for a Toxics-Free Future†initiated by IPEN and its international civil society partners and supported by some 1,000 organizations from over 90 countries.
The groups affirmed and asked government leaders to uphold that “living in a pollution-free world is a basic human right.â€
“We join the global campaign for a toxics-free future where exposure to toxic and hazardous chemicals is no longer a source of harm and where people have the right to enjoy healthy and sustainable green livelihoods that do not harm their bodies or the environment,†the groups declared.
Among the groups that have signed the statement were the EcoWaste Coalition, Alliance of Progressive Labor, Alyansa Tigil Mina, Asian Peasant Coalition, Buklurang Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-NCR, Cavite Green Coalition, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance-Philippines, Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Food and Sustainable Economy, Jubilee South Asia/Pacific Movement on Debt and Development, NGO Forum on ADB, No to Coal Coalition, Save Babies Coalition and the Save Sierra Madre Network.
Through the statement, the groups challenged world leaders to take steps to create a safe, sustainable approach to chemicals that include:
* Global phaseout of toxic chemicals that harm human health and the environment;
* Protection, right to know, fair compensation, medical treatment and environmental justice for workers and families impacted by chemical pollution;
* Cost structures for chemicals that reflect their true cost to people and the environment and which will help eliminate pollution; and
* Investments to create a sustainable chemical industry based on the precautionary principle.
The groups noted that health problems such as cancer, heart disease, reproductive and developmental disorders, asthma, autism, diabetes, degenerative diseases and mental health illnesses have been shown to have links to the pollution of air, water, soil and food, as well as toxic consumer products and wastes.
Citing data from the World Health Organization, the groups pointed out that industrial and agricultural chemicals and acute chemical poisonings are responsible for 1.2 million deaths per year and at least 1.7 percent of the global burden of disease, imposing unacceptable burden on developing and transition countries.
In their statement, the groups also noted that the large majority of the pesticides and industrial chemicals currently in production and use have still not been adequately tested for their impact on human health and the environment.
They expressed concern over the increasing use of synthetic pesticides and industrial chemicals, including hazardous substances and nanomaterials contained in consumer products, while developing and transition countries lack adequate infrastructure or resources to ensure the sound management of these chemicals and their subsequent wastes.
This is particularly so for the escalating quantities of electronic wastes; the ever increasing solid and liquid wastes from mining and petroleum and gas extraction; obsolete pesticides and their containers; and the vast hazardous industrial waste stockpiles, the groups said.
Finally, they emphasized that meaningful and active participation including the right to free, prior and informed consent by all sectors of civil society, particularly women, workers and indigenous peoples, is essential in regulatory decision-making related to chemical safety, and recognize the urgent need for ‘information and knowledge on chemicals throughout their life cycle, including the risks that they pose to human health and the environment.
#30561
Philippine Daily News / Selection process for next Chief Justice of Supreme Court
June 19, 2012, 08:42:25 AM
by PNA
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) allowed on Monday the use of cameras and tape recorders during the selection process for the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (SC).
"The Judicial and Bar Council has also resolved to allow cameras and tape recorders in the room where interviews of the candidates are held as well as live TV and radio coverage of the proceedings," SC Acting spokesperson Atty. Maria Victoria Gleoresty Guerra said in a press conference.
The position of Chief Justice was vacated with the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato C. Corona for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust last May 29.
The JBC's latest ruling deletes Section 5, Rule 10 of the JBC Rules which provides that the interviews shall be conducted in public.
During the interview, only the members of the Council can ask questions to the candidate.
Among other things, the candidate can be made to explain any possible complaint or opposition against him. The proceedings shall be in writing.
Cameras and tape recorders, however, shall not be allowed inside the room. No live TV and radio coverage of the proceedings shall be permitted.
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) allowed on Monday the use of cameras and tape recorders during the selection process for the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (SC).
"The Judicial and Bar Council has also resolved to allow cameras and tape recorders in the room where interviews of the candidates are held as well as live TV and radio coverage of the proceedings," SC Acting spokesperson Atty. Maria Victoria Gleoresty Guerra said in a press conference.
The position of Chief Justice was vacated with the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato C. Corona for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust last May 29.
The JBC's latest ruling deletes Section 5, Rule 10 of the JBC Rules which provides that the interviews shall be conducted in public.
During the interview, only the members of the Council can ask questions to the candidate.
Among other things, the candidate can be made to explain any possible complaint or opposition against him. The proceedings shall be in writing.
Cameras and tape recorders, however, shall not be allowed inside the room. No live TV and radio coverage of the proceedings shall be permitted.
#30562
Philippine Daily News / Manila Airport Acquires P2.5 Billion Security Equipment
June 19, 2012, 08:41:31 AM
By Osias T. Osorioâ€
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is in the process of purchasing security-related equipment to provide security to all passengers and personnel while inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals.
MIAA will spend some P2.5 billion in four terminals spread over nine separate projects.
NAIA assistant General Manager for Security and Emergency Services Salvador Peñaflor said that contracts are now open for bidding, and hopes that prospective bidders would be able to meet the 2012 deadline.
“The money is purely for the purchases of equipment, not for added personnel,†Peñaflor said.
He said there is a long list of equipment that the NAIA had to possess if it is to keep abreast of the latest developments in security procedures, including the upgrading of antiquated security paraphernalia.
“We need the latest machines and apparatus to keep the four NAIA terminals safe from harm and terrorist threat,†he said.
To be fitted with security gadgets, aside from the 30-year old NAIA 1, are the Centennial Terminal 2, the NAIA 3 and the Old Manila Domestic Airport.
Peñaflor said that among the items being considered are close-circuit television (CCTV), x-ray machines that could detect drugs, x-ray machines for detecting firearms and explosives, hand-held body-scanners, radio communications system and vehicles.
Peñaflor said plans include the strengthening of the entries and exit to the airport ramps. These call for the installations of bollards at the main gates, which are steel posts planted on the ground that could be retracted to allow the passage of vehicles, or extended to prevent their entry.
A string of bollards have been in place in many high-security places such as the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Philippine National Bank along Macapagal Avenue.
Peñaflor said that a Command Center would also be set up to keep track of all movements within the airport compound.
Peñaflor is a former Air Force general who was assigned in Jolo for nine years and was appointed by President Benigno Aquino III to the post, along with MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado.
Peñaflor said that upon assuming his first duty as Chief of Airport police, one of his first priorities was to subject some 300 policemen for retraining.
“Of course, we have to get rid of some scalawags and to retrain those that show promise to be good policemen,†he said.
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is in the process of purchasing security-related equipment to provide security to all passengers and personnel while inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals.
MIAA will spend some P2.5 billion in four terminals spread over nine separate projects.
NAIA assistant General Manager for Security and Emergency Services Salvador Peñaflor said that contracts are now open for bidding, and hopes that prospective bidders would be able to meet the 2012 deadline.
“The money is purely for the purchases of equipment, not for added personnel,†Peñaflor said.
He said there is a long list of equipment that the NAIA had to possess if it is to keep abreast of the latest developments in security procedures, including the upgrading of antiquated security paraphernalia.
“We need the latest machines and apparatus to keep the four NAIA terminals safe from harm and terrorist threat,†he said.
To be fitted with security gadgets, aside from the 30-year old NAIA 1, are the Centennial Terminal 2, the NAIA 3 and the Old Manila Domestic Airport.
Peñaflor said that among the items being considered are close-circuit television (CCTV), x-ray machines that could detect drugs, x-ray machines for detecting firearms and explosives, hand-held body-scanners, radio communications system and vehicles.
Peñaflor said plans include the strengthening of the entries and exit to the airport ramps. These call for the installations of bollards at the main gates, which are steel posts planted on the ground that could be retracted to allow the passage of vehicles, or extended to prevent their entry.
A string of bollards have been in place in many high-security places such as the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Philippine National Bank along Macapagal Avenue.
Peñaflor said that a Command Center would also be set up to keep track of all movements within the airport compound.
Peñaflor is a former Air Force general who was assigned in Jolo for nine years and was appointed by President Benigno Aquino III to the post, along with MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado.
Peñaflor said that upon assuming his first duty as Chief of Airport police, one of his first priorities was to subject some 300 policemen for retraining.
“Of course, we have to get rid of some scalawags and to retrain those that show promise to be good policemen,†he said.
#30563
Philippine Daily News / Judicial and Bar Council Extends Deadline for CJ Nomination
June 19, 2012, 08:40:23 AM
by PNA
The Aquino administration welcomed the decision of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to extend the period for accepting nominations for the next Chief Justice, saying the council's move will pave the way "for the broadest public participation and the widest possible pool of candidates."
"The extension of the period of nomination will allow the public, civil society, academe, and others to have time to nominate individuals for consideration. What is at stake at the end of this exercise is for the JBC to present a list of meritorious nominees for the consideration of President Aquino," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement issued on Monday.
The JBC decided to extend the submission of nomination for the position of Chief Justice until July 2. The original deadline for the nomination is today, June 18.
"This should be a landmark moment in our collective effort to achieve judicial reform. As the recent decision of the Supreme Court indicates, a new era of transparency and accountability is dawning in the judiciary," Lacierda said.
Malacanang earlier lauded the High Tribunal for its decision to post on its website the budget accountability reports of the Supreme Court and the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.
"The disclosure of personal SALNs (statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth) and the financial operations of the Supreme Court, including its use of various funds, will already help the administration determine the proper budgetary support for a re-energized Supreme Court," Lacierda said.
The Chief Justice post is presently vacant after the Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, removed Chief Justice Renato Corona last May.
The Aquino administration welcomed the decision of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to extend the period for accepting nominations for the next Chief Justice, saying the council's move will pave the way "for the broadest public participation and the widest possible pool of candidates."
"The extension of the period of nomination will allow the public, civil society, academe, and others to have time to nominate individuals for consideration. What is at stake at the end of this exercise is for the JBC to present a list of meritorious nominees for the consideration of President Aquino," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement issued on Monday.
The JBC decided to extend the submission of nomination for the position of Chief Justice until July 2. The original deadline for the nomination is today, June 18.
"This should be a landmark moment in our collective effort to achieve judicial reform. As the recent decision of the Supreme Court indicates, a new era of transparency and accountability is dawning in the judiciary," Lacierda said.
Malacanang earlier lauded the High Tribunal for its decision to post on its website the budget accountability reports of the Supreme Court and the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.
"The disclosure of personal SALNs (statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth) and the financial operations of the Supreme Court, including its use of various funds, will already help the administration determine the proper budgetary support for a re-energized Supreme Court," Lacierda said.
The Chief Justice post is presently vacant after the Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, removed Chief Justice Renato Corona last May.
#30564
Philippine Daily News / Ransom Money for Baker Abdulla Atyani
June 19, 2012, 08:39:27 AM
by PNA
The Aquino administration reiterated its no-ransom policy following reports that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) reportedly demanded a P50-million ransom for the release of the Jordanian broadcast journalist who was reported missing since June 12, a Palace official said on Monday.
"We continue to maintain the no-ransom policy. But, again, the lines of communication are between Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and the ASG," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.
Reports said Jordanian journalist Baker Abdulla Atyani of Dubai-based Al-Arabiya TV and his two Filipino cameramen Rolando Letrero and Ramelito Vela were reported missing in Sulu after they failed to return to the Sulu State College Hostel in the capital town Jolo.
"Sulu Governor Sakur Tan has formed a crisis committee in Sulu. What we can confirm is that the said journalist is in the hands of the ASG and that he went there (ASG lair) voluntarily for an interview," Lacierda said.
"It is also confirmed that he had in another occasion the opportunity to interview an Abu Sayyaf head," Lacierda said.
Lacierda said the government, through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), is closely monitoring the progress of the operations being undertaken to secure the safety of the Jordanian journalist and his crew.
The ASG, reportedly holding Atyani and his crew, is in the forested areas of Patikul to avoid detection from the military and police authorities who are conducting follow-up operations.
Atyani and his crew arrived in Jolo on June 11 and checked in at the Sulu State College Hostel in Barangay Bangka.
At 5 a.m. the following day, Atyani was fetched by a white multi-cab with plate number LLC 238 to head for Bud Datu in Patikul.
The Aquino administration reiterated its no-ransom policy following reports that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) reportedly demanded a P50-million ransom for the release of the Jordanian broadcast journalist who was reported missing since June 12, a Palace official said on Monday.
"We continue to maintain the no-ransom policy. But, again, the lines of communication are between Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and the ASG," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.
Reports said Jordanian journalist Baker Abdulla Atyani of Dubai-based Al-Arabiya TV and his two Filipino cameramen Rolando Letrero and Ramelito Vela were reported missing in Sulu after they failed to return to the Sulu State College Hostel in the capital town Jolo.
"Sulu Governor Sakur Tan has formed a crisis committee in Sulu. What we can confirm is that the said journalist is in the hands of the ASG and that he went there (ASG lair) voluntarily for an interview," Lacierda said.
"It is also confirmed that he had in another occasion the opportunity to interview an Abu Sayyaf head," Lacierda said.
Lacierda said the government, through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), is closely monitoring the progress of the operations being undertaken to secure the safety of the Jordanian journalist and his crew.
The ASG, reportedly holding Atyani and his crew, is in the forested areas of Patikul to avoid detection from the military and police authorities who are conducting follow-up operations.
Atyani and his crew arrived in Jolo on June 11 and checked in at the Sulu State College Hostel in Barangay Bangka.
At 5 a.m. the following day, Atyani was fetched by a white multi-cab with plate number LLC 238 to head for Bud Datu in Patikul.
#30565
Philippine Daily News / NDF Resumes Talks with Philippine Government
June 19, 2012, 08:38:04 AM
By Ben Cal
After 17 months in the back burner, the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) resumed their informal talks in Norway over the weekend, with both sides agreeing to discuss major issues in their next meeting, particularly the forging of a ceasefire agreement.
In an interview with the Philippines News Agency, Undersecretary Efren Montalbo, a member of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel, described the meeting as “meaningful,†although no agreement was reached but both sides vowed to pursue the negotiations.
Montalbo said no date has been set for the next round of talks. The last time the two sides met was in February 2011 that ended in a stalemate
He said Alexander A. Padilla, the chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the NDF, objected anew to the use of landmines by the New People’s Army (NPA) in combat that had killed innocent civilians in the crossfire.
The United Nations (UN) has banned the use of landmines because of its destructive effects to non-combatants, killing even women and children.
Padilla also raised another major concern: NPA rebels attacking business firms and burning their equipment for failure to pay “revolutionary tax.â€
The NDF has signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), yet it continues to violate the accord.
The government peace panel chairman has viewed the prospects of renewed talks with the NDF with guarded optimism.
"After such a long impasse marked by distrust and misunderstanding, this is a welcome development, an opportunity for a new beginning. We look forward to more meaningful discussions with the hope that it will lead to productive formal talks," Padilla said. "We have wasted 25 years fighting each other rather than working together for our people."
During the meeting in Oslo, Norway, the NDF raised the issue on the release of political detainees.
The Royal Norwegian Government (RNG) is the third party in the negotiations between the Philippine government and the NDF.
The RNG invited former Sen. Wigberto Tanada as observer, being a "common friend of both panels."
After a two-day meeting, the parties agreed to meet again informally to continue "meaningful discussions" toward the resumption of formal talks.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said that the NDF, led by chairman Luis Jalandoni and Jose Maria Sison, its chief political consultant, pressed anew for the release of most, if not all 14 political detainees.
The NDF said these detainees are their consultants in the peace process. It also raised the need to reconstruct its list of the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantee or JASIG-protected members after the failure of the verification process in July last year rendered their original list of 85 alias-bearers inoperative.
The NDF also put on the table for further discussion a possible arrangement for "truce and alliance" which it has been floating since 2011.
Both the GPH and the NDF responded positively to a suggestion made by Tanada to discuss the possible implementation of the Joint Agreement in Support of Socio-Economic Projects of Private Development Organizations and Institutes to bring progress and prosperity in conflict areas.
After 17 months in the back burner, the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) resumed their informal talks in Norway over the weekend, with both sides agreeing to discuss major issues in their next meeting, particularly the forging of a ceasefire agreement.
In an interview with the Philippines News Agency, Undersecretary Efren Montalbo, a member of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel, described the meeting as “meaningful,†although no agreement was reached but both sides vowed to pursue the negotiations.
Montalbo said no date has been set for the next round of talks. The last time the two sides met was in February 2011 that ended in a stalemate
He said Alexander A. Padilla, the chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the NDF, objected anew to the use of landmines by the New People’s Army (NPA) in combat that had killed innocent civilians in the crossfire.
The United Nations (UN) has banned the use of landmines because of its destructive effects to non-combatants, killing even women and children.
Padilla also raised another major concern: NPA rebels attacking business firms and burning their equipment for failure to pay “revolutionary tax.â€
The NDF has signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), yet it continues to violate the accord.
The government peace panel chairman has viewed the prospects of renewed talks with the NDF with guarded optimism.
"After such a long impasse marked by distrust and misunderstanding, this is a welcome development, an opportunity for a new beginning. We look forward to more meaningful discussions with the hope that it will lead to productive formal talks," Padilla said. "We have wasted 25 years fighting each other rather than working together for our people."
During the meeting in Oslo, Norway, the NDF raised the issue on the release of political detainees.
The Royal Norwegian Government (RNG) is the third party in the negotiations between the Philippine government and the NDF.
The RNG invited former Sen. Wigberto Tanada as observer, being a "common friend of both panels."
After a two-day meeting, the parties agreed to meet again informally to continue "meaningful discussions" toward the resumption of formal talks.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said that the NDF, led by chairman Luis Jalandoni and Jose Maria Sison, its chief political consultant, pressed anew for the release of most, if not all 14 political detainees.
The NDF said these detainees are their consultants in the peace process. It also raised the need to reconstruct its list of the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantee or JASIG-protected members after the failure of the verification process in July last year rendered their original list of 85 alias-bearers inoperative.
The NDF also put on the table for further discussion a possible arrangement for "truce and alliance" which it has been floating since 2011.
Both the GPH and the NDF responded positively to a suggestion made by Tanada to discuss the possible implementation of the Joint Agreement in Support of Socio-Economic Projects of Private Development Organizations and Institutes to bring progress and prosperity in conflict areas.
#30566
Philippine Daily News / Goodbye Butchoy
June 19, 2012, 08:36:56 AM
by PNA
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) expect a good weather on Tuesday as typhoon “Butchoy†continues to move out of the country.
Weather forecaster Gladys Saludes said that "Butchoy" (international name Gucol) was located some 700 km Northeast of Basco Batanes (24.3°N, 128.3°E) with maximum winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness up to 185 kph.
"Butchoy was expected to exit Philippine territory by Monday night towards Japan and its movement forecast is north northeast at 30 kph, humina si Butchoy, pero bumilis ang movement niya palabas ng bansa,†Saludes said.
Saludes said that Metro Manila as well as Visayas and Mindanao would have a good weather on Tuesday but southwest monsoon would still affect other parts of Luzon, particularly in Northern and Central Luzon.
“Bukas maganda na weather natin dito sa Metro Manila maging sa Visayas at Mindanao pero makakaranas lang tayo ng isolated rain showers,†she said.
"Butchoy" had enhanced the southwest monsoon and brought heavy rains to parts of Luzon and Mindanao.
As "Butchoy" exits the Philippines, PAGASA sees the entry of another potential typhoon --tropical storm (international codename: "Talim")-- on Wednesday afternoon.
Based on satellite and surface data, tropical storm "Talim" was estimated to be at 800 km west of Extreme Northern Luzon (19.0°N, 112.4°E) with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It is forecast to move northeast slowly.
Once "Talim" enters Philippine territory, it will be locally codenamed "Carina," the third cyclone in the Philippine area of responsibility so far this year.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) expect a good weather on Tuesday as typhoon “Butchoy†continues to move out of the country.
Weather forecaster Gladys Saludes said that "Butchoy" (international name Gucol) was located some 700 km Northeast of Basco Batanes (24.3°N, 128.3°E) with maximum winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness up to 185 kph.
"Butchoy was expected to exit Philippine territory by Monday night towards Japan and its movement forecast is north northeast at 30 kph, humina si Butchoy, pero bumilis ang movement niya palabas ng bansa,†Saludes said.
Saludes said that Metro Manila as well as Visayas and Mindanao would have a good weather on Tuesday but southwest monsoon would still affect other parts of Luzon, particularly in Northern and Central Luzon.
“Bukas maganda na weather natin dito sa Metro Manila maging sa Visayas at Mindanao pero makakaranas lang tayo ng isolated rain showers,†she said.
"Butchoy" had enhanced the southwest monsoon and brought heavy rains to parts of Luzon and Mindanao.
As "Butchoy" exits the Philippines, PAGASA sees the entry of another potential typhoon --tropical storm (international codename: "Talim")-- on Wednesday afternoon.
Based on satellite and surface data, tropical storm "Talim" was estimated to be at 800 km west of Extreme Northern Luzon (19.0°N, 112.4°E) with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It is forecast to move northeast slowly.
Once "Talim" enters Philippine territory, it will be locally codenamed "Carina," the third cyclone in the Philippine area of responsibility so far this year.
#30567
Philippine Daily News / Philippine Gasoline Price Rollback Effective on Tuesday
June 19, 2012, 08:35:54 AM
By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
Oil firms on Monday announced rollback on their petroleum products effective Tuesday.
Effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, the so called “Big Three†oil companies Pilipinas Shell, Petron Corp. and Chevron Philippines (formerly Caltex) would implement a uniform cuts in their respective pump prices.
They will reduce prices of premium and unleaded gasoline P1.20 per liter; P1.10 per liter on regular gasoline; P0.50 per liter on diesel; and P0.35 per liter on kerosene.
Meanwhile, Eastern Petroleum Philippines, an independent oil company, said that it would cut prices of its petroleum products at the same levels of the "Big Three", also at past midnight Tuesday.
Tuesday's price adjustments by Shell, Petron and Chevron wiould be their 10 successive rollbacks, while the Eastern Petroleum underscored that it would already be its 11th straight price cut.
As of Monday, the average fuel prices in Metro Manila stood at the following levels: diesel, P41 per liter; unleaded P51 per liter and kerosene, P52 per liter. (PNA)
Oil firms on Monday announced rollback on their petroleum products effective Tuesday.
Effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, the so called “Big Three†oil companies Pilipinas Shell, Petron Corp. and Chevron Philippines (formerly Caltex) would implement a uniform cuts in their respective pump prices.
They will reduce prices of premium and unleaded gasoline P1.20 per liter; P1.10 per liter on regular gasoline; P0.50 per liter on diesel; and P0.35 per liter on kerosene.
Meanwhile, Eastern Petroleum Philippines, an independent oil company, said that it would cut prices of its petroleum products at the same levels of the "Big Three", also at past midnight Tuesday.
Tuesday's price adjustments by Shell, Petron and Chevron wiould be their 10 successive rollbacks, while the Eastern Petroleum underscored that it would already be its 11th straight price cut.
As of Monday, the average fuel prices in Metro Manila stood at the following levels: diesel, P41 per liter; unleaded P51 per liter and kerosene, P52 per liter. (PNA)
#30568
Philippine Daily News / Reform Philippine Bureau of Customs
June 19, 2012, 08:34:09 AM
By Lilybeth G. Ison
A senior administration lawmaker of the House of Representatives on Monday urged agricultural producers to abandon plans to stage a five-day "market holiday" as the two-week ultimatum for reforms in the Bureau of Customs (BoC) is expected to come to an end this week.
Batangas Rep. Mark Leandro Mendoza, chairman of the House committee on agriculture, said the planned market holiday would only unduly burden consumers and adversely affect the livelihood of agricultural workers and farmers.
Mendoza said that while the on-going dialogues between the griping agricultural producers -- hog growers, chicken producers and vegetable farmers, among others -- and the BoC have shown positive results, there remains no public assurance from the latter that the planned market holiday will no longer be carried out.
These agri producers earlier threatened to mount a market holiday if rampant smuggling of agricultural products would not be stopped.
AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones has said the hog and chicken producers, including vegetable growers, have now joined forces in calling on the government, particularly the BoC, to stop the rampant smuggling of agricultural products which resulted in P20 billion losses in government revenues.
Briones said they will give the BoC two weeks to stop smuggling of farm produce or they will launch a five-day market holiday nationwide, which means no pork, chicken, and vegetables will be sold in the market.
They also urged BoC Commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon to implement the Inward Foreign Manifest (IFM), which he earlier agreed to.
The IFM provides critical import data two days before the shipment arrives. It gives the Department of Agriculture (DA) information necessary to confiscate the smuggled goods and charge the suspected smugglers upon the arrival of the imported products.
Biazon, however, appeared adamant in giving in to the demand for the issuance of IFM, saying that information contained in the document could trigger insider trading, market manipulation and other unfair trade practices that could threaten both imports and local products.
The BoC official said he believes that he has already implemented most of the demands sought by local producers except the issuance of the IFM.
Mendoza appealed to the Swine Development Council (SDC), together with various organizations of agricultural producers, to give Customs Commissioner Biazon enough time and leeway to study the remaining demands he has yet to implement.
"I think a market holiday is too drastic, considering that Commissioner Biazon and (DA) Secretary (Proceso) Alcala have been responding positively to the demands of our producers. The public must be spared," he said.
Mendoza, who also heads the House contingent of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, said the BoC chief "must continue to open lines of communications with industry leaders and guarantee complete transparency in BOC operations."
He appealed to both parties to strike a compromise instead of closing the doors for reconciliation.
A senior administration lawmaker of the House of Representatives on Monday urged agricultural producers to abandon plans to stage a five-day "market holiday" as the two-week ultimatum for reforms in the Bureau of Customs (BoC) is expected to come to an end this week.
Batangas Rep. Mark Leandro Mendoza, chairman of the House committee on agriculture, said the planned market holiday would only unduly burden consumers and adversely affect the livelihood of agricultural workers and farmers.
Mendoza said that while the on-going dialogues between the griping agricultural producers -- hog growers, chicken producers and vegetable farmers, among others -- and the BoC have shown positive results, there remains no public assurance from the latter that the planned market holiday will no longer be carried out.
These agri producers earlier threatened to mount a market holiday if rampant smuggling of agricultural products would not be stopped.
AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones has said the hog and chicken producers, including vegetable growers, have now joined forces in calling on the government, particularly the BoC, to stop the rampant smuggling of agricultural products which resulted in P20 billion losses in government revenues.
Briones said they will give the BoC two weeks to stop smuggling of farm produce or they will launch a five-day market holiday nationwide, which means no pork, chicken, and vegetables will be sold in the market.
They also urged BoC Commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon to implement the Inward Foreign Manifest (IFM), which he earlier agreed to.
The IFM provides critical import data two days before the shipment arrives. It gives the Department of Agriculture (DA) information necessary to confiscate the smuggled goods and charge the suspected smugglers upon the arrival of the imported products.
Biazon, however, appeared adamant in giving in to the demand for the issuance of IFM, saying that information contained in the document could trigger insider trading, market manipulation and other unfair trade practices that could threaten both imports and local products.
The BoC official said he believes that he has already implemented most of the demands sought by local producers except the issuance of the IFM.
Mendoza appealed to the Swine Development Council (SDC), together with various organizations of agricultural producers, to give Customs Commissioner Biazon enough time and leeway to study the remaining demands he has yet to implement.
"I think a market holiday is too drastic, considering that Commissioner Biazon and (DA) Secretary (Proceso) Alcala have been responding positively to the demands of our producers. The public must be spared," he said.
Mendoza, who also heads the House contingent of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, said the BoC chief "must continue to open lines of communications with industry leaders and guarantee complete transparency in BOC operations."
He appealed to both parties to strike a compromise instead of closing the doors for reconciliation.
#30569
Sports and Fitness / Re: Bernard Fabiosa's PBA Career HIghlights
June 19, 2012, 05:45:57 AM
from Wikipedia:
Fabiosa was a member of the 1974 RP Youth Team and a graduate of the University of the East. During his time with the PBA Fabiosa was a member of the 1976 and 1983 Crispa Grand Slam Team, the Mythical Second Team (1984), selected as on of the PBA's 25 Greatest Players, and a member of the 5,000 points club, 2,000 assists club and the 500 & 1,000 steals clubs.[citation needed]
After the Crispa Redmanizers disbanded, Fabiosa played for Shell, Great Taste, Purefoods, and Pop Cola until 1992, when a collar bone injury forced him to retire for good.
He was one of the first "pure" point guards in the PBA. The original "Sultan of Swipes", he was a seven-time steals champion, four (4) with Crispa, two (2) with Shell and one (1) with Great Taste. He also topped the league in assists in 1981. He was a member of the Mythical Second Team in 1984.
In 1981 he was the league leader in assists.
Fabiosa finished his PBA career with 6,597 points (8.4 points per game), 2,837 assists (3.6 assists per game), and 1,261 steals (1.6 steals per game) in 788 games played from 1975-1991 in 19241:00 total minutes played. He converted 1,414/1876 FTs for a career average of 75.4%.
Since retirement Fabiosa has coached the Bingo Pilipino Bingonaryos in the Philippine Basketball League and been involved in the American movie industry.[citation needed]
He was inducted to the all-time PBA 25th anniversary team in the year 2000.
Fabiosa was a member of the 1974 RP Youth Team and a graduate of the University of the East. During his time with the PBA Fabiosa was a member of the 1976 and 1983 Crispa Grand Slam Team, the Mythical Second Team (1984), selected as on of the PBA's 25 Greatest Players, and a member of the 5,000 points club, 2,000 assists club and the 500 & 1,000 steals clubs.[citation needed]
After the Crispa Redmanizers disbanded, Fabiosa played for Shell, Great Taste, Purefoods, and Pop Cola until 1992, when a collar bone injury forced him to retire for good.
He was one of the first "pure" point guards in the PBA. The original "Sultan of Swipes", he was a seven-time steals champion, four (4) with Crispa, two (2) with Shell and one (1) with Great Taste. He also topped the league in assists in 1981. He was a member of the Mythical Second Team in 1984.
In 1981 he was the league leader in assists.
Fabiosa finished his PBA career with 6,597 points (8.4 points per game), 2,837 assists (3.6 assists per game), and 1,261 steals (1.6 steals per game) in 788 games played from 1975-1991 in 19241:00 total minutes played. He converted 1,414/1876 FTs for a career average of 75.4%.
Since retirement Fabiosa has coached the Bingo Pilipino Bingonaryos in the Philippine Basketball League and been involved in the American movie industry.[citation needed]
He was inducted to the all-time PBA 25th anniversary team in the year 2000.
#30570
Weird and Extreme / Re: Supersaging
June 18, 2012, 09:48:57 PM
way magutman sa purok kung magdaghan.
#30571
Travel and Tours / June 2012 Plane Ticket Promo of Cebu Pacific
June 18, 2012, 09:44:50 PM
June 2012 Plane Ticket Promo of Cebu Pacific
#30572
Basketball | NBA-PBA / NBA Game 3 Finals Heat vs Oklahoma
June 18, 2012, 06:25:49 AM
NBA Game 3 Finals Heat vs Oklahoma
#30573
Travel and Tours / Re: Canadian Audrey and Noemi Belanger Poisoned in Thailand Hotel
June 18, 2012, 06:14:32 AM
this has never happened in the Philippines, but it always happens in Thailand. Tourists should better go to the Philippines where there is no food poisoning.
#30574
Weird and Extreme / Re: 'There Is No Heaven'
June 18, 2012, 06:12:58 AM
that is his mere musings. hawking is not god.
#30576
Family & Parenting / Pastilang Pagkadisgrasyaha
June 17, 2012, 04:27:05 PM
Pastilang Pagkadisgrasyaha
#30579
Travel and Tours / Canadian Audrey and Noemi Belanger Poisoned in Thailand Hotel
June 17, 2012, 03:01:55 PM
by Agence France Presse
Two Canadian sisters found dead in their hotel room on a popular Thai resort island may have been the victims of “serious food poisoningâ€, police said Sunday.
The bodies of Audrey and Noemi Belanger, aged 20 and 26, were found Friday by hotel staff on Phi Phi island in the Andaman Sea, 800 kilometres (500 miles) south of Bangkok, showings signs of having suffered an extreme toxic reaction.
“Forensic officials found vomit in the room, blood on their lips and gums and their fingernails and toenails were blue,†lieutenant colonel Rat Somboon of Krabi Provincial Police said, adding there were “signs of serious food poisoning.â€
“They died more than 12 hours before being found. They had eaten meals outside the hotel,†he said.
The bodies of the sisters, who were from Canada’s French-speaking Quebec province, were taken from Phi Phi to the nearby town of Krabi on Thailand’s Andaman seaboard, where a probe into the cause of the deaths was underway, he added.
Lieutenant Pongpan Waiyawat, of Phi Phi’s police force said more details would be released “once there is some progressâ€, adding there was no indication of a violent struggle inside their room at the Palm Residence Hotel.
Thailand is a tourist magnet but its image as the “Land of Smiles†has been tested in recent years by deadly political unrest, devastating floods and more recently a bungled bomb plot involving Iranian suspects.
Two Canadian sisters found dead in their hotel room on a popular Thai resort island may have been the victims of “serious food poisoningâ€, police said Sunday.
The bodies of Audrey and Noemi Belanger, aged 20 and 26, were found Friday by hotel staff on Phi Phi island in the Andaman Sea, 800 kilometres (500 miles) south of Bangkok, showings signs of having suffered an extreme toxic reaction.
“Forensic officials found vomit in the room, blood on their lips and gums and their fingernails and toenails were blue,†lieutenant colonel Rat Somboon of Krabi Provincial Police said, adding there were “signs of serious food poisoning.â€
“They died more than 12 hours before being found. They had eaten meals outside the hotel,†he said.
The bodies of the sisters, who were from Canada’s French-speaking Quebec province, were taken from Phi Phi to the nearby town of Krabi on Thailand’s Andaman seaboard, where a probe into the cause of the deaths was underway, he added.
Lieutenant Pongpan Waiyawat, of Phi Phi’s police force said more details would be released “once there is some progressâ€, adding there was no indication of a violent struggle inside their room at the Palm Residence Hotel.
Thailand is a tourist magnet but its image as the “Land of Smiles†has been tested in recent years by deadly political unrest, devastating floods and more recently a bungled bomb plot involving Iranian suspects.
#30580
Jokes and Humor / Re: What's Wrong with this Picture?
June 17, 2012, 10:33:32 AM
giwaswasan ba kaha ning iyang collection?
#30582
Jokes and Humor / Re: What's Wrong with this Picture?
June 17, 2012, 09:28:26 AM
unsa man kahay ikasulti ni bugsay ug hubag bohol ani?
#30583
LGU Philippines / Re: Lawmaker wants religion out of gov't offices
June 17, 2012, 09:26:32 AM
sunod ana bawal na ang prayer ug Bible ug pagmention sa name sa Ginoo sulod sa mga schools. sunod-sunod sa doomed America.
#30584
LGU Philippines / Re: Lawmaker wants religion out of gov't offices
June 17, 2012, 09:25:16 AM
if it ain't broke, why fix it? wala man nay problema nganong aproblemahon man? aron ingnon nga naay trabaho sya nga mao ang paggama ug walay pulos nga balaod.
#30585
LGU Philippines / Re: Lawmaker wants religion out of gov't offices
June 17, 2012, 09:24:02 AM
nagpapel na pud ning anti-Christ nga partylist member.
#30586
Philippine Provinces / Re: Hadlok patyon sa bana sa iyang karelasyong babaye naghikog na lang
June 17, 2012, 08:19:27 AM
imbes ipa-blotter ang hulga, naglain ug ijang buho. naa man diay armas, ngano nahadlok sa hulga?
murag nagpabilib ra to siya sa kainom.
murag nagpabilib ra to siya sa kainom.
#30588
Health and Food / Eat Fruits and Vegetables and Beat Cancer
June 17, 2012, 07:40:51 AM
Eat Fruits and Vegetables and Beat Cancer
#30589
Family & Parenting / Re: Dear Emily: Dugay Na Mi Wala Magjer-jer Sa Akong Bana
June 17, 2012, 07:34:08 AM
maayo pud manambag ni si emily marcelo.
#30590
Health and Food / How to Live a Healthy Lifestyle
June 17, 2012, 07:32:07 AM
How to Live a Healthy Lifestyle
#30591
Facts and Trivia / Good Example of a Brain Study
June 17, 2012, 05:49:43 AM
Good Example of a Brain Study
#30592
Jokes and Humor / What's Wrong with this Picture?
June 17, 2012, 05:46:33 AM
What's Wrong with this Picture?
#30594
Travel and Tours / This is the Philippines
June 16, 2012, 06:25:30 PM
This is the Philippines
#30595
Family & Parenting / Chinese Respect Their Parents
June 16, 2012, 06:21:02 PM
Chinese Respect Their Parents
#30596
Family & Parenting / Unya Pagkadako Kusog na Motubag-tubag
June 16, 2012, 06:16:34 PM
Unya Pagkadako Kusog na Motubag-tubag
#30597
Love Talk / Muling Ibalik Ang Tamis ng Pag-ibig
June 16, 2012, 06:10:02 PM
Muling Ibalik Ang Tamis ng Pag-ibig
#30599
Jokes and Humor / Nganong Naa May Discrimination?
June 16, 2012, 06:06:40 PM
Nganong Naa May Discrimination?
#30600
Love Talk / Boyfriend-Girlfriend Has an END Except Family
June 16, 2012, 06:03:56 PM
Boyfriend-Girlfriend Has an END Except Family
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