PHILIPPINE NEWS TODAY

Invest in the good life
Thursday, October 06, 2011 9:47 AM
MANILA, Philippines — It’s not often that business and leisure come together to form an ideal partnership. Stress-free vacations and money matters are often on far ends of the spectrum.This rare convergence comes at Ayala Land Premier’s residential leisure community, Anvaya Cove.

The 320-hectare project is just 2.5 hours away from Manila and is a short drive from Subic. The community bridges the gap between luxurious residences, top-tier resort amenities, and a pristine natural environment. Within the year, another 150-hectare area will be added to the community as part of its development expansion.

Located in Bataan and bounded by lush mountains, as well as the South China Sea, Anvaya Cove offers interactive seaside or mountainside experiences, all geared towards relaxation, recreation, and reflection.

Families can explore the wonders of the ocean through diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. During low tide, children can wade in the shallow pools and examine marine life up close. If they are lucky, they can even witness the hatching of pawikan eggs right on the beach, as the baby Olive Reedley turtles venture out to the sea.

A variety of residential living spaces awaits those looking to buy into the community—the latest of which is Sea Breeze Verandas, the development’s first low-rise condominium situated at the highest point. Tropical Asian architecture creates a peaceful environment, framing the expansive vistas that Anvaya Cove has to offer.

Resident shareholders at the Sea Breeze Verandas have access to all of the amenities. Fitted with appliances and provisions for telephone, cable TV, and internet access, each unit comes with all the fixtures for a comfortable stay.

With four- to six-level structures equipped with elevators, the project will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom units that are fully set up, providing future residents a hassle-free vacation home that is ready to move into.

With this, the residence serves not only as a vacation home, but also a viable investment that can provide income benefits that may cover operating costs while the units are not in use
Choose live-work-play space
Thursday, October 06, 2011 9:46 AM
MANILA, Philippines — More people are recognizing the value of time and are redefining their lives to better manage it. That’s why most people are looking for a place that will provide a better work-play balance. That’s what Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) is offering with The Trion Towers, a three-tower residential development that is rising at the juncture of Eighth Avenue and McKinley Parkway in Bonifacio Global City.

A project under RLC’s Robinsons Residences brand, this project has a lot to offer on top of its innovative tri-axial architectural design and the benefits of a well-ventilated, well-lighted home. The Trion Towers also makes it easy to achieve the equilibrium between work and play.

In Tower 1, the indoor amenities include a generous fitness area, consisting of fitness center, gym, aerobic room, boxing ring and sports area to promote healthy mind and body; a game room to provide leisure and entertainment; lounging areas, function rooms, an outdoor party area, where they can socialize and entertain.

Tower 1 also features an additional outdoor fitness area with a children’s playground to provide more quality time together.

The indoor amenities of The Trion Towers Tower 2 include a kids play area, day care and kids party area; a cyber hub, ; a private theater for private screenings. Lounging areas provide more opportunities for socializing.

Outside, Tower 2 also has more in store: a reading nook, jogging and walking therapeutic paths, and a meditation garden.

The project offers one-bedroom units (from 37.62 to 55.30 sqm), two-bedroom, (54.18 to 76.20 sqm), and three-bedroom (88.32 to 114.30 sqm) flat units. Tower 1 is already in its finishing stage and will be ready for turnover on July 2013 while Tower 2 has begun construction.

The Trion Towers is Robinsons Residences fourth project in Bonifacio Global City. Other projects include Fifth Avenue Place, McKinley Park Residences and The Fort Residences
New venue opens at Centris
Thursday, October 06, 2011 9:46 AM
MANILA, Philippines — Elements at Centris opens this month to host events and social and business functions. Located inside Eton Centris, it presents a strategic location, complete facilities and modern design. The place sits along major thoroughfares making it accessible to various transit options (both public and private vehicles and the MRT) and pedestrian walkways.

The 12-hectare Eton Centris is the largest, privately-owned property along EDSA corner Quezon Avenue situated at the gateway of Quezon City’s emerging Triangle Park Central Business District. The massive real estate project is spearheaded by Eton Properties Philippines, Inc.

Elements at Centris features all the “elements” of an ideal events venue – ample parking spaces manned by a 24-hour security. Rain or shine, the place is ideal for special affairs such as weddings, debuts and parties as well as corporate functions such as product launches, business conferences and team buildings, bazaars, concerts and shows.

There are two air-conditioned halls. Each hall can accommodate a maximum of 350 guests but can be combined into one big area.

Brides and debutantes may stay and freshen up in the fully-furnished, air-conditioned suites before they make their entrance.

Catering service areas are within the area to facilitate the smooth ingress and egress of food and drinks. Back-up generators are provided in case of power disruption
Filinvest caravan winds through Europe
Thursday, October 06, 2011 9:45 AM
MANILA, Philippines — The overseas Filipino worker is truly a winner. This was the message carried by Filinvest in its successful OFWinner caravan as it traveled across key European cities. The social awareness program is the campaign of Filinvest International that aims to uplift the image of Filipinos abroad by cultivating their sense of pride in being OFWs.

The caravan winded through Milan, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, London, Wales and Paris, to Geneva, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels and Monte Carlo, drawing support from the Filipino community who attended the events. Representatives of Filipino civic groups and the Philippine Embassy also joined the festivities.

The main highlight of the caravan was the inspirational talk of Francis J. Kong, one of the country’s most-sought after motivational speaker, author of 14 best-selling books and conductor of leadership training workshops.

The caravan also presented the latest property development projects of Filinvest Development Corporation. Aside from offering their dream homes, the projects also presented the opportunity to invest in a house.

Filinvest International is the sales and marketing arm of Filinvest overseas
Gone too soon
Thursday, October 06, 2011 9:45 AM
MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos may be touted to be among the happiest people in the world because of their ability to smile amid adversities, but the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) has figures to prove otherwise.

Reporting in 2004 that 4.5 million cases of depression were recorded in the Philippines, many of them have led to suicide, the NGF contends that such hyped happiness may not be true at all.

Just last month, a 13-year-old boy shot dead his 16-year-old friend in a shopping mall in Pampanga, and then killed himself afterwards.

According to news reports, a suicide note was found in the pocket of the troubled teenager which revealed a desire to end their lives.

Just a few days before that, a young wife also shot to death her husband who allegedly left her for another woman, also in a shopping mall. The woman was about to take her own life when a security guard tried to stop her. She then turned to the guard and shot him dead.

YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that almost one million people take their own lives every year, based on the global morality rate of 16 per 100,000 people, or one suicide every 40 seconds. WHO studies also ranked suicide as the second cause of death worldwide. In the Philippines, a WHO 2003 report revealed that for every 100,000 Filipinos, there were 93 suicides.

Moreover, the Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health in the Philippines wrote that five people die of suicide daily or approximately 150 per month.

What is most alarming is the increasing rate of teen suicide.

In the latest survey conducted by the Department of Health (DoH) in 2007, it reported that 15 out of 900 teenagers tried to commit suicide during this period. A 2004 DoH data also showed that 74 suicide deaths have been committed by persons from the age group 10-14 years old that same year, followed by 261 deaths from ages 15 to 19, 264 from ages 25 to 29 and 334 deaths from ages 20 to 24.

THE ADVOCACY

NGF contends that the prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed locally and even globally.

Lack of awareness of suicide as a major problem, and the taboo in many societies to openly discuss the issue are pointed at as the culprits. In May 2007, Jeanne Goulbourn and a group of friends formed NGF in memory of her daughter Natasha whom she lost due to depression.

Goulborn established the foundation to help prevent a similar tragedy from happening again and to help address the problem.

From then on, NGF has been promoting a better understanding of depression through advocacy, information, education, and communication programs for those suffering from depression and those at risk, including their families, friends, coworkers and the public.

Last Sept. 9, NGF celebrated World Suicide Prevention Day with an event that focused on the prevention of depression through various coping mechanisms.

Dubbed as MINDStRON G, the mental fitness campaign kicked off with a fun run at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. It was followed by a series of lectures where psychology experts discussed ways to prevent and address depression and bullying.

KNOWING THE SIGNS

Dr. Jerry J. Jurisprudencia, a clinical psychologist at Miriam College and one of the speakers at the jampacked lectures at UP, stresses that it is important for people to know the signs of depression early on to prevent it from leading to suicide or other drastic actions.

“I defined depression using the acronym SIGECAPS which stands for Sleep (whether increased or decreased), Interest (low), Guilt/ low self-esteem, Energy (poor or low), Concentration (poor), Appetite (increased or decreased), Psychomotor (agitation and retardation), and Suicide Ideation. If you exhibit one or two of these signs, you can just be in a low mood. But if you have all of it, talagang depressed ka na,” Jurisprudencia reveals.

He says one should also do something if he experiences these signs for two weeks or more.

“People shouldn’t ignore those who say na gusto na nila mamatay pero parang nagdradrama lang. Hindi dapat ipagsawalang bahala yun because eventually they will do it.

When people are depressed, they cannot kill themselves because they are still getting back their energy and recovering. But the moment they feel better, yung akala mo masaya at okay na siya, mas alert na, that’s the time na marerevive yung suicidal attemps,” he cautions.

DEALING WITH DEPRESSION

Dr. Jurisprudencia has had young clients on the verge of committing suicide. One striking case is that of three sisters who were all planning to take their lives.

“They were in first year, second year and fourth year college. They were physically abused by their father. I met them Friday and they said they were planning to kill themselves on Sunday! They even had it all figured out. They planned to do it using a gun. It’s the youngest sibling who was dictating. I didn’t let them go out of my clinic that day anymore. I had to do something,” he shares.

It turned out that the three sisters were really at fault. Their father was very mad because he would shoulder the expensive phone bills that the girls were racking up for their long distance telephone conversations with their boyfriends who were abroad. The girls would also accept visitors into their home at anytime, even in the middle of the night.

Intervening, Dr. Jurisprudencia made the sisters realize that their father only wanted to discipline them. The doctor had to give intense counselling to convince them that suicide was not the solution.

He says there are many alternativeways to control depression. For one, the patients have to eat healthy foods. Psychologist Joy Bauer lists the top 10 happy food as wild salmon, spinach, skim milk, flaxseeds, blackberries, Omega 3 fortified eggs, sardines, soybeans, beans, brussels sprouts and lots of water.

Dr. Jurisprudencia adds that aside from fruits like bananas and oranges, even two to three cups of coffee a day is good to perk up depressed people.

“It is also good to engage in alternative medicine/healing therapies such as oriental medicines, Chinese martial arts like Qigong and Tai Chi, massage, aromatherapy and acupuncture. Move your body, redecorate your room with bright/happy colors, laugh often, think positive and keep family and friends close. If all else fails, seek a psychologist,” he advises.

GETTING HELP

Dr. Jurisprudencia also believes that people should change their perception of psychiatric help and instead be more open about it.

“The need to talk to a psychologist is always met with resistance and conjures a negative image of the person who needs help. We have to educate people that when they go to a professional, it doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong with them. We are just here to help solve the problem and get you back on being a functional member of society,” he ends
To Germany, and back
Thursday, October 06, 2011 9:44 AM
MANILA, Philippines — Germany may not be the first country a Filipino student thinks of when it comes to studying abroad, but this European country certainly has a lot going for it when it comes to education.

In the 2011 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, four German universities made it to the top 100, with Heidelberg University ranking the highest at 53.

Quite a number of Filipinos have earned their degrees in Germany too, and most of them have returned to the country to share what they've learned with fellow Filipinos.

For instance, world famous furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue studied Furniture Marketing and Production at the Export Akademie Baden-Wurttemberg in Reutlingen, Germany. He is now the Philippines’ pride when it comes to furniture design.

Other lesser known but no less accomplished individuals have also trekked the same path from Germany back to their native land.

Engineer Eric Raymundo trained at the University of Magdeburg, Germany and is now a member of the Philippine Pollution Prevention Roundtable and an ASEAN Energy Management Scheme (AEMAS) certified trainer. Vina Domingo underwent training in product design, marketing, and production in Germany and went on to win first prize in the food category during the International Bamboo and Rattan Ideas Competition held in Beijing, China.

These three talented Filipinos are all members of the Carl Duisberg Association of the Philippines (CDAP), an alumni association of Filipinos who are former scholars to Germany. CDAP is one of the organizations participating in the 4th “Mabuhay Germany” event, which celebrates the more than 140 years of trade partnership between Germany and the Philippines. The celebrations are set to take place in the Bonifacio Global City from Oct. 7 to Oct. 9.

SCHOLAR FIRST

Founded in 1997, CDAP traces its roots to the Sechsundreissigers Klub established in 1964, and the Carl Duisberg Gesselschaft-Philippines established in 1967. The organization doesn't just accept any Filipino who has studied in Germany – one has to be a scholar first.

“We're an umbrella-type organization who will accept you as long as you are a scholar in Germany, from any German organization or institution. You must be sponsored by a German organization or institution,” explains Leah Gatchalian, former president of CDAP.

While CDAP has changed names multiple times since its inception, its work of sharing expertise learned in Germany is one that has remained constant. In fact, it is part of their mandate, enshrined in the mission and vision statements of their organization.

“We have to follow the mandates of the organization if we want to be funded or supported, and that mandate is to make projects that are sustainable for communities,” shares Gatchalian. “We taught solid waste management and computer literacy to schools before, we taught reflexology to women in Mindoro.”

The group has also provided consultancy services and collaborated with government agencies, private companies, German institutions, and non-government organizations in the fields of crisis prevention and conflict management, strategic and corporate planning, project development and management, as well as capacity-building programs for fisheries and aquatic resources.

GIVING BACK

CDAP’s latest undertaking is the eLearning Development and Implementation (eLDI) program, which is a partnership between the University of the Philippines Open University (UPO U) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur International Zusammenarbeit (GiZ).

Born out of a memorandum of agreement between the UPOPOU and GiZ to contribute to the enhancement of e-learning worldwide, the eLDI program and its e-skills courses have gone on to serve more than 200 people not just in the Philippines but also people from India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Part of this initiative is Juvy Lizette Gervacio of the UP Faculty of Management and Development Studies. She is herself a product of German education, having taken up her master's degree in Public Management at the University of Potsdam.

“The trend has changed. There is a lot of demand for computer literacy, from software to hardware and now to e-learning,” adds Gatchalian. “And it's not just for students but even for public officials who need courses on public management. There are a lot of courses they can take.”

While there are many unique difficulties to pursuing an education in Germany – prospective scholars still need to acquire a knowledge of the German language and at least 7,656 Euros at their disposal for one year to be able to pursue studies in Germany – Gatchalian says it is education in more than just the academic sense of the word.

“You get to learn more of their culture. You get to learn more not only about them but about the EU. You can move around Europe on the EuroRail,” says Gatchalian. “We were put in with foster parents for us to imbibe the culture of Germany. 'Yun ang maganda dun. Maganda ang experience.”
Ilocos Norte teams up with DepEd fo r classroom project
Thursday, October 06, 2011 9:44 AM
MANILA, Philippines — Committing over P1 billion for classroom construction, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte is now part of the Department of Education- Local Government Unit classroom construction counter-parting program.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro signed the counter-parting agreement with Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos to build 44 classrooms in Paoay Lake National High School and in Paoay Central Elementary School, allocating P50 million for the project.

To date, nine provincial and another nine city governments have signed an agreement with DepEd to build a total of 1,347 new classrooms for a total LGU share of some P616 million. Including the share of DepEd, the total counter-parting fund now runs to some P1.129 billion.

Classroom shortage is a perennial problem in the Philippine public school system owing to the unabated population growth such that the department has to accommodate at least a million new entrants to public schools each year. The introduction of universal kindergarten in all public schools as part of the proposed K + 12 education reform program also resulted to the sharp demand for classrooms across the country.

DepEd sets exam for out-of-school youth

The Department of Education through the National Education Testing and Research Center will hold the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) on Nov. 20 for Luzon and on Nov. 27 for Visayas and Mindanao.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the PEPT aims to retrieve out-of-school youth and place them in the formal school system if they so desire.

PEPT targets Filipino citizens who have dropped out of elementary and secondary schools for at least one year. It is also for those who never attended a formal school but can read and write, or those employed but need to upgrade their academic level whether in elementary or high school. Applicants must be at least one year older or over-age for their supposed grade/year level in the formal school system.

Applicants must bring their birth certificate issued by the NSO or Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated (original and two photo-copies), two pieces ID picture and recently taken (size 1”x1”) and school record ( original and two photocopies) of Form 137 (Transcript of Records with school seal and signature of principal/registrar) or Form 138 (Report Card with school seal and signature of principal/registrar) for elementary level and Form 137 for secondary.

For elementary level, the test coverage is Science, Mathematics, HeKaSi (Heograpiya, Kasaysayan at Sibika), Filipino and English. In the secondary level, the exam for first year covers General Science, Elementary Algebra, Philippine History (Kasaysayan at Pamahalaan ng Pilipinas), English I and Filipino I. For second year, the coverage includes Biology, Intermediate Algebra, Asian History (Kasaysayan ng mga Bansang Asyano), English IIII and Filipino IIII.

For third year, the subjects covered are Chemistry, Geometry, World History (Kasaysayan ng Daigdig), English III and Filipino III . Lastly, the exam for fourth year will touch on Physics, Advance Algebra, Trigo-nometry, Statistics, Economics, English IV and Filipino IV.

The PEPT can also be administered to individuals with visual impairment whether Braille or non-Braille readers.

UP 2012 Jubilarians set organization al meeting

The University of the Philippines classes of 1952 (Diamond), 1962 (Gold), 1972 (Ruby) and 1987 (Silver) invite all alumni to attend the organizational meeting of UP 2012 jubilarians on Oct. 13, 2 p.m. at the UP Alumni Association (UPAA) Board Room, second floor of the Ang Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman, Quezon City.

The meeting is in preparation for the UP General Alumni-Faculty Homecoming and Reunion which will be held on June 23, 2012. For details, call UPAA secretariat at 02-9206871, e-mail upalum@yahoo.com.ph, or mobile number 0917-8372098
Phl, Spain to boost defense ties through information exchange info
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:04 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Spain have agreed to boost their defense ties through exchange of information and the enhancement of their security capabilities.

Philippine and Spanish defense officials signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding that seeks to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries through the exchange of experiences and knowledge.

Constantino Méndez Martínez, vice-minister of defense of Spain, said the agreement would allow the two countries to adapt to the changes in the international security landscape.

“The relationship between Spain and the Philippines has been strong but there is a need for a new legal instrument or relationship that is more suitable to emerging realities,” Martinez told The STAR last Tuesday.

“This memorandum of agreement is an appropriate way to enhance our cooperation,” he added.

The MOU was signed by Martinez and Philippine Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta in the Department of National Defense (DND) office in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Domecq Fernández de Bobadilla witnessed the event.

Martinez said the agreement would also involve industrial cooperation among members of the defense sector and the conduct of training. He said representatives of some Spanish firms supplying defense equipment are in the Philippines to introduce themselves and to show what they can offer.

“The agreement would also provide for exchange of expertise and information as well as the enhancement of trainings and capability building,” he said.

When asked if Spain was open to signing a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, Martinez said: “The beauty of the MOU signed is this could lead to further agreements like what you just stated.”

Martinez cited the need for Spain, the Philippines and other countries in the world to work together against terrorism and other security threats.

“It is clear that the world is facing challenges posed by terrorism. No one is safe. The international community is cooperating to address terrorism,” he said.

“All democratic countries are fighting terrorism and we are ready to work with countries like the Philippines to address the concern.”

Martinez also cited the Philippines’ efforts to improve its defense capabilities.

“In whatever field, such processes are not completed overnight. But we can see the changes,” he said.

Martinez is in the Philippines to meet with officials of the military and the defense department.

He arrived in the Philippines last Sunday and will fly back to Spain today.

Martinez was accompanied by Spanish military officials and officials of Spain-based firms like ISDEFE, Indra, EADS, and EXPAL. He visited the defense department office in Camp Aguinaldo and Air Force headquarters last Monday.

The Spanish official also met with officials of the Army and Coast Guard on Tuesday and the Navy last Wednesday.

Spain has expressed readiness to support the military’s modernization efforts and is willing to provide used equipment to boost its capability.
House to go slow on 12% VAT exemption
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:04 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers will study “very carefully” the proposal to exempt expressway toll from the 12-percent value added tax, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said yesterday.

“We have to study that very carefully, we have to think twice about it,” he told reporters.

He said he and other House leaders would consult with experts in fiscal and economic measures on the move of several of his colleagues to exempt road toll from VAT.

He said he would like to know the impact of the proposal on revenue collections and on the country’s fiscal standing.

He added that he was not aware that the committee on ways and means had endorsed the proposal in its meeting on Tuesday.

The committee’s endorsement came four days after the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) started collecting VAT on the use of expressways, including the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, the Skyway in Makati to Alabang, Muntinlupa, South Luzon Expressway, and Southern Tagalog Arterial Toll Road in Batangas. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles pass through these toll roads every day.

BIR Commissioner Kim Henares has vowed to continue collecting the tax until Congress approves and Malacañang enacts a bill exempting toll from VAT.

Proponents of toll VAT exemption said it was the intention of Congress when it passed the VAT law to spare expressway toll fees from coverage of the tax.

The law does not explicitly state that road toll is subject to VAT, thus the BIR should not interpret it to include toll fees, they added.

In the Senate, a counterpart toll VAT exemption bill has been filed by Sen. Ralph Recto.
BOC trimming down collection target from P328 B to P278 B
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:04 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is trimming its collection target for this year and for 2012 as prospects of achieving its original goals remain dim, Commissioner Rufino Biazon said yesterday.

Biazon said that for this year, the BOC’s new collection target is P278 billion from the original P328 billion.

For next year, the BOC hopes to collect P315 billion from the original target of P365 billion.

He said the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has approved the adjustments. The agency’s collection shortfall between January and August alone has reached P24.24 billion.

“We’re applying the reduction of the targets for the entire year, so our monthly shortfall collection would also be reduced,” Biazon said.

He explained that what would be reduced is the cash collection. The tax expenditure fund (TEF), or paper revenues from importation by other government agencies, would be retained. The TEF is a subsidy released by the Department of Budget and Management to government-owned and controlled corporations and state-run companies mainly to settle customs duties and other taxes arising from importation of goods.

Biazon said what’s good about making ambitious targets is that “we need to always challenge ourselves.”

The BOC is the second biggest revenue-generating agency, after the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The BIR’s collection target for the year is P940 billion.



Biazon’s predecessor Angelito Alvarez earlier estimated BOC’s full-year collection at only P295 billion as the country’s compliance with various free trade agreements as well as the effects of peso appreciation were expected to make a dent on revenues.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Gregorio Chavez, who is facing charges for grave misconduct and grave abuse of authority, has gone on leave even before the enforcement of a 90-day preventive suspension order.

“It seems that DepCom Chavez himself is obeying the suspension order… He has not been reporting to his office,” Biazon said.

He said Chavez had informed him of his intention to go on leave.

The case against Chavez and seven of his men in the Run After The Smugglers (RATS) team in the BOC stemmed from a complaint of harassment by officials of Sanyo Seiki Stainless Steel Corp. (SSSSC).

The seven RATS team members covered by the preventive suspension order were Christopher Dy Buco, Edgar Quiñones, Francisco Fernandez Jr., Alfredo Adao, Jose Elmer Velarde, Thomas Patric Relucio and Jim Erick Acosta.

Deputy Commissioner for revenue collection monitoring group Peter Manzano temporarily takes over RATS.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. had given Chavez and his men 10 days to answer the charges and submit affidavits.

In its complaint, SSSSC claimed RATS operatives entered and searched its rented warehouses in Meycauayan, Bulacan on July 1 and in Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan City on July 4 using spurious mission orders.

The RATS team was also accused of impounding a truck and goods owned by SSSSC on July 9 without any warrant.
'Noy secretly wants Cha-cha'
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:03 AM
MANILA, Philippines - House Minority Leader and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman raised suspicions yesterday that the ongoing squabble between Malacañang and Congress’ renewed efforts to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution in Congress was a farce as President Aquino is secretly in favor of Charter change.

Lagman was commenting on Aquino’s avowal that amending the Constitution was not his priority and the insistence of the leaders of the House of Representatives to pursue Charter change.

He said he found it hard to believe that “a Chief Executive who keeps his congressional subalterns on a such a tight leash...would give them such leeway on a matter as fundamental as amending the Constitution.”

Lagman recalled that Aquino ordered lawmakers to impeach former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, “approve with inordinate haste the 2011 budget that he did not spend,” and sign the “defective” law postponing the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. “The Palace and the congressional majority are putting on a great show, a moro-moro, one that will rely on sheer numbers of the majority to railroad their agenda for Cha-cha (Charter change), while keeping the President above the fray so that he can continue to enjoy his personal popularity into the 2013 elections – for the benefit of administration candidates – and beyond,” he said.

He added that it is unbelievable that the Palace is trying to detach itself from the Cha-cha train when the allies of the President are the ones pushing for this constitutional change.

“The less the people see of the President in this controversial matter, the better his handlers think it will be. Perhaps he was simply practicing for such invisibility when he refused to show his face at the holocaust aftermath of the recent typhoons,” Lagman said.

Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay, on the other hand, said Aquino would show that he was sticking to his position but would give his allies in the Senate and the House the go-signal to pursue Charter change.

Misamis Occidental Rep. Loreto Ocampos, chairman of the House committee on constitutional amendments, said the resumption of the hearing on pending Charter change bills is scheduled on Oct. 11.

“We have invited representatives of different sectors to discuss their views,” Ocampos said, adding that business sector representatives have already presented their position during a hearing in August.

“This is the initiative of Congress. I am very positive that at a certain point, there will be a convergence of agreement between the executive and the legislative,” he said.
Brillantes: GMA, husband might spend Christmas in jail
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:03 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo might spend Christmas in jail should the justice department find probable cause for the filing of election sabotage charges against them relating to alleged massive cheating during the 2007 elections.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes said he and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima have agreed that the charges would be filed before Christmas.

“We’re only determining probable cause, we are not looking for the guilty verdict. We just want to establish probable cause, substantial evidence to initiate the filing, bolster the filing of electoral sabotage, which is a non-bailable offense,” Brillantes said.

“Since it is a non-bailable offense, then it means (the respondents) will be jailed at once,” Brillantes added.

Asked if the Arroyos might end up in jail by Christmas, Brillantes said it depends since the couple might ask for some leeway.

Brillantes was interviewed after the Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed his nomination as Comelec chairman.

Under the law, it is considered electoral sabotage “when the tampering, increase and/or decrease of votes perpetrated or the refusal to credit the correct votes or to deduct tampered votes, is/are committed in the election of a national elective office.”

Electoral sabotage shall also involve more than 10,000 votes that have been tampered to increase or decrease. This offense is punishable with life imprisonment.

Brillantes earlier said the Arroyo couple could face life imprisonment if they are convicted of rigging the 2007 elections in Maguindanao.

The Comelec chief said tampering with the results of the 2007 polls and other elections thereafter constitutes electoral sabotage under Republic Act 9369 or the Poll Automation Law.

“If you look at the magnitude of votes involved, it is definitely tantamount to electoral sabotage. The (14) election officers (EOs) that we presented could prove there were irregularities that took place in the 2007 elections there. That’s a lot of votes,“ he said.

The joint investigating panel of the Comelec and the Department of Justice (DOJ) had presented the other day 14 election officers and one Computerized Voter’s List technician from 15 towns in Maguindanao who have issued separate affidavits that they canvassed election returns (ERs) that were pre-prepared.

The results of the canvassing had posted a 12-0 win in favor of the senatorial candidates of Mrs. Arroyo’s Team Unity (TU) administration slate.

Brillantes added that there are 22 municipalities in Maguindanao and other EOs are also willing to testify that there was rampant poll cheating in the province in 2007.

The Comelec-DOJ panel had also presented former Maguindanao provincial administrator Norie Unas who “categorically and directly linked the Arroyo couple to the manipulation of the province’s elections to gain a 12-0 victory for the TU senatorial bets.”

Unas claimed that the Arroyos had instructed former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., for whom he worked from 2001 to 2009, to make the TU candidates win.

Unas is credible

During the CA hearing, Brillantes said Unas’ closeness to ex-Gov. Ampatuan makes him credible.

Brillantes said that Unas was the governor’s former provincial administrator when he was first elected to the post and until the so-called Maguindanao massacre in 2009.

“We had interviewed him several times, before his affidavit was finalized. He is really that credible… He has been in Malacañang many times before,” Brillantes said.

Quoting Unas anew, the Comelec chairman said the former president made a declaration that “ayusin ang resulta (fix the results) in Mindanao.”

“(This) was made in his presence. It was a directed to Ampatuan.”

Brillantes said since Ampatuan was not literate, Unas as his close confidante always accompanied him.

Asked if Ampatuan could be summoned and tapped as witness, Brillantes said Ampatuan could “strengthen the case if he will corroborate Unas’ statement.”

Brillantes, however, doubts if Ampatuan would corroborate Unas’ statement since the former governor is already detained in connection with the Maguindanao massacre case.

Brillantes said the joint Comelec-DOJ investigating panel has to review the statements of former Comelec official Lintang Bedol who had acknowledged that Unas was a “co-conspirator.”

Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong though expressed doubt about the credibility of Unas whose statement contradicts the statements of Bedol.

“Sometime ago when Bedol came out, he made reference to Norie Unas as one of the perpetrators or those giving orders to do some cheating. So I asked whether his affidavit would still be credible in spite of that. And if that really is true, he might be facing some criminal action like the violation of Comelec law,” Datumanong said.

Datumanong said he is banking on the statement of Brillantes that he will need to review Bedol’s statements.

Mr. Arroyo’s lawyer Inocencio Ferrer said Unas has no evidence to support his allegation that the former first couple ordered the manipulation of the 2007 elections to favor candidates of the TU senatorial bets.

In a statement, Ferrer said Unas’ revelation is part of the current administration’s effort to “cut deals with certain parties mentioned in other criminal activities” for the purpose of “politically prosecuting” Arroyo and his family.

Ferrer also said Unas made his revelation after he was implicated in the Maguindanao massacre.

“There is no hard evidence to prove any of the claims of Mr. Norie Unas – just his belated and baseless say-so, now that he has been implicated (based on news reports) in the Maguindanao massacre,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer said that with Unas’ alleged link to the Maguindanao massacre, he has already lost his credibility as a reliable witness.

“DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima and Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes not only have insulted the winning Team Unity senators in the 2007 elections who won on their own individual merits and hard work, but also brought great dishonor and disrespect to the families of the massacre victims,” Ferrer said.

“The lawyers of the victims have repeatedly requested and warned the government not to strike any deals with any person implicated in the Maguindanao massacre,” he added.

Ferrer also lashed out at Brillantes, whom he is accusing of bias against the Arroyo couple.

Ferrer said Brillantes served as counsel for the late Fernando Poe Jr. in his election protest against former President Arroyo in 2004. – With Mike Frialde, Aie Balagtas See
Combined death toll from 'Pedring,' 'Quiel' rises to 76
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:03 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed the combined death toll from typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel” at 76.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has promised to remove Pedring from its list of code names of future tropical cyclones that would hit the Philippines due to the typhoon’s widespread damage to the country.

Six new fatalities were recorded in the Ilocos and Central Luzon regions, all of them caused by typhoon Quiel.

They were identified as Michael Arviso, 26, Jomar Pascua, 16, Jerry Tapiador, 21 of Pangasinan; King Raimel Calendario, 6, Benjie Benedicto, 36, and Celso Milina of Tarlac.

The two typhoons also left a total of 74 people injured, 66 of them during the height of Pedring and a majority of them in Northern Luzon provinces. A total of 29 people remain missing.

Latest reports on the impact of Quiel showed that the provinces that sustained the most serious damage were Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela, both from the Cagayan region.

The figure may still rise as disaster management officials are still awaiting field reports from heavily affected areas.

NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos has said that the amount of property damage caused by Pedring may exceed that of “Ondoy,” which destroyed P10.9 billion in infrastructure and agriculture in 2009.

As of yesterday, a total of 611,661 families or about 2.85 million people have been affected by Pedring in Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Cordillera and Metro Manila.

On the other hand, Quiel affected 18,401 families or 77,005 people.

Both typhoons damaged more than 51,000 houses nationwide.

PAGASA supervising undersecretary Graciano Yumul said the agency “decommissions” the name of cyclones that caused massive damage because “we don’t want people to recall the horrors brought by the destructive storms.”

PAGASA said a low pressure area was spotted some 560 kilometers east of Visayas as of 5 p.m. yesterday.

The low pressure area is embedded along the intertropical convergence zone affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

PAGASA said Central and Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms, PAGASA said.

Closer look at the dams

At the Senate, Sen. Francis Escudero called on the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to require all dam operators in the country to get indemnity insurance to cover victims of flooding caused or aggravated by the release of water from dams.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources, said DOE and NIA should now carefully study and consider making indemnity insurance mandatory for all public and private dam operators.

“Appropriate regulations for indemnification should be in place to ensure compensation for any actual losses due to flood brought about by dam water releases. And the imposition of mandatory indemnity insurance addresses this squarely,” he said. – With Helen Flores, Sheila Crisostomo, Christina Mendez, Rainier Allan Ronda, Raymund Catindig, Ric Sapnu, Cecille Suerte Felipe
Phl, Germany want better ties
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:03 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Germany want relations to move forward despite the continuing controversy over an airport terminal.

Both Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and new German Ambassador Joachim Heidorn hailed the strength of bilateral relations during celebrations the other night marking the Day of German Unity.

In a speech, Del Rosario said that while “contentious issues” are being resolved, the two countries could pursue closer ties in other aspects of bilateral relations.

Heidorn, who presented his credentials to President Aquino earlier in the day, had a similar message.

Del Rosario and Heidorn hailed the two countries’ shared values of democracy and human rights. They also recalled national hero Jose Rizal’s life in Germany.

Bilateral relations have been frayed by Manila’s cancellation of a contract with Germany’s Fraport AG, which entered into a partnership with the Philippine International Air Transport Corp. (PIATCO) to construct Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

When the building was finished, the Philippine government smelled corruption and canceled the contract. Fraport turned to international arbitration, which the government won before the International Chamber of Commerce in Singapore.

But Fraport also took the case to the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes in Washington, where the case is effectively back to square one.

Heidorn’s predecessor, Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch, had said the failure to resolve the case and give Fraport reasonable compensation for its lost investment had kept away German investors from the Philippines.

The Aquino administration is studying proposals to settle the case and avoid another phase of protracted and expensive litigation.

Del Rosario told The STAR that other aspects of bilateral relations including trade and cultural exchange could move forward even as avenues for resolving the Fraport issue are explored.

Heidorn, who arrived two weeks ago in Manila, agreed but said it would be good to resolve the Fraport issue soon.

Weber-Lortsch is now Germany’s ambassador to Myanmar.

Germany celebrates Oct. 3 as its National Day, marking its reunification following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990.
US envoy won't apologize
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:02 AM
MANILA, Philippines - United States Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. has rejected calls for him to apologize over remarks that 40 percent of male tourists in the Philippines are only after sex with local women and children.

“I’m not going to apologize. I will never apologize for trying to combat child sex. I will never apologize for trying to combat children being forced to labor. I will never apologize for trying to help children in Smokey Mountain,” Thomas said in an interview in his Forbes Park residence in Makati City Thursday evening.

He maintained that he based his assertion on records on the sex trade and child trafficking culled by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents working with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Thomas has drawn flak for his comments from some politicians, including Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Miriam Santiago.

“He should at least clarify if he was misquoted by the media for issuing that statement. Otherwise, he should apologize to the Filipino people or pack his bags and go home for being tactless, offensive and undiplomatic,” Lacson said.

“I hope the American ambassador will clarify his statement and explain where he got those statistics. We are not denying that there are American men who come to the Philippines to enjoy their lives because Filipinos are attractive but I don’t think his statistics are correct,” Enrile said for his part.

But Thomas insisted he was not misquoted by the media.

“What is offensive? Is that statement offensive or is the child sex offensive? And why was it offensive?” Thomas asked critics.

He said what’s offensive is children being forced to work as house helpers or women being forced into prostitution.

He cited the rescue of around 100 local girls last year as proof of the prevalence of the sex trade and human trafficking in the country.

He said the US government has deployed FBI agents in the country to work with the NBI in going after individuals engaged in pedophilia and cybersex.

“There are people who could have come here and engaged in sex with underage children and videotaped these. While those DVDs have been burned here and in the US, we will help prosecute them if they are caught. And that’s why we are training the NBI,” Thomas said.

No data

But the Department of Justice (DOJ), which has jurisdiction over the NBI, denied it was in possession of data supporting Thomas’ claims.

“What, we’re a country of sex workers? Don’t all countries have a certain industry engaged in prostitution? But to say there’s that much here, I really don’t know. We can always ask the ambassador to explain the basis of that pronouncement,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said.

She called Thomas’ remarks “certainly offensive and demeaning to the image of the nation.”

De Lima revealed that she had already asked Thomas in a letter last Monday to make a clarification.

“It is in this connection that we respectfully request Your Excellency for confirmation of the accuracy of the said news reports, and for the data which provided the basis for the information,” De Lima said in her letter.

“These would go a long way in assisting us in determining with dispatch the investigative and prosecutorial action required,” she said.

“I am confident that Your Excellency is aware that the policies and operations of the Philippine government, including our active participation in international efforts to combat trafficking in persons, have amply demonstrated our determination to prevent, prosecute, and punish the commission of this crime,” she added. The DOJ chief has yet to receive a reply from the US embassy.

“As far as I know, the DOJ does not gather or collate statistics on sex tourists. We don’t have anything like that,” De Lima said.

The DOJ supervises the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), the primary government body against human trafficking.

“I don’t recall anything or any statistics that the DOJ or IACAT has prepared,” De Lima said.

“At this point, I can say the information did not come from us,” she said.

Thomas made the statement in a roundtable discussion among Court of Appeals justices last month.

At a Senate hearing last Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario quoted Thomas as saying that he got the information from the DOJ.

The government has intensified its campaign against human trafficking, according to IACAT head and Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar.

Santiago, meanwhile, called Thomas’ remarks “undiplomatic.”

“I would in the first instance investigate what is his basis for saying that, whether that is a personal opinion or whether it is verifiable or quantifiable,” Santiago said.

She mentioned the controversy over the US ambassador’s remarks in her speech before members of the diplomatic community yesterday.

She made light of the issue by relating a tale of a genie showing more eagerness in granting her wish for peace in the Middle East than in helping her “change the habit of certain diplomats talking about sex tourism in my country.”

“And the genie said, Well you know diplomats sometimes, they have a tendency to speak out of touch with reality. So the genie continued, why don’t you just go back to the problem of peace in the Middle East. I think we can negotiate that matter,” she said in jest. With Marvin Sy
DOLE sees smooth PAL spinoff implementation
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:02 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sees a smooth implementation of the outsourcing program of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL).

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz sees no shortage of manpower in the airline because PAL can hire as many third party service providers as needed to fill the vacancies left by the termination of 2,600 ground workers to restore full operations.

“I think PAL is almost fully operational because they tapped the services of more service providers than they initially planned,” Baldoz said yesterday. “There is no legal issue on the hiring of more service providers because it is an aspect of spin-off implementation that is already beyond the DOLE’s jurisdiction.”

Members of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) abandoned frontline services at the height of typhoon “Pedring” last week to protest the flag carrier’s outsourcing program that was implemented on Sept. 30.

Union president Gerry Rivera said that because the airline is understaffed, the safety of its flights is compromised.

“And because PALEA rejected the outsourcing and contractualization of their members to the assigned service providers, PAL is left with no skilled manpower to handle its flights,” he said.

“We were replaced by untrained and overworked management staff so safety and poor service is really a big concern that should not be ignored by the riding public and more so by the government. Moreover, safety and poor service problems would also affect the long term viability of PAL.”

PALEA said they have already alerted the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) inspectors as well as the labor department about these labor violations while civil society organizations are planning to raise these safety concerns to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the airline is now operating 94 flights – 57 international and 37 domestic – at terminal two of the Ninoy Aquino International airport; 22 domestic flights are operating in terminal three. Four international and 42 domestic flights, however, are still cancelled because of operational requirements.

Villaluna said the management had warned its former employees against holding protests near the In-flight Center building because they no longer have legal personality to invoke the stand of PALEA.

Over the weekend, PALEA urged the management to delay the implementation of the outsourcing program until the release of the ruling on the union’s petition for certiorari and reabsorption of the members into the airline’s workforce.

PAL rejected the offer, saying the airline’s non-core units are now under the operational jurisdiction of the service providers.

“If they truly want to help the company, they can start by recognizing the spin-off and consider working for SkyLogistics, SkyKitchen and SPi Global,” said PAL president and COO Jaime Bautista.

He said service producers SkyLogistics Philippines and SkyKitchen have begun accepting more applicants from outside after PAL’s terminated workers refused to be absorbed by the companies.

The Department of Tourism said tourist arrivals in the country were not affected by the onslaught of typhoons Pedring and “Quiel” and by the work stoppage at PAL.

“Except for the inconvenience caused by the strike to some foreign visitors and the riding public, there has been no major effect on tourist movement to the Philippines,” said Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon. “The typhoons have not also drastically (affected) the movement of inbound tourists.”

He said no tours were cancelled despite the occurrence of the typhoons and the labor dispute. – With Rudy Santos
Mikey, wife placed on immigration watchlist
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:02 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday placed Ang Galing Pinoy party-list Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo and wife Angela on the watchlist of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in connection with the P73.85-million tax evasion suit they are facing.

In issuing Watchlist Order No. 394, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the issuance of the order is based on the “mandate of DOJ to administer the criminal justice system” and the “interest of the public and in order not to frustrate the ends of justice.”

The order would be in effect 60 days starting yesterday unless terminated earlier.

Under the order, the Arroyo couple would have to ask permission from the DOJ every time they intend to leave the country.

De Lima said the “possible flight risk” of the couple because of their available resources was considered in issuing the order.

“This (case) involved high profile personality with resources to possibly try to evade the arms of the law. I’m not saying that is their intention, but it’s one of the legal safeguards available to the executive department, particularly the prosecution arm,” she said.

The DOJ chief again invoked Department Circular No. 41, which gives her authority to issue a watchlist order or hold departure order against a respondent in a criminal case.

The circular, ironically, was approved by Mikey’s mother, former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

De Lima explained that the circular remains in effect after the Supreme Court had junked the petition of former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo questioning its constitutionality.

She said the tax evasion suit against Mikey and his wife is not persecution as they claimed it to be.

“We in DOJ don’t have other consideration aside from legal issues. We don’t at all consider political and other considerations,” she said.

De Lima added that the case against the couple “went through legal process” and that “they were given chance to answer the charges against them during preliminary investigation.”

The DOJ last Tuesday approved the indictment of Mikey for three counts of failure to file income tax returns (ITRs) for 2007, 2008, and 2009 and another three counts of failure to supply accurate information on his ITRs for 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Angela, on the other hand, is facing seven counts of violation for failure to file ITRs for the years 2003 to 2009.

The couple purportedly violated section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said they would send copies of the watchlist order to their field offices to prevent them from leaving the country.

Immigration Acting Associate Commissioner Abdullah Mangotara signed the order issued against the couple, who are said to reside at No. 15 Badjao Street, La Vista Subdivision, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.

Mangotara said that their Airport Operations Division (AOD) and Immigration Regulation Division (IRD) chiefs would implement the order.

Mikey maintained yesterday that he and his wife have no intention to evade the law. “(The indictment was) unfortunate but as I have said, we have expected it since this administration has employed every bit of propaganda to publicly malign us even if it means depriving us of due process and violating our basic rights,” he said.

“This is a well orchestrated move in this administration’s ploy to persecute us. I don‘t have any intention to evade the charges and will face them until the very end because my conscience is clear,” he said. He said his lawyers are studying all legal remedies available to them. “We will definitely – unlike this administration – respect and follow the rule of law,” he said.

Arroyo criticized De Lima for saying that they are likely to flee from the case against them.

“We faced the (tax evasion) complaints when they were filed by actively participating in the preliminary investigation (of the DOJ),” he said.

He said that as a lawmaker, he has a duty to his constituents.

“I could not and would not abandon my oath to serve them. We have no intention to leave the country because we have not done anything wrong,” he said. – With Evelyn Macairan, Paolo Romero
Miriam steps up ICC campaign
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:02 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Backed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago yesterday wooed the support of 28 countries for her bid to become a judge in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

DFA officials said Santiago, a former regional trial court judge, has a good chance, being one of two Asian nominees and also one of two women vying for the seat.

Santiago recently returned from The Hague in the Netherlands, the first leg of her campaign for one of six seats in the ICC.

Aside from her, the other nominee from Asia is George Serghides of Cyprus while the other woman candidate is Olga Venecia Herrera Carbuccia of the Dominican Republic.

The ambassadors at the meeting yesterday represented Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Romania, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Timor Leste, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.

According to the DFA, being a female candidate is an important consideration since many victims of criminality brought before the court include sexually assaulted women.

The DFA noted that Santiago has championed the rights of women at every point in her career and as a woman herself, she can address many of the cases brought before the ICC.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the senator is also a legal expert and has an impressive academic record in international law.



“Dr. Santiago realized and understood the need to establish an international court that would try individuals accused of the most egregious of crimes committed on a scale that is widespread and systematic. This life-long belief stems from her respect for the rule of law and, more importantly, the understanding that the rule of law finds its most potent expression in international law,” said Del Rosario during yesterday’s luncheon the DFA hosted for Santiago.

“I believe that all of you will agree that a candidate for judge of the ICC must have the requisite educational background, professional experience and a keen understanding of the issues that pertain to the court. Dr. Santiago has all these,” he added.

Santiago made her pitch to vie for the ICC before 29 ambassadors who attended the luncheon.

Del Rosario added that Santiago fulfills the requirements of Article 36 of the Rome Statute, being a person of high moral character, impartiality, and integrity who possesses the qualifications required by Philippine law for appointment to the highest judicial office.

Her academic record includes a Doctor of Juridical Science degree obtained from the University of Michigan, where she was a Barbour Scholar and DeWitt Fellow. She was also a Visiting Law Fellow at Oxford University and a Visiting Fellow at the Lauterpacht Research Centre for International Law at Cambridge University.

She is also a highly regarded member of academe, being a professorial lecturer on constitutional and international law at the UP College of Law for 12 years and has authored numerous books that are still being used today in law schools throughout the Philippines.

Santiago also had a distinguished career in all three branches of government as a judge, Cabinet member, and legislator.

A total of 19 candidates are vying for the six seats in the ICC, most of whom come from the African region with eight nominees.

The six nominees who will obtain the highest number of votes and a two-thirds majority of the states parties present and voting would be elected to the court. They will serve for a term of nine years.

Santiago has aggressively campaigned and met with ambassadors in The Hague, Netherlands.

She will visit New York, the seat of the United Nations, later this month to campaign before another set of ambassadors.
Brillantes, COA chief get CA nod
Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:01 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed yesterday the nominations of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes and Commission on Audit (COA) chief Ma. Gracia Pulido-Tan.

The CA earlier dismissed the complaints of critics against Tan and Brillantes.

During plenary session, Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, chairman of the committee on constitutional commissions and offices, read the credentials of Tan, who worked in private law and accounting firms for 30 years before joining the government.

Marcelo Tecson had opposed Tan’s nomination over what he described as “fallacious abolition of the COA pre-audit (practices).”

Estrada described Brillantes as a “well-known election expert and had unassailable credentials, being a public accountant and a bar topnotcher.”

On the prodding of Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano during the committee level hearings, Brillantes vowed to ensure that perpetrators of election fraud in the 2004 and 2007 polls would be held liable under the law.

After asking many questions, Cayetano registered a “no vote” against Brillantes, although he hoped that “my vote will prove me wrong.” During the plenary, Cayetano abstained.

Cayetano was first to question the credibility and fitness of Brillantes as Comelec chief, especially on his dealings with the other commissioners.

He even threatened to invoke Section 20 of the CA rules, which blocks the confirmation of appointees.

“It is hard for me not to invoke Section 20. But almost all members of this (CA) committee have vouched that there would be reforms in the Comelec. It is really a big burden on me,” Cayetano said.

During the hearing, Brillantes said he wanted to have an investigation into the 2004 elections but the lack of documents – which were burned in a fire incident a few years ago – prevented him from doing so.

“I do not have enough records because the files (on the 2004 elections) were burned. When I was in practice, I said these were deliberately burned,” Brillantes said.

“The people that are named, all of these, we do not have records to file formal charges. These people have even written me a letter that they wanted to bring the issue to a closure since their names have been dragged in the election fraud allegations,” said Brillantes, referring to Comelec officials previously implicated in the alleged election cheating led by former commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.

Brillantes said he had ordered a thorough investigation to dig up evidence of poll fraud.

The officials linked to the so-called “Hello, Garci” scam included former election officer Ray Sumalipao, who was then Comelec regional director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); Renato Magbutay, director for Central Mindanao; Francisco Pobe, assistant director for Caraga; and Renault Macarambon, now with Comelec’s Election and Barangay Affairs Division.

Also included in the list were Teopisto Elnas and Cirilo Nala Jr. who allegedly were part of the so-called Garci Boys.

When Cayetano asked if the Garci Boys would not become “sacred cows” under his watch, Brillantes gave assurance that there will be reforms in the Comelec at least within one year.

“Let me add that I will even resign earlier if I think I cannot reform the Comelec in one year,” Brillantes said.

“That is the very reason, your honor, why I decided to throw these cases to the Department of Justice (DOJ)-Comelec (investigating) panel,” Brillantes said.

Brillantes said these Garci Boys even wrote him to put closure on the issue so that they would have a chance to clear their names.

Cayetano also asked Brillantes “to swear a solemn commitment” to ensure that there will be reforms within the Comelec.

“That’s a commitment I am making to the Commission on Appointments,” Brillantes said, in response to Cayetano’s question.

During the committee hearing, the panel allowed Comelec planning department director Ferdinand Rafanan to outline his reasons for opposing Brillantes’ appointment.

Rafanan accused Brillantes of having favored those who were involved in the P690-million ballot security folder scam, conflict of interest as a former election lawyer, and illegally removing him from office.

Rafanan also accused Brillantes of “bullying” him into agreeing on certain cases at the Comelec.

Brillantes said he regarded Rafanan as a son since they were partners in efforts to reform the Comelec when he was still an election lawyer.

He assured the committee that he would put Rafanan in a new post subject to the approval of the Comelec.

“Yes, your honor, he is a son but he would have to be a prodigal son by this point,” Brillantes said, referring to Rafanan.

Sen. Franklin Drilon had also asked Brillantes to explain the P15-million investment that was reflected in Brillantes’ statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN), which was not included in his income tax.

He explained the amount was actually bank accounts, which were part of his savings that accumulated since 2001.

The Parish Pastoral Council on Responsible Voting (PPCRV) said the CA confirmation of Brillantes’ appointment would pave the way for smoother preparation for the coming elections.

PPCRV chair Henrietta de Villa believed that that the news of Brillantes’ confirmation would have a positive effect on the upcoming polls.

She said the PPCRV expects the DOJ-Comelec investigating panel on poll fraud to proceed “without fear or favor.”

The Comelec welcomed the confirmation of the appointment of Brillantes.

“We are happy that chairman Brillantes had successfully hurdled the Commission on Appointments. We are thankful to all the members, particularly to Sen. Cayetano, because he was given the chance to implement these reforms,” said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez.

Jimenez said Brillantes had already started instituting reforms but some Comelec personnel were resisting them, thinking that he would eventually step down due to non-confirmation by the CA.

Meanwhile, the COA welcomed the confirmation of Tan as chair of the state audit agency.

“COA is very enthusiastic about having her finally as the COA chair,” COA said in a statement after hearing the news.

COA said that from the first day she met with officials and employees during her first flag raising ceremony at the commission last April 18, she already spoke her mind as to where COA should be going.

“Those were policy directions welcomed by the COA family,” COA’s statement said.

Tan was a former undersecretary of the Department of Finance (DOF).

She was also a commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) from October 2002 to 2003. With Michael Punongbayan, Evelyn Macairan, Sheila Crisostomo
Senate invites Ongpin, DBP officials
Wednesday, October 05, 2011 8:41 PM
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and the Senate banks, financial institutions and currencies committee invited Wednesday businessman Roberto V. Ongpin and 24 Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) officials to appear in its public hearing Friday and shed light on the circumstances behind the alleged anomalous grant of P660 million ‘’behest’’ loans to Ongpin’s company in 2009.

Sen. Teofisto L. Guingona III, committee chairman, issued the invitation to Ongpin and the others to appear as the committee wanted to take a second look at insider trading law which is “something that’s not very well known here in the Philippines.’’

Guingona said his committee would also look into the freedom of information during the course of the committee hearing.

“The committee will find out if the (P660 million) loan was above board, it it’s a behest or not,’’ Guingona said.

The Senate banks committee chaired by Sen. Sergio R. Osmeña III will join the Guingona committee in also looking into other “exceptional cases of alleged anomalous transactions’’ at the DBP involving more than P17 billion in people’s money and similar questionable banking transactions in other government financial institutions.

Former DBP president Reynaldo David will lead the group of former DBP officials who were expected to appear Friday morning.
Historic landmark Manila Hotel cited
Wednesday, October 05, 2011 8:40 PM
MANILA, Philippines — Citing its contribution to the rich history of the city, a Manila councilor Wednesday filed a resolution in honor of the 99th founding anniversary of the historic landmark, the Manila Hotel.

Manila fourth district councilor DJ Bagatsing said such recognition is fitting to be given to one of Manila's premiere five-star hotel, which will celebrate its anniversary Thursday, since the structure is "a tangible, surviving and lasting testament to our country's history and milestones as a nation."

"Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the city council of Manila, to extend its warmest congratulations to The Historical and Cultural Landmark Manila Hotel on its 99th anniversary this October 6," the resolution, which was filed on Wednesday before the Manila City Council, said.

The copy of resolution will be forwarded to The Historical and Cultural Landmark Manila Hotel, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Department of Tourism, the Manila Tourism Bureau and the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission, according to Bagatsing.

Inaugurated on October 6, 1912, the Manila Hotel is the oldest premiere five-star hotel in the country built in 1909 and centrally situated in the heart of the Manila Bay area. Within walking distance is the Rizal Park and Intramuros, an old walled city of the Spanish period.

The Manila Hotel, which was touted as the "grand dame of hotels" in the country, served as the residence of General Douglas MacArthur when he served as military adviser to President Manuel L. Quezon under the Commonwealth Government from 1935 to 1941.

In December 1941, the premiere hotel became the command post and seat of government of the Japanese Military Administration.

Several famous personalities and luminaries had also graced the hotel such as Bob Hope, Marlon Brando, Tyrone Power, Secretary John Foster Dulles, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Sir Anthony Eden, Charlton Heston, the Rockefeller brothers, John Wayne, the Beatles, Vice President Richard Nixon, Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson.
New Customs body head designated
Wednesday, October 05, 2011 8:40 PM
MANILA, Philippines — Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said Wednesday he tasked Deputy Commissioner Peter Manzano, who heads the Revenue Collection and Monitoring Group (RCMG), to assume the functions of the Run After the Smugglers (RATS) group after Malacañang suspended its head and seven of his men on allegations of abuse of authority and extortion.

“Business has to go on after we experienced this suspension. We have to pass it to someone else and bring it back to the RCMG,” Biazon said.

RATS group head Deputy Commissioner Gregorio Chavez and seven of his men were stripped off their posts for 90 days pending investigation on the extortion and harassment case filed by Sanyo Seiki, one of the country’s top stainless steel importer.

Even after Malacañang suspended Chavez and his group, Sanyo Seiki Stainless Steel Corp. (SSSSC) said it will relentlessly pursue the cases it filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against them, including other Customs officials and four other personalities involved in the R179-million extortion attempt from the company.

“What we filed before the Office of the President is different from the proceedings we initiated before the Office of the Ombudsman. The case in Malacañang was precipitated by the series of overt acts of harassment made by Chavez and his men,” Atty. Louie Aseoche of Sanyo Seiki explained.

Among those charged by Sanyo Seiki before the Ombudsman, two respondents have not submitted their counter affidavits yet.

They were identified as Marivic Jong Briones, earlier identified as “Marilyn Jong” who represented herself in her meetings with Sanyo Seiki executives that she is a common-law partner of Chavez, and Leo Peter Paul Gonzalez.

Others charged before the Ombudsman were Vincent Philip Maronilla, Customs Bonded Warehouse Unit Chief Lucila Medina,and spouses Godofredo and Anabel Mozo.

Biazon, who was appointed to the BoC only last Aug. 15, was deferential to the Palace order.

“We have to respect and implement the suspension order from the Palace,” Biazon said.
Solons air view on Cha-cha
Wednesday, October 05, 2011 8:40 PM
MANILA, Philippines — Minority lawmakers threatened Wednesday to go to the Supreme Court to bar the Congress from pursuing economic amendments in the 1987 Constitution via bicameral Constituent Assembly, even as they described the initiative as a “moro-moro.”

Minority Leader and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said they will stop the congressional allies of President Aquino from pushing the constitutional change to liberalize the economic provisions of the Charter, saying that the possible revisions “would benefit the administration, and not necessarily the national interest.”

“We will have to go to the Supreme Court to sanitize this mongrel,” Lagman told reporters.

In a statement read by Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay, the minority bloc of the House of Representatives said Malacañang and its congressional majority “are putting on a great show, a moro-moro: one that will rely on the sheer numbers of the majority to railroad their agenda for “Cha-cha,” while keeping the President above the fray so that he can continue to enjoy his personal popularity into the 2013 elections — for the benefit of administration candidates — and beyond.”

Lagman, along with House Deputy Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez expressed apprehension that once the Constitutional Convention or Constituent Assembly is called to amend the Constitution, the President’s Congress allies “can open up” the Charter to pursue their interests.
'Pedring,' 'Quiel' damages
Wednesday, October 05, 2011 8:38 PM
MANILA, Philippines — After the country was hit by two typhoons last week, total damages in agriculture reached P12 billion while infrastructure damages reached P652 million.

The typhoons, “Pedring” and “Quiel,” struck parts of the country within a week which led to these damages, left provinces flooded and some people homeless.
'Pedring,' 'Quiel' damages
Wednesday, October 05, 2011 8:38 PM
MANILA, Philippines — After the country was hit by two typhoons last week, total damages in agriculture reached P12 billion while infrastructure damages reached P652 million.

The typhoons, “Pedring” and “Quiel,” struck parts of the country within a week which led to these damages, left provinces flooded and some people homeless