December 4, 2008 Major Newscast

LTFRB OKs P0.50 fare cut

The Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday ordered public utility jeeps and passenger buses to implement a P0.50 provisionary rollback on their minimum fare starting December 15.

P10 add-on sa taxi giwagtang na

Gitangtang na sa Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ang dugang P10 nga add-on rate sa taxi atol sa gipahigayong tigum sa mga sakop sa board.

LTFRB calls for cut in tricycle fares

The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has called on local government units (LGU) to immediately implement a fare rollback on tricycles.

Plite sa tricycle sa Talisay P6 na sab

Usa ka semana human iparollback ngadto sa P6.50 gikan sa P7.50 ang plitehan sa tricycle sa dakbayan sa Talisay, gisugyot na usab sa kosneho nga pasawmon pa kini ngadto sa P6.

Jetti to lower gasoline, diesel prices

Independent oil firm Jetti Supply Distribution Inc. on Wednesday said it would reduce its diesel and gasoline prices by P1 per liter.

Transport group wants p7/l rollback

While it posed no objection to a fare rollback, militant jeep operators pushed anew for a "mega-rollback" of fuel prices - P7/liter.

OPEC to cut oil supply

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will cut oil output at its next meeting on Dec. 17 in Algeria, Qatar's oil minister said Wednesday.

Soft drinks tax could up prices by P3

The proposed 20% excise tax on soft drinks under House Bill 5039 could raise prices of this product by P3, an official of a Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. said in a committee hearing at the House of Representatives Wednesday.

Nanulis sa tindahan og mga alahas nailhan na

Nailhan na sa kapolisan sa dakbayan sa Sugbu ang tulo sa pito ka mga tulisan nga maoy nanulis niadtong miaging hapon sa Golden Treasures Best of Jewelry nga nahimutang sa ikatulong andana sa Mango Square Mall sa General Maxilom sa Camputhaw ning dakbayan.

Rama blames businessmen for laxity

Acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday said that some robberies can be blamed on the business owners themselves for failing to beef up the security of their establishments.

Illegal recruiters gikasohan na

Gipasakaan na og kaso nga illegal recruitment ang tulo ka mga tawo nga nanguha og mga batan-ong babaye aron ipasulod og trabaho didto sa Iloilo City.

900 families get lot certificates

The Cebu City government distributed certificates of lot allotment (CLA) to more than 900 urban poor families as part of the activities lined up for the Urban Poor Solidarity Week.

Puya sa garapon nakawtan

Puya nga gisulod og garapon napalgan sa nagkawot og safety tank didto sa Sitio Ibabao, Barangay Mambaling ning dakbayan sa Sugbu sa miaging buntag.

14 container bugas, asukar ipa-WSD

Girekomendar sa Customs Police Division (CPD) sa Port of Cebu nga luwatan og warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) ang 14 ka mga 20 footer container vans nga nasuta nga misdeclared ang mga sulod niini ug mga imported nga bugas ug asukal nga gikan sa Cagayan de Oro City.

NFA asked: Allow LGUs to sell rice

The Provincial Development Council yesterday passed a resolution asking the National Food Authority to allow the Local Government Units to sell government subsidized rice with a price comparable to that of the Tindahan Natin outlets.

Loots' rivals barred from takeover

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division yesterday issued a writ of preliminary injunction that allowed Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura and Vice Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot to continue occupying their posts.  This means that engineer Augusto Corro and Dr. Jose de Leon cannot take over their respective posts as of yet. Both were declared winners in an electoral protest decided by Bogo City Regional Trial Court Judge Antonio Marigomen.

Radaza ally leaves group

A "DECLARATION of independence" from Councilor Jonard "Ahong" Chan surprised members of the Lapu-Lapu City Council yesterday.  It came shortly after he announced he was abstaining from the vote on a resolution that seemed to be a loyalty check among allies of Mayor Arturo Radaza.

Tom junks proposal for 3rd district

Mayor-on-leave Tomas Osmeña does not agree to the proposal to create another district out of the 34 mountain barangays in the city's north and south districts.

MARINA deputy chief to head agency

Several organizations of shipping operators in Cebu has endorsed lawyer Gloria Victoria-Bañas to be the next administrator of Maritime Industry Authority.

NBI agent nagwala sa mall gisilotan

Gipaubos ni NBI regional director Medardo Delimos sa 'camp restriction' ang iyang ahente nga giingon nga nangulata didto sa Ayala Mall niadtong nakalabay nga adlaw.

DOH "Fourmula Kontra Paputok"

As a way of continually encouraging the public to welcome the New Year with a bang sans the use of firecrackers, the Department of Health-Central Visayas yesterday launched the Oplan Iwas Paputok promoting the use of "Fourmula Kontra Paputok".  People are urged to observe this four-bullet formula to prevent injuries and deaths during the Christmas celebration and the New Year revelry – "huwag magpaputok, gumamit ng ibang pampaingay tulad ng tambol, torotot, atbp.; kung naputukan, hugasan kaagad ang sugat ng sabon at malinis na tubig at agad na pumunta sa pinakamalapit na ospital o health center; huwag pulutin ang hindi pumutok na paputok; at huwag magpaputok ng baril."

Pe wants to limit firecrackers to SRP

CEBU City Councilor Augustus Pe Jr. proposed that the South Road Properties (SRP) be designated as the only place where displaying, selling, and testing of firecrackers can be done.

Verboten host dies of heart failure

Dr. Felimon Alberca, the man behind the popular "sex advice" radio program Verboten, succumbed to heart failure yesterday at his clinic in Cebu City. He was 67.

DOJ sends team to probe radioman's slay in Northern Samar

Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor on Wednesday expressed outrage over the killing of radio commentator Leo Mila in Northern Samar.

Joc-Joc Bolante arrested again

Former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-Joc" Bolante was arrested anew by Senate security personnel after he was cited in contempt for allegedly lying in the past three hearings on the P728-million fertilizer fund scam.  Former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn Joc-joc Bolante arrived after midnight Thursday at the Senate premises in Pasay City where he will be detained.

Bolante: 'I'm now on double arrest'

"I am now on double arrest," former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-Joc" Bolante declared Wednesday night after receiving the arrest order issued by the Senate.

CBCP: Try harder in grilling Bolante

The head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is not impressed with the way lawmakers have been grilling former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante over the P728-million fertilizer fund scam so far.

Senate fertilizer probe to include Esperat slay

Senate Blue Ribbon committee chairman Richard Gordon said Wednesday the inquiry into the P728 million fertilizer fund scam will be expanded to include the murder of anti-graft crusader Marlene Esperat, who had filed numerous cases of corruption involving agricultural funds.

Erap vows to lead people vs Cha-cha

Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada on Wednesday threatened to lead the people to the streets if the pro-Charter change lawmakers would insist on amending the 1987 Constitution.

Enrile vows to oppose term extension

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile vowed to block any attempt to extend President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's term in office or to "dispense with or postpone" the 2010 elections.

Arroyo camp urges Velarde to withdraw demo threat

President Gloria Arroyo's spokeswoman sought on Wednesday to dissuade El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde from carrying out a reported threat to lead an anti-government march.

Arroyo warned of 'people's wrath' vs cha-cha

from ABS-CBNnews.com by gani_de_castro

Former Senate President Jovito Salonga has warned the Arroyo administration that it will face the people's wrath if it insists on staying in power through charter change. Brother Eddie Villanueva of the Jesus is Lord movement and Brother Mike Velarde of El Shaddai told ABS-CBN News they would join protest actions if President Arroyo does not stop the charter change initiative in the House of Representatives.

Duterte assails Cha-Cha

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte sneered at proponents of Charter change in Congress, saying their ultimate desire is to extend their terms above anything else.

JBC wraps up public grilling of SC aspirants

The Judicial and Bar Council on Wednesday wrapped up the public interrogation of 14 contenders vying for a slot in the Supreme Court (SC) to be vacated in January 2009.

Escudero to set up website for transparent JBC proceedings

Senator Francis Escudero on Wednesday vowed to make public the names of all the applicants and nominees in judicial appointments through a website his office will set up to get the public involved in the process.

Bukidnon farmers march for CARP

Over one thousand farmers, some coming as far away as Bukidnon, converged in Cagayan de Oro City Wednesday, snarling noontime traffic and calling Congress to pass the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (Carper).

Arroyo firm opposes CARP on land

A company of which First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo is a trustee has filed a petition protesting the transfer of the family-owned 157-hectare Hacienda Bacan in Negros Occidental to farmer-beneficiaries under the Comrepehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Arroyo heads for Mindanao

Less than 24 hours after arriving from Hong Kong, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will visit Thursday a remote village in Davao del Sur province to inspect a road project.

5 soldiers hurt in Lanao Norte clash

Five soldiers were wounded following a clash with government soldiers in the southern Philippine province of Lanao del Norte, a military spokesman said Wednesday.

Gov't open anew to Christmas truce with communist rebels

THE GOVERNMENT is open to suspend military operations against communist rebels during the holiday season, a policy that it has always implemented in the past.

SC asked to reverse CA ruling vs GSIS takeover of CTPL business

The government has asked the Supreme Court to stop the Court of Appeals from implementing an order preventing the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) from taking over the compulsory insurance business for motor vehicle owners.

LTO installs videocams to curb fixing

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will use centrally controlled TV screens in branch offices nationwide in an effort to promote customer service and curb fixing.

No 'Merry Christmas' but smile: BI

No "Merry Christmas, just smile," Immigration Chief Marcelino Libanan told his officers assigned to different airports nationwide.

Five soldiers killed in Surigao del Sur

Five soldiers were killed and four wounded in a communist guerrilla ambush in Surigao del Sur after a fresh attempt to restart peace talks collapsed, authorities said Wednesday.

Gordon refuses to apologize to Thai

Senator Richard Gordon on Wednesday refused to apologize to Thailand's ambassador to the Philippines, saying his statement on Thailand's political unrest was "merely blown out of proportion."

Golez: No need to apologize to Thais

Deputy Presidential Spokeman Anthony Golez on Wednesday turned down Thailand's request for an apology after his allegedly disrespectful comments on the takeover of Bangkok's major airports by Thai protesters last week.

Thailand siege tapos na

Natapos na rin kaha pon ang karahasan sa Thailand matapos umatras ang pu wersa ng anti-government troops sa kinub kob na Bangkok International Airport kasunod ng pagbaba sa puwesto ng kanilang Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

ASEAN regret summit postponement

Southeast Asian countries Wednesday said they regretted that Thailand's political turmoil drove it to postpone a regional summit, with Singapore urging prompt cooperation on the world financial crisis.

Philippine peso bounces back

The peso recovered against the dollar following a bounce in US stocks.  It gained 32 centavos from Tuesday to close at P49.18 per dollar.

Pinoys sa Europe apektado ng lay off

Nagbabala si Labor Secretary Marianito Ro que ng posibilidad na mag karoon ng lay off o pag­tatanggal sa trabaho sa hanay ng mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) sa Europa dahil sa patuloy na krisis pang-ekonomiya na nararana san ng buong mundo.

Dubai court convicts Yemeni who hammered OFW's knee

A 29-year-old jobless Yemeni national who hit a Filipino in the knee in the United Arab Emirates with a hammer in a foiled attempt to rob him was convicted by a Dubai court.

Leftover explosives found in Mumbai

Police on yesterday discovered leftover explosives hidden in a bag in Mumbai's main train station — a stunning new example of botched security after the deadly rampage that left the government open to accusations it missed warnings and bungled its response.

Obama names Richardson

President-elect Barack Obama named New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as commerce secretary yesterday, filling a top economic post in troubled times and placing a second former campaign rival in his new Cabinet.

Bill: Hard for Hillary to give up Senate

Former President Bill Clinton says it was hard for his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, to decide to give up her Senate seat to become secretary of state in President-elect Barack Obama's administration.

Bettors advised: 'Pacquiao will make you a nice Christmas gift'

A DAY before facing the press one last time, Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya's promoters emphasized the magnitude of The Dream Match.

Palace predicts win for Pacquiao

Malacañang sees a win by Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao over Oscar dela Hoya, when the two square off in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday here).

Ginebra survives Red Bull comeback

Ronald Tubid and Junthy Valenzuela buried key baskets down the stretch to lead Ginebra to an 83-76 win over Red Bull in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Rain or Shine slips past Sta. Lucia

Jay-R Reyes had a double-double performance to lift Rain or Shine to an 80-79 squeaker against defending champion Sta. Lucia in the second game of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Bail set in Geisler sex case

A bail of P12,000 was recommended for actor Baron Geisler, who was formally charged at the Makati Regional Trial Court on Wednesday for allegedly molesting the daughter of showbiz couple William Martinez and Yayo Aguila.

Jet Li: China ready for volunteerism

Jet Li said China is ready for an explosion of volunteerism amid its growing prosperity as he put aside his acting duties to discuss charitable efforts Wednesday at former President Bill Clinton's donor conference in Hong Kong.

Rare gorilla twins born in Uganda

Rare mountain gorilla twins have been born in Uganda's Bwindi Forest, home to around half the world's population of the endangered primates, a wildlife official said Wednesday.

Bertrand Russell  - "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."