January 15, 2009 Major News Stories

Group seeks LPG price cut by P60.81 per tank, diesel by P9.56 per kg

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said that instead of a price hike prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) should be rolled back by P60.81 per 11-kg cylinder tank.

Oil prices sink, US inventories bulging

Oil prices tumbled Wednesday as new government reports show US crude inventories continuing to build, suggesting that demand for oil and gasoline will not rebound anytime soon.  Light, sweet crude for February delivery fell 50 cents to settle at $37.28 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange after trading as high as $39.45.

PDIC starts paying depositors in Feb

Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) will engage private auditing companies to speed up the servicing depositors of rural banks that have shut down operations since December, PDIC president Jose Nograles said Wednesday.

Deposits of 15 closed banks P14B 

Deposit claims from the group of 15 banks, including the so-called Legacy Group are estimated to reach P14 billion and deposit insurance authorities said they were hiring an external auditing firm to speed up the settlement of the claims.

Waves flog Cebu towns, Lapu islet

THREE southern towns reported the loss of several homes and decided to evacuate coastal residents, as large waves threatened their safety last Tuesday.  Big waves swept away a house and damaged 25 others in the small islet of Caubian, Lapu-Lapu City that same night.  Ginatilan Mayor Dean Michael Singco said that they were evacuating coastal residents before the high tide, expected at 1 a.m.

More than 50 houses were damaged earlier in five coastal barangays, with Looc and Guiwanon among the worst hit, Singco said.

In Santander, Mayor Wilson Wenceslao estimated the damage to crops and properties at P750,000 as of yesterday, but assured that food and other relief goods were already distributed to affected households.

At least 56 households were evacuated from the coastal barangay of Canlumakad, he said, as huge waves threatened the area. They temporarily took shelter in the barangay hall and day care center.

Samboan Mayor Raymond Calderon confirmed at least five coastal houses were destroyed in his town, and that portions of the national road and seawall in Barangays Suba and Tangbo were damaged.

Floods, landslides kill 14; 10 missing

At least 14 people were killed when floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains this week struck parts of Mindanao and the Visayas, as well as Catanduanes province, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

1 missing, Agusan floods displace 16K 

One person was declared missing Wednesday while more than16,000 people were evacuated when flash floods hit six towns in the province due to continuous heavy rains since Jan. 9.

Floods delay power restoration in WM

Floods hampered efforts by the National Transmission Corporation (Transco) to restore electricity in Western Mindanao and two other provinces, a Transco official said Wednesday.

Number of Sinulog contingents drops

There are lesser contingents for this year's Sinulog grand parade.  In the final list furnished by Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc., only 17 groups have registered in the Sinulog-based category. Last year, 18 contingents had participated in that category.

In the free interpretation category, only 26 contingents registered this year compared with last year's 32.

For the float category, there are 27 participants, another 27 for the "higantes" category, and 10 puppeteers. Last year, there were 42 participants for the floats, 26 for "higantes," and 18 puppeteers.

In the Sinulog-based category, only two out-of-town contingents will be joining this year – Tangub City in Misamis Occidental for Sinanduloy Festival which won first prize in the same category last year, and Sta. Catalina of Oriental Negros for Pakol Festival.

Last year, there were three out-of-town contingents under the Sinulog-based category with the entry of Hagwa Festival of Bien Unido, Bohol.

For the free interpretation category, there are only seven out-of-town contingents compared with last year's nine. Winners of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan and the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan are also joining the parade.

Police ready for Grand Parade

With two million people expected to flock the city streets during the Grand Parade on Sunday, police yesterday promised to be on full alert on that day.

Gun ban ordered

A GUN ban will be in effect in Cebu City during the Sinulog weekend, police announced yesterday, to ensure a peaceful celebration.

No classes Monday in Cebu City

NO classes will be held in all public elementary and high schools in Cebu City on Monday, the day after the Sinulog grand parade.

Ombudsman: COA report vs Teddy O 

The Ombudsman said it will find ways to use the report of the Commission on Audit as evidence in one case against former Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano and his co-accused in the ASEAN Summit lamppost controversy.

No plan yet on 'Stars' victims

The local team tasked to identify the remains of the Typhoon Frank victims, especially those who perished in the sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars, yesterday clarified that they have not yet come up with a definite plan on what to do with the remaining unidentified bodies.

CCMC, CHD told to account funds

Cebu City Councilor Gerardo Carillo is asking the officials of the CCMC and City Health Department to liquidate the P8 million granted to them in the campaign against dengue last year.

Nene to Arroyo: Keep off drugs war

The President should not take charge of the fight against illegal drugs and instead give the job to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Dionisio Santiago who is more capable, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said on Wednesday.

Arroyo to bust 26 drug syndicates

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who named herself anti-drug czar on Tuesday, should focus on busting the reportedly 26 remaining big drug syndicates in the country.

US to trace 'Alabang Boys' supply

The Dangerous Drugs Board would ask the US Drug Enforcement Agency to trace the international supplier of Ecstasy pills of the "Alabang Boys" who allegedly made orders via the Internet, said the board's chair Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday.

Name 'mistah' who offered bribe

The House committee on dangerous drugs is urging Marine Major Ferdinand Marcelino to reveal his ``mistah'' (Philippine Military Academy classmate) who he claimed offered him P3 million to drop the drug charges against the so-called ``Alabang Boys."

10 corrupt prosecutors being probed

About 10 prosecutors handling various cases are involved in alleged "cases for sale" at the Department of Justice, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez told reporters on Wednesday.

Prosecutors warned: Leave is "illegal"

Administration Senator Miriam Santiago on Wednesday warned prosecutors who are planning to stage a nationwide leave following the directive of President Arroyo placing Justice officials implicated in "Alabang Boys" mess on an indefinite leave.

High schools to conduct drug tests

The Department of Education will start conducting drug tests among students in all public and private schools across the country after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered a crackdown against students hooked on drugs, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said Wednesday.

House reviews drug test on students

THE HOUSE committee on dangerous drugs is mulling a review of the Palace directive to subject students to random drug testing.

Solon for Drug tests for congressmen

Following President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's order to conduct random drug tests on students, a lawmaker on Wednesday suggested that members of the House of Representatives undergo mandatory tests "to set an example" among public officials.

2 SC magistrates inhibit selves

Two Supreme Court magistrates tasked to investigate the leakage of the unpromulgated decision on the Limkaichong election case resigned from the investigating committee Wednesday.

Puno on ouster attempts: 'Let it be'

Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno on Wednesday night said he was ready to face any attempts to remove him from his position.

Sandigan chief is new SC justice

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Disodado Peralta as Supreme Court associate justice, Malacañang announced on Wednesday.

SC seat reward for convicting Estrada 

The spokesperson of former President Joseph Estrada on Wednesday said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo may have given Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Diosdado Peralta a seat in the Supreme Court (SC) as reward for convicting the deposed president of plunder in 2007.

Aquinos condole with Estrada

Former president Corazon Aquino dropped by the wake of former president Joseph Estrada's mother to extend her condolences.

90% of Pinoys interested in 2010 polls

Nine in 10 Filipino adults or 90 percent are interested in the coming May 2010 elections, even as only 87 percent are likely to vote in next year's national polls, a recent survey by Pulse Asia showed.

Presid'tiables dared to speak vs pork

A leftist group has challenged three leading presidential contenders in 2010 election to stand up against the alleged P20-billion additional pork barrel worked out by allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the House of Representatives.

RP wants MILF talks resumed soon

Government peace negotiators will fly to Kuala Lumpur next week to "seek all possibilities" for the early resumption of peace negotiations with Moro rebels.

3 abducted civilians in Sulu freed

The three civilians who were earlier reported seized in southern Philippines had already been released, a police official said Wednesday.

Mindanao evacuees won't to go home

People displaced by the fighting between government forces and Moro rebels prefer to remain in evacuation centers rather than return home, despite assurances their communities are again safe, a military spokesman said Wednesday.

12 prisoners bolt Sulu jail, 1 killed

Police launched a massive manhunt for 12 prisoners who escaped from jail in Sulu in southern Philippines. One of the inmates was shot dead in his escape try.

Navy inaugurate rapid response fleet

The Philippine Navy will inaugurate on Thursday a new fleet whose mission is to respond immediately to any threat to national security in any part of the country, a spokesman Wednesday.

Victims rejoice over Leviste conviction

The prosecutor of the murder case for the late Rafael de la Alas is happy at the conviction of former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste, even though it was for the lesser crime of homicide.

Pinoy priest gets 13 more years in jail

Disgraced Filipino priest Rodney Rodis was sentenced Wednesday (Jan. 14) to 13 years in prison for defrauding hundreds of parishioners in Louisa County, Virginia.  The new prison term is on top of the five-year sentence meted in February 2008 by a federal court in Richmond for money laundering and mail fraud.  Rodis, a native of Cagayan de Oro City, was convicted of diverting almost $600,000 in church collections to support a family in Spotsylvania that he had successfully hidden from his parishioners for over a decade, and to reportedly help relatives in the Philippines.

P107.8M for anti-poverty projects 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT units (LGU) can tap P107.83 million in funds for anti-poverty projects in the first quarter to counter the global economic slowdown's impact, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced yesterday.

RP & Qatar hike flights for more OFWs

Manila and Doha agreed to add three more flights on the route serving both cities, bringing the total to eight trips weekly.

US sen. vows to support veterans bill

The chairman of the United States Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee has reassured the Philippines of his continued support for the US Veterans Bill, which seeks to grant Filipino World War II veterans equal recognition as their American counterparts.  Senator Daniel Inouye said he would "do everything" to ensure the veterans equity measure is passed by the US Congress, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said Wednesday.

Asian units rise, peso hits P47.035 : $1

Asian currencies rose moderately Wednesday as investors bought regional stocks, but traders warned the currency rally could be temporary as risk aversion still prevailed.

GSIS expects P4-B from thrift bank

State-run pension fund manager Government Service Insurance System expects to raise between P3 billion and P4 billion from the sale of a portion of its interest in GSIS Family Bank.

GSIS abandons bid for Philamlife

GSIS abandoned plans to bid for Philippine American Life and General Insurance, Co. (Philamlife), country"s largest life insurer, which is being sold to help pay for its parent company"s debts.

Importing rice won"t solve food woes 

Importing millions of tons of rice would not solve the country's food security woes, Sen.Edgardo Angara warned Wednesday.

Vietnam rice trade halts on Manila buy

Vietnamese exporters halted trade in a popular grade of rice on Wednesday after traders said the Philippines had agreed to buy one million tons of the grain from Vietnam, although Manila remained tight-lipped about the deal.

Scientists develops rice w/ +50% yield

An international team of scientists is attempting to develop a new rice strain that will use less water and fertilizer but could boost yields by up to 50 percent to meet growing demand.

Fertilizer prices continue to fall

Fertilizer prices have dropped further after the Christmas season, with retail prices of the commonly used inorganic inputs now 53 percent lower than their September 2008 levels, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said yesterday.

Hamas agrees to Gaza truce

Hamas has accepted an Egyptian ceasefire proposal to end the war in the Gaza Strip and Cairo is awaiting Israel's response, a senior Egyptian diplomat told AFP on Wednesday.

Bin Laden urges jihad against Israel

Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden has issued a new audiotape urging Muslims to launch a jihad, or holy war, to stop the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

Israel shells Lebanon after attack

Lebanese security officials say the Israeli army has fired eight shells at southern Lebanon after rockets were fired into northern Israel.

Cargo vessel sinks off Sumatra

Nine crew members were missing after an Indonesian cargo vessel sank in heavy seas off the coast of Sumatra's Bangka Belitung province, an official said Wednesday.

China is world's 3rd largest economy

China surpassed Germany to become the world's third-largest economy behind the United States and Japan after Beijing on Wednesday raised its estimate of economic growth in 2007.

Arum warns: 50-50 or Hatton fight off

The ball is now in the hands of Manny Pacquiao and his lawyer Franklin Gacal.

Pacquiao in Warriors lineup

Liga Pilipinas president Noli Eala has confirmed that Manny Pacquiao is eligible to play for the host General Santos City MP Warriors in the inaugural leg of the second conference at the Lagao Gymnasium in South Cotabato.

Amonsot, Banal comeback in Bohol 

After suffering his first pro loss to Panama's Rafael Concepcion last July, world-rated superflyweight contender A. J. (Bazooka) Banal returns to the ring against Indonesian champion Nouldi Manakane in Tagbilaran City on Jan. 31 but what fans are more excited about is lightweight Czar Amonsot's comeback in the undercard.

'Ploning' fails to make Oscar shortlist

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nine films that made it to the next round of voting in the foreign language film category of the 81st Oscar Awards. Despite an aggressive nomination campaign by its filmmakers, "Ploning" did not make it to the shortlist.

Who's the 3rd party in Angel-Luis LQ?

Just when things are getting rosier between them, rumors are spreading that Angel Locsin and Luis Manzano are having an "LQ" (Lovers' Quarrel).

Beyonce, Wonder, Bono at Obama gig

Judging by the lineup, Sunday's inaugural celebration for Barack Obama at the Lincoln Memorial is a coveted gig for music's top names.  Beyonce, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Usher, Shakira, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban and James Taylor are among the musicians scheduled to perform Sunday afternoon. The president-elect and his family are due to attend, with Obama expected to speak.  Other performers include Stevie Wonder, Renee Fleming, Garth Brooks, Mary J. Blige, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend and Jennifer Nettles.  Historical passages will be read by Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington, with other celebrities expected to join them.

What drives sexy women to infidelity?

Women with high levels of a key sex hormone are judged more attractive by themselves and others, and may be more inclined to cheat on their partners.  University of Texas psychologists Kristina Durante and Norman Li found that women with high concentrations of the hormone oestradiol were likelier to flirt, kiss and have a serious affair outside an established relationship.

OK for 10-year-old Saudi girls to marry

Saudi Arabia's most senior cleric said girls as young as 10 years old can be married, local media reported Wednesday.

Total ban on plastic buntings pushed

An environment group is urging government and church officials to consider imposing a complete ban on disposable plastic buntings, saying these have become an environmental nuisance.

Baguio temp. drops to 9.4 degrees

The failing world economy has driven away much-needed sponsorship for the centennial programs of Baguio City, so the city government is now relying on the pockets of tourists who love the weather here.