January 23, 2009 Major News Stories

RP fears 60,000 IT job losses

Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said up to 60,000 jobs could be lost in the Philippines' key electronics sector due to the global economic crisis.

Giardini workers file strike notice

Workers of furniture company Giardini del Sole yesterday filed a notice of strike before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, alleging that management has failed to comply with an agreement aimed to address the welfare of workers affected by company's temporary shut-down.

Need for OFWs in Australia is down

The demand for Filipino workers in Australia remains but will slow down due to the continuing global financial crunch, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith said.

Malaysia has right not to hire Pinoys 

Malaysia"s decision to stop hiring foreign workers, including Filipinos, is just fair for an economy struggling to survive the global economic crisis, the Philippine envoy in Kuala Lumpur said.

Govt exploring markets for OFWs

Amid recession in the United States, the government is exploring more markets that have demand for skilled Filipino workers, Dennis M. Arroyo, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director for policy and planning, told reporters in a briefing Thursday.

US crude up, sending oil prices to $41

Oil prices tumbled yesterday after the government reported enormous builds of oil and gasoline at US storage facilities, another manifestation of how badly the deteriorating economy has cut into energy demand.

New LPG imports coming

No need to worry about where to get the next refill for your gas range tank.

PDIC chooses auditing firm 

Auditing company KPMG Manabat Sanagustin & Co. was chosen to assist government in examining deposit accounts in a dozen failed banks, helping depositors obtain their claims faster.

Corruption may worsen during crisis

The government should brace not only for an economy likely to be hurt by the global recession but also for the worsened corruption the crunch might bring, a Hong Kong-based anti-corruption consultant warned.

More 'pork', less for debt service

There's more "pork barrel" for lawmakers, less funds for foreign debt service, just as billions of pesos are allocated for government's economic stimulus fund in the 2009 national budget, the summary of the conference committee report on the new appropriations measure showed.

Groups protest against CARP

As support for the nationwide protest of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, members of the KMP-Cebu held a protest to air their concerns regarding the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program on the 22nd anniversary of the Mendiola Massacre.

Capitol yields to city ruling

CEBU City's Joint Venture Selection Committee (JVSC) will award the P25-billion joint venture contract to Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) today.  The decision came after Acting Mayor Michael Rama denied with finality the Province's appeal to be allowed to bid for a portion of the South Road Properties (SRP).  Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda said the Provincial Government will respect Rama's decision, although a legal team will look into it.

Lapulapu nagdili pagsunog sa basura

Gidili na ang pagsunog sa mga basura sa landfill sa dakbayan sa Lapulapu lakip na ang mga residente niini isip tubag sa kasulbaran sa global warming nga nasinati sa tibuok kalibutan.

Mandaue councilor ordered arrested

AN ARREST warrant has been issued against Mandaue City Councilor Victor Cortes Biaño for alleged falsification of his daughter's birth certificate.  Cagayan de Oro Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Judge Romualdo E. Galarrita ordered Biaño's arrest last Jan. 20, based on the complaint filed by Mandaue City Health Office midwife Grace Flores. He recommended P12,000 as bail.  Biaño said the charge is politically motivated. He said he already posted bail at the sala of the judge who issued the warrant of arrest.

One suspect had warrant for murder?

THE task force assigned to investigate the killing of an assistant Cebu City prosecutor is verifying information that one of the possible suspects has a pending warrant of arrest for murder.

Pag-umangkon sa bokal naaksidente

Patay ang kanhi barangay kapitan nga pag-umangkon ni Board Member Wilfredo Caminero samtang talandugon ang kahimtang sa duha ka mga sakay sa traysikol nga ilang gisakyan human dasmagi og sakyanan sa National Highway sa barangay Bulasa lungsod sa Argao niadtong Miyerkules sa alas 6:00 sa gabii.

Politicians part of drugs trade: official

A senior official today accused politicians across the country of dipping their hands into the multibillion dollar illicit drugs trade, possibly to raise money for next year's elections.  "There is narco-politics all over the country," Dionisio Santiago, head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, said while painting a bleak picture of efforts to rid the Southeast Asian nation of illegal drugs.  He said "politicians at all levels" were involved as either financiers or protectors of drug traffickers.

Gonzalez: Resado account checked

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez has asked the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to look into the bank accounts of State Prosecutor John Resado and his wife.

Ombuds faulted for Bolante inaction 

Senate Blue Ribbon chair Richard Gordon on Thursday accused the Ombudsman of "dereliction of duty" in dealing with former government officials implicated in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam.

18 recommended to SC 

Bantay Korte Suprema (BKS, Supreme Court Watch) has released the names of 18 possible replacements for Supreme Court Justice Adolf Azcuna, who is retiring on February 16.  Included in the list released by the office of BKS co-founder Senator Francis Pangilinan are Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera and Sandiganbayan anti-graft court Justices Francisco Villacruz and Edliberto Sandoval. 

The 15 others are: 

1. Roberto Abad, dean of the University of Sto. Tomas Faculty of Civil Law. 
2. Court of Tax Appeals Presiding Justice Ernesto Acosta 
3. Court of Appeals Justice Hakim Abdulwahid 
4. Court of Appeals Justice Lucas Bersamin 
5. Court of Appeals Justice Amelita de Guzman Tolentino 
6. Court of Appeals Justice Japar Dimaampao 
7. Court of Appeals Justice Juan Enriquez 
8. Court of Appeals Justice Remedios Fernando 
9. Court of Appeals Justice Remedios Fernando 
10. Court of Appeals Justice Portia Alino Hormachuelos 
11. Court of Appeals Justice Andres Reyes 
12. Cesar Villanueva, dean of the Ateneo law school
13. Lawyer Pablito Sanidad Sr.
14. Lawyer Jose Mario Bunag 
15. Rodolfo Robles, chairman of the board and president of Landphil Management Development Corp.

Enrile: Increase House membership 

Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile is pushing for the passage of a law to increase the number of legislative districts and, therefore, the membership of the House of Representatives, as well as correct the representation of partylists, to comply with the Constitution.

Comelec delists vote no-shows

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Thursday it has been removing the names of voters who did not vote in the past two elections as part of its efforts to clean the voters' list.

Mistaken identity costs radioman's life

A blocktime radio broadcaster at here was shot dead by unidentified gunmen around around 9 p.m. Wednesday in what police said Thursday could have been a case of "mistaken identity."  Badrodin Abas, 38, of radio dxCM was driving his multi-cab when the gunmen, who were riding on tandem on a motorbike, blocked his way and immediately fired on him.

Alleged NPA rebels raid Bukidnon jail

Suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) raided the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the province of Bukidnon on Wednesday, police and military officials said.

No military operations in Sulu--gov

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan said no military operation has been launched in the province to rescue three kidnapped workers of the of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Moro rebels not ready to resume talks

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front said it is not inclined to resume negotiations with the government soon due to the state"s lack of political will to pursue basic elements of the peace process.

Third batch of Gaza evacuees back 

The third batch of Filipino evacuees that fled war-stricken Gaza has arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Thursday evening.

Palestinian husbands seek RP docs 

The Palestinian husbands of Filipinas extracted from war-torn Gaza have appealed to the Philippine government to give them Philippine passports, saying the country is their "second home."

Filipinos help raise funds for Gaza 

Filipinos in the western Saudi city of Jeddah have been cited for helped a group Arabs raise funds for the victims of Israeli attacks in Gaza.

Peso gains 18 centavos 

A rally in equities pulled up the peso to P47.37 to a dollar Thursday, 18 centavos stronger than the previous day.

Recruiters press for P55-to-$1 rate

The local recruitment industry urged the government yesterday to allow the peso to depreciate to a 55 per dollar rate to encourage the eight million Filipino workers abroad to send more money back home and boost the country's economy.

Business as usual:  New PPI owner

Abundance Providers and Investments Corp. (APIC), controlled by investment banker and Asian Spirit Airlines co-founder Noel Oñate, said it is business as usual for Pacific Plans Inc. even with the change of ownership in the ailing pre-need firm.

High schools to learn financial literacy

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) have teamed up to integrate financial literacy and investment consciousness studies in public high school.

GSIS sees P40-billion profit this year

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the state pension fund, is targeting to post a net income of P40 billion this year, lower than the P50 billion it targeted for 2008, GSIS president and general manager Winston Garcia said yesterday.

Arroyo takes role of climate czar

After taking the role of an anti-drug czar, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has also named herself the country's climate change czar. She said this was part of the reorganization of the Presidential Task Force on Climate Change, which was previously headed by Heherson Alvarez Jr.

Obama orders closure of Guantanamo 

President Barack Obama signed an executive order mandating the closure of Guantanamo Bay prison camp within a year, in a sharp reversal of Bush administration anti-terror policy.

Obama recovery plan in the House 

President Barack Obama's plan to award a $500 tax credit to most workers is expected to advance through a key House panel as Democrats prepare his $825 billion economic recovery plan for a floor vote next week.

Obama retakes oath after stumble

In a highly unusual move, President Barack Obama retook the oath of office after Chief Justice John Roberts led him into a stumble when he originally swore-in to become the 44th US president.

Caroline Kennedy ends senatorial bid

Caroline Kennedy has ended her quest for the US Senate seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, halting a campaign that began with popular support but withered quickly over criticism about her experience and her reluctance to answer questions about her finances.

Asean leaders attend Thailand summit 

All leaders of the ASEAN countries have officially confirmed to attend the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Thailand, Virasakdi Futrakul, Minister of Foreign Affairs' Permanent Secretary, was quoted by Thai language-newspaper Matichon as saying today.

2 deaths given in China milk scandal

A Chinese court condemned two men to death Thursday and handed a life term to a former dairy boss in the first sentences for those involved in the country's contaminated milk scandal.

Pacquiao-Hatton super fight is off

A planned May 2 showdown between Britain's Ricky Hatton and Philippine star Manny Pacquiao has been called off after the two fighters' camps could not agree on how to split the purse.

Mayweather in touch with Pacquiao 

Now that talks for a possible superfight with British superstar Ricky Hatton have bogged down, Manny Pacquiao's camp is now considering other options.

No Puerto Rico fight for Concepcion

The man in-charge of charting the ring career of boxing prospect Bernabe Concepcion won"t accept fighting reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion Steven Luevano if the title bout will be held in Puerto Rico.

PSC chair to stay until replaced

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez is not leaving his post from the government sports agency until a possible replacement is named.

Panel given 15 days for its inquiry

CEBU City Acting Vice Mayor Hilario Davide formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the Miss Cebu 2009 "fiasco" and gave it 15 days to resolve the matter.

Hundreds feast on largest batchoy 

Ilonggos on Thursday feasted on the largest-ever bowl of La Paz batchoy in a bid for a world record.  Around 1,000 residents and guests flocked to the La Paz District plaza where a giant stainless steel bowl was set up to cook the savory noodle dish.  The bowl, measuring two meters in width and one meter in height and custom-made in Cebu City for P180,000, had a capacity of 3,500 liters. The broth alone reached 1,700 liters.

Philip apologizes for "outburst" in row

Saying his actions were merely a result of an "emotional outburst," actor Philip Salvador on Thursday apologized for hitting a bus driver during a road altercation along EDSA in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday morning.

Reckless driving rap vs Nino dropped

A reckless imprudence charge against actor Niño Muhlach over a traffic altercation in 2008 has been ordered dismissed by a local prosecutor.

Button leads Oscars:  13 nominations

The romantic fantasy "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" led Academy Awards contenders Thursday with 13 nominations, among them best picture and acting honors for Brad Pitt and Taraji P. Henson, and a directing slot for David Fincher.

List of 81st annual Oscar nominations 

Complete list of 81st annual Academy Award nominations announced Thursday: 1. Best Picture: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Frost/Nixon," "Milk," "The Reader," "Slumdog Millionaire."  2. Actor: Richard Jenkins, "The Visitor"; Frank Langella, "Frost/Nixon"; Sean Penn, "Milk"; Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; Mickey Rourke, "The Wrestler."

3. Actress: Anne Hathaway, "Rachel Getting Married"; Angelina Jolie, "Changeling"; Melissa Leo, "Frozen River"; Meryl Streep, "Doubt"; Kate Winslet, "The Reader."

4. Supporting Actor: Josh Brolin, "Milk"; Robert Downey Jr., "Tropic Thunder"; Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Doubt"; Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"; Michael Shannon, "Revolutionary Road."

5. Supporting Actress: Amy Adams, "Doubt"; Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"; Viola Davis, "Doubt"; Taraji P. Henson, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; Marisa Tomei, "The Wrestler."

6. Director: David Fincher, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; Ron Howard, "Frost/Nixon"; Gus Van Sant, "Milk"; Stephen Daldry, "The Reader"; Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire."

7. Foreign Film: "The Baader Meinhof Complex," Germany; "The Class," France; "Departures," Japan; "Revanche," Austria; "Waltz With Bashir," Israel.

Fred Allen  - "Television is a medium because anything well done is rare."