February 27, 2009 Major News Stories

LTFRB decides on fare cut in two weeks

Whether jeepney fare in Central Visayas will be reduced or will remain the same will be known in two weeks, said Romulo Bernardes, regional manager of the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board following yesterday's public consultative meeting of the fare cut petition filed by lawyer Manuel Iway.

Oil hovers under $43 after 6% surge

Oil was steady under $43 a barrel on Thursday, after surging more than 6.0 percent overnight on US government data that showed a larger-than-expected drop in gasoline stocks as demand rose on cheaper prices.

Private firms, farmers may import rice

The government has allowed local private companies and farmer organizations to import as much as 300,000 metric tons of rice this year to help build up the country's inventory, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said.

Shabu lab: Defense hits credibility of PDEA 

One of the lawyers of the suspected shabu laboratory operators are now questioning the credibility of the members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency who raided the laboratory in barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, in 2004.  Although Vicente Fernandez II failed to present his witness Francis Mutuc, he still stood by the information given to him by Mutuc that the PDEA had him encash a check taken from one of the 11 arrested in the shabu lab raid.

Fernandez, who represents the accused Liu Bo and Tao Fei, said he met Mutuc at the office of Gloria Dalawampu, lawyer of the accused mastermind Calvin Tan, and presented a photocopy of some documents supporting their manifestation that Mutuc is an asset of the PDEA.

According to Fernandez, Mutuc first agreed to be presented in the witness stand, but withdrew for his own safety. 

The first witness, businessman Reynaldo Macias, admitted before the court that Mutuc gave him a check worth P40,000 to be encashed in September 25, 2004.

The check was drawn from an Allied Bank branch along Mango Avenue in Cebu City under the account in the name of one of the accused Joseph Yu.

Macias claimed he did not know the check was owned by Yu and said he is a close friend of Mutuc and had transacted business with him several times. He first knew Mutuc sometime in 1997.

"Diha ra gyud ko mahibawo sa mga newspaper nga naapil akong ngalan sa isyu sa shabu laboratory," Macias told the court.

Macias admitted that one time Mutuc told him that he was dismayed over the failure of the PDEA to give him his share of the money. He also said Mutuc told him and he is willing to make the revelation once he is invited by the court.

But Mutuc failed to attend yesterday's hearing. Dalawampu asked the court to provide security for Mutuc but Mandaue City Regional Trial Court Judge Marilyn Lagura Yap said that she wants a formal motion from Dalawampu and Fernandez.

The next hearing is scheduled on March 12.

Wa pay hold-departure order vs. Jastiva

Magpaabot pa ang Bureau of Immigration and Deportation-7 og kamandoan gikan sa korte una mosanong aron moisyu og hold-departure order batok kang Pastor Leonardo Jastiva nga makagawas sa nasud.

Tomas to get back his job

CEBU City Mayor Tomas Osmeña will assume full power as mayor when he comes home for a three-week vacation on March 8.

Durano tells POEA: Revoke firm license 

Cebu fifth district Representative Ramon "Red" Durano questioned the move of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to lift the suspension of "Be Glad Recruitment Agency," the agency that illegally sent workers to Trinidad and Tobago.

Filipinos warned on illegal recruitment

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has warned Filipinos against recruiters who promise them quick entry to United Kingdom, using student visas.

5,500 OFWs lose jobs—Arroyo

Some 5,500 Filipino overseas workers have lost their jobs abroad and returned home over the past four months, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Thursday.

100 Lapu workers cry foul over salaries

A hundred workers from a real estate company in Cebu complained that they were not given two-months' worth of salaries after their contractor reportedly abandoned them.

OFW layoffs in Taiwan ceased in February

The massive firing of Filipino workers in Taiwan has stopped, at least for the month of hearts.

OFW deployment up by 25% in January

The deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) rose by 25 percent in January 2009 as compared to the same month last year, data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) showed.

Palompon seeking probe into ownership

Residents of Palompon, Leyte will lobby the House of Representatives to include in its ongoing investigation into the Legacy Group of Companies the ownership claim of Legacy president Celso delos Angeles over Kalanggaman Island.

Palompon: Staff to stay in Kalanggaman

THE mayor of Palompon, Leyte has issued an order deputizing fish wardens, police and staff from an Ecological Group to stay in Kalanggaman Island, which the municipality has taken back.

BSP sues Legacy founder, others

The central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), has filed a complaint of syndicated "estafa" [swindling] and economic sabotage against Legacy Group founder Celso de los Angeles Jr. and several others in the group, saying they had defrauded investors of more than P1 billion.

Appearance of Filipino vets not required

For all Filipino World War II Veterans applying to receive their benefit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the U.S. Embassy is actively working to implement quickly this new law to ensure eli-gible veterans receive their rightful benefits as soon as possible.

Tax exemptions only from mid-2008

Government lawyers asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the petition filed by Senators Francis Escudero and Manuel Roxas II, and other petitioners, asking for a full year's tax exemption for minimum wage earners.

Comelec: Possible partial poll automation

FAILURE TO implement the supplemental budget by early April would force the conduct of partial poll automation in next year's general elections.

Melo skeptical on passage of poll budget

Commission on Elections chairman Jose Melo was less optimistic Congress could pass the P11.3 poll automation supplemental budget before it goes on a month-long recess starting next week.

Pacman appeals for clean 2010 polls

People's Champion Manny Pacquiao on Thursday has made a surprising appeal regarding the coming 2010 national and local elections.

Comelec: OFWs Rehistro bago mag-abroad

Pinayuhan ng Commission on Elections (Co melec) ang mga OFWs na magparehisto muna bago umalis ng bansa kung saan ang mga ito ay kabilang sa mga Overseas Absentee Voters (OAV).

Soldier shoots 3 comrades dead

An Army soldier who apparently went berserk due to personal problems shot dead three of his comrades and wounded another officer late Wednesday night at their barracks in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, a spokesman reported yesterday.

Murder filed vs soldier in death of cops

Multiple charges were formally filed against the soldier who shot dead two cops and critically wounded a jeepney driver at the Bonifacio Monument Circle in Caloocan City Tuesday night.

De la Paz humirit ng 'discount'

Humihingi ngayon ng "discount" si Philippine National Police (PNP) retired comptroller director Eliseo dela Paz sa mga Russian authorities para babaan ang singil sa "bank fees" kaugnay sa pag-transfer ng ipinapabalik sa kanyang Euro money dito sa Pilipinas.

US arrests Garcias over cash smuggling

US authorities on Wednesday arrested the two sons of former Armed Forces comptroller retired Gen. Carlos Garcia following an indictment by a federal grand jury in San Francisco.

Pinay sugatan sa crash sa Amsterdam

Isang Pinay ang ini ulat na kabilang sa mga pa saherong nakaligtas at nasugatan sa bumagsak na eroplano ng Turkish Airlines na ikinasawi ng 9 katao at pagkasugat ng mahigit 80 iba pa sa Ams­terdam, Netherlands ka hapon.

UN taking up case of Filipina girl in Japan

United Nations human rights experts are looking into the case of a 13-year-old Filipina girl in Japan who is on the verge of being separated from her parents, a Japanese official said yesterday.  

Japan has received an "emergency inquiry" from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights into the case of Noriko Calderon, whose parents face deportation, the foreign ministry official said, asking not to be named.

The family's temporary permission to stay in Japan expires today.

Ms. Calderon was born in Japan and is expected to be allowed to stay to finish her studies. She has repeatedly asked the Justice Ministry to rescind an order for her Philippine parents to be deported with or without their only daughter.

The couple entered Japan in the early 1990s with illegal passports and stayed in the country undetected until two years ago when her mother was arrested. Last September, the Supreme Court rejected their appeal to stay.

Ms. Calderon has grown up speaking only Japanese and is attending local schools.

"I would choose neither to leave the country with my parents nor to stay here alone," she told reporters yesterday.

"I don't want to be separated from my parents. If I go to the Philippines, I would not be able to continue my education."

The family's lawyer said that if the girl went to the Philippines she would have to start primary school again due to language difficulties.

The parents must report to the immigration authorities today and the father, or both, may be detained "as a leverage to press the family to leave the country," suggested the lawyer, Shogo Watanabe.

Visa waiver for Pinoys entering CNMI, Guam 

A Guam senator is pushing for the inclusion of citizens from the Philippines to the list of those who will be allowed to enter Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) for tourism purposes without a US visa by June 1.

Arroyo may veto bill v. media freedom

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has threatened to veto a controversial bill that is perceived to impinge on media freedom.

'Media should regulate selves'--CHR

The controversial right of reply bill pending could be an "undue intrusion" into the rights of media, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson Leila de Lima said on Thursday.

Legarda backs off right of reply bill

Senator Loren Legarda has withdrawn her support for the right of reply bill in the Senate, becoming the third member of the chamber to do so.

PNP backs media v. Right of Reply Bill

Journalists opposing the passage of the Right of Reply Bill at the House of Representatives on Thursday found an ally in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

US jobless claims climb to 667,000

New US jobless claims surged to 667,000 in the past week, the highest in over 26 years, data showed Thursday in a sign of ongoing labor market stress.

Pacquiao, Hatton tour in Hitman hometown

The first step in the blockbuster showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton takes place when the two popular boxers meet in Manchester, England to promote their May 2 title fight.

Marquez to fight Diaz with Pacman in mind

Juan Manuel Marquez has yet to throw a punch against Juan Diaz but he is already thinking of challenging Manny Pacquiao for a second rematch.

Roach: We can meet JMM in 140 lbs

Boxing coach Freddie Roach sees no problem about his prized student Manny Pacquiao squaring it off again with Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time.

It's final, basketball out of Laos SEAGames

Take out one sure gold medal for Team RP in the SEA Games.

Council OKs salaries of drama talents

The Cebu City Council has appropriated P570,000 for the salaries of the 13 drama talents hired by the city to help in the fight against drug addiction in the barangays.

Slumdog actors return to heroes' welcome

The child stars of the Oscar-winning "Slumdog Millionaire" return to India to a heroes' welcome.

Tagum City rewards ligation, vasectomy

The city government of Tagum in Davao del Norte has a new and unique way of controlling its population: a P500 'reward' for every man or woman who undergoes tubal ligation or vasectomy.

February 26, 2009 Major News Stories

Seaoil to cut diesel prices by P3/L

Independent oil firm Seaoil Philippines on Wednesday said it would reduce its diesel prices by P3 per liter due to the falling diesel prices in the world market.

Napocor to hike Visayas electricity in March 

Electricity cooperatives in Leyte were dismayed by a report that the National Power Corporation (Napocor) will be increasing power rates in the Visayas in March.  Napocor power rates are reportedly set to increase by P0.46 per kilowatt hour in Luzon, P1.14 in Visayas, and P0.71 in Mindanao. The company, which has been filing for power rate increases since 2005 to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), was reportedly seeking an increase to recover the fuel and generation costs of its independent power producers (IPP). 

Local privately-held firms to hike wages 

Majority of privately-held companies in the Philippines are set to hike employees" wages this year, a poll undertaken by global group of accounting and consulting companies said.  Approximately 76 percent of privately-held businesses (PHB) are seen to raise salaries at the rate of inflation or higher, a Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) said.  While 12 percent of businesses plan to keep salaries at current levels, two percent said that they may even reduce wages this year.

Sacked furniture firm workers stage picket

Terminated workers of the Mehitabel Furniture, Inc. staged a picket at the firm's Plant I in barangay Lahug as its labor union continues to decry management's illegal termination and union busting.

DepEd warns against tuition hikes

The Department of Education (DepEd) has warned private schools against increasing tuition for the coming school year.

Leyte town loses island to Legacy

A town in Leyte has become the latest entity to go after Celso de los Angeles and his failed Legacy Group of 12 rural banks and three pre-need companies, and this time the complaint is not about questionable financial dealings but alleged outright land-grabbing.

SEC files complaint vs Legacy, officials

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has formally filed a complaint at the justice department against Celso G. de los Angeles Jr., the founder of the bankrupt Legacy Group of financial firms, for violating the Securities Regulatios Code.

Top 10 Master Marines

A total of 2,032 out of 3,924 passed the written phase of the Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination for the various ranks, the Professional Regulation Commission on Wednesday announced.  Following are the examinees who garnered the 10 highest places in the Master Marine Licensure Examination (written phase).

1. Ramil Manaog Ladlad, Philippine Merchant Marine School–Manila -- 87.90%

2. Allen Jamila Balaba, Capitol University (Cagayan Capitol Coll.) -- 87.60%

3. Danny Mahinay Bautro, University of Cebu -- 85.90%

4. Bernard Cabrera Caoile, Philippine Merchant Marine School–Las Piñas -- 85.00%

5. Victorino Laroya Yabut, Philippine Maritime Institute–Manila -- 83.50%

6. Leon Flores Gaytano, Philippine Merchant Marine School–Las Piñas -- 83.10%

7. Clive Alcover Abala, University of Cebu -- 83.00%

8. Rex Baquial Sagaral, Philippine Maritime Institute-Bohol -- 82.80%

9. Valentin Hernandez Bolaños, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy -- 82.50%

10. Alexander Limosnero Calamba, Mats College ofTechnology -- 82.10%

Top 10 Chief Mates

Following are the examinees who garnered the 10 highest places in the Chief Mate Licensure Examination (written phase):

WWII vet dies one day before interview

A Filipino World War II (WWII) veteran set to be interviewed by personnel of US veterans affairs department Thursday died Wednesday, highlighting the disappointment of hundreds of families of deceased veterans.

Baquerfo, found guilty of malversation

While Rogelio Baquerfo Jr. is struggling to occupy the mayoralty post in Tudela town, he is facing another dilemma after having been convicted by the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division of malversation of public funds.

Ex-mayor sued for water pilferage

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District has filed a criminal complaint for alleged water pilferage against former Compostela mayor and broadcaster Gilbert Wagas before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office.

PRO-7 sets random drug test next week

Officials of the Police Regional Office-7 will be going around the police stations starting next week to make inspections and to start the random drug tests among PNP personnel.

Ramos hits Arroyo for missing EDSA rites

Former president Fidel Ramos criticized President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for snubbing the 23rd anniversary of the People Power, saying that "value and respect" was important for such an affair.

Palace: Don't infringe on press freedom

Malacañang cautioned lawmakers against impinging upon the freedoms of expression and of the press should Congress decide to pass the controversial right of reply bill.

Pimentel mulls changes to right to reply 

In a small concession to journalists, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, principal sponsor of the right to reply bill, proposed a possible amendment to the legislation, particularly, imposing fines on journalists who violate the right to reply policy instead of jailing them.

At least 18 dead in Bukidnon clashes

An ongoing military offensive against communist rebels in hinterland villages of Quezon town in Bukidnon province has so far killed 13 rebels and five soldiers, including a junior officer.

DND: Danilo Lim can run in 2010 polls

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. sees no problem with former Scout Ranger chief Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim running in the 2010 elections despite his alleged attempt to overthrow the Arroyo government three years ago.

200 Filipinos report abuse in Kuwait

About 200 Filipinos have sought shelter at the Philippine labor office in Kuwait alleging abuse by their employers and are awaiting repatriation, an official said Wednesday.

7 OFWs in Maldives jail need help 

Seven Filipino workers are languishing in jail in Maldives Republic and need the necessary legal assistance from the Philippine Embassy in Bangladesh to ensure their safety and security, Migrante International"s chapter in the Middle East said.

We'll pay fine for OFWs in Nigeria theft

The ship owner and the crewing firm of the 13 Filipino seamen sentenced in Nigeria to five years in prison or a fine of $84,500 promised to pay the penalty so they could be freed and repatriated back to the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

Filipinos No. 2 legal migrants in US

Filipinos make up the second largest group of legal migrants to the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a report released Wednesday.  The report came out a day after the DHS also said Filipinos made up the fourth largest group of unauthorized migrants to the US.

In its report, the DHS said that of the estimated 12.78 million legal permanent residents (LPRs) in the US on January 1, 2007, some 570,000 are Filipinos.

Again, as in the data on unauthorized migrants to the US, Mexicans made up the most number of LPRs at 3.47 million or 27 percent.

Asian units gain, peso hits P47.98:$1

Most Asian currencies rose Wednesday as regional equities rose after Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke eased concerns over US banks, saying they should be able to weather the global downturn without being nationalized.

Turkish plane crash-lands in Amsterdam

At least nine people were killed and more than 80 injured when a Turkish Airways plane broke in three as it crash-landed at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on Wednesday.

14th ASEAN summit kicks off in Thai town

The 14th ASEAN Summit kicks Thursday in the Thai coastal town of Cha-Am in Petchaburi province with regional integration, the global financial crisis, human rights, food and energy security, labor and trade issues expected to dominate discussions.

Pacman relinquishes WBC lightweight title

No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao has decided to relinquish the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight title he won from Chicago's David Diaz, saying that he won't be fighting at the 135-pound division anymore.

Manny KOs Hatton earlier than Mayweather

Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach said Ricky Hatton's vaunted body punch will be practically useless against Manny Pacquiao once they meet face to face on May 2.

Hatton in good hands, says Schaefer

Golden Boy Promotions president Richard Schaefer said he is confident Floyd Mayweather Sr. could whip up Ricky Hatton in top fighting form when the Hitman faces Manny Pacquiao on May 2.

City shows premier facility

DUMAGUETE City proclaimed it is all set to host the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVRAA) during the launching Tuesday afternoon at the Mariano Perdices Coliseum Complex.

Basketball great Barkley sentenced to jail

Former NBA great Charles Barkley will serve a drunken driving sentence at an Arizona jail where inmates live in tents and are forced to wear pink underwear, officials said on Tuesday.

Aguilar, Hanopol sue execs over royalties

Music icons Freddie Aguilar, Mike Hanopol, and Charo Unite filed several counts of estafa charges against publishing heavyweight Bayanihan Music Inc. (BAMI) for allegedly failing to pay their royalties for over 10 years.

Abunda friends slam Belo

Media colleagues of TV personality Boy Abunda have slammed aesthetic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo over her televised remarks last Sunday.

Cebuano midaog sa 6/49 lotto

Sugboanon multi-millionaire kay makigbahin sa P347,836, 903.20 milyones nga premyo sa 6/49 lotto jackpot niadtong Domingo sa gabii nga may kombinasyong 06-34-20-26-12-33.

Schwarzenegger to play himself w/ Stallone 

Art will imitate life when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger spends a few hours playing himself later this year in a movie by Sylvester Stallone.

Flossing more important than brushing

Make flossing your daily habit. Studies show that flossing is more important than brushing, according to Philippine Dental Health Association President Dr. Leo Gerald de Castro.

Summer's here and it'll be hotter 

It's official: Summer is here.  PAGASA weather bureau chief Nathaniel Cruz said the northeast monsoon has ended, "which means summer has started."

The northeast monsoon, or "Amihan," is the mass of cold air blowing into the country starting October and lasting usually until March.

Once the northeast monsoon stops blowing, warm air from the Philippine Sea and the PacificOcean will start to come in, signaling the start of the dry season or summer.

Cruz said the termination of the northeast monsoon came "slightly earlier" than usual. "This early arrival means we will have a longer dry season. In turn, this means it will be hotter than usual."