May 6, 2009 Major News Stories

3 travellers 'quarantined'

A MAN who was detected with fever at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, his wife and another traveler are now at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) as a precautionary measure against the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in Cebu.

School opening sa June 1 di iaatras

Hindi iaatras ng Department of Education (DepEd) ang nakatakdang pagbu  bukas ng klase sa Hunyo 1 dahil sa banta ng "swine flu virus".

Dynamited fish downs family in Lapu-Lapu

A FAMILY of six in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City was rushed to the hospital yesterday due to food poisoning after they ate fish caught through dynamite fishing.  The Sanchez family was downed after eating a kilo of fish locally called "bawodnon" or "bulinao."  The victims reportedly had it and half a kilo of "budboron" cooked for lunch the other day.

Petron joins Shell in slashing LPG prices

Major oil player Petron Corp. on Tuesday said it will roll back the prices of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products on Wednesday.  Petron public affairs officer Rafael Ledesma said the P0.40 per kilogram reduction on Fiesta Gas and Petron Gasul would be effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

Total cut LPG prices

Total Petroleum will implement similar P0.40/kilogram cuts in the prices of their liquefied petroleum gas products effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

Shell questions court order to open books 

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, one of the three biggest oil companies in the country, has questioned the validity of a court order directing them to open their books for government auditing.

2,052 pass midwife licensure exams

A total of 2,052 out of 3,716 passed the Midwife Licensure Examination given by the Board of Midwifery in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Legazpi, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga last April 2009, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Tuesday.

Aznars get chance at settling conflict

THE meeting among members of the Aznar family failed to resolve the conflict over who among them should manage the family-owned Southwestern University (SWU).

BI officials to sue secretary

IF reports are true that her detail at the Bureau of Immigration (BI)-Cebu had been recalled, Assistant Cebu City Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro sees no need to go to Manila to explain herself to Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez.  This, as Castro's deadline to explain her failure to report to Gonzalez at the head office ends today.

Madarang to go after Castro's secretary 

After succeeding in having assistant Cebu City Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro recalled from the Bureau of Immigration, acting immigration regional director Casimiro Madarang III said that the private secretary of the controversial lady prosecutor will be next in line.  Madarang said he will also move for the ouster of Norme Mante, a confidential agent of the BI assigned in Caloocan City, but is reporting in Cebu as Castro's private secretary. 

Madarang questioned Mante's presence in Cebu, because she is not assigned here and is allegedly acting as fixer.

Mante used to be assigned in Cebu but the BI officials here lobbied for the non renewal of her contract because of several complaints.

Kalunasan officer 'fled' with P300T funds

BARANGAY Kalunasan officials will file a graft case against one of their officers after she allegedly took some P300,000 from the barangay's waterworks system and funds for the salaries of some workers.  Kalunasan Barangay Captain Edelito Mabano confirmed yesterday that their officer(name withheld pending the filing of charges) has been absent without official leave (Awol) since last week of March, and did not turn over a certain amount of barangay funds.

DPWH employee charged with falsification

A retired employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways was charged with falsification of public documents before the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City for tampering with a trip ticket nine years ago.  The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas filed the case yesterday against Antonio Cimafranca, a retired auto equipment inspector of the DPWH-7, after finding probable cause for violation of Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.

Cimafranca, who retired in 2005, was previously found guilty of the administrative case resolved by the DPWH and was meted the penalty of reprimand, a one-week suspension and a warning that the commission of the same offense will be dealt with more severely.

Joavan witness: Soc offered money, work

The father of one of the men allegedly beaten by Joavan Fernandez, the adopted son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, and his friends, testified that the other complainants who executed an affidavit of desistance were summoned by the mayor and given money and a job with the Talisay City government.  Oscar Abellana is the father of Osbert, who, along with his cousin Winston Abellana, was allegedly mauled by Joavan and five of his friends last October after a car sent for repairs to their vulcanizing shop by the mayor was found missing a spare tire.

Oscar said he heard from the 10-year-old daughter of Merceditha Abellana, Winston's mother and Oscar's sister-in-law, that she went to the office of Mayor Fernandez together with Jimmy Abellana to get money.

Kudarat town councilor survives ambush

A former journalist-turned-politician has survived an assassination attempt in Sultan Kudarat Monday night, police and the military here said.  Councilor Gil Batilo of Sen. Ninoy Aquino town, sustained injuries on his legs but managed to maneuver his motorbike to safety.

Monggao said the ambush occurred at about 7 p.m. Monday while Batilo was on his way home from the town center where a political rally was being held.

Batilo told police investigators that the group of Mayor Rafael Flauta has accused him of siding with his political rival, Dante Manga-an.

Manga-an was to assume the mayoral position after the Commission on Elections declared him to have won the recent local elections.

P25M to reward tipsters on political killings 

President Arroyo announced yesterday the establishment of a P25-million fund to pay informants in a bid to end the wave of political killings in the country.

Dehydrated Lozada rushed to hospital

Whistle-blower Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada, who has been detained for a week at a cell in the Manila Police District headquarters, was rushed to a nearby hospital after suffering from dehydration and a drop in his oxygen level, his family and supporters said early Wednesday.

Palasyo nag-alay ng misa para kay Cory

Isang Misa ang inialay ng Malacanang para sa mabilis na recovery ni dating Pangulong Cora zon Aquino matapos itong sumailalim sa surgery para sa kanyang colon cancer.

'Impeach Gutierrez' inaprub ng House

Inaprubahan kahapon ng House Committee on Justice ang pagsusulong ng impeachment complaint laban kay Ombudsman Merceditas Gutier rez dahil sa pagiging "sufficient in form" nito.

Alcoy declares Germans persona non grata

Two German nationals have been declared by the Alcoy Municipal Council as persona non grata for allegedly being "arrogant, annoying, unpleasant and rude" to several residents of sitio Cancaya, barangay Poblacion in the said town.  The municipal council had passed a resolution declaring Thomas Hudak and Wolfgang Muller undesirable aliens for "displaying unpleasant attitude to local residents".

Townsfolk claimed that the two foreigners shouted at the children and even called their parents "stupid shit", according to the report of the council committee on laws.

However, Mayor Nicomedes de los Santos said that it would be improper to declare the two German nationals as undesirable aliens. He believes that the offense allegedly committed by the duo is "not that grave" to declare them undesirable.

50 Talamban families to get relocation

FIFTY families of the 120 residents of sitio Kalubihan, barangay Talamban whose houses were demolished last month will be accommodated in relocation sites in barangays Apas and San Jose, the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor said yesterday.

Food program benefits 3M school kids 

The National Food Authority has supplied a total of 5.1 million bags of rice worth P5.2 billion for the Food for School Program in the last five years in support to the government's drive against malnutrition among schoolchildren.

P3 million for Bogo hospital upgrading

The Severo Verallo Memorial District Hospital in Bogo, Cebu shall receive P3 million worth of funds for facility upgrading from the Department of Health Center for Health Development.

Search for Cebuano success stories on

The Philippine Foundation, Inc. is looking for Cebuano success stories that would serve as inspiration for the public.  This is part of the activities done by the group together with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce, Inc. for their year-long program called People Enhancing Opportunities, Propelling Leadership Excellence.

Dr. Mila Espina, one of the chairpersons of PEOPLE, said that they are looking for stories of undiscovered role models in the industry and academe.

According to Espina, the people they are looking for would not mean from the elite and "class A" families but that even those who are in small entrepreneurial businesses but have helped augment the income of their families would make it to the search such as vendors who were able to send their children to college even with a meager income.

Birhen sa Simala mobisita sa Talisay

Ang Imahen sa Birhen sa Lindogon, barangay Simala, lungsod sa Sibonga mobisita sa parokya ni San Isidro Labrador sa barangay San Isidro, dakbayan sa Talisay karong Mayo 8-10, 2009.

RVAT 2008 collection hits P121 billion

Revenues from the controversial reformed value added tax (RVAT) exceeded the P100-billion mark to hit P121.138 billion in 2008, latest data from the Department of Finance (DOF) showed.

Local tourism stalled by cheap int'l fares

Very cheap airfares to international destinations are cutting into domestic tourism which may result in lower tourism revenues for the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said yesterday.

Friday is nat'l. day for Manny

MALACAÑANG has declared May 8 a national day of celebration to honor boxing champion Manny "Pacman" Pac-quiao, whose May 3 demolition of Ricky Hatton has elevated him to the ranks of the world's greatest punchers.

'Nat'l day of celebration' hindi holiday

Nilinaw kahapon ng Malacañang na ang idi neklarang "national day of celebration" sa Biyernes para sa pagwawagi ni pound for pound boxing champion Manny Pac­quiao ay isang "working holiday".

Roach rates Manny performance a '10'

Freddie Roach couldn't have asked for anything more from his prized pupil, Manny Pacquiao.

Pacman knew left hook key to victory

It was Manny Pacquiao himself who insisted on working on the left hook that sent Ricky Hatton down and out last Saturday at the MGM Grand.

Proud moment for Batista

It took over two years for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar Batista to meet Manny Pacquiao and marching with the Filipino icon to the ring for the Ricky Hatton fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here Saturday night was "a dream come true."

Villar's mom bats for his bid on 'Wowowee'

Sen. Manny Villar's mother made an unexpected appearance in one of the country's most popular noontime variety shows yesterday and inadvertently campaigned for her son, who is among those expected to run for president in 2010.  Wowowee host Willie Revillame, after introducing "Nanay Curing" during the program's Willie of Fortune segment, asked her who she would vote for, without referring to a specific elective position.

"Of course my son," replied Villar's 85-year-old mother, who appeared in one of his political advertisements in the past.

Pacquiao party more poll spending 

Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao's local party will enable him to consolidate and expand his political influence as it will allow him to spend more in the elections and field and fund other candidates, a Commission on Election (Comelec) official said Tuesday.

Martin nag-sorry sa Lupang Hinirang

Humingi ng pauman hin kahapon ang singer na si Martin Nievera sa pub­ liko kaugnay sa pag kanta niya ng sariling bersiyon ng Lupang Hini rang sa laban ni Manny Pacquiao kay Ricky Hatton sa Las Ve gas, Nevada noong Linggo na inulan ng bati kos.

Martin faces House probe over anthem

For his "incorrect" rendition of the national anthem at the start of the Pacquiao-Hatton fight, singer Martin Nievera may have to be called to an investigation to be conducted by the House of Representatives.  Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño complained that Nievera sang the Lupang Hinirang "in a manner not in keeping with the original arrangement of its composer Julian Felipe."

He said the singer sang the anthem as if it were a ballad.

"Mr. Nievera is not the first artist who has sang the national anthem in a different style and tempo. As in the past, such non-traditional renditions elicit much debate among policymakers and the public at large as to the proper way of singing the Lupang Hinirang and whether artists have the license to deviate from tradition," he said.

Casiño noted that the artists who have deviated from the traditional rendition of the anthem on different occasions include Charice Pempengco and Jennifer Bautista, as against Karylle, Kayla and Ciara Sotto who had traditional interpretations.

Casiño said officials of the National Historical Institute have accused Nievera and his arranger of violating Section 37, Chapter II of Republic Act 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

The section provides: "The rendition of the national anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe."

The law imposes a fine of P5,000 to P20,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both, upon the discretion of the court.

"The law notwithstanding, society also recognizes the artists' right to free expression and to interpret the national anthem or depict the Philippine flag as they see fit, provided that such national symbols are revered and not desecrated," Casiño said.

Casiño urged a review of the law in the light of Nievera's interpretation of the national anthem.

Casiño said a review of RA 8491 is "appropriate, whether they (guidelines) should be relaxed or strengthened given the realities on the ground."

Nievera, however, found an ally in Malacañang and a fellow artist.

Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Nievera sang "in good faith."

"He (Nievera) is an artist and so we should not be rash in our judgments," Bello said. "In the first place, he sang the best way he could and we requested him to sing and he sang in good faith."

Bello said 50 singers could render different versions of a song.

"Unless the NHI fells strongly about it, maybe we should accept Martin Nievera as the lucky charm of Manny Pacquiao, that's why he won in two rounds instead of 12," he said.

Bello said the public must be "more progressive in our considerations."

Singer-activist Leah Navarro also agreed with Nievera's rendition of the country's anthem.

"I do not care how people sing it, whether it's rap or out of tune for as long as they know how to sing it. That is, has sense of self," she said.

What is important, Navarro stressed, are the lyrics of the song which was "sung from the heart, how the singer conveys the message to the audience."

"What is important is upholding the value of the Filipino citizen," she said.

Navarro said critics are making a big issue of Nievera's rendition of the national anthem.

She said gospel music could also be sung in different ways.

Korina going on leave soon

Any day, Korina Sanchez will file an indefinite leave from ABS-CBN as co-anchor of the station's late-night newscast Bandila and of Ted Failon's on the dzMM program Tambalang Failon at Sanchez.  "She's just waiting for Ted to go back to work maybe early next month," said Funfare'sBohol Avenue DPA (Korina remains mum on moves, whether in her work or her private life). The NBI has just dismissed the "obstruction of justice" case against Ted and members of his household in connection with the death of his wife Trina which was confirmed to be a suicide.

"Right now," added the DPA, "Korina is preparing for her and Sen. Mar Roxas' wedding. "Korina wants their wedding to be truly memorable so she's personally attending to every detail. After all, sabi niya, 'I'm hoping to get married only once in my lifetime'."

And, it must be presumed, so does Mar who, like Korina, is not saying when and where the wedding will be.

But it might be sooner than expected — "Definitely before Christmas," said the DPA.

Emong enters as Dante exits, 25 casualties

A NEW tropical cyclone is expected to make landfall on Friday at the latest, as parts of Region 5 (Bicol) are still recovering from the effects of tropical storm Dante.

George Burns  - "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city."