June 29, 2009 Major News Stories

Chevron, Seaoil cut pump prices

Oil firms Chevron Corp. and Seaoil Philippines announced on Sunday that that would reduce pump prices effective Monday.  At 12:01 a.m., Seaoil will slash gasoline prices be P1.25 per liter, disesel by P1 per liter, and kerosene by 75 centavos per liter.

At 6 a.m., Chevron will cut its E10 and regular gasoline prices by P1.25 per liter, diesel by P0.50 per liter, and kerosene by 75 centavos per liter, said the company's communications manager, Toby Nebrida.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines led the rollback last Saturday, as it cut prices of gasoline and diesel by P1.25 and P1 per liter, respectively.

DOH tells UCLM: Resume class

THE Department of Health (DOH) 7 yesterday gave the go-signal for the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) campus to resume classes today, even after 12 nautical students tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1) over the weekend.

House reopens, anti-H1N1 measures set

Over 3,000 employees of the House of the Representatives will troop back to work on Monday with House Speaker Prospero Nograles giving his assurance that the Batasan Pambansa had been thoroughly cleaned and more stringent measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

House has 3 new positive cases of A(H1N1)

Three more positive cases of influenza A(H1N1) have been confirmed at the House of Representatives, bringing the total confirmed cases to six.

2 soldiers with H1N1 recovering

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported on Sunday its first two cases of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus among its 120,000-strong force, just as health officials began easing up on control measures against the mild flu strain, a spokesman said.

10 with H1N1 flu in N. Mindanao fully cured

The Department of Health confirmed 10 cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in Northern Mindanao but said that all of the patients had fully recovered as of Saturday.

DOH says 'not lax' as guidelines relaxed 

The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday clarified that they are not becoming lax in their fight against the influenza A (H1N1) virus, after revising response rules against the illness.  Among these major changes are that only patients with sensitive conditions will be given medicine against A (H1N1), and not all confirmed A (H1N1) cases.

Not all patients would also be admitted to hospitals for quarantine, and mild cases will be for home care only.

In order to be admitted to hospitals for confinement and isolation, patients would have to have manifestations of respiratory difficulty, progressively acute illness, and other indications that they belong to "risk groups," or patients at a larger risk when they contract the virus.

Also, only selected patients passing certain criteria will undergo swab testing for the virus, as well as for laboratory diagnosis.

Travelers arriving from countries with confirmed A (H1N1) cases would no longer be required to go on a ten-day self-quarantine anymore and are instead advised to observe themselves for signs of the illness.

On the other hand, patients will only be cleared by the DOH for travel seven days after the fevers have subsided.

Glo orders QRTs, mobile kits for A(H1N1)

Pres. Arroyo ordered the departments of health (DOH) and agriculture (DA) to organize quick reaction teams and mobile testing facilities to be sent to areas affected by the A(H1N1) virus.

Masses may be suspended if flu worsens 

The Catholic Church is considering suspending Masses should the spread of the A(H1N1) flu virus become worse in the Philippines - as a "last resort." But Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, along with some priests and parishioners, thinks the proposal unnecessary.

Paracetamol for mild H1N1 patients

The Influenza A(H1N1) virus would generally go away with time and paracetamol and a good decongestant could manage the symptoms caused by the virus in persons without chronic illnesses, a health official said.

Boy, 4, latest dengue fatality

A four-year-old boy in barangay Talamban became the latest dengue casualty, bringing the total number of deaths in the city to 11 for the first half of this year.

Groups to lower price of diabetes medicine

Pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis and the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation Inc. (ISDF) has forged a new partnership to lower the prices of anti-diabetes drugs for poor patients.

BFAD recalls Hydroxycut weightloss goods

If you are still in possession of Hydroxycut weight-loss products, stop using them, return them to where you bought them, and demand a refund.

Brownout hits Mandaue, 2 towns

CONSOLACION and Liloan towns and parts of Mandaue City were plunged into darkness last night, while an emergency crew checked power lines to find out why power was cut off.

'Steering trouble' forces vessel to return

A PASSENGER vessel bound for Surigao City had to return to Cebu after it encountered "steering trouble" about two hours after leaving the Cebu City port area at 7 p.m. Saturday.  Passengers of M/V Pilipinas Dumaguete of Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc. complained of the crew's alleged failure to attend to their needs, particularly in providing them food for breakfast and in advising them what to do when the vessel arrived in Cebu City.

CSCST tops marine eng'g exam

Cebu State College of Science and Technology (CSCST) topped in the last board examination for Marine Engineering, getting seven of its examinees listed in the top ten slots with two in the first place, two in the fifth place and one each in the 8th, 9th and 10th.  First placers are CSCST graduates Mark B. Canoy and Ronald S. Saromines, and Marcelino Aliviar of the University of the Visayas, who all got who both get a score of 89.25 percent; second placers with 88.75 percent scores are Richard S. Sorillo of Aklan Polytechnic Institute and Alexander C. Valenzuela of Collegio dela Purisima Concepcion; 3rd, with 88.50 percent score is Jofil A. Malunes of VMA Global College; 4th, 88.25 percent is Arthur I. Anuada Jr. of the University of Cebu; 5th, 88 percent—Vincent A. Bagatua Jr. (CSCST) and Arwin N. Roco II (CSCST); 6th, 87.75 percent—Cyril C. Son (UC); 7th, 87.50 percent Larry R. Almendras (UV); Mark Anthony Blanco (UC).

The 8th placers with 87.25 percent are Venerando M. Mahilum Jr (CSCST) and Allan Roy L. Meneses (Bicol Merchant Marine College); 9th, 87 percent—Carlos B. Pupa (CSCST); Rene Aldrin O. Contreras (Technological Institute of the Philippines); Nexon T. Nicolas (Eastern Visayas State University); Raymundo P. Salazar Jr. (John Lacson Colleges Foundation); Christopher C. Udan of Palompon Institute of Technology.

The 10th placers who garnered 86.75% in the exam are Lermo R. Pepito (CSCST); Joel P. Ang (Misamis Institute of Technology); Bernie R. Banay (John Lacson Colleges Foundation); Roberto M. Barcenas (Mindanao Polytechnic College); Glenn Milloria (Philippine Maritime Institute-Bohol); Sherwin C. San Roque (PMI—Quezon City).

 Meanwhile, a CSCST board examinee for Licensure Examination for Teachers held last April, Maria Carlina Roa, also landed in the topnotchers' list bagging the 9th place in the exam. 

Pedong hopes Teddy will run for mayor

Former Mandaue City Mayor Alfredo "Pedong" Ouano wants his son, Thadeo "Teddy" to run again as city mayor against 6th District Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz and Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Minnie can run despite dual citizenship

The Commission on Elections sees no serious legal impediment should Mayor Tomas Osmeña's elder sister, Minnie, run for public office despite her having dual citizenship.

Osmeña leaving for Texas tonight

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña will leave for the United States tonight for his first quarterly checkup at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Blast rocks Ombudsman office

A powerful bomb exploded at the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) compound in Quezon City early morning Sunday, leaving a three-foot deep crater and damaging the compound's premises, an official said.

Senate to probe PCGG chief on trips

THE SENATE will investigate chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) over numerous foreign travels since 2006 up to the present, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile yesterday said.

Protesters greet Arroyo in HK side trip

Some 300 members of various overseas Filipino groups in Hong Kong picketed the hotel where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her entourage were billeted on Sunday.

Fil-Am accuses military of torturing her

Filipino-American activist Melissa Roxas lived to tell her story of abduction and torture so the whole world will be aware of human rights abuses in the Philippines.

Militants kill 2 soldiers, 7 cops in Basilan

Officials say suspected al-Qaida-linked militants killed seven policemen in a road ambush following the killing of two Army soldiers in a separate attack in the southern Philippines.

Man admits to killing 70-year old woman 

A man in Escalante City has admitted to killing a septuagenarian but has denied sexually molesting the victim.  22-year old Rodel Lamis voluntarily surrendered to authorities Saturday morning. He admitted killing, 70-year old Lily Santillian of Sitio Camayu-ang in Brgy Dian-ay in Escalante City.

Santillians body, police said, was found inside her house Thursday morning, naked. Autopsy result further revealed that she has suffered several hack wounds and vaginal lacerations.

Lamis, a neighbor of Santillian, said he was on his way home Wednesday evening when he saw the 70-year old in front of her house. He said he greeted Santillian. When she did not respond to his greetings, he claimed he felt "eerie" and said he suspected that the 70-year old is a witch.

With his cane cutter he admitted he hacked the old woman. He also said both of them grappled.

The suspect however denied sexually molesting the victim.

Police said they are poised to file rape with homicide charges against the suspect.

Chief Inspector Santiago Rapiz said that it is now up to Lamis to defend himself and prove his innocence. Rapiz also added that they are ruling out a robbery angle. He said there is nothing to rob from the victim as her situation showed her poverty.

Peso worst-performing Asian currency 

The fall of the peso to two-month lows against the US dollar this month has made it the worst-performing currency in Asia over the last six months, and analysts predict a further weakening in the second half.

Workers hang panties as Triumph closes

Members of a workers union said Sunday that they will "hang bras and panties" on the gate and on warehouse fences of their factory in Taguig City on Monday to protest the announcement of the scheduled closure of the factories they have been working in.

Somali pirates free 3 Pinoy crewmembers

Somali pirates have released a Belgian ship, the Pompei, and its European and Filipino crew two months after their capture, the Belgian prime minister said Sunday.

Iran arrests British embassy staff

Iran has arrested eight local British embassy staff, triggering London's fury on Sunday and further exacerbating tensions with the West over the post-election turmoil in the Islamic republic.

Military arrests Honduran president

Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was arrested Sunday by troops who surrounded his home ahead of a controversial constitutional referendum, a top government aide said.

World leaders slam Honduran coup 

International bodies and heads of states condemned Honduran soldiers' arrest of the country's president Sunday, amid rising tension over a controversial referendum.

Venezuela: US behind Honduras coup

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez denounced Sunday's arrest of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya as a "coup d'etat" and alleged that the United States had a hand in his overthrow.

Ginebra reaches finals, beats Rain or Shine

Barangay Ginebra reached the finals anew after beating Rain or Shine, 108-100, in Game 6 of their best-of-seven semifinal series Sunday night in the 2008-09 Motolite-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Kings, Beermen end it in 6, clash in final

Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer finished off Rain or Shine and Burger King in their respective semifinal playoffs last night to rekindle their sibling rivalry, arranging a duel for the Motolite PBA Fiesta Cup crown at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

PBA told: Pay games board P3.4M

The Supreme Court has upheld an appellate court ruling that binds the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to pay the Games and Amusements Board more than P3.4 million as the GAB's share in the professional league's broadcast revenues in 2002.

Shaq looks to play to age 40

Shaquille O'Neal is planning to play in the NBA until he is 40 and planning to wear his old high school and college jersey number, 33, when playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers next season.

Mayweather-Marquez resched for Sept. 19

Floyd Mayweather's return to boxing is back on, although the new date won't make things any easier for him against hard-hitting Juan Manuel Marquez.

7,770 try to dance into world record books

A total of 7,770 Cebuano juveniles attempted to dance their way into the Guinness Book of World Records by holding the largest dance class in the world in the jam-packed Cebu City Sports Center grounds.

Jackson family plan funeral, doc quizzed

Michael Jackson's family were planning funeral arrangements for the tragic pop icon Sunday as reports said police who interviewed the star's doctor for a second time found "no smoking gun."

Jackson family anger mounts

The family of Michael Jackson may seek an independent autopsy, it emerged Saturday amid mounting anger and frustration over the final hours of the tragic pop icon's life.

Underbelly of fame–celebs, docs & drugs

Michael Jackson's death has lifted a veil on the sinister underbelly of fame, with associates of the pop icon hitting out at celebrity-dazzled doctors who funnel powerful narcotics to the stars.

Obama:  Condolences to Jackson family

United States President Barack Obama has sent a written message of condolence to the grieving family of pop icon Michael Jackson, senior advisor David Axelrod said Sunday.

Liz, Paul mourn Jackson's death

The legendary screen icon who crowned Michael Jackson with the royal title "King of Pop" finally broke her silence on the death of the person she said would live in her heart forever.

Lisa Marie: Michael knew how he would die

While mourning the passing of her former husband, Lisa Marie Presley said Michael Jackson had predicted that his death would be similar to that Elvis Presley"s, the legendary "King of Rock and Roll."

In death, Michael Jackson tops charts

Like Elvis before him, Michael Jackson is topping the charts in death as in life.

Jackson kids 'fantastic,' says grandfather

Michael Jackson's three children are in "fantastic" shape at the family's compound in Los Angeles, the musical clan's patriarch Joe Jackson said Saturday.

Transcript of 911 call in Michael's death

Following is a transcript of the emergency call placed from Michael Jackson's Los Angeles mansion at 12:21 p.m. (1921 GMT, 0221 Manila) Thursday.

Operator: Fire and paramedics 33. What is the address of the emergency?

Caller: Yes sir, I need an ambulance as soon as possible, sir.

Operator: OK, sir. What is your address?

Caller: It's 100 North Carolwood Drive, Los Angeles, California, 90077.

Operator: You said Carolwood?

Caller: Carolwood Drive, yes.

Operator: OK, sir. What is the phone number that you're calling from?

Caller: (REDACTED)

Operator: And what exactly happened?

Caller: We have a gentleman here that needs help and he's not breathing yet. He's not breathing and we're trying to pump him but he's not. He's not.

Operator: OK, how old is he?

Caller: He's 50 years old, sir.

Operator: 50? OK, he's not breathing? Not conscious.

Caller: No, he's not breathing. He's not conscious sir.

Operator: Do you have him on the floor? Where's he at right now?

Caller: He's on the bed sir. He's on the bed. We need them.

Operator: Let's get him on the floor. We're already on the way. I'm going to as much as I can to help you on the phone. We're already on our way. Did anybody see him?

Caller: Yes, we have a personal doctor with him, sir.

Operator: Oh, you have a doctor there?

Caller: Yes, but he's not responding to anything. He's not responding to CPR or anything.

Operator: Oh, OK, we're on our way there. If your guy is doing CPR and you're instructed by a doctor, he's a higher authority than me. And he's there on scene. Did anybody witness what happened?

Caller: No, just the doctor, sir. The doctor has been the only one there.

Operator: OK, so the doctor saw what happened?

Caller: Doctor, did you see what happened, sir?

(Someone spoke in the background but the words were not intelligible.)

Caller: Sir, if you can please.

Operator: We're on our way. I'm just passing these questions on to my paramedics while they're on the way there, sir.

Caller: Thank you sir. He's pumping his chest but he's not responding to anything. Please.

Operator: OK, OK. We're on our way. We're less than a mile away from Cedars and we'll be there shortly.

Farrah Fawcett funeral set for Tuesday 

A private funeral for actress Farrah Fawcett will be held at the Catholic cathedral of Los Angeles next Tuesday, church officials said on Friday.

Diether Ocampo rushed to hospital in US

Diether Ocampo was rushed to a hospital in the United States after suffering a seizure while rehearsing for a show, a statement from Star Magic said.

Big spender Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp left a $4,000 tip at a Chicago restaurant. The 46-year-old actor was celebrating a red carpet screening of his new movie "Public Enemies" with a group of friends - including his co-star Marion Cotillard and the film's director Michael Mann - at Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse when he left the mammoth gratuity.