September 10, 2009 Major News Stories

Probe panel on SuperFerry sinking formed

The Philippine Coast Guard created Wednesday an investigating panel to look into the sinking of the SuperFerry 9, which claimed the lives of at least 10 passengers.

DOTC warns Aboitiz vs selling SuperFerry tickets

With a suspension order in effect on its fleet following Sunday"s SuperFerry 9 tragedy, Aboitiz Transport Systems was warned Wednesday against continuing to sell tickets.

Aboitiz selling tickets despite sanction

Cebu-based shipping company Aboitiz Transport System Corp. continues to sell tickets to passengers, defying a government sanction following Sunday's sinking of its SuperFerry 9.

Aboitiz sanction concerns Cebu traders

Business leaders in Cebu have raised concern over a shortage in inter-island cargo shipping facility with the decision of the government to suspend the operations of the Aboitiz Transport System (ATS) fleet of vessels.

Navy ends SuperFerry 9 rescue operations

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Navy has ended its rescue mission in the waters off Zamboanga del Norte, leaving the Philippine Coast Guard to oversee operations to contain oil leaking from the M/V SuperFerry 9 that sank on Sunday.

No exemptions yet for Ramadan holiday—Palace

No industry will be exempted from the September 21 holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, according to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

ILO asked: Probe rights at export zones

The high-level mission of the International Labour Organisation due to arrive on September 22 should investigate violations of the right to unionize at the export zones and industrial estates, Partido ng Manggagawa (Workers' Party) said Wednesday.

RP can expect A(H1N1) vaccines within the year — PHAP

THE COUNTRY can expect the arrival of vaccines against influenza A(H1N1) within the year, according to a major pharmaceutical group.

Nurses can now serve foreign patients via the Internet

by By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio

Nurses who cannot be employed overseas due to lack of working visas can now serve foreign patients through the world's first borderless healthcare knowledge process outsourcing (kpo) here in the country.  The nurses will act as medical butlers who can attend to the needs of patients worldwide through the Internet. He explained that the country will be the hub for its medical services as 50 percent of the work will be done in the Philippines.

799 new licensed medical technologists - PRC

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA - The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Wednesday announced that 799 out of 1404 passed the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Medical Technology in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao this September 2009.  

The successful examinees who garnered the ten (10) highest places are the following:

RANK NAME / SCHOOL / RATING(%)
1 Alvin Rey Fajardo Flores / University of Santo Tomas / 87.50
Judea Marie Bajamunde Policarpio / Manila Central University-Caloocan City / 87.50
2 Tristan Angelo Macasa Calaquian / Angeles University Foundation / 87.10
Oliver Doctolero Pintor / Saint Louis University / 87.10
3 Raymund Joseph Arellano Sorgon / University of San Agustin / 87.00
4 Patricia Bettina Flores Villanueva / University of Santo Tomas / 86.80
5 Margarita Katrina Amor Degillo Tan / University of Perpetual Help System-Laguna / 86.50
6 Garrett Pasco Paltao / Trinity University of Asia (Trinity-QC) / 86.20
7 Florence Amor Galiza Lorenzo / University of Santo Tomas / 85.50
8 Glenn Wilson Yang Ng / University Of Santo Tomas / 85.40
Glenn Nathaniel San Diego Valloso / Manila Central University-Caloocan City / 85.40
9 Darius Ranile Enario / Velez College / 85.30
Eldy Kristine Domingo Mationg / University Of Santo Tomas / 85.30
10 Robina Palanog Cesar / Riverside College / 85.20
Rene II Deocampo Latog / Iloilo Doctors' College / 85.20

2 Pinoys in Spain eye transfer via pact used for Larrañaga

Two Filipinos languishing in Spanish jails might finish serving their terms in the Philippines after they invoked the controversial pact used by convicted rapist-murderer Francisco Juan "Paco" Larrañaga for him to be transferred to the kingdom, the Department of Justice said.  The Filipino convicted felons – a man and woman – are doing time for drug-related cases in the said southwest European country, which ruled the Philippines as a colony for 333 years. 

DFA informs Spain of rape convict's transfer

The Department of Foreign Affairs has formally notified Spain of the Philippine government's decision to allow the transfer of rape convict Francisco "Paco" Larranaga to a Spanish jail under the two countries' convicts tranfer agreement.

Larrañaga transfer to push through despite flak - DOJ chief

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is standing firm on its decision to allow the impending, treaty-backed transfer of rape-slay convict Juan Francisco "Paco" Larrañaga to Spain despite the absence of a public consultation and flak from anti-crime groups.

Garganera: Cuenco will be opposition's candidate for mayor

Tinago barangay councilman Joel Garganera, one of the opposition leaders in Cebu City, confirmed yesterday that south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco will be the opposition's standard bearer in the 2010 elections.

Don't run without support of Tom: Sonny to Georgia

UNLESS Georgia Osmeña can get her brother Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña's support, former Sen. John Henry "Sonny" Osmeña advised his cousin against running for city mayor.

SPC management appeals to workers union to renegotiate sans threat of strike

The management of SPC Power Corporation management is appealing to the employees' union to be "reasonable with their demands" and to return to the negotiating table without having to threaten the company with a notice of strike.

CEDC to use earth-friendly means to produce power

The Cebu Energy Development Corporation will be producing 246 megawatts in 2010 but as early as yesterday, CEDC president Jesus Alcordo assured environmentalists that the company will be using technology that would not harm the environment.

Tom to set up Osmeña Shrine

AS a "last act of an Osmeña (as mayor) in City Hall," Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday announced the setting up of the 10-hectare Osmeña Shrine in Barangay Kalunasan as a memorial park for all religions.

Public invited to Service Fair

In line with the 109th anniversary of Philippine Civil Service, the public are invited to visit a Service Fair at the Banilad Town Center today until tomorrow, September 11.

Comelec hit for leaking SC automation vote

The convener and legal counsel of the Concerned Citizens' Movement on Wednesday scored the Commission on Elections for leaking the Supreme Court's alleged un-promulgated decision upholding the P7.3-billion Smartmatic poll automation deal.

3 solons to ask SC to stop poll automation

Three lawmakers are poised to petition the Supreme Court to stop the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and its poll partner, Smartmatic-TIM Corporation, from using the automated system in the May 2010 general elections.  Administration ally Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia and two other congressmen will file before the Supreme Court (SC) a new petition to stop the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from implementing poll automation in the 2010 elections.

Aquino declares presidential bid

(UPDATE 3) Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III finally broke his silence and announced he would join the 2010 presidential race to continue the work of his famed mother, who played a crucial role in overthrowing dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Aquino vows to go after Marcos wealth

Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Wednesday vowed that as president of the Philippines he would give the public "closure" by recovering stolen wealth controlled by the family of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Noynoy chides "Professor Arroyo" after announcement

Shortly after he announced his presidential bid in next year"s elections, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III slammed his college professor for her alleged unwise use of the country"s resources. That professor happened to be President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Solve Luisita problem to prove mettle, lawmaker asks Noynoy

Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III should scrap an ultimatum set against farmers and farmworkers tilling more than 2,000-hectares of the lands inside his family"s Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac to prove that he could govern, a lawmaker said on Wednesday.

Anakpawis party-list Representative Rafael Mariano said Hacienda Luisita is a "baptism of fire"for the 49-year-old Aquino, who declared his bid for the presidency early Wednesday.

"We challenge him to act on the plight of Luisita farmers and farm workers and scrap the October 30, 2009 ultimatum set by the Luisita management," Mariano said.

Tom cold about support to candidacy of Aquino

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he is cold about throwing his support to Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino because the latter doesn't have a satisfactory performance as legislator.

Mindanao group starts Aquino campaign

A colorful motorcade with streamers saying "We love you Noynoy" and "Noynoy para sa Bagong Pinoy" began here at the historic Magsaysay park in Davao City on Wednesday, minutes after Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III declared his intention to run for president in 2010.

Chances for opposition unity dim—Maceda

Former Ambassador Ernesto Maceda said on Wednesday he saw no way for the anti-administration forces to field a common standard bearer and a unified slate in the 2010 national elections.

Binay says Erap may give way to Noynoy

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA - Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, a close ally of the late President Corazon Aquino, said Wednesday that there is a strong possibility that former President Joseph Estrada will give way to Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's presidential bid in 2010.

Group seeks Aquino-Binay tandem

An official of the multi-sectoral group Movement for Good Governance (MGG) has appealed to the Liberal Party to give declared presidential candidate Senator Benigno "Noynoy Aquino III a free-hand in choosing his running mate for the 2010 elections.

Escudero-Legarda camp: Aquino 'not a threat'

The Nationalist Peoples Coalition (NPC) said Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III was "not at all" a threat to its candidates.

Escudero: Yes to team-up with Estrada

Senator Francis Escudero on Tuesday said he would be open to teaming up with former President Joseph Estrada for the 2010 elections but not to a tandem with Senator Manny Villar in 2010.

Palace to Aquino: Wish you well

The administration coalition Lakas-Kampi-CMD on Wednesday welcomed Senator Benigno "Noynoy'' Aquino III's announcement that he would run for president in May 2010.

Teodoro's political plans unchanged

Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday said the announcement of his cousin Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III will not deter him from pursuing his own presidential bid if he is selected as the Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) standard bearer.

Teodoro-Puno a 'winning' tandem

Amid Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's declaration of running for president in 2010, a Cabinet official on Wednesday said that the possible Gilberto Teodoro-Ronaldo Puno tandem of the ruling coalition would make for a competitive match and even a "winning" team against the opposition's.

Puno: No infighting in Lakas-Kampi merger

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno on Wednesday dismissed speculations that the administration's Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) party is in peril after some of its "original" members contested the merger.

Ombudsman urged to charge 4 Cabinet execs over "infomercials"

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Wednesday urged Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez to file cases against four Cabinet members, including Vice President Noli de Castro, for continuing to air their infomercials which she said is a mask for premature campaigning.

News SALNs release guidelines hit

Leftwing group Kilusang Mayo Uno slammed the Office of the Ombudsman for issuing new rules on the release of statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs), saying it is only meant to protect corrupt public officials.

No government funds in Arroyo foundations, lawyers say

Lawyers of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, on Wednesday released a statement saying none of the foundations that list the First Couple as incorporators or members received funding from the government.

3 dead, 3 missing due to heavy rains

At least three people have been killed while three others were reported missing due to the heavy rains brought about by tropical depression Maring, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said Wednesday.

Government provides P144.8M for displaced persons in Maguindanao

THE GOVERNMENT is planning to spend an estimated P144.8 million to facilitate the return of displaced families in Maguindanao province who were affected by clashes between the military and Moro rebels, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Briton seeks redress for torture in RP jail

Albert Wilson, a British national, was wrongfully sentenced to death for allegedly raping his stepdaughter in 1998, but was acquitted by the Supreme Court in 1999.

Text tax to raise up to P29-B in gov't revenues: Teves

by By Purple S. Romero, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak

MANILA - Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said on Wednesday the newly-approved tax on text messages could bring an additional P25 billion to P29 billion to the national coffers, helping trim the country's swelling budget deficit.

Rep. Suarez: Telcos to suffer P15-B loss from text tax

Ricky Carandang of Business Nightly chats with Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez about the recent resolution passed by the House committee on ways and means to tax text messages. Rep. Suarez said the 3 major mobile phone players are likely to suffer some P15 billion in losses and another P5 billion for monitoring and metering. He added that the text tax will contribute to addressing the widening budget deficit only after about 2 years.

Additional SMS tax not needed, says group

The government can simply reallocate budgets instead of imposing additional taxes on short messaging services (SMS), according to a local consumer group.

World's lightest phone to be launched in RP

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA - The modu phone, recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records as the lightest fully-functional phone in the world, is set to be launched in the Philippines.

Obama's authority on line in Congress speech

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama faces a major leadership test Wednesday in a crucial address to Congress designed to convince Americans to back his battered health care reform plan.

31 dead as record floods deluge Istanbul

ISTANBUL – Record floods left at least 31 people dead and large parts of Istanbul under water on Wednesday as desperate motorists caught in flash floods clambered up trees to save themselves from drowning.

Indonesia's Aceh to stone adulterers

Indonesia's staunchly Muslim Aceh province is set to enforce a strict form of Islamic criminal law, including stoning to death married adulterers, a lawmaker said on Wednesday.

Aquino's GF, kin: 'We're all behind him'

Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's presidential bid got a further boost from no less than his girlfriend, Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad.

Kris, Korina 'reunite'

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA –  After earlier revealing in public on Wednesday that she and popular broadcaster Korina Sanchez were still not on speaking terms, actress-host Kris Aquino announced later in the day that the two of them has reestablished communications with each other and are now "united" again.

'Erap-Ai-Ai movie might be delayed'

by By Ma. Rosanna Mina, abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA – The shooting for "Ang Tanging Pamilya," the Star Cinema movie starring Ai-Ai delas Alas and former president Joseph "Erap" Estrada, will only resume once the rescued 28 Star Cinema crew recover from their sea accident experience, the film director said.

Militant teachers condemn CCP"s Imelda tribute

Members of a militant teachers" organization criticized on Wednesday the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)"s planned gala tribute for former First Lady Imelda Marcos, saying it is an "utter disrespect" for the Filipino people.

Willie speaks up on new jet

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA – "Wowowee" host Willie Revillame said he bought a jet plane because it's a good long-term investment that will benefit his family in the future.

Willie's Lake Tahoe show stopped by US authorities

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA – The "Wowowee" show at the Harrah's and Harvey's Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena in Nevada, United States last September 6 was stopped by the American fire officials, prompting Willie Revillame and his co-hosts to apologize to thousands of people who came to watch them perform, an entertainment show reported Tuesday night.

Samuel Goldwyn  - "I'm willing to admit that I may not always be right, but I am never wrong."