September 29, 2009 Major News Stories

Petron, Shell cut fuel prices by P1

(UPDATE) Major oil firms Petron Corp and Pilipinas Shell announced a reduction in fuel prices starting Monday evening.  Petron said will implement a P1 per liter rollback on gasoline and a P0.50 per liter rollback on diesel starting 10 p.m. Monday, according to spokesperson Virginia Ruivivar.

According to an earlier radio report, Shell will also implement similar price cuts effective 6 p.m. Monday.

Chevron Philippines (formerly Caltex), through its public relations head Toby Nebrida, meanwhile said it will reduce the prices of its Gold, Silver, Silver E10 and regular gasoline by P1 per liter and diesel by P0.50 per liter. The price adjustment will be implemented 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, said Nebrida.

New storms may hit RP: PAGASA

by Agence France-Presse

MANILA - The Philippines could be hit with a new typhoon as it struggles to cope with the worst flooding in more than 40 years, the government's weather forecaster said Monday.

NDCC calls for international assistance

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. on Monday announced that he has called for assistance from the international community in preparation for the possible entry of another weather disturbance.

Cement, steel price caps proposed after 'Ondoy'

The Trade department will be asking Malacañang to include construction materials and other prime commodities under price controls ordered in the wake of the disaster wrought by tropical storm Ondoy.

Rama wants City to prepare for disasters; RDCC on alert

ACTING Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday advised Cebuanos to be prepared for catastrophes and draw up contingency plans as early as now.

NDCC partial list of 'Ondoy' dead, wounded, missing

Below is a partial list of the names of the dead and wounded from tropical storm "Ondoy" based on a list released by the National Disaster Coordinating Council as of 12 noon.  List of identified dead victims (Per Province/City)

Cordillera Autonomous Region: 
Ronnie Bahala, 21, Kabuagao, Apayao [Drowned]

Bulacan: 

Roberto Pacao, 55, Bocaue Bulacan [Drowned]
Angelica Arajo, 5, Bustos, Bulacan [Drowned]
Benjamin Juliano, 31, Bustos, Bulacan [Drowned]
Rodel Casino, 30, Guiguinto, Bulacan [Drowned]
Ramon Demistrosa, Meycauayan, Bulacan [Drowned]
Furtunato Saturnino, Meycauayan, Bulacan [Drowned]
Faustino Policarpio, Mecauayan, Bulacan [Drowned]
Jan Joven, 17, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan [electrocuted]
Erick Portugal, 19, Bocaue, Bulacan [Drowned]
Abet San Pedro, Bocaue, Bulacan [Drowned]
Ligaya Lacap, 40, Marilao Bulacan [Drowned]
Carmelita L. Viray, 38, Marilao, Bulacan [Drowned]
Feliza M. Acap, 78, Marilao, Bulacan [Drowned]
Hergogenes L. Viray, 78, Marilao, Bulacan [Drowned]
Lito SR. Estrada,26, Marilao, Bulacan
Agustin margallo, 22, Norzagaray, Bulacan [Due to landslide]
Eddie (last name not identified), 4, Norzagaray, Bulacan [Due to landslide]
Ervin Marlon (last name not identified), Norzagaray, Bulacan [Due to landslide]
Jasmin (last name not identified), 8, Norzagaray, Bulacan [Due to landslide]
Jasper (last name not identified), 4, Norzagaray, Bulacan [Due to landslide]
four other bodies unidentified

Pampanga: 

Mark Galang, 15, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]
Marco Galang, 10, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]
Riza Portacio, 28, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]
Sonny Boy Portacio, Jr., 8, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]
Sonnylyn Portacio, 5, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]

Raiza Portacio, 4, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]
Catalina dela Cruz, 83, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]
Mary Anne Dela Cruz, 10, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]
Marlon Dela Vruz, 11, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]
Sherly Dela Cruz (pregnant), 31, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]
Manilyn Dela Cruz, 12, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]
McGayver Dela Cruz, 6, Arayat Pampanga [Due to landslide]

Batangas: 
Ronel C. Morsia, 27, Calaca, Batangas [hit by fallen tree]

Quezon: 
Aurelio Flistado, 50, Calauag, Quezon [Drowned]

Cavite: 
Archie Perez, 24, Novelete, Cavite [hit by collapsed wall]
Caroline Perez, 28, Kawit Cavite

Laguna: 
Mario Blanco, from Sta. Cruz, Laguna
Rafols David, from Calamba
Myrna Bonon dela Cruz, 6, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
Kyla dela Pena, 6, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
Edemar Dumalaon Escalano, 35, San Pedro Laguna
Cpl. Adriano Rigua of Philippine Army [military personnel killed during rescue mission]
CCA Reno Olagir [military personnel killed during rescue mission]
CCA Florencio Deguino [military personnel killed during rescue mission]
CCA Pedro Multifalcon [military personnel killed during rescue mission]
CCA Joel Hernalin [military personnel killed during rescue mission]

National Capital Region
Muntinlupa City – 3 unidentified victims
Quezon City – 2 unidentified victims
Marikina and San Juan – 1 each 
Tanay, Rizal - 23 unidentified victims
Angono, Rizal – 10 unidentified victims
Baras, Rizal – 5 unidentified victims
Montalban, Rizal – 3 unidentified victims
Teresa, Rizal – 1 unidentified victim

Injured: 
Reinan Galicia, from Sta. Cruz, Laguna
Salvador Garcia, from Bacoor Cavite [Electrocuted]
Tito Simpoda, from Kabayan, Benguet [Covered by landslide]
Marcelo Simpoda, from Kabayan, Benguet [Covered by landslide]
Galeba Tobiangon, from Kabayan, Benguet [Covered by landslide]


Missing: 
Pihet Cabiag, of Kabayan, Benguet [Covered by landslide]

From Ilagan, Isabela
Florante Ramirez
Alberto de Gamo 
Wilson Que 
Johndel de Gamo 
Ignacio Raga 
Larry Villaflor 
Bebot Sequina
Esterio Mejala
Arman Mejala
A certain "Ricky"

From Arayat, Pampanga
Mack-mack, Galang, 9 years old
Marco Galang, 10 years old

From Bocaue, Bulacan
Christopher Nieto, 32
Rex Baltao, 34

*20 unidentified persons in Tanay, Rizal

2009 Teacher Licensure Exam moved to Oct. 4 - PRC

The Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) that was postponed last September 27 due to tropical storm "Ondoy" has been moved to Oct. 4, the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) announced Monday.

'Ondoy' damage on schools reach P73M - DepEd

Damage to the country's public schools by tropical storm "Ondoy" (international name Ketsana) has reached P73.870 million, according to the Department of Education.

P109-M worth of infrastructure, crops damaged

(UPDATE) The number of casualties due to tropical storm "Ondoy" (international name: Ketsana) has risen to 100 and damage to infrastructure and crops estimated at P109 million, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said.

Flood-ravaged Manila on disease alert

Local health authorities warned Monday of disease outbreaks following horror floods, as filthy water covered large areas of Manila and bodies lay in coffins next to survivors at evacuation centers.

Body of missing Cafgu man found in Laguna

The lifeless body of the militiaman who went missing after being swept away by a flashflood during a rescue operation was recovered Monday morning, an official of the Philippine Army said.

Smart co-founder killed in wall collapse

The co-founder of the country's largest mobile phone firm died at the height of tropical storm "Ondoy" when the perimeter wall of his home collapsed on him, company officials said.  Smart spokesperson Ramon Isberto confirmed that company pioneer David T. Fernando passed away last Saturday.

Details remained sketchy as of press time, but people familiar with the situation said that Fernando was killed when the wall of his property in Loyola Grand Villas in Quezon City fell on him.

MMDA chief on floods: Blame me

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA - Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando on Monday shouldered the blame for the massive flooding that hit the National Capital Region over the weekend but said he will not resign from his post.

ABS-CBN telethon update: P26 M in cash, P33 M in kind

Kapamilya, alamin natin ang latest sa Sagip Kapamilya telethon para sa mga biktima ng bagyong Ondoy. Nasa ABS-CBN Loop Studio sina Kuya Kim at si Kris Aquino. 

US gives $50,000 more in Ondoy aid

In the wake of the devastation caused in the Philippines by Tropical Storm Ondoy (international name: Ketsana), US Ambassador Kristie Kenney authorized on Monday an additional $50,000 in immediate disaster relief assistance through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) of the US Agency

Japan gives $220,000 of goods for Ondoy victims

In response to the request from the Philippine government, Japan has decided to provide emergency relief goods equivalent to about 20 million yen (about $220,000 or P10 million) to flood victims of typhoon Ondoy.

Senators OK resolution for P1M each from PDAF

A resolution urging each senator to donate at least P1 million of his or her Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to victims of tropical storm "Ondoy" has been approved at the Senate.

Certify urgent House disaster bill, Arroyo asked

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should certify as urgent the disaster risk reduction and management bill to allow local governments to respond more swiftly and effectively in times of calamities following the onslaught of tropical storm "Ondoy," lawmakers said Monday.

'Ondoy' worsens floods in Mindanao town, villages

At least a dozen low-lying villages of this city and the adjacent Sultan Kudarat town of Maguindanao are still under water, days after typhoon Ondoy brought rains to the flood-prone areas.

Arroyo opens Palace for 'Ondoy' operations

(UPDATE 2) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has opened Malacañang as emergency center for victims of tropical storm "Ondoy," officials announced.  Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the Palace grounds would accommodate victims from among Palace employees and those living in nearby areas.

The President will move out of her official residence and stay at the nearby Bahay Pangarap to accommodate the victims, according to Ermita.

Provincial Board passes resolution recognizing prerogative of the governor

The Cebu Provincial Board yesterday passed a resolution recognizing the prerogative of the governor to determine the direction and development of the province including the controversial Balili property in Tinaan, Naga.

Joavan free after posting bail

Joavan Fernandez, the controversial adopted son of Talisay Mayor Socrates Fernandez, was released yesterday afternoon after posting bail.

LTO revokes license of 22 jeepney drivers

The Land Transportation Office-7 has revoked the licenses of at least 22 public utility jeepney drivers who were found positive of using prohibited drugs.

Dengue kills two in a week in Apas

Dengue claimed the lives of two three-year-old children in barangay Apas in under a week. The parents of one of them plan to file charges against doctors at the Cebu City Medical Center.

Gwen not moved: Panaghiusa may back Noynoy's bid in 2010

The newly revived Panaghiusa political party is inclined to support the presidential bid of Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III as well as open the possibility of joining together previous allies whose political ties have been severed.

Mayors fear losing projects for party affiliation

SOME mayors fear they may lose projects from the Province if it will be known that they attended the launching of "Panag-hiusa," an opposition group in Cebu revived by former senator John Osmena.

Rama thanks Sonny for not supporting Georgia

Vice Mayor Michael Rama has expressed appreciation over the recent statement of former senator John Henry "Sonny" Osmeña that he will not support his cousin, Georgia Osmeña in the coming May 2010 elections.

Former Mandaue dad Magno Dionson dies after bout with prostate cancer

ONE of Mandaue's last municipal councilors and first city councilor, Atty. Magno Borbajo Dionson succumbed to cancer at 9:10 a.m. yesterday after years of fighting prostate cancer.

'Ondoy' victims first, politics later—Palace

Calling for a break from politicking, Malacañang invited its critics to work with the administration in helping victims of tropical storm "Ondoy."

Arroyo campaign flyers appear in Pampanga

On her 31st visit to her home province on Monday, President Macapagal-Arroyo was greeted by flyers urging her to run for representative of Pampanga's second district in 2010.

Namfrel chief quits; Cuisia takes over

Former Ambassador Henrietta de Villa has resigned from her post as chairperson of the National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), a poll watchdog accredited by the Commission on Elections to conduct quick count of votes.  In a letter dated September 24 to Namfrel vice chair Jose Cuisia Jr., De Villa said she was stepping down to devote more time to her work as head of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), which focuses on voters' education.

Aquino defies Church, backs controversial bill

Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III said on Monday he remains firm in supporting the passage of House Bill 5043 or proposed Reproductive Health and Population Development Act even if it means the Catholic church and pro-life groups will not support his presidential bid for 2010.

Reproductive Health Bill will reduce risk of death during childbirth

Senator Pia Cayetano yesterday said that 10 or 11 Filipino mothers die daily in the country because of childbirth complications primarily due to lack of information and services by the government.

Noynoy, Erap talk about "unified opposition"

While the public's attention was focused on tropical storm "Ondoy," it was politics as usual for presidential aspirants Senator Benigno Aquino III and former President Joseph Estrada as they quietly met Sunday night to discuss next year's elections.

Aquino, Estrada hold first unity talks

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA - Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III said he met with former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada over dinner Sunday night to discuss opposition unity, but admitted there was no agreement on who should give way.  

SC nominee says Erap not eligible for reelection

by Purple Romero, abs-cbnNEWS.com/ Newsbreak

A nominee to the Supreme Court insists that deposed President Joseph Estrada is not eligible to seek reelection, arguing the constitutional ban on former presidents is absolute.  Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization Ambassador Manuel A.J. Teehankee argued before the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) that the framers of the 1987 Constitution intended the president to serve only one term in office.

DOJ tells Lacson to appear in next hearing

The Department of Justice's panel of prosecutors looking into the re-opened Dacer-Corbito double murder case told Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday to appear in the next preliminary investigation hearing on October 8.

Sarangani town mayor dies of cardiac arrest

Mayor Aida Singcoy of Malapatan town in Sarangani Province died of cardiac arrest while on her way to a hospital early Sunday dawn.

Peso depreciates to P47.61:$1 due to risk aversion

by BusinessWorld

MANILA - The peso weakened slightly yesterday on risk aversion.

P3B set for Pag-IBIG loans—official

The state-run Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) is allocating an initial amount of P3 billion pesos to accommodate loan applications of members affected by storm "Ondoy", its chief executive officer, Jaime Fabiana said Monday.

GSIS offers P20k loan to members affected by "Ondoy"

The state-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will release P20,000 emergency loan to eligible members who live in areas declared under the state of calamity due to tropical storm "Ondoy."

Most car insurance do not cover 'act of God'

Amid the damage caused by floodwaters to hundreds -- maybe thousands -- of vehicles by typhoon "Ondoy" (international codename: Ketsana), auto insurance firms are bracing for a deluge of claims from policyholders over the next few days.  Yet, vehicle owners who think that a "comprehensive"automobile insurance policy would insulate them from further financial losses may be in for a nasty surprise.

According to officials of insurance firms, only the claims of policyholders who availed of additional coverage against "acts of God" or "acts of "nature" can expect to be reimbursed for the repair or replacement of their cars.

Emmanuel Que, executive vice president of the Philippine Charter Insurance Corp., said many clients did not avail of insurance coverage for "acts of God" or nature.

Non-life insurance industry faces record claims

by By Judith Balea, abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA - Non-life insurance companies could be facing the biggest compensation claims in history in the wake of a powerful typhoon that battered Central Luzon over the weekend, causing billions worth of damage to property.

Jonas Ravelas: 'Ondoy' to spike fastfood, cellphone, car sales

Jonas Ravelas, chief market strategist of BDO Unibank chatted with Ricky Carandang on the estimated 30% impact of typhoon 'Ondoy' to the 1.3% drop of the stock market on Monday. While investors are still digesting the impact of the typhoon, especially on agriculture and consumption appetite in the run up to the Christmas season. He noted though that car sales is likely to pick up only in 3 to 6 months, despite a good number of cars submerged in floodwaters over the weekend. Nonetheless, more natural calamities in the country would mean there would always be need to stock up on relief goods, which will benefit the likes of Jollibee, McDonalds, firms that produce canned goods and noodles.

US embassy reopens on Sept. 29

The United States embassy in Manila on Monday announced that it will resume public services on Tuesday, September 29.

Consumers' vigilance urged in buying food supplements

Senator Pia Cayetano is encouraging the public not to be lured by food supplements that advertise "tempting health benefits" but actually have no approved therapeutic effects.

RP floods show need for climate deal: UN

by Agence France-Presse

BANGKOK - The UN climate chief said Monday that devastating floods in the Philippines highlighted the need for the world to agree on a global warming pact by a December deadline.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi seeks to meet Western diplomats

YANGON, Myanmar - Detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is seeking permission from Myanmar's government to meet with Western diplomats about having their countries lift sanctions against the military regime, her party said Monday.

Iran conducts third round of missile tests

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran said it successfully test-fired the longest-range missiles in its arsenal on Monday, weapons capable of carrying a warhead and striking Israel, US military bases in the Middle East, and parts of Europe.

Willie donates P1M for 'Ondoy' victims

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA – Donations and pledges for the victims of tropical storm Ondoy (international codename Ketsana) continue to pour in Monday.

Filmmaker Roman Polanski's arrest to spark extradition fight

by Reuters

ZURICH/LOS ANGELES– Fugitive director Roman Polanski, whose tumultuous life has overshadowed his film career, was arrested this weekend in Zurich after US authorities sought to have him extradited to face sentencing for having sex with a 13-year-old girl in 1977.

Hotlines to check missing persons

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) has designated four command posts that can coordinate operations for the rescue of persons who went missing during floods caused by typhoon Ondoy, a radio report said.  PNP gave the contact numbers as follows: for Marikina, coordinate with Mon Santiago at 0920-9389914; for Quezon City, coordinate with Teresa Amarillo at 0921-6555262; for Pasig City, send text to 0918-9356318; and for Cainta, 0917-5606241.

How to help 'Ondoy' victims

Below is a consolidated report of the interactive maps, private groups and business organizations where you can find information on how to help the victims of tropical storm Ondoy, based on the sites of INQUIRER.net columnist Manuel Quezon III (http://www.quezon.ph/2009/09/26/how-to-help/), bloggers Frannywanny (http://www.frannywanny.com/2009/09/public-advisory-typhoon-ondoy-ketsana.html) and Jane (http://herestolife.wordpress.com/) and Google map creators Serge Gregorio and Franklin Naval.

Rescue Operations

National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) (+632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9115061, +632-9122665) Help hotlines: (+65 734-2118, 734-2120) ndcchelpdesk@gmail.com
Philippine Coast Guard (+632-5276136)
Air Force (+63908-1126976, +632-8535023)
Metro Manila Development Authority (136)
Marikina City Rescue (+632-6462436, +632-6462423, +632920-9072902) Pasig Rescue Emergency Number (+632-6310099)
Quezon City Rescue (161)
San Juan City Hall Command Post (+632-4681697)
Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (+63245-9634376)
Senator Dick Gordon (+639178997898, +63938-444BOYS, +632-9342118, +632-4338528)
Senator Manny Villar (+639174226800. +639172414864, +639276751981) 
Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)
Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922, +632-6347824)

Rubber boat and chopper requests

NCRPO (+632-8383203, +632-8383354)
Private citizens who would like to lend their motor boats for rescue please call emergency nos: +632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9122665, +632-9115061)
You can also text (+632917-4226800 or +632927-6751981) for rescue dump trucks.
For those who are able to lend 4×4 trucks for rescue: Please send truck to Greenhills Shopping Center Unimart Grocery to await deployment, Tel No. (+632920-9072902).
Petron & San Miguel Corporation are lending choppers for rescue operations, call/text: (+632917-8140655) ask for Lydia Ragasa

Power supply concerns

Meralco (+63917-5592824, 16211, +63920-9292824) If you want service cut off to your area to prevent fires and electrocution.

Donations of heavy duty flashlights needed for rescue operations in Cainta, Rizal area. Contact Cielo at (+632918-8824356)

E-Donations

SMS: text RED to 2899 (Globe) and 4483 (Smart)
G-Cash: text DONATEAMOUNT4-digit M-PINREDCROSS to 2882
TXTPOWER.org: Paypal, Smart Money (5577-5144-1866-7103), G-Cash (0917-9751092)

Cellphone services

FINDERSERVICE. For Smart, text wis to 386.
FINDERSERVICE. For Globe, text find to 7000.

Maps

A group composed of Serge Gregorio and Franklin Naval has put up an interactive rescue map (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?