The latest news stories from the major news organizations in Cebu and Manila in the Philippines, the US and other countries.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

March 31, 2010 Major News Stories



Arroyo declares half-day work for gov't workers on Wednesday

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved a half-day work for government offices on Wednesday, March 31 to allow government personnel to prepare for Holy Week activities, Secretary Ricardo Saludo said in a text message Tuesday night.

Millers, importers await verdict on Turkish flour

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting tests on the safety of imported Turkish flour and is expected to release its findings this week, according to flour industry leaders.

WHO ships H1N1 vaccines to Philippines

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed Tuesday that there is an incoming shipment of A (H1N1) vaccines to the Philippines, containing a total of 1.24 million doses.

Health Undersecretary Alex Padilla said the shipment is part of an estimated 9 million doses of swine flu vaccine to be delivered by the World Health Organization

"We have been promised by WHO that we will get doses for 10% of our population, which is 9 million. The first shipment of 1.24 million doses will arrive sometime in April. This will come at no cost to the Philippine government," he said in an ANC "Dateline Philippines" interview.

Padilla said the vaccines will be stored at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Alabang and different DOH warehouses before being distributed nationwide. He said the vaccines could be stored for about a year and a half.

"Health workers will be the first to be vaccinated but it will be available for everyone," he said.

He added that the shipment of vaccines is timely since it pre-empts flu season in the Philippines, which starts at the end of May or early June.

More than 3,800 tested positive with the H1N1 virus in the Philippines in 2009, but only 1 death was reported. 


Supreme Court authorizes 1,137 courts to handle small claim cases

by By Dennis Carcamo

A total of 1,137 first-level trial courts in the country, except Shari'a courts, have now been authorized by the Supreme Court to hear small claim cases.

Under the High Court's small claims project, it has empowered 82 metropolitan trial courts, 212 municipal trial courts in cities, 376 municipal trial courts, and 467 municipal circuit trial courts to handle money claims of P100,000 or less effective March 18 this year.

Dubbed the "People's Courts," the procedure for small claims case relaxes or dispenses with ordinary rules of civil procedure and evidence such as strict pleading requirements and formal discovery measures.

Disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively particularly because lawyers are not allowed during hearings. Most of all, these courts are tasked to decide cases only at the first hearing.

Previously, small claims were heard only by 44 designated first-level courts.


No sanctions in Balili report

NO PROVINCIAL official was sanctioned in the final report of the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) ad hoc committee that examined the P98-million purchase of the Balili property.

It did recommend guidelines for similar purchases, such as requiring a survey by the appraisal committee and inspecting and taking photographs of what the Capitol plans to buy.

It also said the Province can ask for the Balili property's purchase price to be reduced.

The PB admitted in the final report furnished to Sun.Star Cebu that "they can't close their eyes to the series of actions, actuations and active participation of PB Member Juan Bolo" in the transaction.

But the main purpose of the ad hoc committee hearing was for "curative legislation."

"No complaint was filed against him before this body. It was established though that PB Member Bolo was the one who broached the idea twice to Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia," the report added.

The report said Bolo's participation might raise some ethical questions worth investigating by the appropriate agency, but that the PB ad hoc committee has no jurisdiction to investigate provincial officials.

Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez called the Balili report prepared by Provincial Board (PB) Member Joven Mondigo Jr. a whitewashed account. He is not inclined to sign it.

"I still have my reservations because I saw that they're trying to save somebody involved," Sanchez said.

The vice governor still believes the contract should be rescinded.

"Gubaton ko man ni (I will fight this)," he said of the report.

Dated March 22, the 12-page report said there were aspects of the sale that may have been overlooked. It said the parties should have been more observant and diligent in their assigned tasks.

The Province bought the 24.7-hectare Balili property, located in Tinaan, Naga, for P98 million in 2008. The sale provoked questions when it was found out that 80,124 square meters are underwater, while 14,402 square meters are mangrove areas.

But based on their findings, the PB report said the "mere fact that a land is underwater does not automatically preclude its registration under the Torrens system." The PB members cited the Silot Bay case, where the Supreme Court (SC) upheld a title, even if the areas it covered were underwater and being used as fishponds.

The Balili property, the PB members said, "is covered by a Torrens title, which has been issued as early as 1977 or almost 33 years ago."

They said the Balili titles are valid and binding, even if some parts of the properties are underwater or have mangroves, unless a court order says these titles are defective or void.

The PB members also said the Province can protect its interest by demanding a proportionate reduction of the price paid for the submerged land and those covered by mangroves.

In the report, the PB recommended, among others:

l that before the Capitol buys a property, the Provincial Appraisal Committee must conduct a survey accompanied by a licensed surveyor, inspect the property and meet before signing the final appraisal resolution;

l that the qualifications of the Technical Working Group under the Appraisal Committee be clearly established; and

l that the proper market value of the property be determined and the property in question photographed.

It also said the Office of the Provincial Attorney should be "solely, primarily and directly in charge" of the preparation and review of the legal documents and other supporting papers for the purchase.

Before a resolution can be approved authorizing the purchase of a property, officials should see certifications from the environment (as to the land classification, court
clearance) and a clearance from the Register of Deeds, showing no adverse claim, the report also said.

PB members, it added, should refrain from performing purely executive functions in the negotiations.

"Without reference to this particular case, the chair or any member of the committee on provincial and municipal properties should not act as agent/ broker of a property," the report said.

Sanchez was not convinced.

He explained that even if the contract price is decreased, "the question is, what are you going to do with the property?"

A property should be at least 50 hectares for it to become an economic zone, the vice governor said, but the Balili property is only 24.7 hectares.

"What are you going to do to the property that will benefit the people? Prove that the public will indeed benefit from it," continued Sanchez.


Party won't support local bets: One Cebu: Zona libre in Mandaue

It's 'zona libre' in Mandaue City.

This after the One Cebu Party headed by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia decided not to support candidates for mayor, vice mayor and councilors in Mandaue City.

Rory Jon Sepulveda, spokesman of One Cebu and member of the executive committee, said that Governor Garcia called a meeting after the party received the resignation letter of 6th District Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz.

Ruiz resigned from One Cebu after she decided to throw her support to Nacionalista Party standard bearer Manny Villar.

One Cebu is supporting the presidential bid of Lakas-Kampi-CMD bet Gilberto 'Gibo' Teodoro.

 According to Sepulveda, the executive committee decided not to support local candidates in Mandaue City and make it a free zone.

As this developed, lawyer Gonzalo Malig-on, chief of staff of Ruiz, said in a statement that they respect the decision of the governor.

"We hope we can leave this behind us as we look forward to a full blast campaign after holy week," Malig-on said.

However, Sepulveda in an interview over radio station dyLA refused to comment when asked if they will throw their support instead to reelectionist Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Cortes has maintained a good relationship with Governor Garcia, but he is supporting the candidacy of Presidential bet Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III of the Liberal Party.

The party of Aquino is fielding former Cebu City Councilor Hilario Davide III for governor against Garcia.

Garcia attended functions in Mandaue City initiated by Mayor Cortes and also the provincial government program "Halad ni Lolo ug Lola".

According to Sepulveda, One Cebu Party had issued guidelines to all its members to support the party's candidate for president.

Governor Garcia, in a previous statement, said that any member of the party who refuses to follow the party decision would be allowed to leave the party.

Ruiz, earlier said that even if they bolted One Cebu Party, the Nagkahiusang Mandauehanon, commit to support Garcia and her running mate, Glenn Soco, a Mandauehanon.

Governor Garcia said that she is supporting Teodoro because she has a word of honor.

Garcia said that she and many other officials of Cebu are supporting Teodoro, because they believe in his ability to lead the nation.

Ruiz claimed that she realized that most of her leaders and allies are supporting a presidential candidate that has the interest for Mandaue City in his heart — Villar.

Ruiz said she believes that Villar is  the candidate that has the interest of Mandaue and will not turn his back on them considering their working relationship when the latter was still the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Prior to her declaration of support to Villar, Ruiz and her slate attended the proclamation rally at the Cebu International Convention Center last Saturday.

The proclamation rally of the candidates of the sixth district was graced by Teodoro.

Ruiz, however, failed to attend the blessing and inauguration of the headquarters of Sixth District Congressional aspirant Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing.

After the blessing and inauguration, Governor Garcia made the formal announcement of the vice presidential candidate and the senatorial slate supported by One Cebu Party.

Meanwhile, Sepulveda said the party will release guidelines next week for its members to follow in supporting candidates for vice president and senators.

Sepulveda issued the statement following reports that some mayors refuse to support Loren Legarda for vice president and some senatorial candidates.

Balamban Mayor Alex Binghay and now candidate for the provincial board to represent the 3rd District, in a radio interview, said that he is committed to support to Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, who is seeking the vice presidential post.

Binghay said he knows Binay personally unlike Legarda.

But Sepulveda said that with the guidelines, party members will be properly guided in their decisions.

Stop using gov't resources: LP to One Cebu

FORMER Cebu vice governor Democrito Barcenas yesterday urged Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to stop using Capitol resources in the campaign sorties of One Cebu, saying this is "illegal and immoral."

Guadalupe pleb to push through

The court has denied the application of a Barangay Labangon councilman for the writ of preliminary injunction against the Commission on Election to proceed with the plebiscite that will create a new barangay out of Guadalupe.

Georgia wants Carbon market moved to NRA

If elected, mayoralty candidate Georgia Osmeña plans to relocate the present Carbon Market in Barangay Ermita to one of the city-owned properties in the North Reclamation Area that it offered to swap with the province in the bungled land swap deal.

Police undergo briefing on automated elections

The task force commander of Honest, Orderly, Peaceful Election (HOPE) personally visited the headquarters of Police Regional Office (PRO-7) yesterday to check on the preparations of all security details in the upcoming May 10 elections.

City councilor pays P2 million in business taxes

Cebu City Councilor Rodrigo "Bebot" Abellanosa yesterday paid the city P2 million for the business taxes of his Asian College of Technology along Leon Kilat and P. del Rosario Streets to show to the public that he is a law-abiding citizen.


Aquino cites 'serious lapses' in poll preparations

(UPDATE) Despite his consistent lead in the surveys, Liberal Party standard-bearer Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and his partymates remain apprehensive about the conduct of the first automated elections in the country, citing "serious lapses or inadequacies" in preparations.

Liberals warn: Arroyo won't step down

by By Ces Oreña-Drilon, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will not step down from power. This was the warning made by Liberal Party (LP) leaders who said "the Comelec's inadequacies are part of a pattern to undermine democratic institutions to keep Gloria Arroyo in power beyond June 30."

FVR to Arroyo: Prove you're stepping down

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines -  If you're really stepping down, put it in writing. Former President Fidel Ramos issued this challenge to President Arroyo Monday amid rumors that she is planning to remain in power as a holdover president if there is a failure of elections.

Detained ex-general Lim claims junta already exists

Detained senatorial candidate Danilo Lim claims the much-feared military takeover has been existing since President Arroyo assumed power in 2001. The Arroyo administration resembles a junta where there is a "total disregard for the basic functions of democracy," the former Army general says.

Ballot printing to continue on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday

There will be no Holy Week break for the printing of ballots that will be used in the first ever nationwide automated elections on May 10.

Comelec to transfer ballots to PhilPost warehouse

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines -  The Commission on Elections has decided to postpone to Wednesday the transfer of some of the printed ballots to be used in the May 2010 automated elections.

Poll officials said the ballots were supposed to be transferred from the National Printing Office in Quezon City to the PhilPost warehouse in Manila for storage on Tuesday. At least 27 million special ballots for the automated elections have been printed as of March 30.

Several political parties, however, objected to the transfer since they were not given enough time to prepare for the move.

Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the poll body will continue to pack and prepare the ballots for eventual transfer to the PhilPost warehouse on Wednesday. He said political parties may accompany the ballots in transit until they are delivered.

He said the ballots will be scanned before departure from the NPO and then scanned again upon entry into PhilPost's Manila facility.

Comelec Chairman Jose Melo earlier said he is confident that the poll body will beat the April 30 deadline to print all 50 million ballots needed for the May 10 automated elections. 


Comelec adviser alarmed by changes in ballot security marks

A member of the Commission on Elections' Advisory Council has raised an alarm over changes made on one of the security identifiers used in the ballots for the May 10 automated elections, saying it could compromise the integrity and complicate the conduct of the elections.

Ramon Casiple said Smartmatic TIM Corp., the automated elections provider, and the Comelec have turned off the ultraviolet (UV) ink reader on all 82,2000 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines after the UV security marks on the ballots caused the machines to reject them.

"During the lab test performed last January, at least 20 percent of the ballots were not read by the PCOS machines," Casiple said.

The UV ink mark is one of the five security features called for by the contract. The other security features are the paper manufactured in Canada, bar code, Comelec security seal, and the unique precinct-based numbers.

To replace the built-in PCOS UV reader, Comelec and Smartmatic TIM will be buying portable UV ink readers for the BEI to use on election day to check the authenticity of the ballots, Casiple said.

"Before the BEI gives you the ballot, the BEI will shine the portable reader on it to show that there is the UV ink. What was supposed to be high-tech has become low-tech," Casiple explained.

The Comelec and Smartmatic TIM is expected to purchase about 76,000 handheld UV readers for each precinct.

Casiple said the adjustment could affect the conduct of the polls as the authenticity of the ballots will depend on the judgment of the teachers who are already burdened by other election duties. It could lead to chaos and confusion on Election Day, he said.

Casiple stressed that the ballots still have other security measures that would make it nearly impossible for anyone to make fake ballots.

However, "if you are looking for high-level security measure, that has been lowered already," he said.

The PCOS is programmed to find and read the UV markings on the same spot in the 50 million ballots that the electorate will use in the May 10 national and local elections, which, for the first time ever, will use computerized counting and canvassing from the precinct level and beyond.

Casiple said they were told by election officials that the machines could not read the UV ink marks if it overlaps with the ink for the names of the candidates on the ballot papers.

When the issue was revealed during the tests in January, Smartmatic TIM and the Comelec should have remedied the defects immediately, Casiple said.

They should have bought an ink that could withstand the other inks, adjusted the ink density or the sensitivity of the PCOS machines, he said.

Since there was no time to adjust the placement of the security marks on the ballots, buy a new kind of ink, or configure the machines, the Project Management Office has decided to do away with the built-in UV reader on the PCOS machines and resorted to hand-held UV readers instead.

"This is cheaper than configuring the machines, which is a big hassle," Casiple said.

"You cannot do anything anymore. There is no time," he said. Casiple said the advisory council was only notified of the development just this month, when millions of ballots were already printed.

Meanwhile, Comelec commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal downplayed the impact of the lack of UV reader in the PCOS machines. He noted that there were still other security features embedded in the ballots that would guard against tampering or copying.

"It's only the authentic ballots that will be accepted by the machines. There are other security features," Larrazabal said.


Comelec to manually delist 700,000 multiple registrants

The elections on May 10 may be automated, but the delisting of the more than 700,000 double or multiple registrants will be done manually, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Teodoro quits as Lakas party chair

Gilbert ``Gibo'' Teodoro has resigned as chairman of the Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats, but will remain as standard-bearer of the administration party.

In a letter sent to the national executive committee of the party, he said he wanted to do away with the rigorous tasks of attending to the needs of members and focus on his presidential campaign.

"Effective immediately I am resigning as chairman of our party so that I can focus all my efforts campaigning for the presidency of the country as the official candidate of Lakas-Kampi-CMD," he said in his letter.

"The party needs at this time a full time Chairman who will be able to respond on a 24/7 basis to the needs of our party candidates running for various elective posts this coming elections," he added.

Reggie Velasco, Lakas-Kampi-CMD deputy secretary general, said being an ordinary member would allow Teodoro to give more time to his campaign, rather than attend to party matters.

"We have 18,000 candidates and most of them want to have a meeting with him for their campaign requirements. It's a 24/7 thing, which he could no longer attend to," Velasco said in a phone interview.

Velasco said the national executive committee would meet to discuss Teodoro's replacement after Holy Week.

Teodoro has remained in fourth place in various presidential surveys, but his camp said they would bank on the support of their local candidates to deliver for him the win in the May elections.


Reelectionists dominate senatorial race in new SWS poll

Incumbent and former senators seeking re-elections in the May 10 polls once again dominated the latest pre-election survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla still remained on top with 53 percent voting preference, followed closely by Senate Pro Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada with 52 percent, and Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago with 44 percent. 

The survey, commissioned by BussinessWorld, was conducted from March 19 to 22 and had a +/2 percent error margin. 

Ranking fourth was another incumbent senator, Pilar Juliana "Pia" Cayetano, with 42 percent – a nine-point fall from the SWS conducted last February 24 to 28. 

Cayetano was followed by former Senate President Franklin Drilon with 36 percent, incumbent Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (35%), and former Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III (33%). 

Former senator and Socioeconomic Planning Sec. Ralph Recto and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. were at the eight and ninth place, getting 30 percent each. 

Reelectionist Sen. Manuel "Lito" Lapid ranked 10th with 26 percent, while former Senator Sergio Osmeña III ranked 11th with 25 percent. 

Entering the top 12 for the first time was Nacionalista Party spokesperson and former Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla, who got 24 percent – a 10-point jump from the SWS survey last month. He ranked 18th to 20th in past SWS senatorial surveys.

Both Marcos and Remulla are scions of powerful political families.

There are 66 candidates running for senator in the May 10 elections.


Bayan Muna wants Arroyo son, group disqualified from race

The Bayan Muna party-list has accused the Ang Galing Pinoy party-list of Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel Arroyo, the President's son, of plagiarizing its constitution, and asked the Commission on Elections to disqualify him and his group from the elections in May.

Arroyo cannot appoint judges, CA justices—SC

Contrary to Malacanang's pronouncement, the Supreme Court said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cannot appoint members of the judiciary other than the justices from the Supreme Court.

Dropping of rebellion case signals whitewash of Ampatuan cases—victims' kin

Families of the Nov. 23 massacre victims have expressed fears that "unseen powerful hands" are working to whitewash all cases related to the slaughter, following the dismissal of the rebellion charges against members of the Ampatuan clan.

Military may appeal dismissal of Maguindanao rebellion raps

The military on Tuesday said it may appeal the decision of the Quezon City court dismissing the rebellion charges against members of the Ampatuan clan implicated in the Maguindanao massacre.

Ship with Filipino crewmen hijacked

The Department of Foreign Affairs reported on Tuesday that the MV Iceberg 1 with a crew of 24, including an undetermined number of Filipinos, was hijacked Monday near the Gulf of Aden.

EU bans Sudan, Philippine airlines

by Reuters
BRUSSELS - The European Union eased its ban on airlines from Angola on Tuesday and vowed to block carriers from Sudan and the Philippines from starting flights to the 27-country bloc.

The European Commission, which manages the blacklist, said TAAG Angola Airlines had improved and could bring specific aircraft into the whole EU under strict conditions.

But other Angolan airlines remain banned until the national authorities beef up their oversight.

"We cannot accept that airlines fly into the EU if they do not fully comply with international safety standards," European Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas said in a statement.

The Commission said it had imposed an operating ban on all Sudanese carriers, because the national authority continually failed to meet international safety standards, and it was closely monitoring those from Egypt.

The Commission acknowledged efforts made by Philippine authorities and airlines to improve standards, but said it would ban them from the EU as a precaution.

North Korea's Air Koryo, been banned since 2006, is allowed to resume flights with its two safest aircraft.

Iran Air faces restrictions after European experts found evidence of "serious incidents and accidents suffered by the carrier."


Suu Kyi's party to boycott Myanmar vote

YANGON, Burma—Myanmar's opposition party led by Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday said it would boycott polls expected later this year, after the country's military rulers introduced a controversial new election law.

Obama wants 'positive' ties with China -- White House

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama is determined "to further develop a positive relationship with China," the White House said late Monday after Obama received credentials from Beijing's new envoy to Washington.

Pacquiao retains P4P title despite 'boring' win over Clottey

MANILA, Philippines – Seven-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao maintained his status as Ring Magazine's pound-for-pound title despite the negative reaction of some fight fans to his title defense against Ghana's Joshua Clottey.

'Pacquiao won't use lawsuit to bargain for Mayweather'

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao's adviser belied reports saying that the pound-for-pound king will use his defamation lawsuit against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. to negotiate for the botched blockbuster fight.

Viloria returns to action in June

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Former 2-time world champion Brian Viloria will return to ring action in Manila against a still unnamed opponent this coming June.

New Bb Pilipinas-Universe vows to give best

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – This year's Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Helen Nicolette Henson on Tuesday said she was saddened that Maria Venus Raj has been stripped of her crown and title due to her questionable birth records.

Lady Gaga the new Michael Jackson?

by Bang Showbiz
Lady Gaga has been compared to Michael Jackson by her music producer. Rodney Jerkins, who worked with Gaga on her latest song "Telephone" - which was estimated to received over one billion views on the Internet - said she reminds him of Michael Jackson, whom he worked with on the "Thriller" singers 2001 album "Invincible."

PAGASA: Cloudy Holy Week looms

Cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers loom during the Holy Week, especially from Maundy Thursday up to Black Saturday, state weather forecasters said Tuesday.

Monday, March 29, 2010

March 30, 2010 Major News Stories

(UPDATE) Oil companies will roll back prices of diesel, gasoline and kerosene products effective Tuesday morning.

Major oil player Chevron Phil. Inc. will reduce oil prices by P0.25 per liter effective Tuesday morning. Communications manager Toby Nebrida said effective 12:01 a.m., the oil firm will cut the prices of diesel, gasoline, and kerosene.

Petron Corp. will also reduce the prices of diesel, gasoline, and kerosene by P0.25 per liter effective 6 a.m. Tuesday, the firm said in an advisory.

Independent oil player Phoenix Petroleum will also roll back gasoline and diesel prices by P0.25 per liter at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

Boats warned on rough seas during Holy Week

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned vessels ferrying passengers for the Holy Week to be alert for possible moderate to high waves at sea.

Pay rules on Holy Week, Araw ng Kagitingan

April 1 (Maundy Thursday), 2 (Good Friday), and 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan) are regular holidays throughout the nation, while April 3 (Black Saturday) is a nationwide special non-working day, the labor department said Monday.

Holy Week travelers told to lock houses, secure valuables

Travelers taking a break during the Holy Week were advised to lock their homes and secure their valuables. This was the advice offered by the Philippine National Police to travelers and tourists spending the Holy Week in the provinces.

PRC: 601 new mechanical engineers

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines - The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Monday released the results of the Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examinations given by the Board of Mechanical Engineering.  A total of 601 out of 1,134 examinees passed the examination, given in Manila and Cebu this March 2010.

Successful examinees who garnered the ten (10) highest places in the
Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination (PDF, 8.96 kb)

DLSU student tops 564 new mechanical engineers

A total of 564 graduates passed the Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Engineering this month, with a student from the De la salle University-Manila topping the list, the Professional Regulation Commission announced Monday.

Michael Raz Ochoa of the DLSU-Taft ranked first with 93.10 percent, followed by Richard Louie Sanchez Macapagal of University of the East-Caloocan with 92.50 percent.

Placing third and fourth are Ronald Yee Dy (90.50 percent) and Josue Robertson Samonte Reyes (89.10), who are both from the DLSU-Taft. Felix Manlapao Zaulda Jr. from Mindanao State University in General Santos City secured the fifth position with 88.50 percent.

Completing the top 10 list were:

6. Nico Deus Ochoa Villafranca of Mapua Institute of Technology (88.05 percent)

7. Marco Antonio Cariaga Sunico of the University of the Philippines-Diliman (87.95 percent)

8. Paul Bryan Castor Amagon of UP-Diliman (87.40 percent)

9. Anthony Bayawa Durano of the University of San Carlos (87.15 percent)

10. Noelizza Adia de Leon UP-Diliman (86.65 percent)

Supreme Court orders return of workers illegally dismissed 18 years ago

The Supreme Court has ordered the reinstatement and payment of back wages of seven General Milling Corporation employees who were found to have been illegally dismissed from their work 18 years ago.

Shellfish from red tide areas still unsafe to eat

Shellfish from seven provinces affected by red tide remains unfit for human consumption, Department of Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said, citing a report of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

These areas are the Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Bislig Bay in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental, and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar.

Harvesting and selling of all types of shellfish, including alamang, from these places are prohibited.

"Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe to eat, provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and its internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking," she noted.

Symptoms of shellfish poisoning include facial numbness, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, abdominal cramps and weakness or paralysis of one or more extremities. 

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be brought to a health care facility immediately for proper treatment, Cabral said. 

SRP tunnel opens next month

 The tunnel section of the Cebu South Coastal Road Project has already been passable since last February but has yet to be opened to the public next month.

City planning and development office head Nigel Paul Villarete said that he was told by the Department of Public Works and Highways that the contractors are just putting some details in place before it will be officially inaugurated.

He said that these details are not part of the structural works.

The tentative schedule for the inauguration which will be led by President Gloria Arroyo is set for April 5, according to a source. It was supposedly set for last March 25.

Villarete said that once the tunnel is open, it will decongest the traffic within the central business district of the city by over 50 percent.

Court requested NBI to present data on 'Princess Stars' victims

The court yesterday asked the National Bureau of Investigation to explain why until now it has not submitted the needed documents that had information on the cadavers recovered from the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars which sank off the waters of Romblon in June 2008 in relation to the case filed against the vessel owner, the Sulpicio Lines Inc.

NO POLITICS ASSURED: Sanchez' "issue" with trade partner settled

After reports of a complaint filed in court by a businesswoman against him for unpaid bills, Vice Governor Gregorio "Greg" Sanchez clarified that all has been settled and it was just a misunderstanding.

Defense chief wants generators on standby for the elections

Defense chief Norberto Gonzales yesterday instructed all the heads of National Disaster Coordinating Councils in the country to conduct an inventory all the generators in their respective areas of responsibility to ensure that there will be enough power supply during the elections.

Illegal campaign materials on private lots can be removed

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) can order the removal of oversized posters or campaign materials even if these are placed on private properties, said Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal yesterday.


25M ballots printed for May polls – Smartmatic

About 25 million ballots out of the 50 million ballot needed for the May elections have been printed, according to the automation partner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec, police to coordinate on transfer of poll machines

The Commission on Elections is coordinating closely with the Philippine National Police in securing the transfer of precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to their respective voting precincts before and after the elections on May 10, Chairman Jose Melo said on Monday.

Over 2,000 security escorts deployed and counting—PNP

Over 2,000 escorts have already been deployed to secure candidates for the upcoming elections on May 10, and the number is still increasing, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Monday.

Comelec to reshuffle field officers after Holy Week

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will reshuffle its field officers in preparation for the May 10 elections after the Holy Week.

Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal on Monday said the revamp will be part of their "usual or regular" activity during election seasons.

"Some election officers will be moved [because] they've stayed in an location for over four years, or some of their relatives are running for elective positions in the area, municipality," he said.

The reshuffle will start on April 5.

Meanwhile, the poll body said it will coordinate with its local offices at the soonest time regarding the impending removal of oversized campaign posters.

This was after candidates, some of them for president, continued to maintain the assailed posters and billboards despite repeated warnings from the Comelec.

"This morning I noticed that they [candidates] haven't removed the billboards yet. We can take them down. We will be coordinating immediately with the local Comelec," said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez at a press briefing.

Jimenez said they would conduct a check on other candidates' compliance with their Resolution 8758, which requires candidates to put up their advertisements on common poster areas such as plazas, markets, and barangay centers. 

The resolution also mandates that posters should not exceed 2 x 3 feet while streamers should not be more than 3 x 8 feet. 

"If there is no compliance we will tear them down and hopefully we'll bring legal action against these people," he said.

No strict rules on party-list system—Melo

There are no stringent rules surrounding the formation of party-list groups, let alone the selection of their nominees, Commission on Elections Chairman Jose Melo said on Monday.

Palace washes hands off 'fake' party-list groups

by By RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines - A Malacañang official on Monday dismissed as baseless speculation reports that the Arroyo administration is backing several party-list groups in the hopes of gaining more allies elected in the coming May 2010 polls.  

One less Arroyo running for Congress

Umatras na sa pagkandidato si Kasangga partylist representative Lourdes Arroyo, kapatid ni First Gentleman Mike Arroyo! Pero sa kabila nito, may 4 pa ring miyembro ng pamilyang Arroyo na tumatakbong kongresista.

Transport group files disqualification vs Angelo Reyes

A transport group on Monday filed a disqualification case before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against former Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, who has been nominated to represent the party-list group 1-Utak in the May 10 polls.

25 gov't officials, pols among early batch of party-list nominees

by By Lilita Balane, abs-cbnNews.com/Newsbreak
MANILA, Philippines—Of the first batch of party-list groups that submitted its list of nominees as of Wednesday last week, close to half are fielding government officials, politicians, uniformed men, religious leaders, and their relatives.

My brother died poor, Villar insists

Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Senator Manny Villar lashed back at critics for allegedly distorting facts surrounding the death of his younger brother, Danny, to taint his reputation and discredit his campaign.

Court junks rebellion raps vs Ampatuans

(UPDATE 2) A Quezon City court has dismissed the rebellion case against members of the Ampatuan clan and other ccused after finding no probable cause that they planned an uprising to foil their arrest for the November 23 Maguindanao massacre.

'Ampatuan Sr. should be released'—lawyer

(UPDATE) Andal Ampatuan Sr., the patriarch of the Ampatuan clan, should be immediately released, his lawyer Philip Sigfrid Fortun said on Monday.

Military not letting go of Ampatuans yet

The military here refused to release Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., even if a Quezon court has dismissed the rebellion charges filed against him.

DOJ moves to keep Ampatuans in jail

Acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra said on Monday that former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Jr. and six other prominent members of the Ampatuan clan who were cleared of rebellion charges should not be released because of their pending murder charges for the Nov. 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre with another court.

New probe sought on loss of Maguindanao guns to fire

Maguindanao gubernatorial bet Esmael Mangudadatu, whose wife, sisters, and lawyers were among those killed in the massacre, pressed for the reinvestigation of the mysterious disappearance of 300 assorted firearms that a detained former police provincial director said were consumed by fire.

ASEAN human rights body fails kin of massacred journalists

by By Carmela Fonbuena, abs-cbnNews.com/Newsbreak
JAKARTA, Indonesia--The newly founded Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) cannot intervene and assist the families of the slain journalists in the world-denounced Maguindanao massacre of November 2009.

4 Abu Sayyaf rebels killed, soldier wounded in Sulu clash

At least four Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while two Marine soldiers were wounded in a three-day military operation in Patikul town in Sulu.

First Gentleman's condition stabilizes—doctors

The health condition of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo arising from his torn aorta has stabilized, his doctors at the St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig announced Monday morning.

Arroyo can still make appointments, says Justice chief

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo can still make appointments despite the prohibition in the 1987 Constitution, Justice Secretary Alberto Agra said.

Davide replacement to UN named

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed Philippine Ambassador Libran Cabactulan as the country's permanent representative to the United Nations, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza announced Monday.

Filipina hurt in Moscow explosion

A Filipina sustained minor injuries in the face from an explosion at a Moscow's subway station that killed around 37 people, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Philippine Ambassador to Moscow Victor Garcia III identified the victim as Maria Aileen Ponting.

Philhealth execs charged for fast reimbursement of claims

Five top executives of state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth), including its president and CEO, are facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for allowing health care providers get up to 75 percent of their Philhealth expense claims even without proper documentation.

Atlas completes 5th copper shipment this year

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines - Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. said its subsidiary has completed its fifth shipment of copper concentrates for this year.

Somali pirates hijack merchant ship with Pinoy crewmen: NATO

by Agence France-Presse
BRUSSELS - Pirates boarded and hijacked a merchant vessel and its mixed-race crew of 24 in the Gulf of Aden before sailing it towards the Somali coast, NATO announced Monday.

Moscow subway attacks bear hallmarks of Chechen 'Black Widows'

by By Thair Shaikh, CNN
LONDON, England -- Monday's bomb attacks on the Moscow subway bear the hallmarks of an operation carried out by female Chechen suicide bombers called "Black Widows," according to security analysts.

Thai leader offers to disband parliament

BANGKOK - Thailand's prime minister offered Monday to dissolve parliament by the end of the year, but protesters demanding he step down did not immediately accept the compromise, which could have helped resolve the country's political crisis.

Miracle under scrutiny in John Paul beatification

The Vatican this week marks the fifth anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death amid some doubts that the miracle needed for his saint-making cause will stand up to scrutiny and questions about his record combatting pedophile priests.

No funds for Cviraa

THE Region 7 delegation is set to leave for Tarlac on April 5 for the Palarong Pambansa but the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) still has not released the budget for the region's participation.

Erik Morales wins title in comeback bout

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Mexico's three-division champion Erik "El Terrible" Morales bagged another title in his return to the boxing ring on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) after two and a half years since his retirement.

Ruffa Gutierrez happy for ex-husband

by by Julie Bonifacio, ABS-CBN.com
MANILA, Philippines - Walang bahid ng kalungkutan na sinagot ni Ruffa Gutierrez ang balitang magpapakasal na ulit ang ex-husband niya si Yilmaz Bektas sa dating Miss Universe at girlfriend niya for three years na si Zuleyka Rivera. Nakatakda raw maganap ang kasalang Yilmaz at Zuleyka sa June 21 sa Sardinia Island sa Mediterranean Sea.

Kris confident uncle Danding is for Noynoy

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - Actress-TV host Kris Aquino sees no need to court the support of her uncle, San Miguel Corp. chairman Eduardo 'Danding' Cojuangco Jr., for the presidential bid of her brother, Liberal Party (LP) bet Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III.

Tito Sotto denies separation with Helen Gamboa

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Former senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III on Monday belied rumor that he and wife Helen Gamboa have separated.

Angel Locsin bares rift with pa over alcoholic rumor

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Angel Locsin has admitted that her father got affected by allegation that she is an alcoholic.

Brillante Mendoza's 'amBisyon' film rating lowered to R

by abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines - The MTRCB on Monday changed its X-rating of Brillante Mendoza's film "Ayos Ka" for ANC's amBisyon2010 but retained its X-rating for Jeffrey Jeturian's "Ganito Tayon Ngayon, Paano Na Tayo Bukas?"

Visit 7 churches online

Nearly everything can be done on a computer these days, so how about the Catholic tradition of "Visita Iglesia" or visiting seven churches on Maundy Thursday to pray and reflect on the coming suffering of Jesus Christ.

2nd blue moon due Tuesday; 3 planets to be visible

Stargazers will have a chance to see the last of this year"s exceptional blue moon phenomenon on Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

Aside from the rare phenomenon, stargazers would also have the chance to see Uranus, Neptune and Venus before dawn on the same day.

PAGASA head Prisco Nilo said the occurrence of a blue moon - two full moons in one month - on March 1 and 30 is the second since January this year.

"The next blue moon will be on August 2 and 31, 2012," Nilo said in PAGASA'sastronomical diary for March. On the average, a blue moon takes place once every two and a half years.

Literally blue

PAGASA noted that since the moon takes 29.5 days to circle the Earth once in its orbit, it is possible that two full moons can occur within the same calendar month, like what happened last January when the moon was full on the 1st and the 30th, making the full moon on the 30th a "blue moon."

Nilo also said there have been times when the moon does seem to have a blue color due to dust particles in the atmosphere that scatter light. The effects of this dust on the light coming from the moon can cause it to appear bluish in color.

He cited the eruption of the Krakatoa Volcano in 1883 that gave us one such "blue moon."

"For about 24 months after this volcano erupted, the dust it spewed into the upper atmosphere which caused the moon to appear green and blue when viewed from around the world," he said.

3 planets visible

Pagasa said Uranus, Jupiter and Neptune may be "visible" at about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. At that time, it said the three would be at 3, 10 and 30 degrees above the east southeastern horizon and would be glowing at magnitude +8.0, -2.0 and +5.9, respectively.

"Jupiter and Neptune will lie among the background stars of the constellation Capricornus, the Sea-Goat while Neptune will be found among the stars of the constellation Pisces, the Fish," it said.

PAGASA, however, said that a modest-size telescope would be needed to observe Neptune, the Blue-Green planet, while Uranus would be difficult to observe due to its proximity to the sun.


Followers

About Me