The police in Metro Manila will go on full alert starting on April 13 to ensure peace and order during the Holy Week exodus and break.
Metro Manila police chief Director Nicanor Bartolome said all leaves of police personnel will be canceled for the moment, radio dzBB's Glen Juego reported Tuesday.
Bartolome said some 5,000 personnel will be available for deployment starting on Wednesday.
In the meantime, he deployed some 350 bus marshals and motorized anti-street crime operatives to maintain peace and order in the streets.
Metro Manila police also inspected bus terminals to make sure the buses are safe and roadworthy.
Inspections at seaports
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) started implementing tighter inspections at seaports to prevent maritime accidents as province-bound Filipinos began to crowd seaports for their Holy Week vacation.
In Manila, shipping companies noted a 50-percent hike in the number of passengers flocking to seaports to go to provinces, radio dzBB’s Carlo Mateo reported.
However, the report quoted Gian Carlo Galvez, a spokesman for Negros Navigation, as saying they expect the bulk of vacationers to show up at seaports starting this weekend.
The PCG also reiterated its order to its units nationwide to remain on alert, especially during the Lenten exodus and the rest of the summer season.
On Monday, PCG authorities intercepted air guns, bladed weapons and several other deadly weapons from passengers heading for the provinces to spend the Holy Week vacation.
The PCG said the weapons were found despite its repeated advisories to passengers not to bring such items.
Many of the items, including the air gun, were found during an x-ray scan of passengers’ baggage at the terminals of shipping firms, the report said. (report from VVP/GMA News)
Showing posts with label Nation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nation. Show all posts
Monday, April 11, 2011
LTFRB warns bus firms on unannounced fare hikes
MANILA, Philippines—Bus companies imposing unannounced fare hikes in time for the summer vacation may have their franchises suspended or cancelled for illegally taking advantage of commuters, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.
The government has not approved any hike in provincial bus fares yet, according to the LTFRB, which encouraged commuters to report operators that have started to charge higher rates.
“If we receive any reports of overcharging by bus operators, we ask the companies involved to explain why their franchises should not be revoked,” LTFRB board member Manuel Iway said in an interview.
Provincial Bus Operator Association of the Philippines (PBOAP) executive director Jose Galzim said the group’s members had implemented a hike in fares starting 12:01 a.m. on Monday to help cope with rising fuel prices.
The group said it had implemented a rate of P1.35 for every kilometer after the first five, which was the rate approved by the LTFRB in 2008. The group decided not to implement the fare adjustment in 2008 due to the decline in fuel prices, Galzim told Radyo Inquirer DZIQ.
Galzim said the group’s decision was not tantamount to overpricing because the adjustment was still made within the bounds of the LTFRB-approved rates.
Meanwhile, Iway said the LTFRB would monitor any bus far increases over the approved rates.
At present, the minimum fare for provincial buses stands at P8.50 for the first five kilometers. Every succeeding kilometer costs P1.35.
Iway said PBOAP, whose members are mainly bus companies traveling to Central and Northern Luzon, has not filed any petition to increase fares.
The Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association (Soluboa) currently has a petition to increase ordinary provincial bus fare rates from P1.30 to P1.80 per kilometer and air-conditioned provincial bus fares to P2.10 per kilometer.
Iway said the LTFRB would meet to either approve or deny Soluboa’s petition to hike fares.
Since the start of the year, fares for taxis, jeepneys and Metro Manila buses have been raised to reflect the higher prices of petroleum products, which make up the bulk of drivers’ and operators’ expenses.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said it would conduct random inspections to determine if buses traveling this coming Holy Week meet minimum safety standards.
“We want to make sure that passenger vehicles, especially buses, are in the condition to travel long distances to ferry travelers to their destinations safely,” LTO chief Virginia Torres said.
Buses failing to pass LTO inspections would be grounded, she said.
Torres said a huge percentage of road mishaps resulting from mechanical defects may be avoided by becoming more vigilant in enforcing LTO safety guidelines.
Inspections will be done on bus companies in Quezon City/Cubao, Pasay, Caloocan and Manila, which have the most crowded terminals during the long holidays. (report from Paolo Montecillo/Philippine Daily Inquirer)
The government has not approved any hike in provincial bus fares yet, according to the LTFRB, which encouraged commuters to report operators that have started to charge higher rates.
“If we receive any reports of overcharging by bus operators, we ask the companies involved to explain why their franchises should not be revoked,” LTFRB board member Manuel Iway said in an interview.
Provincial Bus Operator Association of the Philippines (PBOAP) executive director Jose Galzim said the group’s members had implemented a hike in fares starting 12:01 a.m. on Monday to help cope with rising fuel prices.
The group said it had implemented a rate of P1.35 for every kilometer after the first five, which was the rate approved by the LTFRB in 2008. The group decided not to implement the fare adjustment in 2008 due to the decline in fuel prices, Galzim told Radyo Inquirer DZIQ.
Galzim said the group’s decision was not tantamount to overpricing because the adjustment was still made within the bounds of the LTFRB-approved rates.
Meanwhile, Iway said the LTFRB would monitor any bus far increases over the approved rates.
At present, the minimum fare for provincial buses stands at P8.50 for the first five kilometers. Every succeeding kilometer costs P1.35.
Iway said PBOAP, whose members are mainly bus companies traveling to Central and Northern Luzon, has not filed any petition to increase fares.
The Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association (Soluboa) currently has a petition to increase ordinary provincial bus fare rates from P1.30 to P1.80 per kilometer and air-conditioned provincial bus fares to P2.10 per kilometer.
Iway said the LTFRB would meet to either approve or deny Soluboa’s petition to hike fares.
Since the start of the year, fares for taxis, jeepneys and Metro Manila buses have been raised to reflect the higher prices of petroleum products, which make up the bulk of drivers’ and operators’ expenses.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said it would conduct random inspections to determine if buses traveling this coming Holy Week meet minimum safety standards.
“We want to make sure that passenger vehicles, especially buses, are in the condition to travel long distances to ferry travelers to their destinations safely,” LTO chief Virginia Torres said.
Buses failing to pass LTO inspections would be grounded, she said.
Torres said a huge percentage of road mishaps resulting from mechanical defects may be avoided by becoming more vigilant in enforcing LTO safety guidelines.
Inspections will be done on bus companies in Quezon City/Cubao, Pasay, Caloocan and Manila, which have the most crowded terminals during the long holidays. (report from Paolo Montecillo/Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Alleged drug mule recruiter fails to submit counter-affidavit
MANILA, Philippines—The alleged recruiter of executed Filipina drug mule Sally Ordinario-Villanueva failed to submit her counter-affidavit on the kidnapping case filed against her by Villanueva’s brother.
Assistant State Prosecutors Stewart Allan Mariano gave Tita Cacayan on or before April 25 to submit her counter-affidavit.
“If she fails to submit a counter-affidavit on April 25, we will already submit the case for resolution,” Mariano told reporters after the preliminary investigation.
Cacayan personally appeared during the preliminary investigation. However, she still has no lawyer. She also denied using other aliases.
The kidnapping case is related to a criminal case in Pasay City Regional Trial Court where two of Cacayan’s alleged cohorts are undergoing trial.
Charged in separate criminal information sheets before the Pasay City RTC in March 2010 were Elpidio Gonzales and Jhun Enumeng for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Both Gonzales and Enumeng were accused of transporting 37 pieces of tubular capsules suspected of containing heroin at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Also seized from the suspects were six pieces of capsules believed to contain heroin.
Records of the case showed that the two respondents allegedly used Jason Ordinario, the younger brother of Sally, to transport the prohibited items to another country by means of swallowing the capsules containing the illegal drugs.
On the other hand, Jason pointed to Cacayan as the one who recruited him and his older sister in the illegal activity.
Villanueva, in her affidavit identified Cacayan as the source of drugs she carried to China. She said it was Cacayan who recruited her for a job in Xiamen and provided her an empty suitcase she used for her travel. She said she is not aware that the suitcase containing over 4,000 grams of illegal drugs.
Villanueva, Ramon Credo were executed in Xiamen in China while and Elizabeth Batain was executed in Shenzhen for drug trafficking on last month. (report from Tetch Torres/Inquirer.net)
Assistant State Prosecutors Stewart Allan Mariano gave Tita Cacayan on or before April 25 to submit her counter-affidavit.
“If she fails to submit a counter-affidavit on April 25, we will already submit the case for resolution,” Mariano told reporters after the preliminary investigation.
Cacayan personally appeared during the preliminary investigation. However, she still has no lawyer. She also denied using other aliases.
The kidnapping case is related to a criminal case in Pasay City Regional Trial Court where two of Cacayan’s alleged cohorts are undergoing trial.
Charged in separate criminal information sheets before the Pasay City RTC in March 2010 were Elpidio Gonzales and Jhun Enumeng for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Both Gonzales and Enumeng were accused of transporting 37 pieces of tubular capsules suspected of containing heroin at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Also seized from the suspects were six pieces of capsules believed to contain heroin.
Records of the case showed that the two respondents allegedly used Jason Ordinario, the younger brother of Sally, to transport the prohibited items to another country by means of swallowing the capsules containing the illegal drugs.
On the other hand, Jason pointed to Cacayan as the one who recruited him and his older sister in the illegal activity.
Villanueva, in her affidavit identified Cacayan as the source of drugs she carried to China. She said it was Cacayan who recruited her for a job in Xiamen and provided her an empty suitcase she used for her travel. She said she is not aware that the suitcase containing over 4,000 grams of illegal drugs.
Villanueva, Ramon Credo were executed in Xiamen in China while and Elizabeth Batain was executed in Shenzhen for drug trafficking on last month. (report from Tetch Torres/Inquirer.net)
Stradcom warns of possible shutdown of computerized vehicle registration
MANILA, Philippines -- Technology firm Stradcom Corp. has warned of a possible shutdown of the database and computer systems it operates for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) if the agency continues to refuse remitting payments to the private firm.
This will mean the 300,000 transactions handled by the LTO will have to be done manually, making the agency’s records prone to manipulation, which will allow “carnapping” syndicates to thrive.
At a briefing on Monday, the LTO’s exclusive information technology (IT) provider said the agency owed Stradcom over P1 billion in payments for providing the technology that has been automating transactions and record-keeping at the LTO.
Stradcom officials said LTO chief Virginia Torres has withheld payments to the company since October of last year “for no apparent reason.”
Stradcom’s revenues come from connectivity and computer fees paid by motorists whenever they register vehicles or get drivers’ licenses.
“At first, we were confused as to why she had ordered payments to Stradcom withheld,” Stradcom spokesperson Margaux Salcedo told reporters.
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) earlier said payments to Stradcom have been withheld due to an ongoing intra-corporate dispute between the company’s current chairman Cezar Quiambao and a group led by Bonifacio Sumbilla and Alderito Yujuico.
The department has issued two separate memoranda ordering the LTO to pay Stradcom, but these have been ignored.
In a letter to Torres in March, Quiambao said, “We cannot indefinitely sustain normal operations and maintenance of our LTO IT project’s systems and database without the remittance of payments you’ve been withholding for services duly rendered.”
The company said the withholding of payments could be used as a “force majeure” or a situation beyond its control that Stradcom could invoke to shut down its operations.
“LTO employees will be unable to process manually the combined average of 300,000 daily transactions that computerization allows,” Salcedo said.
“The process of registering vehicles and drivers licenses will once again take weeks to months instead of being achieved in one hour, as has been made possible by computerization. Criminals will be emboldened. Expect the proliferation of ‘fixers’ as well as ‘carnappers,’” she added.
Salcedo said Stradcom would do its “best” to maintain operations, but she did not say how long this could be maintained without the company earning any revenue.
When reached for her statement, Torres declined to give a comment.
The Department of Justice earlier recommended Torres’ suspension for bungling the handling of the dispute, leading to the shutdown of Stradcom’s operations for seven hours last December 9 in a failed takeover of the company by the Sumbilla group. (report from Paolo Montecillo/Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Sandigan junks graft case vs VP Binay's wife
The Philippine anti-graft court has dismissed the graft case filed against former Makati City mayor Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay, and her co-accused in connection with the alleged overpricing in the purchase of office partitions and furniture in 2000 and 2001.
The Sandiganbayan Second Division cited weak evidence as reason for the dismissal of the case. It said even the prosecution has admitted that the information it filed in the case did not conform with the evidence.
Binay was accused of former Makati City Hall officials and officers from furniture firm Office Gallery International Inc. in an alleged excess purchase of office partitions and furniture for the new City Hall amounting to P58.04 million.
Binay's co-accused were former city administrator Nicanor V. Santiago Jr, general services department head Ernesto A. Aspillaga, and private defendants Li Yee Shing, Jason Li and Vivian M. Edurise, corporate officers of Office Gallery International Inc.
“(T)his court is duty-bound to spare the accused from the unnecessary burden, expense and anxiety of having to defend themselves in public trial. The admission made in open court early on by the Prosecution that the Information they filed in this case does not conform with evidence on record, foretold a bleak conclusion to this case," the court said in its 69-page decision.
The decision was penned by Presiding Justice Edilberto Sandoval, the division chairman, and was concurred in by Associate Justices Teresita V. Diaz-Baldos and Samuel R. Martires.
The court said that based on Prosecutor Rodrigo Coquia’s statements during trial, the information was unclear about what the offense really was — undue injury caused to the government on account of the alleged excess purchase or overprice; or unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference given to Office Gallery International Inc. because the transaction was a negotiated purchase.
Little weight was also given to testimonies by members of a team of government auditors, led by newly-appointed Commission on Audit Commissioner Heidi Mendoza, as the court noted that the system they relied on was full of inconsistencies.
The court noted that the prosecution used a photocopy of the Furniture Layout Plan and used it as its basis in computing the supposed overprice. Under questioning by Justice Martires, State Auditor III Dean Suson Montalban acknowledged that they came up with the figure for the excess purchase by a simple comparison of the Layout Plan with the purchase request and purchase order.
“It is beyond belief that the Prosecution came to Court with evidence comprising merely of a bare comparison of the number of partitions purchased as appearing in the Purchase Order, on one hand, and partitions planned to be used as indicated in the Furniture Layout Plan, on the other, without referring to a confirmatory physical count of the partitions actually used in the City Hall," the court pointed out. (report from KBK/GMA News)
The Sandiganbayan Second Division cited weak evidence as reason for the dismissal of the case. It said even the prosecution has admitted that the information it filed in the case did not conform with the evidence.
Binay was accused of former Makati City Hall officials and officers from furniture firm Office Gallery International Inc. in an alleged excess purchase of office partitions and furniture for the new City Hall amounting to P58.04 million.
Binay's co-accused were former city administrator Nicanor V. Santiago Jr, general services department head Ernesto A. Aspillaga, and private defendants Li Yee Shing, Jason Li and Vivian M. Edurise, corporate officers of Office Gallery International Inc.
“(T)his court is duty-bound to spare the accused from the unnecessary burden, expense and anxiety of having to defend themselves in public trial. The admission made in open court early on by the Prosecution that the Information they filed in this case does not conform with evidence on record, foretold a bleak conclusion to this case," the court said in its 69-page decision.
The decision was penned by Presiding Justice Edilberto Sandoval, the division chairman, and was concurred in by Associate Justices Teresita V. Diaz-Baldos and Samuel R. Martires.
The court said that based on Prosecutor Rodrigo Coquia’s statements during trial, the information was unclear about what the offense really was — undue injury caused to the government on account of the alleged excess purchase or overprice; or unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference given to Office Gallery International Inc. because the transaction was a negotiated purchase.
Little weight was also given to testimonies by members of a team of government auditors, led by newly-appointed Commission on Audit Commissioner Heidi Mendoza, as the court noted that the system they relied on was full of inconsistencies.
The court noted that the prosecution used a photocopy of the Furniture Layout Plan and used it as its basis in computing the supposed overprice. Under questioning by Justice Martires, State Auditor III Dean Suson Montalban acknowledged that they came up with the figure for the excess purchase by a simple comparison of the Layout Plan with the purchase request and purchase order.
“It is beyond belief that the Prosecution came to Court with evidence comprising merely of a bare comparison of the number of partitions purchased as appearing in the Purchase Order, on one hand, and partitions planned to be used as indicated in the Furniture Layout Plan, on the other, without referring to a confirmatory physical count of the partitions actually used in the City Hall," the court pointed out. (report from KBK/GMA News)
Phivolcs: No tsunami threat from Japan quake
State seismologists on Monday allayed fears of a tsunami reaching the Philippines following a magnitude-7.1 quake that hit Japan Monday afternoon.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tsunami alert in the Philippines is at level "0," meaning no evacuation is needed.
"PHIVOLCS Tsunami ALERT Level is 0. This is for information purposes only and there is no tsunami threat to the Philippines from this earthquake," it said in a bulletin.
It said the quake occurred at 4:16 p.m. (Manila time), along the east coast of Honshu in Japan.
The quake came a month after a magnitude-9 quake and a tsunami devastated Japan's northeast area.
"No destructive Pacific-wide threat exists based on the historical and tsunami data. However, earthquakes of this size sometimes generate local tsunamis that can be destructive along coasts located within a hundred kilometers of the epicenter," the Phivolcs bulletin said. (report from KBK/GMA News)
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tsunami alert in the Philippines is at level "0," meaning no evacuation is needed.
"PHIVOLCS Tsunami ALERT Level is 0. This is for information purposes only and there is no tsunami threat to the Philippines from this earthquake," it said in a bulletin.
It said the quake occurred at 4:16 p.m. (Manila time), along the east coast of Honshu in Japan.
The quake came a month after a magnitude-9 quake and a tsunami devastated Japan's northeast area.
"No destructive Pacific-wide threat exists based on the historical and tsunami data. However, earthquakes of this size sometimes generate local tsunamis that can be destructive along coasts located within a hundred kilometers of the epicenter," the Phivolcs bulletin said. (report from KBK/GMA News)
PNP intensifies security measures for Holy Week
Police forces nationwide have been ordered to intensify security initiatives in preparation for the upcoming Holy Week, when thousands are expected to troop to the provinces for the expected long weekend.
Director General Raul Bacalzo, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said he specifically instructed police units to intensify existing checkpoints and enforce anew the PNP’s "Oplan Sita" and "Oplan Bakal" campaigns, and the Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives (MASCO).
"Kailangan makita uli natin yung ating mga kapulisan sa kalsada lalo na yung ating MASCO (We need to see our police on the streets, especially the MASCO)," Bacalzo told reporters in an interview Monday.
He said they recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Practical Shooting Association and the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators to enlist the help of security guards in terms of police visibility.
"Sila ang ating (They will be our) force multipliers," he said.
Bacalzo said he also instructed police regional directors, particularly the National Capital Region Police Office, to ask mall owners to allow uniformed personnel to guard shops and terminals.
"So I expect inspections again of bus terminals, the airports and the train terminal by our directors of the field," he said.
He noted, however, that the alert level in all areas remains normal as of the moment. (report from Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News)
Director General Raul Bacalzo, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said he specifically instructed police units to intensify existing checkpoints and enforce anew the PNP’s "Oplan Sita" and "Oplan Bakal" campaigns, and the Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives (MASCO).
"Kailangan makita uli natin yung ating mga kapulisan sa kalsada lalo na yung ating MASCO (We need to see our police on the streets, especially the MASCO)," Bacalzo told reporters in an interview Monday.
He said they recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Practical Shooting Association and the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators to enlist the help of security guards in terms of police visibility.
"Sila ang ating (They will be our) force multipliers," he said.
Bacalzo said he also instructed police regional directors, particularly the National Capital Region Police Office, to ask mall owners to allow uniformed personnel to guard shops and terminals.
"So I expect inspections again of bus terminals, the airports and the train terminal by our directors of the field," he said.
He noted, however, that the alert level in all areas remains normal as of the moment. (report from Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Palace running out of time for ARMM polls postponement
MANILA, Philippines—Time is not on the side of the Aquino administration that is intent on postponing the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), from its original August 2011 schedule to May 2013.
The House has passed HB 4146 providing for the synchronization of the ARMM elections with the midterm elections in May 2013.
Sen. Franklin Drilon has filed a counterpart measure, Senate Bill No. 2756, but the Senate may not have enough time to approve the administration’s priority measure.
“We are very short of time, but we’ll do our best to do what we can in the time available,” Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., chair of the committee on local government, said at the first hearing on the measure Thursday.
Marcos said his committee can report out its findings to the Senate only after Congress resumes sessions on May 9, way past the May 2 start for the filing of candidacy papers.
Usual process
After that, the bill has to go through the usual legislative process of approval, which could take some time, he said.
Director Ferdinand Rafanan of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the Comelec is giving the Senate and House until May 20 to adopt a final version of the bill.
“But we prefer a postponement. It will mean less work, and it will save us P2 billion,” he told reporters.
Otherwise, the Comelec is ready to hold the ARMM elections in August as originally scheduled, Rafanan said.
Teresita Quintos-Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process, said the main Muslim insurgencies, the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front, are not posing objections to the election’s postponement.
“The government is not inclined to disagree,” she told the committee.
Distraction
Besides, she added, holding the elections in August would be a distraction to the talks with the MILF whose key agenda is the amendment of the organic law that created the ARMM.
She said synchronized elections will allow the parties concerned to focus on the proposed amendments to the ARMM law.
Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo has also argued for postponement, saying that this would allow the government to appoint reform-minded individuals to the ARMM until 2013, institute reforms and most important, audit the ARMM funds.
He said that an initial audit of the ARMM from 2009 to 2010 showed some P5 billion missing.
“Unfortunately, some people who perpetrated the malversation are still working in ARMM to this very day,” he said.
However, ex-senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Manuel Lazaro, president of the Philippine Constitution Association, have argued that postponing the ARMM elections was unconstitutional and the appointment of officers in charge by the President was illegal.
Amending ARMM law
A postponement would entail amending the ARMM’s organic law which would require a two-thirds vote of Congress and a plebiscite.
“I was just amazed that there are several Republic Acts that had already been approved in the past, all providing for conflicting resetting of elections. None of these RAs have been the subject of plebiscites,” Lazaro said.
Zabedin Azis, assistant secretary at the justice department, and University of the Philippines College of Law professor Ibarra Gutierrez, have challenged this.
They said that a postponement of the ARMM elections only amends RA 9333, but not the main organic act, RA 9054. Hence, there was no need for a two-thirds vote of Congress and a plebiscite, they said. RA 9333 fixes the date of election of ARMM officials. (report from TJ Burgonio/Philippine Daily Inquirer)
The House has passed HB 4146 providing for the synchronization of the ARMM elections with the midterm elections in May 2013.
Sen. Franklin Drilon has filed a counterpart measure, Senate Bill No. 2756, but the Senate may not have enough time to approve the administration’s priority measure.
“We are very short of time, but we’ll do our best to do what we can in the time available,” Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., chair of the committee on local government, said at the first hearing on the measure Thursday.
Marcos said his committee can report out its findings to the Senate only after Congress resumes sessions on May 9, way past the May 2 start for the filing of candidacy papers.
Usual process
After that, the bill has to go through the usual legislative process of approval, which could take some time, he said.
Director Ferdinand Rafanan of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the Comelec is giving the Senate and House until May 20 to adopt a final version of the bill.
“But we prefer a postponement. It will mean less work, and it will save us P2 billion,” he told reporters.
Otherwise, the Comelec is ready to hold the ARMM elections in August as originally scheduled, Rafanan said.
Teresita Quintos-Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process, said the main Muslim insurgencies, the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front, are not posing objections to the election’s postponement.
“The government is not inclined to disagree,” she told the committee.
Distraction
Besides, she added, holding the elections in August would be a distraction to the talks with the MILF whose key agenda is the amendment of the organic law that created the ARMM.
She said synchronized elections will allow the parties concerned to focus on the proposed amendments to the ARMM law.
Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo has also argued for postponement, saying that this would allow the government to appoint reform-minded individuals to the ARMM until 2013, institute reforms and most important, audit the ARMM funds.
He said that an initial audit of the ARMM from 2009 to 2010 showed some P5 billion missing.
“Unfortunately, some people who perpetrated the malversation are still working in ARMM to this very day,” he said.
However, ex-senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Manuel Lazaro, president of the Philippine Constitution Association, have argued that postponing the ARMM elections was unconstitutional and the appointment of officers in charge by the President was illegal.
Amending ARMM law
A postponement would entail amending the ARMM’s organic law which would require a two-thirds vote of Congress and a plebiscite.
“I was just amazed that there are several Republic Acts that had already been approved in the past, all providing for conflicting resetting of elections. None of these RAs have been the subject of plebiscites,” Lazaro said.
Zabedin Azis, assistant secretary at the justice department, and University of the Philippines College of Law professor Ibarra Gutierrez, have challenged this.
They said that a postponement of the ARMM elections only amends RA 9333, but not the main organic act, RA 9054. Hence, there was no need for a two-thirds vote of Congress and a plebiscite, they said. RA 9333 fixes the date of election of ARMM officials. (report from TJ Burgonio/Philippine Daily Inquirer)
House pushes for lower tax rate
MANILA, Philippines—A key leader of the House of Representatives on Thursday urged President Benigno Aquino III to consider a proposal to reduce the expanded value-added tax (VAT) rate of 12 percent to the lower value simplified tax (VAST) rate of six percent.
Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas, chair of the committee on ways and means, said the VAST bill was the legislature’s contribution to the government effort to lower the budget deficit which runs to over P300 billion annually.
Mandanas batted for VAST following reports that President Aquino was against removing or reducing the VAT as it would not only lead to higher fuel consumption but would cut government revenues to fund vital programs.
With VAST, Mandanas said, “not only will the direct tax payments of Filipinos be reduced, but the revenues of the government will be increased by no less than P50 billion, and corruption will be drastically reduced with the repeal of the input tax credit deductions in the VAT system.”
On Jan. 17, Mandanas wrote President Aquino asking that he certify as urgent House Bill No. 3850, which would impose the VAST in lieu of the VAT.
In the letter, Mandanas said VAST would encourage the “bayanihan” spirit of sharing and engender an equitable distribution of the tax burden between the private sector and the public consumer.
“With VAST, we believe your administration will be true to its word, ‘kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.’ Through your leadership, we in the House of Representatives are able to best serve the Filipino nation,” Mandanas wrote Mr. Aquino.
“The VAST measure also sends a clear and concrete message that the Aquino administration is sensitive to the needs of the ordinary Filipino taxpayer by reducing their direct tax burden,” he said.
VAST calls for the removal of the input tax credit system, which is multi-layered and provides occasions for graft and corruption, thereby affecting revenue collection.
Mandanas said VAST would increase government revenues by at least P50 billion with both the private sector and the end-consumer sharing the tax burden. (report from Cynthia Balana/Cebu Daily News)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
DOJ: Lacson, 'di mapipilit magbulgar ng detalye
AMINADO si Justice Secretary Leila de Lima na hindi maaaring obligahin si Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson na ihayag kung sino ang Philippine cdonsul na nag-isyu sa kaniya ng travel documents.
Ayon kay De Lima, hangga’t wala pang kaso ay hindi maaaring pilitin ang senador na ihayag ang mga detalye hinggil sa pagtatago.
Sinabi ng kalihim na maraming opsyon na siyang pinag-aaralan sa ngayon, kabilang na rito ay ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) upang alamin ang hinggil sa pagkakakilanlan ng consul na nagbigay ng travel documents kay Lacson.
Kaugnay nito, sinabi ng kalihim na hindi pa lusot ang Bureau of Immigration sa akusasyong nagkulang ito sa mga hakbang upang hanapin ang senador.
Ang nasabing travel documents ang ipinakita ni Lacson sa halip na pasaporte kaya hindi matukoy ng mga awtoridad kung saan talaga nagmula ang senador. (ulat mula kay Teresa Tavares/Remate)
Ligot pinalaya na ng Senado
PINAKAWALAN na ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee si dating AFP Comptroller Lt. Gen Jacinto Ligot at inalis na rin ang contempt charges laban sa asawa nitong si Erlinda Martes, Marso 29.
Ayon kay Committee Chairman Teofisto Guingona III, kuntento sila sa mga sagot ng mag-asawa kaya’t walang dahilan para ituloy pa ang reklamo sa kanila.
Magugunitang ikinulong sa senado si ligot noong Huwebes ng gabi samantalang si Erlinda ay nanatili sa tahanan nito “for humanitarian reason.”
Sinabi ni Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Jinggoy Estrada na inulit lamang nila ang mga tanong noong nakaraang pagdinig at nasiyahan naman sila sa sagot nang mag-asawang Ligot kung kaya’t nagpasya ang komite na pakawalan na ito.
Sa nasabing pagdinig, inamin ni Erlinda na ang Erllinda Ligot at Erlinda Yambao ay iisang tao lamang at siya ang nagbenta ng bahay sa Estados Unidos.
Inirekomenda naman ni Senador Franklin Drilon ang pagsampa ng graft charges laban sa mag-asawa.
“This Committee, in its report, should recommend that new forfeiture cases be filed against the Ligots and Mr. Yambao to include the properties and money that have not been included yet in the pending forfeiture case. We also recommend that anti-graft cases be filed against the General Jacinto Ligot, Mrs. Erlinda Ligot and Mr. Edgardo Yambao,” ayon kay Drilon.
Sa pagpapatuloy ng pagdinig, isa pang testigo ang lumutang sa Senado para patunayan ang talamak na kurapasyon sa Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Pinatunayan ni retired Col. Romeo Mateo ang mga akusasyon ni dating AFP budget officer George Rabusa na may conversion of funds sa AFP na pinagkukunan ng payola ng matataas na opisyal ng militar.
Ayon kay Mateo, simula taong 1989 ay mayroon ng conversion na nagaganap sa AFP kung saan kabilang siya sa nagko-convert ng allotment order sa J6 o office of the AFP comptroller upang gawing cash.
Hanggang sa P11 million umano ang kanilang kino-convert na pera bawat buwan.
Aminado si Mateo na kabilang siya sa nakikinabang sa naturang katiwalian dahil umaabot sa 1.5% ang kanyang tinatanggap na komisyon .
Nauna rito, inamin ni Col. Cirilo Thomas Donato, dating ISAFP comptroller, na tumanggap siya ng payola at kotse mula kay Rabusa. Pero itinanggi nitong nagkaroon ng conversion sa kanyang panahon sa halip ay cash advance lamang. (ulat mula kay Vicky Cervales/Remate)
Ayon kay Committee Chairman Teofisto Guingona III, kuntento sila sa mga sagot ng mag-asawa kaya’t walang dahilan para ituloy pa ang reklamo sa kanila.
Magugunitang ikinulong sa senado si ligot noong Huwebes ng gabi samantalang si Erlinda ay nanatili sa tahanan nito “for humanitarian reason.”
Sinabi ni Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Jinggoy Estrada na inulit lamang nila ang mga tanong noong nakaraang pagdinig at nasiyahan naman sila sa sagot nang mag-asawang Ligot kung kaya’t nagpasya ang komite na pakawalan na ito.
Sa nasabing pagdinig, inamin ni Erlinda na ang Erllinda Ligot at Erlinda Yambao ay iisang tao lamang at siya ang nagbenta ng bahay sa Estados Unidos.
Inirekomenda naman ni Senador Franklin Drilon ang pagsampa ng graft charges laban sa mag-asawa.
“This Committee, in its report, should recommend that new forfeiture cases be filed against the Ligots and Mr. Yambao to include the properties and money that have not been included yet in the pending forfeiture case. We also recommend that anti-graft cases be filed against the General Jacinto Ligot, Mrs. Erlinda Ligot and Mr. Edgardo Yambao,” ayon kay Drilon.
Sa pagpapatuloy ng pagdinig, isa pang testigo ang lumutang sa Senado para patunayan ang talamak na kurapasyon sa Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Pinatunayan ni retired Col. Romeo Mateo ang mga akusasyon ni dating AFP budget officer George Rabusa na may conversion of funds sa AFP na pinagkukunan ng payola ng matataas na opisyal ng militar.
Ayon kay Mateo, simula taong 1989 ay mayroon ng conversion na nagaganap sa AFP kung saan kabilang siya sa nagko-convert ng allotment order sa J6 o office of the AFP comptroller upang gawing cash.
Hanggang sa P11 million umano ang kanilang kino-convert na pera bawat buwan.
Aminado si Mateo na kabilang siya sa nakikinabang sa naturang katiwalian dahil umaabot sa 1.5% ang kanyang tinatanggap na komisyon .
Nauna rito, inamin ni Col. Cirilo Thomas Donato, dating ISAFP comptroller, na tumanggap siya ng payola at kotse mula kay Rabusa. Pero itinanggi nitong nagkaroon ng conversion sa kanyang panahon sa halip ay cash advance lamang. (ulat mula kay Vicky Cervales/Remate)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Kris Aquino comes to President's rescue vs critics
MANILA, Philippines -- President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino's youngest sister, Kris, admitted that she was hurt by criticims that reforms and development were slow under the present administration of her brother.
Kris, speaking before the opening of the first TESDA's free assessment and certification week on Monday, even fired at her brother's critics, saying that no one in the Philippine history had recorded a 75 percent approval rating in the surveys like the President.
"Ngayon ho talaga, I'm proud to say na, iisantabi na natin ang pagiging Kris Aquino, kapatid ako ng Pangulo natin na ipinagmamalaki sya ng bonggang bonga," she told hundreds of people who attended the event.
"Bakit po? Alam mo kasi masakit na rin po minsan na parati kang nakakarinig ng batikos na ang bagal nang pag-unlad, na hindi naaaksyunan ang panangailangan ng Pilipino. Pero tinitingnan ko kayo ngayon, ang dami daming nandito na magkakaroon na ng opprtunidad na magkaroon ng magandang tarbaho at alam kong dahil yan sa liderato ng Pangulong Aquino," she said.
"So siguro kayo na ang magiging pruweba ng achivement ni President Noynoy [Aquino's nickname] para sa Pilipinas at siguro po tutulungan nyo kami dahil hindi naman sya magiging Pangulo kung hindi dahil sa inyong lahat, dahil sa botong binigay nyo sa kanya," she said.
And while critics were belittling the 75 percent approval rating of the President, Kris pointed out that no one in the past had gotten the same approval rating.
"Wala naman ho yatang nakatikim noon in the past so sana tigilan na ang kainggitan sa katawan at matuwa na lang tayo talaga na meron tayong Pangulong pinagkakatiwalaan natin," she said.
"Ako po, buong buo ang tiwala ko sa kanya at buong buo ang tiwala ko sa mamayang Pilipino," she further said. (report from Inquirer.net)
Dacers to pass petition questioning CA’s decision on Lacson—lawyer
MANILA, Philippines – The daughters of slain publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer have tasked their lawyer to pass a petition to review the Court of Appeal’s dismissal of the cases they filed against Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
Carina Dacer and her sisters’ lawyer Demetrio Custodio told Radyo Inquirer in an interview Monday that he was instructed to pass a petition which could question or reverse the CA’s dismissal of criminal case against Lacson.
The Dacer siblings were, according to Custodio, “very disappointed.”
The CA decision was not “adjudication on the case itself,” said Custodio. He said that the CA decision was based only on probable cause. (report from Karen Boncocan, Inquirer.net)
Carina Dacer and her sisters’ lawyer Demetrio Custodio told Radyo Inquirer in an interview Monday that he was instructed to pass a petition which could question or reverse the CA’s dismissal of criminal case against Lacson.
The Dacer siblings were, according to Custodio, “very disappointed.”
The CA decision was not “adjudication on the case itself,” said Custodio. He said that the CA decision was based only on probable cause. (report from Karen Boncocan, Inquirer.net)
Christmas in March—Lacson
MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Christmas in March. This was how Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson described his homecoming last Saturday after more than a year in hiding.
Lacson faced the public Monday morning at the Senate, saying that the weekend he spent with his family was the best days in his life, following an experience “so surreal, I never imagined could happen.”
The senator said that he learned to fend for himself throughout the time he was in hiding, preparing dishes such as afritada, adobo and menudo, and baking pan de sal and empanada.
He told the public that every day in hiding felt like being “a prisoner outside of a prison cell.” Lacson revealed that he traveled to several countries and operated on one rule: Do not get caught.
The worst part of his struggle, said Lacson, was that he did not know who his true friends were.
“Every crime demands justice but justice means truth and action,” said Lacson, “Without action to bring out the truth, justice will never be served.”
Lacson revealed that he decided to return as there was no legal barrier to his serving as senator, adding that he would work double time to fulfill his duties.
He admitted that evading arrest and going into hiding were the wrong things to do but that these were “the more sensible things to do given the prevailing circumstances.”
“Facing trial is not the be-all and end-all of settling and resolving this legal issue,” he added.
Lacson said that he was out of the country the entire time he was in hiding, but declined to disclose the locations in order to protect those who helped him.
“I was never here during the past year, that much I can tell you,” he said.
Asked what he thought of the Dacer sisters’ move to pass a petition questioning the Court of Appeal’s decision to dismiss his case and arrest warrant, he said that it was up to them.
He said he had questioned the lower court’s decision, calling it unfair for using the statements of a lone witness but said he would honor the judgment of the Supreme Court.
Lacson stated that he wanted to prove his innocence by explaining his side but was also inclined to “forgive and forget” instead of filing cases against his detractors. He said that the months he spent hidden gave him ample time to reflect.
The senator flew into the country from Hong Kong Saturday and arrived 11:42 a.m. at the Mactan International Airport in Cebu before heading to Manila in a chartered plane hours later.
The senator had been on the Interpol’s red-notice list for his alleged hand in the deaths of publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in 2000.
In March Lacson was excluded from the list after the Court of Appeals dismissed his arrest warrant. (report from Karen Boncocan/Inquirer.net and Louie Garcia/DZIQ-Radyo Inquirer)
Gov't to spend P31M for military runway in Pag-Asa island
MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces chief Eduardo Oban said the government needs to spend P31 million to repair a military runway on Pag-Asa island, which would boost the country's military presence in the disputed Spratlys group of islands near Palawan.
In a radio report, Oban said the government will also allot P8 billion to purchase more naval ships and an additional radio system, which will be deployed to Pag-Asa island.
The military's Western Command has requested for the repair of the old runway, which was never undergone major repair since it was established in the 1970s.
The airfield can accommodate heavy transport aircraft and military planes.
In an earlier report, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said that except for Taiwan and Brunei, other claimant countries have strengthened fortifications in the islets and shoals in the Spratlys Islands.
It said that since 1984, Malaysia has already deployed troops on five islets and on the Malaysian-occupied Swallow Reef, there is now a 1,200-meter runway as well as a naval station in an island known as Layang-Layang, which had been a dive resort for tourists.
The AFP also said in its report that based on surveillance photos taken during routine patrols over the Kalayaan Group, there is a steady Chinese military buildup in the area despite its being a signatory to the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Latest surveillance photographs taken in 2010 showed different machine gun emplacement as well as additional communications antennae. Naval vessels have also been anchored in Chigua Reef.
Military developments were also monitored in Cuarteron Reef, while Fiery Cross Reef is serving as communications and oceanographic research center.
The report said that Vietnam has also made impressive improvements in their occupied islands, with new communication equipment in Sin Cow (Rurok Island) installed last year. There are also single storey buildings in Allison Reef and in other sites such as Barque Canada Reef, Discovery Great Reef, Petley Reef, Pigeon Reef, and in East Reef.
New buildings have also sprouted in the Namyit Island.
Numerous structures – including bunkers – have also been detected in Central London Reef.
Defenders of Philippine-held territories stand no chance against the firepower of other claimants in the event of a shooting war, the report stated. (report from Philstar.com)
In a radio report, Oban said the government will also allot P8 billion to purchase more naval ships and an additional radio system, which will be deployed to Pag-Asa island.
The military's Western Command has requested for the repair of the old runway, which was never undergone major repair since it was established in the 1970s.
The airfield can accommodate heavy transport aircraft and military planes.
In an earlier report, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said that except for Taiwan and Brunei, other claimant countries have strengthened fortifications in the islets and shoals in the Spratlys Islands.
It said that since 1984, Malaysia has already deployed troops on five islets and on the Malaysian-occupied Swallow Reef, there is now a 1,200-meter runway as well as a naval station in an island known as Layang-Layang, which had been a dive resort for tourists.
The AFP also said in its report that based on surveillance photos taken during routine patrols over the Kalayaan Group, there is a steady Chinese military buildup in the area despite its being a signatory to the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Latest surveillance photographs taken in 2010 showed different machine gun emplacement as well as additional communications antennae. Naval vessels have also been anchored in Chigua Reef.
Military developments were also monitored in Cuarteron Reef, while Fiery Cross Reef is serving as communications and oceanographic research center.
The report said that Vietnam has also made impressive improvements in their occupied islands, with new communication equipment in Sin Cow (Rurok Island) installed last year. There are also single storey buildings in Allison Reef and in other sites such as Barque Canada Reef, Discovery Great Reef, Petley Reef, Pigeon Reef, and in East Reef.
New buildings have also sprouted in the Namyit Island.
Numerous structures – including bunkers – have also been detected in Central London Reef.
Defenders of Philippine-held territories stand no chance against the firepower of other claimants in the event of a shooting war, the report stated. (report from Philstar.com)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Senate OKs rules of procedure in impeach trial
MANILA, Philippines — (UPDATE) The Senate has adopted the rules of procedure that will be used in the impeachment trial of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.
The new approved rules, contained in Resolution 432, did not include the proposed imposition of a gag order on senators, who will sit as judges when the Senate convenes as an impeachment court, prosecutors, witnesses, counsels and even including the Senate President who will preside over the impeachment trial.
Instead, the rules provide that the presiding officer has “the power to make and issue by himself or by the Secretary of the Senate, all orders, mandates, and writs authorized by these rules or by the Senate, and to make and enforce such other regulations and orders in the premises as the Senate may authorize or provide.”
But Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who presented on the floor Resolution 432 containing the rules of procedures on impeachment trials, explained that the senator-judges could not still talk about the merits of the case and would not be allowed to be interviewed during the actual impeachment proceedings.
“Hindi gag order ang tawag pero (It’s not called gag order but) we are not allowed to talk about the merit of the case or we're not allowed to be interviewed during the actual proceedings,” Sotto told reporters.
Sotto, before adjourning the session, announced that the Senate will convene as an impeachment court on May 9.
He said the Senate acting as an impeachment court will be ready to accept the prosecution at 2:00 p.m. on May 9.
The approval of the impeachment rules came just hours after the House of Representatives transmitted to the Senate on Wednesday the articles of impeachment against the Ombudsman. (report from Maila Ager, Inquirer.net)
The new approved rules, contained in Resolution 432, did not include the proposed imposition of a gag order on senators, who will sit as judges when the Senate convenes as an impeachment court, prosecutors, witnesses, counsels and even including the Senate President who will preside over the impeachment trial.
Instead, the rules provide that the presiding officer has “the power to make and issue by himself or by the Secretary of the Senate, all orders, mandates, and writs authorized by these rules or by the Senate, and to make and enforce such other regulations and orders in the premises as the Senate may authorize or provide.”
But Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who presented on the floor Resolution 432 containing the rules of procedures on impeachment trials, explained that the senator-judges could not still talk about the merits of the case and would not be allowed to be interviewed during the actual impeachment proceedings.
“Hindi gag order ang tawag pero (It’s not called gag order but) we are not allowed to talk about the merit of the case or we're not allowed to be interviewed during the actual proceedings,” Sotto told reporters.
Sotto, before adjourning the session, announced that the Senate will convene as an impeachment court on May 9.
He said the Senate acting as an impeachment court will be ready to accept the prosecution at 2:00 p.m. on May 9.
The approval of the impeachment rules came just hours after the House of Representatives transmitted to the Senate on Wednesday the articles of impeachment against the Ombudsman. (report from Maila Ager, Inquirer.net)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sen. Santiago lands on inspiring women’s list
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has scored a double feat after landing on the list of a website’s most inspiring women and a search engine’s list of most influential women in the Philippines.
The veteran senator was named with nine other Filipino women as recipients of the Womanity Award from Female Network.com, her office said in a statement.
The award, whose announcement of winners coincided with International Women’s Day on March 8, recognizes women for their inspiring stories in various fields.
Santiago was described as a crusader against corruption in government who had served as a lawyer, trial court judge, immigration commissioner and agrarian reform secretary before becoming a senator.
“Her efforts in and out of the Senate have earned her international recognition,” the award said.
The other awardees were Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco, Jessica Sojo, Ana Julaton, Liz Uy, Raquel Fortun, Bing Sibal Limjoco, Daphne Oseña Paez and Tweetie de Leon Gonzales.
Close on the heels of the Womanity Awards, Santiago landed on Google’s list of the Top 20 Most Influential Filipinas of 2010, which included Philippine Daily Inquirer business reporter Doris Dumlao. (report from TJ Burgonio, Philippine Daily Inquirer)
The veteran senator was named with nine other Filipino women as recipients of the Womanity Award from Female Network.com, her office said in a statement.
The award, whose announcement of winners coincided with International Women’s Day on March 8, recognizes women for their inspiring stories in various fields.
Santiago was described as a crusader against corruption in government who had served as a lawyer, trial court judge, immigration commissioner and agrarian reform secretary before becoming a senator.
“Her efforts in and out of the Senate have earned her international recognition,” the award said.
The other awardees were Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco, Jessica Sojo, Ana Julaton, Liz Uy, Raquel Fortun, Bing Sibal Limjoco, Daphne Oseña Paez and Tweetie de Leon Gonzales.
Close on the heels of the Womanity Awards, Santiago landed on Google’s list of the Top 20 Most Influential Filipinas of 2010, which included Philippine Daily Inquirer business reporter Doris Dumlao. (report from TJ Burgonio, Philippine Daily Inquirer)
PhilHealth assures repatriated OFWs can still avail of benefits
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) today assured that Filipino workers who have been repatriated from Libya and other countries can still avail of their health insurance coverage in case their legal dependents in the country are hospitalized.
"We want to assure our OFW-members that should hospitalization needs arise, they may still avail themselves of their PhilHealth benefits, provided the period of confinement is within the effectivity period of their coverage," Rey Aquino, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
Aquino said said that OFWs may still use the unexpired portion of their PhilHealth coverage as indicated in their enhanced member data records.
He, however, said that the overseas Filipino worker's contribution should be updated and their premiums are paid regularly and on time by his employer to be able to avail of the benefits.
"Employers of sea-based OFWs must ensure that they remit their employees’ premiums regularly and on time, including their counterpart contributions as employers, to ensure that these OFWs or their legal dependents, are able to avail themselves of their PhilHealth benefits when they need these most," he said.
The PhilHealth's Overseas Workers Program (OWP) covers all land-based overseas Filipino workers whose jobs are covered by appropriate job contracts with overseas-based employers. Sea-based OFWs, meanwhile, are covered under the employed sector.
Among the in-patient medical care benefits that OFWs and other PhilHealth members may avail of are allowances for hospital room and board fees, drugs and medicines, X-ray and laboratory fees, as well as allowances for the use of operating room complex and for the professional fees of attending physicians.
These benefits may be availed of in accredited institutional health care facilities in the country.
The PhilHealth said it has more than two million OFW-members. (report from Philstar.com)
"We want to assure our OFW-members that should hospitalization needs arise, they may still avail themselves of their PhilHealth benefits, provided the period of confinement is within the effectivity period of their coverage," Rey Aquino, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
Aquino said said that OFWs may still use the unexpired portion of their PhilHealth coverage as indicated in their enhanced member data records.
He, however, said that the overseas Filipino worker's contribution should be updated and their premiums are paid regularly and on time by his employer to be able to avail of the benefits.
"Employers of sea-based OFWs must ensure that they remit their employees’ premiums regularly and on time, including their counterpart contributions as employers, to ensure that these OFWs or their legal dependents, are able to avail themselves of their PhilHealth benefits when they need these most," he said.
The PhilHealth's Overseas Workers Program (OWP) covers all land-based overseas Filipino workers whose jobs are covered by appropriate job contracts with overseas-based employers. Sea-based OFWs, meanwhile, are covered under the employed sector.
Among the in-patient medical care benefits that OFWs and other PhilHealth members may avail of are allowances for hospital room and board fees, drugs and medicines, X-ray and laboratory fees, as well as allowances for the use of operating room complex and for the professional fees of attending physicians.
These benefits may be availed of in accredited institutional health care facilities in the country.
The PhilHealth said it has more than two million OFW-members. (report from Philstar.com)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Philippine rescuers on standby to help quake-hit Japan
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Eight members of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Fire Department were sent to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to augment the forty-member Philippine contingent to help rescue efforts in Japan which was hit by a devastating magnitude-9. 0 earthquake followed by a killer tsunami, officials said.
The first batch of rescuers is composed of top USAR teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Metro Manila and SBMA, local officials said.
The SBMA USAR team left Subic for Camp Aguinaldo -- general headquarters of the country's Armed Forces of the Philippines -- at 6 a.m. Tuesday. Once sent off to Japan, the first batch of rescuers will be deployed 10 days before they are replaced by the second batch if needed.
The second batch will be composed of members of the Olongapo City Urban Search and Rescue group, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard. (report from Philstar.com)
The first batch of rescuers is composed of top USAR teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Metro Manila and SBMA, local officials said.
The SBMA USAR team left Subic for Camp Aguinaldo -- general headquarters of the country's Armed Forces of the Philippines -- at 6 a.m. Tuesday. Once sent off to Japan, the first batch of rescuers will be deployed 10 days before they are replaced by the second batch if needed.
The second batch will be composed of members of the Olongapo City Urban Search and Rescue group, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard. (report from Philstar.com)
‘Senate to work 5 days a week as impeachment court’ — Sotto
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will work five days a week when it convenes as an impeachment court for Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, an official said on Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said senators agreed at a caucus Monday to hold legislative sessions from Mondays to Thursdays in the morning and as an impeachment court in the afternoon.
“Fridays would be motion day so that it will be a total of five-days a week actually for the impeachment court and four-days a week for the legislative Senate,” Sotto told reporters.
Notably, the Senate also added one more day of legislative session “to be able to squeeze in to the schedule during the last leg of Congress” before its sine die adjournment in June, said the Majority Leader.
“Of course the legislative work of the Senate is our priority. That's why we will not relegate it to the back burner even though there is an impeachment going on,” Sotto said.
“As a matter of fact, to some members of the Senate, (a very few of them) feel that the impeachment is not that important because of the rank of the official being impeached,” he added.
Sotto said the Senate may convene as an impeachment court on May 9.
But on Wednesday, the Majority Leader said he would distribute copies of the rules of impeachment proceedings for debates on Tuesday, next week. He added he is also hoping to approve the impeachment rules before Congress takes a break next week. (report from Maila Ager, Inquirer.net)
Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said senators agreed at a caucus Monday to hold legislative sessions from Mondays to Thursdays in the morning and as an impeachment court in the afternoon.
“Fridays would be motion day so that it will be a total of five-days a week actually for the impeachment court and four-days a week for the legislative Senate,” Sotto told reporters.
Notably, the Senate also added one more day of legislative session “to be able to squeeze in to the schedule during the last leg of Congress” before its sine die adjournment in June, said the Majority Leader.
“Of course the legislative work of the Senate is our priority. That's why we will not relegate it to the back burner even though there is an impeachment going on,” Sotto said.
“As a matter of fact, to some members of the Senate, (a very few of them) feel that the impeachment is not that important because of the rank of the official being impeached,” he added.
Sotto said the Senate may convene as an impeachment court on May 9.
But on Wednesday, the Majority Leader said he would distribute copies of the rules of impeachment proceedings for debates on Tuesday, next week. He added he is also hoping to approve the impeachment rules before Congress takes a break next week. (report from Maila Ager, Inquirer.net)
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