BMI Online Editor

No R&Rs for US soldiers in Subic

General

Nov 042014

DOF says port calls cancelled due to ‘operational reasons’ SUBIC BAY, Philippines (Oct. 19, 2014) Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) participate in a 5K run sponsored by the Second Class Petty Officer Association during a port visit to Subic Bay Maritime Authority. Peleliu is on its final western Pacific deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region before decommissioning early next year. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Julianne Holland/Released) MANILA (AFP) – The US Navy has cancelled visits to the Philippine port of Subic amid public anger over accusations that a US Marine killed a Filipino on the city’s outskirts, officials said Monday. Foreign Department spokesman Charles Jose said the visits of three US ships to Subic this month had been cancelled, while the head of the Subic freeport said nine such visits scheduled for this year had been called off. “The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) was informed through normal diplomatic channels of the cancellation of the visits to Subic of three ships for operational reasons,” he said. Jose told reporters he did not believe the cancellations were linked to anger stirred by the investigation of a US Marine for the killing of a Filipina in Olongapo City last month. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Robert Garcia said nine US ships due to dock at Subic this year had cancelled their visits. He told AFP that two US Navy ships were still Read More …

CA Public Health establishes Ebola hotline

Entertainment

Nov 032014

CA Public Health establishes Ebola hotline

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/ SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has established an Ebola hotline call center to respond to public inquiries related to Ebola it was announced today by Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH director and state health officer. “This hotline has been set up and staffed to answer questions from those concerned about the possibility of Ebola in California,” said Chapman. “Our goal is to be available to eliminate the mystery of this disease and offer the facts to Californians as the situation evolves. This is one in a series of steps we have taken in the last few months.” The hotline, 855-421-5921 will be in operation from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in California and no suspect cases. Since the Ebola outbreak began in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, CDPH has worked with state, federal and local health officials to prepare for potential cases of Ebola in California. In August, CDPH launched an informational website compiling information about the outbreak and preparing California health care providers with guidance and protocols from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDPH has developed an interim case report form for reporting suspected cases of Ebola to CDPH and has distributed CDC guidance on specimen collection, transport, testing and submission for patients suspected of having Ebola. Last week, CDPH posted interim guidelines for Ebola medical waste management and recommended that all health care facility environmental services personnel and infection control staff work together to develop facility-specific protocols for safe handling of Ebola Read More …

DAR chief: Batangas property leased, not owned, by Tiu

Entertainment

Nov 032014

DAR chief: Batangas property leased, not owned, by Tiu

Vice President Jejomar Binay hits back at his accusers during a televised press conference at the PICC in Pasay City on Thursday, September 18. Binay denied receiving kickbacks from the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II and from other projects in the city during his term as mayor. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes on Thursday faced a Senate panel seeking to unmask the real owner of a sprawling farm estate in Batangas province being linked to Vice President Jejomar Binay. In the continuation of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearing on corruption allegations being linked to Binay, Delos Reys said businessman Antonio Tiu had told him that he was just leasing the farm estate in Rosario town contrary to his claim that he is its owner. “He said he leased it, he did not own it,” Delos Reyes told senators, adding the conversation happened during his visit to the estate in August 2014 during the launch of Sunchamp Agri-Tourism Park upon the invitation of Tiu. “We were talking while waiting for the ceremony to begin,” he said, referring to Tiu. He added that he told Tiu to take into account the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program laws in connection with the land. Asked by senators what he told the DAR secretary, Tiu said he mentioned that his company has usufruct or right to use the land. Delos Reyes, however, insisted that what he heard from Tiu was “lease and not usufruct.” “I asked Read More …

Veterans can apply for a free home at Moreno Valley Housing Fair

Entertainment

Nov 032014

Veterans can apply for a free home at Moreno Valley Housing Fair

Free Housing Resource Fair October 25, 2014 at Moreno Valley Senior Center www.eventbrite.com (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) – Veterans and military families can officially apply for a FREE home starting Saturday, October 25. The house will be given away by the Housing Opportunities Collaborative and Homestrong USA, who will be available to answer questions about the application process at the Housing Resources Fair at the Moreno Valley Senior Center from 10am to 1pm. This formerly foreclosed home is newly renovated with 2 bedrooms and 1 ½ bathrooms located in Canyon Lake, CA. The single-family residence boasts a large front yard and is in the Menifee Union School District. Honorably discharged veterans qualify to apply. And those applying must prove the ability pay property taxes on the home. For download information, please call Chris at (858) 405-7214. Robert Gonzalez, program director for the Housing Opportunities Collaborative Inland Empire said the award of this home is a great way to show appreciation for the great service that veterans have provided for our country. “We hope that this home will help them improve their financial situation and give them a home where they can build a life,” he said. The event is open to the public and will also offer free counseling on: First Time Homebuying Improving Credit Scores and Reducing Debt How to Reduce Mortgage Payments Those who attend will also get FREE LUNCH and be eligible to WIN PRIZES To RSVP visit https://militaryhousingfair.eventbrite.com Or email Roberto Gonzalez at Gonzalez@housingcollaborative.org

Jodi Sta. Maria: A mother’s passion

Entertainment

Nov 022014

Jodi Sta. Maria (MNS photo) While admitting that she can’t stop her son, Thirdy, from joining show business if he wants to, Jodi Sta. Maria stressed that she would want for him to finish college first. “Alam ko kasi kapag nag-showbiz siya ngayon mahihirapan na siya makatapos sa pag-aaral,” she said. Jodi admits she brings Thirdy with her to work at times. “Gusto ko kasi siya ma-expose sa line ng work ko. I also want him to know where I am when I’m not home para hindi siya naghahanap kung nasaan ba si Mommy,” she shared. Nevertheless, eight-year-old Thirdy doesn’t seem interested in being an actor at this point. The 32-year-old single mom shared that whenever she asks about wanting to act, he would often respond with a curt, “No.” “Commercials daw muna sa ngayon gusto niya, kasi mapupuyat siya… nakikita niya kasi kung ano ginagawa ko sa set,” Jodi added. Still, Jodi is prepared should her son change his mind. “I will just support him,” she said. Jodi shared that she has a good relationship with his son. “I think that’s very important for parents… not just communicate, but to connect (with their children),” she said. Jodi admitted that she has become picky with roles, explaining that she only wants projects that impart good values to viewers, particularly the young. “Kasi napatunayan ko ang epekto ng isang programa sa kanyang manonood,” she reasoned. Jodi’s decision also hinges on her son’s viewing habits. “Kasi ’yung pinapanood niya minsan, ginagawa niya. Read More …

Wells Fargo offers free credit scores to customers until Nov. 16

General

Nov 022014

Wells Fargo offers free credit scores to customers until Nov. 16

Offer promotes financial health and wellness as a third of Americans are more worried about financial than physical health SAN FRANCISCO – In an effort to help customers succeed financially, Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) is offering its customers their free consumer credit score and complimentary credit report through Nov. 16, 2014. For more information about this limited time promotion, visit https://www.wellsfargo.com/freecreditscore. “A recent Wells Fargo survey said 27 percent of Americans are more worried about their financial health than their physical health,” said Gary Korotzer, an executive vice president in Wells Fargo’s Consumer Credit Solutions Group. “In much the same way an annual check-up helps us stay physically healthy, consumers can take control of their financial health by regularly checking their credit and taking steps to improve it.” About the Free Consumer Credit Score Program From Oct. 1 – Nov. 16, 2014, all Wells Fargo customers can access their free consumer credit score and complimentary credit report by visiting a Wells Fargo banking store and obtaining a unique personal access code from a Wells Fargo banker. Since its inception in 2012, more than 800,000 customers and team members have taken advantage of the promotion and obtained their free consumer credit score and complimentary credit report. In its third year, the Wells Fargo’s Free Credit Score promotion coincides with the American Bankers Association’s Get Smart About Credit day, a national campaign of volunteer bankers who work with young people to raise awareness about the importance of using credit responsibly. As part Read More …

The corrupt senate

Entertainment

Oct 302014

The Senate leadership is being pilloried once again. At the receiving end this time is Senate President Frank Drilon. He was charged with plunder before the office of the Ombudsman in connection with the construction of the alleged overpriced P700 million Iloilo Convention Center. Drilon’s co-accused are Tourism Secretary Ramon Jiminez Jr and DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson and two others. It was reported that Drilon conceived and arranged the project as early as 2012 and pumped P200 million from his PDAF allocations given by the DBM. The ongoing construction of the convention center is being done by Hilmarc’s Construction Corporation, the same company that built the controversial and overpriced Makati carpark building, which is the subject of a current senate inquiry. The plunder charges against Drilon and the two cabinet secretaries of President Noynoy was filed by Manuel Mejorada, former Iloilo provincial administrator. The complainant said he has documents to show proof that the bidding was rigged and that the rules on public bidding were not followed. Drilon however denied as usual any wrongdoings, claiming that the complainant used erroneous data to make false charges against the Iloilo Convention Center Project. This is not the first time that Drilon was accused of corruption. Although he was not charged in court, he could not prove how his stepdaughter was able to purchase a multimillion property at North Forbes Park. By the way, Drilon’s stepdaughter works as an employee at Starbucks somewhere in Metro Manila. She was getting paid in dollars. But Read More …

Aquino approves $3.6-B Haiyan reconstruction plan

Entertainment

Oct 302014

Aquino approves $3.6-B Haiyan reconstruction plan

President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the meeting on Yolanda rehabilitation updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (May 16, 2014). (MNS photo) MANILA, October 30, 2014 (AFP) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino approved Thursday a 160-billion-peso ($3.6 billion) plan to rebuild areas ravaged by Super Typhoon Haiyan one year after the disaster, his spokesman said. The plan includes reconstruction timetables demanded by Aquino who last week criticised the pace of rebuilding, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. Haiyan, the strongest storm ever to make landfall, packed winds of 315 kilometers (195 miles) per hour when it slammed the central Philippines in November last year, bringing tsunami-like storm surges that wiped out entire villages and left more than 7,350 people dead or missing. “The work programs, all the details have been inputted into the detailed rehabilitation plan,” Lacierda told reporters. An initial 52 billion pesos of the total rehabilitation budget had been released by the budget department, he added. Aquino earlier this month said he wanted the rehabilitation program “substantially completed” by the time his term ends in mid-2016, as tens of thousands of typhoon survivors remain without homes and vital infrastructure. One year after the deluge, the mayor of one of the worst-hit cities said housing remained a problem with only 50 families in his area moved to permanent dwellings. “Our priority is really shelter,” Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez told reporters this week. The government needs to build “transitional” homes for storm Read More …

Slain Laude’s German boyfriend deported, barred from reentering PHL

Entertainment

Oct 302014

Slain Laude’s German boyfriend deported, barred from reentering PHL

Jennifer’s fiance Marc Sueselbeck holds Jennifer’s sister Michelle during the necrological mass.(MNS photo) MANILA, Oct 30 (Mabuhay) – The Bureau of Immigration has issued a deportation order against Marc Sueselbeck, fiancé of slain transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, allowing the German national to finally leave the Philippines and return to Germany. But the Immigration order stated that Sueselbeck is barred from re-entering the Philippines, after a complaint was filed against him following an incident where he scaled a fence in Camp Aguinaldo and pushed aside a military personnel in an attempt to confront US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton. Pemberton is facing a murder complaint in connection with the October 11 killing of Laude inside a motel in Olongapo City. The BI issued the order after granting in a meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Thursday morning the German’s request to be voluntarily deported. The deportation order said that in filing a motion for voluntary deportation, Sueselbeck is “deemed to admit the charges against him, agrees to have his name placed on the black list and be barred from re-entering the country, and undertakes to secure his outbound ticket,” the bureau said in a statement. The BI added that Sueselbeck would be able to leave the country as a deportee subject to presentation of outbound ticket and a clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation. Confirming the issuance of the deportation order, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said: “The Armed Forces of the Philippines will no longer Read More …

Binay on debate: Hindi ako aatras

Entertainment

Oct 302014

Justice Secretary Leila De said she may order the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate allegations against UNA stalwart Vice-President Jejomar Binay, members of his family, and other individuals implicated in the Binays’ alleged pocketing of public funds through rigged Makati City projects. MANILA, Oct 30 (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar Binay said he won’t back out of his debate with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. In an interview with reporters in Naga, Binay said he will stand by his word, contrary to allegations he will back out. “Ako naman ang nagsabing mag-debate, hindi naman ako aatras,” he said. The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas set the date on November 10, but Binay said he will be available after November 12. He said it’s his wife’s birthday on November 9. “Pagkatapos, alam mo ito naging karanasan ko… ‘yun bang pinupuntahan ka ng mga De Colores, pinupuntahan kami ng madaling araw sa 9. Pahinga mo 10 tapos sa 11, De Colores na naman.” He said he needs to prepare physically and mentally. Binay was mum still on his decision whether to attend the Senate proceedings. The mother Blue Ribbon committee already extended an invitation to him. (MNS)

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