BMI Online Editor

Palace wishes nation peaceful, reflective Lenten season

Apr 162014

Penitents, locally known as “Morions”, wear masks and Roman centurion costumes as they take part in a procession commemorating the passion of Christ during Holy Week at Mogpog town in Marinduque, central Philippines, March 25, 2013. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Palace hopes the nation will have a peaceful and reflective Holy Week as Filipinos observe the Lenten Season. “As a new week approaches, we in the administration wish the Filipino people a peaceful and reflective Holy Week,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement she read over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday. At the same time, as most Filipinos from Metro Manila start to travel to the provinces, Valte reminded them to be extra cautious to ensure their safety. “We encourage the public to take note of emergency hotlines present in the Official Gazette (http://www.gov.ph/emergency-hotlines/), as well as to familiarize themselves with the Summary of the Rights of Air Passengers also found on the Official Gazette website (http://www.gov.ph/summary-of-the-rights-of-air-passengers/),” the Palace official said. These government websites would be useful sources of information for people going home to their provinces, and to those traveling around the country.

Lea Salonga, Lou Diamond Phillips, Apl.de.Ap, Christine Rocas, Rodell Rosel lead celebrities in Haiyan concert

Entertainment

Apr 162014

Lea Salonga, Lou Diamond Phillips, Apl.de.Ap, Christine Rocas, Rodell Rosel lead celebrities in Haiyan concert

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Award-winning Broadway artist Lea Salonga, Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Phillips, tenor Rodell Rosel, ballet dancer Christine Rocas, singer Apl.de.ap and a host of other celebrities will come together in the nation’s capital for a benefit concert for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The Philippine Embassy said the concert, dubbed “After the Storm,” will be staged at the Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts here in Washington, D.C. on June 15, 2014. The concert is being held in cooperation with the US-Philippines Society and the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition and will be directed by Emmy-nominated producer, Robert Pullen. “This benefit concert intends to bring attention to the invaluable and necessary efforts of recovery for the people of the Philippines who were affected by Haiyan,” said Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., who conceived the project with his wife, Mrs. Maria Victoria Cuisia. Ambassador Cuisia said the concert, which will take place at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, will benefit storm victims through partner organizations committed to the rebuilding of the devastation that has occurred in the Philippines. “As the world’s attention is gradually drawn away from the devastation in the central Philippines, we are reminded that formidable challenges remain for millions of families displaced by the most powerful tropical storm ever to make landfall,” said Ambassador John F. Maisto, President of the US-Philippines Society. “The Kennedy Center benefit evening will help those people reconstruct homes and schools, restart businesses, restore livelihoods, and regain access to health facilities,” Read More …

PHL celebrates comeback of boxing hero Pacquiao

Entertainment

Apr 152014

PHL celebrates comeback of boxing hero Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao lands a left hand to the head of Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 12, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (MNS photo) MANILA (AFP) – The Philippines united in celebration on Sunday as its boxing hero Manny Pacquiao cemented his comeback by avenging his 2012 loss to American Timothy Bradley to regain the World Boxing Organization welterweight world title. Crowds watching the fight, which was broadcast live from Las Vegas in several parks, squares and public stadiums around the archipelago, erupted in cheers as Pacquiao was declared winner in a unanimous 12-round decision. “The people of the nation are united in cheering on the victory of the nation’s fist, Congressman Manny Pacquiao. He is the symbol of the excellence of the Filipino in all endeavors,” said President Benigno Aquino’s spokesman Herminio Coloma shortly after the victory. He said Pacquiao’s latest victory was symbolic of the way Filipinos can recover from the worst disasters, an apparent reference to Super Typhoon Haiyan and the earthquake that struck the country last year, killing thousands. Street sweeper Fernando Baque 52, one of the thousands who watched the fight on a giant screen in a park in suburban Manila, said: “I was happy to see him win. He can still take it. He isn’t that old. He really controlled the fight. His punches really rocked Bradley. “He shouldn’t retire yet. The country still needs him,” he told AFP. Questions about whether Pacquiao had grown too old to fight surfaced Read More …

Palace: Gov’t to ensure aviation upgrade to be sustained

Entertainment

Apr 152014

Palace: Gov’t to ensure aviation upgrade to be sustained

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the security arrangements and facilities at the domestic departure area, Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Thursday (October 31) to ensure the safety of the passengers during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day following the launching of DOTC’s Undas 2013 “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe.” (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – After the country regained the much-coveted Category 1 status from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Malacañang on Saturday assured the public that the government will ensure that the Philippine aviation upgrade will be sustained. In an interview aired on government-run dzRB, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the FAA will observe the country for the next two years “at sisiguraduhin na magiging mahigpit ‘yung ating pagsubabay doon sa mga guideline.” “Sinisigurado din naman po ng ating pamahalaan na hindi na po tayo magkaroon ng mga SSC, or ‘yung tinatawag po nilang Significant Safety Concern. So, may dalawang taon po tayo para ipagpatuloy po ‘yung ating mga hakbang at masiguradong hindi na po tayo mabalik sa Category 2,” she added. On Thursday, the FAA said the Philippines has complied with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). “With the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 rating, the Republic of the Philippines’ air carriers can add flights and service to the United States and carry the code of US carriers,” it said. It said the return to Category 1 status is Read More …

Henares reminds Pacquiao: Settle P2.6-B tax deficiency

Entertainment

Apr 152014

Henares reminds Pacquiao: Settle P2.6-B tax deficiency

Freddie Roach: “We are training for big game in this fight. Manny (Pacquiao, left) knows he is going to have to hunt Bradley down and close the show this time. The first fight with (Timothy) Bradley was so easy for Manny that after six rounds he just took it easy on him. Not this time. Our Mantra is ‘Close the show. No mercy.” MANILA (Mabuhay) – A day after he regained his WBO welterweight title, boxing champ and congressman Manny Pacquiao still faces a tough fight against Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares. Henares once again reminded Pacquiao to settle his previous tax deficiency, which has now ballooned to an estimated P2.6 billion due to interest. Pacquiao’s tax deficiency was assessed at P2.1 billion as of December 2012, after the BIR discovered that he has not been paying income taxes in the Philippines on his winnings for his previous fights in 2008 and 2009. “As of December 2012, P2.1 billion. Pero may 2013, so 20% (interest) pa yan. Ngayon April, may 6.67% (interest) pa. So tumatakbo na yan… So yun P2.1 billion, madaragdagan ng P26.67% (interest). Estimate lang around P2.65 billion na (tax deficiency),” she said. During the boxing champ’s visit to the BIR last year, Henares said they discussed how he can settle his tax deficiency. “Alam niyo ho, bumisita siya sa amin last year. Sinabi namin kung ano puede niyang gawin but since bumisita siya, wala ho ulit kaming communication,” she said. Last January, Pacquiao paid Read More …

Bong Revilla, Hayden Kho reconcile during spiritual trip

Entertainment

Apr 152014

Bong Revilla, Hayden Kho reconcile during spiritual trip

SENATOR Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Hayden Kho Jr. (MNS Photo) SENATOR Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Hayden Kho Jr. and Dr. Vicky Belo finally made peace to each other during their spiritual trip to the Holy Land, Israel. Kho surprised his Instagram followers when he posted a photo with Revilla with a caption: “But this is really the most amazing part of the trip – a miracle. No judgments please and no sour comments. All heavens rejoice for another soul pledged for Christ.” He also shared a verse from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Kho, Revilla and his wife Cavite Representative Lani Mercado and Belo, meanwhile, were in one photo, smiling. Belo posted the picture with the majestic pyramids of Egypt as background. Belo said the reconciliation was a good way to start the Holy Week. “I’ve spent the last 2 weeks following Jesus footsteps which made him even more real to me. I know I can never thank Him enough for what He’s done for me but I will spend the rest of my life TRYING to live a life pleasing to God,” she added. Revilla and Belo’s friendship was tainted when the actor-turned-politician led the Senate investigation on Read More …

Win over Pacquiao brought dark days for Bradley

Entertainment

Apr 142014

Win over Pacquiao brought dark days for Bradley

By Rebecca BRYAN Manny Pacquiao connects with a right to the head of Timothy Bradley in their WBO world welterweight title fight Saturday, June 9, 2012 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Pacquiao landed more power punches and appeared to have won most of the 12-round fight.(MNS Photo) LAS VEGAS, (AFP) – The vitriolic abuse that Timothy Bradley received after his controversial triumph over Manny Pacquiao had him contemplating not only ending his boxing career but even his life, Bradley said Wednesday. The unbeaten American should have been on top of the boxing world after claiming the World Boxing Organization welterweight world title with a 12-round split decision over Filipino ring icon Pacquiao. But most observers thought Pacquiao clearly won the fight, and the controversy that erupted left Bradley living through what he called the “darkest time in my life”. “Did I consider suicide? Hell yeah,” said Bradley, who is looking for redemption in Saturday’s rematch with Pacquiao. “I was thinking I don’t want to box anymore – I don’t even want to live anymore,” said Bradley, who recalled receiving hate mail, even a death threat, letters “belittling me, saying ‘You’re not a true champion.’” He recalled strangers at gas stations, flinging insults as they drove away, and was still bemused by one so-called fan who asked him this year who he was fighting next. When he told her he’d face Pacquiao this month, she said she hoped he won this time. “And that was one of Read More …

Govt asked to act on war vets’ unpaid benefits

Entertainment

Apr 142014

Govt asked to act on war vets’ unpaid benefits

President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista, troops the line upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Wednesday (April 9, 2014) for the 72nd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor). This year’s theme is: “Balik-Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago.”(MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The government should act on over P20 billion in unpaid benefits for Filipino war veterans and their dependents, a senator said Wednesday. On Araw ng Kagitingan, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a former Navy officer, said government funding in the last three years have not been enough to cover all war veterans, despite a 20-year-old law standardizing benefits for them. “Republic Act 7696 was enacted in recognition of the relevant role our war veterans and military retirees played in protecting the country. However, a number of them have died without enjoying the benefits due to lack of government funding because it was not specified under the law,” Trillanes said. The senator was referring to a legislation passed in 1994, which specified entitlements for military veterans and their dependents. According to Trillanes, the government’s total obligation to war veterans reached P25 billion in 2010. The administration only allocated P170 million for military veterans that year, and P2.9 billion in 2013. To address the shortfall, Trillanes is asking the Senate to pass Senate Bill (S.B.) 166, which proposes paying war veterans’ benefits through Read More …

Doctors’ group commits to pay correct taxes

Entertainment

Apr 142014

Doctors’ group commits to pay correct taxes

The government ads, which ran in Manila newspapers on Sunday, showed a female teacher lecturing in front of her class with a woman in a medical suit holding a doctor’s clipboard sitting on her shoulders. MANILA (Mabuhay) – Members of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) has given their support to the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) efforts for greater tax compliance among medical doctors. In a statement, PCP President Priscilla B. Caguioa said: “Foremost in our tasks and responsibilities as medical doctors is to serve, guided by our moral obligation to provide the optimum care to individuals who are in need. We, in the PCP, have fought for necessary reforms to clean our own ranks. We have been successful doing so, but not without the government’s cooperation and encouragement.” Because of these reforms, the group saw a “palpable increase” among members in their issuance of receipts, reliable maintenance of records, VAT registration, as well as the payment of taxes. “Honest compliance is part and parcel of the ethical responsibilities of any professional in contributing his or her share in nation building,” Caguioa said. She noted the PCP was at the forefront of pushing for the passage of the Sin Tax Law. “Apart from the campaign’s obvious health components and effects, PCP’s sin tax advocacy resulted in the increase in taxes imposed on tobacco and alcoholic beverages. The effort would not have succeeded without its partnership with the BIR, among others,” she said. Because of the Sin Tax Law, the Read More …

RH law advocates: We’re the bigger winner

Entertainment

Apr 112014

RH law advocates: We’re the bigger winner

President Benigno S. Aquino III greets His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, DD (and who is probably telling the president that “you won this time” after the Supreme Court upheld the Reproductive Health Law, following the Thanksgiving Mass for the Reopening of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Cabildo corner Beaterio, Intramuros, Manila City on Wednesday night (April 09, 2014) (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) -– Both the advocates and opponents of the Reproductive Health Law are claiming victory following the decision of the Supreme Court (SC), but the measure’s supporters believe they are the bigger winner. Former Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral, one of the staunchest advocates of the divisive measure, said RH Law advocates have the bigger reason to celebrate after the SC declared the measure ”not unconstitutional” except for eight of its provisions. ”Kumbaga nanalo man pareho, makikita natin kung sino ang mas nanalo ng malaki, sa laki ng ngiti at tawa ng mga pro-RH at anti-RH groups,” Cabral said. The high court on Tuesday announced that the law is not unconstitutional except for provisions that ”require ‘private health facilities and non-maternity specialty hospitals and hospitals owned and operated by a religious group to refer patients, not in an emergency or life-threatening case…to another health facility which is conveniently accessible”; and allow minors who have suffered miscarriage to have access to family planning without parental consent. The SC also struck down provisions punishing a health care provider who refuses/fails to disseminate information on reproductive health Read More …

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