BMI Online Editor

Aquino takes swipe at Sen. Bong Revilla

Jan 232014

President Benigno S. Aquino III (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III took the offensive two days after Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. accused him of meddling in the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona. On Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony of the Skyway Stage 3 Project, Aquino lashed at his critics whom he said have nothing better to do but scoff at his administration’s achievements. He did not specifically mention Revilla but made several allusions to the actor-turned-politician. “Ito ang daang matuwid. Hindi pinanday ng pantasya, at mas lalong hindi gawa-gawa na parang eksena sa isang pelikula – totoo at kongkretong [ang] mga proyektong hatid ng ating tuwid at mabuting pamamahala para sa kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino,” Aquino said. In a privilege speech Monday, Revilla claimed Aquino personally asked him to vote to convict ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012. “’Yan ba ang daang matuwid?” said Revilla, who is known for his “Panday” and fantasy movies. Aquino, however, said the country’s progress will not be hampered by those who just wish to make themselves the hero. “Anumang pilit ng ilang magpapogi at magpabida para sa pansariling interes lang, ay wala pa ring makapipigil sa kolektibo nating pag-arangkada bilang isang bayan,” he said. Earlier, the Palace confirmed Aquino’s meeting with Revilla, but said it was only to verify reports that senators were being pressured for votes. On Tuesday, the President even admitted having met senators other than Revilla, but said he only wanted to “lessen” the pressure Read More …

45 dead, 8 missing in Mindanao due to LPA – NDRRMC

Entertainment

Jan 232014

45 dead, 8 missing in Mindanao due to LPA – NDRRMC

Residents hang on to a rope as they pass strong currents along a flooded area in Marikina, east of Manila, Philippines on Thursday Aug. 9, 2012. A fresh deluge forced more evacuations along fast-rising rivers in the Philippine capital Thursday, as the city and surrounding areas struggled to deal with widespread flooding triggered by nearly two weeks of relentless rains. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday reported the number of deaths at 45 and 900,000 people affected in Mindanao by tropical depression “Agaton” which has now weakened into low pressure area (LPA). “Agaton”’s prolonged rains induced flash flood and landslides in Mindanao the past several days. NDRRMC partial official death toll was recorded with 18 in Region 11 or Davao Region, 19 in Caraga Region, seven in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) and one in Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula). Most of the deaths are attributable to landslides and drowning, it said. The NDRRMC also said the number of injured persons rose to 68, while eight are still missing in Regions 9, 10, 11 and Caraga. Damage caused by the tropical depression was estimated to P369,142,178.22, including P128,513,750.00 in infrastructure and P240,628,428.22 in agriculture in Regions 10, 11 and Caraga. In its 6:00 a.m. update Wednesday, the NDDRMC said that 186,543 families or 895,572 persons were affected in 846 barangays in 103 municipalities in 15 provinces of Regions 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao Region), Caraga and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Read More …

PHL tells citizens in Thailand to prepare for possible evacuation

Entertainment

Jan 232014

PHL tells citizens in Thailand to prepare for possible evacuation

A Thai soldier keeps watch while others are at rest inside the Wat Phra Kaew Temple (Emerald Buddha Temple) in Bangkok, Thailand, where at least 20 million tourists visit annually. However, recent protests against the Thai government, which has imposed a 60day State of Emergency. Massive protests aimed at pressuring elected Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down in favor of an unelected council have disrupted tourism and is shaking up political stability in the country. (Photo: Rhony Laigo) MANILA, Jan 23 (Mabuhay) – The Philippines has called on Filipinos in Thailand to restrict their movements and prepare for possible evacuation amid intensified anti-government demonstrations there. Manila raised Alert Level 2 over Thailand as the 60-day state of emergency was enforced on Wednesday by the Thai government to quell weeks-long protests aimed at pressuring elected Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down in favor of an unelected council. “Alert Level 2 is issued when there are real threats to the life, security, and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance or external threat,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday in a statement. Under Alert Level 2, the DFA said “Filipinos in Bangkok and the surrounding areas are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places and prepare for evacuation.” “While there has been an effort to maintain a state of normalcy in the Thai capital, the situation remains fluid and volatile particularly in anti-government protest areas,” it said. Filipinos with essential travel plans to Thailand and those residing Read More …

Kababayan host Jannelle So is engaged!

Entertainment

Jan 232014

Jannelle So The kababayan who’s usually on top of news and issues concerning the Filipino American community in Southern California and Hawaii recently felt “on top of the world” as she tweeted minutes after an engagement at the top of the 46-storey Heron Tower in London, England. Jannelle So, host and producer of “Kababayan Today on LA18” celebrated New Year’s Eve in London with her boyfriend-turned-fiancé, commercial director and EcoMedia/CBS VP Lester Perkins. Lester Perkins and Jannelle So Before ringing in 2014 (literally and figuratively,) the couple spent five days with Leter’s family and friends in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he was born and raised. He worked on high budget TV commercials for different international brands in London, before moving to Los Angeles six years ago. Jannelle was born and raised in the Philippines before moving to California 11 years ago. She has been the the driving force behind America’s first and only daily talk show for the Filipinos and the longest-running Filipino talk show outside of the Philippines for almost eight years now. “Kababayan Today” is on weekdays at 4pm on LA18 in Southern California and is syndicated on Kiku channel in Hawaii. A summer destination wedding is being planned and spearheaded by community leader and recently-elected Chair of the FilAm Arts Board Rocio Nuyda, a very close friend of the bride. Congratulations, Jannelle and Lester, from your Balita Media family! We wish you all the best!

One of the Philippines Newest Channels, TFC’s Lifestyle Network, Joins DIRECTV

Entertainment

Jan 232014

DIRECTV’s FilipinoDirect™ Package Now Provides 11 Filipino Channels, including Six Exclusive Channels Not Available on Any Other TV Provider in the U.S. EL SEGUNDO, Calif., – DIRECTV continues to expand its international programming lineup with the addition of TFC’s Lifestyle Network, which is now available as part of TFCDirect™ and FilipinoDirect™ Packages. DIRECTV is already the provider of the largest Pinoy entertainment package, and with the addition of the Lifestyle Network, DIRECTV raises the bar even higher in popular Filipino programming. The Lifestyle Network is one of TFC’s premium channels offering an indispensable guide to Filipino daily life, with programs dedicated to music, fashion, travel, home, food and design. The channel provides viewers an opportunity to explore and experience Pinoy’s best in lifestyle and popular culture. “We are thrilled to be adding the Lifestyle Network to our Filipino programming line-up,” said Emma Brackett, vice president of Content and Programming, DIRECTV. ”The channel further enhances the variety and breadth of content we provide to our Filipino customers, and shows our continued commitment to delivering the best television experience available.” Viewers can enjoy shows such as: “Curiosity Got the Chef” exhibiting celebrity chef Sharwin Tee’s exquisite culinary skills The award-winning “The Kitchen Musical,” featuring a mix of international talent, music, drama and food Real-life pilot and producer Joy Roa’s “Asian Air Safari” travel-adventure show, which invites viewers to travel the globe With the addition of the new channel, DIRECTV offers a total of 11 Filipino channels and the most expansive and comprehensive range of Filipino entertainment including TFC, TFC Lifestyle Network, GMA Pinoy TV, Read More …

Mendez named new NBI director

Entertainment

Jan 202014

Atty. Virgilio Mendez (photo courtesy of www.nbi.gov.ph) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Atty. Virgilio Mendez is the new Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Mendez, NBI Deputy Director for Regional Operations Services before assuming the bureau’s top post, took his oath before Justice Secretary Leila De Lima Thursday morning, exactly 36 years since he joined the bureau as an agent on Jan. 16, 1978. Mendez assumed the post four months after Atty. Nonnatus Rojas tendered his irrevocable resignation. Mendez, 61, is an NBI insider who rose from the ranks of the country’s top investigation arm. He is the first NBI insider to be appointed Director since the passing of NBI Director Federico Opinion in 2000 due to kidney failure and diabetes. A native of Bohol, Mendez also served as NBI Regional Director for Region X in 2004, Deputy Director for Comptroller Services from 2007 to 2009, and Deputy Director for Administrative Services from 2009 to 2011. He became NBI Deputy Director for ROS from 2011. De Lima, who personally endorsed Mendez to President Aquino as Rojas’ replacement, said the former’s appointment will be a boost to the morale of the men and women of the NBI. “It is, perhaps, time to, once again, hail somebody from the NBI ranks. Besides the obvious experience that an insider will bring to the NBI leadership, it will also serve as a considerable morale booster for those serving in the NBI,” De Lima said. When Rojas, a member of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Read More …

DPWH to tap DOST’s Project NOAH, DREAM data for infra planning

Entertainment

Jan 202014

DPWH to tap DOST’s Project NOAH, DREAM data for infra planning

Aerial shot of the province of which was heavily damaged by super typhoon Yolanda (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – To make roads, bridges and flood control projects will be weather-resilient, the Department of Public Works and Highways will partner with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of the Philippines (UP) Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry. DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said they are learning from the destruction caused by the southwest monsoon, last year’s Bohol quake, and cyclones such as Sendong, Pablo and Yolanda. “Intensive trainings for DPWH concerned personnel shall be conducted nationwide to teach them on how to use these available technologies as basis for planning and monitoring,” the DPWH said. Singson directed the DPWH Planning Service, Project Management Office for Major Flood Control projects, regional directors and planning officers and district engineering offices to maximize the high-resolution flood hazard maps, landslide hazard maps, Digital Surface Model, Digital Surface Model and other planning tools. The DPWH recently held a briefing attended by key officials, along with Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, who explained DOST’s Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (Project NOAH). Lagmay explained NOAH’s component projects such as Hydromet Sensors Development, DREAM-LIDAR 3-D Mapping Project, Flood NET-Flood Management Modeling Project, Hazards Information Media, Strategic Communication Intervention, Disaster Management using WebGIS, Enhancing Geo-hazards Mapping through LIDAR, Doppler System Development, Landslide Sensors Development Project, Storm Surge Inundation Mapping Project, and Weather Information – Integration for System Enhance (WISE). Also, Lagmay said these tools or data sets Read More …

Davidson Bangayan will be placed under Look-out Bulletin – De Lima

Entertainment

Jan 202014

Davidson Bangayan will be placed under Look-out Bulletin – De Lima

(DOJ building) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima said on Wednesday that controversial businessman Davidson Bangayan will be placed under the Look-out Bulletin. De Lima said that such action will be taken amid the gathering of more information about the possible involvement of Bangayan in rice smuggling because of suspicion that he is also the big-time rice smuggler David Tan. Likewise, De Lima said that she has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to continue with the gathering of additional information and evidence that David Tan and Davidson Bangayan are one and the same person. De Lima added that based on the testimonies of the witnesses of the NBI who are from one of the rice cooperatives, Bangayan and Tan are only one person. At the same time, De Lima said that the NBI has already coordinated with the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court (RTC) to clarify the warrant of arrest it earlier issued against a certain David Tan who was accused of electricity pilferage. De Lima noted that the phrase “who is not” is not usual in a warrant of arrest because the aliases are oftentimes included in the name of the persons ordered to be arrested. The DOJ chief said that this should be clarified, especially so that if the record of the case at the Caloocan City RTC will be made as basis, the addresses of David Tan and Davidson Bangayan are only one and the same. (MNS)

PHL to defy China fishing rule: defense chief

Entertainment

Jan 202014

PHL to defy China fishing rule: defense chief

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 18, 2013) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) prepare for an underway replenishment as the guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) conducts an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO 2). Preble and Curtis Wilbur are on patrol with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Kelly PALAYAN (AFP) – Philippine fishermen should ignore a Chinese rule requiring foreign fishing vessels to secure permission to enter much of the South China Sea, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Thursday. The rule was passed in November by China’s southern island province of Hainan and took effect this year as tensions have escalated over overlapping claims to the waters between China, the Philippines, Vietnam and other nations. Gazmin, visiting a military camp in the northern Philippines, said the Hainan law did not apply to Philippine territorial waters, some of which overlap with those of China which claims most of the South China Sea. “We will not follow their rules in our own territory. Why do we need permission from another country that does not own our fishing grounds? These are ours,” he told reporters. “We still have the capability to secure them (Filipino fishermen),” Gazmin said. The Philippines has been locked in an increasingly tense standoff with China involving disputed reefs and Read More …

PNP finalizes details of gun amnesty implementation

Entertainment

Jan 162014

PNP finalizes details of gun amnesty implementation

member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) shows the new Glock 17 Generation 4 pistols after a distribution ceremony of the pistols at the police headquarters in Manila July 2, 2013. Philippine President Benigno Aquino attended the ceremony in which 22,603 pistols were distributed to PNP officers as part of the government’s effort to arm each police officer in the country with a handgun in order to strengthen the police force, local media reported. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is just ironing out final details of the gun amnesty which is expected to start within the month as part of implementation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. PNP Director General Alan Purisima said that the PNP leadership is now finalizing details of the gun amnesty for the smooth implementation of the new firearms law. ”We are just ironing out some details so that there will be proper procedures in the gun amnesty,” said Purisima. The PNP chief the gun amnesty will start as soon as the police leadership finalized the procedures. ”There is just a review and then we will implement it. We will publish it,” said Purisima. The final gun amnesty is part of the provisions of RA 10591, which was signed into law last year by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Purisima cited the importance of the new firearms law in combating crimes in the country, which mostly involved guns. He vowed strict implementation by the PNP Read More …

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