Maniolas

Viji Sundaram OAKLAND, Calif. – California’s Prop. 47 allows many individuals to change certain felonies into misdemeanors on their criminal records – but less than a quarter of those eligible have submitted their requests, and the window of opportunity could expire next year. Eighteen months into Prop. 47’s enactment, the state has received some 211,000 petitions seeking resentencing or a record change. The ballot measure, which passed in November 2014 despite heavy opposition from law enforcement associations, gives a three-year window for the estimated 1 million eligible individuals to file for relief. Prop. 47 converted certain nonviolent felonies into misdemeanors, which translates into little or no jail time for crimes like low-value theft and simple drug possession. The savings generated by the measure are meant to guide people into programs such as drug treatment. Advocates worry that because the “application process is so complex” – even though the application itself is only a page long – and counties don’t have enough attorneys who can spend adequate time dealing with petitions, the sun may set on the window before all those eligible can apply. However, in early June, California State Assembly approved AB 2765, a bill that would extend the deadline by five years, from November 2017 to November 2022. It is scheduled to go before the Senate Public Safety Committee on June 28. If it is signed into law, “it will give the courts and the judicial system more time to process the applications,” says Marisa Arrona, Prop. 47 implementation Read More …

SENATE SHAKE DRILL: Senate officials and employees led by Sec. Oscar G. Yabes participate in the nationwide Metro Manila Development Authority Shake Drill in anticipation of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Personnel from the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Prevention also took part in the drill. Also in photo are Senate Sergeant-at-Arms M/Gen. Jose Balajadia and Security Enforcement Service Director Manny Parlade. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Tuesday extended its condolences to the family of the late former Senate President Ernesto Maceda, who succumbed to multiple organ failure Monday night. In a statement, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said: “The late former Senate President Ernesto Maceda distinguished himself as a legislator, Cabinet member and ambassador through more than five decades of dedicated public service.” “We extend our condolences to his bereaved family and join his bereaved family in fervent prayers for his eternal repose,” Coloma added. The remains of Maceda, 81, will lie in state at the Mount Carmel Church in New Manila starting 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Maceda was in critical condition due to post-surgery complication, his son said Monday afternoon. Lawyer Ernesto Maceda Jr. said the former senator underwent surgery and was still conscious after the procedure but his condition went downhill since then.(MNS)

Ms. Susan Barocas (left) and Mr. John Hanshaw (right) are the two panelists during the Closing Night of the 2016 Euro Asia Shorts Film Festival at the Italian Embassy on 10 June 2016. Mr. Adam Wojciechowicz (center) moderated the panel discussion. WASHINGTON, D.C. – “The Dreamweaver,” the Philippines’ entry to the closing night of the 2016 Euro Asia Short Film Festival, garnered admiration and generated discussion from the panelists and audience on 10 June 2016. Film and movie enthusiasts gathered at the Embassy of Italy for the 5th and closing night of the film festival which featured nine short films from the participating countries – Germany, China, Spain, the Philippines, Japan, France, Italy, South Korea, and the United States —under one theme, “What is Home?”. “The Dreamweaver,” a film by Jedd Rommel, is about a young T’boliboy’s journey that started when he was visited in his dreams by Fudalu, the spirit of the abaca hemp, who appears only to the females of the tribe and bestowed upon him the exclusive talent and creativity in weaving the tribe’s sacred cloth. “He took his home with him through designing contemporary clothes. What a beautiful way to pay tribute to your home, to be able to take it and incorporate pieces of your tradition into the contemporary society,” writer and producer Ms. Susan Barocas said during the panel discussion. . 2016 Euro Asia Shorts Film Festival’s partners from participating Embassies and Cultural Centers after the closing night screening. “Clearly, he was bridging this ancient old tradition to the contemporary world Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Ulat ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority kay Juan at Juana at the Brick Plaza of the TESDA Complex in Taguig City on Tuesday (June 14). With the President are former TESDA head and now senator-elect Joel Villanuea and Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldos. (MNS photo) MANILA  (PNA) – President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday encouraged young engineers who have undergone the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) training program not to lose focus on what they are doing so they could help their countrymen. The President told graduates of the DPWH’s Cadet Engineering Program (CEP) in Malacañang that it is heartwarming to see the youth take an active role in nation building. “The point I am really just trying to raise is: It’s really heartwarming to see the youth really taking an active role in building this country and putting their talents to the use of our countrymen,” he said in his speech. “Dito iyong ipinapakita ninyong pagdamay sa napakarami nating mga kababayan na sigurado naman akong nakatulong na kayo sa pagpapaganda ng buhay nila, e talagang nakakapuno ng puso ko nga na maganda ang patutunguhan ng bansa natin.” The President said he is glad that today’s youth are shaping the future of the country, building from what the administration has begun. “So, I’d like to encourage you, ‘ang life will have ups and downs. Importante huwag tayong mawalan ng focus — Bakit ba natin ginagawa ang ginagawa natin?” he Read More …

Vice president-elect Leni Robredo leads a Holy Mass in commemoration of her late husband Sec. Jesse Robredo’s 58th birthday Friday at Eternal Gardens in Naga City, hours before Congress finished canvassing of votes for president and vice president. Robredo’s victory was affirmed when she garnered 14,418,817 votes, 263,473 votes ahead of closest rival Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who got 14,155,344.(MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte would pursue at least a cordial, professional relationship with Vice President-elect Leni Robredo, his spokesman said. Newly-instated Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said though no meeting is set at the moment between the two officials, he is hopeful they will be able to meet soon and start a working relationship. “I don’t know about the exact date or plans, but I’m sure that the president, being president of the entire nation, is quite open to having a cordial relationship with the vice-president. Or at least more than cordial, but at least they have a working relationship,” he said. But Abella said he is not privy to what could be the nature of their relationship at the moment. Duterte and Robredo will be hosting two separate ceremonies for their inauguration set at the end of the month. Duterte’s aide, Christopher “Bong” Go, said the “limited slots” in Malacañang, where Duterte wants to be inaugurated, will not allow Robredo to invite as many guests as she wanted. Boyet Dy, head of Robredo’s transition team, said they respect the Duterte camp’s decision and will begin their own preparations Read More …