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PAGASA: TS Dante may exit PAR by Tuesday; rainy season may start this week

 News
Jun 092013
 
PAGASA: TS Dante may exit PAR by Tuesday; rainy season may start this week

Tropical Storm Dante (international code name Yagi) continued to move fruther away from the country Monday and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility as early as Tuesday morning, state weather forecasters said. Citing PAGASA’s models, PAGASA forecaster Elvie Enriquez said Tropical Storm Dante is now heading for Okinawa in Japan. She also said the conditions were “ripe” for them to declare the start of the rainy season within this week. The southwest winds were now affecting the country, but they are waiting for “sustained” rain to formally declare the start of the rainy season. As of 4 a.m. Monday, Tropical Storm Dante was estimated at 1,030 km northeast of Basco, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It is forecast to move north-northeast at 15 kph, PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. bulletin. Monday outlook For Monday, PAGASA said Mimaropa, Bicol and western Visayas will experience “cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms.” Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be “partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening,” it added. PAGASA also said moderate to strong winds from the southwest to west will prevail over extreme northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be moderate to occasionally strong coming from the southwest with moderate to occasionally rough seas. — DVM, GMA News

COA allows senators to liquidate P500k in expenses via certification

 News
Jun 092013
 
COA allows senators to liquidate P500k in expenses via certification

Senators were given some leeway by the Commission on Audit in the liquidation of their offices’ expenses, as the COA allowed them to liquidate up to P500,000 via certification. Outgoing Senate accounts committee chairman Panfilo Lacson said Sunday that the COA wanted the new guideline to take effect in the second quarter of the year. But he, instead, asked that it take effect January. “Nakiusap na lang ako sabi ko baka pwede retroact to January 2013 para medyo lumuwag kaunti, para may flexibility ang senador,” he said in an interview on dzBB radio. The new COA rules stemmed from accusations by senators, including Miriam Santiago, of uneven distribution of maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) funds in the Senate. Previously, lawmakers could account for their expenses even without receipts, through certification. But the COA refused recognize such liquidations. Last January, the Senate and House of Representatives agreed to change their practice of liquidating by mere certification. Lacson said that while he had no problem with liquidation since he already accounted for his office’s expenses, many senators were finding it difficult with the use of certifications. — DVM, GMA News

Lacson’s parting advice for Enrile: Avoid ‘rosy cheeks’

 News
Jun 092013
 
Lacson’s parting advice for Enrile: Avoid ‘rosy cheeks’

Watch your temper and avoid getting “rosy cheeks.” This was outgoing Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s parting advice to former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who still has three years left on his term as a senator. In a radio interview, Lacson explained that the “rosy cheeks” remark referred to high blood pressure. “Pinuntahan ko siya sa office niya noong after mag-resign [bilang Senate President si Sen. Enrile]. Umakyat ako sa opisina niya, pinasyalan ko muna. Isa lang ang advice ko sa kanya, ‘May tatlong taon ka pa sa Senado, huwag ka masyadong mainit ang ulo kasi nagro-rosy cheeks.’ Pag rosy cheeks tumataas ang blood pressure,” Lacson said on dzBB radio. Lacson is leaving the Senate after serving two consecutive six-year terms, the maximum allowed by the 1987 Constitution. Enrile’s second consecutive six-year term ends in 2016. Lacson said Enrile’s “rosy cheeks” had shown itself last year, during the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, and when he had a heated exchange with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano. “Nakakaalala rin, mahirap yan, traydor ang blood pressure,” he said. Lacson also belied claims by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV that Enrile’s irrevocable resignation last Wednesday was just “drama.” He said that when he went to Enrile’s office, he saw the staff was already packing and preparing to leave. Inkling Lacson said he had an inkling Enrile was going to resign when he saw Enrile’s privilege speech on the day’s agenda. Had he found out earlier, Lacson said he would have tried to dissuade Enrile Read More …

Cartoonist Pol Medina, creator of 'Pugad Baboy,' resigns from PDI

 News
Jun 082013
 
Cartoonist Pol Medina, creator of 'Pugad Baboy,' resigns from PDI

After 25 years, Pol Medina Jr, the cartoonist behind the popular comic strip “Pugad Baboy,” resigned from the national daily Philippine Daily Inquirer on Friday night. In a phone interview with GMA News Online on Saturday night, Medina confirmed that he has resigned “irrevocably” from his post. “Mga 9:55 p.m., right after ko manood ng “SONA” [ni Jessica Soho], pinabigay ko sa kasama ko sa Art Section ‘yung resignation letter ko,” Medina said. “Hindi siya spur of the moment,” he said. “I wrote a very precise and crisp [letter].” The cartoonist detailed what the letter said: 07 June 2013 To: Ms. Letty-Jimenez Magsanoc Ma’am: Sorry I dishonored you. I resign. (signed) Pol Medina Jr. The “Pugad Baboy” creator quipped that he did not know how to use an electronic signature that is why his signature appeared big in print. “Parang galit lang, pero hindi naman.” Asked what pushed him to resign, he said: “Nung Friday, wala akong comic strip tapos may nakalagay na pending further investigation.” He was referring to the statement posted on the space allotted for his comic strip, which read: “Our Reader’s Advocate, Elena E. Pernia, has begun an inquiry into this matter. Her preliminary findings show that this cartoon strip had been rejected for its insensitivity when it was submitted in April 2013 but, due to a mix-up in the comics section, was picked up for publication.” “The Inquirer confirms its commitment to the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and good taste,” the statement continued. Medina’s Read More …

Palace: Cebu Pacific mishap should not affect PHL bid for aviation upgrade

 News
Jun 082013
 
Palace: Cebu Pacific mishap should not affect PHL bid for aviation upgrade

Saying similar accidents also happen even in first-world countries, Malacañang on Saturday insisted the faulty landing of a Cebu Pacific plane at the Davao International Airport should not be a cause to hold the upgrade of the Philippine aviation industry. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda contested claims that the country’s aviation industry is not ready for an upgrade following the Davao airpoprt mishap. “Ang nangyari diyan, nangyayari rin sa mga first world countries, hindi lang ‘yan sa mga third world countries. Alam natin na may mga aksidenteng ganito na nangyayari rin sa mga ibang bansa,” he said on government-run dzRB radio. Excerpts of the interview were posted Saturday afternoon on the Presidential Communication and Operations website. Last Sunday, a Cebu Pacific plane skidded off a Davao International Airport runway and got grounded. The incident forced the airport to halt operations until Tuesday night. Yet, Lacierda downplayed arguments that what happened showed the Philippines is not ready for an upgrade in its assessment. “I don’t think that is a one-to-one correspondence. And I don’t think that is proper. The premise would justify the conclusion,” he said. Also, he said the government has been focusing on different approaches in improving the country’s aviation industry and making a conclusion based on the Davao incident would be irresponsible. Besides, he said the Philippines is getting commendations for its initiatives in modernizing the aviation sector. “We are taking the proper steps to ensure that we are going to be out of that category and to ensure Read More …

PAGASA: 'Dante' intensifies; floods, landslides threaten parts of Luzon, Vis-Min

 News
Jun 082013
 
PAGASA: 'Dante' intensifies; floods, landslides threaten parts of Luzon, Vis-Min

PAGASA: Tropical Depression ‘Dante’ spotted 690 km east of Aurora province. “Dante” maintained its north northwest path but picked up pace from 9 kph to 11 kph PAGASA Residents in parts of southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao may have to brace for possible flash floods and landslides in the next 24 hours even as Tropical Depression Dante slightly hovered near Aurora province Saturday afternoon. In its 5 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA indicated Dante slightly intensified but also slowed down along its track as well on Saturday afternoon. PAGASA said that as of 4 p.m., Dante was estimated at 730 km northeast of Casiguran, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and moving northeast at 11 kph. As of 10 a.m., Dante packed winds of only 45 kph near the center and was moving north-northwest at 15 kph. “Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, MIMAROPA and the Visayas will experience cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rain and thunderstorms that may trigger flash floods and landslides,” PAGASA warned. It added that Bicol and the rest of Mindanao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be “partly cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening,” it added. Also, PAGASA said moderate to occasionally strong winds from the southwest to west will prevail over northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to Read More …

Palace reassures public of AFP modernization to protect sovereignty

 News
Jun 082013
 
Palace reassures public of AFP modernization to protect sovereignty

Malacañang on Saturday reassured the public the government has not lost its focus in achieving a minimum credible defense position to protect Philippine sovereignty against external and internal threats. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the government has already accomplished much in modernizing the country’s police and military. “We are going to achieve what we have always maintained, what the President has always said—a minimum credible defense position; and if the lawmakers would wish to add to the budget of the AFP, again, we are going through a budget deliberation process,” Lacierda said on government-run dzRB radio. He added the current thrust of the government is modernizing the Philippine police and military. As for some lawmakers’ call to increase the 2014 budget of the police and military for 2014, he said they can do their share by taking part in the deliberation for the 2014 budget. Lacierda also said Congress can add to the budget for the military and the police, which would be a great help for the country. But he said adding any amount should be in the budget process and budget deliberations. “It is within the process itself, as to their discretion how they would like to assist in further modernizing our forces,” he said. Under the AFP Modernization Law, the Aquino administration acquired a Hamilton-class cutter from the US, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar. The Navy is also awaiting the arrival of another naval ship from the US, he said. Also, he said the military acquired several Read More …

Hero's welcome awaits now famous dog Kabang in Zamboanga

 News
Jun 082013
 
Hero's welcome awaits now famous dog Kabang in Zamboanga

Hero dog Kabang goes to Makati after arriving from US. Team Kabang members play with hero dog Kabang during a presentation rite in Makati City shortly after the dog’s arrival from a successful operation in San Francisco, California, USA. From left to right: Mona Consunji of Animal Welefare Coalition, veterinarians Anton Mari Lim and Edgardo Unson. Danny Pata The residents of Zamboangga City will be giving a hero’s welcome to the now internationally-famous dog Kabang, who arrived in the Philippines on Saturday after her eight-month treatment in the United States. Kabang’s owners — Rudy and Cristina Bunggal — and the hero dog’s fans are eagerly awaiting her arrival in Zamboanga on Sunday, according to a report of Kara David for “24 Oras.” Kabang’s owners said even the pup that the dog left behind before going to the US, is also excited about the hero dog’s arrival. The couple’s niece, Mary Jane Manuel said, they are happy that Kabang, who became famous for heroically saving two young girls from a road accident, is finally headed home. Zamboangga residents have readied a motorcade and a meet-and-greet- for the hero dog. Kabang’s arrival in PHL Balitanghali’s Katrina Son said Kabang arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport around 3:00 a.m. on Saturday and was mobbed by local media. The hero dog seemed to look healthier and more cheerful after undergoing reconstructive surgery to close the gaping wound on her face. Kabang’s Philippine vet Dr. Anthony Lim said Kabang underwent a gruelling five-hour facial Read More …

Palace: Aquino’s speechwriters still working on SONA outline

 News
Jun 082013
 
Palace: Aquino’s speechwriters still working on SONA outline

President Benigno Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address for 2013 is still in its early stages, with speechwriters still working on the outline as of Saturday, Malacañang said. On state-run dzRB radio, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) and Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras are collating data from concerned agencies. “Between now and SONA, apart from the daily briefings (and) the daily work the president will be engaging, there will be opportunities to meet with speechwriters, Cabinet members and the Cabinet Secretary to discuss the SONA,” he said. He added the PMS is responsible for tracking the promises Aquino had made when he assumed office in 2010. It will assess “what we delivered and what we still need to deliver,” he added. Citing updates from communications undersecretary Manuel Quezon III, he said this year’s SONA has undergone at least two outline revisions. “Wala pa ang talumpati (We have not started work on the speech itself),” he said. On July 22, Aquino is to deliver his SONA before members of the 16th Congress at the Batasan complex in Quezon City. The Official Gazette website said the SONA is a “constitutional obligation,” and stems from Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution. Under that provision, the president “shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular session,” it said. “Moreover, Article VI, Section 15 prescribes that the Congress ‘shall convene once every year on the fourth Monday of July for its regular session,’” it added. Read More …

LTFRB suspends bus firm for 30 days over recent road accidents

 News
Jun 072013
 
LTFRB suspends bus firm for 30 days over recent road accidents

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended a bus firm for 30 days after its units were involved in at least two road accidents involving late last month. The LTFRB suspension on 25 units of Partas Transport Corp. Inc. stemmed from the involvement of two Partas buses in two incidents, one of which resulted in a death. A report of state-run Philippines News Agency said the LTFRB under Chairman Winston Ginez also ordered the surrender of the plates of the 25 suspended units within five days..The first accident involving a Partas bus happened at 12:50 a.m. last May 27, when a Partas bus (AVY-858) collided with another vehicle along the National Highway in Bacnotan, La Union. A second accident occurred 7:25 a.m. last May 30, when a Partas bus (TVR-693) figured in an accident along the kilometer 28-450 North Luzon Expressway in Bocaue, Bulacan. The PNA report also said the LTFRB ordered Partas to bring its 25 buses to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Service (MVIS) for inspection and roadworthiness checks. The drivers of the suspended units will undergo road safety seminars. – VVP, GMA News

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