Maniolas

Saying the holiday season is a prime time for pickpockets and thieves, the United States Embassy in Manila on Friday advised its Americans in the country to take precautions against theft, robbery, and even violent crimes. In a security message, the embassy said it has received “regular reports” of US citizens being victims of both violent crime and theft, burglary and robbery. “The Embassy wishes to remind US citizens that we are in the holiday season which is a prime time for pickpockets and thieves. US citizens in the Philippines should remain aware that while you may become a victim simply because you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, foreigners may also be targeted because they are perceived to be affluent,” it said. US citizens were advised to review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. They were also advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and take steps to enhance their personal security. The embassy also reminded its Americans to avoid demonstrations even if they are generally peaceful. “However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,” it said. It also recommended carrying a means of communications at all times. US citizens in trouble can always call the Embassy at (02) 301-2000 and ask to speak to Read More …

The Bureau of Internal Revenue on Thursday filed a P46.6 million tax evasion case against a supplier cake at the Makati City hall cafeteria and the Ospital ng Makati. Kimtun Chong, sole proprietor of Cups and Mugs Kitchenette, was accused of willful attempt to evade or defeat tax and deliberate failure to supply correct and accurate information in his annual income tax return for taxable years 2009, 2010 and 2011. Cups and Cakes is the same supplier said to have provided the supposedly overpriced cakes that the city gives senior citizens on their birthday. Whistleblowers against Vice President Jejomar Binay earlier claimed his daughter, Sen. Nancy Binay, had supplied the cakes, a claim the lawmaker denied.  Former Makati City Administrator Marjorie de Veyra earlier said the city government had been been getting the city’s cakes from their supplier Cups and Mugs since 2010. These cakes have been delivered to some 100,000 senior citizens by the staff of the Social Welfare and Development Office. An investigation by the BIR showed Cups and Mugs was engaged by Makati City to supply birthday cakes and cater food services in the Makati City Hall cafeteria and at Ospital ng Makati from 2009 to 2011. In reply to an access letter sent by the BIR, the Makati City local government certified that it paid Cups and Mugs a total of P107.64 million. “Investigators, however, discovered that despite earning a large amount income for the said years, he substantially underdeclared his correct and deliberately failed to Read More …

Ona’s personal effects removed, shipped out . The second batch of personal effects of Health Secretary-on-leave Enrique Ona, contained in 12 boxes that will be delivered to his residence in Pasig, is piled up on Tuesday, December 16, at the inner foyer of his office at the DOH building in Manila. Among these were 11 paintings and works of art. Ona went on leave on Oct. 28. Ibarra Mateo Department of Health spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy on Wednesday said that there was nothing wrong with Acting Secretary Janette Garin using Health Secretary-on-leave Enrique Ona’s office, a report on 24 Oras said.  “Siya naman talaga currently ang acting secretary at napakahirap naman talaga mag-maintain ng dalawang office,” he said.  Suy also explained that most of the documents are being sent to Ona’s office, hence, it’d be easier for Garin to look over them.  Luy made the remarks after Ona reportedly asked his staff to gather his belongings in his office and take them to his residence.   On Monday afternoon, boxes containing Ona’s documents, plaques, clocks, and other personal effects were seen being loaded into a dark green van.  Meanwhile, DOH’s Administrative Service Director Angelina del Mundo denied that Ona was being kicked out of his office.  “Wala. Wala pong official na information about that,” she  said.  Ona is being investigated in connection with the DOH’s controversial procurement of P833.6 million worth of anti-pneumonia vaccines, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 10 (PCV-10), two years ago. He has since denied wrongdoing and claimed Read More …

With Pope Francis having earned a reputation as a healing pope, many Filipino families hope to experience his healing touch when he visits the Philippines in January. Several Filipinos experiencing various hardships also hope to be spiritually healed by the Pope, GMA News’ Jessica Soho reported on “24 Oras” on Wednesday. “Natawagan siyang healing pope, healing of relationships. Sinabi niya, the Church is like a field hospital where the wounds of humanity are treated,” said Fr. Francis Lucas, executive director of the Catholic Media Network. Pope Francis has time and again showed solidarity with the sick, going out of his way several times to bless them. In one instance, he had his vehicle stop in Calabria in Italy, just so he could get off and approach a sick woman. The Pope also issued a message for victims of the Ebola virus disease, saying his thoughts “go out to those countries in Africa that are suffering.” “I ask you to pray for them and for those who have so tragically lost their lives,” he said at the time. He also brought hope and strength to those suffering from various conditions. One of the Filipino families hoping to experience the Pope’s healing touch is the Galanto family, whose one-year-old child Joseph is suffering from hydrocephalus – a medical condition where there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. “Naniniwala po ako sa himala na baka sakali kung makita ko siya at mag-pray ako, bigyan siya ng ano ni Lord Read More …