Maniolas

Filipino Muslims gather at the Quiapo Mosque in Manila on Sunday (June 29, 2014) to mark the start of Ramadan, a time for spiritual reflection. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to abstain from eating, fasting, smoking and sex from dawn to dusk. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Muslim leaders gathered Monday in a roundtable discussion to convey their call for a sectoral representative of Muslims residing outside the Bangsamoro entity. Led by 1-Bangsamoro movement, the event served as a venue for leaders to justify their recommendation for the Bangsamoro Basic Law or BBL. Among the factors which support their recommendation are said to be the large number of Muslims living outside the Bangsamoro entity who have found residence in some parts of Luzon and Visayas; and also the “big contribution” of the said sector of Muslims. Apart from having a sectoral representative, Muslim leaders also urged for the creation of Shari’ah courts in certain areas in the country where there is an “appreciable” number of Muslims. This is due to some cases of Muslims which are only covered by the Shari’ah law, they said. Adding to their list of demands for the BBL is the conduct of special voters’ registration for Muslims outside Mindanao and also for Muslim OFWs. In the House of Representatives, only two committee hearings are left before the committee’s voting on BBL. “We are looking forward to the passage of BBL before the year ends,” Sultan Mohammad Bano of National Federation of Police Read More …

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Presidential Adviser on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson answers questions from the media in an interview after he delivered his address at a forum in Makati City last January 23. The former senator had refused to accept his pork barrel funds from the start. He said in a privilege speech that the funds had corrupted legislators. Now, even the members of the media are being named as those who received “payolas.” (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Outgoing rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson on Monday urged the Philippine National Police to seriously take the challenge of cleaning their own ranks to regain the trust of the people, a television report said Monday. Lacson, who served as PNP chief from November 1999 to January 2001, warned the police organization that crime incidents will rise if the credibility of the PNP will not be restored. The former senator issued the challenge during the PNP’s Ethics Day and flag raising ceremony in Camp Crame, Quezon City. “It is a good opportunity for the OIC (officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina). He has a fresh mandate, a fresh start. Ang importante ay leadership by example,” Lacson told reporters after his speech. He said police officers should not be involved in extortion, case fixing, and other irregularities. Lacson was known for his no non-sense leadership during his stint at the PNP. On the other hand, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said the image of the PNP could be repaired through the more responsible conduct of Read More …

Bobby Chinn has a soft spot for kare-kare and adobo.

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. offers a toast during the Independence Day Reception at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. (Philippine Embassy Photo by Elmer G. Cato) WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mabuhay) – The Philippines has hailed the $1- million technical assistance grant announced by Washington to strengthen workers’ rights through reforms in the country’s labor inspection capacity, saying such speed up compliance with global standards. “This is yet another initiative that reflects the enduring strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said shortly after the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) of the US Department of Labor announced the grant. The grant, awarded to the International Labor Organization, is intended to help improve the effectiveness of labor inspections in the Philippines, particularly in the areas of occupational safety and health and labor rights monitoring by workers, employers and their representatives. “The assistance will further accelerate our compliance with global labor standards,” Ambassador Cuisia said as he commended the Department of Labor and Employment, particularly Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, who vigorously negotiated for its approval in behalf of the Philippines. In selecting the Philippines, the ILAB noted the number of steps taken by the country to increase staff and enhance technology in labor inspections. It said the grant will assist in these efforts by improving labor law compliance and labor rights monitoring. “This kind of targeted technical cooperation assistance impacts significantly the promotion of labor standards enforcement and compliance in the Philippines and ensures the protection Read More …