Feb 182015
 
5 Comvalroad projects to boost tourism

FIVE road projects worth P330 million and designed to boost tourism are scheduled in Compostela Valley this year. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao Region said three of the projects, amounting to P250 million, will be implemented by the regional office.The other two, amounting to P80 million, will be implemented by the Compostela Valley-District Engineering Office (DEO). The projects are the P80 million concreting of Bantacan road leading to Tadia Fall of New Bataan; P80 million concreting of New Albay-Marangig road in Maragusan leading to Marangig Waterfalls and Pyalitan Waterfalls in Maragusan; and the P90 million concreting of road from Ubuton, New Bataan to Camp Uno leading to White Peak, New Bataan. The projects to be implemented by the Comval-DEO are the P40 million concreting of Nabunturan Public Market Road and the P40 million concreting of Barangay Pindasan Circumferential Road in Mabini leading to Kopiat and Lunod Island and MabiniBeact Resorts. The five projects will have a total length of 11.20 kilometers.The projects were identified through the Convergence Program of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the DPWH. Christine Dompor, Compostela Valley provincial tourism officer, said 13 projects were lined up for 2015 but only the five were approved. (RJF) Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 19, 2015. DISCLAIMER: Sun.Star website welcomes friendly debate, but comments posted on this site do not necessary reflect the views of the Sun.Star management and its affiliates. Sun.Star reserves the right to delete, reproduce or modify comments posted Read More …

Feb 182015
 
Facilitation service a growing racket as Manila ports remain congested – solon

— President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Enterprising racketeers are taking advantage of the unabated cargo congestion in the ports of Manila, charging businessmen exorbitant fees in exchange for facilitating the release of their shipments, a lawmaker claimed on Monday. Citing reports reaching his office, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III said various “facilitation services” have mushroomed and are supposedly helping traders process both inbound and outbound cargoes in exchange for a hefty fee. “Huge ‘facilitation services’ fees are being charged businessmen who are helpless and desperate in seeking the release of their shipments,” Albano said in a statement. According to the lawmaker, the Port of Manila remains congested despite the lifting of the truck ban imposed by Manila mayor Joseph Estrada last year. The accumulation of cargoes at the port has resulted in multi-billion peso losses for businesses and industries, he said. “[The port congestion] results in higher costs for businesses relying on imported finished products for local distribution and Read More …

Feb 172015
 
US pays $1.97 million to Philippines for damaged reef

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine government said Wednesday it had received 87 million pesos ($1.97 million) from the United States to pay for damage caused by a U.S. Navy minesweeper to a protected reef two years ago. Manila received the compensation last month for the damage that resulted from the grounding of the minesweeper USS Guardian at Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The statement said the money will help rehabilitate and protect the reef and enhance monitoring of the area to prevent a repeat of the incident. It said that in addition, the U.S. government will assist the Philippine coast guard in upgrading its station at the reef. The park management, the World Wide Fund for Nature, and marine experts said in a joint assessment that about 2,345 square meters (25,240 square feet) of corals were damaged. The Guardian ran aground at the Tubbataha National Marine Park in January 2013 and was dismantled piece by piece over two months to prevent further damage to the reef. The U.S. Navy and the American ambassador apologized for accident. The U.S. Pacific Fleet relieved the ship’s commanding officer, executive officer and navigator, assistant navigator and officer on deck after initial findings indicated they had failed to adhere to standard navigation procedures at the time of the grounding.

Feb 172015
 
Treasury rejects bids for 10-year bonds

popular . Stoudemire leaving Knicks after buyout Pope denounces slaying of Egyptian Christians by ISIS Egypt bombs ISIS in Libya, pushes for international action JM de Guzman bounces back BREAK: Tsunami alert in N. Japan after 6.9 quake—agency 8 British firms embark on trade mission to PH BIFF challenges politicians to arm themselves, fight in Mindanao Gov. Vi lauds 1982 gay film’s restoration videos 2015 Bb Pilipinas hopeful Janicel Lubina proud of her simple past Binibining Pilipinas 2015 candidates strut in their swimsuits David Pomeranz is back in PH with ‘Greatest Hits’ album PBA legend Sonny Jaworski open to idea of being the next PBA commissioner Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez calls for unity in PH volleyball MANILA, Philippines–The government on Tuesday rejected all bids for P25 billion in reissued 10-year treasury bonds as some investors were deemed trying to tuck in additional income before closing their first-quarter books. During the auction, the Bureau of the Treasury rejected tenders worth P41.23 billion at an average bid rate of 3.573 percent or 53.4 basis points higher than the previous auction’s 3.039 percent. The bonds maturing in August 2024 were first auctioned in August last year. National Treasury Roberto B. Tan told reporters after the auction that they noticed the array of investors’ bid rates was “scattered.” “There was no unity in the rates among themselves. They’re also tentative about what would be the right price. The market was trying to see how far they can go,” Tan said. According to Tan, some Read More …

Feb 172015
 
Vin: Idol ko si kuya!

In their first pictorial together (only for The STAR) two years ago, Vin Abrenica (left) and his Kuya Aljur demonstrate how they support each other (you know, he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother) — STAR/ Ver Paulino When Vin Abrenica showed up for the recent presscon for the Valentine offering of TV5’s Wattpad Presents, he proudly announced to a huddle of movie writers that he was wearing the briefs of his Kuya Aljur. “We share everything,” said Vin, “idol ko si kuya, eh. We are of the same size, so share-share kami sa shirts, shoes and pants…except toothbrush, hahaha! We are really that close.” But not close enough to share confidences about their love lives — “Unless we ask each other about it,” explained Vin who at 24, is a year younger than Aljur. Told that Aljur was reported to have reconciled with Kylie Padilla, Vin was surprised (or was he pretending to be?). “Nagulat ako d’un, a,” he said. “Is it true? I haven’t asked him about that.” But if ever Aljur would ask him, Vin would readily open up about Sophie Albert (who, along with Vin, topped the Kapatid Network’s Artista Academy talent search). Unlike most young stars who lie about their love life, Vin and Sophie don’t hide the fact that they have been going steady for almost three years now. Entertainment ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Asked if he’s faithful (considering the many girls sending him “feelers”), Vin admitted, “Oo naman. I’m a Read More …

Feb 172015
 
Raffle winner brings home a new Honda Brio

Anthony Cheng, HCCL president; Toshio Kuwahara, HCPI president and General Manager; parents and son of the winner, Leigh Anne Nagata,  winner of the Honda Brio and Dr. Michael Tan, HCCL Executive Vice President MANILA, Philippines – Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) turned over a new Honda Brio to Leigh Anne Nagata whose name was picked out from a thousand entries to Honda’s Drive the Holiday Spirit raffle promo last December 2014, held at Honda Cars Calamba (HCCL). Nagata, a mother of two and a business owner in Laguna, decided to purchase a Jazz 1.5 VX CVT at Honda Cars Calamba last year. Few weeks after her newly bought Jazz was delivered to her, she picked up a call from her Sales Consultant who gave her the news about her winning a brand new car. “My husband and I were at a business retreat when she called me and told me that I won a brand new Brio! I thought she called up the wrong person so I asked my husband to call her again to verify. And yes, it was true!” said Nagata. The All New Brio will be used as Nagata’s daily car for errands and bringing her son to school. “The Brio seems like a perfect car for my activities. It looks very easy to drive too, like the Jazz, which will now be my husband’s car”, she added. HCPI’s president and General Manager, Toshio Kuwahara, who personally gave the keys to Nagata shares, “It is a wonderful Read More …

Feb 172015
 
Rachelle Ann Go wins international award

EIGHT months since taking the role of Gigi Van Tranh in West End revival of “Miss Saigon,” Filipina singer Rachelle Ann Go bagged an acting award for the musical hit. Rachelle was handed the Best Supporting Actress in a Musical trophy at the recently concluded WhatsOnStage Awards 2015. The 28-year-old shared it was a dream come true to be recognized for her performance in the theater stage. A photo posted by Rachelle Ann Go (@gorachelleann) on Feb 16, 2015 at 7:39am PST A photo posted by Rachelle Ann Go (@gorachelleann) on Feb 16, 2015 at 7:56am PST “Thank you Lord for this blessing… To everyone who watched Miss Saigon and voted, thank you for appreciating our talent. We sing for you every night and will not get tired of performing.” she wrote on Instagram. Rachelle also thanked her family, friends and fans for the constant support since she went to London in March of last year. “The whole @MissSaigonUK cast is rejoicing! To my family who is always there to love and support everything I do, I love you so much and miss you all! Thank you again Whats On Stage Awards for this!” she said. “Miss Saigon” bagged eight other awards, including Best Actor and Actress in Musical for Jon Jon Briones and Eva Noblezada, respectively, Best Direction and Best Musical Revival. Here’s the complete list of winners at the 2015 WhatsOnStage Awards: Best Actor in a Play: David Tennant, “Richard II”Best Actress in a Play: Billie Piper, “Great Read More …

Feb 172015
 
De Lima: Source of Mamasapano viral video identified by NBI

Members of a religious group rally outside the Senate while the inquiry on the Mamasapano clash is ongoing on Monday. The group called for the scrapping of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in light of the clash that claimed the lives of 44 SAF policemen in the hands of Muslim rebels. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has already identified the source of the six-minute viral video that showed a wounded member of the Special Action Force (SAF) being shot at close range. “NBI has already identified where it came from and who uploaded the video,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters Monday. They showed a man, who was later identified by relatives as police officer Joseph Sagonoy, one of the 44 SAF men killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in camouflage uniform sprawled on a cornfield being shot twice at close range. The SAF commandos were on a mission to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir aka Marwan and Filipino bomb maker Abdulbasit Usman. The video also showed the group, most of whom were armed, taking magazines and other ammunition from several other fallen men, again, in camouflage uniform. Gunfire is repeatedly heard in the background while at least two of the perpetrators shouted, “Allah hu akbar!” However, de Lima refused to identify the source adding that the NBI is still working to further authenticate the video. “…Because this will be used as evidence. This will not be admissible unless authenticated,” de Lima explained. “We should Read More …

Feb 172015
 
Trillanes says Norberto Gonzales is one of those planning coup

President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Norberto Gonzales Jr., former national security adviser and defense secretary of ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was among those planning to oust President Benigno Aquino III, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Monday. “Yes,” was Trillanes’ reply to reporters when asked if Gonzales was part of those planning to destabilize the administration. “May nagpaplano na magpatalsik… They are hoping to recruit active members of the Armed Forces,” he said in a chance interview. Asked about the role of Gonzales, the senator said the former Cabinet secretary just wanted to cause chaos in the country. “(Ang papel niya) manggulo sa Pilipinas. Wala (siyang capability). That guy is a sociopath, ‘pag merong nasa utak, he will pursue that,” he said. He added that Gonzales has “no influence whatsoever but he is trying to project as if he has one.” “We checked everything about him. Ngayon solo na lang siya,” he further said. He reiterated that the coup plot is no cause for alarm but it should alert everyone. “Ang sa akin lang, there is no need to be alarmed but we Read More …

Feb 172015
 
Eight communist rebels, four soldiers dead in Philippine clashes

Eight communist guerrillas and four soldiers have been killed in separate clashes in the southern Philippines, a hotbed of one of the world’s last Maoist rebellions, the military said Tuesday. One female and six male members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in skirmishes Monday near Alabel on the south coast of Mindanao island, a military statement said. The 4,000-member NPA is waging one of the world’s longest-running insurgencies, with about half its guerrillas based in the south, according to military estimates. Government forces meanwhile repulsed an attack by a separate NPA unit on a police post in the southern town of Mati, 140 kilometres (87 miles) northeast of Alabel, on Sunday, a separate military statement said. The 50 guerrillas, who wore fake army uniforms, failed to capture the police post and suffered one dead after it was reinforced by a local army unit, it said. However, a landmine set off by the retreating rebels killed three of the pursuing soldiers and wounded four others, it added. It said the rebels also killed an off-duty soldier who was passing through a roadblock that they had set up near the police station. Repeated efforts by successive governments to arrange peace talks have failed to end the rebellion, which has claimed about 30,000 lives by official estimates. The latest negotiations with President Benigno Aquino’s government faltered after rebel demands that detained comrades be released were rejected. Aquino has however succeeded in forging a deal to end a far larger Muslim Read More …