Maniolas

Record setting [via the Philippine Commission on Women] The Guinness world record for the largest woman symbol formation is now held by the Philippines. The world record was set by 10,168 people forming the largest gender symbol in Rizal Park on the occasion of the “Juanas” celebration of International Women’s Day in March 8, 2014. The confirmation of the title was given on January 7, the 40th founding anniversary of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the country’s primary policy-making and coordinating body on women and gender concerns. Guinness’ Alex Angert is quoted in his message to PCW that since there is no existing record for the largest human formation of a gender symbol, the PCW only needed 250 participants to set a new world record. The woman symbol formation gathered government agencies, non-government organizations, state colleges and universities and civil society. The confirmation came after evidences of the world record attempt on video, photographs, witness statements, and certification from an audit company, among others, were received and reviewed by Guinness World Records. The post Guinness World Record for PH woman symbol formation appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Pangasinan’s Bayambang sets BBQ Guinness world record Cebu beats India world record for largest Zumba class PHL sets new Guinness record with thousands of sky lanterns Charice is Guinness World Record’s youngest judge

Zamboanga City mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has opposed the possibility of the city’s inclusion in the envisioned Bangsamoro territory that will be formed as part of the comprehensive peace pact signed between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Speaking to lawmakers at the last public hearing on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) Wednesday, Climaco-Salazar said that while she and her constituents support the government’s peace efforts, the city should not be made part of the envisioned Bangsamoro core territory at any time. “The city should never form part nor be included in the Bangsamoro now or ever. Neither of its 98 barangays or municipalities should be part of Bangsamoro now or ever,” she said. Aside from excluding Zamboanga City from the Bangsamoro core territory, Climaco-Salazar said the city’s municipal waters will continue to remain its own while the Cabatangan property should be transferred to the national government and not purchased by Congress. She said the city government is willing to buy the land. Under Section 1, Article XVIII of Republic Act 9054, otherwise known as the Act to Strengthen and Expand the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), all properties in the areas which chose not to join the ARMM should be purchased by the national government. The local government units having jurisdiction over them, in turn, can buy the lands from the national government.  Right to self-determination But for Bangsamoro Transition Committee chair and MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, the people of Read More …

The Commission on Elections has reminded the public of a gun ban that will be in effect starting tomorrow in connection with the Sangguniang Kabataan elections in February, a report on GMA’s “24-Oras” said Wednesday. The SK elections will be held on February 21, 2015. According to the report, Comelec has warned that as early as Thursday, violators can be sent to prison for up to six years even if the SK elections will be held next month. The Comelec said violators may also lose the right to vote and be elected into a government position. The poll body added that aside from the gun ban, having security personnel or bodyguards is also prohibited. As an added reminder, it said that those who previously had certain exceptions in the previous election need to submit a new application. —Andrei Medina/NB, GMA News

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III on Wednesday expressed willingness to withdraw his recommendation to cite in contempt Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and six others should they attend scheduled hearings on the Makati City Hall Building II.  “If they voluntarily appear (on Thursday), I will move for the withdrawal of my recommendation to cite them in contempt. Or maybe on Monday, if they will make [a] commitment that they will appear in future hearings, ganun po yun. Basta nobody wants to cite anybody in contempt but if it is necessary, we will have to do it,” Pimentel told reporters. Pimentel chairs the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee which has been holding public hearings on the alleged overpricing in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. On Tuesday, he disclosed that he has recommended to the mother Senate blue ribbon committee to cite in contempt the following for their failure to attend the hearings: Binay City Administrator Eleno Mendoza University of Makati president Tomas Lopez Eduviges “Ebeng” Baloloy former City Administrator Marjorie de Veyra Engineer Line Dela Peña Bernadette Portallano Pimentel’s committee had issues several invitations, subpoena, and show cause orders to the seven personalities but all were ignored. The subcommittee is set to resume its hearing on controversial Makati building on Thursday morning. “They have been ignoring more than five subpoenas, from two to five subpoenas. Sobra na po yun. They have forced the Senate,” Pimentel said. “Yung power to cite persons in contempt, sparingly used yan e. Madali magpatawad ang Read More …

Malacañang is not worried about the possibility of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada seeking a higher post in the 2016 elections. At a press briefing on Wednesday, presidential spokesman Secretary Edwin Lacierda expressed confidence that the electorate will give weight to reforms implemented by President Benigno Aquino III in choosing their candidates in the next polls. “Kung nakikita ng ating sambayanan ‘yung magandang nangyayari sa kanilang bansa, hindi ba gusto nilang ipagpatuloy ‘yon? ‘Yan din ang parating sinasabi ni Pangulong Aquino na gusto niya walang duda ang susunod na magpapatuloy ng kanyang mga reporma,” Lacierda told reporters. The Palace official issued this statement after the Supreme Court junked a disqualification case against Estrada filed by the lawyer of his rival, erstwhile Manila mayor Alfredo Lim. Lacierda maintained that the administration is “focused on governance” now, and not on political posturing. “The best way for the people to rally behind good governance is that we continue to provide good governance,” he said. Besides, Lacierda said Estrada himself has no plans yet of seeking a higher post in the upcoming national elections. The Palace official added that Aquino and Estrada remain “cordial” to each other. Estrada is a stalwart of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). During the 2010 elections, he came second to Aquino in the presidential race. —KBK, GMA News