Maniolas

For Inquirer readers, the holidays are merrier when there’s a balikbayan box from a loved one to open. In a country where most families have members working or living abroad, sending balikbayan boxes, or packages of personal effects or gifts, has helped maintain ties despite the distance. While migrant workers now send balikbayan boxes at any time of the year, it is still a source of excitement for many during the holiday season. The Inquirer’s “What’s in your Balikbayan Box?” contest, launched on Dec. 14, asks readers to name their all-time favorite items found inside balikbayan boxes sent by relatives abroad through the years. Netizens who responded to our call on Twitter expressed gratitude and joy as they cited their Top 5 all-time favorite balikbayan box contents in 140 characters. “Thank you, relatives,” netizen @purpletooth gushed after citing her choices. “You can’t call it a balikbayan box without…” netizen @krisbayleley said before citing his all-time favorite balikbayan box items. Readers from Cebu, Leyte, Pangasinan, Batangas, Bulacan and Cavite shared their families’ stories of joy and gratitude after receiving balikbayan boxes from loved ones working abroad. All excited “We just received a balikbayan box from my sister-in-law,” said Lisa Maiquez of Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. “We are all excited to open it, especially the kids. They cannot wait to see what’s inside.” “I know how hard it is to work abroad, especially when you’re far away from your family. It is not easy living and working so far away. But to make Read More …

The Olongapo City police on Saturday officially released the mug shots of US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, who was charged with murder for the killing of transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude.  Source: Philippine National Police GMA News’ Rida Reyes also tweeted a photo of a police crime lab data sheet showing the US Marine’s fingerprints. On Friday, Pemberton appeared before the Olongapo City regional trial court over murder charges lodged against him, but was not arraigned. He was brought there under heavy security, in a convoy that left his detention facility in Camp Aguinaldo before dawn Friday. At the Olongapo City Hall of Justice, Pemberton underwent a medical examination and a booking procedure. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – China is planning to construct an observation network by 2020 to protect its maritime interests and promote disaster risk reduction, a foreign publication reported. As China and other Asian countries face territorial disputes, China Daily on Friday said a guideline on the observation network was recently released by the State Oceanic Administration. The observation network initiative includes the building of radar stations, tsunami warning observation stations, and satellite operations. An official from the Disaster Prevention and Reduction Department, Chen Zhi, said their government plans to bolster its lagging offshore observation capacity, specifically its maritime observation methods, infrastructure and technical support. With concerns that the observation network will further heighten tension in the region, the Philippine government said its Department of Foreign Affairs is already studying the matter. “Our policy is we do not want to escalate tensions in the area, and so we have asked the Department of Foreign Affairs to look into it,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a radio interview. “They will be the ones responsible in discussing this matter or issue any statement to that effect,” he added. China has been strengthening is maritime capacity for the past years as it attempts to reinforce its claim on various parts of South China Sea. The Philippines is currently pursuing an arbitration case against China before the United Nations. China Daily said offshore disasters have resulted in economic losses (costing at least $2.6 billion) and casualties for China. Read More …

Malacañang on Saturday assured the public it is studying a recommendation to grant executive clemency to elderly inmates. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel is studying the matter and will come out with its recommendations. “Hintayin natin ang magiging pagsusuri rito ng ating Chief Presidential Legal Counsel sa Office of the Executive Secretary,” he said on government-run dzRB radio. “Let’s wait for the recommendations to be made,” he added. A report on The Philippine Star said Public Attorney’s Office head Persida Acosta asked President Benigno Aquino III to grant pardon to elderly and ill inmates. She was quoted in the report as saying most of the convicts are seriously ill, and that they are hoping Aquino will consider. But Lacierda declined to comment further, saying he does not want to give “false hope.” “Ayaw natin magbigay ng false hope. Kailangan pag-aralan ang lista… Pag-aaralan yan nang maayos ng palasyo,” he said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News

popular Pasay City cops sue Aiko Melendez’s drunk gun-toting ex, pal Beermen drown Texters, takes game one in semis series 4 cops charged over summary killings Employer of OFW killed by lion charged Pemberton submits to court custody, seeks reduction of murder rap to homicide Sandiganbayan denies Jinggoy Estrada holiday furlough Gov’t seeks bidders for P781-M Bicol airport contract Jollibee Foods Corp. to operate Dunkin’ Donuts network in China videos Simbang Gabi at the Gesu (Day 5 – Dec. 19, 2014) 8 children killed in home in northern Australia Hack attack vs Sony Pictures spurs call for more North Korea sanctions Laude family wants Pemberton in local jail during trial Simbang Gabi at the Gesu (Day 4 – Dec. 18, 2014) MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has released its schedule for its authentication services amid the observance of several public holidays in December. The following schedule applies to the following branches: Department of Foreign Affairs-Aseana (DFA Aseana), DFA NCR-West (SM Manila), DFA NCR-East (SM Megamall). DFA NCR-Northeast (Ali Mall), DFA NCR-South (Metro Gaisano Alabang), and DFA San Fernando-Pampanga (Robinson Starmills). DFA said its regular schedule will resume on January 5. For Expedite-filed documents: Date of Filing Date of Release 19 December 2014 22 December 2014 22 December 2014 23 December 2014 23 December 2014 29 December 2014 For Regular-filed documents: Date of Filing Date of Release 19 December 2014 07 January 2015 22 December 2014 08 January 2015 23 December 2014 08 January 2015 29 December Read More …