Efren Peñaflorida’s ‘Kariton Klasrum’ goes to Indonesia

 News
Sep 142013
 
Efren Peñaflorida’s ‘Kariton Klasrum’ goes to Indonesia

Somewhere in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, out-of-school kids are learning to read and write in the streets through pushcart classrooms– the same unique learning platform that CNN Hero of the Year awardee Efren Peñaflorida and his Dynamic Teen Company (DTC)  use to educate the street children of Cavite. Gerobak Pintar or Smart Cart is a project of the Indonesian nonprofit organization Yayasan Wadah Titian Harapan or Wadah, which partnered with DTC to duplicate the project among the urban poor youths of Jakarta. Inspired by the “Kariton Klasrum”(mobile cart classroom) that made an impact on the lives of underprivileged kids in the Philippines, Wadah founder Anie Hashim Djojohadikusumo approached DTC to help implement the program in Indonesia. Gerobak Pintar was finally launched last July to educate its beneficiary kids and parents in four areas: Education, Health, Extra Food Supplement, and Life Skills. The program will be facilitated by Wadah volunteers, after which it will be turned over to the communities. “Wadah is very grateful for the help and support that DTC has provided to make this project a reality,”  said Anie Hashim Djojohadikusumo. “Indonesia and the Philippines are very similar in the sense that we have the same problems in education and poverty. We hope the Gerobak Pintar here will transform the lives of Indonesian children the same way it changed the lives of many young people in the Philippines,” Djojohadikusumo said. Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to Read More …

Alleged kidnap victim in Dubai went to Bangkok

 News
Sep 142013
 
Alleged kidnap victim in Dubai went to Bangkok

Last June, we wrote about the case of Jerlyn Montoya, an overseas worker who supposedly went missing a day after her arrival in Dubai in 2004. According to the victim’s family, she was apparently abducted after having one too many drinks at her welcome party by another Filipino. Her family claimed she managed to call them to inform them that she was abducted by this man but the call was cut short. In the succeeding months, the story the family pieced together was that Jerlyn had become the man’s sex slave and got pregnant as a result. When asked why it took them nine years to report the incident, the victim’s family said they simply just believed Jerlyn would suddenly come home one day. Bantay OCW immediately contacted Consul General Frank Cimafranca of the Philippine Consulate in Dubai, who then promised to look into the reported disappearance of Jerlyn. Upon reading about Jerlyn in the Inquirer, the victim’s agency, IPAMS, and its Employee Relations Manager Maria Isabel Domingo searched and confirmed that Montoya had been sent to Dubai, UAE last September 11, 2006 (as opposed to the family’s claim of 2004) to be employed at Maritime Mercantile International (MMI). According to the Emirates Leisure Rental (ELR), Montoya was not “missing” but reported for work at MMI from her starting date up to her resignation on April 12, 2007. Montoya was then reported to have flown to Bangkok on April 17, 2007. Bantay OCW called the Philippine embassy in Thailand. Vice Read More …

China is behaving like Janet Lim-Napoles

 News
Sep 112013
 
China is behaving like Janet Lim-Napoles

Global Networking By Rodel Rodis 7:03 pm | Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 In two world stage events occurring simultaneously last week, China presented two starkly different faces: a big power statesman in one, and a petty barnyard bully in the other. The two faces were similar to the ones displayed by accused Pork Barrel Fixer Janet Lim-Napoles: in one acting like a regal socialite hobnobbing with Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Sen. Bong Revilla, and in the other, behaving like a common thug when confronting subordinates like Benhur Luy who alleged that she kidnapped him last December 19, 2012 after learning of his intention to compete with her in the lucrative Pork Barrel scam business. The only difference between Napoles and China is the magnitude of their stages. For China, one world stage was the Summit of the Group of 20 (G20) top economic leaders of the world meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia on September 4-5 where China’s Pres. Xi Jinping presented his nation’s views on “ways to achieve a steady global recovery and a strong, sustainable and balanced growth”. At this Summit, Xi supported the efforts by the Summit’s host, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin, to dissuade the US from bombing Syria. Xi warned that US military intervention in Syria would damage the world economy and jack up oil prices. Earlier, at his California Summit with Pres. Obama on June 7, 2013, Xi called on the US and China to “work together to build a new type of relations between major Read More …

The meanings of September 11 (or a tale of two dictators)

 News
Sep 112013
 
The meanings of September 11 (or a tale of two dictators)

Kuwento By Benjamin PimentelINQUIRER.net 3:01 pm | Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 Most Americans know it as the day when extremists killed more than two thousand innocent civilians in New York and Washington DC. This week in Manila, it’s associated with a controversial rally claiming to be against government corruption. But for many Filipinos and Chileans, September 11 is memorable for other reasons. It’s Ferdinand Marcos’s birthday and the dictator never got tired of making us remember it when he was in power. (I still remember the fascist song we also had to sing during those years.) In Chile, it was the day in 1973 when a military coup backed by the United States overthrew the democratically-elected government of Salvador Allende, launching one of the most brutal regimes in Latin American history. Last year, we marked the 40th anniversary of the martial law declaration that launched the Marcos dictatorship. This year, it’s the Chileans’ turn. They’re marking the 40th anniversary of the bloodbath that ushered in an era of terror. Here’s another way to see it: Marcos was celebrating his birthday and the first year of his reign of greed and terror when the Chileans were plunged into their own ugly nightmare. One date, two dictatorships. In both Chile and the Philippines, it was a time of suffering. People opposed to the regimes were imprisoned, tortured or made to disappear. The cronies of the dictators grew rich and powerful. People lived in fear, even hopelessness. But it was also a time Read More …

PNP adopts 'EDSA Tayo' security plan; intel community alert for Sept 11 threats

 News
Sep 092013
 
PNP adopts 'EDSA Tayo' security plan; intel community alert for Sept 11 threats

The Metro Manila police have adopted a security plan for Wednesday’s anti-pork barrel prayer vigil at the EDSA shrine, that takes into account Monday’s Zamboanga City gun battles. As part of the security plan, Police officers are to inspect backpacks at the “EDSA Tayo” prayer vigil. Metro Manila police head Chief Superintendent Marcelo Garbo Jr. said they did not want a repeat of the Boston Marathon bombing at the “EDSA Tayo” event, radio dzBB’s Sam Nielsen reported. A backpack was used to conceal pressure-cooker bombs in the Boston Marathon bombing earlier this year. Police units area also prepared for the possibility of a spillover from the Zamboanga City clashes. Government troops and the Moro National Liberation Front gunmen fought a battle within the city limits Monday, leaving six people dead. Wednesday’s “EDSA Tayo” activity is a follow-up of the August 26 anti-pork barrel gathering at the Luneta in Manila. Sept 11 terror attack Meanwhile, Intelligence units of the Philippine National Police are on alert for possible threats marking the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attack on the United States. PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac said they are working with the intelligence community to verify possible threats on the anniversary, radio dzBB’s Tuesday Niu reported. Sindac added the PNP has not forgotten the significance of the 2001 terror attack, in which hijacked planes were flown into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Also, Sindac said the PNP’s intelligence unit is exchanging notes with its counterparts Read More …

Immigration chief bars BI airport staff from using mobile phones while on duty

 News
Sep 092013
 
Immigration chief bars BI airport staff from using mobile phones while on duty

Immigration personnel assigned to the country’s airports, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, will now be banned from using mobile phones while on duty. Bureau of Immigration OIC Siegfred Mison said this move seeks to lessen the opportunities for chances of BI officials engaging in activities like human trafficking and human smuggling. Mison, in a news release, cited recent incidents where BI officers were caught on surveillance cameras facilitating the entry of blacklisted aliens and exit of human trafficking victims and foreign fugitives. “In most of these instances, the immigration officers were seen using their phones in talking with their cohorts and the passengers,” he said. Under the new policy, BI employees assigned to airports will have to deposit their cell phones in pigeon-type lockers or with their supervisors for temporary custody. The policy will apply to all immigration officers assigned to the airport’s arrival and departure counters, whose task is to conduct immigration formalities on thousands of international travelers. Also banned from using cell phones while on duty are team leaders of the BI Travel Control and Enforcement Unit (TCEU) and acting immigration officers and confidential agents at the Filipino counters. Mison said emergency calls or texting may be allowed via phones officially used by the employees’ duty supervisors. Meanwhile, Mison’s directivealso  prohibited immigration officers from merely pinning or tacking nameplates on their uniforms, saying these should be sewn or embroidered. The directive also said that while official jackets may be worn while on duty, the employee’s nameplate must Read More …

Cardinal Tagle calls on Pinoys to act against corruption, change the system

 News
Sep 082013
 
Cardinal Tagle calls on Pinoys to act against corruption, change the system

With the interfaith vigil against the pork-barrel system, called “EDSA Tayo”, just a few days away, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle over the weekend sought more converts to the burgeoning anti-graft movement as he urged Filipinos to act against corruption. “We, individuals, should strive to change this system,” said Tagle during the monthly Manila Archdiocesan General Pastoral Assembly (MAGPAS) at Paco Catholic School. “Let us refuse. We should not comply or agree with practices that are not keeping God’s will and the laws of the land.” Tagle added Filipinos have a choice: to go along with those who perpetrate corruption, or to express opposition against it. “Even if we say that corrupt practices are widely accepted in various government offices, we all have the freedom to choose. The political community and our personal families might have greatly influenced us, but we should always remember that we are free to make a choice.” Tagle recently, and very openly, expressed his views on corruption. Specifically, he has been critical of the pork barrel system, in which lawmakers allegedly scammed billions of pesos from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). A few weeks ago, the cardinal shed tears as he spoke about the “heartbreaking” scam in a press conference at the University of Santo Tomas. Last month, the cardinal surprised protesters in the so-called Million People March by showing up at the Quirino Grandstand, where he characterized Filipinos as a “people of honor.” Also during Tagle’s talk during the pastoral assembly, the Read More …

COA raises adjudication prices for government officials, private sector

 News
Sep 082013
 
COA raises adjudication prices for government officials, private sector

The Commission on Audit (COA) has doubled the ceiling prices of its adjudication fees on cases regarding the disbursement of government funds, while the amount was raised five times for persons in the private sector with money claims. The amount for the former was raised to P20,000, doubling the maximum amount set in the 2008 COA resolution and 2009 Revised Rules of Procedure. This will affect filing of notices of disallowance or denial of claims for compensation, requests from relief from accountability, condonation and write-offs at one-tenth of one percent of the amount involved in the query, as long as it will not exceed the new ceiling price. These fees are paid by government officials and employees from their personal funds. Private firms or individuals filing money claims against government agencies or requests for approval of sale of a government asset will be charged the same percentage, if it does not exceed P50,000. These fees will be paid by the claimants themselves. Exceptions will be granted under special circumstances yet to be determined by the Commission Proper, made up of COA chairperson Ma Gracia M. Pulido Tan and Commissioners Heidi L. Mendoza and Rowena V. Guanzon. They also signed the resolution. The resolution will take effect immediately, and will be circulated in two newspapers. — RT/BM, GMA News

NCR cops to concentrate on traffic at Sept. 11 anti-pork vigil

 News
Sep 082013
 
NCR cops to concentrate on traffic at Sept. 11 anti-pork vigil

Saying they expect the Sept. 11 anti-pork barrel prayer vigil at the EDSA Shrine to be well-attended though peaceful, Metro Manila police said Sunday they will focus their efforts on ensuring smooth traffic during the event. Metro Manila police spokesman Chief Inspector Robert Domingo also said they will further iron out their security plans Monday when they meet with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. “Ayon sa coordination namin medyo marami yata nag-signify. Magfo-focus kami sa traffic management and control, pero hindi pababayaan ang overt and covert security,” he said in an interview on dzBB radio Sunday afternoon. He also noted traffic may be congested at EDSA on Wednesday since many faithful are expected to travel to Baclaran Church for Mass. Many Filipinos are expected to attend the vigil organized by the “EDSA Tayo” movement. Earlier, EDSA Tayo convenor Junep Ocampo said a Mass and a lecture on the evils of pork by economics professor Solita Monsod will highlight Wednesday’s vigil. Domingo said the Metro Manila police and MMDA will meet on Monday to finalize their security plan. For now, he said they will conduct mobile checkpoints and heighten police visibility as part of their Police Integrated Patrol System. 9/11 anniversary, Marcos’ birthday Meanwhile, Domingo said they may also adjust their deployment since Sept. 11 is also the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on the United States, and the birth anniversary of former President Ferdinand Marcos. “Kaya ang security plan binubusisi, medyo mag-a-adjust at magdadagdag at magbabawas,” he said. But Read More …

PAGASA tracking LPA near Northern Samar

 News
Sep 082013
 
PAGASA tracking LPA near Northern Samar

State weather forecasters are now tracking a low-pressure area—a potential cyclone—off Northern Samar in Eastern Visayas. PAGASA, in its 5 p.m. bulletin, said the LPA was estimated in the vicinity of Catarman, Northern Samar as of 4 p.m. It said the LPA was embedded along the inter-tropical convergence zone across Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao and may trigger flash floods and landslides in parts of Southern Luzon. Should the LPA intensify into a cyclone, it will be codenamed Odette. Flash floods, landslides “Calabarzon and the provinces of Mindoro and Marinduque will experience cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms which may trigger flash floods and landslides,” PAGASA said. It added Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have “cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms.” Also, PAGASA’s extended weather outlook expected most major cities will be cloudy with rain showers or thunderstorms on Monday. Only Metro Davao and Zamboanga, Tuguegarao and Laoag Cities will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, it added. Monday outlook Meanwhile, PAGASA said moderate to occasionally strong winds from the northeast will prevail over extreme Northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough. Light to moderate winds coming from the northeast to north will prevail over the rest of Luzon and from the southwest to south over the rest of the country with slight to moderate seas. — BM, GMA News

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