US lawmakers warn Japan PM on ‘comfort women’

 News
Feb 202013
 
US lawmakers warn Japan PM on ‘comfort women’

Agence France-Presse 8:39 am | Thursday, February 21st, 2013 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe: New “future-oriented” statement on World War II. AP/KYODO NEWS WASHINGTON—Two US lawmakers on Wednesday warned Prime Minister Shinzo Abe not to revise Japan’s apology over sexual enslavement in World War II, saying the move would set back relations between the allies. The lawmakers raised the issue two days before a White House visit by the conservative Japanese premier, whose previous period in office was dogged by historical issues but who is now seen as increasingly pragmatic. Representative Mike Honda, who spearheaded a 2007 House resolution that took Japan to task for holding wartime sex slaves, and Representative Steve Israel voiced “serious concern” about the Abe government’s stance. In a letter, the two Democratic lawmakers wrote that if Japan revises a 1993 apology it “would have grave implications for the US-Japanese relationship and could ignite unnecessary tension and provocation with neighboring countries.” Historians say about 200,000 “comfort women” from Korea, China, the Philippines and elsewhere were drafted into Japanese army brothels. The legacy remains a particular sore point in Japan’s relations with South Korea. In the 1993 statement, Japan offered “sincere apologies” for the “immeasurable pain and suffering” inflicted on comfort women. Two years later, Japan issued a broader apology expressing “deep remorse” for war suffering. Abe, whose grandfather was a World War II cabinet minister, raised controversy during his 2006 to 2007 premiership for his statements on comfort women and after leaving office he called for Read More …

Kidlat faces new villains, chooses between leading ladies

 Entertainment
Feb 202013
 
Kidlat faces new villains, chooses between leading ladies

Kidlat – Mark Neumann as Francis aka FUEGO Kidlat – Nadine Samonte as LARA Kidlat – Nadine Samonte as LARA Kidlat – Ritz Azul as JOEY Kidlat – Shaira Mae as Francine aka FROSTA Kidlat – Valerie Weigmann as Natasha aka ENIGMA Kidlat – Wendell Ramos as Rodel aka GRABAMAN FEBRUARY 19, 2013, PHILIPPINES – As ratings continue to surge for TV5’s hit primetime series Kidlat, new loves and new villains were officially introduced today at the Plaza Ibarra’s Party Venues in Timog, Quezon City. In theupcoming episodes, everyone’s favorite superhero will find himself choosing among three potential love interests. One of the ladies is the strong-willed Joey played by FHM cover girl Ritz Azul. Audiences already caught a glimpse of her during the Kidlat Movie Special but as the story progresses, Ritz promises that viewers will see more of who Joey is. Adding a bit of spice to Voltaire’s life is sassy and sophisticated Natasha, played by newcomer Valerie Weigmann. The Filipina-German model makes her acting debut in Kidlat as a fashion designer who will eventually become villainess Enigma. Though a little nervous to be part of a successful series, Valerie admits that she’s more excited to meet everyone—particularly her new leading man. “Excited at kahitpaanokinabahan din ako. I’ve heard so many good things about [Derek] like how he’s a gentleman. I can’t wait to finally work with him.” Even though she’s a newbie, Valerie is well aware of her co-star’s reputation for being a ladies man. When asked if Read More …

2 Koreans, Filipino arrested for selling ‘carnapped’ vehicles in Cebu

 News
Feb 202013
 
2 Koreans, Filipino arrested for selling ‘carnapped’ vehicles in Cebu

By Chito O. Aragon Inquirer Visayas 6:10 am | Thursday, February 21st, 2013 CEBU CITY, Philippines—The police arrested two Koreans and a Filipino for alleged involvement in carnapping in Metro Cebu and recovered at least seven Hyundai Starex vans. The police identified the suspects as Korean nationals Kim Jae Young, 42, alias Leo Lim/Andy; Hong Seo Yong, 28, alias Luis; and Raphael Montilla, 27, alias Raprap, a registered nurse and a resident of Vista Grande, Barangay (village) Bulacao, Talisay City. Two of the vans were seized from the house of Montilla while five others were recovered along A.S. Fortuna St. and the streets in Maguikay highway and Cabangcalan, all in Mandaue City. Former Philippine Basketball Association player Ramon Fernandez and his wife, Carla, own one of the recovered vans. Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, chief of Police Regional Office (PRO-7) said the three allegedly belonged to an organized group operating nationwide. Chief Inspector George Ylanan, chief of Regional Operation Group (RSOG), an operating unit of Regional Intelligence Division (RID), said they first arrested Montilla at his home in Talisay City Tuesday afternoon after they received information that he was selling a Hyundai Starex van for only P40,000. When the RSOG operatives arrived at Montilla’s home, they saw two Starex vans parked there. The police asked for the certificates of registration of the two vehicles, but Montilla could not present any so he was arrested and taken to the RSOG office for questioning. During the investigation, Montilla admitted that two Koreans had Read More …

PH to press UN case on disputed sea despite China rejection

 News
Feb 202013
 
PH to press UN case on disputed sea despite China rejection

By Tarra Quismundo Philippine Daily Inquirer 5:38 am | Thursday, February 21st, 2013 DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez: We’ll proceed. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—The arbitration proceedings that the Philippines has initiated before the United Nations (UN) against China to nullify the latter’s “excessive” claims in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) will not stop despite Beijing’s rejection of the legal action, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). However, the enforcement of any decision of the UN arbitral tribunal, three or four years down the road, will be “another question,” said DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez. “The arbitration will proceed under Annex VII of Unclos (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the five-member arbitration panel will be formed with or without China,” Hernandez said. “Even if one party does not join or participate, the process will continue until a decision is made,” he said. Article 9 of Unclos’ Annex VII, which stipulates the mechanics of arbitration, states that the “absence of a party or failure of a party to defend its case shall not constitute a bar to the proceedings.” On Jan. 22, the Philippines went to the UN to challenge Beijing’s claim to most of the South China Sea (which the Philippines refers to as the West Philippine Sea) and compel it to respect the Philippines’ right to its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and stop Chinese incursions into areas in the disputed waters claimed by the Philippines. The Philippines initiated the Read More …

The burden of proving tax fraud

 Economy
Feb 202013
 

THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) has a period of three years from the last day for the filing of the return to conduct an assessment; otherwise, the right to assess will prescribe. However, if there is prima facie evidence of tax fraud through the filing of a false or fraudulent return or non-filing of a return, the assessment period is extended from three years to 10 years.

Trillanes: Make known Sabah policy

 News
Feb 202013
 
Trillanes: Make known Sabah policy

Kirams given till Friday to recall forces By Norman Bordadora Philippine Daily Inquirer 12:02 am | Thursday, February 21st, 2013 Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. INQUIRER.net/Noy Morcoso III CEBU CITY—Reelectionist Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday called on the Aquino administration to make known its policy on the country’s claim to Sabah and on the standoff between Malaysian security forces and a group of armed followers of the sultan of Sulu in the eastern Malaysian territory. The standoff in Tanduao village in Sabah’s Lahad Datu town has entered a second week, with Malaysian authorities saying on Wednesday that the situation is under control and that the Filipinos from Sulu will be deported soon. Emissaries from the Aquino administration are working quietly to convince Sultan Jamalul Kiram to recall his followers from Sabah. According to a highly placed source of the Inquirer in the Cabinet, Jamalul and his other brother, Bantilan Esmail Kiram II, must decide by Friday whether to call their followers home. On Wednesday, Esmail was going to see Jamalul, who is undergoing dialysis in a Manila hospital, to talk to him and make a decision, the source said. It is believed that the Malaysian government has given the sultan’s followers a deadline to leave or be rounded up and deported, but agreed to an extension of the deadline “by a few days” to allow the sultan and his family to reconsider their demand to stay in Sabah. President Aquino’s former backchannel link to Beijing at the height of tensions Read More …

Ricky’s new toy

 Economy
Feb 202013
 
Ricky’s new toy

Billionaire ICTSI chairman Enrique “Ricky” Razon Jr. or EQR to his employees will be taking delivery of a brand new twin-engine Eurocopter EC 155 in a couple of months for his personal use or perhaps also for the use of high rollers of the new Solaire Manila Resort and Casino set for a soft opening mid-march. The EC 155 is easily one of the most luxurious helicopters in its class, described as a “flying limousine” due to its sophisticated design like a fully intuitive glass cockpit with LCD displays, with the most minimal noise and vibration levels that make passengers feel like they’re traveling in a business jet instead of a chopper. That’s because the twin-engine helicopter is equipped with a five-blade main rotor and the trademark Eurocopter “Fenestron” tail rotor. The “limousine in the sky” has powerful engines with optimum performance at high altitudes, whether in hot or cold temperature. In fact, this “expensive toy for the big boys” is fitted with an “anti-icing system” that allows it to fly even in extremely cold climate conditions. The high-end EC 155 also features a very spacious cabin and a bigger baggage hold volume that allows for flexible configurations – making it perfect for transporting VIPs like the high flying, high-rolling gamers who will be coming in to play at Solaire Manila. The $1.2 billion resort and casino complex will feature state-of-the-art facilities and modern amenities that will rival what Macau and Las Vegas have to offer. Among the big names Read More …

Megaworld doubles budget for Mactan township proj

 Economy
Feb 202013
 
Megaworld doubles budget for Mactan township proj

MANILA, Philippines – Property giant Megaworld Corp. has doubled its investment commitment for its first township project in Cebu to P20 billion. The development is seen to be a major driver for the economic growth of Cebu given its job generation and business opportunities, the company’s top executive said. “In the next seven years, we are investing P20 billion in this township to build luxury residential condominiums, office towers, a world-class lifestyle mall, our very own Richmonde Hotel and soon, a sports and leisure facility,” said Megaworld chairman and CEO Andrew L. Tan. “We see the Mactan Newtown as a major driver of growth for Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu in general in terms of job opportunities, sports and recreation, retail shopping and of course, tourism,” Tan said. The 16-hectare Mactan Newtown development was formally inaugurated yesterday with President Aquino as guest of honor. In June last year, President Aquino signed Proclamation No. 407 declaring The Mactan Newtown as a mixed-use special economic zone for information technology, tourism and retirement under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Megaworld launched two luxury residential condominiums in the township project last year: the 8 Newtown Boulevard and One Pacific Residence, both of which are already sold out. “A new residential cluster will be launched this year,” Megaworld said. Megaworld partnered with the Philippine Retirement Authority to allow foreigners who want to retire in the urban community project to get a special resident retiree’s visa. For its Read More …

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