ASEAN leaders talk China, trade at Brunei summmit

 News
Apr 242013
 
ASEAN leaders talk China, trade at Brunei summmit

PNoy off to Brunei for 22nd ASEAN Summit. President Benigno Aquino III gives a last-minute talk to members of his Cabinet during send-off at the NAIA Terminal II in Pasay City on Wednesday. Aquino will be attending the 22nd ASEAN Summit in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei on April 25. At left is Vice President Jejomar Binay. Benhur Arcayan BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Southeast Asian leaders met in Brunei on Wednesday for talks aimed at easing tensions over the South China Sea and building momentum towards groundbreaking economic partnerships. The annual summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) began in the capital of the oil-rich sultanate with a dinner in which the leaders were looking to rebuild unity after unprecedented infighting last year. The split was over how much pressure the group should try to apply to China over competing territorial claims to the resource-rich South China Sea. The Philippines and Vietnam, as well as China and Taiwan, claim parts of the sea, which is also home to some of the world’s most important shipping lanes as well as rich fishing grounds. But a push by the Philippines and Vietnam for ASEAN to send a united message to an increasingly assertive China crumbled amid resistance from Cambodia, a close Chinese ally that held the rotating chair of the bloc in 2012. Senior ASEAN figures emphasised ahead of the two-day summit that the group, which for more than four decades has operated by consensus, must work hard to find Read More …

Soldiers in Atimonan bloodbath ask DOJ to drop charges against them

 News
Apr 242013
 
Soldiers in Atimonan bloodbath ask DOJ to drop charges against them

The soldiers implicated in the killing of 13 people in the infamous Atimonan bloodbath have asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss the multiple murder charges filed against them. In their joint counter-affidavit, the soldiers, led by Lt. Col. Monico Abang, denied that they conspired with the policemen in carrying out what investigators from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said was a case of ambush. The group reminded the prosecution team that it was from a soldier where the NBI found out that the police manning the checkpoint with them had tampered with the evidence at the crime scene. “We would not have disclosed what we saw, taking into consideration that the police actions may be considered as our own act,” the soldiers argued. “Without the statement of the undersigned respondents… the NBI would have not learned of this fact,” they added. They also said they found nothing “suspicious” about the operation, which the police claimed was against a criminal group led by Vic Siman, who was among the 13 fatalities. “There was nothing suspicious in the request made by the police that should have aroused our suspicion that our forces were tapped to form part of a concerted effort to perpetrate the commission of any crime,” they said. “Aside from the sole request for military augmentation, there was no independent indication that the checkpoint will be used to camouflage in any case, the commission of a crime,” they added. In its report, the NBI used one of Read More …

PH asks Bahamas to let 1,000 Filipino workers to keep jobs

 News
Apr 242013
 
PH asks Bahamas to let 1,000 Filipino workers to keep jobs

By Tarra QuismundoPhilippine Daily Inquirer 7:45 pm | Wednesday, April 24th, 2013 MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has requested the Bahamas to allow Filipinos to retain their jobs as the independent British commonwealth starts implementing a new labor policy seeking to cut unemployment rates on the islands by replacing foreign workers with locals. The Embassy dispatched a consular team to the territory just off the US state of Florida earlier this month to make the appeal to the Bahamian government to let Filipino workers keep their jobs despite the pro-local labor initiative. “We presented Manila’s position on behalf of many of the more than 1,000 Filipinos in Bahamas, particularly housekeepers, cooks, hotel employees and medical workers who stand to lose their jobs as a result of the so-called Bahamianization of the local labor force,” said Consul General Ariel Penaranda in a statement. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia, Jr. sent Peñaranda and Labor Attaché Luzviminda Padilla to the Bahamian capital of Nassau this month to convey the request. Officials from the Bahamian side who met with the Filipino team included Bahamas’ foreign affairs and labor ministers and the chief of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, said the Embassy in a statement. During the meeting, Bahamian officials recognized the Filipino community’s contribution to the islands, the Embassy said. Filipinos in the Bahamas are mostly employed as domestic helpers, medical workers, cooks and hotel employees. The Philippine side meanwhile aired its concern about the new labor policy. The Embassy said the officials Read More …

Arroyo to testify in her own plunder case

 News
Apr 242013
 
Arroyo to testify in her own plunder case

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will testify for her own defense in the trial of her plunder case at the Sandiganbayan First Division. Arroyo, the incumbent congresswoman of Pampanga’s second district, is the only witness on the defense list, according to her pre-trial brief filed Wednesday. In the seven-page brief, Arroyo’s lawyers said she’s the sole defense witness since the individuals who have personal knowledge of the fund transactions cannot be compelled to take the witness stand as they are her co-accused in the case, which concerned allegations of fraudulent handling of P366 million confidential intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Arroyo’s co-defendants were PCSO general manager Rosario C. Uriarte; former PCSO Board chairman Sergio O. Valencia; PCSO board directors Manuel L. Morato, Jose R. Taruc V, Raymundo T. Roquero and Ma. Fatima A. S. Valdes; PCSO budget and accounts manager Benigno B. Aguas; former Commission on Audit chairman Reynaldo A. Villar; and former COA-Intelligence Fund Unit head Nilda B. Plaras. Arroyo, who is seeking re-election in next month’s midterm elections, said she has no personal knowledge about “the release, disbursement, use and liquidation” of the PCSO confidential intelligence funds. For this reason, Arroyo said she would rather wait for her co-accused to finish their own presentations before starting her own defense. “She thus prays that… she be allowed to present evidence last so that she may adopt the testimonies of her co-accused who may testify in their behalf or of such witness as they may present during trial,” her lawyers said. However, Read More …

Cebu exporters warned vs. pirated software

 Economy
Apr 242013
 
Cebu exporters warned vs. pirated software

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine suppliers and exporters to the United States may be charged with “unfair competition” once discovered using pirated software, an intellectual property firm said Wednesday. Open Computing Alliance (OCA), an international trade agency, urged the local export industry, particularly in Cebu, to adhere to software licensing rules as they can be subjected to US laws punishing patrons of piracy. OCA Asia Pacific secretary-general Michael Mudd said in a statement that Washington state, for one, passed a bill prohibiting even foreign businesses in touch with the US “while using stolen or misappropriated information technology.” “Although this is not a US Federal law, the principle is enshrined in the US Federal Trade Commission in preventing unfair competitive advantage and providing a level playing field,” Mudd added. He said that exporters charged with violations may affect the whole of the country’s trading ties with the US, which has been a significant market for Philippine products. Citing 2011 data alone, Mudd said that Philippine exports to the North American country reached $9.1 billion. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The intellectual property expert gave garments companies Ningbo Beyond Home Textile from China and Pratibha Syntex from India which are facing “unfair competition” lawsuits that may penalize them for over $100,000 for software copyright violations. “Software is a small fraction of total operating expenses but can be a high cost if it has not been properly paid for. IT piracy is an issue that must be dealt with immediately Read More …

South China Sea: A decades-long source of tension

 News
Apr 242013
 
South China Sea: A decades-long source of tension

Agence France-Presse 6:17 pm | Wednesday, April 24th, 2013 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — Competing claims to the South China Sea have for decades been a source of tension in the region. China’s increasing assertiveness in staking its claim in recent years has caused concern for neighboring countries, particularly the Philippines and Vietnam. The South China Sea issue will be a top priority for Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) leaders during their two-day summit in Brunei beginning on Wednesday. Below are key facts on the sea and the competing claims: Geography The South China Sea covers more than 3 million square kilometers (1.16 million square miles) on the western edge of the Pacific, with China and Taiwan to the north, the Philippines to the east, Borneo island to the south, and Vietnam to the west. It contains hundreds of small islands, islets and rocks, most of which are uninhabited. The Paracel and Spratly chains contain the biggest islands. Significance The sea is the main maritime link between the Pacific and Indian oceans, giving it enormous trade and military value. Its shipping lanes connect East Asia with Europe and the Middle East. Major unexploited oil and gas deposits are believed to lie under the seabed. The sea is home to some of world’s biggest coral reefs and, with marine life being depleted close to coasts, it is important as a source of fish to feed growing populations. Claimants China and Taiwan both claim nearly all of the sea, while Vietnam, the Philippines, Read More …

With appointment papers now corrected, poll commissioner Guia takes oath

 News
Apr 242013
 
With appointment papers now corrected, poll commissioner Guia takes oath

Finally getting his appointment papers corrected, Elections Commissioner Luie Tito Guia took his oath Wednesday afternoon. Poll chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. administered the oath of office to Guia who was accompanied by his wife Karla and 16-year-old daughter Bernadette Louise. “With Commissioner Guia joining us, wala kaming problema sa disposition ng cases,” Brillantes said in an interview after the oath-taking ceremony. He added that Guia will be attending the special en banc meeting Thursday morning. Among the agenda in the meeting will be the tasks to be given to the newly-appointed commissioners. “Officially, we are now six in the Commission on Elections. Makukumpleto na kami. We are having our special en banc tomorrow and Commissioner Guia will be joining us officially as sixth member,” he said. He added they are just waiting for the formal assumption of Commissioner Al Parreño who is also waiting for his replacement at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. Guia’s oath-taking was delayed because his first name was misspelled first on his appointment papers. Malacanang initially spelled his name with an “o.” Guia, for his part, said he can start his work effective immediately. Asked who will replace him as acting executive director of Lente, a poll watchdog, Guia said they already had a person in mind but still finalizing it. In an interview with GMA News Online, Mrs. Guia believed her husband’s appointment is a gift from God. “Nagkasakit ako six months ago, kailangan kong magpahinga sa bahay. With his fulltime job as Read More …

Southeast Asian leaders to talk China, trade

 News
Apr 242013
 
Southeast Asian leaders to talk China, trade

Agence France-Presse 5:25 pm | Wednesday, April 24th, 2013 From left to right, Myanmar’s President Thein Sein, Philippines’ President Benigno Aquino III, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, pose for a photo during the 21st Asean Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. AP PHOTO/VINCENT THIAN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN—Southeast Asian leaders will meet in Brunei on Wednesday hoping to heal wounds from infighting over relations with China, while building momentum towards groundbreaking economic partnerships. The annual summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comes after the bloc suffered deep splits last year linked to territorial disputes with China over the resource-rich South China Sea. Asean members Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as China and Taiwan, claim parts of the sea, which is also home to some of the world’s most important shipping lanes as well as rich fishing grounds. But a push by the Philippines and Vietnam for Asean to send a united message to an increasingly aggressive China crumbled amid resistance from Cambodia, a close Chinese ally that held the rotating chair of the bloc in 2012. Senior Asean figures emphasized ahead of the two-day summit in Brunei’s capital that the group, which for more than four decades has operated by consensus, must work hard to find common ground on the South China Sea issue. Asean leaders will make a united call in an end-of-summit Read More …

DFA exec flies to Saudi to assist undocumented Filipinos in ‘tent city’

 News
Apr 242013
 
DFA exec flies to Saudi to assist undocumented Filipinos in ‘tent city’

By Tarra QuismundoPhilippine Daily Inquirer 5:18 pm | Wednesday, April 24th, 2013 DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday sent its top official on migrant workers affairs to meet with Saudi Arabia officials in a bid to expedite repatriation of more than 1,000 undocumented Filipinos still camped outside the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah. The foreign office is also preparing to move the Filipinos into shelters inside the Jeddah consulate and other facilities within the city to provide them with better accommodations while processing their return home, DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez said in a briefing Wednesday. Hernandez said Foreign Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Jesus Yabes flew to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and is set to meet with Saudi officials to discuss the situation outside the Philippine mission in Jeddah, where undocumented Filipinos have been camping out in tents for the last two weeks for fear of being arrested. The Saudi government recently initiated a campaign against illegal workers, prompting undocumented Filipinos to seek shelter at the Jeddah Consulate. “We have already sent Usec. Yabes to Saudi Arabia to see how we could expedite the repatriation,” said Hernandez. He said the government was “very much committed” to bringing the Filipinos back home but admitted that the situation was “tricky and very challenging,” given the requirements of Saudi law. Before they could be repatriated, the Filipino workers are required to first pay fines for expired residency permits, hence overstaying, settle Read More …

Saudi to retain ban on non-Muslim places of worship

 News
Apr 242013
 
Saudi to retain ban on non-Muslim places of worship

Agence France-Presse 5:11 pm | Wednesday, April 24th, 2013 RIYADH—Ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia will retain its longstanding ban on non-Muslim places of worship, Justice Minister Mohammed al-Issa said in comments reported by the Saudi media on Wednesday. As Saudi Arabia is “home to the Muslim holy places, it does not allow the establishment of non-Muslim places of worship,” the Al-Hayat newspaper quoted Issa as telling European MPs in Brussels. Saudi Arabia, home to the holy Kaaba — the cube-shaped structure at the Grand Mosque in Mecca towards which Muslims worldwide pray — has come in for repeated criticism for its ban on non-Muslim places of worship. Although Saudi Arabia’s citizen population is Muslim, the kingdom is also home to millions of expatriates of various beliefs. Unlike Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s Gulf Arab neighbors allow the building of churches and the celebration of non-Muslim feasts. Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines. Tags: Islam , Religion , Saudi Arabia Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Inquirer’s Reader’s Advocate. Or write The Readers’ Advocate:

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