September 2013 – Page 11

July exports up by 2.3%

Economy

Sep 102013

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s merchandise exports increased by 2.3 percent to $4.836 billion in July 2013, up from the $4.727 billion posted in the same period last year, the National Statistics Office reported on Tuesday. Machinery and transport equipment, woodcrafts and furniture, chemicals, electronic products, and cathodes and sections of cathodes of refine copper supported the country’s exports, which grew by 7.7 percent from the $4.49 billion posted in June 2013. On the other hand, aggregate merchandise exports for the first seven months of the year dropped by 3.4 percent to $30.422 billion from the $31.487 billion posted in the same period last year. Electronic products, the country’s top export, accounted for 39.1 percent of the total export receipts at $1.893 billion, although it dropped by 5.6 percent from the previous month’s $2.006 billion. In terms of groups, manufactured goods made up 79.3 percent of the total export receipts, followed by mineral products (8.2 percent), total agro-based products (7.6 percent), special transactions (2.5 percent) and forest products (0.1 percent). Japan was the country’s top export destination with an 19.8-percent share, followed by China (13.2 percent), United States (12.6 percent), Hong Kong (8.5 percent) and Singapore (6.8 percent). Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Flights to and from Zamboanga City still suspended

Economy

Sep 092013

Flights to and from Zamboanga City still suspended

MANILA, Philippines – All commercial flights to and from Zamboanga remain suspended on Tuesday due to the ongoing conflict between government troops and members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said. “Yung aming Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) ay hanggang alas-9 lang sana kagabi (Monday night) pero ang aming information from the Armed Forces, sa intelligence unit nila, and aming sariling intelligence people, ine-extend po namin ang suspension hanggang alas-9 ng gabi ngayong araw na ito (Tuesday),” said CAAP Deputy Director General Rodante Joya. About 10 flights will be affected for the second day of the travel suspension. On Monday, 10 flights were also canceled, stranding 1,500 passengers. Cargo planes are also covered by the suspension, Joya said. Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco appealed to CAAP to lift the suspension as it is affecting commerce in the city, but Joya said there were reports of stray bullets reaching the airport’s runway. The airport is about 3 to 4 kilometers away from the conflict area. Classes in all levels and work are also suspended for the day. The conflict broke out on Monday as MNLF forces reportedly ask for the recognition of Bangsamoro Republik, an unrecognized government declared independent last month by its leader Nur Misuari. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 At least four were reported killed while 14 were injured according to the city government. About 170 more were kept hostage by the group.

Kris ‘willing to sacrifice’ love life for kids

Entertainment

Sep 092013

Kris ‘willing to sacrifice’ love life for kids

Kris Aquino (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Host-actress Kris Aquino announced during her television show that she is willing to sacrifice her love life for her children. Aquino believes that she has to sacrifice something to “get something good from God.” Aquino’s marriage to basketball player James Yap was annulled last year. She has two sons — Joshua, with actor Phillip Salvador; and Bimby, with Yap. “Ito honest ha, kasi iniisip ko, sige for you to get something good from God, kailangan mayroon kang ready i-sacrifice. Tapos naisip ko, in fairness sa akin, I did a good job with the two boys, parang behaved sila and hindi sila mga brat and all. “So sabi ko, ‘sige na nga. God, if my two boys will remain good until the day I die at happy sila, kahit hindi mo na ako bigyan ng love life, okay lang. Basta mabait ‘yung mga anak ko,” she said. Aquino has denied having any “secret relationship,” dismissing rumors that she is dating Brazilian model Daniel Matsunaga, celebrity chef JP Anglo, and a doctor. Last year, the actress-host said she believes she will find “true love” in 2013. Currently, Aquino is a proud stage mom to Bimby, who is now doing his debut film, “My Little Bossings,” with child star Ryzza Mae Dizon and veteran comedian Vic Sotto.(MNS)

Microtel Philippines

Entertainment

Sep 092013

by : Rhony Laigo Microtel Philippines Director Albert Banaag during Tuesday’s presentation of Microtel Philippines’ planned expansion in the country by building 14 more inns & suites all over the archipelago for a total of 25 by 2016. The U.S.-owned hotel chain offers an affordable, family-friendly, “clean & safe” suites for an average of $85 per night for a family of four, including taxes and breakfasts. Photo: Joy Marino Microtel Philippines, part of the Wyndham hotel chain, will build more hotels thereby offering more rooms as it looks to a bullish Philippine tourism industry that is expected to double if not reach 10 million tourists in the next few years. In a U.S. roadshow presentation, Microtel Philippines officials said they plan to expand to the Bicol Peninsula and Subic while the new Microtel branch at the Ayala UP Technohub near the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City is expected to open later this year. Microtel Philippines Director Albert Banaag who, along with Mindanao Area General Manager Rene Alberto Jorolan flew all the way from Manila, met with Los Angeles-based Fil-Am journalists in Glendale last Tuesday and said they expect to have 25 Microtel Philippines Inns & Suites up from the current number of 11 by 2016. Each Microtel Philippines Inns & Suites has at least 50 “safe and clean” rooms. According to Banaag, the first Microtel in the Philippines was built in Tarlac near Hacienda Luisita in 2006, which was the first international hotel suite chain of its Read More …

PNoy signs Toy Labeling Act

Entertainment

Sep 092013

President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (September 04, 2013). In photo are DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr.,Department of Finance Cesar Purisima and , Education Secretary Armin Luistro . (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law a measure requiring manufacturers to properly label toys which may contain hazardous materials. During a press briefing on Friday, deputy presidential spokesperon Abigail Valte said Aquino signed Republic Act 10620 or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013 last September 3. “Kung napapansin niyo po doon sa mga nakaraang buwan, mga nakaraang taon, meron po tayong mga balita nung mga ibang hazardous materials na naisasama po doon sa mga laruan nung ating mga anak, ating mga pamangkin, at dito ho sa batas na ito, kailangan na hong lagyan ng label yung mga laruang ito,” said Valte. Section 4 of RA 10620 provides that “all toys and games locally or internationally manufactured that are imported, donated, distributed, and sold in the Philippines shall comply with the appropriate provisions on safety labeling and manufacturer’s markings found in the Philippine National Standards for the safety of toys.” RA 10620 also says that “any cautionary statement shall be displayed in its entirety on the principal display panel of the product’s package Read More …

Napoles arraignment reset to Sept. 23

Entertainment

Sep 092013

Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras talks with fugitive businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, husband Jimmy and lawyer Atty. Lorna Kapunan at the President’s Hall Receiving Area of the Malacañan Palace Wednesday night (August 28). The surrender feeler was sent by Atty. Kapunan to Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda hours after President Aquino announced a P10-million reward to anyone who can give information for the immediate arrest of the alleged brains behind the P10-billion pork barrel scam. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) -– The Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 has reset the arraignment of businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles to September 23 at 1:30 p.m. Makati RTC Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda granted the motion of the camp of Napoles which sought the postponement of the September 9 arraignment. Napoles is facing serious illegal detention case filed by key pork barrel scam whistleblower, Benhur Luy. Napoles’ camp sought the postponement of the arraignment since the businesswoman still has pending motions with the Court of Appeals and the Makati RTC Branch 150. Napoles is currently detained at Fort Santo Domingo in Laguna.(MNS)

Sophia Webster for J. Crew

Entertainment

Sep 092013

A Sophia Webster shoe design for J. Crew©Sophia Webster Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/sophiawebsterofficial) (Relaxnews) – The British shoe designer has created a Spring/Summer 2014 capsule collection for the preppy-chic American brand. Set to be fully unveiled during the US brand’s New York Fashion Week runway show Tuesday (9.30 am ET), emerging footwear talent Sophia Webster has designed a capsule collection for J. Crew. “IT’S OFFICIAL. We’re Collaborating With J.Crew!!! Our 12-Piece Capsule Collection Will Debut At Their #NYFW Presentation Tomorrow. SO EXCITED!!! NYC Here We Come…” announced the brand on the official Facebook page. Models at the show will walk in stilettos, sandals and pumps in 12 different styles all designed by Webster to complement J. Crew’s latest Spring/Summer 2014 collection. The shoes will go on sale in early 2014, but prices have not yet been confirmed. J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons told WWD that the shoes “are like miniature sets — a beautiful world for your feet to spend the day in. Each shoe tells a unique story.” The young designer was equally excited to be involved: “the brand has a real sense of fun and color that I love, and I think that my designs complement their clothes well,” added Webster, who was previously an assistant to shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood and has also won three successive ‘New Gen’ awards from the British Fashion Council. jt/cm

Jobless rate up in July

Economy

Sep 092013

MANILA, Philippines – The number of jobless Filipinos rose in July 2013, the government said Tuesday. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary ARsenio Balisacan announced that unemployment rate in the Philippines rose to 7.3 percent in July 2013 from 7 percent in July 2012. He said that although the Philippine economy, which had surprised with a strong growth in recent quarters, generated 620,000 new jobs, more Filipinos are looking for work. (To be updated)

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 …

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