Sep 122013
 
PHL Consulate General supports U.S. DOL’S Education Initiative on Worker’s Rights

The above photo on the left shows Consul General Maria Hellen Barber De La Vega addressing Carson City Officials and participants of the Youth Conference.Los Angeles, 28 August 2013 – Officers and Los Angeles, 10 September 2013 – On the occasion of Labor Rights Week 2013, Consul General Maria Hellen Barber Dela Vega expressed support for the US Department of Labor’s (US DOL) initiative to educate Filipino migrant workers on labor rights. On 5 September 2013, Consul General Dela Vega chaired a panel discussion to discuss issues concerning labor, with the underlying goal of informing the Filipino community that labor laws apply to all workers in the US regardless of their immigration status. In her discussion, Director Kimchi Bui of the Wage and Hour Division, Los Angeles District Office, US DOL, highlighted the migrant workers’ vulnerability to exploitation. She encouraged the audience to afford themselves of available federal mechanisms in order to protect their labor rights. Mr. Angelo Gustavo, Alternate Dispute Coordinator at the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, made a presentation focusing on federal laws which prohibit employment practices that discriminate on grounds of race, sex, religion, and ethnicity. While there are cases where the employer does not intentionally discriminate against applicants or employees, the employer’s actions may have the effect of depriving, or otherwise adversely affecting, individuals with respect to employment opportunities. Mr. Gustavo informed the audience that in cases of employment discrimination, an effective dispute mediation offers the offended employee with an opportunity to be heard and understood. The wronged employee also stands Read More …

Sep 122013
 
‘The One: Mayweather Vs. Canelo’ Sept. 14 at MGM in Las Vegas

“THE ONE” Protagonists, Saul Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. poses with Richard Shaefer, Golden Boy Promotions CEO and Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather Promotions CEO at the Media Pre-Fight Press Conference at KA Theater on September 11, 2013 at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. “Si Si Puede.  Yes, we can.”  Richard Sheafer introduced Mexican world boxing champion, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez at the Media Final Press Conference held at the KA Theater inside MGM Grand Casino & Hotel with these words. American Floyd ”Money” Mayweather Jr.’s 12-round bout against Mexican Champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez scheduled on September 14, 2013 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada in a catch weight of 152 pounds is so huge, significant and historic. At stake is the undefeated record of each boxing warrior.  Mayweather is undefeated in 44 wins with 26 knockouts while Alvarez has an unblemished record of 42 wins with 30 knockouts and 1 draw. “I’ve been here before so I know what it takes.  He’s 42-0, but he hasn’t faced 42 Floyd Mayweather because he’d be 0-42.  I’m at the pinnacle.  I’m the face of boxing and I’m dedicated to my craft.” Canelo said, “I don’t care about his record.  I’m not coming to make a good fight, I’m coming to win.  When you fight Floyd you have to be ready for every aspect of a fight.  You have to be able to adjust mentally as well as physically.  I have to be very, very smart and ready to Read More …

Sep 122013
 
Billy Crawford says sorry to Andi Eigenmann

Billy Crawford (MNS Photo) Singer-host Billy Crawford has apologized to actress Andi Eigenmann, whose name has been dragged into his breakup with long-time girlfriend Nikki Gil. Eigenmann and Crawford are co-stars in the upcoming comedy film “Momzillas,” which hits theaters on September 18, and many believe the rumors started because of it. In a press conference for their movie, Crawford and Eigenmann opened up about the rumors. “Nakakahiya sa mga kasamahan ko with all the news that have come out – na naging bading ako, na-link ako sa tatlong babae, isa buntis daw sabi. So, ang masasabi ko lang, people have already made their decisions whatever or whoever they are and they speculate kasi buhay namin open book,” Crawford said. “Andi became a friend of mine through the film. We became close that’s really true. I already apologized to Andi dahil nadadamay siya sa personal life ko. I don’t mean harm for anyone. Kaya ayaw ko na lang magsalita kasi they already made up their mind at hahaba lang ng hahaba,” he added. The “It’s Showtime” host stressed he is now ready to move on from the breakup. “I’ve already closed the chapter, closed the book, and I’m already to move and it’s a blessing for me working with these people,” he said. Despite the controversy, Crawford said he is very open to work with Eigenmann again. For her part, Eigenmann appealed to public to respect Crawford’s statement. “Sana i-respect na lang si Billy kung ano ‘yung sinagot niya dati. Read More …

Sep 122013
 
Binay supports order for Roxas to lead in the relocation of illegal settlers

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Vice President Jejomar Binay during the 115th Anniversary of the Philippine Navy at the Commodore Posadas Wharf, Headquarters, Naval Sea Systems Command in Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, Fort San Felipe, Cavite City on Tuesday (May 21). At present, the Philippine Navy is a force of 26,000 personnel composed of sailors, marines and civilian employees. (MNS photo) MANILA, Sept. 9 (Mabuhay) – The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Monday assured members of the House of Representatives that they fully support President Benigno S. Aquino III instructions to Interior and Local Government Sec. Manuel Roxas II to lead in the relocation of informal settler. This was assured by Lawyer Benjamin Martinez, chief of staff of Vice President Jejomar Binay who leads the budget presentation of the Office of the Vice President. The OVP is asking for the approval of P417.296 million budget for 2014, an increase of measly P721,000 from P416,575 million for 2013. Last Friday, Roxas was grilled by UNA Secretary General and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco during a congressional budget hearing over the role of the DILG in implementing housing projects for informal settlers. Tiangco claimed that Roxas already encroached the power of National Housing Authority (NHA) who is mandated by law to be the lead agency of the government to build government shelters. NHA is under Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) which is under the direct supervision of Vice President Binay. But Roxas was quick to explained that Read More …

Sep 122013
 
Melai confirms pregnancy, will marry Jason

Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros (MNS Photo) Celebrity couple Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco for the first time admitted that they are planning to tie the knot soon after confirming the comedienne’s pregnancy. The former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemates said they were neither shocked nor saddened when they learned about the news that Cantiveros is pregnant. “Positive na positive. I’m very happy. Nung nalaman ko, hindi ako kinabahan kasi gusto naman talaga namin ni Jason. Nung nagbalikan kasi kami, gusto na talaga namin i-level up ‘yung relationship,” Cantiveros said. She added: “Lagi akong nilalagnat so nagpa-check up ako. Doon ko nalaman na positive daw na buntis ako. Magkaaway pa kami noon, sinamahan niya lang ako. Nung sinabi ko sa kanya, nawala ang kanyang pagkagalit.” Apart from Francisco, Cantiveros said she first broke the news to her mother, who was also very happy for the two of them. “Yung mama ko talaga tinawagan ko. Sabi ko, ‘Ma, buntis ako.’ Tapos sabi niya nanloloko lang daw ako. ‘Buntis ako, bakit ayaw mo maniwala?’ Ayaw nila maniwala talaga. Sabi ko, ‘Kapag ganyan, hindi na ako magloloko kasi buntis nga ako.’ Hindi na nagsalita ‘yung mama ko. Okay naman siya, happy naman siya,” she said. Francisco, for his part, said he recently went home to Mindoro to personally tell the good news to his family. After informing their families about the matter, Francisco said he immediately thought of a plan on how to propose to Cantiveros. Relating how the proposal happened, Cantiveros said: “Paggising Read More …

Sep 122013
 
Agri chief denies rice crisis, vows to go after ‘saboteurs’

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the National Food Authority will name the parties behind the hoarding of rice will be named soon, but not while an investigation is still ongoing. She said the NFA is not keen on publicizing names at this time, lest those involved be tipped off. MANILA, Sept 9 (Mabuhay) – There is no rice crisis. This was the categorical statement from the government as it vows to go after “influential people” potentially involved in rice smuggling who are floating the rice shortage scenario, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said Monday. In an interview after his agency’s budget hearing at the Senate, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala belied reports that the government will import more rice this year to address a supposed rice crisis. “Hindi ko nga po alam kung saan nanggagaling ang kwento na magi-import na naman ng panibago ang bansa natin. Hindi po tayo magi-import. Wala pong crisis sa bigas,” he said. During the hearing, National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Orlan Calayag said the country currently has a total rice buffer stock of 1.7 million metric tons, which he said is enough to last for 51 days. “That’s even more than what we are required to keep,” Calayag said. “Wala po kaming nakikitang shortage in terms of production.” The NFA chief added that some rice traders may be behind reports of rice shortage in an effort to hike up the prices of their remaining stocks ahead of the harvesting season. “Ito po kasi ang kaunting window Read More …