December 2013 – Page 14

Palace: Bus tragedies a reminder to common carriers to practice extraordinary diligence

Dec 182013

A policeman searches for personal belongings of passengers after a bus fell off an elevated expressway and crashed into a van below in Taguig city, south of Manila December 16, 2013. At least 21 people were killed during the incident, according to the police. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The deadly bus accidents that killed at least 20 people in the last two days should remind public transport operators of their duty to practice extraordinary diligence, Malacañang said Monday. Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda also assured the riding public the government is enforcing speed limits and other measures aimed at ensuring their safety. “I think tragedies like this fully serve to remind the common carriers that they have an obligation in transportation law, extraordinary diligence,” he said, adding sanctions are imposed upon them if an accident occurs. He said Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to order the immediate automatic suspension of all 78 units of Don Mariano Transport Corp., whose bus figured in an accident at Skyway early Monday. During the 30-day suspension, LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez was instructed by Abaya to investigate the drivers and have them undergo drug tests, while reviewing the performance record of Don Mariano Transport Corporation. Also, Abaya ordered Toll Regulatory Board executive director Edmund Reyes to review video footage of the Skyway accident and draw up measures to avoid a repeat of the bus fall from an elevated tollway. Lacierda also said the owner of Don Mariano Read More …

California Pacific, San Francisco, RNs Say ‘Yes’ to CNA

Entertainment

Dec 182013

California Pacific, San Francisco, RNs Say ‘Yes’ to CNA

Despite anti-union pressure, RNs vote by 52% for union Holiday cheer. California Pacific RNs celebrate election vote. Resisting a heavy-handed pressure campaign by their employer and frontline managers, registered nurses at California Pacific Medical Center’s Pacific campus, Sutter Health’s largest hospital in San Francisco, have voted to join the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United. The final count, in a secret ballot, mail campaign counted today by the National Labor Relations Board, was 351 for CNA to 321 for Sutter, a 52 percent margin. Though 42 challenged ballots remain outstanding, CNA today said it was confident the nurses, and their desire for a collective voice for their patients and colleagues would prevail. A clear majority of nurses voted for CNA representation despite intensive pressure and intimidation by hospital managers in mandatory group meetings and one-on-one meetings with department supervisors that RNs say violates the letter and spirit of a free and democratic election. Management’s campaign featured a series illegal actions, that resulted in a series of unfair labor practice charges against the hospital, charges that have been found meritorious by the NLRB. “The election is now over,” said CNA co-president Zenei Cortez, RN. “We salute the courage and determination of California Pacific RNs to work together to be able to more effectively advocate for their patients, and work with their CPMC colleagues to improve standards for all Sutter nurses.” “California Pacific and Sutter executives should respect the democratic decision of the Pacific nurses to be part of the CNA family, and Read More …

Post-Yolanda rebuilding to cost P130 billion – Aquino

Entertainment

Dec 182013

Post-Yolanda rebuilding to cost P130 billion – Aquino

TOKYO, Japan – Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III along with fellow regional leaders offers a toast during the Luncheon Meeting hosted by Keidanren and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and industry (JCCI) at the Golden Room of the Keidanren Kaikan in 1-3-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo on Saturday (December 14, 2013) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. At the summit, the Leaders of ASEAN and Japan will primarily set the future (long-term) direction of ASEAN-Japan relations, to cover politico-security, economic and socio-cultural cooperation. They will also exchange views on regional and international issues. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Philippines will need nearly $3 billion to rebuild parts of the country destroyed by the deadliest typhoon in its history, President Aquino told reporters in Japan on Friday. He added that scores of towns and cities across the central islands that were devastated by super typhoon Yolanda needed national government help to clean up debris and restore damaged infrastructure. “The task is really daunting, is it not? That’s why we are saying it will take about P130 billion ($2.94 billion) to put everybody in at least a better situation than where they were,” he said, according to a transcript released by Malacañang palace. Yolanda smashed across the central islands with peak winds of 315 kilometers (195 miles) an hour on November 8, unleashing tsunami-like storm surges that killed thousands of people on the islands of Leyte and Read More …

Aquino: Capture of NPA land mine factory to prevent injuries to noncombatants

Entertainment

Dec 182013

Aquino: Capture of NPA land mine factory to prevent injuries to noncombatants

Misa de Gallo, the first day of the 9-day “Simbang Gabi,” the novena of dawn masses from December 16 to Christmas eve, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Monday (December 16, 2013). In photo are the traditional favorites of “bibingka” (rice cake) and “puto bumbong” (rice cake cooked in bamboo tube) usually seen outside churches around Christmas season. (MNS photo) TOKYO, Japan (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Friday night said the capture of a land mine factory of the communist New People’s Army by government forces in Agusan del Sur province in Mindanao will prevent injuries to innocent civilians. The President lauded the state forces (the Eastern Mindanao Command) that discovered and captured the facility last Wednesday (December 11), saying the Philippine government is a signatory to an international agreement against the use of land mines. “It has prevented injuries especially to noncombatants,” he said, noting such land mines had wounded many innocent civilians who should have been spared from the fighting. He added the discovery of the factory is “a very significant find,” with more than 100 assembled mines and components. President Aquino said land mines had been very destructive even to those not involved in fighting between government forces and the NPAs. But he also noted the National Democratic Front insisted that there are “exemptions” where certain types of mines are legal. “Bakit pa (kailangan ng distinctions) kung mines are indiscriminate? Theoretically dapat ang combatants lang ang napapasok sa sagupaan, pero Read More …

LG to launch world’s first All in One Chrome OS computer

Entertainment

Dec 182013

LG to launch world’s first All in One Chrome OS computer

The LG Chromebase©LG (Relaxnews) – The Chromebase will be the first desktop computer to run Google’s cloud-based operating system and will be demonstrated for the first time at the International CES in January. Designed to be fast and simple to use, the Chrome OS and all of its applications exist online where they are perpetually updated and improved, meaning that Chrome computers contain very little on their hard drives. This makes them potentially virus-free and ensures that they boot up in seconds, rather than minutes. As well as fast operating speeds, the Chromebase boasts a full HD 21.5-inch display and the whole device is housed in a clean, minimal white angle-poise shell. The low-power and low-graphics operating system allows computer companies to use much more basic components and processors, but LG has chosen to go in the opposite direction and as well as an excellent display, the computer gets a latest-generation Intel Celeron processor, integrated speakers and a 1-megapixel webcam. However, in keeping with other Chrome computers, the Chromebase only gets a 16BG solid state hard drive, meaning that if users want more space they’ll have to look to the cloud or invest in a standalone hard drive. Connecting one shouldn’t be a problem, though as the computer offers 3 USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 port, as well as HDMI in. The International CES opens its doors to the public on January 7.

Aquino calls for mechanism to combat Climate Change in wake of ‘Yolanda’

Entertainment

Dec 182013

Aquino calls for mechanism to combat Climate Change in wake of ‘Yolanda’

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers arrival statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday (December 15) from Tokyo, Japan where the Chief Executive attended the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit. (MNS photo) TOKYO, Japan (Mabuhay) – To avoid a repeat of the devastation brought by super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan), President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday called for an international mechanism to combat climate change. Speaking at the session of the ASEAN Japan Commemorative Summit here, the President said the consequences of global climate change do not discriminate between economic powerhouses and developing states. “It is incumbent upon all of us, especially for the countries that have the capacity to contribute significantly in combating climate change, to come up with an equitable mechanism that every nation, every corporation and every individual will adhere to. I have personally witnessed the degree of devastation brought by Haiyan. And it is my belief that we all have a crucial role to play in ensuring my nation or any nation for this matter does not once more suffer through a tragedy of this scale,” he said. Yolanda tore through the Visayas and Southern Luzon last Nov. 8, leaving more than 6,000 dead in its wake. While President Aquino thanked the ASEAN and Japan leaders for the help they extended to those affected, he also lamented less industrial nations such as the Philippines “bear a disproportionate amount of suffering from the effects of climate change.” “As we all know, our respective nations cannot be caught in Read More …

Vic Sotto claims MMFF top spot

Entertainment

Dec 182013

Vic Sotto (MNS Photo)k Days before the grand opening day of the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in theaters, comedian Vic Sotto is already claiming the box-office top spot for his movie “My Little Bossings.” Directed by Marlon Rivera, the film centers on the life of Torky Villanueva, played by Vic, who works as a bookkeeper for millionaire cash management specialist Barbara Atienza (Kris Aquino). The story will start to unfold when Barbara will entrust her son Justin (James “Bimby” Yap Jr.) to Torky. The latter will try to balance his family life with his niece Ica (Aiza Seguerra), a street kid named Ching (Ryzza Mae Dizon) and Justin when they all live under one roof and face each other’s personal conflict. “This is about a father and his daughter, relasyon ng mag ama at ng mga anak. Relasyon ng dalawang magkaibigan na bata na galing sa dalawang magkaibang mundo. Dito, it doesn’t really matter kung ano ka or sino ka basta ang in-offer mo ay tunay na pagkakaibigan,” the “Eat Bulaga” main man said. According to Vic, he’s certain that the movie will garner good box-office results as it caters to all ages, people from all walks of life. He said that they will not only present a comedy movie but a film for the whole family. “We made it a point that it’s for the whole family, wala siyang tina-target na edad. All bases cover,” he said. “I personally wanted to present something new, Read More …

PNoy expects rehab effort in Yolanda-hit areas finished by 2017

News

Dec 172013

PNoy expects rehab effort in Yolanda-hit areas finished by 2017

President Benigno Aquino expects the reconstruction and rebuilding efforts in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda to be finished by 2017. “Larger investments will be spread over multiple years and will be completed by 2017 if not earlier,” Aquino said in his speech on Wednesday at the briefing for Philippine development partners on reconstruction assistance on Yolanda. He said the rebuilding and repair of infrastructures and construction of temporary houses for the typhoon victims will be done by December 2014. On the other hand, rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson said bunkhouses are being prioritized to make it easier for the people to organize their lives. “How can the people engage in livelihood activities or income-generating activities kung walang shelter,” Lacson said. On Monday, Lacson said he is aiming to rehabilitate areas hit by Yolanda within the next three years, or before President Aquino’s term ends in 2016. That wish flies in the face of what some experts are saying will be at least a ten-year process akin to “rebuilding a country.” — Amita O. Legaspi /LBG, GMA News

US sending $25M in new typhoon aid to Philippines

News

Dec 172013

US sending $25M in new typhoon aid to Philippines

US committed to helping PHL in security – Kerry. US Secretary of State John Kerry answers questions during a joint press conference with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario after their bilateral meeting in Pasay City on Tuesday, December 17. Kerry, in the country for a two-day visit, said the US is committed to helping the Philippines address its most pressing security challenges. Danny Pata TACLOBAN — The United States is providing nearly $25 million in additional humanitarian aid to help the Philippines deal with the enormous devastation and deaths wrought by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last month, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday after touring the worst-hit region. Kerry flew to central Tacloban City, where he was overwhelmed by the vast landscape of wrecked villages that he saw. He visited a food-distribution center run by USAID and government welfare officers, talked with officials and consoled survivors. “This is a devastation unlike anything that I have ever seen at this scale,” Kerry said at a temporary USAID headquarters in Tacloban. “It is really quite stunning,” he said. “It looks like a war zone and to many people it is.” The new food aid, shelter materials, water and other supplies he announced for typhoon-lashed families bring the total US assistance package to $86 million to one of its closest Asian allies. One of the most ferocious typhoons to hit on record, Yolanda left more than 6,000 people dead and nearly 1,800 others missing. It damaged or swept away more than 1.1 million Read More …

Kerry arrives in Tacloban, media kept away

News

Dec 172013

Kerry arrives in Tacloban, media kept away

US committed to helping PHL in security – Kerry. US Secretary of State John Kerry answers questions during a joint press conference with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario after their bilateral meeting in Pasay City on Tuesday, December 17. Kerry, in the country for a two-day visit, said the US is committed to helping the Philippines address its most pressing security challenges. Danny Pata US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived before noon in Tacloban City, one of the areas hit hardest by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last month. Security was tight at the Tacloban City airport as Kerry and his aides alighted from the plane, radio dzBB reported. Media representatives were kept at a distance and could not follow Kerry and his party, the report said. Kerry and his party proceeded to the Department of Social Welfare and Development hub in Tacloban after arrival, state-run Philippine Information Agency reported. The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday said Kerry will oversee Washington’s ongoing relief efforts in Tacloban in the Visayas. Kerry will also meet the victims of Yolanda as well as those involved in the relief effort, Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said. Kerry arrived in the Philippines Tuesday and met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. He also paid a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang. —KG, GMA News

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