OFW’s warned of immigration crackdown in Malaysia

 News
Jan 182014
 
OFW’s warned of immigration crackdown in Malaysia

Philippine Daily Inquirer 10:47 pm | Saturday, January 18th, 2014 The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has reminded Filipinos in Malaysia to complete their immigration documentation and always carry identification documents in light of an announced Malaysian government crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals starting Jan. 21. “We would like to remind our nationals to make sure that their immigration or work documents are in order, and to carry with them proper documents, notably work permits or passports with valid visas, to avoid inconvenience in case of immigration checks,” Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said. He also asked employers and agents to hand over any passport and other identification documents to their Filipino employees for the latter’s safety and protection. Those who have no status in Malaysia are urged to make arrangements for their voluntary return to the Philippines. Malaysian authorities have indicated that those who will leave voluntarily will not be prosecuted but will only have to pay the overstay fine. Those who will be caught will be kept in detention while undergoing deportation proceedings, and will be subjected to biometric fingerprint registration to ensure that they would not be able to return to Malaysia under a different name. The Embassy also reiterated its appeal to those who wished to work in Malaysia to make sure that they have approved work permits or similar papers before they come over or start their work in the country. The Malaysian Home Ministry announced on Jan. 10 that it will be launching a massive Read More …

Aquino urged: Show teeth in implementing child porn law

 News
Jan 182014
 
Aquino urged: Show teeth in implementing child porn law

By Nestor CorralesINQUIRER.net 3:31 pm | Saturday, January 18th, 2014 MANILA, Philippines—A child welfare party-list group on Saturday urged President Benigno Aquino III to “show teeth” in implementing the Anti-Child Pornography Law in the country. “If President Aquino really wants to end this worst form of abuse against our children and in order to stop the growing cottage industry of child pornography in the country, his administration must show some teeth in strongly implementing the existing child porn law and set an example by convicting culprits and masterminds,” Arlene Brosas, national secretary-general of Akap Bata Sectoral Organization. Akap Bata said the Aquino administration is doing nothing against criminal syndicates behind child pornography operations in the Philippines. The party-list group said that even before the recent report of international task force and agencies has been exposed, online and recorded pornography involving children has been one of the major local concerns that resulted to the passage of the Anti-Child Pornography Law in 2009. Brosas said that compared to other countries, child porn cases in the Philippines will get worse if the government will do nothing significant about the poor justice system and the system of impunity in the country. “Our lacking of an effective system that will protect our own children serves as an open invitation to criminal syndicates and child sex offenders to continue their operations in the country,” Brosas said. Akap Bata also egged on Aquino to resolve poverty as the root cause why children were being dragged to the Read More …

PH to proceed with UN arbitration even without China

 News
Jan 182014
 
PH to proceed with UN arbitration even without China

OVER SEA ROW By Kristine Angeli SabilloINQUIRER.net 2:27 pm | Saturday, January 18th, 2014 DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday reiterated that it would proceed with arbitration procedures on the disputed areas of the South China Sea with or without China. However, DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez said it wants China, as much as possible, to join the arbitration. “To this end, we reiterate our invitation to China to join us in arbitration as we intend to proceed with or without China for a final disposition,” Hernandez said in a text message to media. It followed the Chinese foreign ministry’s statement that it wants to meet the Philippines “halfway.” Hernandez also pointed out that the Hainan provincial government’s new fishing policy is only one of the several measures imposed by China on other countries. “Hainan fisheries law is only one of the unilateral measures by China to force a change in the regional status quo in order to advance its 9-dash line position of undisputed  sovereignty over nearly the entire [South China Sea],” Hernandez said in a text message. He said the 9-dash line claim is a “gross violation of international law” that should be “fully addressed.” “In 2011, we had proposed to China that we should proceed with moving forward with our major bilateral agenda while abstracting the contentious issues and dealing with them separately. This became the content of a signed declaration between the Philippines and China’s presidents then. Read More …

Palace vows to track, prosecute cybersex peddlers

 News
Jan 172014
 
Palace vows to track, prosecute cybersex peddlers

By Kristine Angeli SabilloINQUIRER.net 1:24 pm | Saturday, January 18th, 2014 MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Saturday vowed to step up efforts to curb child sex abuse in the Philippines following announcement by law enforcers that cyberpornography is the No. 1 crime in the country today. “It’s important for us to protect our minors, number one. Number two, it’s always a concern for us because we don’t want to be identified as a (haven for tourists engaging in illegal activities),” Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing. “When I spoke to (Tourism) Secretary Mon Jimenez, we want to be remembered that Philippines is fun place to be in and fun in a positive way,” he said. Senior Superintendent Gilbert Sosa, director of the PNP Anti-Transnational and Cyber Crime Division of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said Friday that the Philippines is among the top 10 countries in the world where cyberpornography is rampant. Police investigation showed that Angeles City in Pampanga province, Cebu province, Cagayan de Oro City, and Metro Manila are the top four transmittal sites for online pornography, Sosa said. “The data speaks for itself. It is now the No. 1 crime in our country. We have to act on this,” he said. Lacierda said authorities are working to monitor and arrest those behind online sex trade. “Well, if there are protectors, number one, we will not countenance any syndicates that will prowl on our minors and that they will be used for instrument of – as Read More …

Crazy is the New Sexy

 General
Jan 172014
 
Crazy is the New Sexy

From left: Kim Pajares, Reyna Yamanouchi, Raine de Guzman and Carin Ramos of Krazy Chikz Some people might think that to be called “crazy” is a bad thing. But it has been said that the best people are the crazy ones — which is a saying the Krazy Chikz believe in. The Krazy Chikz is a song-and-dance group of four beauty queens discovered in the 2012 Miss Casino Filipino pageant — finalist Reyna Yamanouchi, third runner-up Carin Ramos, second runner-up Kim Pajares and winner Raine de Guzman. Their group was created to become in-house performers at Casino Filipino branches all over the country. They got their name from the fact that the way they perform is quite unusual, to say the least. According to Bong Quintana, PAGCOR AVP for Entertainment, they patterned the Krazy Chikz after one of the most successful entertainers in showbiz. “Para silang si Anne Curtis, pero times four,” he says. The ladies of Krazy Chikz hope that audiences will embrace them in the same way they buy Anne’s album and flock to her concerts. “We hope one day to have our own album with original songs and be able to do a music video,” says Raine. Raine used to be an aspiring pop singer. Before she was Miss Casino Filipino 2012, she was part of the girlband Eurasia. She also tried her luck in beauty pageants. “I joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2009, same batch with Bianca Manalo. I also joined Miss World Philippines and Mutya ng Read More …

US Embassy closed January 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

 News
Jan 162014
 
US Embassy closed January 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 11:29 am | Friday, January 17th, 2014 US Embassy in Manila, Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – The United States (US) Embassy announced Friday that it will be closed on January 20 for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an official American holiday. “The Embassy of the United States in Manila and its affiliated offices will be closed to the public on Monday, January 20, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” it said in a statement. “The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), who is remembered in the United States on the third Monday of January each year, is perhaps best known as America’s chief spokesman for nonviolent activism as a result of his leadership role in the U.S. civil rights movement,” the Embassy said. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his role in fighting racial inequality in the US through nonviolent means. He is most known for his speech “I Have a Dream” which he delivered before thousands of American demonstrators at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. One of the most famous lines of his speech went: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” “In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation into law making King’s birthday a federal holiday,” the Embassy said. King was born January 15, 1929. “In Read More …

Friends raising money to ship body of Filipina nurse slain by husband

 News
Jan 162014
 
Friends raising money to ship body of Filipina nurse slain by husband

By Bert EljeraINQUIRER.net US Bureau 8:29 am | Friday, January 17th, 2014 Slain victim Daisy Casanta Dahan PHOTO FROM ELIZABETH FISHER’S FACEBOOK PAGE LAS VEGAS—Friends are scrambling to raise money to send home to the Philippines the body of a Filipina nurse slain a week ago by her husband in a horrific killing in their Las Vegas home. Elizabeth Fisher, a friend of the victim, Daisy Casanta Dahan, posted a message on her Facebook page on Wednesday asking for donations to send the slain woman’s body to her home in Bohol. “I am again asking all my friends, family and co-workers to please, please help us raise money so we can send Daisy’s remains to her family in the Philippines,” Fisher posted on her page. “Another devastating news we just received today—Daisy’s grandmother in the Philippines just passed away today. This is hard for the family back in the Philippines.” Fisher asked donations be sent to: WELLS FARGO ACCT.# 8686883912 This developed as the arraignment for the suspected killer, Richard Magdayo Dahan, the victim’s 40-year-old husband, was postponed for Thursday. Dahan is being held without bail on a first-degree murder charge in the Friday killing of his 28-year-old wife. He appeared confused Wednesday, and Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Deborah Lippis delayed his initial appearance to Thursday to obtain a Tagalog language interpreter. The victim’s friends were upset at the postponement. Fisher said that Richard Dahan’s request for a Tagalog interpreter was a ploy because he “speaks fluent English.” Read More …

Austrian’s death in Davao del Sur raises questions for cops

 News
Jan 162014
 
Austrian’s death in Davao del Sur raises questions for cops

By Orlando B. DinoyInquirer Mindanao 8:18 am | Friday, January 17th, 2014 BANSALAN, Philippines—Police authorities said they have decided to investigate further the death of an Austrian national to determine if it was indeed suicide as it appeared to be. The body of Ernesto Rossi, 45, of Bregenz City in Austria, was found hanging on a chain by his Filipino wife inside their house in Sitio (subvillage) Bolhoon in Barangay (village) Buenavista here around 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 14. Senior Insp. Jeffrey Latayada, the town police chief, said Rossi’s wife, Teresa, had told police she and her relatives rushed Rossi to the Centeno Medical Hospital here. But Latayada said Teresa told police Rossi died at 5:25 p.m. while being treated at the medical facility. “We are trying to determine if there was no foul play,” he said. 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: Davao del Sur , Death , death investigation , Ernesto Rossi , Foreign Nationals , Philippines – Regions , Police , suicide 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: c/o Philippine Daily Inquirer Chino Roces Avenue corner Yague and Mascardo Streets, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines Or fax nos. Read More …

2014 Oscars list of nominees revealed

 General
Jan 162014
 
2014 Oscars list of nominees revealed

CHRISTIAN Bale-starrer “America Hustle” and science-fiction movie “Gravity” lead the 86th Academy Awards nominations with 10 nods each. The official list of Oscar nominees was announced by Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaac and actor Chris Hemsworth on Thursday evening (local time) at Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California. Bale is nominated in the Best Actor category alongside “12 Years a Slave” actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, “Nebraska’s” Bruce Dern, and acting heavyweights Leonardo DiCarpio (“12 Years a Slave”) and Matthew McConaughey (“Dallas Buyers Club”). Mean time, “Gravity” star Sandra Bullock will compete in the Best Actress category together with Amy Adams (“American Hustle”), Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”), Judi Dench (“Philomena”) and seasoned actor Meryl Streep (“August: Osage County”). Here’s the complete list of 2014 Oscar nominees: Best Picture:“American Hustle”“Captain Phillips”“Dallas Buyers Club”“Gravity”“Her”“Nebraska”“Philomena”“12 Years a Slave”“The Wolf of Wall Street” Best Actor:Christian Bale (“American Hustle”)Bruce Dern (“Nebraska”)Leonardo DiCarpio (“The Wolf of Wall Street”)Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave”)Matthew McConaughey (“Dallas Buyers Club”) Best Actress:Amy Adams (“American Hustle”)Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”)Sandra Bullock (“Gravity”)Judi Dench (“Philomena”)Meryl Streep (“August: Osage County”) Best Supporting Actor:Berkhad Abdi (“Captain Phillips”)Bradley Cooper (“American Hustle”)Michael Fassbender (“12 Years a Slave”)Jonah Hill (“The Wolf of Wall Street”)Jared Leto (“Dallas Buyers Club”) Best Supporting Actress:Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”)Jennifer Lawrence (“American Hustle”)Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”)Julia Roberts (“August: Osage County”)June Squibb (“Nebraska”) Animated Feature Film:“The Croods”“Despicable Me 2”“Ernest & Celestine”“Frozen”“The Wind Rises” Best Director:David O. Russell (“America Hustle”)Alfonso Cuaron (“Gravity”)Alexander Payne (“Nebraska”)Steve McQueen (“12 Years a Slave”)Martin Scorsese (“The Wolf of Wall Read More …

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