January 2014 – Page 7

After pact signing, Palace stresses urgency to pass Bangsamoro Law

News

Jan 252014

After pact signing, Palace stresses urgency to pass Bangsamoro Law

Following the signing of a final annex paving the way for a comprehensive peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Malacañang on Sunday voiced hopes Congress will pass soonest a basic law for the proposed Bangsamoro political entity. Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the next step now is to craft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law and submit it to Congress, with the measure then being subjected to a plebiscite. “Umaasa tayo sa kasalukuyang session ng Kongreso matalakay na at maging ganap ang pagtalakay para maipasa ito at ang plebiscite ay maidaos,” Coloma said on government-run dzRB raduio. “(M)ay sense of urgency ang bagay na yan (This is one issue with a sense of urgency),” he added. He added the aim is that by 2016, the measure will not only lead to a plebiscite but will also allow the election of the new officials of the Bangsamoro political entity. The government envisions the Bangsamoro entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Coloma also said, “Umaasa tayo yan (ay) bibigyan ng attention ng ating mambabatas (We are hoping our lawmakers will give priority to this).” PNoy welcomes signing Coloma said President Benigno Aquino III welcomeed the signing of the annex, and congratulated the panels of both sides. “Malugod na ipinaaabot ng Pangulong Aquino ang kanyang pagbati at pasasalamat sa mga kasapi ng Philippine at MILF peace panels sa paglagda sa ikaapat at panghuling annex on normalization kahapon sa Kuala Lumpur na siyang Read More …

‘Let’s Play Two’: Pacquiao vs. Bradley rematch April 2

Entertainment

Jan 252014

‘Let’s Play Two’: Pacquiao vs. Bradley rematch April 2

The first time these these two titans met on June 9, 2012, Manny Pacquiao (left) thought he won the fight, but judges “saw” it otherwise and Bradley “defeated” the eight-time champion. A subsequent review by officials said Pacquiao did win, but won’t and didn’t get the crown. A rematch is slated for April this year. NEW YORK (January 25, 2014) – Bob Arum and Todd duBoef, CEO and President of Top Rank, respectively, and Michael Koncz of MP Promotions are pleased to announce that an agreement was reached today for undefeated two-division world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against Fighter of the Decade Congressman Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, Pacquiao-Bradley 2 will take place, Saturday, April 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. Both fighters and their teams will embark on a U.S. media tour the week of February 3, including press conferences in Los Angeles and New York on Tuesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 6, respectively. Ticket information and other details on the promotion and the media tour will be released shortly. When Pacquiao and Bradley rumbled the first time, on June 9, 2012 at the MGM Grand, Bradley’s hand was raised via a controversial split decision, ending Pacquiao’s welterweight title reign as well as his seven-year, 15-bout winning streak. Though both fighters claimed victory neither Read More …

Tesla cars to have same base price in China as US

Entertainment

Jan 252014

Tesla cars to have same base price in China as US

The Tesla Model SElectric carmaker Tesla Motors said its Model S flagship vehicle will have the same pre-tax price in China as in the US.©Tesla (SHANGHAI-AFP) – Electric carmaker Tesla Motors said its flagship vehicle will have the same pre-tax price in China as in the US, after Chinese media criticised foreign companies for charging higher prices in the country. The upstart US manufacturer’s Model S battery-powered car sells for $81,070 in the US and the company will receive the same sum for it in China, the world’s biggest auto market. Nonetheless the sticker price for the premium car will start from 734,000 yuan ($121,370), with the difference accounted for by $36,700 in taxes imposed by the Chinese government and shipping costs of $3,600, it said. Tesla’s openness over its pricing, which included an item-by-item breakdown of how it was reached, follows official moves and campaigns by state-run media against foreign companies for high prices in industries ranging from infant formula to pharmaceutical products. Last year, state broadcaster CCTV blasted Tata Motors’ Land Rover and Volkswagen’s Audi over higher prices in China than elsewhere. Tesla said the Chinese market could have absorbed a higher price for its cars and attacked rivals for charging more. “The price of a Model S in China is the same as the price of a Model S in the US, adding only unavoidable taxes, customs duties and transportation costs,” Tesla said in the statement. “If we were to follow standard industry practice, we could get Read More …

Some Bangsamoro leaders still apprehensive over peace talks – MILF official

Entertainment

Jan 252014

Some Bangsamoro leaders still apprehensive over peace talks – MILF official

President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes vouchers for Scholarship Grants to beneficiaries during the Ceremonial Launch of Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program: Peace Dividends of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) in Barangay Salimbao, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Monday (February 11, 2013). The strong partnership between the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has become more evident as both sides work together in the process of identifying beneficiaries and their immediate needs that will be addressed by the Sajahatra Bangsamoro program. The FAB indicated that “the Parties agree to intensify development efforts for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and development of the Bangsamoro, and institute programs to address the needs of MILF combatants, internally displaced persons, and poverty-stricken communities.” In photo is MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim. (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau). MANILA (Mabuhay) — Despite the significant progress in the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), some Bangsamoro leaders remain apprehensive over the negotiations, an MILF official admitted. “Admittedly, may mangilan-ngilang leaders ng Bangsamoro ang atubili o di kaya may alinlangan sa isinasagawang pag-uusap ngayon,” Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF first vice chairman for political affairs, said. Jaafar did not elaborate on the cause of the misgivings but said he believes majority of the Bangsamoro people will support the agreement once it is signed by both parties. “Pero naniniwala ako na pag nandiyan na, pirmado na ‘yung Comprehensive Compact Agreement… susuportahan siya ng nakararami sa Read More …

De Lima: Revilla Sr. may be included in pork barrel probe

Entertainment

Jan 252014

De Lima: Revilla Sr. may be included in pork barrel probe

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima during the 8th East Asia Conference (EAC) on Competition Law and Policy at the Mindanao Ballroom, Sofitel Philippine Plaza in CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City on Wednesday (August 28, 2013). EAC is an open event for key high-level officials of competition agencies in East Asia. EAC participants exchange ideas, views and experiences on emerging regional competition issues; and undertake to strengthen understanding and cooperation with regard to the implementation of competition policy and law across the region. In photo is Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) chairman Kazuyuki Sugimoto. (MNS photo) MANILA, Jan 23 (Mabuhay) – First, his son. Now, former Senator Ramon Revilla, Sr. may just find himself in the center of the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) probe into the alleged siphoning of lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to so-called “Napoles non-government organizations (NGOs).” His namesake, incumbent Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., was part of the first batch of respondents charged by the NBI and “pork barrel” scam whistleblowers before the office of the Ombudsman. The complaint alleged that Revilla Jr. pocketed P224.51 M as kickbacks from Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged scam architect. Justice Secretary Leila De Lima is set to meet with primary whistleblower Benhur Luy, Napoles’ former aide, and his lawyer, Levito Baligod, to find out if they are in possession of evidence against Revilla Sr. So far, De Lima said she is not aware of any sworn statement by Luy or Read More …

PH to make representations for arrested OFWs in Malaysia, says diplomat

News

Jan 252014

PH to make representations for arrested OFWs in Malaysia, says diplomat

By Nikko DizonINQUIRER.net 4:18 pm | Saturday, January 25th, 2014 FILE PHOTO KUALA LUMPUR – A ranking Filipino diplomat in Malaysia on Saturday said the Philippine Embassy would make representations with relevant Malaysian authorities for Filipinos who have been arrested and reportedly maltreated in the crackdown against undocumented workers here. “We will make representations with the relevant Malaysian authorities for everyone,” Consul General Medardo Macaraig told reporters. Macaraig said that the Malaysian government has yet to send the embassy a report on the crackdown that began on Jan. 21. “By report I mean official notification from the Malaysian government,” Macaraig said. He said that the embassy has dispatched another diplomat to Sabah to check on reports that Filipinos have been arrested in the crackdown. So far, the only report received by the embassy was the one involving Resty Rosales, an architect who complained of maltreatment following his arrest in a raid on Tuesday when he failed to show proof of his regular status. Macaraig said Rosales has the proper working documents in Malaysia. Macaraig said that the Filipino community in Sabah remained calm. “We have spoken to the other Filipinos there and the report to me is they are not tense there. They are calm. But this does not mean there is no crackdown,” Macaraig said, adding: “If there is something happening, they would inform us (embassy) and from there we will start our work.” Macaraig said that news reports in Malaysia claimed that there were already some 1,000 illegal immigrants arrested since Tuesday, among Read More …

Aquino welcomes winter ‘escapees’

News

Jan 242014

President Benigno Aquino III. AP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—They traded the bitterly cold winter for a relatively mild chilly weather. Two hundred forty Filipino-Canadians had plenty of sun, sand and sea during their six-day visit—from Jan. 18 to 23—to the islands of Panay and Guimaras, which, like the rest of the country, are experiencing a cold spell. President Benigno Aquino III on Friday welcomed to Malacañang the foreign “escapists”—the term used by Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario to refer to the Filipino-Canadian visitors who joined the first “Winter Escapade—It’s More Fun In The Philippines” tour, a program started by the Department of Tourism and Department of Foreign Affairs to attract balikbayans (Filipino migrants). “I didn’t expect that here in Malacañang, I would gladly welcome the ‘escapees,’” he said, adding in jest that when he talks of escapees, “most of the time I’m seated beside Secretary Leila de Lima of the Department of Justice, and we praise the apprehending [authority].” Donning swimming gears Ditching their layered winter garb, they donned their swimming gears and basked in the sun on the famous white sand and blue waters of Boracay Island in Aklan. They also joined street dancing for the Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan, and the Pintados festival in Passi City, Iloilo. The so-called journey of discovery also took the sun-starved visitors to Roxas City, Iloilo City and Guimaras province. The visitors said they could not get over their frenzied encounter with fire dancers and street dancers as well as school children Read More …

BPI opens business library in Cebu

General

Jan 242014

BPI Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala addresses the crowd during the launch of “Salapi” in the bank’s main Cebu City office. “If education is mixed with history you create something that is lasting,” he says. (Photo by Arni Aclao of Sun.Star Cebu) STRESSING the importance of history and education among Filipinos, the Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) launched two projects, the coffee table book “Salapi” and the BPI Library Cebu, last Thursday. “Salapi” is a 280-page volume written by Jose Eleazar Reynes Bernales and Carlo Ledesma Apuhin. It traces the development of Philippine money over the years and features rare images from the collections of BPI and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Money Museum, as well as from local and foreign money collectors. “It is a comprehensive look at how money has evolved with the times and how it has come to reflect the nation’s pulse and economy,” the BPI said. The book, according to Bernales, collates in seven chapters the important information on the evolution of money from the pre- to postcolonial periods. It also features the P100,000 bill, the world’s largest banknote recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. The banknote is 356 millimeters wide by 216 mm. andwas issued during the Centennial of Philippine Independence in 1998. BPI produced limited copies of the book priced at P3,000 for hardbound and P2,500 for softbound. It will be available in BPI branches. BPI president Cezar Consing said they plan to distribute “Salapi” to major libraries Read More …

Swedish king in PHL for Boy Scouts jamboree

News

Jan 242014

Swedish king in PHL for Boy Scouts jamboree

PNoy welcomes Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf. President Benigno Aquino III welcomes King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during a courtesy call in Malacañang on Friday, January 24. This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and head of state to the Philippines. Gustaf will visit Yolanda-hit Tacloban City on January 25. Gil Nartea Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf arrived in the Philippines on Friday and will be here until Jan. 26 for boy scouting events and activities. He was welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañan on Friday and by Vice President Jejomar Binay at the Coconut Palace afterwards. Gustaf will be the guest of honor at the Invitational Peace Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), which more than 7,000 young scouts are expected to attend Saturday. The event, which will be held in Makiling, Laguna, is meant to mark the Boy Scouts’ centenary year. He will be accompanied by Binay, national president of the BSP. Binay will also accompany Gustaf to Tacloban on Sunday to check the BSP’s as well as Sweden’s various projects in the typhoon-affected areas. Gustaf, who became a scout at 10, has been a lifelong supporter of the Scouting movement. He accepted the role of honorary chairman of the World Scout Foundation (WSF) in 1977 and has since been leading the WSF in raising funds to support scouting projects worldwide. WSF supports the Boy Scouts of the Philippines’ “Ticket to Life” project for children living in difficult circumstances The Read More …

Agriculture chief faces new plunder complaint

News

Jan 242014

Agriculture chief faces new plunder complaint

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala and National Agribusiness Corp. (Nabcor) president Honesto Baniqued are facing plunder complaints for allegedly amassing billions of pesos in public money. In a complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman Friday, Sanlakas party-list legal counsel Argee Guevarra accused Alcala and Baniqued of plunder, violating the Anti-Graft Law, malversation of public funds and violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The complaint stemmed from allegedly anomalous transactions, unliquidated projects and procurements totalling P11.4 billion that the Commission on Audit noted in its 2012 audit of the department. The complaint enumerated the alleged anomalies: P5.8 billion in financial transactions for 2012 were without supporting vouchers until Mar. 31, 2013; of these a remaining substantial amount of P8.5 million was disbursed without, to this date disbursement vouchers (DVs) and journal entry vouchers. Disbursements worth P31.4 million that lacked the signatures of the approving authority. The amount of P53 million supposedly invested in a joint venture that has gone missing and is not reflected in the joint venture partner’s books. A total of P156 million that was supposedly disbursed but cannot be found in the documentation for Nabcor’s project funds. A consultant was “hired” for P10.3 million to “negotiate” with another government entity, PDIC, when this was not needed and the amount of P5.3 million was allegedly expended without the consultant rendering work. In a telephone interview with GMA News Online, Guevarra questioned the timing of most of Nabcor’s transactions Read More …

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