Learn procedures governing Senate investigations

 Economy
Jun 212014
 
Learn procedures governing Senate investigations

MANILA, Philippines – When you, your client or your boss are called or invited to a Senate investigation to testify as a witness or as an expert resource person, do you know what to do, how to behave or answer the questions without getting into trouble? Many are humiliated, embarrassed, scandalized and incriminated unnecessarily simply because they are clueless on how to handle themselves in such a situation. As part of your preparedness program, the Center for Global Best Practices is launching a pioneering seminar entitled, “New Rules on Legislative Investigation in Aid of Legislation” on Friday, July 25, 2014 at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City, Philippines. For details and all other best practices seminars (including How to Joint Venture with GOCCs and LGUs;  Business and Government Officials’ Guide to Business and Diplomatic Protocol) you may check www.cgbp.org or call Manila lines at (02) 842-7148/ 59; 556-8968/ 69; Cebu lines at (032) 512-3106 to 07 and Baguio at (074) 423-5148. In this one-day pioneering seminar, an expert on this topic provide a thorough understanding of the New Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation that took effect on Feb. 18, 2013. Arm yourselves with the right knowledge and be prepared always by learning the rules and understanding your rights. This is the only seminar that will teach you issues including how to handle public hearings, executive sessions, your rights and privileges against self-incrimination, conduct of counsel and many more. We will share with you practical insights and advice Read More …

Gov’t raises imports target

 General
Jun 212014
 
Gov’t raises imports target

MANILA, Philippines – The government has revised its imports growth target from 2014 to 2016 because of the need to complete numerous infrastructure projects and post-Yolanda reconstruction efforts. During the Development and Budget Coordinating Committee (DBCC) Friday evening, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the government has revised upwards its import  growth target for 2014 to nine percent from six percent, while the imports  growth target for 2015 has been revised upward to 10 percent from seven percent. For 2016, the imports target has been revised to 12 percent from nine percent. “It will be a little faster than earlier assumed,” Balisacan added. Exports growth assumption this year, however, remain unchanged, remaining at six percent (from seven in 2013). Exports are expected to grow by eight percent in 2015, and by 10 percent in 2016. Balisacan said gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate would remain at 6.5 to 7.5 percent this year, and 7.5 to 8.5 percent in 2015. “There were minor changes in the target. The (economic) growth and inflation projections are still the same,” he added. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Outlook for the peso to US dollar exchange rate was revised slightly to P42 to P45 from the earlier P41 to P44 range. For 2015 and 2016, it is a similar P42 to P45 range. “This year’s growth target is still attainable. We expect consumption to be still bullish, government spending to speed up. Industry is expected to recover, services will continue Read More …

PNoy yet to pick new Sandiganbayan justice as ‘pork’ cases start moving

 News
Jun 212014
 
PNoy yet to pick new Sandiganbayan justice as ‘pork’ cases start moving

President Benigno Aquino III has yet to choose a new associate justice for the Sandiganbayan more than 90 days after a vacancy was created when Associate Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang was appointed presiding justice of the anti-graft court. According to a report on “24 Oras” aired Saturday, the president found out that one of the nominees for the position, Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Bernelito Fernandez, was recommended to the position by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in 2012. Enrile is one of three senators charged with graft and plunder before the Sandiganbayan over their alleged participation in the Priority Development Assistance Fund. According to the Palace, the president has asked the Judicial and Bar Council, which prepares a list of nominees for vacancies in the judiciary for additional information on the nominees. The request was made because the president wants the appointee to be “beyond suspicion” especially since PDAF cases are already with the Sandiganbayan. “Considering na sa Sandiganbayan po ‘yung puwestong pinag-uusapan natin, kung saan tumatayong akusado ‘yung nag-endorso sa kanya, siguro po malinaw naman ‘yung duty ng Executive na i-verify muna at i-clarify ‘yung katayuan; at kung meron pa hong similar cases that would apply to those in the shortlist, kung merong similar circumstances,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a briefing over government radio dzRB on Saturday.   Valte added: “We expect some movements in filling this particular position very soon.” Judge Fernandez has confirmed that he asked for Enrile’s recommendation, but said that that was Read More …

FMIC sees economy, inflation picking up

 Economy
Jun 202014
 
FMIC sees economy, inflation picking up

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine economy is expected to grow faster in the second quarter to around 6.3 percent as exports and reconstruction spending in Super Typhoon Yolanda-stricken areas accelerate, First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) noted in its latest research report. FMIC, the investment arm of the Metrobank Group, however, warned that as the economy picks up in the second quarter, inflation would likely remain higher, fuelled by rising rice prices due to the delayed decision to the import rice and crude oil prices remaining high due to the Middle East and Ukranian crises. But FMIC said the inflation rate may reach its peak during the period.  “However, we will likely see it peak at the same time, as rice and oil prices stabilize,” it said Moreso, it said exports would further improve in the next quarter.  “With the solid economic data emanating from the US economy and the escape of the euro zone from a two-year recession, we expect exports to take a double-digit growth path all the way to third quarter,” it said. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 “No surprises came from robust overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) remittances in March, while the Q1 fiscal deficit stood at some five percent of GDP (gross domestic product) as the National Government stepped on the accelerator in terms of spending,” it noted. Despite the slight deceleration in money growth (which kept above 30 percent in April), FMIC noted that the exchange rate appreciated in May, as the Read More …

Sen. Poe’s ‘vision for a greater Philippines’

 Entertainment
Jun 202014
 
Sen. Poe’s ‘vision for a greater Philippines’

Meeting Senator Poe at the exclusive media press conference prior to Kalayaan’s celebration of the 116th anniversary of Philippine Independence, was not only a privelege, but an unexpected experience of admiration for a public servant who humbly sounded like a powerful, potential Presidential candidate. During the press conference chaired by Susan Dilkes and moderated by Atty. Allison Aquino-Silva, Senator Poe responded to a wide variety of topics ranging from concerns on the allegedly fradulent election results during the 2004 Presidential elections when her Dad lost to GMA, to the questions on the non-bailable plunder charges against the three senators involved in the PDAF scam; to the question on who monitors the millions of financial aid poured to the Haiyan typhoon victims and futher, on a lighter note, the question on her plans of running gor the top office in the next election and how she feels coming to LA where she, along with Senator Chiz Escudero, received the highest OAV votes during the last election, giving way to her current senatorial post. Politely, Senator Poe answered each and every question with her wit and charm, pointing out the rampant ballot-rigging in the Mindanao area where they have proof of ballot tampering during the 2004 elections; regarding the PDAF scam, she said that those guilty will be charged to the full extent of the law and on the millions of financial aid to the Haiyan typhoon victims, that Senator Ping Lacson, as the Rehab czar has the responsibilty given him to report and give updates on the rebuilding programs currently being done. Finally, she said she has no plans to Read More …

Solon asks DFA to forge cooperation with Malaysia to fight human trafficking

 Entertainment
Jun 202014
 
Solon asks DFA to forge cooperation with Malaysia to fight human trafficking

Presidential Human Rights Committee-Secretariat (PHRCS) Executive Director Severo S. Catura (left) urges the Coalition of Services for the Elderly Inc. (COSE) and Confederation of Older Persons’ Association of the Philippines (COPAP) to plug House Bill No. 408 in different radio and television networks to spread the awareness on the importance of the proposed law for the welfare of the elderly persons during the Forum on Elder Abuse held Tuesday (June 17, 2014) at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Auditorium, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City. Shown in photo at right are the representatives from various sectors of the society signing the Pledge Commitment Document to support the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older People. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday asked the government to forge a cooperation pact with Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to fight human trafficking, stressing the need for harmonized action between the two countries to tackle the said crime. “I urge our government through the Department of Foreign Affairs to enter into a mutual cooperation agreement with Malaysia to intensify initiatives against human trafficking facilitated by syndicates between these two neighboring countries,” Gatchalian, who is also a vice chair in the House committee on tourism said in an interview. “I believe greater action against human trafficking can be achieved if we do it collectively. This means we, the people’s representatives, have to act hand-in-hand not only with other state agencies but with the Malaysian government as well,” Read More …

Successful celebration marks the crowning of Ambassadors of Goodwill 2014

 Entertainment
Jun 202014
 
Successful celebration marks the crowning of Ambassadors of Goodwill 2014

Major feat for Philippine Children’s Charities, Incorporated Darna B. Umayam, Project Director, Consul Marlowe MIranda- Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles, Elito Santarina-Mayor Pro Tem Carson City and Manny ILagan-Deputy Tourism Director/OIC Department of Tourism LA. Philippine Children’s Charities, Incorporated scored a major feat with the successful celebration that marked the Grand Coronation of this year’s Ambassadors of Goodwill, Miss Philippines USA, Miss Teen Philippines USA and Mrs. Philippines USA 2014. After many months of hectic preparations, the event held last May 10 at the Hilton Hotel – Los Angeles Airport could only be described as a major success. Crowned this year’s Ambassadors of Goodwill are the following:  Sophia Galicia, Miss Teen Philippines USA Universe; Grachelle Gonong, Miss Philippines USA Universe; Rea Poticar Lazo, Mrs. Philippines USA Universe; Erin Borja, Miss Teen Philippines USA International; Dinah Sarming, Miss Philippines USA International; Jennifer Velasco, Mrs. Philippines USA International; Sychelle Phoebe Jaochico, Miss Teen Philippines USA World; Kristen Solis, Miss Philippines USA World; Vivian Neri, Mrs. Philippines USA World; and Geraldine Gacuya, Mrs. Philippines USA Tourism. Project Director Darna B. Umayam  welcomed the guests who packed the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, and acknowledged everyone’s support of the humanitarian activities of the Philippine Children’s Charities, Incorporated. “Our mission is to help and answer the cry of the poor, build homes for the homeless families in our homeland, and extend assistance to as much as 20 other beneficiaries,” Umayam said.  “The Philippine Children’s Charities, Incorporated is proud to continue its annual humanitarian projects.” Read More …

President Aquino presides over National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting

 Entertainment
Jun 202014
 
President Aquino presides over National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting

President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (November 21, 2013). In photo are Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Benigno S. Aquino III presided over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room in Malacañang Palace on Thursday. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the meeting will be divided into two parts. In the first part, the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC), headed by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and NEDA Director-General Arsenio Balisacan, will discuss the development, operations and maintenance projects being done by the Department of Transportation and Communications in the country’s airport. The ICC will also discuss the Light Rail Transit Line 1 project, also known as the Cavite extension project, which is part of the Aquino administration’s public private partnership. The government is studying the extension of the train line up to Dasmariñas, Cavite, instead of the initial plan to make Bacoor City as the final station. The Cavite extension project is expected to serve around four million commuters of Parañaque and Cavite province. Read More …

Erap asks SC to junk disqualification case, insists on oral debates

 Entertainment
Jun 202014
 
Erap asks SC to junk disqualification case, insists on oral debates

Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada leads wreath-laying during Commemoration of the 69th Anniversary of the Historic Battle of Manila at the Freedom Triangle, Manila City Hall, on Monday, Feb.03, 2014. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has once again asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the disqualification case against him and to hold oral arguments so he could explain his side further. In a 70-page memorandum, Estrada insisted that despite his plunder conviction in 2007, he can still run for public office because of the “unqualified and absolute” pardon extended to him by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In her petition with the Supreme Court, lawyer Alicia Risos-Vidal, a known lawyer of former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, contested the Commission on Elections decision to dismiss with finality her disqualification complaint against Estrada. Last year, Lim asked and subsequently was allowed by the Supreme Court to intervene or participate in the case. In her petition, Vidal stressed that Estrada’s conviction for plunder and his being sentenced to life imprisonment had rendered him disqualified to run for public office. She also said the executive pardon granted to him by Mrs. Arroyo specifically did not restore his right to run for public office. In the pardon given to Estrada, there was a statement in the “whereas clause” that stated: “Whereas, Joseph Ejercito Estrada has publicly committed to no longer seek any elective position or office.” But in his memorandum, Estrada maintained that this statement would “not suffice Read More …

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