Maniolas

The ceremonial distribution of assault rifles to the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy Marine troops was held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters canopy at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday (August 14). One of the major programs of the AFP Modernization is to upgrade the mission-essential capability requirements of the AFP in terms of firepower for the ground troops. The whole project will be delivered within the year and will be shipped in two batches. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Monday the government should seriously consider sending home 115 Filipino soldiers in Liberia as Ebola virus is expected to wreak havoc in West Africa for the next six months. “If Ebola continues to thrive up to six months in West Africa, we better pull out our soldiers in Liberia. Their safety and lives must be given priority now and that is a better option to do now than continue risking them there with the dreaded disease,” Romualdez stressed, adding that the government should consider the recommendation of the Department of National Defense (DND) to pull out the Filipino troops in Liberia. Romualdez reiterated his call for the officials of the Department of Health (DOH) to double their efforts in ensuring that the country remains Ebola-free. “We commend them for their work, but our health officials should continue to be vigilant and double their efforts in ensuring an Ebola-free Philippines,” Romualdez said. Last week, the House committee Read More …

Tod’s fall/winter 2014-2015 collection is launched on July 31.

Amidst the furor on his use of presidential powers to speed up immigration matters, President Barack Obama is not alone in exercising his authority. In 10 instances  his predecessors have wielded executive powers in solving immigration situations. According American Bridge, a progressive research and communications organization, “the Democrats are making the case and that there is political cover and precedent for Pres. Obama to go big on the issue.” The group highlights 10 instances in which past presidents have used their authority on selective prosecution of immigration actions which in most instances “targeted specific populations mired in complex and dangerous foreign policy crises. Century 21 Classic Estates Picnic: Realtor-Broker-Entrepreneur Alex Baello, picks up the winning ticket, one of the many, at Century 21 Classic Estates Annual Family Summer Picnic at Cerritos Park East last Aug. 10. The annual event drew the attendance of an estimated 500 guests. Broker Associate Vina Dungo, was the day’s emcee assisting him. The traditional event hosted by Century 21 Classic Estates and sister companies, American Classic Escrow and Crown Home Loans, is an annual treat for the employees, friends and salesforce for the last two decades. Century 21 Classic Estates is one of California’s most active and diversified real companies in Southern California. This, according to immigration lawyers are actions that could provide sound principles on which the current administration can act. The American Bridge memo referred to the immigration policy from the days of President Ronald Reagan through President George W. Bush and highlighted Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (August 11). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Citing proper and efficient bidding procedures, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will soon be getting additional Remington M-4 automatic rifles for its ground units. The President made the announcement during the ceremonial distribution of new weapons to soldiers at the AFP canopy area in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. “Dahil sa patas na bidding, nakuha natin ang mga bagong baril na ito sa di-hamak na mas murang halaga. Sabi po ng BAC (Bidding and Awards Committee), ang dapat sana’y Php 63,000 kada unit – na di-hamak na ngang mas mura sa dinatnan nating presyo noong tayo’y nag-umpisang manungkulan – nakuha na lamang natin sa Php 38,402.13, kada isa po ‘yan,” the Chief Executive said. “Kung susumahin: Sa approved budget na Php 3.19 billion, nabili natin ito sa presyong Php 1.94 billion. Ang savings natin, umabot sa Php 1.2 billion. Gamit ang bahagi ng dagdag-pondo na ito, nakapag-procure ang ating Department of National Defense ng dagdag pang 12,657 units ng assault rifles para sa Philippine Army, na nagkakahalaga ng Php 486.06 milyon,” the President added. The procurement and distribution of modern equipment to the AFP is done to match the courage and valor of its personnel, President Aquino stressed. Fund Read More …

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) train slams the barrier at the corner of EDSA and Taft Avenue Station on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 13, 2014) in Pasay City. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya on Thursday said they are still determining whether human error or failure of materials caused the coupling disconnection of the coaches of a Metro Rail Transit train that rammed through a steel barricade of the Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City before 5 p.m.  Wednesday, and left at least 50 people injured. “We have yet to find out what really happened – it could have been a human procedural error that the proper couple procedure was not followed. Although possibly, there could have been a failure in the coupling material. That is currently being investigated,” Abaya said. At least 50 people, including a six-month-old baby, were hurt in the mishap. Many of those injured were women, as front-end coaches of the MRT trains are reserved for women, children and the elderly, it added. Quoting a passenger, the report said many of the passengers began to sense that something was wrong when they saw a spark while the train was passing the Magallanes station in Makati. The MRT administration has since apologized for the incident. When asked if the incident could have been prevented if authorities followed the recommendations of an audit report done on the MRT system in 2013, Abaya said it has nothing to do with Wednesday’s incident. “The rail grinding would Read More …