Jan 052015
 
PNP: 62 stray bullet incidents during holidays cause 44 injuries, 1 death

The Philippine National Police on Monday revealed that there were at least 62 stray bullet incidents during the just-concluded holiday season, resulting in 44 reported injuries and one death. PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor disclosed to GMA News via text that the incidents were recorded from December 16, 2014 to January 5, 2015. The lone fatality in the bullet stray cases is 11-year-old Jercy Decym Buenafe of Tabaday, Abra.  She was hit by a stray bullet while she and her family were watching the festivities outside their house. The National Capital Region had the most stray bullet incidents at 18, followed by Western Visayas with 13. With the number of victims being hit by stray bullets during New Year revelries on the rise, the PNP admitted that its efforts to stop the practice of indiscriminate firing have not been enough. The police vowed to intensify its campaign against loose firearms, which it said are commonly used by suspects in indiscriminate firing. Meanwhile, the police arrested a total of 17 individuals for illegal discharge of firearms during the holidays: seven policemen, six civilians and four security guards. The police recorded a total of 25 illegal discharge of firearms as of Monday morning. The PNP has also confiscated 129,795 firecrackers and arrested 57 individuals for selling prohibited firecrackers. The police tallied 115 injuries due to firecrackers and eight cases of fire incidents. The number of casualties from fire totaled to seven, with four persons injured and three others dead. — BM, Read More …

Jan 052015
 
NBI chief calls bureau a failure after inmates smuggle cash into jail

The head of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Virgilio Mendez called his own agency “a failure” after high-profile inmates taken out of the New Bilibid Prison managed to sneak in large sums of money while inside their detention cells at the NBI headquarters in Manila. “Papaano nakapasok yung pera na ‘yan, ang dami niyang dinaanan. Talagang we are a failure here. The NBI is a failure,” NBI director Virgilio Mendez said in a GMA News’ “24 Oras” report that aired on Monday. “Siguro because the facility is not ready for this,” he added. The NBI has confiscated over P700,000 from the inmates during its inspection on Dec. 28 and Dec. 29, 2014. The agency also found cash inside a trash can at the comfort room. Cash were also found hidden inside an “ampao” and in a pack of cigarette. The biggest amount seized amounting to about P350,000 was confiscated from Tony Co. A driver’s license with a name Wu Yuantuan, owned by Peter Co, was also confiscated. A total of P84,000 or 475 Canadian dollars was seized from Peter Co. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has already ordered an in-depth investigation. She said investigators are focusing on two theories. “Baka nakalagay dun sa mga pagkain, nakatago sa mga pagkain na somehow ‘di nila ininspeksyon. Sabi ko nga in the first place bakit pinayagan yung mga pagkain na yun,” De Lima said. Daily inspections are being done now to check if inmates have sneak in cash or contraband inside the Read More …

Jan 052015
 
Carla denies Tom throwing a fit on set

Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress Carla Abellana has shed light on reports that Tom Rodriguez’ temper supposedly flared up during a recent taping of “Don’t Lose The Money.” Carla said, “There’s really no truth behind it. My goodness si Tom pa, napakabait na tao… hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling ’yung (mga balitang ganun).” She related that on the day of the taping, “Ang sama ng pakiramdam niya that he had to go to the hospital to have himself checked. Ang taas ng blood pressure niya, tumataas pa ng 140/100. Siguro dahil sa stress. Bumalik pa nga siya ng taping from the hospital kasi nahiya siya sa production…” Carla doesn’t think that “somebody na masama na nga ang pakiramdam, siya pa ’yung mananakit ng tao or magdadabog or something.” She also dismissed talks that the incident supposedly disappointed her father, veteran actor Rey “PJ” Abellana. “Nakilala lang niya si Tom for the first time, on TV pa. So walang chance na off cam. Looking forward siya na makilala pa si Tom better,” Carla pointed out. PJ reportedly first met Tom on “Don’t Lose The Money” as a guest contestant and seemed to have had a good impression of the actor-host then. In an interview with “24 Oras,” PJ said, “Magaang naman ’yung loob ko kay Tom…” As for Carla’s budding relationship with Tom, she noted, “We are dating, aaminin namin ’yun. Lalo na ngayon na mas may free time kami. Walang time outside of Read More …

Jan 052015
 
US to bolster PHL labor inspection capacity with $1-M grant

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. offers a toast during the Independence Day Reception at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. (Philippine Embassy Photo by Elmer G. Cato) WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mabuhay) – The Philippines has hailed the $1- million technical assistance grant announced by Washington to strengthen workers’ rights through reforms in the country’s labor inspection capacity, saying such speed up compliance with global standards. “This is yet another initiative that reflects the enduring strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said shortly after the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) of the US Department of Labor announced the grant. The grant, awarded to the International Labor Organization, is intended to help improve the effectiveness of labor inspections in the Philippines, particularly in the areas of occupational safety and health and labor rights monitoring by workers, employers and their representatives. “The assistance will further accelerate our compliance with global labor standards,” Ambassador Cuisia said as he commended the Department of Labor and Employment, particularly Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, who vigorously negotiated for its approval in behalf of the Philippines. In selecting the Philippines, the ILAB noted the number of steps taken by the country to increase staff and enhance technology in labor inspections. It said the grant will assist in these efforts by improving labor law compliance and labor rights monitoring. “This kind of targeted technical cooperation assistance impacts significantly the promotion of labor standards enforcement and compliance in the Philippines and ensures the protection Read More …

Jan 052015
 
UNA sees ‘new set of lies’ with upcoming Trillanes rant vs Binay

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Vice President Jejomar Binay during the79th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Day Celebration at the AFP General Headquarters Grandstand of the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday (December 18, 2014). This year’s theme is: “Sandatahang Lakas: Ika-79 na Taong Naglilingkod ng Tapat tungo sa Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran at Kasaganaan”. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) said the new issues that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV will raise against Vice President Jejomar Binay when the Senate inquiry resumes next year are just “new set of lies.” Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco, who is UNA interim president, said Trillnaes has to resort to raising new issues against Binay to arrest the public’s dwindling interest on the Makati parking building anomaly investigation. “The attacks against the VP will continue to intensify, but since the people are not buying the lies they’re peddling, we expect the Senate telenovela to have a new twist in its second season,” Tiangco said. “While we don’t know what new claims and allegations they’ll throw at the Vice President, what we know for sure is that all the stories are part of the script to put down the VP’s ratings. Senator Trillanes will again allow witnesses to lie under oath just like what they did in previous hearings,” he added. Despite this, Tiangco maintained that Binay will address the allegations only in the proper forum, which was the Office of the Ombudsman. He said the Vice President Read More …

Jan 052015
 
2015 Toyota Prius c: Light, tight, bright and the highest city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug

53 MPG City / 50 MPG combined in Toyota’s most affordable hybrid 2015 Toyota Prius c TORRANCE, Calif. – Toyota’s most affordable hybrid vehicle is also its most fuel efficient.  The Prius c with EPA-estimated 53 MPG city / 46 MPG highway / 50 MPG combined, offers the highest MPG of any vehicle on the road today (MPGe vehicles not included). There’s much more to the Prius c than super-high fuel economy. A restyled front with standard single LED projector low- and high-beam headlights, new exterior colors whose names demand almost as much attention as their hues (Electric Lime Metallic, Tangerine Splash Pearl and Sparkling Sea Metallic), and new “light pipe” taillights add a futuristic touch to the design.  Add to that a cabin upgraded with premium materials, and Prius c makes a compelling choice among compact cars, hybrid or not. For years, the iconic Prius liftback has been synonymous with “hybrid.”  Today, the Prius is available in four different flavors.  The Prius Family includes the larger standard Prius liftback, the even larger and roomier Prius v and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid that can handle daily driving for many people without using gasoline. In addition, Toyota offers hybrid versions of its Camry and Avalon sedans and Highlander SUV, making Toyota the clear leader in the number of hybrid vehicle offerings and sales volume.  Toyota Value in Four Grades Prius c is available in four value-packed grades.  In all trim levels the cabin combines futuristic design elements with everyday comfort and practicality.  In addition to the all-new single LED projector low- Read More …

Jan 052015
 
2015 can be extraordinary, CBCP head says in New Year message

President Benigno S. Aquino III greets His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo following the Thanksgiving Mass in celebration of his elevation to the College of Cardinals at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City on Tuesday (March 11). Cardinal Quevedo received his red hat and ring from Pope Francis during a solemn consistory at the St. Peter’s Basilica on February 22, 2014. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – While Pope Francis’ upcoming visit promises a momentous start for the year, the rest of 2015 can be extraordinary for Filipinos as well, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said Saturday. In his New Year’s message, CBCP president and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said, “The Year 2015 can be another regular year in our calendar but it can also be an extraordinary year. If we put much love into each day of this year; if we put much hope into every difficulty we encounter this year; if we share fearlessly with everyone our joyful faith in our loving God; this year may be ordinary but it will be specially memorable one because of the love and faith and hope that we pour into the days of 2015.” Villegas said 2015 will be remembered in history as the year Pope Francis visited the Philippines for the first time. The Pope is expected to visit the Philippines from Jan. 15 to 19. “With the challenge to be apostles of mercy and compassion, the first visit of Pope Francis will surely Read More …

Jan 052015
 
ABS-CBN pulls out papal visit T-shirt CBCP head blasts as misleading

Manila Archbishop Antonio Luis G. Tagle as announces the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines on January 15-19 next year during a press conference July 29, 2014 in Intramuros, Manila. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Broadcast network ABS-CBN pulled out on Monday T-shirts it was selling for the January visit of Pope Francis after the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines slammed the apparel’s message as “definitely misleading and quite frankly erroneous.” ABS-CBN spokesman Bong Osorio said the message “No Race, No Religion” printed on the shirt, part of the #PopeTYSM (Thank you sa malasakit, or Thank you for caring) line sold through the ABS-CBN Store, was not meant “to deceive or mislead the public.” “We apologize if a particular statement shirt offended anyone,” he said. “We are pulling out the items from our online shop and all retail partner stores.” Osorio said the statements on the shirts the network sells were “inspired by Pope Francis’ message of love, openness, and humility.” Other shirts carry the messages, “Speak less, act more,” and “Ganito ako. Ganyan ka (I’m like this. You’re like that). Who am I to judge?” In a statement issued earlier in the day, CBCP president Socrate Villegas, archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, said: “We urge our Catholic faithful NOT to patronize items with misleading posts and statements.” “Pope Francis is aware of the fact that he heads an organized religion with a vast membership throughout the world. He is also as aware that race forms part Read More …

Jan 052015
 
Roxas asked: P1-B for new fire trucks, where are the trucks?

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas personally inspects the extent of damage brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Hainan) during his visit to Tacloban City the province of Leyte on Sunday (November 10, 2013). Typhoon Yolanda, the world’s most powerful typhoon in 2013, packing more than 300kph when it made landfall in Central Visayas Friday morning. (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas should promptly make public the list of cities and municipalities that received the 117 new fire trucks under the modernization program of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), LPG Marketers’ Association (LPG-MA) said in a news release Monday. “Congress gave the DILG a total of P1 billion for the acquisition of the 117 fire trucks. People are starting to ask where these new (firefighting) vehicles are. They haven’t seen the trucks responding to fire emergencies,” said House Deputy Minority Leader and LPG-MA Rep. Arnel Ty. “When there are blazes, people don’t see the new trucks in action as first responders. What they see right away are the trucks of the Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigades,” Ty said. “Which local government units obtained the new fire trucks? The public deserves to know, and Secretary Mar Roxas ought to satisfy their curiosity,” Ty added. Ty’s remarks came shortly after the BFP went on high alert for accidental blazes that may be caused by the mishandling of firecrackers during the New Year revelry. Congress previously authorized the funds Read More …