Maniolas

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the concession agreement from BulacanGovWinhelminoSy-Alvarado for the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project at the Atis Function Hall of the BarCie International Center in Catmon, Malolos City, Bulacan on Friday (January 15). The concession agreement will undertake the detailed design, construction, and maintenance of the conveyance facilities, treatment facilities and water source within a 30-year concession period. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III reiterated on Friday his reasons for turning down a bill providing for the increase in pensions of Social Security System (SSS) members. Aquino, during an event in Bulacan, said it was unfair to grant the increase at the expense of the other SSS members. “Matutuwa yung 2 million, mapapahamak yung 30 million. Tama ba ang pagbabantay natin ng pondong ito?” he said during an ambush interview broadcasted over state-run Radyo ng Bayan. (While 2 million (members) will be delighted, the other 30 million will be at risk. Are watching over this fund appropriately?) The President discussed the factors considered, including the current income generated by SSS and the current economic and financial situation affecting the agency’s holdings. President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the opening ceremony of the 3rd Global Social Business Summit and Gawad Kalinga’s 13th Anniversary at the Hyundai Center for Green Innovation of the GK Enchanted Farm in Barangay Encanto, Angat, Bulacan on Friday (January 15). The event has for its theme: “The Business of Kindness: Doing Good Makes Business Read More …

Passengers form long queues to the immigration counters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Thursday morning. Some passengers missed their flights as the whole check-in process took hours due to the shortage of manpower from the Bureau of Immigration. (MNS Photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – The charges against the Qatari national who attempted to jump off the ledge of the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Thursday have been dismissed after the Qatar Embassy insisted diplomatic immunity. Saud Salman Al-Thani who, according to his passport, is a sheik and a member of the ruling family of Qatar, immediately departed the Philippines after the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the charges of alarm and scandal and resisting arrest against him. This, after the Qatar embassy presented a certification, confirming that Al-Thani is a member of the ruling family of Qatar and therefore enjoys diplomatic immunity and is exempted from criminal charges in the Philippines. Qatar embassy Charge d’Affaires Abdullah Ali Al-Kubaisi presented the certification during the inquest proceedings for the commotion caused by Al-Thani when he tried to commit suicide twice at the departure area of the NAIA Terminal 1. Senior Superintendent Adolfo Samala Jr. of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) released Al-Thani to the custody of Embassy officials after the charges against him were dropped. Al-Thani was immediately flown out of the Philippines on board a Qatar Airlines flight.(MNS)

President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps His Excellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, leads the traditional toast during the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace onThursday (January 14, 2016). The reception that marks the 29th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III assured the public on Friday that there is no credible terror threat in the Philippines following the attack in Jakarta, Indonesia which left seven people dead. “The last report I read says walang credible threat,” Aquino said in an interview. “Siyempre, magiging prudent tayo at makikipag-ugnayan sa intelligence agency. At babantayan nila ang komunidad para malaman kung may threat,” he added. Shortly after the in Jakarta on Thursday, Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the military “is now elevating alert levels to heightened alert in all areas to ensure a state of readiness should there be a need for it in case of certain contingencies.” President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 14). The reception that marks the 29thVin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (MNS Read More …

— Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (right) presses hands with admirers during his speaking engagement at the Unibersidad de Manila on Wednesday. Marcos is touring universities to talk about the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which his committee handles in the Senate. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has closed in on Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero based on the latest BusinessWorld-Social Weather Stations survey on vice presidential candidates early this month. Results of the nationwide survey conducted from Jan. 8 – 10 showed that Escudero obtained the nod of 28 percent of the 1,200 validated voters while Marcos of the Nacionalista Party had 25 percent. The two may be considered statistically tied since the survey had a margin of error of ±3 points for national percentages and ±6% each for Metro Manila, Balance of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Escudero’s rating was 2  percentage points lower compared to the one he got in December. On the other hand, Marcos had an increase of 6 percentage points from his December rating. Also statistically tied were administration vice presidential bet, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo who got 17 percent (down 2 percentage points from the December survey) and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano who had 14 percent (17 percent in December). Meanwhile, Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan of the United Nationalist Alliance got 8 percent, the same rating he got in December. On the other hand, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV obtained 3 percent or 2 percentage points lower from the last SWS survey Read More …