Maniolas

By Azer N. Parrocha Senate hearing on the DOJ’s proposed budget of PHP15.017-B for 2017: Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II (right) responds to a question from Senator Leila de Lima during the hearing on the proposed 2017 budget of PHP15.017-billion of the Department of Justice and its Attached Agencies on Friday (Oct. 7, 2016) at the Senate in Pasay City. (PNA photos by Jess M. Escaros Jr.) MANILA  (PNA) – Senators on Monday said that Senator Leila de Lima need not to worry about the immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) issued against her by the Department of Justice (DOJ) because it was not to prevent her from leaving the country. To recall the DOJ issued the order against de Lima and five others for their alleged involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City. De Lima earlier described the order as “unnecessary” since she had no plans to leave the country to dodge her allegations which she repeatedly denied. Senators, however, noted that the order would not stop her from leaving the country anyway. “This is not a hold departure order which comes from a court order. A lookout (order) is to report if a person under a lookout order is leaving the country but he or she cannot be prevented,” Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said in an interview. Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II stressed that de Lima and the five others will be prevented from leaving the country Read More …

President Duterte, Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol distribute 7 units farm tractor in Basilan: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, together with Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol, view the 7 units of farm 4WD Farm Tractor for farmers at Limo-ok Lamitan City, Basilan Province on Monday (October 10, 2016). (PNA photo by Oliver Marquez) MANILA  (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte visited on Monday Police Regional Office 9 in Zamboanga City to show solidarity with policemen in the ongoing government war on illegal drugs. “Kaya ako dumaan dito to show my camaraderie with you,” the President said in a speech before the policemen. He said he was happy to personally visit law enforcers in Zamboanga City. The President instructed law enforcers to do their job well by arresting suspects or subduing them if they show resistance. But he reminded police officers to always think of their safety during police raids because they are facing violent individuals. The Chief Executive also warned “ninja cops” or those officers involved in illegal drug trade, reiterating his offer of a PHP2 million reward to anyone who could identify policemen connected to narcotics trafficking. At the same time, the President also expressed his dismay over groups such as bishops complaining about deaths in the administration’s war against illegal drugs. Noting that he is losing two policemen a day all over the country in the ongoing anti-illegal drug war, he said the drug problem must be confronted head-on. According to the President, he takes time to visit dead policemen in different Read More …

Maintaining Olandes Resettlement in Marikina City: Workers of Marikina City maintains the beauty of Olandes Resettlement in Barangay Industrial Valley in Marikina City on Monday (Oct. 10, 2016). The in-city resettlement program for squatters is among the best practices in urban renewal and community development. (PNA photo by Joey Razon) SAN MIGUEL  (PNA) – The local government here and its corporate partner, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will turn over housing units this month to residents of the town that are living in danger zone. The turn over was originally scheduled on Sept. 28 in time with the town fiesta, but it was moved to this month considering the availability of top SMC officials, said Mayor Cheeryl Enrica Esperas. The company pledged to build 100 houses, but due to limited land area, the developer only completed 98 houses. Of the number, more than half are already completed. Habitat for Humanity supervise the construction of the houses at the Cayare Hills Subdivision in Cayare village, near the town center. “Hopefully, we can turn over the houses this month or at least before the third anniversary commemoration of super typhoon Yolanda,” Esperas said. The donor, Habitat for Humanity and the social welfare officer from the provincial government pre-identified the beneficiaries. Recipients include indigent families and those living in flood-prone and danger zones. Esperas said the local government and the donor, in consultation with potential homeowners, drafted a policy and guidelines that beneficiaries need to follow in order to preserve the dignity of the Read More …

(Filipino American History Month Facebook page) LOS ANGELES, CA — October is Filipino American History Month, and thousands of Filipino Americans from the Los Angeles area are expected to take part in one of the city’s biggest events celebrating their culture and history. The Filipino American History Month Los Angeles (FAHMLA) Coalition will host a diverse array of intergenerational and trans-intercontinental talent at the newly renovated Greek Theater on Sunday, October 23rd presented by Frontier Communications. “We make up one of the fastest growing Asian American groups in the United States,” said Joel Jacinto, appointee of Mayor Eric Garcetti and the first Filipino American Commissioner for the City of L.A. Department of Public Works.  “It’s important for the rest of L.A. to know who we are, and I think there is no better way to do that than through this exciting event for attendees of all ages.” Filipino music legend Gary V will headline the evening, and for the first time his son Gab Valenciano will join him onstage. Dance-pop artist Jocelyn Enriquez, R&B group Kai and others, who helped start the Filipino American music movement during the 1990s, will reunite after more than 15 years. And for the millennial crowd, YouTube sensation AJ Rafael and The Voice Season 9 artist Tim Atlas are among those who are expected to perform. Actor Nico Santos from NBC’s new sitcom “Superstore” will help host the show, and culinary masterminds including Kristine de la Cruz and Lynne Tolentino will be onsite whipping up Read More …