AMLC files charges vs. 6 RCBC execs for ‘money laundering’

 News
Nov 222016
 
AMLC files charges vs. 6 RCBC execs for ‘money laundering’

Money turned over by casino junket operator Kim Wong to the Anti-Money Laundering Council after the $81-million money laundering scandal at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. erupted. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA — The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has filed criminal charges against the former treasurer of the Yuchenco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and five other officials for alleged money laundering in connection with the entry of money stolen from Bangladesh’s central bank last February. In its 97-page complaint filed before the Department of Justice on Nov. 18, the AMLC supported the filing of criminal cases for money laundering under Section 4(f) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), as amended, against former RCBC retail banking group head Raul Victor B. Tan, as well as Ismael S. Reyes, Brigitte R. Capiña, Nestor O. Pineda, Romualdo S. Agarrado and Angela Ruth S. Torres. Section 4(f) of Republic Act No. 10365 or the amended AMLA provides that money laundering is committed by any person who performs or fails to perform any act as a result of which he facilitates the offense of money laundering. Tan, brother of National Treasurer Roberto B. Tan, resigned from the RCBC last April, at the height of the Senate investigation on the $81-million money laundering scandal that shook the domestic financial system as well as gaming industry. At the time of the money laundering transaction, Reyes was national sales director of RCBC’s retail banking group; Capiña was retail banking group regional sales director; Pineda was district sales director; Read More …

Arrest warrant out for suspects in Sabah kidnapping—PH embassy

 News
Nov 222016
 
Arrest warrant out for suspects in Sabah kidnapping—PH embassy

The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur confirmed that six of the 23 suspects in the kidnappings cases in the waters off Sabah already have arrest warrants. The Filipino suspects are reportedly being pursued in “the hinterlands of Sulu and Basilan provinces.” Earlier this month, President Rodrigo Duterte went to Malaysia to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the two agreed to work together to solve the kidnapping incidents in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas. “Philippine authorities welcomes any information their Malaysian counterparts may have that would lead to the arrest of these wanted individuals,” the Embassy said. The six suspects with arrest warrants are Apo Mike (also known as Majan Sahidjuan), Hatib Hayan (aka Sawadjaan), Alden Bagde (aka Sayning), Muamar Askali (aka Abu Rami), Idang Susukan and Alhabsy Misaya. Philippine forces have been able to arrest and kill other suspects earlier named by Malaysian authorities. One of them is Khadafy, who is now detained in the Zamboanga Del Norte Provincial Jail. The list of 23 kidnapping suspects were from Malaysia’s Eastern Sabah Security Command. There have been several reports in the past of fishermen and foreign tourists abducted by armed men in Sabah waters. KS/RAM RELATED STORIES 3 Malaysian fishermen kidnapped in Sabah waters 2 more Indonesian fishermen abducted off Malaysian state 5 foreigners missing in Tawi-Tawi, Sabah waters TAGS: arrest warrant, Kidnapping, PH Embassy, Sabah, suspects For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.

DA cancels import permits for meat products

 Economy
Nov 222016
 
DA cancels import permits for meat products

The Agriculture department is undertaking a total recall and cancellation of all issued permits following the rampant cases of smuggled agricultural products. Philstar.com, File MANILA, Philippines — Amid the holiday rush and the expected demand surge in food products, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered the cancellation of import permits of all agricultural products, particularly meat, in its bid to address smuggling. In a press briefing Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the department is undertaking a total recall and cancellation of all issued permits following the rampant cases of smuggled agricultural products. “I issued instructions for an immediate cancellation of all import permits of all agricultural products because of persistent reports of recycling and technical smuggling. And this usually happens whenever Christmas season comes because of the great demand for meat and chicken,” he said. “Many unscrupulous individuals are using the same permits all over again and the only way to check this is the total recall of all permits issued and we can only recall this by canceling all permits issued,” Piñol added. All product permits that are under its attached agencies Bureau of Plant Industry and Bureau of Animal Industry will be canceled. Import permits for rice and corn, on the other hand, are not included as these are not under the umbrella of the DA. As of now, all permits that importers have are deemed invalid and would have to undergo an additional process as importers need to personally appear at the DA-Office of the Secretary Read More …

Learn project management skills!

 Economy
Nov 222016
 
Learn project management skills!

Project Managers should learn the core concepts and best practices in project management. MANILA, Philippines – Projects are a constant part of everyone’s life. Whether applied in work, business, or in certain facets of life, we have done projects. There are projects which are simple while others are complex. Some projects are inexpensive while some are costly.  There are projects that can be done alone while most projects are done with team members. Projects can be frustrating and yet fun to implement. How do we manage projects successfully based on requirements of business?  The role of Project Managers are critical in managing projects, and as such, Project Managers should learn the core concepts and best practices in project management. It is essential and imperative for Project Managers to acquire skill sets and to understand the life cycle of project management. This two-day course is designed to drill down participants on the founding principles and practices in project management. The discussions are designed to be simple and straightforward for easy understanding, appreciation and application irrespective of professional orientation and background. Workshops and exercises are infused into the course intended to expose project managers to two of the most powerful and purposeful project management techniques, eg., the Critical Path Method and Earned Value Analysis.  The seminar will require participants to come up with short presentation on sample project brief document. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Key seminar topics 1.    What is a Project – what it is not, and what Read More …

Duterte’s success at APEC not hinged on socials – Palace

 News
Nov 222016
 
Duterte’s success at APEC not hinged on socials – Palace

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left, listens to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) MANILA — The success of President Duterte’s debut at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit was not hinged on his appearance at the gala dinner and photo opportunity with fellow world leaders, Malacañng said on Tuesday. Assistant Communications Secretary Ana Marie Banaag said the palace respected the opinion of former President Fidel V. Ramos, who was disappointed at Mr. Duterte’s absence at the photo call and said it was his duty to be there even if he was not feeling well. “The non-attendance of the President to the gala dinner and picture-taking should not be a barometer to measure whether the participation of the Philippines is successful or not,” Banaag said in a press briefing. Mr. Duterte said he had skipped the gala dinner and picture taking due to jet lag, with the events coinciding with his sleeping hours in the Philippines. Ramos had said this was no excuse and Mr. Duterte should have joined the traditional group photo with world leaders to represent the Philippines. The President sent Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay in his stead.  SFM TAGS: Ana Marie Banaag, APEC Summit in Lima Peru, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Department of Foreign Affairs, Diplomacy, Fidel V. Ramos, Foreign affairs, former presidents, International relations, Lima, Malacañang, Office of the President, Perfecto Yasay, Peru, Philippine president, Read More …

DFA: No reports of Filipinos affected by Japan quake so far

 News
Nov 212016
 
DFA: No reports of Filipinos affected by Japan quake so far

Firefighters and others watch the port to check the water level as a tsunami warning is issued following an earthquake in Soma, Fukushima prefecture, northern Japan, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016. Coastal residents in Japan were ordered to flee to higher ground on Tuesday after a strong earthquake struck off the coast of Fukushima prefecture. AP The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said it had not received reports of any Filipino affected by the strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit northeastern Japan and triggered a 3-foot-high tsunami. In a text message, DFA assistant secretary Charles Jose said the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo continues to monitor the situation of Filipinos in Japan, following the quake that struck off the coast of Fukushima prefecture, site of the crippled Fukushima Daiishi nuclear power plant.READ: 3-foot-high tsunami recorded after strong quake in Japan “So far there are no reports of any Filipino affected by the earthquake in Japan. Our Embassy in Tokyo continues to monitor the situation closely,” Jose told INQUIRER.net In 2011, a massive undersea quake that sent a tsunami killed more than 18,000 people and sent three reactors into meltdown, in what was considered as one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters. Japan’s meteorological agency initially estimated the quake’s magnitude at 7.3. The quake was felt in the capital of Tokyo, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damages. There are about 240,000 registered Filipinos in Japan. CBB TAGS: DFA, Earthquake, Fukushima, Japan, ofws For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.

Obama sees Duterte hitting it off with Trump

 News
Nov 212016
 
Obama sees Duterte hitting it off with Trump

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (left) and US President-elect Donald Trump. AFP PHOTOS LIMA, Peru — President Barack Obama believes a friendlier relationship is in store for his successor-in-waiting Donald Trump and President Rodrigo Duterte due to their similar personalities, according to Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay. The two presidents never got to talk in the concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit here, after a jet-lagged Mr. Duterte skipped the gala dinner and the customary family photo event of world leaders. READ: Duterte ‘falls ill,’ skips Apec gala dinner for world leaders But Yasay, who stood in for Mr. Duterte in both events, said the US president told him during a conversation in one of the side meetings that he was optimistic about the future of the US-Philippines bilateral ties under Trump’s helm. It was Mr. Duterte’s first appearance at the Apec and the last one of Obama, who will relinquish the presidency to Trump in January. “Well, he told me he is expecting a better and stronger relationship between the Philippines and the United States under the new administration of President-elect Trump, as they seem to have the same kind of temperament,” the country’s top diplomat recalled in a DZRH radio interview. READ: Duterte softens stance on US, tells Trump: ‘Mabuhay ka’ Yasay said he only replied: “Well, I hope so.” “I did not mention to him that whatever trouble afflicting us as a result of our existing relationship is more fundamental than the personalities involved,” he said. “We want to Read More …

Pacquiao, next PHL presdient?

 Entertainment
Nov 212016
 

MANILA, Nov 16 (Mabuhay) – Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao said he has no plans yet to run for president but said he is not closing his doors on that possibility. “Wala pa sa isip natin yan, focus tayo sa trabaho natin (I don’t think about if for now, I want to focus on my work),” Pacquiao told reporters on Wednesday when sought for comment on President Rodrigo Duterte’s comment that he could become president. “For President na to ha (This is for President),” Duterte said when he raised the senator’s hand during a courtesy call in Malacañang last Monday night. But Pacquiao said he has not discussed with anyone the possibility of him seeking the highest office in the land. He said the President had just probably made the remark since they have the same advocacy. “Siguro nakita nya na pareho naman kami ng advocacy, pareho kami ng nararamdaman so nasabi nya yun pero sa akin trabaho lang ako (Perhaps he saw that we have the same advocacy, we have the same view so he said that but I want to focus on my work now),” said the senator. Pacquiao said he wants to concentate now on boxing and on his work at the Senate. Asked about the possibility that he would change his mind and consider running for president, the senator said: “Hindi naman natin sinasabing sarado. Ang pagiging Presidente ang Panginoon ang naglalagay dyan… Masyadong mataas yan para pangarapin. Gamapanan natin yung trabaho natin para marami tayong matutulungan Read More …

Sofia explains why she’s using her mother’s last name

 Entertainment
Nov 212016
 
Sofia explains why she’s using her mother’s last name

Sofia Gonzalez (MNS photo) Sofia Gonzalez, the eldest daughter of Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzalez and ex-Mayor Alfred Romualdez started recording her debut album for Viva Records. One of the songs she did is her own composition, “Love Hurts”. How can she write a song about love when she herself admits she has never fallen in love in her entire life? “Love is relatable naman even if you haven’t been in love yet. But actually, I’m in love pala, with food!” she laughs. “I got the inspiration for the song from my friends who fall in love then break up with their boyfriends and come to me to open up about their heartbreaks. I’m their shoulder to cry on and judging from their stories, parang ang daming lalaking manloloko.” How long does it take for her to write a song? “‘Love Hurts’ natapos ko in 5 minutes. It was late at night, I was bored, so I wrote it. I have finished two other songs.” How come she’s using her mom’s family name and not her dad’s? “Romualdez kasi is more identified with politics, while Gonzalez  is better known in showbiz. My mom is known as an actress-singer then. She’s using Gonzalez and also her dad, my lolo, Jose Mari Gonzalez, who’s also an actor-singer.” So will she also be an actress-singer? “No. I don’t know how to act. I tried in Youtube but it’s awful.” Who among today’s young actors  would she like to have as a ka-love team? Read More …

Duterte grants executive clemency to Robin Padilla

 Entertainment
Nov 212016
 
Duterte grants executive clemency to Robin Padilla

Actor Robin Padilla was granted absolute pardon by President Rodrigo Duterte following their meeting at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday.(MNS photo) MANILA, Nov 16 (Mabuhay) — Actor Robin Padilla was granted absolute pardon by President Rodrigo Duterte following their meeting at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday. The pardon restores Padilla’s civil and political rights, which may enable him to get a US visa so he can be with his wife and newborn child. “He has suffered enough, I think. Kung bitawan mo naman iyong tao sa labas, give him the rights –makaboto, maka-travel, whatever,” Duterte told reporters. Padilla, a staunch supporter of Duterte, was convicted of illegal possession of firearms in 1994. He was released after being granted conditional pardon by former President Fidel Ramos three years later. According to Duterte, he did not see any malicious intent in Padilla when he was caught with guns. Television host-actress Mariel Rodriguez, Padilla’s wife, on Monday gave birth to a baby girl in the United States. It is the couple’s first child since getting married back in 2010 in India. Padilla was unable to travel to the U.S. after failing to secure a visa. Rodriguez first confirmed her pregnancy in May, eight months after suffering her second miscarriage. She flew to the US in September to receive extra care during her delicate pregnancy. (MNS)  

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