UST law dean calls charges over Atio Castillo hazing death ‘baseless’

 Entertainment
Oct 212017
 

MANILA, Oct 10 (Mabuhay) — University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law dean Nilo Divina on Tuesday shrugged off his inclusion in the criminal complaint pending before the Department of Justice in connection with the hazing death of Horacio Castillo III. “I am sure it is baseless since I have not breached any law and have always discharged my functions as Dean with utmost diligence,” Divina said. Divina however declined to comment in detail, saying he has yet to read the supplemental complaint filed by Castillo’s parents, Horacio II and Carminia, on Monday. The UST law dean is facing charges for murder, perjury, violation of the Anti-Hazing Law (Republic Act 8049) and obstruction of justice. In their supplemental complaint, the Castillos said Divina admitted during the Senate inquiry on September 25 that he was aware about Castillo’s hazing and injuries in the hands of members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity even before the freshman law student’s parents were informed. The dean also allegedly did not act on the information as regards the hazing and Castillo’s fatal injuries. “It is also worth noting that respondent school administrators [Divina and UST Faculty of Civil Law secretary Arthur Capili] are complicit in the cover-up of the hazing and murder of our son,” the complaint stated. “Respondent Capili categorically stated [during the Senate hearing] that he already knew that a UST student died on Sunday, September 17, 2017, due to hazing. The same statement was made by respondent Divina. However, it should be Read More …

Strike won’t stop jeepney modernization plan: Malacañang

 Entertainment
Oct 212017
 
Strike won’t stop jeepney modernization plan: Malacañang

Activists stage a transport strike against the government’s public vehicle modernization program in Quezon City on Monday. The government’s modernization program aims to replace vehicles aged 15 years and above for newer and eco-friendly models.(MNS photo) MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) – Despite the nationwide transport strike, Malacañang on Monday said it was committed to pursuing the jeepney modernization program. “The Administration remains committed to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which is long overdue,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement. Abella said “there were several attempts in the past to modernize the public transport system but these have been thwarted due to similar transport strikes, which unfortunately resulted in an outdated public transport system.” The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper and Opereytor Nationwide or Piston on Monday launched a two-day transport strike nationwide to protest the government’s program phasing out jeepneys at least 15 years old. Piston is protesting the PUV modernization program aimed at phasing out old PUVs, while the government plans to replace the jeepneys with “eco-friendly” PUVs. The strike prompted Malacañang to suspend classes and government work nationwide on Monday. “Government is ready and prepared as it laid out contingency measures to assist commuters hit by the nationwide transport strike,” Abella said. Quoting the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Abella said they have deployed 35 city buses to ferry passergers in Metro Manila. “This is in addition to the 4 military trucks, 4 buses, 4 vans and 4 service vehicles provided by the Read More …

Troops rescue 20 more hostages in Marawi

 Entertainment
Oct 212017
 

MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) — Government forces rescued at least 20 more hostages of the Maute group in Marawi City. Colonel Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Marawi deputy commander, said the hostages were rescued by troops during operations since Saturday. The military earlier said the Maute group still has at least 40 civilian hostages. Government troops failed to meet the October 15 deadline to end the Marawi crisis. Brawner said the remaining Maute group members, which just around 40, are still using their hostages as human shields against the advancing troops. The crisis started with the Maute group’s attack in the city on May 23. The military said more than 800 militants and 162 soldiers and policemen have been killed. The civilian death toll, meanwhile, was still at 47. (MNS)

Gov’t expects massive surrender after deaths of Hapilon, Omar – Adiong

 Entertainment
Oct 212017
 

MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) – The government can expect more Maute-ISIS fighters to surrender to security forces in Marawi City following the deaths of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute group leader Omar Maute early Monday. “Kung totoo talaga yung information, we are expecting (surrenderers) from their ranks. Expect na natin ‘yun at talagang mag-weaken ang positions nila sa main battle area,” Marawi Crisis Management Committee head Zia Alonto Adiong said. Adiong, during the interview, said he has yet to receive confirmation from the military on the killings of Hapilon and Maute. Later in the day, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed the deaths of Hapilon and Omar Maute. He said the bodies will be subjected to a DNA test. Adiong welcomed the development saying the end of the conflict in Marawi City is in sight since the two terrorist leaders served as the brains and morale boosters of the ISIS-inspired fighters. “Ito po ay nagsisimbulo na patapos na po ang bakbakan dito,” he said. “Hudyat po ito na talagang patapos na po dahil itong dalawang leaders ang kumbaga center of gravity.” “(Sila) po yung nagmu-move, nagpa-plan, and at the same time nagbibigay ng morale sa kanilang fighters. Kung mawala ho talaga sila ay talagang mag-weaken exponentially, substantially ang kanilang strength at pati na rin ang kanilang ipinaglalaban,” Adiong added. Adiong also said the end of the conflict would help affected residents start their recovery. “Imagine for more than four months our evacuees have been living sa mga evacuation centers. Read More …

Palace confirms deaths of Omar Maute, Isnilon Hapilon

 Entertainment
Oct 212017
 

MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Monday confirmed the death of pro-ISIS Maute group leader Omar Maute and Abu Sayyaf subleader and supposed ISIS emir in Southeast Asia Isnilon Hapilon. “We confirm that government forces killed Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon early morning today, Monday, the 16th of October in Marawi City,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement, which echoed the earlier announcement of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. He said that an initial report from Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ground commanders in Marawi mentioned that both Maute and Hapilon were neutralized while government troops were conducting an operation to retake the remaining stronghold of the terrorists in the city. “Our operating units have already recovered their bodies… Mopping up operations are now underway. Details of the operation will be released by the AFP as soon as permissible,” Abella said. He added that the termination of hostilities would be announced once government troops neutralize or capture the remaining terrorists holed up in Marawi and once they clear all structures of improvised explosive devices and other traps. “Once the fighting stops and the clearing operations end, we will put our efforts and energies on the challenging task of rebuilding and rehabilitating Marawi,” Abella said. (MNS)

Ely Buendia’s new collaboration with Itchyworms is a wonder

 Entertainment
Oct 212017
 
Ely Buendia’s new collaboration with Itchyworms is a wonder

Ely Buendia (MNS photo) The new single from Ely Buendia and the Itchyworms, “Lutang” and “Pariwara,” is a must-have not only for fans of the respective artists but also for fans of good music. Both Buendia and Itchyworms have had a knack for melody to go with clever lines, insightful and personal lyrics that stick to one’s heart and mind. When Buendia collaborated with the late Francis Magalona on “In Love and War,” the result was magic. Just like when Magalona infused a rock edge to his rap when he involved his band, Hardware Syndrome. Now, the Itchyworms have been one of the most tuneful bands with a dash of Weezer to come out this new millennium. It was obvious when Itchyworms first came out, Buendia’s old outfit, the Eraserheads – and the Beatles—were a major influence. So when the stars align – like Pearl Jam and Neil Young’s “Mirror Ball” or David Bowie and Queen on “Under Pressure” to name a few of a good many—great stuff happens. “Pariwara” was released in 2016 and I love the song with its Asin-like intro after which its infectious beat with its skiffle-like style that harks back to ‘60s music and harmony. And as simple as its chorus of “ngunit hindi tayo ‘di tayo titiklop” is, it’s beautiful and it’s going to be a classic as a mantra or anthem. And who would have thought that lightning would strike twice with both collaborating once more on “Lutang” despite the more somber mood? Read More …

European Companies Geared to invest in PH Renewable Sector

 News
Oct 192017
 

An official of the European Union (EU) Delegation to the Philippines confirmed that around 40 European companies will be visiting the country this month alone, to explore possibilities in the local renewable sector: particularly in the subsectors of hydropower, solar generation and wind power. The 40 companies hailing from 13 European countries will be flying in for the 4th Energy Smart Philippines happening this October 26.  They are on the lookout for business opportunities, partnerships and are also considering investing in electric vehicles. “The idea is to try to assist and even increase the number of electric vehicles, especially for Manila and in the Philippines in general,” said Enrico Strampelli who is the head of cooperation of the EU Delegation to the country. While we still have to wait for the results of the business opportunities and the prospect of investing in electric vehicles, Rappler reported that 4 contracts with a total value of 11 million euros are pushing through, and are about to be signed.  All contracts are about the utilization of renewable energy in the far-flung areas of the Philippines. “We have full pledges.  We have three in Mindanao, for access to electricity. The focus is in Mindanao,” according to Strampelli. This supports the statement of Guenter Taus, the president of the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP). “The EU has been actively supporting the Philippines in engaging stakeholders towards creating and implementing policies and programs that provide increased efficiency in energy use and renewable energy development,” he Read More …

Pet Identification Made Easy with iChips Now Available for Free in Makati City

 News
Oct 192017
 

Identification of lost pets is now made easy with the city-wide micro-chipping program project of Makati City, the first local government in the country to use the technology in a large-scale setting. The “PET iChips” are implanted on the shoulders of dogs and cats so owners can track the lost pets through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Once implanted, they are activated for life unless the chip is surgically removed. The PET iCHIP will serve as a permanent pet ID and is read by passing a microchip scanner over the dog’s shoulder blades. The PET iChips are the passive-type microchips which work without batteries. The bio-thermal microchips, no larger than a grain of rice, will contain information about the dog and its owner as well as data on when the dog was vaccinated against rabies. These details will be uploaded to Makati City’s database which will allow the Makati City Veterinary Services Office (VSO) to closely monitor and check the number of dogs which have been given anti-rabies shots. The PET iChips are given for free to Makati residents, and implanted on pets by licensed veterinarians from the VSO. The PET iCHIPs can be implanted on both mature dogs and puppies. The microchips are especially useful to pet owners who travel abroad with their dogs since the chips to be used comply with international standards and the 15-digit numeric code can be scanned anywhere. “Through the microchipping program, we are protecting both pet dogs and their owners. The technology will enable Read More …

7 How To Get Rich Tips from Successful People

 News
Oct 182017
 
7 How To Get Rich Tips from Successful People

Armando Bartolome Everyone wants to have a comfortable life and financial independence. The question is: how do you make that happen? Avoiding debt by spending within your means is a start. But there is more to it than merely holding on to your money. How did successful people do it? Here are 7 simple tips. Keep learning. Learning does not stop after you step out of college. It is a continuous process of growing as a person. Joining training workshops allows you to explore new things, which can help you on the road to success. Choose a job that matches your skills. My advice to parents is to talk to their children about choosing a career that will truly fit their skills and complement whatever they learn in school. Become the best person that you can be. Great people always find time to improve themselves. This will assure you of having a better standing in your company. Diversify your income. Getting rich is difficult if you tie yourself to a single income. Consider engaging even in just small businesses like food carts or online selling. The nice thing about these businesses is they don’t require you to shell out a huge sum of money as capital. Invest. Putting money in the stock market may not be that common among average-income families. However, there are other forms of investments which they can take part in. Some of these are: Savings and checking accounts College Investment Fund Retirement Fund Insurance Real Estate Read More …

Gina Lopez bags Int’l prize for championing islands ecosystems

 News
Oct 182017
 

Regina Paz (Gina) Lopez has been honored with the 2017 Seacology Prize in Berkeley, California – the first Filipino to have won the trophy in the award’s 27-year-history of recognizing world champions of islands ecosystems. Gina Lopez was cited by Seacology as a prominent Filipino environmental activist who continues to fight for the welfare of island communities in the Philippines despite powerful opposition from political and business interests. “In recognition of her untiring environmental advocacy in the face of powerful opposition, Regina Paz (Gina) Lopez of the Philippines has been awarded the 2017 Seacology Prize” went the citation in ceremonies held early October. Receiving her award, Lopez remarked, “The Philippines is a country of 7,000 islands, and I hope this award will affect the entire country. And because the Philippines has so many diverse ecosystems, and so many animals and plants that occur nowhere else, saving our islands has direct global impact as well.” Lopez has been an environmental advocate for 15 years and had a brief stint as the head of the highest environmental body in the country, the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR), until her banning of open-pit mining got her into trouble with the Philippine legislature and eventually got her voted out of the national agency. Before her appointment as DENR secretary, Lopez was leader of the Save Palawan Island movement which lobbied against the environmental impact of mining on communities and drew attention to the plight of villagers who suffer from the resulting toxins Read More …

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