Apr 122014
 
Reid picks Pacquiao over Bradley

By Bert EljeraINQUIRER.net US Bureau 6:21 am | Sunday, April 13th, 2014 Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada with Saranggani Congressman Manny Pacquiao in Reid’s Washington, D.C. office two years ago. FILE PHOTO provided by Sen. Reid’s office LAS VEGAS  – U.S. Senator and Majority Leader Harry Reid picked Manny Pacquiao over American Timothy Bradley in their 12-round title bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Sat., April 12. The Nevada Democrat said Pacquiao, himself a member of the Philippine Congress, is too skilled and experienced for Bradley, who holds the WBO welterweight title he wrested from the Filipino champion two years ago. “I believe — as many people do — that he won their last fight,” Reid said. “Now, I think, it will be more decisive.” In the wake of that Bradley split decision victory, Reid had called for a review of the decision and threatened to introduce legislation creating a federal boxing commission to regulate all boxing matches in the United States. Nothing came out of the threat, but the noise following Bradley’s controversial win forced the WBO to review the fight. A panel of experienced judges found that Pacquiao, who landed more power punches, had won the fight. Reid was paying back what he acknowledged as Paquiao’s help in harnessing Filipino-American vote in his bruising bout with Republican and Tea Party favorite Sharron Angle for Nevada’s U.S. Senate seat. Pacquiao appeared at a Las Vegas campaign rally for Reid weeks before the midterm elections. Reid, one of the Read More …

Apr 122014
 
Basilan deaths rise to 12

Philippine Daily Inquirer 3:37 am | Sunday, April 13th, 2014 ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—The death toll in the fighting between Muslim rebels and soldiers in the southern Philippines has risen to 12, officials in the area said Saturday. Over 28 soldiers were also reported wounded in running gunbattles that began on Friday in the towns of Ungkaya Pukan and Tipotipo in Basilan province between government forces and suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists. The latest report from the Western Mindanao Command said the casualties included five suspected Abu Sayyaf members and two government soldiers, correcting earlier reports that listed only three casualties on the side of the Islamist fighters after the military attacked their bases in Ungkaya Pukan and Tipotipo on Friday. Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, a Philippine Army spokesperson, was quoted by Agence France-Presse as saying that seven Abu Sayyaf members had been killed, “with authorities now searching for their burial sites.” Mamauag also said three members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), another Muslim guerrilla force with whom the government has just signed a peace agreement, were also killed Friday, but “their bodies were as yet unrecovered.” According to Alton Angeles, municipal planning officer of the town where most of the fighting occurred, MILF guerrillas were fighting alongside the government troops. However, MILF vice chair Ghazali Jaafar told AFP the rebel leadership had yet to receive a report of MILF casualties. “It’s possible people got killed because there was a firefight,” Jaafar told AFP by telephone. Julie Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao; AFP, Read More …

Apr 082014
 
China wants PH to drop arbitration case to heal diplomatic wounds

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 3:56 pm | Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 A China Coast Guard vessel attempts to block a Philippine government vessel as the latter tries to enter the China Second Thomas Disputed Shoals, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, to orate Philippine troops and resupply provisions Saturday, March 29, 2014. AP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – The new Chinese Ambassador to the Manila urged the Philippines to set aside its United Nations (UN) arbitration case over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute in order to bring back the good relations of both countries. “The current difficulties in the bilateral relations, caused by some problems including the arbitration case on the South China Sea issue, are not what the Chinese side wishes to see, and are not in the common interests of both China and the Philippines,” Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said in a statement after he presented his credentials to President Benigno Aquino III Tuesday. “It is China’s hope that the Philippine side could, in the spirit of seeking common grounds while shelving differences, work with the Chinese side to properly handle relevant disputes, and to overcome obstacles and bring the bilateral ties back to the normal track of development,” he said. The Philippines on March 30 submitted its memorial to the UN arbitration court seeking to invalidate China’s nine-dash line claim that covers nearly the entire South China Sea including portions of the Philippine 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. China has expelled Filipino fishermen from Bajo de Read More …

Apr 082014
 
US Embassy closed April 9 for Araw ng Kagitingan

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 2:31 pm | Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 US Embassy in Manila, Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – The United States (US) Embassy in the Philippines will be closed on Wednesday in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor). “The US Embassy in Manila and its affiliated offices will be closed to the public on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan, or Day of Valor, a Philippine holiday,” the Embassy said in a statement Tuesday. “The US joins the Philippines in honoring the sacrifices and heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who fought in World War II, particularly those who fought in Bataan, in defense of freedom and democracy,” it said. The Embassy and its affiliated offices will resume services on Thursday, April 10. RELATED STORIES: Free MRT, LRT rides for veterans this week US Embassy closed January 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Follow Us Other Stories: Law expert: China’s actions may spur US-PH defense treaty Filipinos, other Asians top success index in US PH gov’t has other options to address sea dispute with China—Palace Obama, Aquino to tackle defense, China during state visit Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines. Tags: Araw ng Kagitingan , Day of Valor , United States , US Read More …

Apr 032014
 
SF Bay Area lawmaker’s request for hearing on Medicare fraud by hospital chain granted

INQUIRER.net US Bureau 4:26 am | Friday, April 4th, 2014 • Republican chair of oversight agrees to hearing request by Democratic colleague • Florida-based hospital chain under fire for alleged fraud • $600 million taxpayers’ money allegedly stolen in scheme Rep. Jackie Speier. FEMINIST.ORG PHOTO WASHINGTON, DC — The Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Darrell Issa agreed to hold a hearing into alleged Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE fraud by a for-profit hospital chain. Congresswomen Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo/Redwood City) requested the hearing after claims emerged of potential Medicare and Medicaid fraud conducted by Health Management Associates (HMA), a for-profit hospital chain based in Naples, Florida, that is being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice. “I appreciate Chairman Issa agreeing to hold a hearing on this important bipartisan issue,” Speier stated in a letter to Issa. “These federal programs are obviously vulnerable to fraud, which puts the health care needs of our seniors, our poor, our service members, and our veterans at risk.” Speier added that “taxpayers have allegedly been ripped off by $600 million in this scheme and a full investigation by the Oversight committee should go toward protecting these valuable programs and the millions of Americans they serve.” Since 2009, the DOJ has recovered more than $19 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $13.4 billion recovered from cases involving federal health care programs. RELATED STORIES Speier and USCIS Reach Out to Citizenship Applicants US solon vows help for RP over Read More …

Mar 312014
 
What’s inside BRP Sierra Madre?

By Frances MangosingINQUIRER.net 6:59 pm | Monday, March 31st, 2014 Decay and rust lives inside the belly of the BRP Sierra Madre. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE MANILA, Philippines—The BRP Sierra Madre, a rusty ship aground in one of the possible flash points in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), stands alone but without fear in the high seas to maintain Filipino presence. The ship was previously used by the United States during the World War II in the waters of Vietnam. The US handed it over to Vietnam in 1970 and after a few years it was passed on to the Philippines. In 1999, it was purposely run aground in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) to keep its Filipino presence there. Ayungin is located 105 nautical miles off Rizal, Palawan. Though it is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, the resource-rich area is also claimed by the Chinese. The Philippines’ claims are based on the United Nations on the Convention of the Law of the Sea, while China’s claims are based on their old maps made several decades ago. China claims most of the West Philippine Sea as its own. Troops in the ship go on rotation for several months. On March 9, China blocked the Philippines’ attempt to reprovision and rotate its soldiers. Because it was unsuccessful, they made an airdrop instead. Last Saturday, the next attempt after the March 9 incident, the Philippines was able to evade the Chinese blockade. Marines who were Read More …

Mar 252014
 
Malaysian PM to attend signing of Bangsamoro pact

By Nestor CorralesINQUIRER.net 2:44 pm | Tuesday, March 25th, 2014 Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak AP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak will attend the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Malacañang on this Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday. DFA spokesperson in a text message confirmed to INQUIRER.net the Prime Minister’s attendance to the historic signing this March 27. “As of now, the Malaysian Prime Minister is coming here for the agreement,” Jose said. RELATED STORIES All set for peace deal signing Hundreds invited to signing of Bangsamoro accord Follow Us Other Stories: Tawi-Tawi fishers now banned in Tanjung Labian by Malaysia Filipino-manned ship first in search area Hundreds invited to signing of Bangsamoro accord Ship manned by Filipinos responds to sighting of possible airline debris Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines. Tags: Bangsamoro law , Bangsamoro signing , Charles Jose , Malaysia , MILF , Najib Razak Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Inquirer’s Reader’s Advocate. Or write The Readers’ Advocate: c/o Philippine Daily Inquirer Chino Roces Avenue corner Yague and Mascardo Streets, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines Or Read More …

Mar 182014
 
Raps filed in Taiwan fisher’s death

By Christine O. AvendañoPhilippine Daily Inquirer 9:23 am | Wednesday, March 19th, 2014 Taiwanese investigators look at a portion of a ship involved in the shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman as they ride a rubber boat with the Philippine Coast Guard while they continue their probe in Manila, Philippines on Tuesday May 28, 2013. AP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—Eight officers and personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be charged with homicide for the May 2013 fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman in the Balintang Channel, an incident that strained ties between Manila and Taipei. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday said a panel of Department of Justice prosecutors had found probable cause to charge the eight PCG in the death of Taiwanese fisherman Hong Shi Cheng. To be charged are PCG commanding officer Arnold Enriquez de la Cruz; Seamen 1st Class Edrando Quiapo Aguila, Mhelvin Aguilar Bendo II, Andy Gibb Ronario Golfo, Sunny Galanf Masangcay and Henry Baco Solomon; Seaman 2nd Class Nicky Renold Aurelio and Petty Officer 2 Richard Fernandez Corpuz. De la Cruz and Bendo will also be charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly falsifying the monthly gunner report dated May 11, 2013. The DOJ panel dismissed the other charge of obstruction of justice against De la Cruz, Lt. Junior Grade Martin Bernabe, Ramirez and Bendo this time for the deletion of video clips from the SD cards and compact discs submitted to the NBI as this was accidentally done. The homicide charges will Read More …

Mar 112014
 
DFA issues protest on China’s expulsion of PH ships

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 5:01 pm | Tuesday, March 11th, 2014 INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – The expulsion by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) of two Filipino civilian vessels in Ayungin Shoal constitutes a “clear and urgent threat to the rights and interests of the Philippines,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday. The two Philippines ships were civilian contractors of the Philippine Navy and were only conducting resupply and troop rotation operations at the BRP Sierra Madre outpost on Ayungin shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, where marines are defending the shoal. This was the first time in 15 years that China has interfered with the Navy’s operation on the shoal, DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez told reporters in a press conference. The DFA has submitted a protest to the Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy Tuesday but the protest was immediately rejected, Hernandez said. Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines. Tags: Ayungin Shoal , China , Features , Global Nation Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Inquirer’s Reader’s Advocate. Or write The Readers’ Advocate: c/o Philippine Daily Inquirer Chino Roces Avenue corner Yague and Mascardo Streets, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines Or fax nos. +63 2 8974793 to Read More …

Mar 032014
 
Chinese caught with shabu-making instruments charged in court

By Julie M. AurelioPhilippine Daily Inquirer 8:49 pm | Monday, March 3rd, 2014 MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese national arrested over the weekend has been charged before the Quezon City courts for allegedly smuggling instruments used in manufacturing illegal drugs. A case of possessing equipment, apparatus and other paraphernalia has been filed against Zhang Youhou, 46 of Jianxi, China, after he was caught with boxes of glassware with illegal drug residue. Chief Superintendent Richard Albano, the Quezon City Police District director, said they have been checking with the Chinese Embassy and the Bureau of Immigration the suspect’s real name, his background, immigration status, and his criminal record. Zhang was arrested at 3 p.m. Friday after a security guard at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal inspected his packages, which yielded the glass equipment. Senior Inspector Roberto Razon, head of the District Anti-Illegal Drugs-Special Operations Task Group, said the foreigner was subjected to inquest proceedings for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Inquest prosecutor Rogelio Antero recommended a P40,000 bail for the suspect. Razon said two 25-ml volumetric pipettes were found to have traces of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. Zhang’s contraband included beakers, petri dish, glass flasks, test tubes, exhaust fan, and electric stove stashed inside a styrofoam box initially declared to be mining equipment. The Chinese national was supposed to board a bus bound for Masbate when security guard Alxander Bayle accosted him for the equipment. Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Read More …