July exports up by 2.3%

 Economy
Sep 102013
 
July exports up by 2.3%

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s merchandise exports increased by 2.3 percent to $4.836 billion in July 2013, up from the $4.727 billion posted in the same period last year, the National Statistics Office reported on Tuesday. Machinery and transport equipment, woodcrafts and furniture, chemicals, electronic products, and cathodes and sections of cathodes of refine copper supported the country’s exports, which grew by 7.7 percent from the $4.49 billion posted in June 2013. On the other hand, aggregate merchandise exports for the first seven months of the year dropped by 3.4 percent to $30.422 billion from the $31.487 billion posted in the same period last year. Electronic products, the country’s top export, accounted for 39.1 percent of the total export receipts at $1.893 billion, although it dropped by 5.6 percent from the previous month’s $2.006 billion. In terms of groups, manufactured goods made up 79.3 percent of the total export receipts, followed by mineral products (8.2 percent), total agro-based products (7.6 percent), special transactions (2.5 percent) and forest products (0.1 percent). Japan was the country’s top export destination with an 19.8-percent share, followed by China (13.2 percent), United States (12.6 percent), Hong Kong (8.5 percent) and Singapore (6.8 percent). Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

US Embassy: P23.65M aid from US gov't for flood victims

 News
Aug 202013
 
US Embassy: P23.65M aid from US gov't for flood victims

The United States government is extending the equivalent of P23.65 million in aid for victims of the flooding and monsoon rain in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, the United States Embassy said Tuesday. US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. said the disaster is of “sufficient magnitude” to warrant a response from the US government. “USAID/OFDA [The US Agency for International Development-Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance], working with USAID/Philippines, and the US Embassy canvassed relief organizations operating in the area, and determined that the increasing number of displaced families seeking safe refuge from various evacuation centers and vulnerable families needing emergency assistance warranted an offer of assistance from the US government,” Thomas said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who are affected by the floods, those who have lost loved ones, and important possessions. I want Filipinos to know that the United States stands by them in times of need,” he added. A news release from the US Embassy in Manila quoted USAID Philippines Mission Director Gloria Steele as saying the aid will include $50,000 for emergency non-food assistance and $500,000 for warehousing and logistics support (about P23,650,000 in total) from USAID/OFDA. This will be channeled “through a humanitarian agency working in the Philippines to facilitate the immediate delivery of non-food relief items, potentially including jerry cans, household kits, and tarps, to flood-affected communities,” Steele said. Heavy rain from the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storm Maring pummeled several parts of Luzon. Read More …

Talks begin for more U.S. troops in PHL

 Entertainment
Aug 152013
 

MANILA, August 14, 2013 (AFP) – The Philippines and the United States began talks on Wednesday aimed at allowing a bigger U.S. military presence on the soil of its key Asian ally, amid tensions with China. The talks aim to draw up rules for more rotational, or temporary, deployments of US forces and military assets in the Philippines. The […]

Talks on increased US military presence to abide by VFA

 News
Aug 112013
 
Talks on increased US military presence to abide by VFA

Malacañang on Sunday reassured the public the talks between the Philippines and the United States on an agreement that will allow “increased rotational presence” of US military in the country will not violate Philippine laws. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the negotiations, which are reportedly set to start on Monday, will be under the framework of the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement. “My understanding is that everything will be under the framework of the VFA. So ang modalities na lang on how to implement the rotational presence ang kanilang pag-uusapan,” she said on government-run dzRB radio. But she also appealed to the public not to make further speculations, and wait for the proper announcements. “(L)et’s wait for more information as they figure out the modalities on how to implement it,” she said. The talks come amid tension over territorial disputes between the Philippines and China over parts of the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). An earlier report said the Departments of National Defense and Foreign Affairs sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives to inform them of the upcoming negotiations on the terms of the increased US military presence. In their letter, they said the Philippines “will shortly enter into consultations and negotiations with the United States on a possible framework agreement that would implement our agreed policy of increased rotational presence.” They also said that “(i)n both diplomacy and national defense, our strategic relationship with the United States remains crucial.” — Read More …

Is the US immigration reform bill dead?

 News
Aug 102013
 
Is the US immigration reform bill dead?

IMFO By Lourdes Santos TancincoPhilippine Daily Inquirer 11:45 pm | Saturday, August 10th, 2013 It is hard to say exactly how many of the estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the United States are Filipinos.  Perhaps we will never know— not until a legalization law is enacted. There are many factors that justify the passage of an immigration reform. A recent poll shows that 74 percent of registered voters favor legalization and eventual US citizenship for undocumented migrants. The Congressional Budget Office said immigration reform, as designed in Senate Bill No. 744, will grow the United States economy, and reduce the federal deficit by $158 billion over the next 10 years and $685 billion more over the following decade. The members of the US House of Representatives will go on  summer recess this month of August. While the Senate passed their version of the comprehensive immigration reform bill last June, many wonder whether the bill was dead on arrival at the House of Representatives. A companion bill to SB 744 has yet to be introduced.   Immigrants in limbo “Lucia” is one of the undocumented Filipinos who, most probably, will benefit from a legalization program. She arrived in the United States when she was 8 years old and was educated in US schools. Lucia now works as a special education teacher at her local district school. She has been teaching children with disabilities. Lucia has no legal documents. After several years working without proper legal documents, Lucia applied for an Read More …

Fil-Am artists set lumpia and martini fundraiser in San Francisco

 News
Aug 062013
 
Fil-Am artists set lumpia and martini fundraiser in San Francisco

INQUIRER.net US Bureau 3:32 pm | Tuesday, August 6th, 2013 SAN FRANCISCO–Local Filipino artists will hold their second annual Lumpia and Martinis gathering on Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Philippine Center Gallery, 447 Sutter Street, fifth floor. The Jay Loyola Dance Project, Filipino American Arts Exposition and various local artists created the annual cocktails and arts event, to celebrate the art scene and the successes of Filipino artists in the Bay Area and all over the United States. Lumpia represents the well-known Filipino appetizer also known as “pulutan” and martini represents the years of hard work of Filipino artists in America in showcasing their ethnic and/or tribal talent in different media. Guest Artists include: Christian Cabuay Ron Quesada “Kulintronica” Parangal Dance Company Pamela Ybanez Marconi Calindas Paolo Salazar La Bamboo Vixen Juven Ayudtud Melanie Sangalang Lenny San Jose “Ukelenny” Coco Chanel Cory “CryWolffs” Calendar Listing: WHO: Jay Loyola Dance Project, Filipino American Arts Exposition, San Francisco Bay Area Local Artists WHAT: Second Annual Lumpia and Martinis 2013 WHEN: August 10, 2013, 6:00pm WHERE: Philippine Center Gallery, 447 Sutter Street, San Francisco, Califronia WHY: Organized to support SF Bay Area Local Artists Tickets: Regular Admission: $25.00 Contact: Lydia D. Neff Phone: (415) 999-8365 Email: lydia@pixelfrontstudios.com Website: www.lumpiaandmartinis.eventbrite.com 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 Read More …

Aquino: New Navy ship boosts PH defense in sea row

 News
Aug 062013
 
Aquino: New Navy ship boosts PH defense in sea row

By Frances Mangosing, Kristine Angeli SabilloINQUIRER.net 2:57 pm | Tuesday, August 6th, 2013 The BRP Ramon Alcaraz is the second Hamilton-class cutter that was acquired by the Philippine Navy under the Foreign Military Sales Program of the United States. US EMBASSY PHOTO RELEASE SUBIC BAY, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said the acquisition of a second warship by the Philippines will boost the Navy’s ability to patrol and defend the country’s waters. Aquino expressed confidence that the BRP Alcaraz, the “newest and modern ship” the country has acquired, will fulfill the government’s aim to have an Armed Forces capable of defending the country and the Filipino people. “Now that the BRP Alcaraz is here, it will definitely boost our patrols around the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone and our ability to quell threats and dangerous elements, respond to search and rescue operations, and needs of our marine resources,” Aquino said in Filipino as he welcomed the arrival of the 45-year-old former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter at the Alava Wharf here. Aquino recounted the ship’s “historic and symbolic” journey from the United States, passing through Pearl Harbor and Guam, and the heroes behind this journey. It is in this light that the President challenged the troops of the Philippine Navy to live up to the courage exemplified by those who lived before them. “So this is my challenge to the Philippine Navy and to the troops that will be on this ship: Live up to the courage and Read More …

BRP Ramon Alcaraz enters PH – Navy

 News
Aug 012013
 
BRP Ramon Alcaraz enters PH – Navy

By Frances MangosingINQUIRER.net 2:32 pm | Thursday, August 1st, 2013 The BRP Ramon Alcaraz is the second Hamilton-class cutter that was acquired by the Philippine Navy under the Foreign Military Sales Program of the United States. The ship was named after Philippine Navy Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a World War II hero who commanded the Philippine Offshore Patrol’s Q-Boat Q-112 Abra which shot down three Japanese aircraft. US EMBASSY PHOTO RELEASE MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ second warship, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, arrived early Thursday from an almost-two month voyage from the United States. The warship, with 88 Navy personnel on board led by Captain Ernesto Baldovino, entered the Philippine area of responsibility past 1 a.m., Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic  told INQUIRER.net. “It is expected to be in Casiguran, Aurora by Friday morning,” Fabic said, but declined to provide the current location of the ship for operational security purposes. In Casiguran, BRP Ramon Alcaraz will be welcomed by local fishing vessels. The next day (August 3), BRP Gregorio del Pilar will welcome BRP Ramon Alcaraz on Bolinao waters. The ship is expected to anchor in Subic Bay on Sunday (August 4). A formal welcome ceremony  will be held at Alava Wharf at Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales on Tuesday (August 6). The decommissioned US Coast Guard ship, left Charleston in South Carolina in USA last June 10. It made port stops in Mayport in Florida; San Diego in California; Hawaii and Guam. Related story: Country’s 2nd warship starts Read More …

BI denies illegally holding American in overstaying case

 News
Jul 152013
 
BI denies illegally holding American in overstaying case

By Jocelyn R. UyPhilippine Daily Inquirer 5:18 am | Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr.: Allegation baseless MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday denied arbitrarily detaining an American it had arrested three years ago for overstaying his visa. In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. belied the claim of Walter Francis Groves that the bureau had been violating his rights since his arrest on March 23, 2010. David said the BI could not allow Groves’ deportation pending the final resolution of his estafa case in the Makati City regional trial court. While Grove’s case had been “provisionally dismissed,” David said it could still be revived should the parties to the case fail to comply with the compromise agreement reached at the proceedings. David also cited the contention of prosecutor Roberto Lao—who was assigned to the BI by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima—that under the rules the bureau had to wait two years from the date of the provisional dismissal of the case before Groves could be deported to the United States. “But if the court would issue a clearance that there was no more pending case against him, we would waste no time and deport him immediately aboard the first available flight to the US,” David said. He also said he could not approve a bail petition filed by Grove because the deportation order against him was final. Earlier, Grove filed a complaint against David in the Office of the President, charging that he Read More …

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