Pilipina Ako

The chief justice on trial

2012-01-16T02:29:00.000-08:00

Allies of President Benigno Aquino III had cited eight grounds to impeach Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona. Among of them are Representatives Niel Tupas, Joseph Emilio Abaya, Lorenzo Tañada, and Arlene Bag-Ao.

They said 'Corona’s “ethical blindness, introduction of political partisanship at the expense of due process, and intrigue into the Court at the expense of the reputation of his fellow justices, his undermining basic, and cherished principles of intellectual, financial and ethical honesty by using his powers not to arrive at the truth, or hold the court to the highest standards, but instead, to cover up and excuse shortcomings of the court, has betrayed public trust by eroding public confidence in the administration of justice.”

Betrayal of public trust due to subservience to Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during her presidency, from the time of his appointment as Supreme Court justice to his midnight appointment as Chief Justice

Corona was alleged to have betrayed public trust. Since it was former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who appointed him two days after the 2010 presidential elections, he had been shunning cases and orders against her.

Born October 15, 1948, Corona succeeded Reynato Puno as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He had served as chief of staff (2000), and spokesperson (2001) of the current Pampanga representative before being appointed an associate justice (2002).

He became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines on May 12, 2010 since he had been engaged in the practice of law for more or less 15 years.’ He also had been ‘a person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence.’ His appointment, though, was questioned since it was done ‘during the last hours of the term of office of the person in whom the right of making such appointment is vested.’

Culpable violation of the Constitution for non-disclosure of the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth

Corona violated the Constitution when he did not declare in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) that he owns 19 properties amounting to about P200 million, the government prosecutors said.

The properties include condominium units in Makati, Taguig, Marikina and Quezon City registered under the name of Corona, his wife Cristina, their daughters Charina and Carla, and the latter’s husband Constantino Castillo.

The late president Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 379 (later amended as Presidential Decree No. 417) to compel anyone with gross assets of P50,000 or more, regardless of the net worth, to comply with the Republic Act 3019.

Undue closeness to Macapagal-Arroyo as shown by the appointment of the Chief Justice’s wife to a seat in the Bases Conversion and Development Authority

Proof to this was his wife’s appointment to the Board of the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) ‘over the objections of JHMC board members, management and rank-and-file employees who accused her of acts of misconduct and negligence and opposed her election as director and president.’

JHMC incurred a debt of P2.6 billion in 2008 from leasing 247 hectares of the John Hay Special Economic Zone in Baguio City. But instead of investigating why, the former president just ‘instructed all members of the JHMC to tender their courtesy resignations immediately.’ She also supported Mrs. Corona to become the OIC Chairman of the JHMC Board.

Betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution when he issued a status quo order ante that had suspended the hearings of the House justice committee on the impeachment case against previous Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez

Corona issued a status quo order ante suspending the hearings the House justice committee would have done even though several lawmakers had found enough evidence to try former ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

The status quo ante order found the impeachment complaints filed by former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel and militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan sufficient in form and substance. Corona, along with Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Mariano del Castillo, Jose Perez, Roberto Abad, Lucas Bersamin, Martin Villarama, and Diosdado Peralta, had, in a way, prevented further investigation on the NBN-ZTE scam, fertilizer fund scandal, "Euro generals" scandal, Mega-Pacific deal, and the Philip Pestaño case.

Voting on the cityhood cases and the creation of the province of Dinagat

Dinagat is a part of Surigao del Norte until Republic Act No. 9355 stated it a province in October 2, 2006.

Creation of the ethics committee to look into the plagiarism case against SC Justice Mariano del Castillo, which resulted in clearing Del Castillo of any liability

If not for the ethics committee Corona created to look into the plagiarism case against SC Justice Mariano del Castillo, the latter would have been liable.

Portions of the Breaking the Silence on Rape as an International Crime written by Mark Ellis, executive director of the International Bar Association, were quoted without attribution in the ruling on the case of Isabelita Vinuya of Malaya Lolas Organization vs. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo. Justice Del Castillo misused it to ‘justify why victims of war crimes should not be given legal remedy.’

The ethics committee was chaired by Corona, Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro (vice chair), and Associate Justices Roberto Abad, Jose Mendoza and Jose Perez.

Temporary restraining order on the travel ban on Mrs. Arroyo

Corona had issued a temporary restraining order allowing former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to travel abroad.

The palace appealed but was denied to.

The SC even held De Lima in contempt for the latter’s refusal to obey the temporary restraining order.

It maintained that the travel ban is unconstitutional since GMA and her husband had not yet been charged with any crime.

Refusal to account for judicial development funds, special allowances and other court collections

Corona also refused to account for judicial development funds, special allowances and other court collections. It is his right, anyway, to ‘administer and allocate the Fund’ as well as to ‘approve the authorize disbursements and expenditures’ set by the Presidential Decree No. 1949.

The Supreme Court is the highest tribunal in the Philippines. It consists of the Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices, appointed by the following are the qualifications to become a member of the Supreme Court: Natural-born citizen of the Philippines; at least 40 years of age; a judge in a court of record for at least 15 years or engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines for the same period; and a person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence. They hold office during good behavior until they reach the age of 70 years or become incapacitated to discharge the duties of their office. They can be removed only by impeachment. Grounds for impeachment include conviction of culpable violation of the Philippine Constitution, treason, bribery, other high crimes, or graft and corruption.

References

Fun in the Philippines

2012-01-10T03:27:00.000-08:00

In its latest campaign, the Department of Tourism said, “Whenever you go in the Philippines, it’s the Filipinos that will make your holiday unforgettable. Just ask anyone who’s been here. In fact, Lonely Planet guidebook calls us ‘among the most easygoing and ebullient people anywhere.’

Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines.

Ask banca riders, and they’re going to tell you why (Commuting. More fun in the Philippines). Ask Northern Luzon farmers, and they’re going to make you see (Getting upstairs. More fun in the Philippines). Ask divers, and they’re going to help you reach (Status updates. More fun in the Philippines).

But the campaign, developed by BBDO Guerrero/Proximity Philippines, was somewhat similar from the 1951 ad of the Swiss National Tourist Office. It is currently sold in vintage ad websites, and read: "It's more fun in Switzerland!"

So Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. went on to defend himself through—guess where?—Twitter.

"No one can own the expression 'it's more fun' but it's very true for the #Philippines so it becomes ours.”

"'FUN' is a fusion of place and people. A place is not fun if there is no fun people in it.

"This Switzerland coincidence only makes our line truer. Sun tanning IS more fun in the Philippines.

"The line isn't a manufactured slogan. It's simply the truth about our country. Don't be swayed by people who are trying to punch holes in it.

"If you look hard enough, you might even find an old ad that says 'it's more fun in Alcatraz!'"

Actually, Pilipina Ako could not but agree. The word fun, which is used as an adjective here, has been used since 1846. To accuse the Department of Tourism of copying the Swiss’ style is like telling there is really no reason why it is ‘more fun’ in the Philippines.

Other slogans

Mountain bikes? It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Catching the breeze. More fun in the Philippines.
Getting lost. More fun in the Philippines.
Taking a break. More fun in the Philippines.
Tailgating. More fun in the Philippines.
Social Climbing. More fun in the Philippines.
Home Improvement. More fun in the Philippines.
Stargazing. More fun in the Philippines.
Staring contests. More fun in the Philippines.
Getting high. More fun in the Philippines.
Geometry lessons. More fun in the Philippines.
Schools. More fun in the Philippines.
Larping. More fun in the Philippines.
Tweeting. More fun in the Philippines.
Planking. More fun in the Philippines.
Jumpshots. More fun in the Philippines.
Basketball. More fun in the Philippines.
Cardio Workout. More fun in the Philippines.
Kisses. It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Roadtrips. More fun in the Philippines.
The Dark Side. More fun in the Philippines.
Prison. More fun in the Philippines.
Flying without wings. More fun in the Philippines.
Island hopping. It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Skate boarding. It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Street surfing. It’s more fun in the Philippines.
Time travel. More fun in the Philippines.
300. More fun in the Philippines.
Yoda. More fun in the Philippines.
Men. More super in the Philippines.
Change of address. More fun in the Philippines.
Bathtub. More fun in the Philippines.
Meditating. More fun in the Philippines.
Mornings. More fun in the Philippines.
Seeing stars. More fun in the Philippines.
Waiting in a restaurant. More fun in the Philippines.

"We need a line that is easily understood. Competitive. 'More fun in the Philippines' is true. Keri natin ito." ~Ramon Jimenez Jr., DOT Secretary

Note: This is not saying that the country doesn’t have to improve its infrastructure and connectivity.

References

DepEd’s response to victims of Typhoon Sendong

2012-01-03T21:05:00.000-08:00

Pilipina Ako doubts on the education department’s insistence to require those students from Cagayan De Oro and Iligan City—recently plagued by Typhoon Sendong—to attend classes today.

"Things are bad. We've gone through all of these difficulties but life must go on... What we do now is open our hearts and tell them with a big smile, ‘We will mourn with you, we will walk with you, welcome back to your second home,’" Armin Luistro, secretary of the Department of Education, was reported saying.

The tropical storm, anticipated to hit the country a day or two after it had done so, wrought about P1 billion worth of the country’s infrastructure and agriculture, affected some 65,067 families, and damaged more or less 12,131 houses.

The education secretary maintained, though, that going back to school would help the students—especially the young ones—in the region to get past the tragic event.

"I kept emphasizing there are times when you need a textbook, but this is not the time for that... There's science, there's values, a lot of mathematics that we can learn from Sendong itself [such as] viewing their geohazard maps," Luistro added upon introducing ‘special modules’ for the students who were affected by Sendong.

Luistro also proposed to designate an evacuation center in every municipality so that schools will no longer be the default place for evacuees. His department will also try to ‘restore normalcy’ through building villages for teachers (Brigada Eskwela), and implementing the K-12 program.

The National Association of School Psychologists, a nonpartisan professional organization in America, agrees with him, noting that the community must (1) remain calm and reassuring, (2) acknowledge children’s concern, (3) encourage children to talk about disaster-related events, (4) promote positive coping and problem-solving skills, (5) emphasize resiliency, (6) strengthen peer support, and (7) take care of its own needs.

Pilipina Ako hopes that would really do for now.

"We can't just be reactive to typhoons handle them and work on the status quo. Part of the K+12 program is the quality and the relevance of education to the country today." ~Secretary Armin Luistro, Department of Education

References

Agriculture vs. Modernity

2012-01-01T22:28:00.000-08:00

Pilipina Ako was eight years old when she thought living in the province is the better option.

Stories of industry and simplicity had amazed her. Everywhere is clean, and everything—it would seem—is free.

But then, her parents settled in the city. And to date, more and more people leave the provinces—from 35.8% total employment in 2006 to 33.2% in 2010.

The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) noted, though, that there are still 1.16 million Filipinos tilling the soil in Western Visayas. Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and ARMM have about 800,000 to 860,000 persons.

“All regions recorded declining proportions of agriculture in employment over the reference years,” a report from the BAS, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, read.

Filipino agricultural workers—and almost 1.35 million of them are children aged 5 years to 17 years old—could get P152.01 a day. Since 2006, it has gone up by 3.6%. Those involved in fishing activities earn P169.43 everyday.

The agricultural economists and experts who have called on the government to encourage crop diversification and establish agri-based enterprises were correct in a way. The Philippines is rich agriculturally, and it is always wise to draw from one’s own strength. But does that mean that Filipinos as young as 5 years old should ‘reduce poverty,’ as well?

References

REFERENCE LIST

2012-01-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

16 January 2012
The chief justice on trial
http://www.scribd.com/doc/75446276/Summary-of-the-Corona-Impeachment-Complaint
http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/40836-Chief-Justice-Corona-answers-impeachment-charges.html
http://www.ph.net/htdocs/government/phil/judiciary/index.html
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/midnight%20appointment
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/opinion/2011/12/15/malilong-recalling-corona-s-appointment-195897
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1974/pd_379_1974.html
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/127665/corona-assets-worth-p200m
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/business/2011/06/06/camp-john-hay-firm-admits-p26-billion-debt-159589
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/20889/the-loyalty-of-chief-justice-corona
http://www.bcda.gov.ph/about_us
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/21/11/house-impeaches-ombudsman-gutierrez
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/200981/news/nation/sc-suspends-impeachment-proceedings-vs-ombudsman
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2006/ra_9355_2006.html
http://www.wowsurigao.com/about-surigao/islands/dinagat
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/12/07/impeach-rap-vs-sc-justice-sufficient-substance-194516
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=598332
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/96297/tro-against-watchlist-order-on-arroyo-in-%E2%80%98full-force-and-in-effect%E2%80%99
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/99951/cases-vs-gloria-macapagal-arroyo-moving%E2%80%93palace
http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecreeno1949.htm
http://pcij.org/stories/high-court-black-hole-in-transparency-drive/

10 January 2012
Fun in the Philippines
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fun
http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/
http://www.bbdoguerrero.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/01/06/12/1951-it-was-more-fun-switzerland
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/21745-new-ad-drive-nota-enough-to-perk-up
http://www.eturbonews.com/27516/fun-campaign-made-philippines

03 January 2012
DepEd’s response to victims of Typhoon Sendong
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/anc/01/05/12/luistro-says-life-must-go-storm-hit-areas
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/21/11/cost-sendong-damage-nears-p1b
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/opinion/2011/12/17/cabaero-where-was-pagasa-196363
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/naturaldisaster_ho.aspx

A love lost that was found

2011-11-22T21:57:00.000-08:00

Seventy-three year old Aurelia Matias has been roaming around the city for almost two weeks to find her 78-year-old husband, Luis Matias.

She pinned posters on the front and back of her dress containing her contact details. "'Yun ang paraan ko para mapakita sa tao na nawawala ang asawa ko... Malayo na ang nararating ko, lakad ako nang lakad, dala ko ang mga larawan niya," Aurelia was reported saying to dzMM, the flagship AM station of the ABS–CBN Corporation in the Philippines.

"Hindi ko po namalayan na bumaba sa bahay nung umaga na 'yun. Pinag-almusal ko siya. Pagkatapos kumain, pinunasan ko at binihisan. Tapos pababa ako ng bahay, bumili ako ng pagkain kong kamoteng kahoy na nilaga sa kabilang pasilyo. Eh pagbalik ko, di muna ako kumain, naglaba muna ako ng mga damit ko, damit niya.”

"Pagkatapos kong maglaba, umakyat ako, kumuha ng hanger, nalaman ko wala na pala siya dun. Tumakbo ako, nagtanong ako sa mga anak ko kung napansin ba nila ang Papa nila na bumaba, hindi raw. Sabi noong manang, kanina pa dumaan dito 'yung asawa mo palabas. Sabi ko, 'Hay nako, bakit di niyo man lang pinigilan? Alam niyo namang sinusundan ko 'yun 'pag nalabas."

"Pagkatapos sumakay na ako ng jeep. Kalsa-kalsada pinupuntahan ko. Pero wala talaga. Lumabas na kami hanggang Rotonda, sa EDSA, San Juan, Baclaran. Wala talaga."

Fortunately, Jerome Sajise, a freelance photographer, had noticed the old woman and took a photo of her sitting at a corner of Buendia and Roxas Boulevard. He posted it on Facebook where several subscribers learned of the situation.

Luis Matias was eventually found at the Quirino LRT station in Taft Avenue, Manila the same day his wife’s search for him was aired at an evening newscast.

A testament

What Aurelia Matias did for her husband is worthy to be a lead story for an international publication.

Several authorities had agreed that love is unlikely to last forever. Emotions evolve and human beings lack reciprocity. Only unless the partner ‘has evolved in the same direction’ and the parties involved still ‘have the same feelings of appreciation and value’ towards each other would love have a chance to last.

Science, though, believed otherwise. Love can last forever. The proof is an experiment of a team from Stony Brook University who scanned the brains of couples that have been together for 20 years. About one in 10 couples exhibited the same chemical reactions new lovers have, making them conclude that one’s cognitive and emotional state of intense romantic desire for another person could mature, enabling couples to love even after some time.

References

The network wars

2011-11-21T05:31:00.000-08:00

With more than 4,000 delegates brushing elbows within the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex, the 22nd Philippine Advertising Congress convened the top executives of the television networks in the Philippines to speak about its theme, “Changing the Game.”

According to Eugenio Lopez III, ‘technology only follows where the human spirit wants to go.’ There could be a ‘media revolution caused by technologies that are not even viable today’ but the ABS-CBN would remain true to its pact: in the service of the Filipino.

“The future of media may appear to be technological, but at its core, it will remain emotional. Technology will change everything, except the human nature to crave for recognition, affirmation, connection and inspiration to be the best that they can be for self-fulfillment, for family and for community,” he said.

In lieu of this, the ABS-CBN will have more digital offerings. The GMA Network, on its part, also noted how ‘digital technology has given consumers more opportunity to control their lives.’

“Content made for television can now be seen in at least three streaming—the television itself, the computer and the mobile devices. It has also broken new ground in social networking, so that digital citizens of the world can traverse all media seamlessly… The viewers now have a say when and where to watch the shows that matter to them,” observed Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, the chairman and chief executive officer of the company.

The TV5 will also be a ‘dynamic digital leader,’ focusing on the ‘market today and of the future.’

"Indeed the Internet has become a true medium for the masses, an important tool for democratizing because of its openness, its publicness, and ease and speed of communication. Sometimes it tests and stretches the limits of such concepts as free speech and strikes fear amongst the ruling elite, just as Egypt's Hosni,” he said.

Pilipina Ako hopes that everything the three men had said would take shape.

References

Saudi's plan to cap remittances

2011-11-20T21:16:00.000-08:00

About 1.2 million overseas Filipino workers in Saudi could be disillusioned once the plan of that kingdom to cap remittances of its overseas workers pushes through.

About the same number of Filipinos, too, could be affected since those OFWs since were able to send $1.5 billion back home last year.

About nine out of 10 workers in that kingdom are foreigners—6 million of which are employed in the private sector. “This has led to millions of riyals being transferred back to their home countries, harming the local economy," Adel Fakih, the Saudi Arabian labour minister was reported saying.

That’s not just the problem. About 150,000 OFWs could be displaced there also, Rep. Arnel Ty of the LPG Marketers Association (LPGMA) found out, due to the the Saudization scheme or the Nitaqat program.

Under the new labor law, companies have to allot job positions to Saudi citizens. “In phase 3 of Nitaqat, employees of companies in noncompliant or those in the so-called 'red' category would have to transfer to ‘green’ or compliant companies,” Susan Ople, head of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, related.

This isn’t the first time the KSA had the Philippines worried. It had refused, too, to pay a minimum of $400 monthly wage for Filipino domestic workers.

But Carlos Cao Jr., chief of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), is confident that the Saudi labor will not be implemented “drastically" and “on a full scale." Nevertheless, he suggested OFWs to look for jobs in Guam, Australia, and Canada instead.

Also, ‘Saudis prefer handling positions in office environments,’ Ernesto Herrera, former senator and secretary-general of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) divulged. The OFWs usually take on skilled jobs "that Saudi citizens themselves do not want, or could not provide."

Last year, Saudi Arabia hired 8,513 professional nurses and 258 nursing personnel—a very far figure from the hiring done by the United States, which employed only 83 Pinoy nurses.

“Ang nurses ay kailangan sa Saudi kaya hindi puwede nilang basta bastang sabihing matatanggal 'yan because of Saudization. Sila din ang tatamaan no'n,” Josefino Torres, deputy administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), said.

"Because of OFWs, 10 million Filipinos have jobs. Because of OFWs, malls are enjoying brisk sales and banks are posting double-digit revenue and profit growth. Because of OFWs, and together with the business process outsourcing industry, the Philippines is experiencing what may be its longest real estate boom.” ~ Senator Manny B. Villar

References

Rep. GMA's 'flight'

2011-11-13T05:10:00.000-08:00

Both the legal community and the religious sector in Cebu say it’s her constitutional right. That even though her reason is not based on a medical condition, she is facing no legal case so she can travel whenever and wherever to this day.

What about the Filipinos’ right for justice then? And why is PNoy anywhere else?

Rep. GMA in the name of health

2011-11-13T05:08:00.000-08:00

At least 500 orthopedic surgeons and 100 specialists on metabolic diseases can treat Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) governor and an orthopedic surgeon Dr. Leo Olarte maintained.

She herself attested to this. She penned an executive order in October 2004 creating a private-public initiative—the Philippine Medical Tourism (PMTP) program—to promote health tourism and provide $2 billion to the country’s coffers annually.

She was right. The year after, about 1.26% of the total GDP (P68.5 billion) came from the PMTP program. Medical tourism had generated about .73% jobs in the Philippines.

But how else could it succeed if the former president insists to be treated abroad? How else would people believe that the Philippines has improved its healthcare competence and clinical labor force?

During the opening of the St. Luke's Medical Center Global City at The Fort in Taguig City, Rep. Macapagal-Arroyo complimented its ‘quantum leap in medical care.’ The P6.95-billion hospital built on 1.6-hectares with 629 patients' rooms and 400 doctors' clinics is three times bigger than its branch in Quezon City.

“If St. Luke's QC was ‘better than 95 percent of hospitals in America,’ the new facility is ‘better than 99 percent of the hospitals,’ then-President GMA was quoted saying. She had also claimed that ‘patients like her and her husband could now look forward to a treatment that is at par with, if not better than, the best hospitals in the world.’

Was that just a praise release?

Last year, worldwide medical tourism reaped $40 billion. This brought about Dennis Arroyo, the director of the National Economic Development Authority during GMA’s tenure, to conclude that ‘even the next administration will continue to gain from the growing medical tourism industry, which is expected to become a $3-billion industry by 2015.’

The central region of the country has 44 accredited hospitals by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Tourism (DOT). Three of these were also approved by the Joint Commission International (JCI), an international organization providing accreditation for hospitals and other healthcare facilities worldwide.

The American Medical Association (AMA) has also been sending practicing physicians in their country to train here. Unsurprisingly, for the Philippines ranked 60th in delivering healthcare.

Still, the Pampanga representative believes ‘foreign specialists are the only ones who can treat her’ till today. The world-class hospital had admitted that the bone biopsy procedure she needed can only be done abroad.

(Read the other side of my argument.)

References

REFERENCE LIST

2011-11-13T05:06:00.000-08:00

22 November 2011
A love lost that was found
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/11/22/11/old-woman-goes-great-lengths-find-husband
http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/facebook-campaign-reunites-elderly-couple-20111125-1ny8m.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?Does-True-Love-Last-Forever?&id=587753. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,475905,00.html, http://www.enotalone.com/article/19423.html
http://www.helium.com/users/63465
http://www.stonybrook.edu/

21 November 2011
The network wars
http://www.pep.ph/news/32006/ABS-CBNs-Eugenio-Lopez-III:-For-me,-and-for-the-people-at-our-network,-working-at-ABS-CBN-is-not-a-job,-it-is-a-calling
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/238836/business/gma-network-chairman-ceo-felipe-gozon-to-speak-at-ad-congress
http://entertainment.inquirer.net/21405/ad-congress-told-tvs-big-3-not-a-crowd
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/238932/business/atty-gozon-gma-network-stays-in-tune-with-the-beat-of-technology-drum
http://www.pep.ph/news/31987/manny-pangilinan-sees-tv5-at-the-helm-of-digital-media-revolution-in-the-philippines
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Broadcasters-need-to-keep-up-with-the-changing-times&id=41879

20 November 2011
Saudi’s plan to cap remittances
http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/saudi-cap-on-remittances-a-deterrent-for-expats
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/16723/clear-up-remittance-cap-issue-with-saudis-gov%E2%80%99t-urged
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNation.htm?f=2011/november/2/nation1.isx&d=2011/november/2
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/228166/pinoyabroad/solon-phl-could-lose-1-5-b-ofw-remittances-over-saudization
http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1566/POEA--Saudization-Will-Be-Implemented-Gradually--No-Impact-Yet-on-OFWs.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ofw-guide-ofw-news+%28OFW+News+from+OFWGuide.com%29
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/11/02/11/ph-urged-bolster-ties-saudi
http://www.filipinosabroad.com/ofw-news/ofw-remittances-total-1-715-july-2nd-highest-2011-%E2%80%93-bsp.html
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/342245/the-50million-ofw-community
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/05/21/11/saudi-ph-impass%C3%A9-over-maids-pay-hike
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/233620/pinoyabroad/saudi-arabia-most-aggressive-recruiter-of-pinoy-nurses-tucp

13 November 2011
Rep. GMA in the name of health
http://www.medicaltourexperts.com/news/show/medical-tourism-economic-report
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20100116-247682/Arroyo-hails-new-hospital
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:4CUWfMgVIC0J:www.healthcore.com.ph/pdf/Philippine%2520Medical%2520Tourism%2520Compedium%25202011.pdf+medical+tourism+philippines+gloria+macapagal-arroyo&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&client=firefox-a
http://www.tourismandaviation.com/709-the-philippines-medical-tourism-a-3b-industry-by-2015.html
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=747086&publicationSubCategoryId=63
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/top-stories/11061-pma-we-have-many-doctors-to-treat-her
http://www.rxpinoy.com/medicaltourismphilippines/v2/show-stage.php?ac=none
http://www.rxpinoy.com/medicaltourismphilippines/v2/show-stage.php?pti=2&ac=none
http://www.rxpinoy.com/medicaltourismphilippines/v2/show-stage.php?ac=none
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/about-ama/our-people/member-groups-sections/international-medical-graduates/imgs-in-united-states/imgs-country-origin.page
http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html
http://www.keywordspeak.com/2011/11/gloria-arroyo-travel-ban.html
http://cdn.ph/news_details.php?id=11721

12 November 2011
Agriculture vs. Modernity
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/component/content/article/53-agri-commodities/19313-agricultures-share-to-total-employment-declining

Finally, a motorcycle lane!

2011-10-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

Last year, the Metro Manila Development Authority noted 16, 208 road accidents and 177 fatalities in the region.

It had just been 13,561 road accidents and 105 fatalities in 2009—an increase from the recorded 12,656 accidents and 104 fatalities in 2008.

So MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino came up with a measure ‘aimed at instilling discipline among motorists.’ The policy would be on a trial period that would last for one to two months that he himself would oversee.

The motorcycle lane would not be exclusive to motorcycles. Other vehicles may use it if the other lanes are full but motorcycles are not allowed to leave their designated area.

The Commonwealth Avenue was dubbed the ‘killer highway’ for the lethal accidents that happened on the 12.4-kilometer stretch. It is likewise ‘murderously fearsome’ to motorcycle riders, if you ask Rogelio Singson, Public Works Secretary. Concrete barriers along thoroughfares had made it 90% unsafe for motorcycle riders—20% riskier for motorists in cars and other four-wheeled vehicles.

But the Motorcycle Rights Association (headed by Jobert Christian Bolanos) thinks the traffic scheme would endanger them even more. It is also “unconstitutional” because a city council could have no jurisdiction over a national road. So it filed a temporary restraining order and a writ of preliminary injunction against Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, QC Department of Public Order and Safety, QC Police District, Land Transportation Office and MMDA.

“Petitioner submits that no matter how compelling the reason is and acute the traffic problem might be [on] Commonwealth Avenue as to reach a strangulation point, the solution does not lie in limiting and restricting the access of motorcycle riders to the fourth lane of Commonwealth Avenue which only creates and brings undue and greater risk,” the MRA was reported saying.

Plipina Ako has never driven a motorcycle and couldn’t see how the special lane could be “unreasonable, arbitrary and discriminatory.” But it has been a week after the dry run and there had been no reported mishaps. Can’t the MRA finally appreciate that?

“Like other vehicles, they are not exempted from the 60-kilometer per hour speed limit. The motorcycle lane is created for them not to stray on other lanes used by public utility and private vehicles.” ~ MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino

References

Separating Mindanao

2011-10-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

It’s probably the lightest argument one could utter when deliberating on the sovereignty of the Philippines and the clamor of its third region. “What will happen to the three stars in our flag?” a family friend had asked.

When the flag was first displayed in a battle in May 28, 1898, it already had three stars. When the Philippines declared independence in June 12, 1898, the design was retained. When President Manuel L. Quezon issued Executive Order No. 23, the angle of the three stars was even codified.

When the color signifying peace in our flag was announced to be royal blue, Republic Act 8491 passed in February 12, 1998 also specified the inclusion of the three five-pointed stars in the country’s flag.

The three stars signified Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. There’s no unselfish reason to change that.

References

REFERENCE LIST

2011-10-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

31 October 2011
Finally, a motorcycle lane!
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/top-stories/780-death-lurks-on-commonwealth-avenue
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/columnist1/9570-traffic-violators-15-minutes-of-fame
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/82997/dpwh-chief-supports-mmda%E2%80%99s-motorcycle-lanes
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/82951/mmda-chair-welcomes-suit-vs-motorcycle-lanes
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/82227/halt-to-motorcycle-lanes-rule-sought
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/338847/motorcycle-lane-challenged-court
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/236370/nation/mmda-nearly-500-violators-caught-in-1st-hours-of-motorcycle-lane-implementation
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/206542/nation/phl-observes-day-remembering-road-accident-victims
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/10/23/strict-implementation-bike-lanes-starts-monday-186672
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=738789
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/10/16/11/mmda-chief-injured-own-bike
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/76859/bike-lanes-dry-run-starts-tomorrow
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/339144/qc-mulls-truck-tricycle-lanes

27 Oct 2011
Separating Mindanao
http://flagspot.net/flags/ph-hist.html
http://www.gov.ph/1998/02/12/republic-act-no-8491/
http://www.nhi.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=649&Itemid=5

Manila Bus Siege

2011-08-23T01:18:00.000-07:00

Columnists opined that it was the president’s first challenge as head of the country. Some eight Hong Kong nationals died this day last year during their trip onboard the Hong Thai Travel Services tour bus supposedly only around Manila.

Truthfully, the 22 Chinese and three Filipino tour guides did not get beyond Manila. They just reached the Quirino Grandstand when Rolando Mendoza, 55, announced a bus siege to scare the government until the latter give him his job back.

Mendoza was a former police officer. He was also recognized as one of the top 10 policemen in the country 24 years ago. He joined the police force in 1981, and became senior inspector in 2005.

But he was dismissed in February 2010 because the Office of the Ombudsman found him guilty of extortion. He allegedly asked for P20,000 ($443) from a drug suspect in 2008.

Early on the day-long siege, Mendoza was negotiating calmly with the police, organizing food and fuel for the air-conditioning of his hostages. He was even coaxed to free nine people.

Tensions grew, however, when Mendoza saw on TV that the Manila Police District (MPD) SWAT team were creeping on the bus. He also saw his brother being ‘treated like a pig.’

Furious, Mendoza shot two hostages and told the Radio Mindanao Network that he will kill the rest of the passengers if his brother would not be released.

The cops pumped the bus’ tires with bullets, broke the windows with sledgehammers, rip the doors off with a rope and forced the rear emergency exit open. At last, they thought of firing tear gas inside the bus, and a sniper managed to shoot Mendoza in the head.

Seven Chinese were already killed and eight Chinese were rushed in a hospital.

Tragic and deadly

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim labeled the incident as ‘the deadliest attack on visitors in Philippine history.’ “It was the mishandling of the situation that caused this to happen. It is really tragic for the country as a whole,” Lim said in Bloomberg Television.

Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang criticized the handling of the standoff, too. How come the large group of police was just able to surround the vehicle for nearly half an hour?

It was "badly prepared and risky," according to Frederic Gallois, former commander of the elite hostage rescue unit of France. The police operation "visibly lacked adequate equipment and tactical competence."

“It’s not a terrorist act, but it will show how incompetent our police force is,” Toto Hilado, treasurer at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation-Manila, was reported saying. It “was just diabolical,” Ian Bryson, a Singapore-based analyst for Southeast Asia and the Pacific at Control Risks, added.

A police officer was injured

Manila police commander Leocadio Santiago admitted that they had blundered amidst the dozens of bullets fired into the bus.

Police superintendent Nelson Yabut also claimed the tourists were being used as "human shields." An officer was shot and injured, too, causing his men to retreat.

"We did everything to negotiate and end this peacefully, but [Mendoza] gave us no choice."

Consequences

The deaths cast a shadow on the government’s plan to double the size of the tourism industry, President Benigno Aquino realized. “One of our avenues for job generation is tourism. We intend to double the tourism figures from 3 million to 6 million. This obviously does not help.”

The Philippines had 3 million tourists last 2009. During the first four months of 2010, 107,708 tourists from Hong Kong and China arrived.

But because of the incident, the Hong Kong government advised its citizens to leave the country. It flew its flag at half-mast the next day, and its stock exchange observed a minute of silence at 9:50 a.m.

Questions

Why didn’t former ombudsman Merceditas Guitierrez listened first to the expelled police officer? Wasn’t saving 25 lives a valid reason enough for her office to grant Mendoza the benefit of the doubt and review his case?

Why didn’t authorities discuss what led Mendoza to risk the country’s tourism appeal until the next day? Was it the media’s fault that the rescue operation was criticized? Shouldn’t it be the police’s job to find out that there’s a television set in the bus? (Let alone an official regulation on how media should behave during hostage crises.)

How the police officials involved then were treated today? What should the country to improve on its rating with the Global Peace Index?

References

The work of art in the CCP

2011-08-16T03:18:00.000-07:00

Pilipina Ako believes there was a reason why Mideo Cruz chose to exhibit “Kulo” in the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Cruz had considered that the Philippines is the third largest nation in the world believing in Catholicism, as well as the only other country in Asia aside from East Timor that is predominantly Catholic. That’s why he featured his work in the CCP, ‘the premiere institution for culture and the arts, embodying the highest standards of excellence and the service responsive to the Filipino and the world.’

From this description, the Filipino contemporary artist is in the right place. Cruz had only intended his installation to be ‘about the worship of relics and how idolatry evolves through history and modern culture,’ which was first seen in 2002 at the Loyola School of Theology in Ateneo de Manila University, then in the UP Vargas Museum, Kulay Diwa in Paranaque, and in a music video of Stonefree, a Filipino four-man band.

“I never go out of my way to offend; but I do like to provoke debates and critical thinking. Art is a way of expressing one’s views about the world, culture and history, and this is what I do in my work. The audience is free to make their own conclusions and interpretations about the images I create,” he had said.

Poleteismo, a part of Cruz’s exhibit, loosely translates into ‘many beliefs’ or ‘many deities.’ “Throughout history, humanity has grown to create new gods and these are not always religious figures but concepts and objects. Some have taken to worshipping money; some see politicians as godsend. People create idols and these idols whether or not they’re deserving of idolatry or worship affect our lives and how we function and see the world.”

Cruz ascribed the phallus as a symbol for patriarchy and power. “There are those who worship power, who put their faith in men who wield power even if the power is used against women, or against the whole of society. The fight for sexual and gender equality continues, doesn’t it? But the balance continues to be tipped in favor of the phallus. Is this good or bad? You decide.”

“Everything around us can be considered as symbols, some are actually only symbols more than anything else. How we understand these symbols, how we use them is what gives them power and meaning.”

“This is how I see the Filipino way of life—colorful, varied, full of conflicting beliefs and values. Can’t you just see these same images pasted on the walls of houses in the urban poor communities? And Filipino society, its racked with economic and political turmoil, and then there’s religion which frequently involves itself in the entire conglomeration of issues and developments.”

A former student of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Cruz had exhibited in Switzerland, Italy and in the United States. He had been recognized in the Ateneo Art Awards, too, in 2007, as well as in the institution spewing him now in 2003.

References

REFERENCE LIST

2011-08-16T01:13:00.000-07:00

23 Aug 2011
Manila bus siege
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11055015
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1305605/2-British-tourists-escape-Manila-bus-siege-8-holidaymaker-hostages-killed.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11066656
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3107646/Manila-hostage-bus-siege-ends.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=News
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-08-24/manila-bus-siege-mishandled-philippines-tourism-chief-says.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/08/23/us-philippines-hostage-idUSTRE67M0DJ20100823

16 Aug 2011
The work of art in the CCP
http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph
http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/scph1.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholicism_in_the_Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_Philippines
http://www.pinoyhalo.com/2011/08/11/mideo-cruz-artwork-poleteismo-at-ccp/
http://interaksyon.com/article/10524/who-is-mideo-cruz-and-why-are-people-baying-for-his-head

01 Aug 2011
Naming businesses with tourist spots
http://www.philippinesinsider.com/legal/applying-for-a-business-name-in-the-philippines/
http://www.philippinesinsider.com/legal/philippine-business-name-registration-requirements/
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/226622/lifestyle/boracay-hailed-as-4th-best-island-in-the-world

Naming businesses with tourist spots

2011-08-01T00:35:00.000-07:00

The Business Name Law in the Philippines (RA 3883) requires businesses in the country to register with the Department of Trade and Industry (in case of a sole proprietorship) or with the Securities and Exchange Commission (in case of a corporation or partnership) before starting operations. Owners just have to fill out a form, submit their tax identification number, and think of at least three business names before paying the corresponding fee.

Yes, foreigners can establish a business there. The Foreign Investment Act (R.A. 7042 and R.A. 8179) mandates and/or guarantees interested foreigners a 40% ownership in domestic corporations, and 100% in retail trade enterprises and export businesses.

In Dubai, however, its law requires its locals to have a hand on every business undertaking. Locals--a company or an individual--must hold the majority interest of the business and have the option to ‘control’ it even without an initial investment.

That and a knowledge of the region are the two things necessary to establish a business in the said emirate. Owners just have to register and prove to its ministry in commerce that they have about $10,000-$50,000 guarantee.

Given its regulations, there really is no problem if a certain night club name its establishment with the world’s fourth best island (Travel+Leisure Magazine) found in the Philippines. One of the island’s hotels, Discovery Shores, was also listed among the 10 best hotel spas worldwide.

But Boracay is a tourist spot. Whatever happens in the night club that bears its name could reflect to the original home of the Ati tribe, a Negrito ethnic group in Panay. Filipinos must be cautious in using its repute especially since they cannot control things.

References

PNoy's Second SONA

2011-07-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

When he assumed presidency, President Benigno Aquino 3rd blamed the past administration for failing to make the Filipino people at ease with the government.

Today, two years and two state of the nation addresses after, the Aquino administration has managed to lessen self-rated hunger from 20.5% last March 2010 to 15.1% this June 2011. Confidence of rating agencies and investors has increased, and there were already 31 human trafficking cases filed, deleting us from the Tier 2 Watchlist of the Trafficking in Persons Report.

Bills that would make the Philippines self-sustaining were turned into laws. Former Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales was proclaimed Ombudsman.

Some students can now avail scholarships through the Department of Science and Technology. The necessary jobs will also be studied so that these students can prefer to work here.

The country will build another power plant in Luzon in 2014. Government institutions such as the Bureau of Corrections, the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Electrification Administration, and the National Broadcasting Network will be strengthened.

His administration would also continue fighting for the Recto Bank, which was the Reed Bank in international circles renamed after the late senator and Filipino nationalist Claro M. Recto.

But…

For the second time, PNoy did not mention the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Does this means that he does not intend for the ‘trend’ of seeking fortune abroad go on in his administration or does it suggest the seemingly deliberate lack of attention of his administration to OFWs?

No public-private partnership project has also been bidden out yet. Nearly half of the new jobs created were in the agriculture sector, which are “low-paying, part-time and poorly productive,” and hardly the jobs the Filipinos will choose over going abroad.

The Libyan civil war still rages on. What would happened to those who were repatriated? What had happened to those who preferred to stay? There is unrest in Syria. There is economic crisis in Europe. There is the US dollar that continues to devalue.

What became clear, though, is his quest to combat corruption. Aquinomics, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima explained, ‘is about good governance.’ It has four pillars: fiscal sustainability and macro-economic stability, reduction of the infrastructure gap, reduction of the cost of doing businesst

This was why the government was proud that the total expenditure this year lessened (from 3.5 percent in 2010 to 3.0 percent of GDP this year). This was why he lauded Sec. Rogelio “Babes” Lazo Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways for eliminating patronage politics. This was why the doling out of P1,400 a month to poor Filipino families was a big deal.

Those seen in his inauguration as president were present during his second SONA except for Prospero Nograles, former Speaker of the House.

References

The Philippines as a singular noun

2011-07-26T03:47:00.001-07:00

Several of our forefathers had fought against foreign invaders. A number of them were not even mentioned in our history books. Nevertheless, the succeeding generations were aware what they blessed us with: our country’s independence.

That independence involves our right to govern ourselves. We can vote our own leaders. We can decide on the system we prefer. We can choose what to do with our lives. We can love or die.

It is, therefore, a grievous offense for writers to regard the country as a plural noun. In a business article encouraging public and private sectors to work together, the word ‘Philippines’ assumed plurality.

Philippines urged to leverage key competencies

Instead of complaining about how the Philippines tend to rank low in various competitiveness surveys, both the public and private sectors should consider collaborating to capitalize on the country’s key competencies and address inadequacies.

If this was just simply a case of grammar overlook, the Philippine Daily Inquirer must enlighten the people that read it every day. The Philippines had started to actively fight for the Recto Bank. Why not stand against what must the country be addressed to as well?

References

Son's and Daughter's Day

2011-07-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

We honor mothers every second Sunday of May, and fathers every third Sunday of June. How about giving merit to sons and daughters as well?

Science had found that the human body is composed of cells consisting chromosomes that carry DNA containing genes. During copulation, 23 unpaired chromosomes (from the sperm cells of a man and the egg cells of a woman) mutate to form an embryo.

Besides, there cannot be mothers and fathers without sons and daughters. Why hasn’t anyone thought of that?

In celebration
What the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) did could be the start.

In its "Operation Roll Down, Baby," MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino asked to ‘roll down’ some 46 billboards along EDSA deemed violating the National Building Code.
Six operators complied.

Those who did not were issued with notices of violation. They were also given 15 days to correct what they failed to do.

The Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines commended the MMDA of their plan. The latter had already filed 10 criminal complaints against the violators who, some of them, have no building permits as well.

Pilipina Ako does not think it was wrong for Mayor Benhur Abalos to order a billboard showing men wearing nothing but underwear pulled down. It’s not being prudish. It’s just being responsible. Why has the quest for decency became a tough question for Art?

References

China's investment in electric cars

2011-07-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars: China has chosen to gamble $1.5 billion (P64.95 billion) in its auto industry over the next 10 years, and see electric cars on its roads by 2015.

Talk about the biggest bet waged in the history of auto industry.

A bet because only the world's leading car makers can compete in a market accustomed to ‘learning’ from western technology. BMW, which is the world's most sustainable car company (Dow Jones Sustainability Index), already has some 300 engineers working on a technology (hydrogen-powered cars) that could supplant electric cars one day. It could also make cars—such as the 2012 BMW 1 Series—that saves more energy than fossil-fuel burning cars produced by its rival car makers.

Most Chinese cannot afford to buy a car of any kind, too. So the bet will depend whether the government will release the brakes on its economy or it will impose old-style communist regulations. Alpha Lujo, for instance, makes low-cost electric cars that cost $18,000. It would export to Australia sometime later in the year, meeting safety standards that could also pass in the United States and Europe.

So until a full scale demand for clean cars is more clearly established, the Chinese electronic-vehicle sector will remain a gamble, a choice between the Alpha Lujo and the BMW.

The Philippine connection

A little over three months ago, Ismael Aviso, 54, is known only through a couple of YouTube videos showing a stationary, skeletal-looking car with an engine fed with power from a box of capacitors and a thick, horizontal antenna.

Today, the mineral water businessman and electric car inventor from Navotas City is also featured in the Pure Energy Systems Wiki (PESWiki) who considered him as ‘the next big thing in green technology.’

“Nations all over the world are making a stake on electricity-powered cars. Pinoy e-car technology is better, cheaper and more efficient. We should not be left out; instead of importing this technology, we must employ this know-how to build our own e-cars and sell it to the world.”

Petroleum-guzzling vehicles can turn into electric through repackaging this fuel-less car invention into a conversion kit. But that is if ‘the Philippine government can help [Aviso] gain an easy way to get a huge loan from a bank’ to help him ‘focus on producing conversion kits.’

Another Filipino inventor, Gerry Caroro, built eight prototypes of “G Car,” which costs as little as P280,000, in his West Avenue workshop in QC.

The first kind runs on a 48-volt, deep cycle-type battery that could only consume about P40 worth of electricity when plugged to a 220-volt power source for eight hours. The car can then cover up to 80 km.

Another can ‘seat two persons in front and two more at the back’ and ‘could go for a maximum of 40 kph’—perfect for short rides.

There is also a model that can run on both battery and gasoline, and another one on solar energy that has solar panels installed on the vehicle’s roof.

Inspired by the Philippine Eagle, G Cars have front hoods in beak-shaped pattern and doors that swing open at an angle like wings.

Only support

Filipino inventions can get only P178,000 funding ‘given every November to celebrate National Inventors Week (NIW).’

“Obviously, this is not enough [that] is why a lot of my colleagues were forced to seek support from abroad,” Ronald Talion, spokesperson of the Filipino Inventors Society, lamented.

In collaboration with the Quezon City Parks Development Foundation Inc., the G Cars can be ridden inside the Quezon Memorial Circle for P30 per lap.

The future of electric cars, it seems, relies not only on whether their purchase and use will catch on, but also on how good the car batteries can become: how much power they can hold, and for how long, has long been the technology's main stumbling point. GM's plans to build a lithium-ion battery plant in Michigan to assemble battery packs could presage a new technology race among the big three and companies in nations like India and China to see who can first build the battery that will make affordable, long-driving electric cars a reality. ~http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1871282,00.html

References

A Year After

2011-07-11T23:42:00.000-07:00

Ronald Singson, 42, congressman of the First District of Ilocos Sur, was found to have with him 6.7 grams of cocaine* and two tablets of diazepam** at the Customs Arrival Hall of Chek Lap Kok International Airport this day and month last year.

His father, Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson of Ilocos Sur, insisted, though, that his son is not a drug user. "He uses pills. He's been hospitalized several times. When he has attacks he can't sleep, that's why he had 2 pills [of Valium]. Those pills were issued by his doctor. That's the only thing he uses."

The old Singson also claimed that his son was only framed by political enemies and business competitors.

His fellow lawmakers were less forgiving, however. Rep. Milagros Magsaysay of Zambales implied that ‘[Congressman Singson] should do the honorable thing of stepping down,’ which, Rep. Toby Tiangco of Navotas deemed as a sign of delicadeza (sense of propriety).

The current chairman of the house committee on justice, Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. of Iloilo, on the other hand, quoted the Constitution, which empowers the Lower House ‘to discipline its member.’

"Madadamay ang reputasyon ng Kamara. Masisira ang image ng House. It will not be a popular decision if this is just let go without doing anything. The institution will suffer," Former Muntinlupa congressman Ruffy Biazon said.

But the ‘case isn't finished yet,’ Gov. Singson countered. “Tapusin ang kaso saka tanggalin kung gusto nila [congressmen]". His son will just plead guilty to the charge of drug trafficking as a “legal strategy” their family lawyer, John Reading, thought of.

Ronald Singson is a concert promoter, and the owner of Channel V, a cable music station. He is the boyfriend Lovi Poe, an entertainment personality.

He spent his childhood in their province, but moved to Hillside Loop, Blueridge, Quezon City when he studied in the Ateneo de Manila University. He took Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Management at the De La Salle University in college.

He was referred to as “the little governor” of Ilocos Sur, keeping in mind his family’s mantra: to prevail in favor to what is moral even if this would mean bargaining their security at stake.

Before being senator, Ronald Singson headed the Satrap Construction Co. Inc., and managed the Superb Security and Investigation. He realized, though, that he could help more if he would not restrict himself ‘into the call of establishing competitive entrepreneurships.’ He served the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Ilocos Sur for six years before running for the 2007 elections as representative in the first district of Ilocos Sur.

During the first year and seven months of his term, he focused on information revolution through upgraded technology, cyber education, e-commerce, water irrigation, agricultural, food security, and peace and order. He is the chairman of the Sub Committee on Oversight, and the vice chairman of the Committee on Public Works and Highways. Singson is also a member of the committees on appropriations, natural resources, national defense and security, ways and means, economic affairs, games and amusement, agriculture and food, and on aqua-culture and fisheries.

Click this link to see the bills and resolutions Ronald Singson passed

But then, it is simply wrong for human beings to harm themselves. It is also highly unjustifiable to compromise the country’s reputation and security. Just what could non-government Filipinos do that Ronald Singson could not given the resources he has? Our airport officials should look into this.

Last February 24, Ronald Singson was sentenced to imprisonment for one year and six months. His sentence was handed down by Judge Joseph Yau of the Wanchai District Court who himself did not believe that the congressman planned to sell the drugs.

He would be serving two years and four months in prison had he not pleaded guilty. Singson’s good behavior while in Hong Kong, his 40-day custody, and philanthropic efforts for his constituents lighten the sentence.

House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte ordered for his removal from the list of congressmen. He also asked the house committee on suffrage to form a resolution that would enable a special election in the former congressman’s district.

"Meron nagplano iyong pagkahuli niya, so it's either kung hindi politics, sa negosyo....Lumalabas na biktima siya." ~Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson

*figure according to the Hong Kong authorities; earlier reported to be 26.1 grams
**a depressant used mainly for treating anxiety

References

A Mayor's Wrath

2011-07-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Just as when an intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) resulting in a thunderstorm plagued Mindanao—particularly in Surigao, Agusan, and Davao—a court sheriff insisted on the demolition of houses in Barangay Soliman, Agdao, Davao.

This angered Mayor Sara Duterte. She hit Sheriff Abe Andres in his left eye, and punched him for three times more in his face.

Andres explained that he was just doing his job. Judge Emmanuel Carpio of the Regional Trial Court (Branch 16) had supported Jaime Uy of the Davao Enterprise Corporation. The lot in Barangay Soliman must be cleared.

The United Settlers Association appealed the court order. Its lawyer was not able to file the motion, though, until the day of the demolition itself.

So the demolition team advanced. The residents put up a fight. There was a court order. There were 217 families who would lose shelter in the midst of flash floods and rain.

Mayor Duterte asked the demolition team to suspend the execution of the court order for at least two more hours. As the officer-in-charge of Davao, she is duty-bound to control its executive and administrative functions; enforce its laws and ordinances; safeguard its property and rights; ensure collection of taxes; protect its interest; see that its other employees perform their duties; examine its records at least once a year; recommend measures; represent it; and deliberate over the appropriateness of a petition, complaint, or claim, among others. The demolition would just bring bloodshed.

Andres insisted on carrying out the notice of eviction to avoid suspension. Three years ago, he got suspended for ‘failing to live up to the standards required of his position’ in line with the Republic Act 3019.

Businessman Kenneth Hao had complained against him after Andres seized nine motor vehicles ‘accompanied by unidentified armed personnel on board a military vehicle’. He was finally charged negligent and careless in July 8, 2008.

Both then were just doing their job. Some might not agree with how Mayor Duterte protected her people; some might not agree with how Sheriff Andres performed his job. But the issue is more about the judicial process in the country, and how its people obey its laws.

References

REFERENCE LIST

2011-07-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

26 July 2011
The Philippines as a singular noun
http://business.inquirer.net/8671/philippines-urged-to-leverage-key-competencies
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/14685/name-game-ph-now-calls-spratly-isle-%E2%80%98recto-bank%E2%80%99
http://josecarilloforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=1622.0

25 July 2011
Pnoy’s Second SONA
http://visitpinas.com/inaugural-speech-of-president-benigno-noynoy-aquino-iii/
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/3003-no-mention-of-ofws
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http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/3701-cesar-purisima-explains-aquinomics2

24 July 2011
Son’s and Daughter’s Day
http://library.thinkquest.org/19037/heredity.html
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/health_basics/genes_genetic_disorders.html
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/220157/nation/mmda-intensifies-campaign-against-giant-billboards
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/221940/nation/mmda-names-50-billboard-violators-in-metro-manila
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/223523/nation/mmda-files-criminal-complaints-vs-10-billboard-operators
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/225776/nation/phl-volcanoes-react-to-dismantled-undies-billboards

17 July 2011
China’s investment in electric cars
http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/news-comment/eco-money-china-takes-big-risk-with-clean-car-upgrades
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/303968/pinoy-invention-causes-sensation-youtube
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1871282,00.html
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20071231-109739/Pinoy-made_electric_cars_top_draw_but_stuck_at_QC_Circle

11 July 2011
A Year After
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/36938-singson-stays-in-congress
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/296523/singson-defends-son-calls-plea-legal-strategy
http://ronaldsingson.com/profile.html
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/19/10/singson-out-bail-after-payment-hk2m
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/29/10/doj-mulls-replacing-bi-staff-naia-over-singson-slip
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/306201/ronald-singson-spend-18-months-prison-drug-charge
http://www.congress.gov.ph/members/search.php?id=singson-r&congress=14
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/306848/ronald-singson-resign-congress

04 July 2011
A Mayor's Wrath
http://www.halojin.com/2011/07/01/july-1-2011-philippine--update/
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=701652
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/20369/davao-mayor-punches-sheriff-over-demolition-of-shanties-2
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http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/325545/questions-raised-about-davao-sheriff