Major developments March 28
Wayne Johns
RP policy makers back Cebu IT hub bid
CEBU CITY - Cebu's vision of becoming the information technology (IT) center
of the country has gained the full support of the national government.
According to Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia, the Information Technology and
E-commerce Council (ITecc) has decided to hold its March meeting in Cebu to
coincide with the Cebu IT Summit on March 29-30 at the Cebu City Marriott
Hotel. Itecc is the country's highest policy-making body on IT and
electronic commerce. The Itecc meeting would gather in Cebu more than 30 of
the country's top policy makers and key players from the IT industry.
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Malicious texters: Your days are over
MANILA -- Effective today, malicious texters' days are over. Yesterday, the
National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) together with the major
cellular phone had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in order to
minimize, if not, eliminate the use of short (text) messaging service SMS)
to advance illegal activities such as transmission of malicious, profane and
obscene messages and those that may endanger national security. The MOU was
signed by NTC represented by its Commissioner Eliseo M.Rio, Jr.; Smart
Communications, Inc. and Pilipino Telephone Corp. represented by Atty.
Rogelio V. Quevado, head, legal and carrier relations; Globe Telecom and
Isla Communication Company, Inc. represented by Atty. V. Froilan M. Castelo,
assistant vice president.
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Aliens warned vs. extortionists
MANILA - Immigration Commissioner Andrea Domingo today warned foreigners to
be wary of individuals who harass and extort money from them by posing as
agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Domingo said the bureau will not
hesitate to file charges of usurpation of authority against fake immigration
agents who victimize hapless foreigners through their extortion activities.
She advised the foreigners not to entertain persons who introduce themselves
as BI agents, unless they have the proper mission order duly signed by the
immigration chief. Domingo also urged aliens to report the names of BI
agents who might approach them without a mission order so the proper
disciplinary action could be taken against them.
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Peace negotiations with MILF CPP-NPA-NDF gain headway
MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today revealed that the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has agreed to resume peace talks with the
Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) during a signing held
recently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In her weekly press conference in
Malacanang, the President said Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Eduardo Ermita has already signed an agreement with the MILF, with the rebel
group agreeing to form its own panel for the peace negotiations. In the same
forum, Vice President Teofisto Guingona said the venue of the peace
negotiations between the government and the National Democratic
Front-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People,s Army (NDF-CPP-NPA)
could be held in Sweden, a proposed place duly approved by the President and
the Cabinet Cluster E members. Guingona, who is concurrently Secretary of
the Department of Foreign
Affairs, is also chairman of Cabinet Cluster E, which deals with national
security.
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'Clean living' & 'time management' keep GMA fit & trim
MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today that it,s not diet but
"clean living and time management" that keep her fit and trim for the hectic
and demanding job at Malacanang. Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo has lost 15 pounds
since assuming the presidency on January 20, 2001. Although not on a diet,
she said that she lost weight mainly due to her pressing and hectic
schedules. But she is not complaining, saying the weight loss has made her
feel "light." Whether in Malacanang or in the provinces, President
Macapagal-Arroyo exudes an aura of "grace under pressure." Known for being
professional and a workaholic, her energy and strength seemed to be unending.
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GMA brings good news to film producers: slash in amusement tax war against
video piracy
MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today brought two pieces of good,
and much-awaited, news to local movie producers, the reduction of the
amusement tax from 30 percent to 15 percent and a more concerted war against
video piracy. During her regular press conference at MalacaÑang's Heroes
Hall this morning, the Chief Executive expressed her thanks and appreciation
to the mayors of Metro Manila for reducing the amusement tax following the
announcement made by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
Chairman Benjamin Abalos. The President said she hopes other local
government units in the provinces will do the same and cut the amusement tax.
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Peace talks resumption
MANILA - Prospects for peace are bright. This was the assessment today made
by Brig. Gen. Jaime Canatoy, chief of the Civil Relations Service (CRS) of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), following reports that two rebel
factions, the National Democratic Front (ND) and the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF) are set to resume peace talks with the government. Canatoy said
the AFP wants peace because "we can divert the meager resources of the
government to economic development." He said the lull in fighting will help
gradually business boom in the areas of conflict. "The AFP is all out for
peace," Canatoy said.
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Gov't. to scale down components for some priority projects
MANILA - The government will resort to scaling down components of some of
its priority projects without compromising their viability to be able to
cope with the P7.75-billion shortfall in the budget for foreign-assisted
projects. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director
Rolando Tungpalan said while the demand for the completion of priority
projects is growing, the government is left with no choice but defer them or
even cancel some of the programs. "The ICC (Investment Coordination
Committee) of the NEDA is currently reviewing ongoing and pipeline projects
if their budget is consistent with the government fiscal program," he said.
Tungpalan said the move is part of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration's
austerity program intended to contain the budget deficit. This is aimed also
at ensuring that government spending reflects medium-term priority framework
this year.
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GMA witnesses signing of MOAs on housing facilities for OFWs employees
MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today witnessed in Malacanang the
signing of two Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) on the provision of housing
loan facilities for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and end-user financing
to qualified employees of Team Pacific Corporation. The first MOA was signed
by the heads of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council
(HUDCC), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-Ibig Fund), Magsaysay Maritime
Corporation and Filmal Realty Corporation. The object of this agreement is
to fast track the provision of end-user financing under the Contract-to-Sell
Scheme for the sale of housing units or lots from the St. Monique Valais, a
middle-income housing project in Binagonan Rizal, to be used as collateral
for a Pag-IBIG Housing Loan for employees of the Magsaysay Maritime
Corporation.
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GMA airs challenge to local film industry
MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today challenged the members of
the local movie industry to be more conscious of their responsibilities and
the ethics and values of society and henceforth produce movies that are
globally competitive and consistent "with our morals and values as a people,
as a nation." During her regular press conference at Malacanang's Heroes
Hall today, the President issued a statement putting in perspective the
controversy generated by sex-oriented films. "We cannot allow pornography
which caters to the basic instincts to go on corrupting the people," the
President said. She pointed out that the freedom of expression like the
freedom of speech and of the press "is not a license to say or do anything
offensive to others. It has certain limitations that conform to the ethics
and values of society."
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VACC supports ban on film "Live Show"
MANILA -- The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), a staunch
advocate against crime and corruption whose membership totals some 5,000
nationwide, strongly supports the decision to ban from public exhibition the
controversial sex film "Live Show." The film depicts the lives of Filipino
live sex performers or "toreros" and features graphic sex scenes of men and
women who engage in sex onstage at nightclubs. The VACC is alarmed at the
proliferation of lewd films masquerading as social commercials. "The film
producers and directors are simply using the lame excuse for freedom of
expression and 'for art's sake' to exploit sex to the hilt and rake in money
at the tills," VACC chairperson/president Dante Jimenez said. As a crusader
against heinous crimes, Jimenez is saddened that some sectors are coddling
sex movies when they should be more aware of the adverse effects of the
unbridled showing of sex and pornography on young minds.
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VACC calls for vigilance against attempts to sabotage records of plunder cases
MANILA -- The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption VACC), a
non-government entity which is now focusing in spearheading a crusade
against graft and corruption, is alarmed by several incidents of burning of
government offices housing highly significant records of cases against
controversial persons linked to corruption charges. Just recently, the VACC
is apprehensive of the fire which razed a portion of the Regional Trial
Court in Quezon City. Luckily, the fire was prevented in spreading to the
sala of Judge Diosdado Peralta who handles the plunder cases against Bureau
of Internal Revenue (BIR) cashier Domingo Manalili whose P93 million plunder
case is due for promulgation this month. The VACC feels uneasy with this
trend of possible machinations to destroy important records and evidence
related to this plunder case which the VACC filed the pursued against the
accused.
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DSWD to relocate Bajau Families in Metro Manila
MANILA - Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, announced
that a group of 35 to 50 Bajau families living along Roxas Boulevard have
been identified for relocation and for provision of basic social services.
In a press conference at the DSWD Central Office, Soliman said that while a
more permanent resettlement site is being identified, Bajau families will be
temporarily transferred to the 2nd Floor of Pasay City Market where they
will be provided with adequate space for sleep and bath. The DSWD NCR had
been closely working with the Pasay City government and St. Scholastica
volunteer workers to provide sports activities for the children while their
parents make a living by selling or vending food. Some women have started
the mat weaving project as an alternative means of livelihood.
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"We are very liquid as a pension fund agency" -- SSS
MANILA - - The state pension fund agency for the private sector today belied
reports that it is in danger of losing millions of pesos due to bad
investments and instead reiterated that it is very liquid as an institution.
Social Security System President Vitalino Nanagas said a total of P27
billion in cash and government securities will cover benefit payments and
other obligations to its 23 million members including about 700,000
pensioners and more than one million overseas workers. Nanagas said the
institution had total assets of P163.16 billion at the end of the year 2000.
With this amount, it means we are very liquid as an institution. The agency,
SSS, is not in a level of bankruptcy. It is unfounded," Nanagas said.
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DOJ to prosecute Estrada after Supreme Court lifts ban on filing of criminal
cases
MANILA -Justice Secretary Hernando Perez today said the government will
pursue the plunder and other cases of graft and corruption against former
President Joseph Estrada. During a press conference held in Malacanang after
the weekly Cabinet meeting, Perez said the Department of Justice is waiting
for a decision of the Supreme Court to become final before the criminal
cases against the disgraced President are filed with the Sandiganbayan. The
DOJ is appealing the SC decision that has extended a ban on the filing of
criminal cases against the ousted Chief Executive. Some of the cases against
Estrada are now pending before the Ombudsman.
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Intelligence comprises military's support for police anti-crime drive -- Reyes
MANILA - Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes said today that the support being
extended by the military to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the
all-out war against criminality is primarily in the area of intelligence.
Speaking at the regular press conference in Malacanang, Secretary Reyes said
that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had directed the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) to support the PNP and the National Bureau of
Investigation (NBI) in stumping out criminality, particularly kidnappings
for ransom and smuggling. "So we are in a support role, and that has always
been the role of the Armed Forces to support the law enforcement agencies in
their fight against criminality," Reyes, a former AFP chief of staff, said.
Reyes said that the Department of National Defense has intelligence
operatives all over the country and the DND,s efforts are focused on national
security, terrorist dissidents, secessionist rebels and extremists.
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Sarangani government not so keen on Manero's demand
GENERAL SANTOS CITY - - The Sarangani provincial government will have to
look deeply into a demand by fugitive Norberto Manero Jr. to lift the
suspension of the jail warden and four guards at the Sarangani Provincial
Jail. Such was the comment of Sarangani vice-governor Miguel Escobar who
said that while the demand is valid, it should be subjected to thorough
scrutiny and consultation with higher authorities. Manero's demand was among
four conditions set by the controversial convict for his surrender. The
other three include restoration of his conditional pardon, speedy trial of
cases of jail inmates and termination of his kidnapping and double murder
case. Manero sneaked out of prison Thursday last week prompting Sarangani
governor Priscilla Chiongbian to order a manhunt and suspend jail warden
Renato Purisima and four jail guards who were on duty when Manero disappeared.
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Rehab efforts ready for Mindanao DSWD says
MANILA - The Department of Social Welfare and Development has strengthened
its efforts for the rehabilitation of 35,000 families affected by the armed
conflict in Mindanao. DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said the rehabilitation
process is now in place for the 35,000 families out of 135,000 families
displaced by the armed conflict in Mindanao. Rehabilitation process, Soliman
said, includes rebuilding lives, construction of infrastructures and
implementation of livelihood programs. She said the DSWD is closely working
with other government agencies involved in "Inter-Act Mindanao" an
inter-agency coordinating body in the peace process and development of
Mindanao. A total of 300 evacuation centers were opened by the DSWD during
the war in Mindanao.
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Kanlaon still restive
BACOLOD CITY - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS) and the Provincial Disaster Corodinating Council (PDCC) of Negros
Occidental is strictly monitoring danger signs of Kanlaon volcano's possible
explosion. PDCC Head Joemarie Vargas today said 55 earthquakes were
monitored since January this year. Of the 55, six were labeled as low
frequency volcanic earthquakes and 49 high frequency volcanic tremors based
on the local seismicity at Guintubdan Monitoring Station in La Carlota City
which is located at the foot of the volcano. A low volcanic earthquake,
Vargas said, occurs within the magmatic area deep below the volcano which
involves rock movements while the high frequency earthquake occurs near the
crater. The 8,643-feet Kanlaon Volcano first erupted in October 1969 and the
last was in August 10, 1996 wherein three persons were killed and injured 18
others.
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Petron Corp. downplays tax deficiency accusations
MANILA - Petron Corp. has downplayed accusations made by the Philippine
Consumers Foundation Inc. (PCFI) that it owes the national treasury more
than P1-billion in back taxes for the year 1990. "PCFI's computations on our
cost of sales only considered the duty paid landed cost of crude obtained
from Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) records. They did not include the
specific tax and other costs such as transshipping so, the taxable income
they arrived at was highly overstated, "Petron Corporate Communications
Manager Virginia Ruivivar said in a statement. PCFI released a report to the
media accusing Petron of having a tax deficiency of more than P1 billion for
the year 1990.
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PAF grounds all OV-10 planes
MANILA - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has grounded all 15 OV-10 Bronco
light attack planes following the crash of one of its aircraft in Mabalacat,
Pampanga Monday, killing one of the two pilots. The grounding was ordered by
PAF chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Defensor pending the outcome of an
investigation. Col. Rolando Jotea, chief of air and safety of PAF, is
conducting a thorough investigation on why the OV-10 crashed. A woman pilot
was killed when she failed to bail out before the plane crashed. Her
co-pilot survived when he was able to parachute shortly before the aircraft
exploded upon impact on the ground. OV-10 aircraft saw extensive action
during the war in Mindanao against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
and the Abu Sayyaf terrorists last year.
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Dollar - Peso Rate
MANILA -- The reference rate of the Philippine peso to the U.S. dollar today
appreciated to P49.120 from Monday's P49.221 with turnover volume of $87
million U.S. dollars transacted at the Philippine Dealing System. (PNA)
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Joecon rejects call for his resignation from Namfrel
MANILA - - Forbes Barangay Chairman Jose "Joecon" Concepcion today rejected
the call for his resignation as chairman of the National Citizens Movement
for Free Elections (Namfrel). Dismissing the apprehensions of former Metro
Manila Development Authority chairman Jejomar C. Binay, Concepcion said
Barangay Forbes Park in Makati City and Namfrel were non-partisan. Binay
earlier accused Namfrel officials of engaging in partisan politics, as he
urged them to resign. Binay said the public display of partisanship by
Namfrel's leadership casts doubts on the organization's ability to undertake
an impartial quick count in Makati.
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"Live Show" VCDs sell like hotcakes in Tarlac
TARLAC CITY - Film industry pirates are now making a killing selling video
compact discs (VCDs) of the banned controversial "Live Show" movie in this
province. With the Malacanang decision banning the public showing of the
movie, which depicts the exploitation of flesh trade workers, the curious
have turned to VCD copies of the pirated film. Live show was shown in local
theaters here about two weeks ago and theater owners said that the movie was
generally a flop. But with the controversial order banning the movie, VCD
copies of the film have been selling briskly here like the proverbial hot
cakes.
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MMDA to look into garbage dumping in Manila Bay
MANILA - - Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benjamin
S.Abalos assured today fishermen from Manila Bay the agency will investigate
the reported dumping of garbage into Manila Bay from Sangley Point in Cavite
as alleged by leaders of the Katipunan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Manila
Bay (KALMADA) The assurance was given by Abalos after some 20 KALMADA
leaders and members rallied in front of the MMDA building this morning to
denounce the alleged illegal and wanton dumping of garbage into the sea. The
protesters donned black bags and dumped garbage in front of the MMDA
building to dramatize their protest. The MMDA will not tolerate any act of
illegal dumping because this is a violation of the Clean Air Act, Abalos
stressed as he noted that the MMDA is now pushing for an environment
friendly system of garbage disposal that includes segregation, recycling and
composting. KALMADA, through its chairman Arnel Viray has alleged the
garbage came from the barges which were supposed to be brought to a landfill
in Semirara Island in Antique as previously planned before the passage of
the Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law.
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GMA witnesses signing of MOAs on housing facilities for OFWs employees
MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today witnessed in Malacanang the
signing of two Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) on the provision of housing
loan facilities for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and end-user financing
to qualified employees of Team Pacific Corporation. The first MOA was signed
by the heads of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council
(HUDCC), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-Ibig Fund), Magsaysay Maritime
Corporation and Filmal Realty Corporation. The object of this agreement is
to fast track the provision of end-user financing under the Contract-to-Sell
Scheme for the sale of housing units or lots from the St. Monique Valais, a
middle-income housing project in Binagonan Rizal, to be used as collateral
for a Pag-IBIG Housing Loan for employees of the Magsaysay Maritime
Corporation.
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Gov't. to scale down components for some priority projects
MANILA - The government will resort to scaling down components of some of
its priority projects without compromising their viability to be able to
cope with the P7.75-billion shortfall in the budget for foreign-assisted
projects. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director
Rolando Tungpalan said while the demand for the completion of priority
projects is growing, the government is left with no choice but defer them or
even cancel some of the programs. "The ICC (Investment Coordination
Committee) of the NEDA is currently reviewing ongoing and pipeline projects
if their budget is consistent with the government fiscal program," he said.
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Gov't intensifies anti-drug campaign
MANILA - Justice Secretary Hernando Perez has directed all prosecutors
throughout the country not to allow plea bargaining that would reduce the
penalty of those facing drug related cases to less than six years of
imprisonment. Perez made this declaration during President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo,s weekly press conference in Malacanang. "We have instructed the
prosecutors not to allow plea bargaining in such a way as to reduce the
penalty of those accused to less than six years so that it would fall under
the probation law," Perez said. The justice secretary maintained that the
government is not inclined to allow probation and plea bargaining on cases
involving illegal drugs in an effort to curb its menacing effect in the
country.