Noynoy Stays Neutral On Marcos Burial In Libingan Ng Mga Bayani

President Aquino Wednesday said he would inhibit himself from the decision on whether the late President Ferdinand Marcos could be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

The President instead said he would ask a government official "who has less personal attachment" to look into the matter recently proposed by the son of the late strongman, Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos.

“Whatever I will say will be bias so I’m thinking of inhibiting myself from deciding the matter,” the President told reporters after meeting senior military officials in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"Anything I say on the matter, people might say, was decided on a subjective basis rather than on an objective basis and we would want to spare our country from that,” said the President, son of the freedom heroes the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and President Corazon Aquino.

Read the rest of the story at Manila Bulletin

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos (September 11, 1917 – September 28, 1989) was the tenth President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives (1949–1959) and a member of the Philippine Senate (1959–1965). He was Senate President from 1963-1965. He claimed to have led a guerrilla force called Ang Maharlika in northern Luzon during the Second World War, although this is doubted. As Philippine president and strongman, his greatest achievement was in the fields of infrastructure development and international diplomacy. However, his administration was marred by massive authoritarian corruption, despotism, nepotism, political repression, and human rights violations. He benefited from a large personality cult in the Philippines during his regime.  In 1983, his government was implicated in the assassination of his primary political opponent, Benigno Aquino, Jr. The implication caused a chain of events, including a tainted presidential election that served as the catalyst for the People Power Revolution in February 1986 that led to his removal from power and eventual exile in Hawaii. It was later alleged that he and his wife Imelda Marcos had moved billions of dollars of embezzled public funds to the United States, Switzerland, and other countries, as well as into alleged corporations during his 20 years in power.

Bus Explosion 5 Dead and 14 Injured

At least 5 people are dead and 14 wounded as a bomb explosion in EDSA Makati City, Philippines. The bus is bound to Fairview coming from Baclaran Station. In a statement by the "Kundoktor" (bus conductor), suspiciously looking two men boarded the bus from Baclaran station headed to Ayala, Makati City but got off the bus at Evagelista Street.

The two men were said to be aged 30's and late 20's, both were said to be carrying bags.


View 25 Jan 2011 Bus Explosion in a larger map


According to Chief Inspector Jenny Tecson, spokeperson of the Southern Police District, two of the fatalities died on the spot while the other rushed into Ospital ng Makati and St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, President Noynoy Aquino said that the explosion could be attributed to terrorist attacks on the Philippines. However, they could not still identify the group that is responsible for the explosion.

Casual Workers Job Saved By Manila City Council

Jobs of more than 3,000 casual workers at the Manila City Hall were saved after the Manila City Council allowed the P8.5 billion proposed budget for 2011 to sail through the second reading even if it meant more debt for the city.


The majority controlled city council led by Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno has approved the passage of the bill after a six-hour, heated debate despite the warning of at least eight councilors that the city will incur billions of deficit.

“In every city and municipality, the approval of the budget is very important for more continued services to the public. This is one of the major ordinances that we have approved,” Moreno told the Manila Bulletin in an interview after the session.

Read the full story at Manila Bulletin

At least 13 People Wounded In A Christmas Day Mass

At least 13 individuals were wounded in an explosive blast inside a chapel in Jolo, Sulu during the Christmas Day mass. Among the wounded is a nine year old and a newly ordained priest, Rev. Ricky Bacoldol.

The explosion happened at about 7 a.m. inside the Asturias Evangelical Chapel in a police camp in Barangay Asturias. The chapel is located some 500 meters from the Sulu Provincial Police Headquarters.

Rev. Romeo Villanueva, 72, was in the middle of reading his homily during the Mass when the explosion ripped through the right side of the chapel's roof.

“I was reading the Gospel. I was not yet finished when there was a loud explosion," Villanueva stated in an interview.

He said the younger priest who was assisting him, Rev. Bacoldol, was thrown off his feet by the blast and suffered a slight leg injury.

According to initial reports there were about 100 worshippers attending the Christmas Day mass when the blast rocked the chapel.

Mayor of Sulu, Hussin Amin expressed startled how the suspects cleverly put the explosives inside the church as Marines are securing the place day and night. The mayor added that three days ago, the Marines cleared the area of any explosive.

What was surprising is that the chapel is located inside the police camp where it supposedly fully secured by the police.

Initial result of the investigation revealed that the bomb might have been placed on the rooftop of the chapel.

Mayor Amin, however, said the bomb was packed in a plastic bag and was planted at the right corner of the altar where flower decorations were displayed for the Christmas Day mass.

The explosive, he said, has no shrapnel and was possibly not meant to kill devotees but only to sow terror and fear among the people.

He said a mobile phone could have been used to detonate the explosive.

Regular Holiday On November 29

November 29, 2010, a Monday, is a regular holiday nationwide in accordance with existing laws and issuances affirmed by President Benigno S. Aquino III.


Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said this yesterday as she issued a labor advisory to the employees in the private sector informing them of such, including the corresponding pay rules that apply under the law.

“The nationwide holiday, known as Bonifacio Day, is being celebrated yearly in honor of the “great plebeian” and national hero Andres Bonifacio whose birth date, is November 30, 1863,” Baldoz said.

She said that while Executive No. 203 issued by the late President Corazon C. Aquino in 1987 had previously fixed the regular holiday every 30 November, Proclamation No. 1841, series of 2010, and Republic Act No. 9492 mandated that the holiday be moved to the Monday nearest the said date.

Accordingly, Baldoz, pursuant to the President’s emphasis to ensure the protection and welfare of the country’s workers under his 22-point agenda on labor and employment, advised employers in the country’s private sector on the pay rules they must observe during the regular holiday on 29 November, consistent with the country’s Labor Code, as follows:

(a) If the holiday falls on the employee’s regular workday, and the said day is unworked, the employee shall be entitled to one hundred percent (100%) of his/her regular daily rate, provided he/she present or is on leave of absence with pay on the work day immediately preceding the holiday.

(b) If worked, the employee shall be paid two hundred percent (200%) of his/her regular daily rate. Work rendered in excess of the eight (8) hours shall entitle the worker to an additional thirty percent (30%) of the hourly rate on the said day.

(c) If the day falls on the employee’s rest day and is worked, he/she shall be paid two hundred percent (200%) of his/her daily rate, plus thirty percent (30%) of the said rate, or a total of two hundred sixty percent (260%) on the first eight (8) hours of work. In excess of eight hours, he/she shall be paid an additional thirty percent (30%) of the hourly rate.

Feedbacks and inquiries? Call the DOLE Call Center at Hotline 2917 from your Globe or TM mobile phones, 908-2917 from your fixed-line phones (for free); or text (SMS) at 2910. Also, call or visit the DOLE Regional Office (RO) in your regions, whose addresses or telephone numbers may be sourced from the same DOLE Call Center. Also dial the Bureau of Working Conditions at trunk line 527-3000, local 302.

Pick-Up Girl Killed Near Manila City Hall

A believed to be pick-up girl was found dead in-front of Manila City Hall. The girl was stabbed in the back, chest and stomach.

According to P / Insp. Armando Macaraeg, chief of Manila Police District - homicide division, the girl was identified as Angelica Reyes alias Jennifer Reyes, age 34 years old with address at Leveriza St., Malate Manila. She was found dead at around 10:30 pm.

Initial investigation reveals that the victim's caused of death was a severe wound in her head.

As of today, no suspects have been identified by the police. The police has not yet established the motive for the case, however they are looking into the possibility of rape since the victim was partly undress when found.

See Angelica Panganiban Pictures here.

Volcanic Quakes Recorded Around Mount Bulusan

At least 33 volcanic quakes around restive Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon province were recorded in the last 24 hours from Sunday to Monday morning.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said these 33 quakes accompanied Sunday morning's explosion where Bulusan spewed ash two kilometers from the summit.

"Bulusan Volcano’s seismic network recorded 33 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24-hour observation period. One of the recorded quakes was an explosion type that accompanied the 7:22 a.m. 2-km ash ejection yesterday," Phivolcs said in its Monday bulletin.

It also observed a weak emission of white steam from the volcano’s crater and known thermal vents.

Phivolcs maintained that Alert Level 1, which it declared last Nov. 6, remains in effect over Bulusan Volcano.


Read the full story at GMANews

Low Magnitude Earthquake Hits Zambales

At least two quakes rocked Zambales province in northern Philippines before dawn Thursday, one of them measuring magnitude 4, but state seismologists said no damage or casualty was expected.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the first quake was recorded at 2:30 a.m., measuring magnitude 4.

Phivolcs said the epicenter of the first earthquake was traced to 113 km northwest of Iba town in Zambales, and was tectonic in origin, but did not say where the quake was felt.

A second quake measuring magnitude 2.8 was recorded at 5:21 a.m., with the epicenter at 52 km southwest of Iba town.

No damage or aftershock was expected from both quakes, Phivolcs said. — RSJ,

News Source: GMANEWS.tv

Non Working Holiday On September 10

In celebration of Ramadan, the end of the Muslims' holy month of fasting, Malacañang has declared September 10 as a non working holiday. 

President Noynoy Aquino III has signed Proclamation 26, declaring September 10 as a non-working holiday as Muslims celebrate the "Eid ul-Fitr," or the festivities for the end of Ramadan.


"Eid" is an Arabic word meaning "festivity" while "Fit.r" means "to purify." The holiday is thus a symbol of purification after completing the fasting month.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The Ramadan began on August 11 this year and will end on September 10

Philippine Information Agency Website Defaced

The Philippine Information Agency website (http://www.pia.gov.ph/)  was defaced by hackers displaying the Chinese Flag while playing a hip-hop song.

As of this time, Hongkong officials have not taken the responsibility of the incident. 

“We are alerting all government agencies to review and improve the security of their websites in view of the hacking of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) website this afternoon. Our two websites, president.gov.ph and gov.ph remain secure. We are adopting best practices to lessen the vulnerability of our websites to hacking and other cyber crimes.”

The defacement of PIA website is the not the first time of the Philippine government website has been defaced.  Other that have been defaced last year are from DOST, Philpost and Department of Health.

GMA-7 Version of Lupang Hinirang With Kapuso Stars

GMA’s own version of “Lupang Hinirang” premieres Sunday on “Party Pilipinas” with an all-star cast playing national heroes. Leading the pack is Richard Gutierrez, cast in the role of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon, looking elegant and every inch a gentleman of the old school, while Dingdong Dantes plays Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, strong and mighty on horseback.

Playing other important roles are the network’s equally important actors, including: Dennis Trillo as Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Aljur Abrenica as Lapu-Lapu, Mark Anthony Fernandez as Andres Bonifacio, Marvin Agustin as Jose Rizal.

The roster of Kapuso stars playing icons in Philippine history includes, in alphabetical order: Victor Aliwalas, Alvin Aragon, Bea Binene, Iza Calzado, Bodie Cruz, Gabby and Geoff Eigenmann, Carlo Gonzalez, Carl Guevarra, Dion Ignacio, Paolo Paraiso, Enzo Pineda, Rhian Ramos, Marian Rivera, Arthur Solinap, Mike Tan, JC Tiuseco, Dennis Trillo, and TJ Trinidad.

They are joined by Ogie Alcasid, Heart Evangelista, Eddie Garcia, Jaya, Zoren Legaspi, German Moreno, Regine Velasquez, Carmina Villaroel, Jillian Ward. Not to be left behind are the stars of News and Public Affairs: Arnold Clavio, Mike Enriquez, Vicky Morales, Howie Severino, Jessica Soho, and Mel Tiangco.

Shot wholly in high-definition (HD) digital video technology, the national anthem is scheduled to roll soon on the big screens of SM across the country. It will also be part of GMA’s sign-on and sign-off messages marking the beginning and end of each day’s broadcast.

“Lupang Hinirang,” which runs for two and a half minutes, is directed by Paul Ticzon, who says it took his team 10 months of meticulous research and preparation to shoot the vignettes.

Kris Aquino to Judge Ms. Universe 2010?

The camp of controversial actress-host and presidential sister Kris Aquino finally reacted to reports saying Aquino was invited to judge this year's Miss Universe tilt to be held in Las Vegas.


Read the full story here

Man Killed Himself Due To His Wife Textmate

In a news report from the Manila Bulletin, a man has killed himself due to jealousy and despair after he have confronted his live-in partner over a male textmate’s message in her mobile phone last Wednesday in Antipolo City.

Police Officers said Levy Manalo, 48, who shared his residence in Pagrai Hills, Barangay Mayamot, here, with his lover Melanie Ramirez, shot himself in the right temple with a .38-caliber pistol.

Manalo did it right in front of Ramirez while she was trying to explain to him the text message that enraged him around 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Cesar Montano's Son Died of Suicide

Actor-Director Cesar Montano has asked the public for privacy, following the death of his son Christian Angelo Manhilot who supposedly committed suicide.

“No words can describe the grief that my family and I are experiencing with this devastating news… my family and I would like to appeal to everyone to respect the privacy of my grieving family at this time,” Montano said in a statement circulated by his home network, ABS-CBN, via ANC’s Facebook page.

In a statement, Cesar Manhilot or popularly known as Cesar Montano said that he was shocked by the incident since he never expcted this thing to happen.

“I was just with him yesterday before leaving for Bohol. Little did I know that it would be the last time I was to see him alive,” stated by the actor, who is seeking a gubernatorial post in Bohol.

Montano said that the initial police investigation showed that his son died from a single gunshot wound to the head. A certain Tony Leachon, whom Montano described as “a good friend and neighbor” pronounced Angelo dead on arrival at the Malvar General Hospital in Quezon City.

“We are still trying to piece together some facts pertaining to his death…Thank you very much for your understanding. May God's strength be with all of us,” said Montano.

Mindanao power crisis threatens to lay off 1,000 electric coops workers

The power crisis in Mindanao is likely to lay off about 1,000 employees and workers of 27 electric cooperatives in the island.

In an interview with top officials of various electric cooperatives in Mindanao, work scheduling, rotation of works and even temporary retrenchment might take effect to avert further losses if the power curtailment imposed by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and National Power Corp. (Napocor) to various cooperatives will continue unabated.

The NGCP and Napocor are imposing two,six or hours rotating power curtailment to different electric cooperatives in Mindanao since last month due to power deficiency.

However, the fallback position, particularly the retrenchment of workers, will only be done and effected if upon approval of the Energy Regulatory board (ERC).

"This only happens if the situation will worsen. We also abide to our cooperative board and ERC decision based on our recommendation to avert further losses," said Horacio T. Santos, general manager of the 97,000 billed consumers of the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (Aneco).

At least 43 percent of the major industries and the electric cooperatives have lost millions of pesos since the start of power curtailment in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, the area where big companies and regional offices in the Caraga region operate.

If the power crisis in the southern island also worsened, the region's largest electric cooperative is also planning to buy two megawatts of electricity from the 100- megawatt Nasipit Power Barge, which has just been bought by the Aboitiz group on March 1, this year.

The Davao del Sur Electric Coop. (Dasureco) plans to retrench some of their workers to avoid further losses.

Jesus Dela Victoria, Dasureco general manager, said the firm lost at least 50 percent of its revenues even before the NGCP started implementing the load curtailment scheme as Mindanao's hydropower plants lost water due to the dry spell.

Officials of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (Amreco) also voiced the same strategy and planned to retrench workers to avert further losses.

However, Amreco officials blew their top when government allegedly planned to reduce their power allocation to only 50 percent if the power situation worsen.

This development came out during an emergency meeting with Amreco and Napocor early this week in Cagayan de Oro City.

"Imagine the implications of this move. This means that 50 percent of revenues from power consumers will be gone. If our coop's load is reduced it will also reduce more or less the load of every electric coop, every private power company, even that of industrial customers," said Amreco president Sergio Dagooc.

As this developed, the latest NGCP advisory said that the STEAG Power Inc.'s coal-fired power plant has increased its capability from 150 MWs to 210 MWs.

Another plant, Aboitiz Power Corp.'s Therma Marine Unit 2, was already synchronized to the grid on Friday. It is now generating 47 MWs.

However, the NGCP's advisory said the total available capacity of 820 MWs in the Mindanao grid would still be insufficient to meet the peak demand of 1,470 MWs.

The NGCP said the water elevation at Lake Lanao was at 699.06 meters, which is below the critical level of 699.15 meters.

Technical men from NGCP, Napocor and some electric cooperatives said that if the low water level will continue in Lake Lanao and Bukidnon, hydro-electric power plants might force to shutdown to avert further damages of its turbines.

In a related development, the Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry together with the PHIVIDEC Industries Association (PIE-MO) and the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Industries (COCI) on Saturday appealed to concerned government offices to address the present power supply problem in Mindanao to avert further losses.

The group cited the need to immediately repair the Agus 2-Kibawe 138 kilovolt (kv) transmission line and the Maramag-Bunawan 230kv backbone project.

The Oro Chamber and its partner organizations expect that the government will also give the same attention to Agus 5 as well as strongly campaign for additional investments into the power sector of the island.

The Chamber will be presenting its paper on the non privatization of the Agus and Pulangi hydro electric power plants to the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 10 on March 11, this year for possible endorsement. (muc/PIA-Caraga)