MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing as much as P20 billion budget for the 2013 midterm elections, an amount that caught senators by surprise during a Senate hearing on Monday.
Elections commissioner Rene Sarmiento told the Senate committee on local government that Comelec might spend from P15 billion to P20 billion for the 2013 polls, not included the village and youth council elections.
“The estimate your honor is P15 billion to P20 billion,” said Sarmiento.
“Are you serious? Ang laki (That’s too much),” exclaimed Senator Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr., chairman of the committee.
“We managed it with P11.3 billion in May and P11.3 billion included the buying of the machines and the training of the people which we will no longer have to do the leasing of the machines and the training of the people...” he pointed out.
But elections commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the amount was bigger than that of the last May presidential elections because of the expected higher cost of machines that will be used in 2013.
In the last elections, Larrazabal said the contract design was a lease “with an option to purchase.”
And for the lease of the machines alone, he said, the government spent P7.3 billion.
“But if you avail the option to purchase t after the elections, you add P2 billion,” he pointed out.
The P7.3 billion figure, however, was just a marked down compared to the actual cost, said Larrazabal.
‘They submitted the bid based on the opportunity to use it as a showcase for other countries. In fact, the world now is a showcase for automated elections. That’s why the cost actually is a little bit higher in 2013,” he further explained.
Still, Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile believes the budget for the 2013 elections was “exorbitant.”
Even if the Comelec holds a synchronized election in 2013, Enrile said the same manpower would be used in the national and barangay (village) elections.
Elections chairman Jose Melo promised the senators to provide them the figures that would show how they would spend the money but assured them that they would not be spending so much as they did the last time on voters education.
Source: Inquirer
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Globe Landline users to enjoy P0.15 per second IDD Sakto Calls to 15 destinations
Globe, a leading telecommunications company in the Philippines, has extended its P0.15 per second IDD rate promo to all Globe Landline users, thereby, providing families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with another low cost alternative in getting in touch with their loved ones abroad.
The Globe Landline IDD Sakto Calls gives discounted per second charging for calls to USA, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, China, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Kuwait, and Equatorial Guinea. Calls to the rest of the world are charged on a per minute basis at the regular rate of $0.40 per minute or around P18 per minute.
The service combines the convenience of per second charging and the affordability of a cheaper calling rate. It is ideal for those who do not need to stay long on the phone since they will only be charged for the airtime consumed. At the same time, the discounted rate to select destinations makes calling abroad much more affordable.
To use the IDD Sakto Calls, Globe Landline postpaid subscribers need to complete the following dialing sequence: 12800 + + + while Globe Landline prepaid subscribers need to complete the following dialing sequence: 12898 + 12800 + + + . The 12800 dialing prefix will replace the “+” or “00” that precedes an international number. Without the 12800 prefix, subscribers will be charged the regular IDD rate. No registration is needed.
At the same time, the Globe IDD Sakto Calls is available to all Globe postpaid, Globe prepaid and TM mobile subscribers who can also enjoy the P0.15 per second IDD rate to the same destinations.
Source: MB
The Globe Landline IDD Sakto Calls gives discounted per second charging for calls to USA, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, China, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Kuwait, and Equatorial Guinea. Calls to the rest of the world are charged on a per minute basis at the regular rate of $0.40 per minute or around P18 per minute.
The service combines the convenience of per second charging and the affordability of a cheaper calling rate. It is ideal for those who do not need to stay long on the phone since they will only be charged for the airtime consumed. At the same time, the discounted rate to select destinations makes calling abroad much more affordable.
To use the IDD Sakto Calls, Globe Landline postpaid subscribers need to complete the following dialing sequence: 12800 +
At the same time, the Globe IDD Sakto Calls is available to all Globe postpaid, Globe prepaid and TM mobile subscribers who can also enjoy the P0.15 per second IDD rate to the same destinations.
Source: MB
Cellphones in the classroom
There are so many reasons why cellphones are being banned in the classroom and the only sound reason that I have heard is to prevent students from being mugged. Personally, I advocate using cellphones in the classrooms -- provided that the teachers know how to integrate it in class.
I read an article about cellphones being used as a tool for cheating inside the classroom. As an example, consider the student taking a photo of the exam and sending it to a friend, via MMS, and waiting for the answers, either via SMS or another MMS. (Hi Mommy Jaye! *wink*) Well, students will always be students -- they will try to do anything, if they can get away with it, right? Admit it, you were once a student.
Anyway, for the example above, if the teacher is creative enough to use an alternative assessment tool, rather than exams or quizzes, then the cheating scenario mentioned will not even be realized. Exams and quizzes are so over-rated, and frankly, passe. As what our new Dean of the UP College of Engineering emphasized, it should be outcomes-based assessment.
Another reason I heard was that students tend to use their cellphones to send SMS to their friends whilst the teacher is lecturing in front. One teacher even said that it is a matter of giving respect to them.
The challenge here is - these kids will not use a cellphone to SMS, unless in emergency situations, if and when the lecturer is not BORING, right? If they are engaged, they will not find the time to SMS their friends. Who's at fault here?
In most classrooms, students do not have access to computers, and yet most of them have a cellphone, or even two. Today's cellphones are gateways to the internet. For P5/15 minutes, you can connect to the internet and use it for your classes. This is the most accessible computing device to students, and yet, it is the most underutilized by the teachers.
Admittedly, majority of the resources available on the internet are not designed to be consumed on those tiny mobile phone screens. However, making these resources mobile-friendly is taking a rapid pace, thanks to the uptake and usage of the smartphones.
So, if you are teacher - learn how to integrate that tool in your curriculum. Remember, that's even more powerful than your pocket calculator. As a learner, educate your teacher on the benefits of using the mobile phones for YOUR own learning.
Source: MB
I read an article about cellphones being used as a tool for cheating inside the classroom. As an example, consider the student taking a photo of the exam and sending it to a friend, via MMS, and waiting for the answers, either via SMS or another MMS. (Hi Mommy Jaye! *wink*) Well, students will always be students -- they will try to do anything, if they can get away with it, right? Admit it, you were once a student.
Anyway, for the example above, if the teacher is creative enough to use an alternative assessment tool, rather than exams or quizzes, then the cheating scenario mentioned will not even be realized. Exams and quizzes are so over-rated, and frankly, passe. As what our new Dean of the UP College of Engineering emphasized, it should be outcomes-based assessment.
Another reason I heard was that students tend to use their cellphones to send SMS to their friends whilst the teacher is lecturing in front. One teacher even said that it is a matter of giving respect to them.
The challenge here is - these kids will not use a cellphone to SMS, unless in emergency situations, if and when the lecturer is not BORING, right? If they are engaged, they will not find the time to SMS their friends. Who's at fault here?
In most classrooms, students do not have access to computers, and yet most of them have a cellphone, or even two. Today's cellphones are gateways to the internet. For P5/15 minutes, you can connect to the internet and use it for your classes. This is the most accessible computing device to students, and yet, it is the most underutilized by the teachers.
Admittedly, majority of the resources available on the internet are not designed to be consumed on those tiny mobile phone screens. However, making these resources mobile-friendly is taking a rapid pace, thanks to the uptake and usage of the smartphones.
So, if you are teacher - learn how to integrate that tool in your curriculum. Remember, that's even more powerful than your pocket calculator. As a learner, educate your teacher on the benefits of using the mobile phones for YOUR own learning.
Source: MB
Kaymer wins the PGA Championship
SHEBOYGAN, Wisconsin, United States—Germany's Martin Kaymer won the 92nd PGA Championship at Whistling Straits by beating American Bubba Watson in a three-hole playoff Sunday.
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and American Zach Johnson shared third, missing the playoff by one shot.
Dustin Johnson appeared to be set to join Watson and Kaymer in the playoff but the American was slapped with a two-stroke penalty immediately after his round finished for grounding his club in a bunker on the 18th hole.
Source: Inquirer
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and American Zach Johnson shared third, missing the playoff by one shot.
Dustin Johnson appeared to be set to join Watson and Kaymer in the playoff but the American was slapped with a two-stroke penalty immediately after his round finished for grounding his club in a bunker on the 18th hole.
Source: Inquirer
Nokia C3 for the mobile netizens
We belong to an age where we need social networking sites to stay connected with each other. The low-cost Nokia C3 offers great value for money, making it easier for you to keep in touch with friends and family online.
The appeal of the Nokia C3 lies in its easy access to the most popular social networking sites, as well as allowing users to chat and check their email accounts.
The Nokia C3 comes with built-in social media applications that enable the mobile use of Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Google Talk and Yahoo! Messenger.
The apps are fast-loading and easy to navigate, making the C3 a great social networking handset for mobile users.
Email and chat accounts can be set up straight from the C3 without the need for a PC.
The Home Screen provides useful application shortcuts for easy navigation, which you can customize for instant access to your most frequently-used apps.
Most people assume staying connected incurs expensive data charges. The good news is that for only P20 a day, SMART subscribers can avail of unlimited chat, email, Facebook and Twitter on Nokia Messaging.
Users can also avail of a free 7-day trial by texting NOKIA TRIAL to 6677.
The Nokia C3 is an impressive, expensive-looking device, with its BlackBerry-like QWERTY keyboard and beautiful matte finish. The one I hold in my hand is the slate grey, but the sleek Nokia C3 also comes in vibrant hot pink and golden white colors.
The QWERTY keys are on the small and narrow side, which might give user with larger hands a harder time typing accurately – my small fingers have no problem, though. There are two soft menu buttons, as well as a "Call" and "End" button; the latter doubles as the power switch.
The C3 is well-proportioned and compact. It measures 115.5x58.1x13.6mm, fitting nicely into a small purse or pocket. It’s also very light at a mere 114 g. It has a 2.4-inch screen with a 320x240-pixel resolution.
The images are crisp and bright, although the screen size makes it difficult to browse through websites.
Internal memory is limited to just 55MB, but you can expand it by purchasing a Nokia micro SD card, which goes as high as 8GB.
The C3 runs on a Symbian S40 OS, which can be found on Nokia’s mid-tier mobile devices. It’s not the fastest OS Nokia offers, and it cannot handle multi-tasking.
The phone also has a built-in 2-megapixel camera.
It performs well under natural light, but the lack of a flash makes it take bad photos at night and in low-light conditions.
On the upside, the device makes sharing photos on Twitter and Facebook easy.
Although the phone lacks 3G capabilities, there is connectivity through WIFI and cellular data networks.
The cellular network connectivity is only through GPRS class A or EGPRS class A connections, but sending text updates in Facebook or Twitter is fast.
The lack of 3G isn't necessarily a bad thing if you're using the fast-loading built-in applications; I tested the Twitter and Facebook built-in apps for four hours while running GMail in the background, and the C3 still had 50% battery power left at the end of the day.
The Nokia C3 will surely appeal to the younger market, which wants an affordable handset with good communications features. The bigger majority of mobile users who want an easy-to-use device will also love it.
Thanks to its stylish design, ease of use, and wallet-friendly connectivity, the Nokia C3 is definitely a phone for the mobile netizen.
Nokia C3 Specifications
2.4 inch QVGA display
320 x 240 pixel resolution
262K colors
Series 40 User Interface
Full QWERTY keyboard
GPRS/EDGE
Opera Mini
Wi-Fi
2 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom
Media Player
Stereo FM Radio
Built-in hands-free speaker
55 MB internal memory
8 GB expandable memory
2 GB MicroSD card included
3.5mm headphone jack
Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
OVI Chat
OVI Share
Source: MB
The appeal of the Nokia C3 lies in its easy access to the most popular social networking sites, as well as allowing users to chat and check their email accounts.
The Nokia C3 comes with built-in social media applications that enable the mobile use of Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Google Talk and Yahoo! Messenger.
The apps are fast-loading and easy to navigate, making the C3 a great social networking handset for mobile users.
Email and chat accounts can be set up straight from the C3 without the need for a PC.The Home Screen provides useful application shortcuts for easy navigation, which you can customize for instant access to your most frequently-used apps.
Most people assume staying connected incurs expensive data charges. The good news is that for only P20 a day, SMART subscribers can avail of unlimited chat, email, Facebook and Twitter on Nokia Messaging.
Users can also avail of a free 7-day trial by texting NOKIA TRIAL to 6677.
The Nokia C3 is an impressive, expensive-looking device, with its BlackBerry-like QWERTY keyboard and beautiful matte finish. The one I hold in my hand is the slate grey, but the sleek Nokia C3 also comes in vibrant hot pink and golden white colors.
The QWERTY keys are on the small and narrow side, which might give user with larger hands a harder time typing accurately – my small fingers have no problem, though. There are two soft menu buttons, as well as a "Call" and "End" button; the latter doubles as the power switch.
The C3 is well-proportioned and compact. It measures 115.5x58.1x13.6mm, fitting nicely into a small purse or pocket. It’s also very light at a mere 114 g. It has a 2.4-inch screen with a 320x240-pixel resolution.
The images are crisp and bright, although the screen size makes it difficult to browse through websites.
Internal memory is limited to just 55MB, but you can expand it by purchasing a Nokia micro SD card, which goes as high as 8GB.
The C3 runs on a Symbian S40 OS, which can be found on Nokia’s mid-tier mobile devices. It’s not the fastest OS Nokia offers, and it cannot handle multi-tasking.
The phone also has a built-in 2-megapixel camera.
It performs well under natural light, but the lack of a flash makes it take bad photos at night and in low-light conditions.
On the upside, the device makes sharing photos on Twitter and Facebook easy.
Although the phone lacks 3G capabilities, there is connectivity through WIFI and cellular data networks.
The cellular network connectivity is only through GPRS class A or EGPRS class A connections, but sending text updates in Facebook or Twitter is fast.
The lack of 3G isn't necessarily a bad thing if you're using the fast-loading built-in applications; I tested the Twitter and Facebook built-in apps for four hours while running GMail in the background, and the C3 still had 50% battery power left at the end of the day.
The Nokia C3 will surely appeal to the younger market, which wants an affordable handset with good communications features. The bigger majority of mobile users who want an easy-to-use device will also love it.
Thanks to its stylish design, ease of use, and wallet-friendly connectivity, the Nokia C3 is definitely a phone for the mobile netizen.
Nokia C3 Specifications
2.4 inch QVGA display
320 x 240 pixel resolution
262K colors
Series 40 User Interface
Full QWERTY keyboard
GPRS/EDGE
Opera Mini
Wi-Fi
2 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom
Media Player
Stereo FM Radio
Built-in hands-free speaker
55 MB internal memory
8 GB expandable memory
2 GB MicroSD card included
3.5mm headphone jack
Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
OVI Chat
OVI Share
Source: MB
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Edu Manzano: Kapuso again
He declared quitting showbiz whatever the outcome of the election but it seems popular TV host-actor Edu Manzano changed his mind when he signed an exclusive contract with GMA-7 on Aug. 11.
The 55-year old actor told “24 Oras” in an interview that after the election (when he lost as vice-president), he got himself busy working for a private company.
However, the GMA offer, apparently, was hard to refuse.
“I thank GMA-7 because they are also providing me an avenue kung saan I will be able to continue rendering public service sa pamamagitan ng mga programang ibibigay nila,” Edu related.
His being a Kapuso is a comeback of sorts for Edu, who first exposed his hosting chops via “Emergency” in 1995.
In a previous interview with ABS-CBN, Edu said that he is not keen on hosting game shows again (he used to host “Pilpinas, Game K N B?” and “1 versus 100”). However, his initial project in the Kapuso network is, coincidentally, a game show, titled “Asar Talo Pero Laging Panalo.”
Wilma Galvante, GMA’s senior vice-president for entertainment, said in a separate interview on “24 Oras” that the show will premiere on September.
“We are really, really, profusely working on it, improving it, further as we go along,” she said.
Edu is grateful that he and the production team are able to participate in brainstorming for the new show.
“Pinag-isipang mabuti. Masayang programa,” he said of “Asar Talo.”
“Pero hinding-hindi ako sasayaw dito,” he said after a pause, seemingly pertaining to his stint on “Game K N B” where he popularized the dance craze, “Papaya.”
Source: MB
The 55-year old actor told “24 Oras” in an interview that after the election (when he lost as vice-president), he got himself busy working for a private company.
However, the GMA offer, apparently, was hard to refuse.
“I thank GMA-7 because they are also providing me an avenue kung saan I will be able to continue rendering public service sa pamamagitan ng mga programang ibibigay nila,” Edu related.
His being a Kapuso is a comeback of sorts for Edu, who first exposed his hosting chops via “Emergency” in 1995.
In a previous interview with ABS-CBN, Edu said that he is not keen on hosting game shows again (he used to host “Pilpinas, Game K N B?” and “1 versus 100”). However, his initial project in the Kapuso network is, coincidentally, a game show, titled “Asar Talo Pero Laging Panalo.”
Wilma Galvante, GMA’s senior vice-president for entertainment, said in a separate interview on “24 Oras” that the show will premiere on September.
“We are really, really, profusely working on it, improving it, further as we go along,” she said.
Edu is grateful that he and the production team are able to participate in brainstorming for the new show.
“Pinag-isipang mabuti. Masayang programa,” he said of “Asar Talo.”
“Pero hinding-hindi ako sasayaw dito,” he said after a pause, seemingly pertaining to his stint on “Game K N B” where he popularized the dance craze, “Papaya.”
Source: MB
Friday the 13th unlucky for van driver at SLEX
Friday the 13th proved unlucky indeed for a van driver after his vehicle blew a tire and turned on its side along the South Luzon Expressway before dawn Friday.
Radio dzBB's Roland Bola reported the van (RHB-626) was delivering bottles of liquor from Canlubang in Laguna to Pier 18 in Manila when it crashed.
The driver, initially identified as Gaspar Dapinid, said he was cruising at the northbound portion of SLEX between Biñan and Southwoods when the van's right rear tire exploded.
Still, Dapinid considered himself lucky that he was unhurt, and that the incident did not hurt anyone.
Source: GmaNews
Radio dzBB's Roland Bola reported the van (RHB-626) was delivering bottles of liquor from Canlubang in Laguna to Pier 18 in Manila when it crashed.
The driver, initially identified as Gaspar Dapinid, said he was cruising at the northbound portion of SLEX between Biñan and Southwoods when the van's right rear tire exploded.
Still, Dapinid considered himself lucky that he was unhurt, and that the incident did not hurt anyone.
Source: GmaNews
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Filipinos in Iraq press govt for ruling on travel ban
MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos in Iraq are asking the Philippine government to decide on the possible lifting of the travel ban to the war-torn country, days after the United States military’s August 9 deadline for the start of the repatriation process for third-country nationals whose countries have such bans lapsed.
Their comments are posted to an INQUIRER.net story that the Philippine government has sent Special Envoy Roy Cimatu to Iraq to assess the security situation there. However, since Cimatu’s arrival on August 7, the government has not announced any decision.
In a telephone interview, Cimatu apologized and said he could not divulge his assessment. He said it has been decided in Malacanang that it would come out with a statement on his report.
“I hope you understand. Maybe they have other considerations apart from my assessment,” he told INQUIRER.net.
Despite the travel ban, Department of Foreign Affairs estimates that about 8,000 Filipinos are in Iraq, many of whom want the five-year travel ban lifted.
“What is the Philippine government waiting for? An assessment if Iraq is safe? What a joke! How many cases of abuses are there in the other ME [Middle East] countries where we export Filipinos? How many Filipinos have just been repatriated to the Philippines from Jeddah? Please compare to Iraq and then talk about safety. The issue is, WALANG NAKUKUHANG PERA ANG GOBYERNO NG PILIPINAS FROM THE OFW'S IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN [the government doesn’t earn off the OFWs in Iraq and Afghanistan]!” one of them, pinoydproduct, said.
Some are less angry and try to explain that they are actually safe inside the US military facilities, doing various maintenance work for monthly salaries reaching P100,000. They argued that if they were really in danger, they themselves would ask to be repatriated.
Some point out that Nepal, the other country mentioned in the US military directive regarding third-country nationals’ repatriation, has already lifted its own travel ban to Iraq.
The US military is scheduled to pull out of the country by 2011, starting with a major drawdown by the end of August.
In light of this, US military authorities in Iraq on July 20 directed its private contractors and subcontractors to identify within 20 days their foreign workers there who have violated US, Iraq and their respective countries’ laws and policies. The directive also ordered their contractors to develop a plan for their repatriation.
Cimatu left for Iraq July 20 and returned August 7. Apart from the security assessment, his instructions were to study options to address the situation and concerns of OFWs.
In its news release announcing Cimatu’s departure for Iraq, the DFA said the inter-agency committee – composed of the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Foreign Affairs department, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, among others – was expected to issue policy guidelines following the special envoy’s findings and recommendations.
The Philippine travel and labor deployment ban has been in effect since July 2004, following the kidnapping of OFW Angelo dela Cruz “[because] of continuing volatile security there,” the DFA said.
The Migrant Workers Act, or Republic Act 8042, mandates that the government adhere to strict guidelines in allowing the deployment of Filipino workers to other countries, and imposes heavy penalties on government officials who allow the deployment of migrant workers without the guarantees required by law.
Source: Inquirer
Their comments are posted to an INQUIRER.net story that the Philippine government has sent Special Envoy Roy Cimatu to Iraq to assess the security situation there. However, since Cimatu’s arrival on August 7, the government has not announced any decision.
In a telephone interview, Cimatu apologized and said he could not divulge his assessment. He said it has been decided in Malacanang that it would come out with a statement on his report.
“I hope you understand. Maybe they have other considerations apart from my assessment,” he told INQUIRER.net.
Despite the travel ban, Department of Foreign Affairs estimates that about 8,000 Filipinos are in Iraq, many of whom want the five-year travel ban lifted.
“What is the Philippine government waiting for? An assessment if Iraq is safe? What a joke! How many cases of abuses are there in the other ME [Middle East] countries where we export Filipinos? How many Filipinos have just been repatriated to the Philippines from Jeddah? Please compare to Iraq and then talk about safety. The issue is, WALANG NAKUKUHANG PERA ANG GOBYERNO NG PILIPINAS FROM THE OFW'S IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN [the government doesn’t earn off the OFWs in Iraq and Afghanistan]!” one of them, pinoydproduct, said.
Some are less angry and try to explain that they are actually safe inside the US military facilities, doing various maintenance work for monthly salaries reaching P100,000. They argued that if they were really in danger, they themselves would ask to be repatriated.
Some point out that Nepal, the other country mentioned in the US military directive regarding third-country nationals’ repatriation, has already lifted its own travel ban to Iraq.
The US military is scheduled to pull out of the country by 2011, starting with a major drawdown by the end of August.
In light of this, US military authorities in Iraq on July 20 directed its private contractors and subcontractors to identify within 20 days their foreign workers there who have violated US, Iraq and their respective countries’ laws and policies. The directive also ordered their contractors to develop a plan for their repatriation.
Cimatu left for Iraq July 20 and returned August 7. Apart from the security assessment, his instructions were to study options to address the situation and concerns of OFWs.
In its news release announcing Cimatu’s departure for Iraq, the DFA said the inter-agency committee – composed of the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Foreign Affairs department, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, among others – was expected to issue policy guidelines following the special envoy’s findings and recommendations.
The Philippine travel and labor deployment ban has been in effect since July 2004, following the kidnapping of OFW Angelo dela Cruz “[because] of continuing volatile security there,” the DFA said.
The Migrant Workers Act, or Republic Act 8042, mandates that the government adhere to strict guidelines in allowing the deployment of Filipino workers to other countries, and imposes heavy penalties on government officials who allow the deployment of migrant workers without the guarantees required by law.
Source: Inquirer
Nestlé makes $5-billion half-year profit
GENEVA (AP) – Swiss food and drinks company Nestlé SA reported Wednesday a 7.5 percent rise in half-year net profit to 5.45 billion Swiss francs ($5 billion) and raised its full-year outlook as global sales increased despite adverse currency exchange rates.
The results from the maker of Nescafé, Jenny Craig and Haagen-Dazs beat analyst expectations and compared with a 5.1 billion francs profit a year earlier. Sales rose to 55 billion francs during the six month period to June from 52 billion francs.
Nestlé now expects its core food and drinks business excluding currencies effects and one-off events to grow 5 percent, an improvement on its previous forecast of over 3.9 percent.
Shares in Nestlé closed 0.2 percent lower at 51.40 francs ($48.49) on the Zurich exchange.
"We have increased investment in our brands, people and capabilities and have prepared the company for a more challenging second half,'' said chief executive Paul Bulcke.
Nestlé said the biggest growth came from emerging markets, the sale of low-cost alternatives and a strong performance by its premium brands.
Developed markets showed some weaknesses, with lower demand for frozen food in North America and a late start to the ice cream season in Europe.
Exchange rates also put a drag on sales as the Swiss franc surged against the euro during the first half. Nestlé, which earns most of its money outside Switzerland, said these adverse currency effects reduced sales in Swiss francs by 1.5 percent.
The Vevey-based company benefited from several acquisitions including the purchase of rival Kraft's frozen pizza business.
Investors have been looking for signs that Nestlé is poised for a major takeover, but the company has been coy about spending further cash in recent months. Instead, Nestlé has made several smaller investments into companies such as Guatemala's Malher Group and Vitaflo, a British maker of clinical nutritional products.
Source: MB
The results from the maker of Nescafé, Jenny Craig and Haagen-Dazs beat analyst expectations and compared with a 5.1 billion francs profit a year earlier. Sales rose to 55 billion francs during the six month period to June from 52 billion francs.
Nestlé now expects its core food and drinks business excluding currencies effects and one-off events to grow 5 percent, an improvement on its previous forecast of over 3.9 percent.
Shares in Nestlé closed 0.2 percent lower at 51.40 francs ($48.49) on the Zurich exchange.
"We have increased investment in our brands, people and capabilities and have prepared the company for a more challenging second half,'' said chief executive Paul Bulcke.
Nestlé said the biggest growth came from emerging markets, the sale of low-cost alternatives and a strong performance by its premium brands.
Developed markets showed some weaknesses, with lower demand for frozen food in North America and a late start to the ice cream season in Europe.
Exchange rates also put a drag on sales as the Swiss franc surged against the euro during the first half. Nestlé, which earns most of its money outside Switzerland, said these adverse currency effects reduced sales in Swiss francs by 1.5 percent.
The Vevey-based company benefited from several acquisitions including the purchase of rival Kraft's frozen pizza business.
Investors have been looking for signs that Nestlé is poised for a major takeover, but the company has been coy about spending further cash in recent months. Instead, Nestlé has made several smaller investments into companies such as Guatemala's Malher Group and Vitaflo, a British maker of clinical nutritional products.
Source: MB
Kris Aquino files petition to nullify marriage to James Yap
Determined to legally end her union with husband James Yap, Kris Aquino has filed a “petition for the declaration of nullity of marriage” last Aug. 9 at the Makati Family Court.
As mentioned by her lawyers Anna Liza Logan and Anne Sharlyne Lapuz in earlier interviews, Kris wanted to have the marriage declared null and void to begin with.
While Kris’ camp refused to divulge the grounds and technicalities ingrained in the petition, an entertainment website revealed that the “main ground” was "lack of authority of the solemnizing officer."
Previous reports indicated that the civil marriage of the two on July 10, 2005 was officiated by Congressman Sonny Belmonte, who was the mayor of Quezon City. Although the TV host-actress was advised by her lawyers not to speak on the details of the matter, an article on the matter said that it was not Cong. Belmonte who bound her and James in matrimony but a Rayda P. Tumaliuan, who is said to be a minister at the Holy Sacrament International Church.
Although Kris would not comment about her latest move, she took to her recently resurrected Twitter account to air her feelings about break-ups.
“No matter how brave u try to be, a breakup is painful. Quoting again from my love iphone app- when u break up, your whole identity is shattered. It's like death. True, it's hard to get to know myself all over again as just me & no longer part of a couple,” she tweeted on Aug. 11.
This was followed by her second and last tweet that night: “Pasensya na ha, nasa senti mode. Just read this quote "if u love some1u'd be willing to give up everything for them, but if they loved u back, they'd never ask u to." Good night.”
The petition was intended to be served to James after being awarded as the Most Valuable Player of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) last Wednesday, late evening newscast “Bandila” reported. Several court officials from the Makati RTC were said to have waited for the cager outside the Araneta Coliseum, where the event was held.
However, they were not able to serve the petition as James immediately left the venue after the ceremony.
When sought for comment via a phone interview, James is said to have been shocked because he was not aware that the court officials were waiting for him.
On the lighter side, James---who plays forward for the B-Meg Derby Aces---not only won his second MVP (his first was back in 2005), but was also recognized as part of the “Mythical Five.” In his acceptance speech, he dedicated his award to his son with Kris, Baby James.
“Para sa’yo ‘to, I love you and miss na miss na kita,” he directed to Bimby.
Source: MB
As mentioned by her lawyers Anna Liza Logan and Anne Sharlyne Lapuz in earlier interviews, Kris wanted to have the marriage declared null and void to begin with.
While Kris’ camp refused to divulge the grounds and technicalities ingrained in the petition, an entertainment website revealed that the “main ground” was "lack of authority of the solemnizing officer."
Previous reports indicated that the civil marriage of the two on July 10, 2005 was officiated by Congressman Sonny Belmonte, who was the mayor of Quezon City. Although the TV host-actress was advised by her lawyers not to speak on the details of the matter, an article on the matter said that it was not Cong. Belmonte who bound her and James in matrimony but a Rayda P. Tumaliuan, who is said to be a minister at the Holy Sacrament International Church.
Although Kris would not comment about her latest move, she took to her recently resurrected Twitter account to air her feelings about break-ups.
“No matter how brave u try to be, a breakup is painful. Quoting again from my love iphone app- when u break up, your whole identity is shattered. It's like death. True, it's hard to get to know myself all over again as just me & no longer part of a couple,” she tweeted on Aug. 11.
This was followed by her second and last tweet that night: “Pasensya na ha, nasa senti mode. Just read this quote "if u love some1u'd be willing to give up everything for them, but if they loved u back, they'd never ask u to." Good night.”
The petition was intended to be served to James after being awarded as the Most Valuable Player of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) last Wednesday, late evening newscast “Bandila” reported. Several court officials from the Makati RTC were said to have waited for the cager outside the Araneta Coliseum, where the event was held.
However, they were not able to serve the petition as James immediately left the venue after the ceremony.
When sought for comment via a phone interview, James is said to have been shocked because he was not aware that the court officials were waiting for him.
On the lighter side, James---who plays forward for the B-Meg Derby Aces---not only won his second MVP (his first was back in 2005), but was also recognized as part of the “Mythical Five.” In his acceptance speech, he dedicated his award to his son with Kris, Baby James.
“Para sa’yo ‘to, I love you and miss na miss na kita,” he directed to Bimby.
Source: MB
Spokesman: NFA braces for job losses ahead of ‘reduction’ plan
The National Food Authority (NFA) is bracing for the fate of some 4,000 of its employees if a Malacañang plan to reduce the agency’s functions pushes through.
NFA spokesman Rex Estoperez said in a radio interview Thursday the agency is preparing possible separation packages for employees who might be affected by the plan to streamline the agency’s functions.
“Dati may 6,000 kami nationwide, lahat na probinsya meron tayo. Naging 4,000 plus, nabawasan kami more than 2,000 (We used to have 6,000 employees nationwide, in all provinces. But the number has gone down to about 4,000. We lost some 2,000 people)," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.
But employees need not worry, he said, because assistance packages are being prepared for them.
“May packages na ibibigay yan. Yan naman di kinatakutan ng empleyado, ang importante bigyan ng due compensation (There will be assistance packages for them. The bottom line is they will have due compensation)," he said.
The Aquino administration is planning to abolish so-called non-performing government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), which includes the NFA.
A briefer prepared by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed budget allocations for GOCCs for next year were cut by as much as P35.8 billion, from the previous P59.1 billion.
The NFA’s P8-billion rice subsidy for rice procurement was already removed and will be diverted to the rice-subsidy program of the Social Welfare Department.
The DBM document also indicated the NFA will have a much-reduced role, taking care of only buffer stocking and regulation.
Estoperez said the NFA remains open to keeping at least its regulatory function, to protect farmers and consumers from rice price spikes.
He said the NFA will also be open to any other function depending on the need of farmers.
“Una konsultahin natin ang magsasaka, sila unang maapektuhan. Kung ano sabihin ng magasasaka at stakeholder wala tayong problema. Lahat tayo professional at career officials (We can consult farmers who are the first to be affected. We have no problem with what they have to say. We are all professional and career officials)," he said.
He also noted the NFA had been subsidizing rice stocks, including rice buffer stocks for relief operations.
“Relief agencies do not subsidize the rice, so we absorb the costs," he said.
He also advised consumers not to expect substantial subsidies for rice anymore.
“Wala tayong programa na malaki ang subsidy ... huwag umasa ang ating kababayan babalik sa mababa (We have no program with big subsidies for rice... Consumers should not expect rice prices to go down substantially if the NFA is abolished)," he said.
Source: GmaNews
NFA spokesman Rex Estoperez said in a radio interview Thursday the agency is preparing possible separation packages for employees who might be affected by the plan to streamline the agency’s functions.
“Dati may 6,000 kami nationwide, lahat na probinsya meron tayo. Naging 4,000 plus, nabawasan kami more than 2,000 (We used to have 6,000 employees nationwide, in all provinces. But the number has gone down to about 4,000. We lost some 2,000 people)," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.
But employees need not worry, he said, because assistance packages are being prepared for them.
“May packages na ibibigay yan. Yan naman di kinatakutan ng empleyado, ang importante bigyan ng due compensation (There will be assistance packages for them. The bottom line is they will have due compensation)," he said.
The Aquino administration is planning to abolish so-called non-performing government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), which includes the NFA.
A briefer prepared by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed budget allocations for GOCCs for next year were cut by as much as P35.8 billion, from the previous P59.1 billion.
The NFA’s P8-billion rice subsidy for rice procurement was already removed and will be diverted to the rice-subsidy program of the Social Welfare Department.
The DBM document also indicated the NFA will have a much-reduced role, taking care of only buffer stocking and regulation.
Estoperez said the NFA remains open to keeping at least its regulatory function, to protect farmers and consumers from rice price spikes.
He said the NFA will also be open to any other function depending on the need of farmers.
“Una konsultahin natin ang magsasaka, sila unang maapektuhan. Kung ano sabihin ng magasasaka at stakeholder wala tayong problema. Lahat tayo professional at career officials (We can consult farmers who are the first to be affected. We have no problem with what they have to say. We are all professional and career officials)," he said.
He also noted the NFA had been subsidizing rice stocks, including rice buffer stocks for relief operations.
“Relief agencies do not subsidize the rice, so we absorb the costs," he said.
He also advised consumers not to expect substantial subsidies for rice anymore.
“Wala tayong programa na malaki ang subsidy ... huwag umasa ang ating kababayan babalik sa mababa (We have no program with big subsidies for rice... Consumers should not expect rice prices to go down substantially if the NFA is abolished)," he said.
Source: GmaNews
Paris Hilton sued for $35M for wearing wrong hair
LOS ANGELES — Paris Hilton was sued Wednesday for allegedly wearing someone else's hair.
A company that manufactures hair extensions claimed the 29-year-old socialite breached her contract to wear and promote their product when she sported the fake locks of a competitor in 2008.
Hairtech International Inc. is seeking $35 million in damages — 10 times what she was apparently paid under the contract. The fraud and breach-of-contract suit cites the heiress' partying as contrary to Hairtech's marketing campaign.
The filing also claims Hilton missed a launch party for the hair extension line because she was serving a stint in jail in 2007. Hilton served 23 days in 2007 after she was caught driving twice on a suspended license while on probation for reckless driving.
The filing states the company's lost $6.6 million on the launch party alone, although a jury or judge will have to decide whether Hilton owes any money if the case goes to trial.
Phone and e-mail messages to Hilton's publicist Dawn Miller were not immediately returned Wednesday.
The case isn't the first time Hilton's role as a pitchwoman has gotten her sued.
The producers of the film "Pledge This!" sued Hilton in 2008 in federal court in Miami, claiming she didn't properly promote the film. A judge ruled last year that she didn't owe the roughly $8.3 million it cost to the make the film, which played in fewer than two dozen theaters.
The court is still deciding how much, if any, of Hilton's $1 million fee for "Pledge This!" she may have to return to filmmakers.
Source: GmaNews
A company that manufactures hair extensions claimed the 29-year-old socialite breached her contract to wear and promote their product when she sported the fake locks of a competitor in 2008.
Hairtech International Inc. is seeking $35 million in damages — 10 times what she was apparently paid under the contract. The fraud and breach-of-contract suit cites the heiress' partying as contrary to Hairtech's marketing campaign.
The filing also claims Hilton missed a launch party for the hair extension line because she was serving a stint in jail in 2007. Hilton served 23 days in 2007 after she was caught driving twice on a suspended license while on probation for reckless driving.
The filing states the company's lost $6.6 million on the launch party alone, although a jury or judge will have to decide whether Hilton owes any money if the case goes to trial.
Phone and e-mail messages to Hilton's publicist Dawn Miller were not immediately returned Wednesday.
The case isn't the first time Hilton's role as a pitchwoman has gotten her sued.
The producers of the film "Pledge This!" sued Hilton in 2008 in federal court in Miami, claiming she didn't properly promote the film. A judge ruled last year that she didn't owe the roughly $8.3 million it cost to the make the film, which played in fewer than two dozen theaters.
The court is still deciding how much, if any, of Hilton's $1 million fee for "Pledge This!" she may have to return to filmmakers.
Source: GmaNews
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Students ready protests, signature drive vs 12-year educ program
Militant students are planning to launch protests and a signature drive against the government's plan to extend the basic education curriculum by two years.
Radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported on Wednesday that the League of Filipino Students (LFS) opposes the government's plan to add two more years to the country's 10-year basic education program.
The LFS said Education officials should first address the lack of classrooms, textbooks, and teachers.
Public school teachers earlier appealed to Education officials not to use trial-and-error in implementing its 12-year basic education program.
The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) said the government cannot afford to risk the future of schoolchildren with a half-baked program.
On Monday, Education Secretary Armin Luistro announced the plan to heed the call of President Benigno Aquino III for a 12-year basic education program.
Luistro said the implementation of the reforms will be gradual and could even go beyond the term of the next administration.
He said the DepEd will present the proposal to the public on October 5, World Teachers’ Day.
Source: GmaNews
Radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported on Wednesday that the League of Filipino Students (LFS) opposes the government's plan to add two more years to the country's 10-year basic education program.
The LFS said Education officials should first address the lack of classrooms, textbooks, and teachers.
Public school teachers earlier appealed to Education officials not to use trial-and-error in implementing its 12-year basic education program.
The Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) said the government cannot afford to risk the future of schoolchildren with a half-baked program.
On Monday, Education Secretary Armin Luistro announced the plan to heed the call of President Benigno Aquino III for a 12-year basic education program.
Luistro said the implementation of the reforms will be gradual and could even go beyond the term of the next administration.
He said the DepEd will present the proposal to the public on October 5, World Teachers’ Day.
Source: GmaNews
Pacquiao is 68 years old, House website shows
Seven-division world boxing champion and now Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao is 68 years old.
At least, that's what the website of the House of Representatives said.
The lawmaker’s profile showed Pacquiao was born on May 28, 1942 when in fact his birthday is December 17, 1978, which makes him only 31 years old.
Also according to the House website, Pacquiao is not married to Geraldine "Jinkee" Jamora-Pacquiao but to one Elizabeth B. Salvacion.
The only correct details about Pacquiao on the website — aside from his real name, Emmanuel — were his civil status, his term as a lawmaker, and the bill — House Bill 1098 or “An Act amending the resetting of the October 2010 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to October 2011 and amending Section 1, 2 and 5 of RA 9340 otherwise known as an act amending Republic Act 9164, resetting the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election" — that he co-authored.
The bill was filed on July 8, 2010.
Even the lawmaker’s room indicated on the website was incorrect.
Pacquiao was not available to issue a comment regarding the errors.
The House’s Information and Communication Technology Service is in charge of the content of the website. As of posting time, no explanation was given regarding the errors.
Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tanada III said he already asked the concerned office to correct the entries on the website.
The wrong details have so far been removed.
Source: GmaNews
At least, that's what the website of the House of Representatives said.
The lawmaker’s profile showed Pacquiao was born on May 28, 1942 when in fact his birthday is December 17, 1978, which makes him only 31 years old.
Also according to the House website, Pacquiao is not married to Geraldine "Jinkee" Jamora-Pacquiao but to one Elizabeth B. Salvacion.
The only correct details about Pacquiao on the website — aside from his real name, Emmanuel — were his civil status, his term as a lawmaker, and the bill — House Bill 1098 or “An Act amending the resetting of the October 2010 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to October 2011 and amending Section 1, 2 and 5 of RA 9340 otherwise known as an act amending Republic Act 9164, resetting the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election" — that he co-authored.
The bill was filed on July 8, 2010.
Even the lawmaker’s room indicated on the website was incorrect.
Pacquiao was not available to issue a comment regarding the errors.
The House’s Information and Communication Technology Service is in charge of the content of the website. As of posting time, no explanation was given regarding the errors.
Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tanada III said he already asked the concerned office to correct the entries on the website.
The wrong details have so far been removed.
Source: GmaNews
Monday, August 9, 2010
PBA to approve Meralco entry; Ryan is new coach
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is expected to approve Manila Electric Company's (Meralco) entry as the newest member of the country's premier professional league when the board meets on Tuesday.
PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios told GMANews.TV that Meralco, which will take over the old Sta. Lucia franchise, has already submitted documents regarding its participation.
Asked whether a voting is needed to allow Meralco's entry, Barrios said it's not necessary.
"I don’t think we still need to divide the house regarding this matter. If there would be queries, then they will be free to ask," said Barrios in a telephone interview. "But the board will take a look on all the documents submitted by the applying member."
Once approved, Meralco will be the 10th team in the league, taking over Sta. Lucia's franchise.
But Meralco’s entry will most likely be questioned whether its participation will be as sister team of Talk 'N Text or a separate company.
Businessman/sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan has controlling shares on both Meralco and Talk 'N Text.
"Whether Meralco will be a sister team of Talk 'N Text or will join as a separate company will also be discussed in the meeting," added Barrios.
Read more @ GmaNews
PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios told GMANews.TV that Meralco, which will take over the old Sta. Lucia franchise, has already submitted documents regarding its participation.
Asked whether a voting is needed to allow Meralco's entry, Barrios said it's not necessary.
"I don’t think we still need to divide the house regarding this matter. If there would be queries, then they will be free to ask," said Barrios in a telephone interview. "But the board will take a look on all the documents submitted by the applying member."
Once approved, Meralco will be the 10th team in the league, taking over Sta. Lucia's franchise.
But Meralco’s entry will most likely be questioned whether its participation will be as sister team of Talk 'N Text or a separate company.
Businessman/sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan has controlling shares on both Meralco and Talk 'N Text.
"Whether Meralco will be a sister team of Talk 'N Text or will join as a separate company will also be discussed in the meeting," added Barrios.
Read more @ GmaNews
Engineer convicted of selling missile technology to China
WASHINGTON DC, United States—A former B-2 stealth bomber engineer was found guilty Monday of selling sensitive military technology to China, the United States Justice Department said in a statement.
Noshir Gowadia, 66, was convicted of five offenses following trial in a federal court in Hawaii. Gowadia had been accused of passing on design information which would allow cruise missiles to avoid infra-red detection.
Gowadia was found guilty of illegally communicating classified information, as well as illegally retaining defense information following a 40-day trial.
"Mr. Gowadia provided some of our country's most sensitive weapons-related designs to the Chinese government for money," Assistant Attorney General for National Security David Kris said in a statement.
"Today, he is being held accountable for his actions. This prosecution should serve as a warning to others who would compromise our nation's military secrets for profit."
Gowadia was arrested in October 2005 and accused of communicating national defense information to a person not entitled to receive it. Further charges were added on subsequent indictments issued up until 2007.
He was employed as an engineer with Northrop Grumman Corporation for nearly two decades between 1968 to 1986, where he had a role in developing the propulsion system and low observable capabilities of the Stealth bomber.
Gowadia continued to work on classified projects as a contractor for the US government until 1997 when his security clearance was terminated.
During his trial, prosecutors alleged Gowardia made repeated trips to China between 2003 and 2005 to provide defense services in the form of design, test support, and test data analysis of technologies related to China's cruise missile program.
Source: Inquirer
Noshir Gowadia, 66, was convicted of five offenses following trial in a federal court in Hawaii. Gowadia had been accused of passing on design information which would allow cruise missiles to avoid infra-red detection.
Gowadia was found guilty of illegally communicating classified information, as well as illegally retaining defense information following a 40-day trial.
"Mr. Gowadia provided some of our country's most sensitive weapons-related designs to the Chinese government for money," Assistant Attorney General for National Security David Kris said in a statement.
"Today, he is being held accountable for his actions. This prosecution should serve as a warning to others who would compromise our nation's military secrets for profit."
Gowadia was arrested in October 2005 and accused of communicating national defense information to a person not entitled to receive it. Further charges were added on subsequent indictments issued up until 2007.
He was employed as an engineer with Northrop Grumman Corporation for nearly two decades between 1968 to 1986, where he had a role in developing the propulsion system and low observable capabilities of the Stealth bomber.
Gowadia continued to work on classified projects as a contractor for the US government until 1997 when his security clearance was terminated.
During his trial, prosecutors alleged Gowardia made repeated trips to China between 2003 and 2005 to provide defense services in the form of design, test support, and test data analysis of technologies related to China's cruise missile program.
Source: Inquirer
12 more congressional committees organized
MANILA, Philippines—With only a week before the targeted completion of the organization at the House of Representatives, 12 more congressional committees have been completed with the designation of chairpersons and members.
Hearings on the 2,000 or so bills and resolutions already filed at the chamber may start as soon as all the committees have been organized.
Twelve committees were read out in plenary late Monday to be headed by the following lawmakers: Taguig Representative Sigfrido Tinga (information and communications technology); Northern Samar Representative Emil Ong (labor); Negros Oriental Representative George Arnaiz (local government); Sulu Representative Tupay Loong (Muslim affairs);
Ifugao Representative Teodoro Baguilat (national cultural communities); Cebu Representative Pablo John Garcia (public order); Agusan del Norte Representative Angelica Amante-Matba (women); Albay Representative Al Francis Bichara (foreign affairs); Aklan Representative Florencio Miraflores (tourism); Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga Jr. (suffrage); San Juan Del Monte City Representative Arturo Robes (social services); and Southern Leyte Representative Roger Mercado (transportation).
Last week, 12 committees were also filled up in the chamber, all headed by the members of the majority bloc: Misamis Occidental Representative Loreto Ocampos (constitutional amendments); Leyte Representative Sergio Apostol (banks and financial intermediaries); Cebu Representative Benhur Salimbangon (aquaculture); Sorsogon Representative Salvador Escudero (basic education); Coop-Natcco party-list Representative Jose Ping-Ay (cooperatives development);
Iligan City Representative Vicente Belmonte (dangerous drugs); Laguna Representative Danilo Fernandez (ecology); Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr. (justice); An Waray party-list Representative Florencio “Bem” Noel (accounts); Batangas Representative Mark Llandro Mendoza (agriculture); and Negros Oriental Representative Henry Pryde Teves (agrarian reform).
The House has 59 regular committees and 11 special committees.
Source: Inquirer
Hearings on the 2,000 or so bills and resolutions already filed at the chamber may start as soon as all the committees have been organized.
Twelve committees were read out in plenary late Monday to be headed by the following lawmakers: Taguig Representative Sigfrido Tinga (information and communications technology); Northern Samar Representative Emil Ong (labor); Negros Oriental Representative George Arnaiz (local government); Sulu Representative Tupay Loong (Muslim affairs);
Ifugao Representative Teodoro Baguilat (national cultural communities); Cebu Representative Pablo John Garcia (public order); Agusan del Norte Representative Angelica Amante-Matba (women); Albay Representative Al Francis Bichara (foreign affairs); Aklan Representative Florencio Miraflores (tourism); Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga Jr. (suffrage); San Juan Del Monte City Representative Arturo Robes (social services); and Southern Leyte Representative Roger Mercado (transportation).
Last week, 12 committees were also filled up in the chamber, all headed by the members of the majority bloc: Misamis Occidental Representative Loreto Ocampos (constitutional amendments); Leyte Representative Sergio Apostol (banks and financial intermediaries); Cebu Representative Benhur Salimbangon (aquaculture); Sorsogon Representative Salvador Escudero (basic education); Coop-Natcco party-list Representative Jose Ping-Ay (cooperatives development);
Iligan City Representative Vicente Belmonte (dangerous drugs); Laguna Representative Danilo Fernandez (ecology); Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr. (justice); An Waray party-list Representative Florencio “Bem” Noel (accounts); Batangas Representative Mark Llandro Mendoza (agriculture); and Negros Oriental Representative Henry Pryde Teves (agrarian reform).
The House has 59 regular committees and 11 special committees.
Source: Inquirer
Global warming threatens Asian rice production—study
WASHINGTON—Even modest rises in global temperatures will drive down rice production in Asia, the world's biggest grower of the cereal grain that millions of poor people depend on as a staple food, a study published Monday warned.
Researchers from the United States, the Philippines and the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) looked at the impact of rising daily minimum and maximum temperatures on irrigated rice production between 1994-1999 in 227 fields in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
They found that the main culprit in cutting rice yields was higher daily minimum temperatures.
"As the daily minimum temperature increases, or as nights get hotter, rice yields drop," said Jarrod Welch of the University of California, San Diego, and lead author of the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States.
"Up to a point, higher daytime temperatures can increase rice yield but future yield losses caused by higher night-time temperatures will likely outweigh any such gains because temperatures are rising faster at night," Welch said.
Rising temperatures in the past 25 years have already cut rice yields at several key growing locations by 10-20 percent.
The loss in production is expected to get worse as temperatures rise further towards the middle of the century, said Welch.
"If daytime temperatures get too high, they also start to restrict rice yields, causing an additional loss in production," he said.
Rice is a key global crop, eaten by around three billion people a day. In Asia, it is a staple food to some 600 million people who are among the world's one billion poorest inhabitants, the study and FAO data show.
A decline in rice production will mean more people will slip into poverty and hunger, the authors of the study warned.
"If we cannot change our rice production methods or develop new rice strains that can withstand higher temperatures, there will be a loss in rice production over the next few decades as days and nights get hotter," said Welch.
Source: Inquirer
Researchers from the United States, the Philippines and the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) looked at the impact of rising daily minimum and maximum temperatures on irrigated rice production between 1994-1999 in 227 fields in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
They found that the main culprit in cutting rice yields was higher daily minimum temperatures.
"As the daily minimum temperature increases, or as nights get hotter, rice yields drop," said Jarrod Welch of the University of California, San Diego, and lead author of the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States.
"Up to a point, higher daytime temperatures can increase rice yield but future yield losses caused by higher night-time temperatures will likely outweigh any such gains because temperatures are rising faster at night," Welch said.
Rising temperatures in the past 25 years have already cut rice yields at several key growing locations by 10-20 percent.
The loss in production is expected to get worse as temperatures rise further towards the middle of the century, said Welch.
"If daytime temperatures get too high, they also start to restrict rice yields, causing an additional loss in production," he said.
Rice is a key global crop, eaten by around three billion people a day. In Asia, it is a staple food to some 600 million people who are among the world's one billion poorest inhabitants, the study and FAO data show.
A decline in rice production will mean more people will slip into poverty and hunger, the authors of the study warned.
"If we cannot change our rice production methods or develop new rice strains that can withstand higher temperatures, there will be a loss in rice production over the next few decades as days and nights get hotter," said Welch.
Source: Inquirer
Senate urged to end 'antiquated' way of filing bills
Senator Pia Cayetano urged the Senate to change its "antiquated" way of filing bills, which allegedly encourages plagiarism and unnecessary competition among the chamber staff.
Cayetano explained that the Senate's system of naming similar bills after the senator who was the first to file the proposal allegedly instigated the practice of copying old proposals and passing them off as their own.
She refused, however, to name senators who have allegedly been "plagiarizing" old bills.
According to Cayetano, the practice also forces the senators' staff members to wait painstakingly for the opening of the filing of bills so that theirs would be the first to be indexed.
“I hope the Senate would have a clearer regulation on the system of filing bills. Senators should specify the original authors, even just on the explanatory note," she said in Filipino.
She likewise asked the Senate to "modernize" its system of indexing bills by making electronic copies of the said documents. "Mas praktikal ito at makakatulong pa tayo sa kalikasan (This is more practical and will help the environment)," she said.
The solution
Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto explained that it is tradition for the senator who was first to file a bill with similar counterparts to become the principal author.
"Usually nag-aagawaan talaga yan (Usually they really fight over the right to become the principal author)," he told reporters after the meeting of the Senate committee rules on Monday.
Senate secretary Emma Reyes admitted during the meeting that even though no senator had earlier publicly questioned this tradition, there had reportedly been several internal arguments about the matter.
Sotto, however, said they will no longer name similar bills after the senator who was first to file the proposal. Instead, he said they will leave it to standing committees to decide who will become the principal author.
"We leave it to committee kasi sila ang nakakaalam... kaninong parte ng mga batas ang mas malaking ginamit (because they would know who wrote a bigger part of the law)," he said.
Sotto said he hopes this move by the Senate committee on rules will resolve the issue.
"Kahit sino mauna walang problema. Kung sino talaga ang may laman, yun ang magiging principal author (Now it won't matter who files first. Whoever contributed most to the bill will become the principal author)," he said.
According to the Senate Legislative Bills and Index Service Department, 2,355 bills and 67 resolutions have been filed by the senators of the 15th Congress.
The Senate standing committees are expected to conduct hearings on the bills filed by the senators.
If the bill is passed up to the third reading, it is referred to the House of Representatives for concurrence. If the House approves the bill, the reconciled version of the bill is submitted to Malacanang for signing by the President.
Source: GmaNews
Cayetano explained that the Senate's system of naming similar bills after the senator who was the first to file the proposal allegedly instigated the practice of copying old proposals and passing them off as their own.
She refused, however, to name senators who have allegedly been "plagiarizing" old bills.
According to Cayetano, the practice also forces the senators' staff members to wait painstakingly for the opening of the filing of bills so that theirs would be the first to be indexed.
“I hope the Senate would have a clearer regulation on the system of filing bills. Senators should specify the original authors, even just on the explanatory note," she said in Filipino.
She likewise asked the Senate to "modernize" its system of indexing bills by making electronic copies of the said documents. "Mas praktikal ito at makakatulong pa tayo sa kalikasan (This is more practical and will help the environment)," she said.
The solution
Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto explained that it is tradition for the senator who was first to file a bill with similar counterparts to become the principal author.
"Usually nag-aagawaan talaga yan (Usually they really fight over the right to become the principal author)," he told reporters after the meeting of the Senate committee rules on Monday.
Senate secretary Emma Reyes admitted during the meeting that even though no senator had earlier publicly questioned this tradition, there had reportedly been several internal arguments about the matter.
Sotto, however, said they will no longer name similar bills after the senator who was first to file the proposal. Instead, he said they will leave it to standing committees to decide who will become the principal author.
"We leave it to committee kasi sila ang nakakaalam... kaninong parte ng mga batas ang mas malaking ginamit (because they would know who wrote a bigger part of the law)," he said.
Sotto said he hopes this move by the Senate committee on rules will resolve the issue.
"Kahit sino mauna walang problema. Kung sino talaga ang may laman, yun ang magiging principal author (Now it won't matter who files first. Whoever contributed most to the bill will become the principal author)," he said.
According to the Senate Legislative Bills and Index Service Department, 2,355 bills and 67 resolutions have been filed by the senators of the 15th Congress.
The Senate standing committees are expected to conduct hearings on the bills filed by the senators.
If the bill is passed up to the third reading, it is referred to the House of Representatives for concurrence. If the House approves the bill, the reconciled version of the bill is submitted to Malacanang for signing by the President.
Source: GmaNews
Philippine Navy dispatches rescue planes to find missing vessel
The Philippine Navy on Monday dispatched its Cessna planes to help in the search operations for a cargo vessel that went missing after it experienced engine trouble at the vicinity of Isabel Island in Romblon Saturday morning.
Responding to the call for humanitarian assistance, the Navy's Cessna 330 and 324 took off around 10:30 a.m. as weather cleared for search operations of the missing SF freighter, a 498-ton cargo vessel.
The said vessel was reported missing 2:00 a.m. Saturday after experiencing engine failure amidst turbulent winds and rough seas.
Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman, said focus of the search was the vicinity of Dos Hermanas Island in Romblon.
"The expanded search area is now 900 square nautical mile taking into account drift, then-prevailing weather condition, and other data available," said Arevalo.
"Apart from its primary role of conducting maritime security operations, humanitarian operations like search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation are also among the navy's priority missions," he added.
Source: MB
Responding to the call for humanitarian assistance, the Navy's Cessna 330 and 324 took off around 10:30 a.m. as weather cleared for search operations of the missing SF freighter, a 498-ton cargo vessel.
The said vessel was reported missing 2:00 a.m. Saturday after experiencing engine failure amidst turbulent winds and rough seas.
Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman, said focus of the search was the vicinity of Dos Hermanas Island in Romblon.
"The expanded search area is now 900 square nautical mile taking into account drift, then-prevailing weather condition, and other data available," said Arevalo.
"Apart from its primary role of conducting maritime security operations, humanitarian operations like search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation are also among the navy's priority missions," he added.
Source: MB
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