Ph residential power rates highest in the world

From: People's Journal

           journal.com.ph

The Philippine electricity rate for residential customers is now the highest in the whole world.

The Trade Unions Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) revealed that according to monitoring reports by Party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza, Meralco residential rates hit an all-time high of P13.66 per kilowatt hour (kWh) beginning August.

At a dollar equivalent of US$.33 per kWh, the cost is the highest in the world, surpassing those of Denmark, Germany, Italy, Austria, Ireland, Japan, Belgium and Netherlands whose residential rates are between 22 to 32 US cents per kilowatt hour.

Residential power rates for neighboring Asian countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Indonesia are steady at 0.086 to 22 US cents per kilowatt hour

“This development will hurt the already precarious income of workers. The rising cost of electricity, at the same time, scares new investors from coming in. And worse, it will force existing businesses to close shop and transfer to other neighboring Southeast Asian countries where electricity is cheaper.

“The ultimate impact is: more and more Filipinos will be jobless, or, more and more will be aspiring for two jobs for them to cope (with the cost of living),  said Gerard Seno, Associated Labor Unions (ALU) national executive vice president.

Seno stressed that the ALU and an employers’ group have been urging Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras since last year to make drastic actions on the energy problems issue, but there has been none thus far ###.

Marines deployed in Palawan

From: gmanews.tv

Two marine battalions have been deployed in Palawan to defend the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea, Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban said Sunday.

The deployment follows reports that China is building infrastructure in the area, particularly in Sansha, a city that China is forming to administer over 200 disputed islets, sandbanks, and reefs in the West Philippine Sea. 

Kalayaan town in Palawan has claims over the area where Sansha will be located.

"Everytime we take periodic pictures of all the islands in the Spratlys, we noticed some changes. We observed changes in structures. For example, nagdagdag ng isang satellite disc. Nagdagdag ng dalawang poste na nilagyan ng platform," Sabban said.

Sabban said the structures are in the early stage of construction, but the marines are monitoring the installations.  

Sabban said that the situation in the area is generally peaceful. He said his troops are not attempting to visit the installations. ###

Girl, 13, dies for protecting boyfriend

From: inquirer.net

     

Two teenagers have been arrested for the death of a 13-year-old girl who tried to shield her boyfriend in a rumble Saturday in Quezon City.

Police said Jeslie dela Cruz was pronounced dead at the Orthopedic Hospital after being repeatedly punched until she fell to the ground and hit her head on the pavement.

Dela Cruz, whose boyfriend Paulo Tapel was with her, was just trying to break up the fight but was beaten up as well.

The teenagers, Jovit Guerrero, 19, and a 17-year-old whose name was withheld by the police because of his age, were identified by witnesses as among a gang of 10 youths who attacked another group of teenagers going home from a birthday party.

The  brawl erupted at the corner of Riverside and Talayan Streets in Barangay Talayan..

Police investigator Rhic Pittong said when questioned why he attacked Dela Cruz’s group, Guerrero said his friends just felt like doing it.

Guerrero alleged that it was a 19-year-old comrade who started the brawl and who punched Dela Cruz until she fell. He said his friends and the group of Dela Cruz’s boyfriend had been at each others’ throats in past rumbles.

Both Guerrero and the victim’s friends were at the birthday party of another teenager at a house on Talayan Street. But Dela Cruz, Tapel and their friends decided to leave since Guerrero’s group were staring them down.

Guerrero’s group followed them outside. The boys from both groups then got into  in a  free-for-all. Dela Cruz tried to protect her boyfriend by hugging him to shield him from blows.###

No ‘pork barrel’ yet for GMA, sons

From: philstar.com

Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, her congressmen sons Mikey and Dato and two House allies have not yet received their pork barrel funds for this year.

A Department of Budget and Management (DBM) report identified the two allies as Mitos Magsaysay of Zambales and Augusto Syjuco Jr. of Iloilo.

In last week’s debates on the proposed P2-trillion 2013 national budget, Magsaysay asked Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, appropriations committee chairman, why Malacañang was withholding her allocation, along with those of  Dato, Mikey and Syjuco.

“It’s political reality,” Abaya frankly told her. Abaya said Mrs. Arroyo deprived her critics of their congressional funds during her watch.

Sources in the House appropriations committee claimed Mrs. Arroyo has not submitted any project proposal for her pork barrel balance last year and her allocation for this year

Last year, Mrs. Arroyo received P30.8 million of her annual P70-million pork barrel.

She allocated P20 million for her district and shared the remaining P10.8 million with Dato, Magsaysay and five other allies – Danilo Suarez of Quezon, Amelita Villarosa of Mindoro Occidental, Martin Romualdez of Leyte, Marc Cagas of Davao del Sur, and Arthur Yap of Bohol. ###

Galit sa cybercrime law, kumakalat

From abante.com

Mistulang apoy na mabilis na gumapang ang ngitngit ng mga Pinoy netizens laban sa Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.  

Kahapon ay umani na rin ng atensyon ng international media at foreign ang lumalawak na pagpoprotesta laban sa naturang batas.  

Ayon sa Agence France Presse (AFP):

“It also allows authorities to collect data from personal user accounts on social media and listen in on voice/video applications, such as Skype, without a warrant. Teenagers unwarily retweeting or re-posting libelous material on social media could bear the full force of the law.”

Ayon naman kay Noemi Dado, editor ng citizen media site na “Blog Watch”:

“Not everyone is an expert on what constitutes libel. Imagine a mother like me, or teenagers and kids who love to rant. It really hits our freedoms.”

Sinabi naman ni Brad Adam­s, Asia Director ng New York-based Human Rights Watch:

“Anybody using popular social network or who publishes online is now at risk of a long prison term should a reader – includin­g government officials – bring a libel charge.”

Ayon naman kay  Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Neri Colmenares, hindi ;lang mga kagawad ng media at mga “blogger ang madadale kundi ang mga netizens na bahagi na ng kanilang buhay ang internet at hindi mapigilan ang sarili na magkomento sa isang isyu na posibleng makasakit sa mga pulitiko at gobyerno.

Sinabi naman ni Kabataan partylist Rep. Raymond ‘Mong’ Palatino na “uwedeng abusuhin ng mga balat sibuyas o ‘yung mga ayaw na may bumabatikos sa kanila. Puwede rin gamitin ng pamahalaan na patahimikin ang oposisyon na tinig ng bansa.”###

Metro Manila safe -- Malacanang

From: Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph)

Security measures are in place to ensure the safety of the public, including foreigners.

Malacañang gave this assurance following emergency advisories issued by the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia to their citizens living in the Philippines.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, has implemented “proactive measures” even before the news about the security alert broke out.

Senior military officials said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has not monitored any specific threat against foreign nationals in the country, but stressed security measures have always been in place to ensure the safety of the general public.

The AFP said security measures were even tightened to safeguard foreign diplomatic offices, ambassadors.

“We ensure that all citizens, Filipinos or not, as long as they are within our national territory, are protected and kept safe from terrorists’ threats,” Armed Forces spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos said.  

Burgos added that the AFP is maintaining close coordination and linkages with the PNP through the enhanced Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Councils (JPSCC). ###

Sotto admits inserting libel in Cybercrime Law

From: manilastandardtoday

Sen. Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto has admitted to the American news organization CBS News that he was one of two senators who inserted the libel clause in the recently-enacted Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which President Aquino signed into law last Sept. 12.

“Yes, I did it. I inserted the provision on libel. Because I believe in it and I don’t think there’s any additional harm,” said Sotto in the CBS News article by Barnaby Lo.

The article noted, however, that “Sotto may actually have an axe to grind with the Filipino online community after coming under fire for allegedly plagiarizing an American blogger and the late Sen. Robert Kennedy for his speeches against a controversial family planning and reproductive health bill.”

Sotto had claimed that the libel clause was not meant to abridge free speech, but only to protect ordinary people who are “victims of online attacks, character assassination and the like.”

But Sen. Teofisto Guingona disagrees, warning that the Cybercrime Law is a clear suppresses of the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Constitution.

“While libel committed through traditional print media is punishable by up to four years and two months of imprisonment, online libel is punishable by a shocking 12-year imprisonment,” Guingona said.

Guingona said a person can now be prosecuted for libel under the Revised Penal Code and libel under the Cybercrime Prevention Ac, which is contrary to the 1987 Constitution provision on double jeopardy. ###

UK, Australia, Canada issue terror alerts

From: gmanews.tv

Following the United States' warning of a "security threat" against its nationals in Metro Manila, the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and Canada have also warned their citizens against a possible terrorist threat over the weekend.

"We advise British nationals to exercise particular caution and extra vigilance," the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said in its advisory.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade similarly updated its nationals in the Philippines of the US Embassy's warning.

"We continue to strongly advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups. We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao," it added.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advised Canadians to "maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and avoid any protests, demonstrations, political rallies, or large gatherings as they may turn violent without notice."

"Bomb attacks could occur at any time in Manila and other key cities. Targets could include places frequented by foreigners, such as large shopping malls and convention centers," it added.  

On Friday, the US Embassy issued an emergency message to its nationals in the Philippines, warning of a "security threat" particularly in Pasay City.

It said the threat remains in effect until October 10.###

No specific threats vs Americans --AFP

From: philstar.com

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it has not detected any specific threat against Americans in Metro Manila or the rest of the country despite an advisory by the US Embassy to the contrary.

“As far as the AFP is concerned, we have not monitored any specific threat,” AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said.

A senior military intelligence official who asked not to be named also downplayed possible attacks against Americans. The official said the intelligence community is continuously conducting efforts to validate the supposed threat.

The official pointed out that Filipinos, Muslims and Christians are mostly learned individuals, which is why there has never been a suicide bombing in the country. 

The US embassy had warned of “a threat against American citizens in metropolitan Manila, specifically the Pasay City neighborhood” which hosts a housing facility for US government personnel.

The embassy said the threat, which was detected by “reliable security forces,” remains in effect until Oct. 10.

US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. has ordered all US government facilities in Manila to 

“augment security.”

Americans have been urged to take extreme caution in their daily routine, maintain a low profile, change their travel routes and social routines and consider canceling gatherings and celebrations that could be construed as “American events.”###

Pinoy na nakaranas ng gutom, dumami

From:gmanews.tv

Sa kabila ng pagbaba ng bilang ng mga Pinoy na nagsasabing mahirap sila, tumaas naman ang bilang ng mga nagsasabing nakaranas sila ng gutom nitong nakaraang mga buwan.

Sa pinakabagong survey ng Social Weather Stations (SWS) na ginawa mula  Agosto 24-27, lumabas na 21 percent sa mga tinanong ang nagsabing nakaranas sila ng gutom.

Ito ay mas mataas sa 18.4 percent na pamilya na nagsabing nakaranas sila ng gutom noong Mayo.

Naitala sa Metro Manila ang may pinakamalaking pagtaas (10 percent) ng nagsabing nagugutom sila na umabot sa 26 percent o 738,000 pamilya.

Tumaas din ang bilang ng mga nagugutom sa Mindanao (30.3 percent) at Balance Luzon (16 percent). Hindi naman nagbago ang sitwasyon sa Visayas (17.3 percent). -

Ipinaliwanag naman ng SWS na ang naturang datos ay hindi taliwas sa naunang survey na inilabas nila noong nakaraang lingo, kung saan nabatid na bumaba sa 47 percent mula sa dating 51 percent ang pamilyang nagsabing mahirap sila.

"The reason why hunger rose at the same time that poverty fell... is because of an increase in the hunger rate among the poor, as well as among the non-poor.” paliwanag ng SWS. ###  

Malacanang stands by Anti-Cybercrime Law

From: abs-cbnnews.com

Malacañang stands by the Anti-Cyber Crime Law amid legal questions against it pending with the Supreme Court.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the law had gone through the scrutiny in the legislative process.

"Did we see that coming? Personally, no, in the sense that when it was being discussed in the lower House in the Senate and on the level of bicam… there [were] no questions, nobody was raising an objection.

"I would imagine given the normal legislative experience that we have had, hindi naman po ‘yan tatlong buwan lang pinag-usapan, or apat na buwan lang pinag-usapan," Valte said.

Sen. Teofisto Guingona III is questioning the constitutionality of a number of provisions of the law before the Supreme Court.

The Palace also stood by the inclusion of the provision against libel on cyberspace.

"Freedom is never absolute, even in the Constitution you’ll see that. There are responsibilities that accompany our freedoms,” Valte said. ### 

UNA bares senatorial ticket

From: inquirer.net

Vice President Jejomar Binay announced that the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) has already finalized its senatorial slate for the 2013 polls.

Among those who made are  Sen. Gregorio Honasan, San Juan Representative JV Ejercito, Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce-Enrile Jr., former senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Ernesto Maceda and Richard Gordon, Zambales Rep. Milagros “Mitos’ Magsaysay and businessman Joey de Venecia.

Binay said UNA has also decided to include Sen.Francis Escudero and Margarita Tingting Cojuangco, an aunt of President Aquino, in its senatorial slate.

.

During a press conference last Monday, UNA announced that Sen. Loren Legarda has accepted the party’s invitation to run as a guest candidate.

Binay and former President Joseph Estrada had also said that Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chairman Grace Poe Llamanzares was already an “adopted candidate.”

However, Binay said UNA would not force Llamanzares to join the campaign if she would not be allowed by the Liberal Party. ###

BIR: Walang magiging kasunduan lkay Corona

From: abante.com

Inihayag kahapon ng Bureau of Internal Re­venue (BIR) na hindi ito papasok sa anumang kasunduan kay dating Chief Justice Renato Corona at sa pamilya nito kaugnay ng kinahaharap nilang tax evasion case. 

I

binigay ni BIR Commissioner Kim Hena­res ang pahayag matapos lumutang ang posibilidad na magkaroon ng plea bargain sa kaso ng mga Corona.

Sinabi ni Henares na hindi maaari na magkaroon ng kumpromiso sa nasabing kaso dahil matagal na umanong pinaiiral ang patakaran sa komis­yon na kapag naghain na ng kasong tax evasion ay hindi na pumapasok sa alinmang kompromiso.

Si Corona kasama ang anak na si Carla at manugang nitong si Constantino Castillo, ay nahaharap sa P150 million tax evasion case sa Department of Justice (DOJ) dahil umano sa hindi pagdedeklara ng tamang kinita at hindi umano paghahain ng income tax return (ITR).###

Gov’t earned P1.4-B from ‘unfavorable loan’ -- Ongpin

From: abs-cbnnews.com

Businessman and former Trade Minister Roberto Ongpin has described as incomprehensible the graft charges to be filed against him and several others by the Ombudsman in connection with a P660 million his companies obtained form the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

"How (can) a transaction in which the DBP earned some P1.4 billion, when the loans to my companies were fully secured and in fact paid ahead of schedule, can ever be adjudged by anyone as being unfavorable or having caused injury to the government," Ongpin said.  

On Thursday, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of graft charges against Ongpin and several officials of the DBP, including former president Reynaldo David.

David also cried harassment.  

"We are innocent of these charges, and feel that its a case of harassment. We are ready to reply and give our side on this in the proper forum," David said.

Ongpin’s Delta Ventures Resources Inc. (DVRI) took out two loans totaling P660 million from DBP in 2009.

Ongpin later bought 50 million shares of Philex Mining Co. from DBP for P637.5 million or P12.75 per share. Less than a month later, he sold them for P21 a share to Philex Chairman Manuel Pangilinan.

The current DBP board claimed the bank could have made P42.4 million more if it had sold the stake directly instead of selling it to Ongpin.###

Heidi Mendoza an attack dog -- Binay

From: inquirer.net

Vice President Jejomar Binay has described Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Heidi Mendoza an “attack dog.”

Binay noted how Mendoza brought the media when she testified at the Sandiganbayan Wednesday on the graft charges filed against his wife, former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay, and other city officials.

Binay said according to their sources, Mendoza called media people to cover her direct examination. He said Mendoza did not prepare the pieces of evidence that she presented in court.

“There is no cross examination yet. We will come to the cross examination. Sadly, it only shows that Mrs. Mendoza is an attack dog of my enemies,” he said.

In her testimony, Mendoza claimed that the P72-million contract awarded to Office Gallery International Inc. to supply new furnishings for Makati City Hall in 2000 was “rigged.”

But the Vice President simply shrugged off the COA chief’s testimony, saying it was politically motivated.###

Lenie Robredo not interested in running

From: People’s Journal

           journal.com.ph

Lenie Robredo, widow of the late DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo, is not interested in running for senator in next year’s elections.

Lenie relayed her decision to House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, who then informed media. There had been reports that the Liberal Party (LP) that the LP was talking to Lenie about being their 12th senatorial candidate.

The LP-Nacionalista Party (NP)-Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) alliance has only 11 candidates, after Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon decided not to join the senatorial race.          

House Deputy Speaker Erin Tanada, who had publicly expressed his intention to run for senator, has been nixed by the allainace.

Belmonte explained that the LP did not include Tañada in its senatorial line up because of his poor ratings in recent surveys.

Belmonte said that while he personally supports and wants Tañada as an LP senatorial candidate, the party is putting much weight on the ratings. ###

Pnoy defies Supreme Court

From: manilastandardtoday.com

President Aquino defied a Supreme Court ruling reinstating a deputy Ombudsman whom he had fired for allegedly demanding a bribe and sitting on the case of a dismissed police officer who eventually held some Hong Kong tourists hostage.

Aquino said Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzales had sat on the case against suspended senior inspector Rolando Mendoza for nine months and was demanding a bribe, which led to the hostage situation in which Mendoza and eight tourists were killed.

“Mendoza could not appeal to a higher body because there was no final adjudication on his motion for reconsideration. I don’t think it helps anyone if their own rules are not implemented,” Mr. Aquino said.

Aquino said the Supreme Court claimed there was no basis that Gonzales committed betrayal of public trust but Gonzales was remiss in his duties for

sitting on the case of Mendoza.

The Supreme Court said Gonzales was not relieved of all his liabilities but the accusation against him “fell short of the constitutional standard of betrayal of public trust” and ordered his reinstatement.

Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said Malacañang would seek a reversal of the Supreme Court ruling. ###

Pnoy risks impeachment over ODA payback

From: inquirer.net

President Aquino faces impeachment if he allows the payment of $500 million worth of official development assistance (ODA) to China due to the halted construction of the North Rail project.

In a press forum, lawyer Harry Roque said the payment would be a violation of the anti-graft law since the Supreme Court had issued a decision stating the deal with Chinese contractor CNMEG for the project was not an executive agreement and should have gone through bidding.

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said they would support an impeachment  complaint if Aquino allows the payment to push through.

Roque said it was former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who had said that the contract with CNMEG need not go through bidding since it was an executive agreement.

 “Why would Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima pay for a contract which violated laws and is considered null and void? [Payment] would be a violation of the anti-graft law,” said Roque. ###

Guingona joins drive vs Cybercirime Law

 From: inquirer..net

Sen. Teofisto Guingona will file a petition with the Supreme Court today to declare as unconstitutional the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

In joining the growing clamor for the Act to be declared as unlawful, Guingona said the Cybercrime Prevention Act contains provisions that violate the 1987 Constitution.

He said the Act contains confusing and vague provisions that suppress the citizens’ right to freedom of speech and expression.

“Without a clear definition of the crime of libel and the persons liable, virtually, any person can now be charged even if you just like, retweet or comment on an online update or blogpost containing criticisms,” Guingona said.

Guingona added that the Act violates the rule on double jeopardy because a person can be prosecuted for the same offense under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Revised Penal Code.###

US Pinoys denounce Trillanes

From: abs-cbnnews.com

The US Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG) have written President Aquino to denounce Sen. Antonio Trillanes and express support for Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

The USPGGG emphasized that Trillanes was trying to destroy del Rosario's reputation. 

They noted Trillanes’ refusal to stop talking to media about the Philippines' territorial dispute with China despite a request by  Aquino himself..

USPGG said Trillanes' statements "undermine the Philippine government's position in dealing with China."

"We were alarmed with the disclosure that Sen. Trillanes had been meeting with China's officials who were with him in Beijing when he called you on the telephone to appoint him as your 'back door channel' to China which was their (Chinese) suggestion," the letter said.

"We believe that Sen. Trillanes is acting more and more as China's 'back door channel' to the Philippines."

USPGG said it supports the Aquino administration's efforts to distance itself from Trillanes. It threw its support behind del Rosario for standing up to China. "We believe the Philippines is most fortunate to have him as our foreign affairs secretary at this critical time in our history.”

Those who signed the letter include USPGG chairperson Loida Nicolas Lewis and president Rodel Rodis. ###

Phl will respond if Chinese ships won’t leave – Del Rosario

From: abs-cbnnews.com

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has warned that the Philippine government will respond if China still refuses to withdraw ships from the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Del Rosario, in a keynote speech at a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) forum in Washington, D.C, said China and the Philippines had earlier agreed to withdraw ships from Scarborough shoal.

He said the Philippines has pulled back its ships, but China hasn’t. "If they don't, the Philippines will respond.”

Surveillance flights by the Philippine Air Force revealed that three Chinese ships have remained in the waters just outside the shoal's lagoon. The Chinese have also cordoned off the shoal's entrance using ropes.

Del Rosario said the Philippines' diplomatic channels with China remain open. "We will not hesitate to speak out to protect our legitimate national interests.”

He said that with the help of the United States, the Philippines is building its minimum defense level posture to secure its territory.

He said Manila is focused on a peaceful and rules-based approach in its territorial dispute with China. He also outlined the Philippines' 3-track approach to its dispute with China, which are political, diplomatic, and legal tracks. ###

Chinese envoy confirms reduced tensions

From: inquirer.net

China’s ambassador to the Philippines has confirmed reports that tensions between the government and the Philippines have eased after last week’s high-level talks between Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Chinese Vice President Xi Jingping on the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Ambassador Ma Keqing, speaking for the first time, said the “important meeting” between Roxas and Xi on Sept. 21 reduced tensions.

Ma acknowledged the Philippines as an important regional partner of China and said she hoped positive steps would continue toward the resolution of the sea dispute.

Ma also recognized the Philippines as an important neighbor in Asia which has had continued diplomatic ties with china in the last 37 years.

“The Philippines is an important neighbor to China. Amiable interactions between the Chinese and the Filipino people have forged affinity and kinship, which has withstood the test of history and time,” she said.

President Aquino had sent Roxas as his special envoy to the China-Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Expo in Nanning last week to convey to the Chinese government what the Philippines is doing to find a peaceful solution to the dispute.

Reports, however, said “substantial gaps” in relations between the two countries remained after the meeting, which Roxas did not describe as a success. ###

Bong-Bong Marcos hints at presidential bid

From inquirer.net

The presidential elections is still four years away but Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is now tickled with the idea of returning to Malacañang, his home for more than 20 years.

The senator could not hide his excitement when a reporter teased during a press conference that he should consider running for president in 2016.

“You, you work for it. Let’s see how it will turn out. Who knows..,” Marcos told the reporter in jest. He did not elaborate.

The senator also admitted that he was “extremely” excited about the new partnership of his group, the Nacionalista Party, with President Benigno Aquino III’s Liberal Party. The two parties forged a partnership for the 2013 elections.

 “So what’s wrong with that?  You see you can’t get passed (1986). We already passed 86…been there , done that na kami e,’” he said.

Marcos clarified though that the partnership between the LP and NP was only for a tactical alliance for the polls, and not for something else.###

Binay wife okayed rigged bidding -- COA

From: abs-cbnnews.com

Commission on Audit Commissioner Heidi Mendoza testified at the Sandiganbayan that the bidding for P72 million worth of  office furniture for the Makati City Hall in 2000 and 2001 had been rigged.

Appearing at the trail of graft charges against former Makati City Mayor Dr. Elenita Binay, wife of Vice-President Jejomar Binay, Mendoza testified that Mrs. Binay had failed to present a floor plan during the bidding.

Mendoza also said three companies - Asia Concept, MFE International and Office Gallery - offered the same prices and items even without the floor plan.

Asia Concept was awarded the contract the next day but it later turned out that the three companies were owned by the same person.

The prosecution had earlier pointed out Mrs. Binay's signature was on the purchase order, voucher and minutes of the bidding.

Binay’s lawyer, Sandra Coronel, said they are confident that Mendoza’s allegations will be junked anew by the Sandiganbayan.

Coronel noted the Sandiganbayan second division’s decision in April 2011 that the special audit that Mendoza did was insufficient to pin down Binay. It  also noted that the prosecution presented “shoddy” evidence.

She said the prosecution’s witnesses also testified, in effect, for Binay. “They established that the [three companies] are owned by different individuals. ###

Former GMA allies join forces with LP

From: gmanews.tv

A political party composed of former allies of ex-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will join forces with the ruling Liberal Party (LP) for the 2013 elections.

INational Unity Party (NUP) president and incumbent Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino said his party is set to sign a coalition agreement with the LP on Friday.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., LP vice-chairperson and newly-elected NUP chairman emeritus, also confirmed the alliance in a speech during the NUP’s assembly.

 Antonino said the NUP will endorse senatorial candidates from both the LP and the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) to its 2,000 local officials nationwide next year.

Two UNA senatorial bets—San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercito and Senator Gregorio Honasan II—attended the NUP’s national assembly.

The NUP was formed by lawmakers who bolted Mrs. Arroyo’s Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party months after the LP, chaired by President Benigno Aquino III, dominated the May 2010 national elections.###

25 gov’t hospitals in critical need of rehab

 From: abs-cbnnews.com

The Department of Health (DoH) has revealed that 25 government hospitals in in critical need of rehabilitation.

The cost: P75 billion, or P3 billion each.

Among the 25 hospitals are: Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital, Jose Fabella Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, Quirino Hospital and National Mental Health Hospital

Health Undersecretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa said the government is infusing an initial P3 billion for the initial improvement of these government hospitals.

“If the government alone were to handle the rehabilitation of these 25 hospitals, it would take us more than 25 years to do it because of limited funds and the bureaucracy,” Herbosa said.

He said the Philippine Orthopedic Center, whose medical infrastructure he said became outdated in 1960, is one of the government hospitals up for private sector investment with an estimated amount of P5.6 billion.

Herbosa said the Vaccine Self-Sufficiency Program is also being offered for investment at P1.2 billion.

Herbosa said medical cost would not increase if the 25 government hospitals will be  “semi-privatized.” ###