Hongkong’s Chip Tsao & his cheap racial slur against Filipinos
Tsao in part wrote in his HK magazine column:
“Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: there are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter."
“As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China.”---Chip Tsao
Reactions of Filipinos
“The most racist, insulting and demeaning attack yet against Filipino domestic helpers."---Migrante International Sec. Gen. Gina Esguerra
“His very announcement that he gave her Filipino maid a harsh lecture and warned her to tell every one of her compatriots that Spartly Islands belong to China or she’d lose her wages, is already a sign of an unstable, irresponsible and racist employer who resorts to verbal abuse even for perceived bilateral and historic infractions. Luisa deserves a sane and more humane employer while he deserves to clean up his own filth.” -----Susan Ople, Blas F. Ople Policy Center.
"According to the meeting of leaders of the Filipino community, they are now preparing street protests]… The sentiment of our countrymen here is that the one who wrote the article, Chip Tsao, should apologize." ----Romulo Salud, labor attache of the Philippine consulate general in Hong Kong
“We will look into that because we should not be provoked by one columnist. What that writer did was reprehensible. Let’s see what needs to be done. Press Sec. Cerge Remonde:
"If Filipinos stop going to Hong Kong, their economy would collapse. I propose a six-month, nay a one-year boycott of Hong Kong and let's see what happens to their shops and hotels. We can do without going to HK and HK products." ---- Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez Golez.
"I don’t think we should dignify his (Tsao) statement as he is just one person and not a government or Hong Kong official but it is understandable that we are offended,” -----Pres. Spokesman Lorelei Fajardo
"That comment is uncalled for, it's atrocious. We should protest vigorously against this slur against Filipino workers in Hong Kong," ----Cebu City Rep. Antonio Cuenco
“I am not asking the DFA file a diplomatic protest. But our government must address this squarely and defend the dignity of Filipinos, If we need to take legal action against Tsao, let us do so. Our government should be in the frontline on this; they can hire a lawyer in Hong Kong if at all and file a case for damages.” ---Sen Francis Escudero
"This disgusting, derogatory, and vile remark can only come from dim-witted and mediocre writing. The magazine should apologize straightaway. The article reflects the kind of attitude that promotes abuses against Filipina workers," ----Rep. Ana Theresia Hontiveros
“Filipinos deserve no less than a formal public apology."---Sen. Pia Cayetano
"It's the view of one person and we don't think it is shared by the Hong Kong community and society... I think we ought to take it as that." ----DFA spokesperson Ed Malaya
“Because of the administration’s failed employment policies, a record number of Filipino women have been forced to seek jobs abroad to make ends meet.”--- Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay
"For the protection of migrant workers, the POEA should look into the said allegations, not only confined to forms of physical abuse but also emotional abuse such as public humiliation and verbal harassment."--- Sen. Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri (Photo Credit: Mattviews) ==0=
RELATED BLOG: "A “nation of servants” insults Filipinos in Hongkong" Posted by mesiamd at 3/30/2009
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Davao mayor denies the existence of a death squad blamed for more than 800 murders
It’s appalling to learn that since 1998, there are about 800 deaths which the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) attributes to death squads in Davao City. Leila de Lima, chairman of CHR says the unsolved killings are the most audacious violations of human rights prompting an inquiry over the “Davao Death Squad” aka DDS.
There have been reports that killers aren’t afraid of being identified for no one responsible for the hundreds who were killed have been prosecuted. The CHR chief is met with a challenge from Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who denies that death squad exists in his jurisdiction. He blames the deaths to drug traders and gang wars. The mayor ostensibly challenges the CHR to come up with evidence that his government is involved in vigilante killings.
“The Coalition Against Extrajudicial Summary Executions (CASE), composed of rights groups, and religious and concerned individuals, has tallied 814 vigilante-style executions from 1998 to February this year. More killings happened in the city this month. Many of the victims were reported to have had criminal records.”----Inquirer (03/31/09, Tupas, JM)
Judge Isaac Robillo, the executive judge of the Regional Trial Court of Davao believes DDS exists and is condoned by a “bigger person,” ---otherwise, the killings wouldn’t go on for such a long time with unrestrained brazenness.
The Rape & Slay of Rebelyn Pitao
It is said 185 and 45 of the victims are young adults and children respectively---an ignominious record for a place that prides itself of peace and order. The most recent is the brutal slaying of 20-year old teacher Rebelyn Pitao, the daughter of a communist New People’s Army (NPA) commander Leoncio Pitao.
Unidentified men snatched Rebelyn earlier this month while she was on her way home. The following day, she was found dead. Her body disclosed signs of torture and rape. Her father and Duterte tagged the military as responsible for her death.
The huge number of unsolved deaths is mind-boggling. Since 1998, only one case of summary execution has been filed and the public seems comfortable with such an astounding record. By death squad or not, if truly murders happen in the city how nothing has been done for 20 years to stop the lawless killings? De Lima rightfully asks the public to speak out against the immoral practice of taking the life of human beings without judicial process. About 16% of those killed in Davao are between 13 to 17 years old.
The defensive Mayor Duterte is reputedly overbearing in dealing with petty criminals in Davao. If he has nothing to do with the murders, why doesn’t he take the lead to probe the deaths so that justice can be served? Instead of showing lack of cooperation, isn’t it good to work with the CHR to get into the bottom of the crimes? Vigilante killings destroy the public reliance to the rule of law. (Photo Credits: Keith Bacongco; Barryohaylan)=0=
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Abu Sayyaf extremists warn of beheading ICRC captives
After two months of holding the three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers in the mountains of Jolo, Sulu, the kidnappers headed by Albader Parad of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group demanded that military, police and civilian forces must leave 15 barangays in five towns in Sulu within 24 hours. The new demand came after three military men died and 19 others were wounded last week in a skirmish between government forces and members of the Islamic extremists.
There are fresh worries that Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni, and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba----the three humanitarian workers snatched by the kidnappers, last January 15, 2009 in Mindanao will be harmed or killed. According to Sulu vice gov. Lady Ann Sahidulla, one of the negotiators said the terrorist group is serious in its threat to decapitate one of the hostages.
The appeal of the ICRC to spare and free the hostages have fallen in deaf ears. With little that it can do, government forces are weighing in on how to resolve the hostage situation which drags on, putting the hostages' fate in greater danger.
The Abu Sayyaf has a disdainful history of beheading its innocent victims as in case of Peruvian-American Guillermo Sobero who was snatched together with 20 others in a Palawan resort before being killed 8 years ago.
Martin Burnham, a missionary died under Abu Sayyaf hands in a deadly shootout after being held in captivity for more than a year with his wife Gracia. In the past, this violent Islamic group with Al Qaeda ties is known to seek ransom that runs in millions. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda) =0=
Pope Appeals for the release of hostages
On March 31, 2009, the Vatican issued an appeal from Pope Benedict to set free the innocent ICRC hostages. The pontiff calls for "humanitarian sensibililty and reason to prevail over violence and intimidation." His message was sent by the Holy See as the 2 P. M. deadline to comply with the kidnappers' demand that the military and police pull back from Jolo draws near.
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A “nation of servants” insults Filipinos in Hongkong
The Philippines has been a recent target of a snide remark from a pea-brained Hongkong journalist who described the country as a “nation of servants.”
In a magazine write-up entitled on March 27, 2009, “The War at Home” Chip Tsao mockingly wrote that he told his Filipino maid she’d lose her job if she won't tell her countrymen that Spratly’s islands for which the Philippines has long-standing ownership claim, belongs to China.
Tsao allegedly asserted that the Philippines’ claim on Spratlys was “reproachable," adding that “as a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.’"----GMA TV News. (03/27/09)
This is again an insult that parallels the “Desperate Housewife” episode when Fil-Am doctors where maligned as incompetents in a US soap-opera. Some years ago, there is also that dictionary that equated "Filipino" as a synonymous to maids. The disparaging comment of Tsao is certainly foul---another insensitive verbal abuse that could only come from a loose cannon.
Susan Ople, a former labor undersecretary said the Chinese columnist must be declared “undersirable foreign employer” for his racist and arrogant remark. Such can be a weak retaliation to a blistering insult. She also needs to stress that the country must find ways to make jobs available at home and curb the sending of Filipinos abroad. In the long term, the deployment of maids to foreign countries is exploitative, unsustainable, and bad for national pride. (Photo Credit: MattViews x 2) =0=
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Turning off the lights in defense of planet Earth
There’s a good feeling that can be derived from participating in the Earth Hour celebration----a campaign by environmental groups to bring consciousness for the need to conserve our planet’s resources. More than 50 years ago, we have recognized the polluting influence of human activity on earth and only lately that we’re made aware of global warming---a concept of environmental change that divides scientists and laymen---those who believe it is real and those who don’t.
On March 28, 2009, between 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM non-essential lights on the Eiffel tower of Paris, the acropolis of Greece, the ancient Pyramids of Egypt, the Bird’s Nest Olympic stadium of China, Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Colloseum of Italy and the Empire State building of New York City will be dimmed to bring the message of saving the planet.
More than 2,800 municipalities in 84 countries worldwide agree to shut down lights for 60 minutes to mark Earth Hour so that people can “internalize” the issue of caring for the environment. In the Philippines, the streets of Manila together with a hundred more towns and cities will be blackened in solidarity to the Earth Hour.
“The Earth Hour event is a message of hope and action,” Cebu Archbishop Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal said. “We will send this message to our world leaders, so that we can look forward to a meaningful action on their part — an action that can spell a big difference for our world… According to DENR regional secretary Antonio Principe, the country expects to save at least 560 megawatts of power during the one-hour lights off period, equivalent to cutting down roughly 330 tons on carbon dioxide emission.”----Philstar (03/28/09/ Gatdula, D)
Whether global warming is just part of the normal cycle of the planet or a true man-made phenomenon, it is clear that humanity must work hard to lessen the pollution that foul our environment. The earth is now inhabited by about 7 billion people, a threefold rise in the last 300 years, capable of accelerating environmental damage on the irreplaceable lifeforms of the planet.(Photo Credits: dstueber; Wootang01; Ollik) =0=
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Bishop Rojas named as head of new diocese in Camarines Sur
The prelature of Libmanan, Camarines Sur which was canonically created by the late Pope John Paul II in March 19, 1990 had been designated a new diocese by Pope Benedict XVI and appointed Jose Rojas, Jr. as its bishop. This was announced by the pontiff’s envoy to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams. ---CBCP News (03/25/09, Lagarde, R)
Together with 51 priests, Bishop Rojas, 52, who is from Naga City serves the new diocese with about 500,000 Catholics in 27 parishes.
For this significant milestone, UP Ibalon Bicol and its members joyously congratulate Bishop Rojas and the entire Libmanan Diocese. (Photo Credit: Libmanantowards20decade)=0=
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World’s largest egg up for sale
Believed to be the planet’s biggest egg laid in the 17th century by an elephant bird of Madagascar, the huge orb is up for sale in a Chelsea antique fair.
Offered for 5,000 pounds (about $7,000) in UK this week, the egg has a circumference of more than a meter. It is supposed to have been laid by a now-extinct flightless big bird larger than an ostrich ---scientifically called (Aepyornis maximus) which stands about 10 to 11 feet. The egg's volume is about 160x more than that of the chicken. (Photo Credit: wikipedia; http://wagerwebentertainmente/) =0=
Elephant Bird (Aepyornis maximus)
Source: Answers.com
(Aepyornithidae)
Class: Aves
Order: Struthioniformes
Suborder: Aepyornithes
Family: Aepyornithidae
Thumbnail description: Extinct, large, flightless birds of massive build, known only from fragmentary fossil remains
Size: Some species probably 10 ft (3 m), 880 lb (400 kg)
Number of genera, species: 2 genera; 7 species
Habitat: Thought to have inhabited woodland and forest in southwest Madagascar
Conservation status: Extinct
Distribution: Madagascar
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Opposing Barack Obama as Notre Dame University graduation speaker
The campus of Notre Dame University, a Catholic school in Indiana with a tradition of inviting US presidents as graduation speakers is stirred with controversy as the community struggles whether to allow Pres. Barack Obama to address students and receive an honorary degree in a commencement exercise on May 17.
“A public act of disobedience and grave mistake,” says Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Phoenix Diocese of Obama’s invitation.
Bishop John D'Arcy of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese refused to attend in protest against the president's policies.
“Seventy percent of the alumni letters opposed having Obama giving the speech, while 73 percent of student letters supported his appearance.”-----AP (03/27/09, Coyne, T)
Judie Brown, president of the American Life League, one of the largest pro-life organizations in the United States committed to protect humans from conception to death issued a statement which read in part:
“American Life League joins the Cardinal Newman Society and all Catholics of goodwill in condemning Notre Dame University’s defamation of Our Lady through its unconscionable invitation of the leading symbol, hero, and darling of the culture of death.”
Objection against Obama has been sharp because of his staunch support for abortion and stem cell research which the Catholic Church condemns. The chief executive has recently lifted the ban for embryonic stem cell research and offered federal funding for its scientific investigation. He has extended tax-payer money in support to international groups which practice abortion as a way to control population. Angered Catholics feel having Obama and his liberal views contradict Christian moral values.
Those who favor Obama’s graduation appearance say that having the president in the university is an honor---a way of engaging him in a dialogue even when his opinions are diametrically opposed to the core beliefs of Catholics. (Photo Credits: BKWDayton; Hogan 27 world)
RELATED BLOG: "Obama’s stem cell research policy: the use of embryonic cells from helpless unborn sparks religious debate" Posted by mesiamd at 3/10/2009
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DNA test disproves Alfie Patten as Great Britain’s youngest boy dad
After the controversy sparked by pubescent fatherhood, Alfie Patten, the kid-faced 13-year old British boy who admitted being the dad of the baby delivered by his 15-year old girlfriend was after all not the father. This was confirmed by DNA test. Chantelle Steadman, the precocious mother of baby girl Maisie turned out to have shared bed with some older boys other than young Alfie before she got pregnant. (Photo Credit: Stringer/ AFP/ Getty) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Great Britain's 13-year old boy-dad" Posted by mesiamd at 2/18/2009
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Finding the right term for the global war on terror
The Obama administration wants to retire the phrase “global war on terror” and replace it with “overseas contingency operation”—- This is political correctness pushed by critics who think the old term used by Pres. George W. Bush “justifies human rights abuses including detention and interrogation methods.”
In a directive to administrators and speechwriters, the Obama government seeks to avoid terms like “long war” and “war on terror.” Not everyone supports this fancy recommendation though. Those who know that “a spade is a spade” dismiss this as a wimpy change which lessens the real threat posed by terrorists.
Americans cannot protect themselves by "softening" the terminologies of war. It is dangerous to assume that their enemies will be kind to them by such naive gesture. (Photo Credit: MrMoonKe88; lonesome:cycler) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rebuffs Obama’s peace message" Posted by mesiamd at 3/22/2009
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Corruption charges for 17 DPWH officials in World Bank collusion scandal
Coming from a belabored delay on what to do with the World Bank’s (WB) report of corruption in the bidding of road projects in the Philippines, the office of the Ombudsman and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigate corruption charges on former sec. Florante Soriquez and 16 other officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH.)If proven they are liable for violations of Section 3 (e) and (i) of Republic Act (RA) 3019, or the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act; Section 4A (a) and (b) of RA 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Government Officials and Employees; grave misconduct; dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service; and neglect in duty, in connection with the bidding for two projects under the $150-million National Roads Improvement and Management Project-Phase 1.---Business Mirror (03/25/09, Solmerin, Z)
17 Officials Charged
1. Florante Soriquez—former sec. DPWH
2. Manuel Bonoan, chairman of Bids and Wards Committee (BAC) for Visayas and Mindanao projects
3. Bashir D. Rasuman, BAC assistant secretary
4. Salvador Pleyto, BAC assistant secretary
5, Juanito Abergas as BAC members;
6. Mocamad M. Raki-in Sr., vice chairman for the Mindanao area;
7. Rafael C. Yabut, vice Chairman for Operations for Area III.
8. Emersson L. Benitez, BAC member, project manager III and head of the BAC-Technical Working Group;
9. Baliame P. Mamainte, project director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development-Project Management Office (IBRD-PMO);
10. Lope S. Adriano, the project director of the IBRB-PMO;
11. Joel I Jacob, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the legal service;
12. Camilo G. Foronda, OIC of the Comptrollership and Financial Management Services;
13. Antonio Manalo, Jr., Bureau of Research and Standards
14. Director Walter R. Ocampo, director of the Bureau of Construction;
15. Leonora Cuenca, , OIC of the Comptrollership and Financial Management Services;
16. Mario Bandelaria, project director of the IBRB-PMO
17. Florencio I. Aricheta, a representative of the National Constructors Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Construction Association.
"Graft investigators found sufficient documentary evidence to show that a violation of the Procurement Law has been committed. All 17 DPWH officials are being charged for approving bids that went beyond the approved budget of the $150-million National Road Improvement and Management Project-Phase 1"----Mark Jaladoni, assistant Ombudsman. Philstar (03/26/09, Punongbyan, M)
The scandal linked Jose Miguel Arroyo, the husband of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo, of bid rigging, causing a lot of public embarrassment when Philippine officials appear to stall the probe in spite of the leads given by a foreign lending bank like WB.
With competence and integrity in question, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez who is saddled with an impeachment case against her, was heavily criticized for not acting on the corruption charges expeditiously. Sen. Miriam D. Santiago also led a "probe to nowhere" on the anomaly which disappointed the public. (Photo Credit: Mannan3) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "WB-funded road contracts & the US State Department’s charges of graft and corruption." Posted by mesiamd at 2/28/2009; "Who bears the shame in the senate investigation of WB corruption scandal?" Posted by mesiamd at 2/16/2009; "World Bank opens a can of worms & Sen. Miriam D. Santiago investigates" Posted by mesiamd at 2/13/2009
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Robot fish in London Aquarium
It took three years for scientists from Essex University to make a new version of robotic fish which is now on display in a tank in London Aquarium. The carp-like contraption with improved artificial intelligence swims with the aid of self-moving sensors and controls, bringing delight to visitors.
"This work has many real-world applications, including seabed exploration, detecting leaks in oil pipelines, mine countermeasures, and improving the performance of underwater vehicles," project leader Huosheng Hu told the Associated Press. ---http://news.nationalgeographc.com/news/2005/
Propelled by battery which lasts about 5 hours, the fish is 50 x 15 x 12 cm. and comes with an undulating body and shiny scales. Three of the mechanical fish, supposed to be the smartest and most lifelike, will live with real ones. A competition is set for children to give them their names.(Photo Credit: Adrian and Sarah x 2) =0=
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April yard sale of Michael Jackson’s glitzy memorabilia in Beverly Hills faces lawsuit
Controversy has been sparked by forthcoming auction of some 2,000 items of Michael Jackson’s interesting memorabilia from his once-glorious 2,800 acre fantasy estate, the Neverland. The sale pieces which have been exhibited in the Newbridge Silverware Museum in Ireland drew crowds of Jackson's curious fans and admirers.
Set in April in Beverly Hills in California, Darren Julien, president of the the Julien Auctions said it is moving ahead with the 4-day sale slated on April 22 to 25, 2009, in spite of demands from Jackson’s representatives and lawyers to postpone the sale because of “danger” posed on the auctioneers. The company handling the sale hopes it will prevail over in a lawsuit in which Jackson asserted he did not give permission to sell many of his personal belongings.
Included in the sale are Jackson’s personal items, decorative arts, and fascinating antiques which are estimated to raise $10 to $20 million---- cash that the legendary King of Pop badly needs at this time of financial difficulty. Five percent of the sale will be allotted to charity. (Photo Credit: LA Times/ AFP/ Getty Images x 2; European Pressphoto Agency)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "Michael Jackson's white sequined glove for sale" Posted by mesiamd at 12/15/2008
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TB patients without treatment, lowered hunger rate & recent joblessness data
135,000
Tuberculosis, the chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis has reportedly gone down in prevalence in the Philippines, but there are an estimated 450,000 people still suffering from the disease. Of this number, a staggering 135,000 don’t seek medical treatment offered by the government. In spite of free diagnostic and treatment programs available, about 30% with TB choose to ignore the disease until the condition becomes complicated and hard to treat. Cultural barriers and stigma are reasons offered for the people’s refusal for TB treatment.
P11.3 billion
For the full automation of the 2010 national election, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo signed the budget of P11.3 billion. Although it is unclear how the government will implement the modernization, the upgrade of the electoral counting system is hoped to prevent the rampant cheating in the election process. At the late hour of the Arroyo’s presidency, many still doubt her winning in the last ballot.
15%
According to the SWS, 15% of Filipinos (2.9 million families) reported of being hungry for at least once in a period of three months. The survey taken in February 20-23 was an improvement from December’s finding of 23.7% (4.3 million families.) It is unclear what kind of food poor Filipinos eat with their meager food budget.
$280-290 billion
The World Bank estimates this amount of remittance to developing countries by OFWs----gains from employment abroad. This is lower and less rosy than the expected amount of $305 billion---an effect of the global financial crisis. In 2008, 1.376 million Filipinos went abroad to work in more than 190 host nations. They sent back an estimated US$16.4 billion to the country, the highest in history so far.
41,000
The number of workers who lost the jobs, raising the unemployment rate to 7.7% in January, 2009, according to Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo. This adds up to the 2.9 million of jobless individuals which rose by 0.3% from last year’s data. As a cost-saving measure, the president announced the cancellation of the independence parade this year which costs P30 million to stage. (Photo Credit: =0=
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More OFWs leave the country for jobs abroad
It should tbe consolation to the Philippines that more Filipinos work outside the country in January this year than last year. Philippine Overseass Employment Administration (POEA) reports that 165,737 compared to 132,285 left the country for jobs abroad. “This resoundingly affirms the sustained global preference for our skilled and semi-skilled overseas Filipino workers (OFW), and their productive role in staving off the adverse effects of the global slowdown in the greater portion of the world’s economies," said Labor Secretary Marianito Roque.---GMA TV News (03/24/09, Tan, JT)
The exodus of workers to foreign land has brought about US$16.4 billion dollars to the Philippine economy. In spite of the economic benefits, working abroad has caused a lot alienation, family displacement, and separation.
Filipinos still need to develop local placements and not rely on foreign work opportunities which disrupt local labor. There are many jobs with difficult working conditions abroad and Filipinos are forced to take them for lack of employment in the country. It is not hard to imagine that many of these jobs are menial, dangerous, and demanding that many locals of host countries refuse to take. (Photo Credit: Atsibatsi)=0=
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Lance Armstrong fractures a collarbone in a cycling race in Spain
Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong joined Spain’s Vuelta of Castilla and Leon, a race held on March 22, 2009, but was tossed in a bike pile-up which caused him injury---- a fracture on right collar-bone. Falling from his bike about 12.5 miles from the first stage finish, the 37-year old cyclist was helped by an ambulance which brought him to the hospital.
"The collarbone is broken, and I have a little bit of road-rash abrasions," Armstrong said as he left Valladolid University Hospital. "I've never had this happen before; it's pretty painful. I feel really miserable."---Lance Armstrong. AP (03/24/409)
The clavicular bone fracture raises the question whether the champion will be well enough to compete in the Tour de France from July 4 to 26. The acclaimed cyclist and cancer survivor said he’ll need to go back to the United States to consult with his doctors. =0=
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Filipino doctors in USA, 2nd to India among IMGs
We are quick to assert that among the international medical graduates (IMGs) in the United States, Filipinos are 2nd to doctors from India as the most represented ethnic group in the profession. This is a very good record for our country who has distinguished itself as one of the most prolific doctor suppliers of America. About ¼ of doctors in USA are IMGs.
Top Ten Countries of Medical Education for IMG Physicians
2007
India------------------------------------ 19.99%----------------------47,581
Philippines------------------------------8.7%-------------------------20,861
Mexico----------------------------------5.8%-------------------------13,929
Pakistan---------------------------------4.8%-------------------------11,330
Dominican Republic------------------3.3%--------------------------7,892
Russia----------------------------------2.5%------------------------- 6,039
Grenada---------------------------------2.4%--------------------------5,708
Egypt------------------------------------2.2%--------------------------5,202
Korea------------------------------------2,1%--------------------------4,982
Italy--------------------------------------2.1%--------------------------4,741
Source: American Medical Association (AMA) Masterfile 2007
2008
India-------------------------------------21%--------------------------41,247
Philippines------------------------------ 9%---------------------------21,081
Mexico---------------------------------- 6%---------------------------13,980
Pakistan----------------------------------5%---------------------------11,901
Dominican Republic-------------------3.7%---------------------------8,618
Russia------------------------------------2.7%---------------------------6,293
Grenada----------------------------------2.7%---------------------------6,299
Egypt-------------------------------------2.2%---------------------------5,301
Korea-------------------------------------2.1%---------------------------5,031
China-------------------------------------2.1%---------------------------5,087
Source: American Medical Association (AMA) Masterfile 2008
The 2008 American Medical Association (AMA) IMG record shows the Filipino doctors rank second to India in number----9% and 21% respectively of the total number of foreign medics who train in the United States. That’s a total of 21,081 Filipinos vs. 41,247 Indians. Because of the sharp difference (double) in numbers between the two groups, Filipino physicians in USA looks scarcer compared to the Indians.
The current distribution of Filipino doctors will probably stay for a while since the boom of the nursing profession in the Philippines has lured more doctors to come to USA as nurses. Former Sec of Health Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan confirmed this trend when he revealed in 2007, "My latest study, there are 9,000 doctors who have become nurses. Six thousand of them (6,000) have left the Philippines mainly for the U.S. to work as nurses." Majority of these MD-nurses come from government hospitals, keeping the pool of United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) takers and residency seekers from new graduates relatively intact.
A coincident fall of medical student enrollment, as much as 40% in some schools, has caused the lack of physicians in the Philippines, but not so much in USA since it remains to be a favored job destination of Filipino health professionals for more than 50 years. What is astounding is even if Filipino IMGs are second to the Indians, their number is small---less than half of the latter.(Photo Credit: Jandentonchua) =0=
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Declining English proficiency, a cause of fewer hires among Filipino college graduates
The Philippines is relying heavily on its workforce to shore up the economy, but a recent evaluation of the Universal Access to Competitiveness and Trade (UACT,) a research arm of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce reveals that: “For every 100 applicants, only six to 10 percent are effectively recruited and deployed for an entry level job.” ----Philstar (03/22/09, Ronda, RA)
The main reason given why the Business process outsourcing (BPO) is having a hard time recruiting graduates from Philippine colleges and universities is the inadequacy in English proficiency. This is radical reversal of the Filipinos’ long-standing reputation of being good in English. It appears the country is now suffering the negative effects of its schizophrenic bilingual policy that continues to be a contentious issue in education. (Photo Credit: Atsibatsi) =0=
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Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rebuffs Obama’s peace message
In a video message on March 20, 2009, Pres. Barack Obama tried to reach out to Iran, reminding the hard-line Islamic country to show its greatness not by way of arms, but through peaceful means. His offer to normalize relations with the mullah-dominated country is a campaign promise he had to fulfill---a radical digression from Pres. George W. Bush’s policy of non-negotiation towards a regime known to be part of the “axis of evil” that threatens to wipe out Israel.
Obama’s peaceful diplomacy is what most of the Western world wanted. Yet, this presidential gesture delivered in time for the Persian new year of Nowruz is looked upon as a form of “surrender” which the “hard” Muslims expect from the “soft” Americans. Iran thinks the United States, saddled by economic problems, is wearied by terrorism and preoccupied by the Iraqi and Afghan wars; it doesn’t have the enough strength to fight. That’s why Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was quick to rebuff the US president.
"He (Obama) insulted the Islamic Republic of Iran from the first day. If you are right that change has come, where is that change? What is the sign of that change? Make it clear for us what has changed…Have you released Iranian assets? Have you lifted oppressive sanctions? Have you given up mudslinging and making accusations against the great Iranian nation and its officials? Have you given up your unconditional support for the Zionist regime? Even the language remains unchanged." ----Yahoo News/ AP (03/21/09, Dareini, A)
Iran finds a new sense of self-importance learning of Obama’s conciliatory stance to patch up the strained relations between the two countries. Denying terrorism and the Iran's race to produce nuclear arms, Khamenei lashed on Obama by mentioning a litany of Iran’s grievances against the United States. Amid calls of “Death to America” from his audience, the cleric-leader dwelt on long standing hostilities since diplomatic ties were severed after the fall of the pro-US Shah government about 30 years ago.
Many have some inkling on know how the Iranians are taking Obama’s peace overtures. Iranians opposed to the cleric-controlled government may support him. But others may look at his peace suggestion as a sign of weakness. Like other warlike Muslims in other parts of the world, Iranians don’t respect a man who looks like a wimp even if he is the president of the United States. (Photo Credit: Polyphake; Photon Trap)=0=
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From the ring of fire in South Pacific, sometimes it’s an underwater volcano that erupts
That’s what occurred in this aerial photo of an eruption of a volcano deep in the Pacific seabed, about 63 kilometers (39 miles) from Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga, a country in South Pacific. The undersea eruption on March 18, 2009 was heralded by a strong earthquake that registered 7.9 nine in the Richter’s scale. A tsunami warning was raised, but luckily did not occur. Plumes of ash shoot up in the air destroying wildlife and plants in neighboring islands. (Photo Credit: AFP/ Matangi Tonga File/ Telusa Fotu) =0=
Lucid interval in acute brain injuries: a crucial lesson on Natasha Richardson’s death
The death of Broadway star and movie actress Natasha Richardson illustrates the necessity for quick trauma management in cases of acute brain injuries. In hindsight, Richardson didn’t go to the hospital immediately after she banged her head during a ski accident in Mont Tremblant, a luxury resort in Quebec, Canada.
She had a lucid interval and a feeling of wellness not unusual in some victims of head injury. At that crucial time, blood seeped from a torn blood vessel between the brain and skull creating an epidural hematoma, an enlarging blood clot that was big enough to cause her demise. The New York medical examiner confirmed the epidural bleeding from blunt trauma that caused her death.
Richardson, the daughter of famed actress Vanessa Redgrave was conscious and well soon after the ski accident. She refused early on to be brought to the nearest hospital, hence a delay of about 4 hours before life-saving treatment was instituted. Only when she experienced headache, a sign of rising pressure within the enclosed cranium that she decided to go for the doctors’ aid.
There are questions whether an early medical intervention could have saved her life. Perhaps yes. There is a short golden period in those suffering from acute epidural bleed when doctors can still save a life. From Canada, she was flown to Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City where she passed on a day later.
The coffin bearing the remains of the talented celebrity was taken out of the Greenwich Funeral Home in Manhattan. Lights of Broadway were dimmed to pay tribute to Miss Richardson, a Tony award winner and a member of a family of distinguished movie and theatre thespians. (Photo Credit: Mickey Strikes; Reuters/ Eric Thayer)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "Broadway star Natasha Richardson died of brain injuries in a ski accident" Posted by mesiamd at 3/19/2009
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Sen Dodd brings more doubts on the honesty of government officials
Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Connecticut,) who is chairman of the Senate Banking Committee was given preferential treatment by Country Wide Mortgage Co, the leading mortgage company which made bad decisions and needed bail-out from government. The lawmaker from Connecticut, an ardent democrat and supporter of Obama is under investigation by the senate ethics committee for refinancing his homes with a special rates by the mortgage company---part of the "V.I.P." program that gave lower than usual rates given to "friends" of the company.
Dodd got a low 4.25 percent interest rate on a $506,000 refinancing loan for his Washington town house, and another low 4.5 percent rate on the $275,000 loan on his East Haddam home---all because he is classified as VIP and friend of Country Wide. ---US News / AP (01/23/09)
This is the same 64-year old Dodd who received hefty campaign money from AIG. Now, the senator is being blamed for letting the bonuses to be paid by the American International Group (AIG) to its employees amounting to up to a staggering $165 million. The money however is a drop in the bucket---a small part of the trillions of dollars Barack Obama has planned to spend using American taxpayers's money. The spending can compromise the finances of the next generation.
After wavering on his role in the AIG mess, Dodd is singled out as the person who added protection in the stimulus package that allowed the giving away of bonuses to AIG executives who were responsible for the company’s failure.
“Republicans are also turning a spotlight on Dodd's longtime friendship with Edward Downe Jr., a former director of the Bear Stearns investment firm who was snared in an insider trading scandal. Dodd owned a condo with Downe in a fashionable Washington neighborhood but bought out Downe's share in 1990 after learning Downe was under investigation. Downe eventually pleaded guilty to trading inside information.”----Yahoo News/ AP (03/20/09, Miga A)
If Obama’s administration is filled with people of shabby integrity, how can America expect a quick recovery from the economic crisis? Many critics think there isn’t much difference in how Capitol Hill is being run. The same rotten greed, denials, and lies are coming out early on in the new administration whose campaign promise is “change.”
The exposure of Dodd comes at a bad time that Treasury secretary Tim Geithner is besieged with calls to resign after accepting a job that looks after public money when he is among those who avoid paying taxes. According to Dodd, Geithner asked him to remove the executive bonus restriction in the big economic stimulus package lawmakers in Capitol Hill approved last month. This decision permitted AIG officials to rake in the controversial bonuses. (Photo Credit: http://ussenate.gov PD)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "AIG’s excessive bonuses of $165 million infuriate Americans" Posted by mesiamd at 3/18/2009
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Widening gap of justice, abuse of presidential pardons, & the poor who are left in jail
It has been said that about 3 out of 4 prisoners in the Philippines are victims of judicial errors Many of them are poor and vulnerable. They are forced to admit guilt so that they can move to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) where food and living conditions are better than the crowded jails in the country. Poor prisoners in other penal colonies languish longer and are treated badly during incarceration than their rich counterparts, making the public believe justice in the country is a farce.
"Inmates are dying in our city jails at an alarming rate. They are suffering from boils, tuberculosis, chicken pox and other simple but highly communicable diseases. In the Quezon City Jail alone, there are two to five deaths per month. The sad fact is that they are dying before being sentenced." ---Raymond Narag (ex-prisoner)
The widening gap of justice truly exists in the country, but almost no one complains about it. In this backdrop Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo commuted the two life terms of Romeo Jalosjos for raping an 11 year old girl in 1996. For his horrible crime which include lascivious acts, the Zamboanga del Norte congressman who shows no remose, enjoyed extensive prison privileges while in jail for only 13 years. Jalosjos put his money and influence to full use----building a tennis court, a gym, and bakery in the NBP.
These “benevolent actions” by Jalosjos which led to the shortening of his prison stay can’t escape the scrutiny of Emmi de Jesus, secretary-general of the militant women-group Gabriela, who sees gross errors in how justice is carried out. De Jesus who believes Jalosjos’ pardon is a payback to the political help given to Pres. Arroyo said:
“Marso ngayon ano, supposedly Buwan ng Kababaihan. Mukhang ito yung mockery of justice na binibigay ni Ginang Arroyo. Walang remorse, walang pag-amin sa kasalanan niya (Jalojos). Paano na yung mga kababaihan na humihingi ng katarungan na ngayon ay vulnerable sa various forms of violence?" .
[Jalosjos’ release, which happens this Women’s Month, seemed to be a mockery of justice by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. (Convicted rapist) neither showed remorse nor admission of guilt. What about the welfare of the women who are vulnerable to various forms of violence?]---GMA TV News (03/19/09, Dedace, SM)
Quezon Representative Lorenzo "Erin'' Tañada III is alarmed by President Arroyo‘s exercise of presidential clemency which leads to more rich and powerful inmates being set free. Palawan Representative Abraham Mitra also airs the same concern when he urged Arroyo to use executive pardon "judiciously and carefully."
But politics and favor-peddling have a lot to do with these kinds of decision. It is easy to understand that a prisoner who donates infrastructures in a prison compound may have motives beyond being altruistic. Special treatment is one thing that rich detainees can work on so they get protection from their friends in the system. It's one of the easiest ways to cultivate influence and get the graces of prison officials.
After a tedious and costly court battle that eventually convicted Pres. Joseph Estrada of plunder, Arroyo wasted no time in pardoning the felon---a decision that continues to divide and hurt the entire nation. Estrada didn't serve in a traditional jail, but in a well-furnished comfortable seclusion.
In total disregard of the gravity of the crime and the unresolved questions related to the Ninoy Aquino-Rolando double murder case, Gloria freed the 10 remaining military men convicted of the airport murders. Since 1983, few Filipinos took genuine heart on the significance of Ninoy's death, ignoring the loss and suffering of the country under Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. Like Jalosjos and Estrada, the 10 convicts in Ninoy's assassination never expressed guilt or remorse--- basic requisites of pardon.
Mostly left in the crowded prisons are the poor and those who have no influence in lording over the weaknesses of the corrupt system. Many are young and defenseless. Filipinos who disdain the unpopular president can only express their cynicism and apathy towards the poor state of the penitentiary. They feel they can’t do anything about the injustice that goes on there. (Phtoto Credit: Suntoksabuwan; planetradio x 2) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "90% of RP crimes are solved in less than 1 year: a lie that can make you cry?" Posted by mesiamd at 12/19/2008; "Pardon and (In)justice: Ninoy’s killers freed" Posted by mesiamd at 3/05/2009
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Broadway star Natasha Richardson died of brain injuries in a ski accident
Forty-five year old Natasha Richardson, daughter of well-known actress Vanessa Redgrave died on March 18, 2009 in Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, New York following a ski accident in Montreal Canada. The acclaimed movie personality was with her husband Liam Neeson and two children in the resort.
"Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha," the statement said. "They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."---- Yahoo News/ AP (03/18/09, Italie, H)
The star of the Tony award-winning Broadway revival Cabaret, Natasha apparently suffered head injuries during a ski training fall in Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec.
Richardson was not wearing a protective headgear during the accident last Monday. The movie celebrity was initially asymptomatic, but was admitted at a local hospital in Canada after complaining of headaches. She was later flown to New York City for further treatment, but died not long after hospital confinement. The granddaughter of reknown British actor Sir Michael Redgrave and the niece of actress Lynne Redgrave, her death was announced by Alan Nierob, her husband’s publicist. (Photo Credit: AP/ Joel Ryan) =0=
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Pope Benedict XVI's lenten visit to Africa
In his first visit to Cameroon, Africa, Pope Benedict VI renewed his calls to all believers of the Roman Catholic Church to help the impoverished people of the world. He underscores the need to protect and defend the poor African family from the snares of secularization that is fraying traditional values, causing a lot of misunderstanding and suffering in many nations. Cameroon is listed as among the poorest countries of the world where hunger is prevalent.
Amidst criticism versus the Vatican for preaching against artificial contraception, the German-born pontiff stresses his opposition against the use of condom. He says condoms distract people from personal discipline and proper sexual behavior. His long-standing religious perspective upheld by Catholics is contrary to the United Nation’s (UN) belief that condoms are necessary tools to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Catholic Opposition to the UN Declaration of gay rights
In another vein, the Catholic Church along with the Islamic faith opposes UN’s position on gay rights----the decriminalization of homosexuality. It is expected that under Barack Obama’s secular leadership, USA will a signatory to the declaration.
This is a complete reversal from the conservative position espoused by former Pres. George W. Bush, a perspective supported by many of America's 76% Christians who are against abortion, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, and stem cell research. In December last year, 66 of U.N.'s 192 members signed the decriminalization of homosexual acts, but 70 countries continue to outlaw the practice which they believe lead to deplorable sexual acts in society. (Photo Credit: DMalantic) =0=
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AIG’s excessive bonuses of $165 million infuriate Americans
It is if the world has to be reminded that greed is alive in the failing financial institutions bailed out by the US government. After American International Group Inc. (AIG) received its 170 billion rescue package, it has allotted $165 million to pay for company bonuses. This is very infuriating for the ordinary citizens who contribute tax dollars to help prop up the ailing economy.
“Fresh details pushed outrage over AIG ever higher: New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo reported that 73 company employees received bonus checks of $1 million or more last Friday. This at a company that was failing so spectacularly that the government felt the need to prop it up with a $170 billion bailout… On Capitol Hill late Tuesday, House Democrats directed three powerful committees to come up with legislation this week to authorize Attorney General Eric Holder to recover massive bonus payments made by companies like the ones paid last week by American International Group Inc." -----Yahoo News/ AP (03/17/09, Kellman, L)
Will the US government recover the bonuses? Who knows?
Republicans blamed the democrats for doing little in preventing this scandalous diversion of money. The giving away of hefty bonuses wasn’t done by AIG alone, but politicians in Washington are feigning outrage. Earlier Merrill Lynch paid $3.6 billion in bonuses to its executives while it negotiated its sale to Bank of America Corp., a big recipient of government bailout.
The rescue packages for ailing businesses and financial institutions which made bad decisions aren’t politically popular. It gives a bad rap on the Obama administration. Innocent people in the street are suffering for the big companies who take advantage of the bail-outs.
A growing number of irate Americans think Treasury secretary Timothy Geithner did little to prevent the giving of excessive bonuses to happen. It is believed that he knows about this bonuses early on. There are those who opine Geithner whose appointment by Obama was questioned because of failing to pay taxes must be fired.
Party supporters of Obama want the return of the bonus money to the government prompting democratic senate majority leader Harry Reid to say recipients will not be allowed to keep the money. Many Americans however are distraught to realize how untrustworthy the deals have been, compromising the taxes they give the government. They can’t fathom how leaders could be so arrogant,, extravagant, and callous to have these massive bonuses at the expense of American taxpayers---at a time when they are saddled by joblessness, loss of savings and pension plans, a slump in housing market, and bankruptcies of businesses and financial institutions. (Photo Credit: drugs crews 2)=0=
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Fighting between government troops versus Abu Sayyaf kidnappers brings 6 dead
After unsuccessful negotiations to free the three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC,) humanitarian workers who were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, Philippines, a firefight erupted between the rebels and government forces bringing death to at least 3 kidnappers and 3 military men and hurting at least 19 soldiers. Albader Parad, the leader of the notorious kidnappers with links to Al-Qaeda was suspected to have been wounded in the gunfight.
The bloody encountry was sparked by armed Abu Sayyaf bandits who tried to cross the cordon set in the area by government forces.
Airing concern that the hostages--- Swiss Andreas Notter, Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba and Italian Eugenio Vagni must not be harmed, the head of ICRC Southeast Asia-Pacific operations Alain Aeschlimann said, “"Their safety is paramount. We repeat our call that no action should be taken that could put (their lives) in danger,"----Yahoo News/ AP (03/17/09, Gomez, J)
The kidnapped victims have been held since January 2009 by the Islamic extremists who seek the withdrawal of government troops from the area and insinuate on a payment of P50 million ransom. =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Abu Sayyaf kidnappers asks for P50 milllion ransom for ICRC workers" Posted by mesiamd at 3/12/2009
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Falling ratings of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo
It comes less of a surprise for the public to know that Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA) gets bad ratings for her work in the executive office. According to the survey on February 20 to 23, 2009 by the Social Weather Station Inc. (SWS,) her disapproval rating fell further to a net rating of negative (-) 33 (26% satisfied and 59% dissatisfied.)
“The President’s latest net satisfaction rating is lower compared to “poor” -24 percent (29 percent satisfied, 53 percent dissatisfied) in December and poor -27 (27 percent satisfied, 54 percent dissatisfied) in September."----Philstar (03/17/09, Sy, M)
More than half of the Filipinos don’t approve of GMA’s performance, in spite of Malacanang’s wish that the president be given appreciation for unrecognized “accomplishments.” Pres. Spokesman Lorelei Fajardo cites Arroyo’s work of insulating the country from the impacts of domestic and global economic crisis.
Many Filipinos feel this is untrue because the full blown effects of the financial crisis are yet to come. Even without the global crisis, the Philippines has been reeling in widespread poverty with about 40% of the population facing hunger each day. Her approval rating has been bad compared to past presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada. With the presidential election coming in 2010, the public appears to extend their patience for GMA,---opting to let her corruption-riddled government to pass. (Photo Credit: AP/ Aaron Familia)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: "Corruption scandals hurting Filipinos under Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo" Posted by mesiamd at 1/29/2009; “Not as a lecturer or as a judge,” EU thinks RP must do more to curb corruption Posted by mesiamd at 1/29/2009; "Corruption and apathy: where will these lead us?" Posted by mesiamd at 2/10/2009
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Fil-Ams don’t want bad news?
“I don’t run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to excape fear is to trample it beneath your feet." ----Nadia Comaneci, Olympic gymnastics gold medalist
According to the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York, Filipinos residing in the USA would rather hear good news from the Philippines. Yes, we like to have the positives rather than the negatives each time we talk about the motherland. But what if there is a dearth of good news? Do we have to dodge the country’s toxic news and focus only on the good ones?
No matter how much we want to escape reality, it’s always there to challenge us. This is probably what happened when Fil-Am community leaders across the United States engaged themselves in dialogues with visiting Philippine officials----saying that they want good news, wanting the bad ones in the back burner. For so long, everybody knows our problems. They’re all over the media for us to solve.
"We thought we would be faced with disbelief and confronted with hard questions, but we were pleasantly surprised that our kababayan [compatriots] here would rather hear the positive developments in the Philippines. Our team was ready to clarify even the negative news, but no one raised them," the report quoted Edgardo Pamintuan, presidential adviser on external affairs---Inquirer (03/16/09, Balana, C).
We seem to vent a very common reaction. Most of us don’t want to be bogged down by depressing news---problems that are entrenched, those that have little chance of being solved quickly.
In America, we have our own worries to tackle in addition to those we left behind back home. That's why. Yet, being selective of what we want to do may lead to detachment, more apathy, and lack of care for the country. If we don’t bravely focus on hard truths, we won’t be able to advance ahead. We have serious problems that we must not ignore. As someone once said, “the best way to escape a problem is to solve it.” (Photo Credit: Mineke_Reinders; Akira_Minh)
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New Bicolano SEC commissioner
Malacanang Executive Sec. Eduardo Ermita announces the selection of Atty. Manuel B. Gaite to be the Security and Exchange Commissioner (SEC,) a replacement of Jesus Martinez who retired last week. He said Gaite’s appointment papers are still to be signed by the president.
It’s Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo’s choice that Gaite takes over the post vacated by Martinez who left with charges that he was bribed and given lavish gifts by a firm connected with controversial the Legacy Group. As result of the collapse of Legacy under the headship of Celso de los Angeles, 50,000 pre-need plan holders are left in limbo.
Ermita believes Gaite who is from Baao, Camarines Sur is well-qualified having served as the deputy executive secretary of legal affairs. The public recalls the incoming SEC secretary is the “good Samaritan” to whistle-blower Rodolfo Lozada, the star witness to the $329 million NBN-ZTE broadband deal scandal. He lent Lozada P500,000 for his trip to Hongkong. (Photo Credit: WN/ Manila Times/ Renzelle Mae Abosolo)=0=
UPDATE: It is said that the controversial appointment of Gaite is not yet final. Despite Malacanang's favorable endorsements, there are critics like Sen. Mar Roxas who assert Gaite has questionable integrity based on his involvement in the NBN-ZTE scandal. The senator believes the appointment is Gloria Arroyo's reward in helping silence Lozada. Roxas speaks of the Securities Regulation Code (SEC) on the qualifications of commissioners, which stimpulate that they "must be of good moral character, of unquestionable integrity, of known probity and patriotism, and with recognized competence."---GMA News. TV (03/16/09, Balagtas-See, A)
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US Visa Availability April 2009
Each month, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issue the visa availability of those who wish to immigrate (family-based application) or work (employment based application) in America. For the month of April 2009 here are the abridged priority dates:
FAMILY CATEGORIES
Categories------Worldwide---China (PRC)----India--------Mexico---------Philippines
1st-------------08-15-02----08-15-02-------08-15-02-----10-08-92-------08-01-93
2A--------------08-15-04----08-15-04-------08-15-04-----01-01-02-------08-15-04
2B--------------09-01-00----09-01-00-------09-01-00-----05-01-92-------01-15-98
3rd-------------08-22-00----08-22-00-------08-22-00-----10-22-92-------06-15-91
4th-------------04-15-98----01-08-98-------04-15-98-----04-22-95-------06-22-86
EMPLOYMENT CATEGORIES
Categories------Worldwide---China (PRC)----India--------Mexico----------Philippines
1st--------------Current-------Current--------Current------Current---------Current
2nd-------------Current-------02-15-05-------02-15-04---Current---------Current
3rd-------------03-01-03----03-01-03-------11-01-01-----03-01-03--------03-01-03
Unskilled-------03-01-01----03-01-01-------03-01-01-----03-01-01--------03-01-01
4th-------------Current--------Current--------Current--------Current---------Current
Religious-----Unavailable---Unavailable---Unavailable--Unavailable-----Unavailable
5th-------------Current--------Current--------Current------Current---------Current
For detailed information I suggest the websites: State Department Visa Bulletin---http://travel.state.gov/; http://shusterman.com/vb.html (Photo Credit: Yuhuru1701)
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Obama gets a low grade from Wall Street economists
Midway thru Pres. Barack Obama’s post-election 100-day honeymoon period is an erosion of popularity. In spite of his “heroic” effort in trying to steer the US to the “right “ track, the new president gets a failing grade of 59% from majority of 49 Wall Street economists polled. According to the Wall Street Journal Survey, financial thinkers are dissatisfied with Obama’s economic policy. The Dow Jones fell close to ¼ of its value at the 7 weeks of his administration.
Treasury secretary Timothy Geithner who assumed his position in the Obama cabinet in spite of evading to pay taxes has a poor grade of 51%, while Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke scored better, with an average 71.
The changing result augurs badly for Obama who has enjoyed extraordinary popularity before and after the election. The high expectation is there, but he is tumbling down from the sky putting down his public approval to about 60%---quickly in just a few days. Considering the media’s slobbering love and public admiration for Obama, the downward trend of his approval rating is unexpected.
It’s a concern that Americans who disaprove of his policies are rising. The trend is a significant negative twist on how the public perceives his performance even if he was heralded as the hero who’ll deliver America and the world from economic woes. There is strong doubt if Americans can spend their way from bankruptcy by borrowing at the expense of current tax-payers and the next generation.(Photo Credit: tsevis) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Fearless economic forecasts" Posted by mesiamd at 3/11/2009
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UP Ibalon congratulates Drs. Chris & Vicvic Bernido
UP Ibalon-Bicol congratulates Dr. Christopher and Dr. Maria Victoria (Vicvic) Carpio-Bernido for winning the 3rd Gawad Haydee Yorac* Award, an outstanding distinction which gives tribute to Filipinos who have demonstrated exemplary public service. On its third year, the prestigious award is given annually by the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) in collaboration with UP and the Yorac family.
We have no doubt Chris and Vicvic who are both accomplished physicists are more than worthy to win the sterling award. They left the headship of the UP Diliman’s National Institute of Physics in the 1990’s to start the Research Center for Theoretical Physics in Jagna, a secluded seaside town in the Visayan province of Bohol, two hours by car from the capital city of Tagbilaran. In a rural community setting, the couple boldly introduced the novel teaching of physics, math, science, and other hard subjects to high school students with outstanding results.
The prestigious award honors what the husband and wife team patiently worked for since they opened the private school 10 years ago:
“The Bernidos addressed a grassroots issue, and had the courage to blaze new science trails in their home province of Bohol, in isolated and marginalized communities, demonstrating that there are no constraints or limits to achieving the lofty vision of building a nation when courage, commitment and intellectual experience are applied to the task.”--- Philippine Daily Inquirer (03/08/2009, Yap, DJ) (Photo Credits: http://www.meralco.com.ph/gawadhaydeeyorac/)
Vicvic is the sister of our fellow Ibalonians---Alfonso “Popon” Carpio and Constancia “Connie” Carpio. Graduating on top of her class at Colegio de Sta Isabel (CSI) in Naga City, Vicvic is one among the many talented children of former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) chief Atty. Antonio Carpio.
* Haydee Yorac was an outstanding UP alumna. She was the legal counsel of Meralco. Before she died on September 13, 2005, she served as the director general of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, headed the Presidential Commission on Good Government and the Commission on Elections.
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Divine Mercy Pilgrimage at Stockbridge, Massachusetts
A pilgrimage to the Divine Mercy National Shrine at Stockbridge, Massachussetts is being sponsored by Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association (OLPDA.) Those who are interested to join the group on April 19, 2009 (Divine Mercy Sunday) may contact the following:
Lily Lacap (201-985-2350); Sylvia Tablizo-Kurt (201-653-6654); Boy & Dina Cabaero (201-794-0999); Thelma Silerio (908-629-1426)
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Ponzi wiz Bernard Madoff sent to prison
"It's a little bit like seeing the devil," said Burt Ross, a lawyer from Englewood, NJ who lost $5 million in Madoff’s swindle. Feeling betrayed, DeWitt Baker, an investor who lost more than $1 million angrily fumed "I'd stone him to death." ----AP (03.12/09, Neusmeister, L; Hays, T)
Bernard Madoff, the personification of Wall Street greed and reckless extravagance has admitted guilt of pulling the biggest Ponzi scam in history. In the Federal Court of Manhattan, in New York, US district judge Denny Chin revoked Madoff’s $10 million bail and ordered the disgraced swindler's confinement to a windowless room at the Metropolitan Correction Center instead of being comfortably holed in his lavish $7 million home at 133 E, 64th Street.
For defrauding his clients of $65 billion, at sentencing date in June this year, the former chairman of Nasdaq could get a life sentence---a maximum of 150 years in jail for perjury and financial fraud.
Without implicating anyone except himself, the apologetic Madoff who gave no comfort to his victims, pleaded guilty in all counts of fraud. In doing so, many believed his acceptance of full responsibility was a way to protect his wife Ruth, his family, and friends. His victims were fuming mad. Wall Street regulators ignored the flags of deception which allowed the once respected investment guru to operate without being caught for decades.
Thousands of defrauded clients in the United States and abroad include banks, charities, financial institutions, pension funds, retirees, and private individuals whose life savings and investments have been damaged. In their ranks are those who have suffered irreparable financial ruin with no chance to recover. At least one victim has been driven into committing suicide.
Some of Madoff’s Victims
------------------------------------------Description---------------------Amount
Fairfield Greenwich Advisors-----investment firm--------------$7,500,000,000
Banco Santander------------------Spanish bank-----------------$2,870,000,000
Bank Medici-------------------------Austrian bank----------------$2,100,000,000
HSBC--------------------------------- British bank-------------------$1,000,000,000
BNP------------------------------------French bank-------------------$431,170,000
New York University------------------University--------------------$24,000,000
Korea Teachers Pension----------Korean Pension Fund---------$9,100,000
Marc Rich------------------------------fugitive financier--------------Not available
Yeshiva University---------------------NY private university--------$14,500,000
Int’l Olympic Committee--------------Olympic organizer----------$4,800,000
Zsa Zsa Gabor-------------------------actress------------------------$10,000,000
Diocese of St. Thomas---------------Cath. Church (Virgin Is)-----$2,000,000
Source: http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/documents/st_madoff_victims_20081215.html
The imprisonment of Madoff is just the tip of the iceberg to the massive scandal that rocks Wall Street. Trust in the financial institutions is at an all time low. Many Americans adversely affected by the economic meltdown are demanding for accountability and prosecution of those responsible in the betrayal of trust. (Photo Credits: Acteon; Jason Smith) =0=
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