H1N1 flu watch: 16 cases reported in RP
As of Saturday, May 30, 2009, the number of new cases of H1N1 flu in the Philippines rose to 16. According to the Department of Health (DOH) Sec. Francisco Duque III, aside from these cases, there are still 29 individuals under observation.
The increase in number of the swine flu infection in the country stresses the need for vigilance and preventive measures to stop the spread of the disease. Although there are suggestions to indefinitely close schools because of the flu, health authorities in Manila believe that the situation doesn’t merit the postponement of the opening of classes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that so far, there had been 15,510 documented cases of the disease reported in 53 countries. Of those who got sick, at least 99 people died. (Photo Credit: Benedicte Desrus) =0=
UPDATE: June 2, 2009. The number of H1N1 cases in the Philippihes rose from 16 to 21 over the weekend. Filipinos who are preparing for the opening of classes nationwide are advised to take preventive measures to help stop the disease. =0=
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Susan Boyle comes in second in the Britain Got Talent competition
After weeks of exhausting public scrutiny, Susan Boyle, the singing phenomenon that was the favorite to win the finals of Britain Got Talent, came second to the dance group called Diversity. Third place was awarded to saxophone player Julian Smith.
Boyle’s better rendition of Les Miserables’ I dreamed a dream did not give her enough points to win the talent contest, but nonetheless, it was received with rousing appreciation from the judges and the audience alike. Her “debut” as a singer brought 100 million hits in You Tube prompting music promoter and contest judge Simon Cowell to say: “Its the biggest phenomenon I’ve ever seen out of any of my shows.”
Soon after her Saturday performance, Boyle received a glowing endorsement from Judge Piers Morgan who said it was the "greatest performance I've seen on the history of Britain's Got Talent.” Amanda Holden, the other judge was impressed by her powerful voice.
The 48 year-old Scottish songbird with an angelic voice who lives alone with her cat in Blackburn, gamely accepted her defeat acceding that the best people win. Wearing a dark blue sequined long gown during the finals, she expressed her thanks to the people who supported her.
Having gone through a lot during the competition, including the news that she almost withdrew from the finals because of pressure, Boyle’s meteoric international fame is likely to open new opportunities to the celebrated singer. Among them, an album is what her fans are eagerly expecting. (Photo Credit: Pascal Turcotte) =0=
UPDATE: Susan Boyle was taken to a hospital Sunday, May 31, 2009, to recover from emotional and physical exhaustion brought about by her instant fame. Upon the advise of her private physician, Boyle voluntarily went to the hospital after she lost to a dance group during the finals of Britain Got Talent.
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As the Kho-Halili sex scandal is investigated, obscene video sells briskly in the sidewalk
For those who follow the Kho-Halili sex video scandal, the senate investigation for the purpose of “legislation” brings more questions than answers. Instead of truth coming out from Dr. Hayden Kho and starlet Katrina Halili, their testimonies are confusing----one couldn’t be sure where truth and lies start and end. Stable minds are wondering why such a vulgar erotic affair has become a circus in the senate distracting the public from more important issues.
It’s embarrassing that the entire nation is dragged into the salaciousness of sex that comes from an immature cosmetic surgeon and a budding young actress. In a fit of anger, a man doused water on the surgeon during the probe. Everybody becomes the guardian of morals as the perplexing details of private lives are revealed.
The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) takes interest in finding the truth about Dr. Hayden Kho and another girl-lover, Dr. Vicky Belo---that sensational lady-doctor who specializes on bringing celebrities, medical science, and the aesthetics of the human body together.
But on the side, one can’t ignore a poor man's dirty video business which comes along with the scandal. Illegal copies of the skin flicks of Kho and Halili are peddled like hotcakes coincident to their televised infamy. Even the old sex movies of faded actors and actresses in Philippine cinema have stirred renewed interest. Once again pornographic films have a come back in the Manila and in the provinces.
The senate must do its job well. This kind of investigation has the potential to excite the sexual fantasies of the entire nation without safeguarding the morals of the people. If laws will be enacted from lessons out of the sex scandal, they must at the very least, be enforced. (Photo Credit: Inquirer) =0=
RELATED BlOG: "Dr. Vicki Belo: a lesson on cosmetic surgery, sex, & "quackery"?" Posted by mesiamd at 11/07/2009
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Dep Ed’s P427 million noodle contract revoked
After criticisms and corruption charges, the Department of Education (Dep Ed) secretary Jesil Lapus was forced to recind the P427 million contract with a regular supplier of “fortified” noodles for its nutrition program for school children. The cancellation resulted after complaints that the foodstuff the public school system plans to distribute this year has not passed through normal bidding process, are overpriced, and lack nutritional value.
The irregularity in the procurement was bared by whistleblower Dennis Quido of Kolonwell Trading, a government contractor. He said DepEd’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC,) under Teodosio Sangil Jr. was in violation of the terms of reference for fortified noodles. According to Quido, the anomaly has been going on for several years now.
For the past 5 years, Jeverps Manufacturing Corp. was the only bidder to supply the noodles amounting to about P750 million under the Food for the Schools Program. In an attempt to correct the scandalous scam, a new rebidding of the contract will be conducted.
Corruption in a nutrition program intended to help malnourished children is plainly unacceptable. (Photo Credit: Nephatic Gren) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Noodles for "brighter minds" in DepEd’s nutrition program draws sharp criticism" Posted by mesiamd at 4/23/2009
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North Korea's nuclear threats
Living in a delusion that dictatorships and rogue countries can be effectively handled with talks and negotiations, the United States and the United Nations are finding it increasingly hard to deal with the rising military posturing of North Korea.
The destitute communist country in Asia has detonated a 20 kiloton underground nuclear bomb in a display of belligerence against the will of the civilized world. The United States and its allies have still to find a way to curtail the provocations of Kim Jong Il which find it easy to ignore the lame warnings of the United Nations.
Unafraid of sanctions, North Korea is unimpressed by the 6-party disarmament talks aimed to diffuse tension and stop the dangerous proliferation of nuclear arms in the region. The puppet government of Kim Jong Il has come to the realization that rogue governments can have ways to brush aside UN resolutions, survive punitive sanctions, and earn dividends from wild stubborness. Seeing the weakness of Pres. Barack Obama and UN’s inability to effectively punish violators of covenants, the North Koreans are on a free rein to show their propagandistic power and terrorist capabilities.
“It is a laughable delusion for the United States to think that it can get us to kneel with sanctions… We've been living under U.S. sanctions for decades, but have firmly safeguarded our ideology and system while moving our achievements forward. The U.S. sanctions policy toward North Korea is like striking a rock with a rotten egg."---said an editorial in a North Korean newspaper. AP (05/27/09, Hyung-Jin Kim, Gutman, S; Ledere EM)
With this show of defiance, the United States and its allies must be ready to stop Pyongyang by considering strikes to destroy its nuclear facilities. Short of this, the world needs an effective deterrent and defense against the rising threat of nuclear proliferation. In the past, sanctions and resolutions have helped in some measure but aren't as effective as people want them to be.(Photo credit: Lucliu) =0=
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H1N1 flu cases in RP jump to a total of 6
The Department of Health (DOH) announced 4 more Filipinos testing positive for the H1N1 flu bringing the number of cases to a total to 6 of May 27, 2009. Two of the four got their illnesses after attending a wedding in Zambales where the infected Taiwanese woman and her child were present.
A one-year old girl from USA also exhibited signs and symptoms of flu 5 days after her arrival on May 19, 2009. Another is a 13 year old boy who became ill after a trip from Hongkong.
The increase in swine flu cases is a cause of concern knowing that the virus is highly transmissible. With the anticipated opening of classes in the Philippines, the public is advised to take the needed precaution to avoid the disease.
In a tally of the World Health Organization (WHO) as of 06:00 GMT, 27 May 2009, the number of those who contracted the disease has reached 13,398 in 48 countries. It has caused death to 95 people.(Photo Credit: Benedicte Desrus) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "2nd H1N1 flu case reported in the Philippines" Posted by mesiamd at 5/25/2009; "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection" Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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Same-sex marriage proponents lose bid to keep gay union legal in California
The California Supreme Court ruled against gay marriage by upholding Proposition 8, the initiative against same-sex union which won during the November 8, 2008 election. In spite of efforts by gay activists to make same-sex marriage legal, the court decided in favor of what the majority of Californians wanted---that marriage must be between a man and a woman.
In a 6-1 decision, the court banned gay marriage in California on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, but ruled that the 18,000 marriages forged before the prohibition, are retained as legal. The court decided that the change in ruling must not be retroactive; dissolution of homosexual unions contracted in the Golden State in the five months that they were legal could be disruptive.
“The court said that while the ban denies gay couples use of the term "marriage," it does not fundamentally disturb their basic right to "establish an officially recognized and protected family relationship with the person of one's choice and to raise children within the family." California still allows gay couples to form domestic partnerships.”----The Huffington Post (05/26/09,)
Gay activists, homosexuals, lesbians, and their supporters were furious. Setting demonstrations which blocked the streets in front of the courthouse, they accused the court of not protecting a minority. On the other hand, anti-gay marriage advocates were ecstatic that the court respected the right of voters to define marriage as they knew it.
This tug-of-war on the acceptance of same-sex marriage isn’t over. The long drawn debate on legalizing unions of the same gender has touched issues on equality and tolerance. It also threatens the religious faith of many Californians that forbids gay unions.
Experts say gay advocates can still appeal to the federal court for equal protection under the US constitution. Iowa, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut are states that so far recognize same-sex marriage. (Photo Credit: ACME-Nollmeyer) =0=
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Sonia Sotomayor nominated to the US Supreme Court
Pres. Barack Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor, a hispanic federal judge to be the replacement of Justice David Souter in the US Supreme Court. The 54 year old daughter of Puerto Rican parents with humble beginnings, Sotomayor grew up in a housing project in Bronx and studied in Primceton and the Yale Law School with the help of her mom, a nurse by profession. She married when she was a student, but was subsequently divorced without children.
Prior to her nomination on May 26, 2009, she worked as a NY assistant district attorney, a commercial litigator, and later a federal judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York upon the nomination of former Pres. George HW Bush. Sotomayor will be the first Latina to sit on the bench of the US Supreme Court if confirmed.
"As Majority Leader, I will do all I can to ensure Judge Sonia Sotomayor receives a fair and respectful hearing and the Senate's quick confirmation." — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
"Senate Republicans will treat Judge Sotomayor fairly. But we will thoroughly examine her record to ensure she understands that the role of a jurist in our democracy is to apply the law evenhandedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences." — Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
"She must prove her commitment to impartially deciding cases based on the law, rather than based on her own personal politics, feelings and preferences." — Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, member of the Judiciary Committee."
As the confirmation process of Sotomayor proceeds, she will be under deep scrutiny from all sides of government and politics. Obama thinks she is well-qualified for the job and praises her as an “inspiring woman,” but conservative groups, reviewing her past, have started thinking if she is a liberal activist whose decision may be based on feelings rather than on constitutional ground.
With a clear Democratic majority in the senate and barring any serious issue against her, Sotomayor is likely to be confirmed in office.(Photo Credit: White House/ Pete Souza) =0=
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North Korea detonates an underground nuclear bomb
As if to tell the world, that countries can defy the United Nations (UN,) North Korea exploded an underground atomic weapon which was as powerful as the one that leveled Nagasaki, Japan in 1945. The 10 to 20 kiloton bomb generated an earthquake of about 4.5 in the northeastern part of North Korea. It was picked up by seismologists worldwide as Pyongyang officials affirmed the successful nuclear test on May 25, 2009.
Kim Jong Il’s nuclear bomb test, the second since 2006 is in defiance to the United Nation’s resolutions forbidding his country to develop nuclear weapon. A danger to world peace, the nuclear detonation followed last month’s launching of a ballistic missile which has the capacity to reach the US territory.
The UN expressed disapproval against the test-launch and North Korea was punished with greater sanctions. In retaliation, the communist regime of Kim Jong Il asked that the international nuclear inspectors leave the country. The North Koreans threatened to resume operation of Yongbyon nuclear reactor and refused participation in the six-party nuclear talks. Ignoring global condemnation,
Pyongyang insisted its nuclear activities serve to beef up its self-defense and are intended for “peaceful” purposes.
In a reaction to the recent bomb test, Pres. Barack Obama lamely speaks of the recklessness of North Korea whose growing belligerence he hopes to manage with diplomacy. He plans to seek help from allies and friendly nations to stop the North Koreans from producing weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
But as the leaders of the communist dictatorship have learned, they have the power to ignore the world community. Having a nuclear arsenal is their bargaining chip----an effective tool to gain leverage, a way of catching the attention of the world.
The reclusive impoverished regime of Kim Jong Il has shown that it cannot be dictated by civilized countries in spite of attempts to isolate the country for violating international law and endangering the planet. The same message is what other nations with nuclear ambitions are learning. It appears provoking a crisis brings dividends because UN and its member nations aren’t ready to impose international covenants on errant governments like North Korea. A significant number of UN resolutions, no matter how well they are worded don't work. This may well be with the unanimous UN condemnation of North Korea for exploding the atomic weapon.
It is said that majority of nations approve of the international treaty to stop nuclear weapons testing. However, there are countries like North Korea, India, and Pakistan with nuclear capabilities which oppose the ban.(Photo Credit: cbv.ns.ca) =0=
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Filipino film director Dante Mendoza bags the Cannes Best Director Award
It’s with a sense of pride that Filipinos learned of Brillante (Dante) Mendoza, an upcoming film director who won the prestigious Best Director Award in the 62nd Cannes Film Festival in France. His socially charged movie Kinatay received mixed reviews during the 2009 international film festival, but nonetheless got the best director prize. “The coveted Palme d’Or went to Austrian director Michael Haneke for his austere but powerful The White Ribbon, which addresses repression and cruelty among a small Protestant community in northern Germany in the months before the first World War. “----IrishTimes.com (05/25/09, Dwyer, M)
French director Jacques Audiard was bestowed the Grand Prix du Jury Award for his film “A Prophet” which portrays the failure of the French penal system as a place of rehabilitation for criminals.
Mendoza's Kinatay (Slaughter) depicted the life a young rookie Manila policeman in a world of sordid violence. It showed the gruesome abduction, torture, rape, and killing of a prostitute by corrupt men of the police force. The severed body parts of the woman were disposed of in various places of Manila.
The first Filipino to ever been awarded the Best Director prize in Cannes, Mendoza shares the honor of past respected movie makers who won the coveted prize. Counted among them are Martin Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman, Francois Truffaut, Luis Buñuel, Robert Bresson, Costa Gavras, and Werner Herzog---Inquirer (05/25/09, Nepales, R.)
Winners of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival
MAIN CATEGORIES
PALME D’OR - The White Ribbon , directed by Austrian Michael Haneke. A small village is rocked by a series of mysterious and cruel crimes. A group of young children are among the suspects.
GRAND PRIX (runner-up) - A Prophet directed by France’s Jacques Audiard.
SPECIAL CAREER PRIZE - Veteran French director Alain Resnais. This year he presented Wild Grass .
BEST ACTOR - Austrian Christoph Waltz for his role as a Nazi officer in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds .
BEST ACTRESS - Charlotte Gainsbourg for Antichrist, directed by Denmark’s Lars Von Trier.
BEST DIRECTOR - Kinatay , directed by Filipino Brillante Mendoza. Peping, a criminology student, joins his friend on a mission to earn some cash but regrets his decision as events turn sour.
BEST SCREENPLAY - Mei Feng for his script on Spring Fever, directed by China’s Lou Ye.
JURY PRIZE (shared) - Fish Tank directed by Britain’s Andrea Arnold, and Thirst directed by South Korean Park Chan-Wook.
CAMERA D’OR (for debut film) - Samson and Delilah directed by Australia’s Warwick Thornton.
BEST SHORT FILM - Arena directed by Portuguese director Joao Salaviza. – (Reuters) Photo Credit: Paolo Feliciano) =0=
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America honors heroes on Memorial day
America's fighting men and women sacrifice much to ensure that our great nation stays free. We owe a debt of gratitude to the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for this cause, as well as for those who are blessed enough to return from the battlefield unscathed.”----Allen Boyd
On March 25, 2009, the United States remembers and honors those who died for their country. The Memorial day is intended to pay tribute to all those who put their life on the line in America’s wars.
From the time of the civil conflicts that gave birth to American democracy to the wars that brought dedicated soldiers to the theaters of combat in Europe, Asia and the Pacific, and more recently to Iraq and Afghanistan, the heroism and sacrifices of countless men and women are recalled with gratitude.
The American people reach out to those who bravely offered their life in service to the country. To them and their loved ones, the nation is eternally thankful. (Photo Credits: PaJager; Torunaosuke; Hanneortal; mgegapicke; ArmyArchives; Hanneortal)=0=
"Cover them over with beautiful flowers,
Deck them with garlands, those brothers of ours,
Lying so silent by night and by day
Sleeping the years of their manhood away.
Give them the meed they have won in the past;
Give them the honors their future forcast;
Give them the chaplets they won in the strife;
Give them the laurels they lost with their life."
--~Will Carleton
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2nd H1N1 flu case reported in the Philippines
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Because of the time lag between the exposure to influenza and the moment manifestations of the infection arise, it’s only now that the 50-year old Filipina who arrived as a balikbayan from USA is confirmed as the second case of swine flu infection in the country. The first case is a 10 year-old child who also came home from a trip abroad. She is reported to have fully recovered from the illness.
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) announces the woman tested positive for the H1N1 virus though it appears that she has been recovering since she experienced having cough and fever, one day after her arrival from USA.
“Since monitoring started on May 1, the DOH has placed 105 individuals under observation, with 88 already being found negative and 15 have pending laboratory test results.”---Malaya (05/23/09, Naval, G)
Though there is no reason to panic, the viral infection that has affected close to 12,000 individuals in 43 countries is a source of concern. The new strain of viral infection has the capacity to kill and is still under study. Nobody knows how the virus with a propensity to mutate and assume more virulence will behave when it spreads in different countries as the seasons change.
Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering one’s nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoiding hand contact with people as advised by the Department of Health are in place.
The World Health Organization urges nations to push for pandemic preparedness and advices pro-active fight against the disease while only a few individuals have been stricken ill of the disease.(Photo Credit: CDC)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection " Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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Because of the time lag between the exposure to influenza and the moment manifestations of the infection arise, it’s only now that the 50-year old Filipina who arrived as a balikbayan from USA is confirmed as the second case of swine flu infection in the country. The first case is a 10 year-old child who also came home from a trip abroad. She is reported to have fully recovered from the illness.
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) announces the woman tested positive for the H1N1 virus though it appears that she has been recovering since she experienced having cough and fever, one day after her arrival from USA.
“Since monitoring started on May 1, the DOH has placed 105 individuals under observation, with 88 already being found negative and 15 have pending laboratory test results.”---Malaya (05/23/09, Naval, G)
Though there is no reason to panic, the viral infection that has affected close to 12,000 individuals in 43 countries is a source of concern. The new strain of viral infection has the capacity to kill and is still under study. Nobody knows how the virus with a propensity to mutate and assume more virulence will behave when it spreads in different countries as the seasons change.
Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering one’s nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoiding hand contact with people as advised by the Department of Health are in place.
The World Health Organization urges nations to push for pandemic preparedness and advices pro-active fight against the disease while only a few individuals have been stricken ill of the disease.(Photo Credit: CDC)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection " Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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Obituary: Corazon Padilla
UP Ibalon-Bicol expresses its deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Corazon Padilla, loving mother of Ibalonian Dr. Delen Padilla de la Paz. The remains of Mrs. Padilla lie in Magallanes Chapel in Manila, Philippines prior to her cremation on Sunday, May 24, 2009.
The organization asks its members, friends, and readers to pray for her eternal repose. Requiescat in Pace. (Photo Credit: Istanbulko)=0=
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Susan Boyle moves ahead in her bid to win in Britain’s Got Talent contest
The 47 year-old singing sensation who wowed the audience of Britain’s Got Talent last month has qualified for the next round in the talent contest. Susan Boyle whose stunning performance brought 60 million viewers to watch her sing in You Tube will compete on Sunday in a field of 40 contestants---- her bid to win in the final contest on May 30, 2009.
Boyle drew attention when she sang Les Miserables’ “I dreamed a dream” which charmed the TV judges and viewers alike. The plump middle-aged lady with a salt and pepper hair caught the attention of the incredulous audience because of the disparity between her appearance and her angelic voice.
"The youngest of nine children, Boyle grew up in Blackburn, a community of 4,750 people 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Edinburgh, in Scotland — a district blighted by unemployment and crime. Boyle had learning difficulties as a child and was bullied by other children. As an adult, she's struggled for work but had been a regular on her local karaoke circuit and performed in church choirs."---AP (05/23/09, Stringer D)
For the instant attention and phenomenal fame she received, Oprah Winfrey invited her to guest in her show. Boyle who enjoys global popularity had been a favorite to win the contest which is the counterpart of the American Idol in USA. (Photo Credit: Conceptmail.net) =0=
Boyle Advances to the Final Round
UPDATE: May 24, 2009---Susan Boyle once again electrified her fans with a spectacular rendition of "Memory." a song popularized in the musicale Cats. For her commanding performance she is chosen to move ahead to the finals among 8 contestants in the TV show "Britain Got Talent" on May 30. 2009.
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12 perish as boat to Puerto Galera capsizes
At least 12 persons drowned when a ferry boat on its way to the resort town of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro capsized. The boat MB Commando 6 sank when one its outriggers broke as it proceeded from Batangas City to Puerto Galera on a clear weather.
Those who died included 1 Hosotani Shoji, a Japanese tourist; Franco P. Eugenio, 3, Anton Cruz Eugenio, 2, both residents of White Plains, Quezon City; Gregonia C. Pablico, 58, and Albino Pablico, 55, of Sta. Cruz Manila; Beta Berdin, 2, and Melanie Berdin, 30, of Sta. Mesa, Manila; Desiree Teodoro, 20, of Taytay, Rizal; Joena Perez, 25, of Batangas; Mina Ricci Cads, of Binangonan, Rizal; Daisy Eugenio, of Quezon City, and a certain yaya Tess.---Manila Bulletin (05/23/09, Recuenco, A; Evora, R, Cahinhinan, J)
According to Luisito Palmera, the police regional director of the area said at least 48 passengers were rescued, but it wasn’t clear how many more were missing. Many of the survivors who bore physical injuries were treated at the Puerto Galera Municipal Health Office. It is said that there were 60 passengers in the ferry before the fatal incident occured. (Photo Credit: zetroc_g03) =0=
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RP lagging behind Asia’s competitive nations
As the country focuses on the risque sex video scandal of plastic surgeon Hayden Kho and starlet Katrina Halili, we get distracted from significant national issues like the latest corruption charges against high ranking military men ---allegedly pocketing millions of pesos intended for soldiers in the 2007 US-RP Balikatan exercises. The "Euro Generals Scandal" which involved the embarrassing money laundering of high ranking Filipino military officers discovered by Russian authorities in Moscow has been forgotten.
Now, consistent with these scandals, a report which impacts on every Filipino tells of the floundering global competitiveness of the country. It’s the kind of bad news that we rather not talk about. This year RP placed a dismal 43rd out of 57 in the World Competitive Yearbook released by the Swiss Business School.
“Among 12 Asian countries on the list, the Philippines got the poorest ranking with Hong Kong considered as the world’s second most competitive country, next to the United States. Singapore ranked 3rd; Japan, 17th; Malaysia, 18th; China, 20th; Taiwan, 23rd; Thailand, 26th; Korea, 27th; India, 30th; Kazakhstan, 36th, and Indonesia, 42nd.
The Philippines’ competitiveness grade regressed the past five years having been ranked 40th in 2005, 42nd in 2006, 45th in 2007 before improving to 40th last year.
The economic performance of the country deteriorated progressively since 2005 when it was ranked 36th, 45th in 2006 and 2007, and 42nd last year.
On government efficiency the Philippines was ranked 42nd, on business efficiency, 32nd and infrastructure second to the last at 56th. ”---Daily Tribune (05/21/09, del Callar, MP)
The reason given for the fall in RP's ranking is graft and corruption. So we tell ourselves what’s new? The data above are very disconcering. We have enough black-eyes to deal with.
As long as we don’t do something about corruption, with our economic stagnation, morale and moral decline will continue. Even the United Nations (UN) has warned us that lack of government oversight on foreign aid and the national budget, paves way to graft which weakens the government. (Photo Credit: Stormcrypt)=0=
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80,000 nurses prepare to take the June board exam
Marco Sto. Tomas of the Professional Regulations commission (PRC) announced that nearly 80,000 nurses have filed their papers for the incoming nurse licensure test to be given in different testing sites on June 6 and 7, 2009. In spite of a decline of students taking the course, the number of nurses far exceeds what the country needs. The number of nursing board examinees for June 2009 could have been bigger if many graduates submitted their applications on time.
Because of the slowing of demand for domestic and international nurses, a flood of licensed healthcare workers is expected to jack up the number of unemployed professionals. The passing of the test is the first step to gain employment, but it isn’t a guarantee that a licensed nurse can land a job. Those who can’t find work go on to volunteer in hospitals and clinics without pay or they reinvent themselves in other professions.
For sometime, the government is urged to come up with a rational labor allocation plan to avoid the surplus of the country’s health professionals. Filipinos plead to open more work at home so that job-seekers will not be forced to leave and take dangerous jobs abroad. (Photo Credit: Glenmcbethlaw) =0=
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RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection
Based on the tally of the World Health Organization (WHO,) the swine flu spreading throughout the world has reached 11,168 and 86 deaths as of May 22, 2009. This coincides with the first case confirmed in the Philippines which joins at least 38 countries having the disease.
The Department of Health (DOH,) reported that the swine flu-positive 11 year-old girl identified by the laboratory of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine(RITM) arrived on May 18, 2009 from USA and Canada where many swine infections have been reported. She is presently quarantined in an effort to contain the virus from infecting the general population.
“The government will conduct contact tracing to identify and diagnose individuals who might have come into contact with the infected girl. Health authorities will also check the plane boarded by the girl for traces of the disease.”--- GMA TV News.com (05/21/09 Balagtas-See, A)
Advising the public to be calm and be mindful of the preventive measures advised by health authorities, the DOH reminds the public of the need for vigilance. Filipinos must not be complacent as the virus easily mutates; it has the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality which can affect the nation's economy. Pharmaceuticals are still on the process of making a the H1N1 flu vaccine, but it will take a few months before it will be available. =0=
World Health Organization (WHO) Tally of H1N1 Flu Infection
As of 06:00 GMT, 22 May 2009
Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005)
Country----Cumulative total-----Newly confirmed since the last reporting period-
--------------Cases---Deaths----Cases-----Deaths
Argentina------1------0-----------0---------0
Australia-------7------0-----------4---------0
Austria---------1------0-----------0---------0
Belgium--------5------0-----------0---------0
Brazil-----------8------0-----------0---------0
Canada--------719----1-----------0---------0
Chile-----------24-----0-----------19--------0
China-----------11-----0-----------3---------0
Colombia-------12-----0-----------0---------0
Costa Rica-----20-----0-----------0---------0
Cuba-------------4------0-----------0---------0
Denmark---------1------0-----------0---------0
Ecuador---------8------0-----------7---------0
El Salvador-----6------0-----------0---------0
Finland----------2------0-----------0---------0
France----------16-----0-----------0---------0
Germany--------14-----0-----------0---------0
Greece----------1------0-----------0---------0
Guatemala------4------0-----------0---------0
India-------------1------0-----------0---------0
Ireland----------1------0-----------0---------0
Israel------------7------0-----------0---------0
Italy-------------10-----0-----------0---------0
Japan-----------294---0-----------35--------0
Korea-----------3------0-----------0---------0
Malaysia--------2------0-----------0---------0
Mexico----------3892---75---------0---------0
Netherlands-----3------0-----------0---------0
New Zealand-----9------0-----------0---------0
Norway-----------3------0-----------0---------0
Panama----------73-----0-----------4---------0
Peru--------------5------0-----------2---------0
Philippines------1------0-----------1---------0
Poland-----------2------0-----------0---------0
Portugal---------1------0-----------0---------0
Spain------------113----0-----------2---------0
Sweden----------3------0-----------0---------0
Switzerland------1------0-----------0---------0
Thailand---------2------0-----------0---------0
Turkey-----------2------0-----------0---------0
United Kingdom--112----0---------3---------0
USA--------------5764---9-----------54--------1
Grand Total----11168---86--------134-------1
Cumulative and new figures are subject to revision
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Kris Allen wins the American Idol 2009 title
Kris Allen, 23, a married college student and church worship leader of Conway, Arkansas emerges as the winner of the American Idol 2009 eclipsing the talent of Adam Lambert, the flamboyant 27-year old musical artist from Los Angeles, CA in the recently concluded contest on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. (Photo Credit: Fox/ Frank Micelotta)=0=
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Favoring alternative medicine, mom and child from Minnesota reject cancer treatment
To protect the best interest of a child suffering from cancer, the court in Minnesota ordered the mother to bring her son to the doctor for additional tests and treatment. But 13 year-old David Hauser is nowhere to be found after her mother Colleen told the court that she wanted alternative cancer treatment for her son instead of the state-of-the-art medical treatment offered in the hospital.
The teenager suffers from a life-threatening lymph node malignancy called Hodgkin’s lymphoma which when medically treated has a high chance of being cured. He and his family were ordered by the court to come on May 19, 2009 for a hearing to determine if its in the boy’s advantage that he goes for chemotherapy and/or radiation instead of taking the nebulous alternative treatment of herbals and vitamin supplements that the mother learned from the internet.
After having a course of chemotherapy, the boy and his mother who are believed to be hiding in California, decided against further treatment, invoking on religious beliefs as the reason for their change of heart.
“Daniel's father, Anthony Hauser, said in an interview Wednesday at the family's farm near Sleepy Eye, a town of 3,500 people about 80 miles from Minneapolis, that his wife and son left without telling him their plans, and that he hadn't heard from them... In Minnesota, district judge John Rodenberg ruled last week that the Hausers were neglecting their son, and ordered them to consult doctors. He cited a state law requiring parents to provide necessary medical care for a child." ----AP (05/20/09, Forliti, A; Condon,P, Kamowski, S)
The boy who obviously doesn’t fully understand the prognostic ramifications of his disease is in bigger danger of dying if he is not promptly treated medically. Daniel’s case brings to focus the clash between standard medical treatment and alternative medicine when patients are faced with difficult illnesses.
Because of the mother and child’s decision to dodge conventional medical remedies, the government is in an awkward position to pursue protection for the boy against the mother’s conviction of what is best for her child. The decision is probably easier if the sick person is an adult and mature enough to decide for himself. (Photo Credit: CBS) =0=
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OLPDA's induction of officers and members
Boy Cabaero, the chairman of the Our Lady of Penafranica, Inc. of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut (OLPDA) announces the association's induction of members and officers at the Our Lady of Victories Church in New Jersey.
To be held on Saturday, June 27, 2009, the event will start with a solemn mass followed by a family picnic at the Liberty State Park, NJ. Those interested to attend may contact Boy at 201-566-8424. (Photo Credit: Reinier_Lim) =0=
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Dozens die in Indonesia plane crash
A military plane in Indonesia carrying more than 100 people crashed in East Java on May 19, 2009. It is believed that more than half of the passengers died and those who survived suffered serious burn injuries. Indonesian authorities believe the death toll is expected to rise.
As the plane prepared to land in Iswahyudi Military Airbase, the C130 cargo plane plowed on several houses and burst into flames, killing several people on the ground. Photos of the crash site in the Indonesian TV showed the burning plane and some of the injured victims. The cause of the crash is still to be determined. (Photo Credit: Bental_3000)=0=
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A cosmetic surgeon shows off his sex video
A sex video scandal reached the Philippine senate faster than the alleged military corruption in the US-RP Balikatan fund as alleged by Lt. Nancy Gadian. In a privilege speech, Sen. Ramon Revilla, Jr. castigated a certain Dr. Hayden Kho for taking a sex video of himself and starlet Katrina Halili, his girlfriend--- then showing the raunchy clips in the internet. The accused cosmetic surgeon had similar perversions done to other women which angered Sen. Revilla and feminist groups like Gabriela.
“I have also been informed that there are at least two other sex videos involving the same man with other women. These videos show explicit sexual acts and were obviously taken without the consent of the women,” Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. said. Philstar (o5/20/09, Calica, A)
One wonders why such a doctor who is held in high regard can be so immature, short-sighted and reckless. Such obscene actions of Dr. Kho are deplored by the public. His alleged misconduct tarnishes the trust that people readily give to the healing profession.
There are those who demand that Kho’s medical license be revoked by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). In addition, Revilla wants the passage of a law against voyeurism and the display of sex videos. He is joined by party list house representative Irwin Tieng who calls for the approval of a bill which criminalizes violations of a person’s privacy.(Photo Credit: Inquirer; Philstar) =0=
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1.4 million civilians trapped as fighting between the Pakistani military and the Taliban continues
As a result of the fighting between Pakistani military forces and the Taliban, the United Nations has reported an estimated 1.4 million refugees have been driven from their homes this month in Swat valley in the Northwest region of the country. This adds up to about 2 million people displaced since August 2008. It is believed that many civilians have been trapped in Mingora, a terrorist haven which is about 80 miles from the capital city of Islamabad.
The United Nations expects a rapidly changing humanitarian crisis lasting for months as the Pakistani government pursues its campaign against Taliban militants. An appeal for international aid is expected to be raised by the UN as the crisis grows worse---probably as bad as the emergency experienced by Rwandans in the 1994 African genocide,.
The Pakistani offensive has broad support from the people. United States is heavily invested in having the Zadari government prevail over the Taliban in part because of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal which may fall on the wrong hands. (Photo Credit: Stefabua Zamparelli) =0=
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COA reports of discrepancies in the 2007 AFP expenses
“The US government remitted P244.75 million for the Balikatan Exercises in 2007 and 2006 that should have been returned to the Philippine National Treasury but was deposited in a local bank and placed in the fund for the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGU) under the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).”----GMA TV News. com (05/18/09, Meruenas, MD)
"Reports by Newsbreak showed that there are about 8,000 ghost Cafgus nationwide, and an estimated P177.5 million yearly is misused, citing the monthly subsistence allowance of a Cafgu member is pegged at P1,800. Under the scheme, Newsbreak reported that non-existent Cafgu members are reflected in the division payroll but the allowances were diverted to other purposes."----Daily Tribune (05/19/09 Mallari, M)
Right there are observations which make the allegations of Lt. Senior Grade Nancy Gadian deserving of a thorough investigation. Inaccuracies have been uncovered by the Commission of Audit (COA) which relate to what Gadian is talking about---that certain officers have pocketed huge sums of money intended for the US-RP Balikatan exercises.
The senate is divided as to whether the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will take care of its own or the legislature will conduct the probe. Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile doesn’t want a senate inquiry, but Sen. Pia Cayetano feels it is needed for transparency and accountability.
Bayan Muna Representatives Satur Ocampo, Teodoro Casiño, and Neri Colmenares, Gabriela Representatives Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan, Anakpawis Representatives Rafael Mariano and Joel Maglunsod, and Kabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino have called for Lt. Gadian to be physically protected so that the alleged corruption charges against top ranking military officers will be clarified----if proven, those guilty must be brought to justice.
This new embarrassment in the Arroyo government is consistent to the country’s reputation as among the most corrupt country in the world. As of now Lt. Gadian is in hiding, terrified at the prospect of facing the military establishment. Her situation is understandable since there is little appreciation for whistleblowers who risk their lives exposing corruption involving millions of pesos.(Photo Credit: Jayel Aheram) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Archbishop backs Gadian’s expose of the misuse of RP-US Balikatan funds" Posted by mesiamd at 5/16/2009; "Senate wants to probe the misuse of P46 million in the 2007 RP-US Balikatan exercises" Posted by mesiamd at 5/14/2009
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Alec Baldwin’s racist remark draws ire from Filipinos
It’s probably said in jest when American actor Alec Baldwin, a 51-year old divorcee remarked of having a Filipino mail-order bride. In the Late Show of David Letterman on May 12, the former husband of Kim Bassinger said, “I think about getting a Filipino mail order bride at this point or a Russian one. I don’t care, I’m 51.”
It seems to be a little issue. But the comment drew anger from Filipinos who have been maligned before, the most recent was HK columnist Chip Tsao saying that Filipinos are a nation of maids. Lawmaker Risa Hontiveros and Jean Enriquez, executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking of Women-Asia Pacific were vocal in condemning Baldwin’s remarks.
They have reasons to be mad because the trafficking of women from the Philippines (many as mail-order brides,) has been one of the saddest facets in the lives of exploited people worldwide. In the Philipines alone, it is estimated that a staggering number of Filipino women and children, numbering between 20,000 and 100,000, are victimized by human smuggling.
In Baldwin's book "A promise to ourselves: A Journey Through Fatherhood and Divorce," the actor with co-author Mark Tabb (Martin Press, 224 pages) tells of a stormy divorce and his experience of having to deal with “parental alienation syndrome”--- digging into what is wrong with the divorce system in America. By writing the book, he seems someone who can be taken seriously.
But by joking on Filipinas and the Russians, he exposed his ignorance and insensitivity. He trivialized the suffering of impoverished people he doesn't know---those forced into marriage to strangers under very difficult circumstances. (Photo Credit: ctv.ca) =0=
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Obama addresses Notre Dame University amid protests
Pres. Barack Obama finally was able to attend the commencement exercises of Notre Dame University on March 17, 2009 amid protests for his stance against abortion. In what many Catholic bishops consider as a scandal, the school went on to give the president an honorary degree which offended many.
There were at least 27 protesters arrested during the graduation rites who believe that terminating the life of the unborn is intrinsically wrong. They believe having Obama in the Catholic university receiving an honorary degree damages the moral teaching of the Church.
“Obama entered the arena to thunderous applause and a standing ovation from many in the crowd of 12,000. But as the president began his commencement address, at least three protesters interrupted it. One yelled, 'Stop killing our children'"--YahooNews.com/ AP (05/17/09, Pace, J)
To assuage his audience, Obama, a staunch abortion advocate called for understanding saying that willful termination of pregnancy should be rare. But many of his opponents who know how the president had used words to his advantage doubt if this will be true. (Photo Credit: Supernova)=0=
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Sri Lankan civil war ends with surrender of Tamil separatists
After 25 years of war to gain a separate state for the Tamil minority, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) finally accepted defeat in a bloody culmination of their struggle. The civil war which claimed the lives of more than 70,000 since 1983 liberated thousands of trapped civilians in a coastline parcel of land, the last stronghold of the Tamil separatists.
"The military phase is over. The LTTE has been militarily defeated. Now the biggest hostage rescue operation in the world has come to a conclusion. The figure I have here is since 20th of April, 179,000 hostages have been rescued."---said Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights at Colombo news conference, 17 May 2009. VOA.com (05/17/09, Herman, S.)
Thousands of Sri Lankans welcomed the surrender with lighting of fireworks and street dancing. The LTTE which is generally regarded as a terrorist group waged a protracted guerilla campaign which failed to earn them their ethnic liberation. As Sri Lanka prepares for a national celebration, human Rights groups are mulling on investigating the astrocities committed by the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan military. (Photo Credit: Sri Lankan Army/ AP)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: "50 civilians die as artillery fire hits hospital in Sri Lanka"
Posted by mesiamd at 5/14/2009; "As Sri Lankan government forces battle Tamil separatists, death toll rises" Posted by mesiamd at 5/11/2009
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News from UP Ibalon Bicol and Friends
BAAO PINTAKASI
On its 25th year, Baao Pintakasi USA announces its grand fiesta celebration on Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 10:30 AM to 11 PM at St. Simeon Serbian Orthodox Church Hall in 3950 South Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada. Led by Naty Martires-Uy, the happy affair of Bicolanos from Baao, Camarines Sur will be hosted by Baaoenos of Las Vegas. Those who wish to attend may contact Naty at (702) 617-9482; cell (818) 571-4515. For accommodation booking, contact Rita (Deanna) Badiola at (562) 324-8469.
John Reinier Borromeo Bulaong, a sophomore at the Ateneo de Naga University High School will represent the Philippines in an international math quiz contest in Ontario. Emerging among the top examinees in a field of more than 70,000 students, John, the son of Ibalonian Melissa Sieglinde Borromeo-Bulaong and Joseph Rommel O. Bulaong, will be in the Canadian Mathematics Competition organized by the University of Waterloo, Canada. The date and place of the competition are yet to be announced.
Keeping in touch and renewing friendship are UERM classmates Mi-Ann Nitorreda, M.D., Ma. Rhodora Tolentino, M.D. and Augusto F. Mesia, M.D. in Flushing, New York on Saturday, May 16, 2009. With them is Marietta F. Mesia, D.M.D.
UP Ibalon-Bicol sends its congratulations to Mahalia Serra-Gotico of Naga City who will graduate on May 24, 2009 in San Diego State University in California with a masteral degree in rehabilitative counseling. Mahal, the daughter of Dondon and Tet Serra finished her baccalaureate degree in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City.
Sam, the cuddly white poodle of GooseCreek, SC celebrated his 12th happy birthday on May 10, 2009. Because of age, the elderly loyal furry angel has lost his ability to see and hear, yet he still wags his tail in earnest when his loved ones are near. =0=
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On its 25th year, Baao Pintakasi USA announces its grand fiesta celebration on Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 10:30 AM to 11 PM at St. Simeon Serbian Orthodox Church Hall in 3950 South Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada. Led by Naty Martires-Uy, the happy affair of Bicolanos from Baao, Camarines Sur will be hosted by Baaoenos of Las Vegas. Those who wish to attend may contact Naty at (702) 617-9482; cell (818) 571-4515. For accommodation booking, contact Rita (Deanna) Badiola at (562) 324-8469.
John Reinier Borromeo Bulaong, a sophomore at the Ateneo de Naga University High School will represent the Philippines in an international math quiz contest in Ontario. Emerging among the top examinees in a field of more than 70,000 students, John, the son of Ibalonian Melissa Sieglinde Borromeo-Bulaong and Joseph Rommel O. Bulaong, will be in the Canadian Mathematics Competition organized by the University of Waterloo, Canada. The date and place of the competition are yet to be announced.
Keeping in touch and renewing friendship are UERM classmates Mi-Ann Nitorreda, M.D., Ma. Rhodora Tolentino, M.D. and Augusto F. Mesia, M.D. in Flushing, New York on Saturday, May 16, 2009. With them is Marietta F. Mesia, D.M.D.
UP Ibalon-Bicol sends its congratulations to Mahalia Serra-Gotico of Naga City who will graduate on May 24, 2009 in San Diego State University in California with a masteral degree in rehabilitative counseling. Mahal, the daughter of Dondon and Tet Serra finished her baccalaureate degree in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City.
Sam, the cuddly white poodle of GooseCreek, SC celebrated his 12th happy birthday on May 10, 2009. Because of age, the elderly loyal furry angel has lost his ability to see and hear, yet he still wags his tail in earnest when his loved ones are near. =0=
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Archbishop backs Gadian’s expose of the misuse of RP-US Balikatan funds
In a pattern that is often seen when a whistle-blower speaks against corruption, the table is immediately turned against the squealer. Lt. Senior Grade Nancy Gadian of the Philippine Navy who exposes the P46 million misuse of the 2007 RP-Balikatan fund given by the United States is now sought for desertion, ordered arrested, also accused of fund misuse.
Gadian points on retired Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo, a high ranking former officer in the Western Mindanao Commant (Westmincom) Armed Forces as one among several military officials who were behind the money anomaly.
Nothing yet can be concluded in this corruption charge this early. But Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, a former military ordinariate of the Philiippines expressed his support for Lt. Gadian.
“Actually, these reports are not something new. During my time as military bishop, I heard of similar cases. But this is the first time I heard of Balikatan (exercise) being tainted by corruption. But even without the Balikatan (story of corruption), there are other news stories about corruption (in the military) so what more can you expect. In the first place we bishops are not in favor of that Balikatan,” ----said Archbishop Ramon Arguelles. Daily Tribune (05/14/09 Santos, PC; Mallari, MJ)
The charges of Gadian are serious, but many Filipinos who know of cases like this in the past doubt if a fair outcome will come out of this investigation. Similar embarrassing allegations like the World Bank's disclosure of contract rigging in road projects which the foreign bank supports are basically waylaid under the rug. (Photo Credit: Charlie Saceda)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "Senate wants to probe the misuse of P46 million in the 2007 RP-US Balikatan exercises" Posted by mesiamd at 5/14/2009
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Accused of lying, Nancy Pelosi tries to rescue her credibility
A high ranking official in the Obama administration, democratic house speaker Nancy Pelosi was embarrassed as she was accused of lying. Early on she said she didn’t have any knowledge about waterboarding, an enhanced interrogation technique (EIT) that was used in 2002 during the Bush administration. After many convuluted explanations from Pelosi herself, evidence cropped up to hound her.
“GOP officials secured the release of an unclassified chart by the CIA that describes a total of 40 briefings for lawmakers over a period of several years. Pelosi's name appears once, as having attended a session on Sept. 4, 2002, when she was the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. Former Rep. Porter Goss, R-Fla., who at the time was the chairman of the committee and later became CIA director, also was present.”---Yahoo News.com/ AP (05/14/09, Espo, D)
“Republicans accused Pelosi of not having her story straight. "The speaker has had way too many stories about this issue," said the top Republican in the House, John Boehner. He said it is "hard for me to imagine that anyone in our intelligence area would ever mislead a member of Congress."---Yahoo News.com/ Reuters (05/14/09, Cornwall, S; Holland, S)
According to former vice president Dick Cheney, the EIT was proven to be effective in protecting America against terrorist attack. There had been strong indications Pelosi knew more about waterboarding than she was prepared to admit. It was politically charged and she would rather not be associated with it.
In her rush to keep her credibility, she accused the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for “misleading” her and other lawmakers about the use of waterboarding. Instead of accepting that she was aware and therefore complicit in the use of the controversial interrogation technique, she blamed the Republicans of shifting the attention to her. For a thrid ranking official of the Obama administratin to politicize a matter which deals on security of America is grievously wrong. (Photo Credit: Gnotalex) =0=
UPDATE: March 15, 2009---CIA director Leon Panetta stood against Nancy Pelosi's claim that the CIA lies to members of congress. Panetta said CIA records show its agency's officers truthfully briefed lawmakers on the methods used in interrogation of terrorists.
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After Nicole, comes Vanessa, another Pinay cries “rape” against a US serviceman
The sensational rape case of Nicole against US marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith went into an abrupt end when the accuser turned back from her allegations, overturning the guilty verdict--- giving the alleged American rapist an acquittal. The public wasn’t completely sure of what happened, but there are those who suspect the US embassy in Manila had something to do with Nicole’s change of heart. Before the acquittal, Nicole was awarded about P100,000----as a compensatory damage given by Smith. The US serviceman didn't ask to bring back the cash upon his acquittal.
NIcole said it was in a fit of drunkenness that she had sex with Smith. She and the serviceman man went on separate ways after the acquittal, both leaving for the United States. That was a cumbersome sensational coverage of their legal battle in the Philippines which has some adverse ffect on how the country looks at crime, particularly rape--- those committed by foreigners.
After Nicole, comes Vanessa who also cries rape against another US serviceman. It’s too early to tell if this woman is telling the truth. Evidence to prove her case hasn’t been laid in the open. The 22-year old Pinay alleges that she was forced into having sex with the US serviceman in a plush Makati hotel on April 19, 2009. It’s reported she sought medico-legal examination after the incident.
Helped by Gabriela, a pro-woman human rights group, Vanessa is mulling on whether to charge her alleged attacker. Perhaps because of the outcome of Nicole’s rape case, Vanessa, hasn’t decided if she’ll pursue her accusations. Her ambivalence shows how a previous rape litigation like Nicole's has affected this case. (Photo Credit: Jsdart) =0=
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50 civilians die as artillery fire hits hospital in Sri Lanka
A makeshift hospital was hit anew by artillery fire in the war zone where Tamil separatist rebels fight with Sri Lankan military forces. The protracted war of more than two decades brings daily casualties as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) hold on to their small strip of territory at the coast of Northeast Sri Lanka.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reports having a worker died during the mortar attack, but the organization isn’t clear on who is responsible for the death. Many civilians are afraid to go back to the hospital because it isn’t spared from mortar attacks and shellings. Foreign aid workers are encountering difficulties reaching people needing health aid and food supplies.
“ICRC spokesperson Sarasi Wijeratna in Colombo tells VOA News small fishing boats are the only way to offload the 25 metric tons of food and bring the wounded and sick on board to its chartered ship (the Green Ocean).” ---VOA News.com (05/13/09, Herman, S)
The United Nations agencies which give aid in the area of conflict said they have little access to an estimated 50,000 civilians who are trapped in the crossfire. A number of nations are asking both the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan government to put an end to the fighting. (Photo Credit:AFP Graphic; AFP/ HO/ Tamil/ File) =0=
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Sen. Francis Escudero says the Arroyo government must face joblessness squarely
In what Sen. Francis Escudero thinks as a defensive stance of the government, officials of the Arroyo administration wants to have their own survey, casting doubts on what the Social Weather Stations (SWS) data says about joblessness. A few days ago, the SWS disclosed that 34.2% or 14 million adult Filipinos are jobless. This huge number of idle people account for about 15% of the total population.
It’s truly alarming to know that one third of Filipino adults is jobless. But as Escudero said the Arroyo government must face the problem honestly “instead of using as an excuse the semantics of the definition of unemployment" as reported by the SWS.
Unemployment, by any other name, is still joblessness, and it speaks loudly of the failure of government to put up adequate policies to address to the problem. The reality is that there is widespread and increasing unemployment," ---Malaya (05/13/09, Naval, G; Benga, R)
Labor Sec. Marianito Roque is mulling on another survey---- the Labor Force Survey (LFS) by the National Statstics Office (NSO) hoping that the joblessness rate will come out lower than the SWS report. But in practrical terms, there is little to gain from thinking that unemployment must be lower than what the SWS data show. What is important is government's response to the problem that the entire nation already knows.
The belief that widespread adult joblessness must be demonstrated by huge numbers of idle people in the street is probably erroneous. Perhaps, the better indicator is the number of emaciated children-beggars who ran around while their jobless parents stay at home. (Photo Credit: Edgar J. Ediza) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "14 million Filipino adults are jobless, but the Arroyo administration thinks it’s just a “perception”" Posted by mesiamd at 5/12/2009
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Pope speaks against terrorism and calls for a Palestinian state
Since his arrival on Friday in the Middle East, Pope Benedict XVI has visited Jordan and Israel. He reached the Aida Refugee camp in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Wednesday on May 13, 2009 to meet with the Palestinians.
The 82-year Pope Benedict who supports for the creation of a separate Palestinian state, passed through the gate of the 25-foot-high concrete wall which was built by Israel in the West Bank as part of its security.
In the refugee camp where about 5,000 Palestinians reside, the holy pontiff spoke of the towering barrier that divides the Palestinian from Israel. He asked young Palestinians to avoid taking revenge and have courage to resist violence in solving conflicts. He advised peaceful means in pursuing the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspiration to have an independent state.
The pope hoped that the massive wall which sequesters the Palestinians from the Israelis will be demolished someday. In a reaction, Mark Regev, an Israeli spokesman said, "We did not want to build a security barrier. We were forced to by the continuous infiltration of suicide bombers entering our country and murdering our people. We wish the reality were different."----Yahoo News/ AP (05/13/09, Hadid, Namari, D. et al)
The Christians in Middle East is a minority and suffers attrition because of continued violence and war. Many of those who live among nearly 4 million Palestinians in West Bank and Gaza have immigrated abroad to seek better opportunities and escape the cycles of hostilities that characterize these troubled places. (Photo Credit: AP/ New York Times (05/13/09 Todras-Whitehill, T) =0=
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Senate wants to probe the misuse of P46 million in the 2007 RP-US Balikatan exercises
Consistent to the corruption that RP is known for, another round of investigation is in the horizon This time it’s the Department of National Defense (DND,) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AF) being probed by the Philippine senate for misuse of about P46 million, an amount given the United States in 2007 in the RP-US Balikatan exercises.
The whistle-blower is Lt. Senior Grade Nancy Gadian who alleges that retired Gen. Eugenio Cedo misused money--- of the P46 million, only P2.7 million went the to the Balikatan CMO projects. Gadian who served as head of the Western Mindanao Command Civil Military Operations based in Zamboanga City is also accused of lavish spending and insubordination by Cedo.
The allegations caught the attention of Senate defense committee chairman Sen. Rodolfo Biazon vowed who wants to conduct a probe in the senate. As many corruption charges had been exposed in the past against the pervasive government corruption, the public is skeptical if anything tangible will come out of this investigation. The AFP is a governmental institution which traditionally operates with a huge obscure budget that the public has little knowledge of. (Photo Credit: Captain Narender) =0=
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Miss California retains her crown as she affirms her belief that marriage is between a man and a woman
It was disappointing for the people who want to demolish her. Carrie Prejean, current Miss California stirred a fire storm when she expressed her deeply held belief that marriage is between a Mary and John, not between Pierre and Peter or Laura and Lally.
Exercising her opinion at 2009 Miss USA pageant three weeks ago, Prejean angered a contest judge who didn't agree---preventing her from winning the beauty title. Her critics, mostly rabid supporters of same-sex marriage agenda want to punish her further by working to strip her of the Miss California title. But most of America believes she didn't do anything wrong in expressing herself. An overwhelming majority who supports her recalled she didn't mean to hurt anyone when she answered from her heart.
Today, Donald Trump, owner of the franchise of the beauty pageants and playing the referee ruled that Carrie must be allowed to be Miss California. In a reaction speech the fiesty beauty queen repeated her commitment to say what she believes in---that marriage is between consenting couples of the opposite sex. Raising her Christian faith, the stunning lady reminded the public even liberal and secular democrats like Pres. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton share the same conservative view.(Photo Credit: Eric Jamison/ AP) =0=
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