Updates on the Aftermath of Typhoon Sendong: Deaths, Damages and Videos

Again, local governments and the local residents were caught unprepared when Typhoon Sendong hit their region. Local government officials blamed the weather bureau for their failure to give appropriate warnings and forecasts. The typhoon is not that strong but the rain that Sendong pours in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and nearby provinces equalled to 1 month of rainfall.

As of today, the death toll rises to 652 people and still counting. There were at least 900 people went missing. Government agencies and NGO's expects that the number will continue to rise as search and rescue operations intensify. Massive flooding (flash floods and mudslides) in several cities and provinces caused the deaths of many residents. There are more than 35,000 families who are in temporary shelters who need food and clothings.

Authorities also announced that mass burial will be arranged soon. With the number of dead bodies found, coffins were not enough and local officials suggested that local saw mills help them solve this problem. It was estimated that billions worth of infrasture and agriculture were damaged by Typhoon Sendong.


Videos of Typhoon Sendong


 


Latest update on Typhoon Sendong : Damages, Deaths, Funds, Donations, Search and Rescue

-as of December 20, NDRMMC reported a total of 957 deaths and still thousands are missing in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and other provinces
-damage to agriculture more than P2 million
-over 380,000 affected persons in 13 provinces
-1,582 persons injured
-P1.17 billion in calamity funds approved by Pnoy for rehabilitation and rescue operations in the affected cities

another update on the aftermatch of typhoon sendong: December 27, 2011
-the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported a total of 1,080 deaths and 1,979 are still missing.
- authorities estimated that the total fatalities in the Typhoon Sendong could reach 3,000 deaths, Sendong is now one of the worst typhoon to hit the Philippines.
-evacuation centers are still flooded with evacuees
-foriegn donations are pouring in, UN, and other countries already sent their donations
-relocation site for the victims of typhoon sendong is already being prepared but it may take 4 months or more before the recipients can relocate to the site.
-most victims are now clearing their houses of debris and trying to make temporary shelter.

Chief Justice Corona's Wife Held 5 Positions during Arroyo Term



Corona's wife Accepted 5 Positions

 The Malacanang has the right to accuse impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona of being partial when it comes to the case of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. A recent report by ABS-CBN disclosed that the chief justice do not just have close ties with the former President but his family also benefited from the Arroyo government. The media outfit interviewed veteran journalist Marites Dañguilan Vitug who conducted an in-depth research on the Supreme Court. The journalist wrote the book "Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court."

5 Positions in Camp John Hay

According to Vitug, Corona's wife was given 5 positions in the Camp John Hay. What is disturbing is the acceptance of Mrs. Corona of 5 managerial positions all at the same time. She was appointed by former President Arroyo in 2007. She acted as the chairperson, president, chief executive officer, and chief operating officer of Camp John Hay.

But don't think that these positions are too much for Mrs Corona. The former President also named her as a member of the board and the latter allegedly forced the members to resign to give Mrs. Corona a free hand in the management of John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC).

Allegations of misconduct and negligence was filed against Mrs. Corona by JHMC. The ABS-CBN reports:

"[Corona] further compromised his independence when his wife, Cristina Corona, accepted an appointment on March 23, 2007 from Mrs. Gloria Arroyo to the Board of the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC)," it said. "Shortly after assuming her well-paying job at JHMC, serious complaints were filed against Mrs. Corona by her fellow Board members, as well as from the Management and rank-and-file employees of the JHMC. Mrs. Corona’s election as Director and President was reportedly withdrawn in a resolution passed by the Board of Directors of JHMC because of acts of misconduct and negligence."

According to the complaint, Corona's wife was not removed from her post despite the other complaints against her, including one from Baguio Mayor Reinaldo Bautista who protested the replacement of the JHMC management team, in violation of the terms of a city council resolution that protects the security of tenure in the JHMC of local residents occupying key positions in the corporation. It also cited a Commission on Audit Report stating that Mrs. Corona "was improperly holding office in St. Ignatius Village in Quezon City... She was even allowed to rack up unnecessary expenses totalling P690,183, which she spent holding office in Quezon City when JHMC's operations were all in Baguio City."

Here's More

The chief justice also admitted to some of his colleagues that former President Arroyo paid for his medical expenses in one occasion. CJ Renato Corona served the former President as the chief of staff, spokesperson, presidential legal counsel, and executive secretary. She then appointed Corona as the chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 2010 when election appointment ban is in place.


Another report from the Inquirer:

As president of John Hay Management Corp. (JHMC), Cristina Corona, wife of Chief Justice Renato Corona, received P78,000 as monthly basic salary, JHMC records showed.

She also received a P10,800 monthly representation allowance, P20,000 for communication expenses every month and P40,000 per board meeting appearance, according to the records.

Data from the Commission on Audit showed she received P972,148.30 in salaries and allowances for six months last year broken down as follows: P469,986 for basic salary; P6,000 for personnel economic relief allowance and additional compensation; P334,000 for allowances; P154,962.30 for bonus, incentives and benefits; and P7,200 for other allowances.

In 2009, she received P939,972 for basic salary; P320,000 in per diem; P200,000 for representation and transportation allowance; P12,000 for  personnel economic relief allowance and additional compensation; P4,000 for clothing or uniform allowance; P184,630.79 for bonus and incentives and P254,400 for other allowances, or a total of P1,915,002.79. Ana Roa, Inquirer Research, and Inquirer Northern Luzon,
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/112595/how-much-mrs-corona-earned

Senators Take Oath as Judges in the Impeachment of CJ Corona

Videos of Senators Convened and Took Oath in the Impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona

Complete List of Congressmen who Signed Impeachment of CJ Corona

 Below are the names of Congressmen who supported/signed the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

1. Tupas, Niel Jr.
2. Umali, Reynaldo
3. Abaya, Joseph Emilio
4. Del Rosario, Antonio
5. Bag-ao, Arlene
6. Teodoro, Marcelino
7. Castelo, Winston
8. Arago, Maria Evita
9. Golez, Roilo
10. Lacson-Noel, Josephine Veronique
11. Cerilles, Aurora
12. Calixto-Rubiano, Emi
13. Bello, Walden
14. Hataman-Salliman, Jim
15. Catamco, Nancy
16. Lanete, Scott Davies
17. Valencia, Rodolfo
18. Noel, Florencio
19. Mendoza, Mark
20. Gatchalian, Rex
21. Gonzales, Aurelio Jr.
22. Ferrer, Jeffrey
23. Fuentes, Daisy
24. Yu, Victor
25. Rodriguez, Isidro Jr.
26. Angping, Zenaida
27. Espina, Rogelio
28. Ramos, Deogracias Jr.
29. Cortuna, Julieta
30. Zamora-Apsay, Maria Carmen
31. Garay, Florencio
32. Mercado, Roger
33. Roman, Herminia
34. Garin, Janette
35. Gonzales, Neptali II
36. De Venecia, Gina
37. Cojuangco, Enrique
38. Herrera-Dy, Bernadette
39. Loong, Tupay
40. Bernos, Ma. Jocelyn
41. Sahidulla, Nur-ana
42. Balindong, Pangalian
43. Guanlao, Agapito
44. Garcia Albano, Mylene
45. Arenas, Ma. Rachel
46. Cojuangco, Kimi
47. Yap, Susan
48. Go, Ana Cristina
49. Alvarez, Antonio
50. Tomawis, Acmad
51. Ungab, Isidro
52. Go, Arnulfo
53. Magsaysay, Eulogio
54. Sacdalan, Jesus
55. Malapitan, Oscar
56. Sakaluran, Raden
57. Alvarez, Mercedes
58. Benitez, Alfred
59. Ferriol, Abigail Faye
60. Treñas, Jerry
61. Sarmiento, Mel Senen
62. Joson, Josefina
63. Fuentebella, Arnulfo
64. Lapus, Jesi
65. Olivarez, Edwin
66. Gomez, Lucy
67. Lopez, Carlo
68. Mendoza, Joselito
69. Cerafica, Arnel
70. Climaco, Maria Isabelle
71. Robes, Arturo
72. Relampagos, Rene
73. Apacible, Tomas
74. Miraflores, Florencio
75. Haresco, Teodorico
76. Fortuno, Salvio
77. Paras, Jesus
78. Agyao, Manuel
79. Acop, Romeo
80. San Luis, Edgar
81. Maliksi, Erineo
82. Loyola, Roy
83. Palmones, Angelo
84. Almonte, Jorge
85. Javier, Paolo
86. Ocampos, Loreto Leo
87. Lico, Isidro
88. Celeste, Jesus
89. Ping-ay, Jose
90. Singson, Ryan Luis
91. Payuyo, Ponciano
92. Belmonte, Vicente
93. Bulut-Begtang, Eleanor
94. Cosalan, Ronald
95. Collantes, Nelson
96. Quimbo, Romero
97. Vergara, Bernardo
98. Gonzalez, Fernando
99. Arquiza, Godofredo
100. Lagdameo, Antonio
101. Ferrer, Antonio
102. Quisumbing, Gabriel
103. Asilo, Benjamin
104. Alfonso, Baby Aline
105. Arnaiz, George
106. Ting, Randolph
107. Teves, Henry
108. Daza, Raul
109. Violago, Joseph
110. Villarica, Linabelle Ruth
111. Chipeco, Justin
112. Batocabe, Rodel
113. Garbin, Alfredo Jr.
114. Limkaichong, Jocelyn
115. Madrona, Eleandro
116. Sarmiento, Cesar
117. Kho, David
118. Ortega, Francisco Emmanuel III
119. Montejo, Neil
120. Estrella, Robert
121. Garcia, Albert
122. Aggabao, Giorgidi
123. Abayon, Daryl Grace
124. Puno, Roberto
125. Barzaga, Elpidio
126. Eriguel, Eufranio
127. Velarde, Mariano Michael
128. Tieng, Irwin
129. Piamonte, Mariano Jr.
130. Pancho, Pedro
131. Plaza, Maria Valentina
132. Salvacion, Andres
133. Emano, Yevgeny
134. Dayanghirang, Nelson
135. Mendoza, Raymond
136. Biron, Ferjenel
137. Enverga, Mark
138. Cabaluna, Salvador III
139. Mercado, Homer
140. Zubiri, Jose III
141. Antonio, Patricio
142. Cua, Dakila
143. Velasco, Lord Allan Jay
144. Acharon, Pedro Jr.
145. Evardone, Ben
146. Abad, Henedina
147. De Jesus, Emerenciana
148. Palatino, Raymond
149. Tinio, Antonio
150. Briones, Nicanor
151. Colmenares, Neri Javier
152. Casiño, Teodoro
153. Cajayon, Mary Mitzi
154. Lopez, Carol Jayne
155. Banal, Jorge
156. Alcala, Irvin
157. Benaldo, Benjo
158. Cabilao Yambao, Jonathan
159. Tañada, Lorenzo III
160. Unabio, Peter
161. Paez, Cresente
162. Bataoil, Leopoldo
163. Bagatsing, Amado
164. Ledesma, Julio
165. Sema, Bai Sandra
166. Amatong, Rommel
167. Garin, Sharon
168. Crisologo, Vincent
169. Umali, Czarina
170. Dy, Napoleon
171. Rivera, Michael
172. Belmonte, Feliciano
173. Nava, Joaquin Carlos
174. Ejercito, Joseph Victor
175. Jaafar, Nur
176. Primicias-Agabas, Marlyn
177. Del Mar, Rachel
178. Ponce Enrile, Juan Jr.
179. Golez, Anthony
180. Mariano, Rafael
181. Unico, Renato Jr.
182. Bonoan, Trisha
183. Bautista, Franklin
184. Salimbangon, Benhur
185. Durano, Ramon VI
186. Cruz-Gonzales, Cinchona
187. Tugna, Sherwin
188. Angara, Juan Edgardo (signed the complaint but said he abstained because his father, Senator Edgardo Angara, will be a judge in the impeachment court)

source:
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/12/13/list-188-congressmen-who-signed-corona-impeachment-case-195573

Lower House Impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona, Senate Trial Soon

CJ Renato Corona Impeachment

Chief Justice Corona's close ties with former President Gloria Arroyo may cause his removal as the chief of the Supreme Court. in a lightning move by majority members of the House of Representatives, the impeachment complaint was agreed and will be forwarded to the Senate for the next stage in the impeachment process. Although the hearing in the Senate will commence next year because they are already on a holiday break said Senate President Franklin Drilon.

188 of the 284 Congressmen voted to put the Chief Justice on trial. Opposition lawmakers tried to block the impeachment but they don't have the numbers. Congressman Edcel Lagman said that it was the mother of all blackmails citing that there are a lot of Congressmen who were coerced to sign the impeachment.

There were 8 complaints filed against Chief Justice Renato Corona. The grounds for the impeachment are as follows:

- midnight appointee of former President Arroyo and showed partiality in case where Arroyo is involved
- the CJ's approval of Supreme court ruling giving a temporary restraining order on the watch list order imposed by the Department of Justice.
- failed to account for the judiciary development fund and special allowance for the judiciary.
- issuing a "status quo ante" against the House of Representatives when former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez was being impeached.
- ruling of the supreme court in the creation of 6 cities and the promotion of Dinagat island into a province.
- creating a committee to investigate a Supreme Court justice and exonerate him of any liability.
- the Chief Justice failed to disclose his statement of assets and liabilities (SAL)

According to the lawmakers who initiated the complaint together with other complainants which include a former lawmaker, a whistle blower and anti-Arroyo group, Chief Justice Renato Corona is not a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence. thus should be impeached.

If you want to read the summary of the impeachment complaint against Chief Justine Renato Corona, below is the link:


http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/12/12/11/summary-impeachment-complaint-vs-cj-corona

2013 Senatoriables Latest Survey by Pulse Asia

Top Senatoriable 2013 Elections

Based on the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia, incumbent senators enjoys the lead in the 2013 Philippine Senatorial elections. On top of the list is Senator Chiz Escudero followed by Senator Loren Legarda.

Below is the list of senatoriables for 2013 with their corresponding ranks.

1. Sen. Francis Joseph Escudero (65.6 percent)
2. Sen. Lorna Regina Legarda (58.9 percent)
3. Former Sen/Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II (43.0 percent)
4. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano (40.3 percent)
5. Former Vice President Manuel "Noli" de Castro Jr. (34.8 percent), may land fourth to eighth places
6. San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito (30.4 percent)
7. Sen. Gregorio Honasan II (29.6 percent)
8. Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce Enrile Jr. (29.5 percent)
9. Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III (29.4 percent)
10. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima (29.4 percent)
11. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV (28.7 percent)
12. Former Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri (26.9 percent)
13. Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara (24.3 percent)
14. Former Sen. Ana Consuelo Madrigal (24.0 percent)
15. Former Sen. Richard Gordon (22.1 percent).


Pulse Asia conducted the survey from November 10 to 23, using face-to-face interviews with a sample of 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above. The survey also showed that 47 percent of Filipinos already has a complete slate for Senators for the May 2013 elections.

“Even though there are still 18 months to go before the next senatorial elections, public interest in the electoral exercise is already apparent, with Filipinos naming a mean of 9 and a median of 11 of their preferred senatorial candidates (out of a maximum of 12) for May 2013,” said Pulse Asia.

Philippines 4th in the World's Worst Countries for Business

Doing Business in the Philippines

Though this is not new to most Filipinos, the report of the World Bank should serve as a wake up call for the government to look into the existing laws and regulations of government agencies and local government units (LGU's). This might be one of the major factor why many foreign investors shun doing business in the Philippines despite the effort of the Aquino government.

The World Bank's "Ease of Doing Business" study includes 183 countries. In the CNBC report, they come up with the 10 Most Worst countries for doing business. The countries were ranked based on a lot of factors such as ease of starting a business, paying taxes, getting construction permits, investor protection laws, and other factors.

The world's worst countries to do business with also included some economic superpowers. Below are the ranking from the countries included in the top 10.

1. Venezuela
2. Ukraine
3. Algeria
4. Philippines
5. Nigeria
6. India
7. Indonesia
8. Brazil
9. Russia
10. Argentina



Reasons why the Philippines is included in the Top 10 of the World's Worst Countries to do Business and why we are on the top in the south East Asia. Qoutes from the CNBC report.

Philippines

2010 GDP: $199.6 billion
2010 FDI: $1.7 billion

The Philippines is the lowest ranked Asian country on the list of the most difficult places to do business in. It attracted just 2.5 percent of the $76.5 billion of foreign direct investment that flowed to the 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2010.

Despite having massive untapped mineral wealth, a key geographical location between Southeast and North Asia and a large, growing English-speaking population, the country has fallen behind its neighbors in economic growth.

Foreign businesses are wary of the Philippine's unstable legal system, violence, and bureaucracy. Its ease of doing business ranking from the World Bank fell a further two spots this year from 2010. The country also ranks among the lowest when it comes to starting a business, and resolving insolvency, with the latter taking more than five and half years, compared with an average one year and seven months in OECD countries.

Last month, Philippine President Benigno Aquino made trips to the U.S., China, and Japan to push for investments, as well as to send a message that things are changing in the country, after two previous administrations were dogged by corruption allegations. Aquino's trip to China resulted in $7 billion to $9 billion of potential investments.

The Philippines also jumped 10 places to 75th in the World Economic Forum's global competitiveness index this year.

Philippine lawmakers should take action on this. They could help, by proposing new legislations that would help new investors, filipinos or foreign businessmen. Instead of proposing laws that would change the names of public places, such as naming EDSA to former President Corazon Aquino, or congressional investigations that are only used for personal gains, look at the deeper problems of the Philippine economy.

The government's effort to go after corrupt officials is just the tip of the iceberg. There are still so many things that they must do to improve the business climate in the Philippines.

President Gloria Arroyo Arrested for Electoral Sabotage

Former President Gloria Arroyo is now under hospital arrest after a regional trial court issued an arrest warrant. Representatives from law enforcement agencies went to St Luke's Medical Center to serve the arrest warrant where the former President is confined due to her medical condition.



The Commission on Election rushed to the court today in filing the electoral sabotage charge against Rep. Arroyo. The former president is accused of rigging the 2004 Presidential Election. Election officials and other witnesses accused the former president of masterminding the 12-0 win in Maguindanao.

Meanwhile, The Supreme Court maintained its stand to enforce the TRO which is supposed to allow the Arroyo couple to leave the country. The highest court still voted 8-5 in rejecting the petition of the DOJ. In addition, the SC instructed Justice Secretary de Lima to explain within 10 days why she must not face in contempt. The Supreme court believes that de Lima refused to follow the order of the SC. She might face a fine and a possible imprisonment of 6 months.

Currently, the former President is guarded by police officers and is barred from leaving the hospital. Taking of finger prints and mug shot photos is scheduled on Saturday at the hospital.

The camp of the former President has yet to give statement on her arrest. It is not also clear if the former President will stay in the St Luke's Medical Center or will be brought to a Quezon City detention cell if her condition improves.

President Arroyo Back to Hospital after Failed Attempt to Leave the Country

President Arroyo held at the airport despite TRO

The Bureau of Immigration prevented former President Gloria Arroyo from leaving the country Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. They were expected to board the Dragon Air flight at 8:50 pm but was later told by the BI officials that they can't leave the country despite the issuance of the TRO by the Supreme Court. The former President was forced to go back to St Luke's Medical Center.

Earlier that day, the Supreme Court decided to allow the former President to exercise her freedom to travel and seek medical treatment abroad. Some of the conditions set by the highest court include posting of P2 million bond, appointing a lawyer that will receive subpoenas and will represent them in court proceedings, a call or visit in the Philippine embassy where they are expected to seek medical treatment.

Justices Voted for and Against the TRO

The justices that voted for the issuance of the TRO were Chief Justice Renato Corona, Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Arturo Brion, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Roberto Abad, Martin Villarama, and Jose Perez

Five justices who opposed the decision were Senior Justice Antonio Carpio, Assoc. Justices Maria Lourdes Sereno, Bienvenido Reyes, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, & Jose Mendoza. Two justices were on leave.

The 8-5 decision made the Arroyos decide to immediately comply with the conditions and booked several flights to Singapore. However, the DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima maintained their stand that the Arroyos could not leave the country because  they have not receive a copy of the TRO and they will still contest the ruling of the highest court.

Debate on the Legality of Watchlist Order and Dishonor of the SC Decision

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Supreme Court, Justice Midas Marquez argued that the TRO is already in effect and executory. This now leads to various sentiments and opinions whether the government is now acting beyond its power.

The camp of the former president will file a case in court citing in contempt the Secretary of Justice for not honoring the TRO. Other constitutionalists says that this could lead to constitutional crisis. Pro and anti Gloria have different opinions on this issue. Others said that the government should follow the order of the supreme court while others hails the DOJ for taking a hard stand on the case.

The case of plunder, electoral sabotage and cases have yet to be filed in court against the Arroyos. They are still in the preliminary investigation. If the former President leaves the country it will be difficult for the administration to put her in jail.

Political Asylum for Former President Gloria Arroyo

Political Asylum for President GMA

The alleged political asylum application of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo became a hot issue after the government refused to grant the former president a chance to be treated abroad. The PNoy administration feels that the former president may not return to the Philippines if allowed to travel abroad. Congresswoman Gloria Arroyo is facing so many charges but these are not yet filed in courts. Among the many list of possible charges that may be filed against the Arroyo's are plunder and electoral sabotage.

The Arroyo camp denied any application for political asylum in the Dominican Republic. This was also confirmed by some foreign officials of the said country. Though, the Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima did not confirm that there is, she still talk to the media about the issue.

According to a legal expert, the continued persecution of the present government of the Arroyos will make it easier for the latter to seek political asylum. If the cases will finally go to courts, President GMA had to take this as a last resort.

President GMA already avoided the US as a possible country for her treatment because she knows that there is a strong extradition treaty between the Philippines and the US. She opted for European countries like Italy, Spain and UK. Other countries also emerged as a possible destination of GMA for her treatment. But critics believe that she is not seeking treatment but want to evade the charges that will be filed against her.

Since the Dominican Republic denied any offering of political asylum to the former President, what other countries do you think are willing to cuddle the former President.

Lets take your stand on this. List the countries in the comment section.

Half-sister of Senator Bong Revilla who was Implicated in the Murder of Her Brother Flown to Turkey

Updates on the Ramgen Revilla Murder Case

According to recent reports, Ramona Bautista Revilla, the sister of murdered Ramgen Revilla, flown to Turkey. She left the country Friday aboard Boeing 747 plane of Cathay Pacific at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 1. The plane was bound to Hongkong but reports from law enforcement agencies revealed that Ramona Revilla was already in Turkey.

Atty. Dennis Manzanal, the lawyer of Ramona, earlier said that the decision of his client to leave the country is to avoid media persecution. "Flight from media, not from justice. No legal impediment to travel," he told a media outfit.

Ramona Revilla is one of the suspects in the murder of actor Ramgen Revilla, her brother. According to the police investigation, the crime was committed because of siblings rivalry which the family vehemently denies. Authorities already apprehended other suspects involved in the death of Ramgen and frustrated murder of his girlfriend Janelle Manahan who is still recuperating from gunshot wounds. Mahanan is set to undergo another operation this week.

Ramon Joseph “RJ” Bautista, the alleged mastermind, is already at the custody of the authorities. Other suspects also testified that Ramon Joseph and Ramona had a hand in the killing of their brother.

Senator Bong Revilla issued a statement that they will help in finding justice for his murdered half brother. He also asked Ramona to face the investigation and leaving the country could be a sign of guilt.

Since there is no issued arrest warrant for Ramona Bautista Revilla, authorities can't ask for Interpol's help in tracking the whereabouts of Ramona. According to NBI director Magtanggol Gatdula, there are several legal impediments that prevents the agency from pursuing Bautista.

Ramona can't be placed in the Red notice of Interpol because of lack of arrest warrant. The Prosecutor’s Office will conduct its preliminary investigation into the murder and frustrated murder case on November 8. They will determine if there is a probable cause to indict Ramona Revilla.

We will update this post on any development on this murder case involving the son and daughter of former actor and Senator Ramon Revilla Sr.

update:

-another suspect in the Ramgen Revilla murder case could become a state witness.
-Janelle Manahan tweeted thanking her friends and family for the support and prayers, shes getting better.
-arraignment of RJ Bautista re-scheduled on January 17, 2012
-two suspects, Glaiza Visda and Norwin de la Cruz implicated another sibling of slained actor Ramgen Revilla. His sister Gail or Maria Ragelyn Bautista was named as one of the mastermind in the killing of the young actor. Authorities have yet to verify the info and does not consider Gail as one of the suspects yet.
-Ramona Revilla was not in Turkey anymore according to the Interpol.

-alleged sex videos of Janelle Manahan and Ramgen Revilla circulating in the net, CIDG now looking for the uploader of video.
-Janelle talks about the alleged sex video

Stimulus Plan of the President Aimed to Boost Economy

The President recently announced a plan to counter the possible effects of another recession in the US and Europe. The slowdown in the economy of these countries will surely affect Asia and the Philippines. P72 Billion will be set aside to boost the economy and alleviate poverty in the Philippines. The economic stimulus package is expected to be implemented later this year and in 2012.

If you want to know the specifics of the stimulus plan by President Noynoy Aquino, here are some of the details:


1. P6.5-billion support fund for local government units (LGUs) - this can be spent by LGU's to implement infrastructure project and counter poverty in the local level.


2. P10 billion allocation for the relocation and resettlement of informal settlers along danger zones.


3. P5.5 billion for infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).- this will help increase farm to market roads, construction and repair of bridges and roads.


4. P1.868 billion allocation for the improvement of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT).


"We are not sure exactly what the negative effects of the world's economic turmoil will have on us since it is still a developing story. But P72 billion will have its own multiplier effect and this pump primes the economy to that extent. We will do what we can within the bounds of fiscal prudence to keep the economy growing and to make certain that the effects of this growth are felt more widely," the President said during the press conference held at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City with the FOCAP or Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

Update on Tropical Storm Ramon, Storm Signals Raised

Tropical storm Ramon (Banyan) will bring heavy rains to large part of the Visayas and Southern Luzon according to PAGASA. In the latest update on typhoon Ramon, storm signals were raised in many provinces.

Areas Under Storm Signal No. 2:

- Western Samar
- Eastern Samar
- Leyte Provinces
- Biliran
- Camotes Island
- Northern Cebu
- Bohol
- Surigao del Norte
- Siargao Island
- Surigao del Sur
- Dinagat Island
- Camiguin Island
- Agusan Del Norte

Areas Under Storm Signal No. 1:

- Marinduque
- Mindoro Provinces
- Romblon
- Camarines Sur
- Southern Quezon
- Catanduanes
- Albay
- Burias Island
- Sorsogon
- Masbate
- Ticao Island
- Northern Samar
- Panay Island
- Guimaras
- Negros Provinces
- Rest of Cebu
- Siquijor Island
- Misamis Oriental
- Agusan del Sur

LGU's should not be complacent because this typhoon will bring 10 to 30 mm per hour of heavy rain within its 400-km diameter. Flash floods and erosion are expected in areas that will be directly hit by the typhoon. Residents should also cooperate with local government units in preemptive evacuations.

Senate and House of Representatives Agreed on Charter Change

The leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives agreed in principle to revive the discussion on Charter Change or Cha-Cha. the possible amendments on the 1987 Philippine Constitution is centered on economic provisions. The consensus was made at the first legislative summit initiated by House speaker Feliciano Belmonte.

Lawmakers insists that only the economic provisions of the Constitution will be touched and not the political structure. The amendments will be made through a bicameral constituent assembly where both chambers will vote separately according to Senator Franklin Drilon.

'We will use the legislative process, (the) lawmaking procedure, in amending the Constitution and then on that point, we will be exercising our constituent function through a bicameral assembly. We’re glad there’s unanimity in this,” Drilon added.

The charter change initiative will not start this year because of budget hearings and other priority bills like the Reproductive Health bill and the Freedom of Information bill.



For a complete report on the this issue, you can visit this link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=732281&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Koko Pimentel Swears as a New Senator of the Philippines

After waiting for more than 4 years and spending millions for an election protest, Atty. Koko Pimentel, now a duly elected Senator will now serve his country for less than two years. The Senate Electoral Tribunal declared Koko Pimentel as the rightful 12th place winner in the 2007 Senatorial Elections.

The seat was previously given to Miguel Zubiri, an ally of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Zubiri resigned from his post amidst the allegations that there were massive election frauds in ARMM where he got his majority votes.

Based on the information provided by the Senate Electoral Tribunal, the final votes for Koko Pimentel and Miguel Zubiri are as follows


Previous tally------- Revised Tally

Pimentel
10,987,347------------10,898,786

Zubiri
11,005,866------------10,640,620


The SET also found out that 60 percent of the total votes from the seven provinces in ARMM were forged. According to the SET spokeswoman, 15.11% of the ballots from ARMM were written by only one person. 3.46% showed only two distinct writing styles and 0.27% of these were marked ballots.

Senator Koko Pimentel took his oath at Mati City in Davao Oriental where he got a major support during the May 2007 elections.

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III will report to the Senate on Monday. The newly proclaimed senator wants to focus on bills related to electoral reforms, overseas Filipino workers’ welfare, justice, and Mindanao.

Should Bishops Ask For an Apology and Resignation of PCSO Chair

Though the CPCP already apologized for the scandal that hounded the Catholic church, a Bishop or some of them are demanding for an apology and resignation of the PCSO Chair. One Bishop contends that using the term Pajero 7 or referring to the vehicles as Pajeros were erroneous and with malicious intent.

However, Bishops should think twice or pray for guidance first. Please take note that one of theirs was caught asking for a vehicle as gift for his birthday. Isn't it against their vows?

Pajero or not, Bishops received luxury vehicles(or more specific sports utility vehicle). For poor Filipinos, a Pajero is usually referred to as a luxury vehicle.

Bishops who received SUV's from the PCSO:

Mitsubishi Montero
Butuan City Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos

Nissan Pathfinder
Bontoc-Lagawe Bishop Rodolfo Beltran

Mitsubishi Strada
Abra Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian

Toyota Grandia Hi-Ace
Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo

Mitsubishi Strada
Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad

Toyota Grandia Hi-Ace
Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Valles

Isuzu Crosswind
Nueva Segovia Archbishop Ernesto Salgado


If these are used for social services like helping the poor in their dioceses, well it may justify their actions (maybe). However, some of these vehicles are only built to be used in urban areas which contradicts with their claim that it is used in far flung barangays to help the needy.

60-Year Old Carpenter Claimed the 356 Million Lotto Jackpot

The lone winner of the 6/55 lotto jackpot came from Las Pinas, Metro Manila and currently working as a village watchman. The 60-year old man, who also work as a part time carpenter, is residing in a slum area in the locality according to the PCSO. The bettor used birth dates and wedding anniversary in winning the combination 09-05-26-30-19-45.

The PCSO already released the P356,552,917.20 jackpot prize. The man plans to buy a new house and will start a business. He will also share part of his winnings to his siblings. The new millionaire has 6 children but none of them reach college because of poverty.

According to PCSO, though most of his children were married, they are still living with him in a small shack. The man came from Albay, Bicol and tried his luck in Metro Manila. his wife is a street sweeper.

The jackpot in Wednesday's 6/55 draw was the second biggest in PCSO's history.

Public Places in Metro Manila on Smoking Ban

Smoking in public places in Metro Manila will cost you Five Hundred pesos (P500). The implementation of this ordinance, which was initiated by the MMDA and local government units, will start on May 30. This will coincide with the World No Tobacco Day. The program dubbed as "100% Smoke-Free Metro" is aimed to put Metro Manila as a smoke-free capital by 2012. "We should transform Metro Manila into a smoke-free community. A healthy Metro Manila is a healthy and progressive Philippines," MMDA Chairman Tolentino said.

Covered Public Places

According to MMDA, the anti-smoking drive is only an expansion of the existing program. Currently, smoking in goverment institutions is prohibited. City and municipal officials agreed with the MMDA to expand the coverage and included bus and jeepney terminals, loading and unloading bays, pedestrian passes, schools, hospitals, and youth recreation centers.

A 100-meter perimeter prohibition from the public areas will be implemented also. Warning signs and billboards will be placed in these places to warn smokers.

Fines and Community Service

First time offenders will be fined P500 and those violators who can't afford to pay will be required to render 8 hours of community service.

The MMDA clarified that apprehension can only be made by authorized MMDA environmental enforcers. They will be issuing tickets starting July. Local government units will also help in the implementation of this ordinance.

10 Filipinos Die Every Hour

According to the Department of Health and World Health Organization, smoking kills at least 10 Filipinos every hour which translate into 80,000 deaths every year. Smoking is also the leading cause of lung cancer. A cigarette stick contain at least 4,000 chemicals. MMDA said that they want to protect non-smokers with this program.

Videos of Tsunami in Japan, Philippines on Tsunami Warning Level 2

The 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hits Japan is the strongest and the first in the country. It also created a 4 to 7 meters tsunami that devastated Sendai City and other provinces in Japan. As of this moment, there are already at least 300 confirmed casualties but authorities expects that the number could escalate to thousands when rescue and retrieval operations starts.

Authorities also issued Tsunami warnings to countries in the Pacific Region including the Philippines. According to PAGASA, the first wave already reach the country (19 provinces are in alert level 2) but the magnitude and height of the tsunami is not comparable to what happened in Japan. However, people in coastline areas are still advised to take precautionary measures and follow the orders of the authorities if they are required to evacuate.

Here are some of the videos of tsunami in Japan.

Update on Bus Bombing Makati

Authorities and the President himself confirmed to the media that the bombing on Makati yesterday could be a terrorist attack in the country. Though more information is being gathered and investigation is still on going, police and other security agencies were on full alert to avert any other similar attacks on vital installations such as airports, trains and bus stations.

A news update from the Inquirer already put the death toll to 5 and several others are still recuperating from injuries suffered during the blast.

Bus blast toll now at 5 dead
By Abigail Kwok INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) The death toll in the bus explosion Tuesday rose to five Wednesday after one of the victims succumbed to blast wounds at the hospital, a police official said.

Chief Superintendent Jose Arne Delos Santos, director of the Southern Police District, confirmed over the phone that Irish Teniola died after she was transferred to the Makati Medical Center past 12 a.m. today.

She was first brought to the Ospital ng Makati. The number of those injured is 13. Delos Santos could not comment on the status of the other injured.

After determining that an 81-millimeter mortar was used in the
explosion, the task group in charge of investigating the blast would be holding a case conference to look at possible groups who might have employed similar attacks in the past.

"As of now we can't say for sure if this is a terroristic attack,"
Delos Santos said. Police are still gathering witness accounts to possibly create a
profile of the suspects. Nevertheless, Delos Santos said the bomb could have been triggered remotely.

For the report, listen to Radyo Inquirer, DZIQ 990.