PHNO-HT: NUEVA VIZCAYA: PHL CROCODILE MAY BE EXTINCT IN 10 YEARS


 



NUEVA VIZCAYA: PHL CROCODILE MAY BE EXTINCT IN 10 YEARS

[PHOTO - Only 100 mature Philippine crocodiles are left in the wilds of Isabela and Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao. BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya]

BAYOMBONG, JANUARY 31, 2011 (STAR) By Charlie Lagasca - The Philippine crocodile, classified as critically endangered by the World Conservation Union, will be extinct in 10 years if no conservation measures are immediately undertaken.

The Mabuwaya Foundation Inc. (MFI), an organization engaged in protecting the species, said only 100 mature Philippine crocodiles are left in the wilds of Isabela and Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao.

Philippine crocodiles (scientific name Crocodylus mindorensis) are endemic to the country. They thrive in freshwater and are non-threatening to humans unless provoked.

"The Philippine crocodile is the world's most severely threatened crocodile species. It is at a real risk of going extinct in the near future if no conservation action is taken," said Marites Balbas, communication officer of Mabuwaya Foundation.

The foundation collaborates with international conservationist group Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The foundation will release today 19 baby Philippine crocodiles in the wetlands of San Mariano in Isabela where 49 young crocodiles of same species had been released two years ago.

These were caught in hatchling stage and raised in captivity for a year and a half until it was determined that they could survive in the wild.

The procedure, called "head-starting," has been practiced since 2005 to raise the Philippine crocodile population by increasing the survival chances of newborn crocodiles in the wild.

The crocodiles will be released in honor of the inauguration of the foundation's Municipal Philippine Crocodile Rearing Station in San Mariano.

The population of Philippine crocodiles is threatened by hunting and the conversion of their natural habitat –creeks, ponds, and marshes – into residential or commercial spaces.

Another crocodile species endemic to the Philippines is the saltwater crocodile (Crocoydlus porosus). It is, however, not endangered like the Philippine crocodile.

The law prohibits hunting, killing, selling, and buying of the species. Violators will be fined P100,000.

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PHNO-HT: GENERAL AMNESIA HITS THE SENATE


 



GENERAL AMNESIA HITS THE SENATE

MANILA, JANUARY 31, 2011 (STAR) By Christina Mendez – Call it "general amnesia."

Former Armed Forces chief and defense secretary Angelo Reyes and former military comptroller Jacinto Ligot both exhibited "senior moments" yesterday.

The two said they have forgotten instances when P5 million in monthly allowances were brought to Reyes during his term as AFP chief.

Pressed for answers by Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Ligot said he could not recall the claims of ex-military budget officer George Rabusa that it was the two of them who delivered Reyes' share of the P40-million funds they generated monthly from the AFP's major services and key units.

"I am trying to recall, I cannot recall…" Ligot said.

Ligot was then comptroller of the AFP while Rabusa was chief of the budget of the AFP Fiscal Division.

It was at this point that Estrada threatened to have him locked up in one of the hearing rooms at the Senate until he collects his thoughts.

"General Ligot, do you remember it now? Mukhang nag moonie-moonie ka (you seemt obe day dreaming)," said Estrada when he returned to Ligot after subjecting Rabusa to another round of questioning.

Ligot then reluctantly admitted, "I went there a few times, but I cannot recall Colonel Rabusa's claims that we were always together, sir."

"You cannot recall. Maybe you can start recalling now since you now say that you went to the White House, but not the instances when you bring money (to Reyes)," Estrada said. The White House is the Afp chief of staff's residence in Camp Aguinaldo.

"Your honor, we go there (White House) if there are issues we need to directly consult with the chief of staff," Ligot said, adding they do not necessarily just go to the AFP chief's official quarters but also to his office.

"We go there occasionally… I can't recall, your honor," Ligot insisted.

When Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile asked Rabusa why Ligot had to accompany him, Rabusa explained it was the "practice" to go to the White House and deliver the money.

Enrile was unable to hide his irritation at the alibis of Ligot and Reyes, saying that "things like that are not forgettable."

"I don't believe you, it's against human condition… Things like that are not forgettable. The repeated acts like that, dealing with material things. You cannot convince me that you cannot remember even one time," Enrile said.

"Don't press your luck. I have handled more people then you can ever handle," warned Enrile, defense minister during the Marcos regime.

At the start of the hearing, Reyes also forgot dates when he was questioned by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV over when he acted as AFP chief, and subsequently as Defense secretary.

Trillanes had confronted Reyes head on a number of times during the hearing, telling his former superior pointblank that he has no reputation to save because he failed to take care of it when he was in power.

Reyes tried several times to turn the tables on Rabusa but Trillanes blocked Reyes' attempt to "defend" his reputation.

Reyes was, however, allowed to explain his side before the Senate hearing was suspended.

The hearing lasted seven hours.

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PHNO-HT: PEOA EYES FEMALE SEAFARERS


 



PEOA EYES FEMALE SEAFARERS

MANILA, JANUARY 31, 2011 (STAR) By Mayen Jaymalin - If there are seamen, why can't there be seawomen?

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is encouraging women to explore employment opportunities in the maritime industry to fill manpower needs in the male-dominated field.

"Our female workers should try it because the prospect is really bright. There are thousands of vacancies in the maritime industry," said POEA chief Carlos Cao Jr.

He said many foreign vessels are in dire need of manpower but they could not immediately fill up the vacancies because of shortage of qualified workers.

Ericson Marquez, an official of the Filipino Association for Mariners Employment Inc. (FAME) said there are 43,000 job vacancies available for Filipino seafarers in the next three years.

Marquez said the global maritime industry has been growing aggressively but has been suffering from manpower shortage, particularly in officer positions.

In 2005, the global maritime industry needed 20,000 workers. Demand went up to 33,000 in 2008 and is expected to rise to 43,000 by 2013.

Marquez said the private maritime industry is coordinating with the government to corner 50 percent of the job vacancies for maritime crew and officers worldwide.

He said that despite having a small number in the industry, women seafarers have been proven to be very qualified workers.

"They are very good. In fact, one woman seafarer is now working as a chief engineer, one of the highest positions in the industry," he said.

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PHNO-BE: HIGH BANK DENSITY AND BIGGER PROFITS


 



HIGH BANK DENSITY AND BIGGER PROFITS

MANILA, JANUARY 31, 2011 (MALAYA) BY AMADO P. MACASAET THE Philippines appears to be one of the most "over-banked" countries in the world.
A study made for the Bangko Sentral by Dr. Johnny Noe E. Ravalo shows that there are five banking offices in every municipality or city. There are 8.6 banks per 1,000 square kilometers. The customer ratio is 10,744 persons per banking office. There are 207 banks in the micro finance network.

None of these figures remotely suggest that the country is over-banked. On the contrary, there are fewer banks today than there were 15 or so years ago.

It is the number of banking offices or branches that has remarkably increased.

Dr. Ravalo concludes that the banking industry is strong and will even be stronger in the years to come because of "continuing industry consolidation (that) led to a more streamlined yet inclusive financial system."

There are indicators that prove Dr. Ravalo's assessment is correct. On regional distribution basis, the national capital region has the biggest number with 32.4 percent.

Banks are present in the rest of the regions but the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has the smallest share of .3 percent. The region is obviously slow in development of business aggravated by peace and order problems.

The analysis of Dr. Ravalo certifies that the Philippine banking system is in step with technology development and application.

For example, he cites the 56 automatic teller machines of Philippine-owned banks while the foreign banks have seven; 55 electronic wallets, plus one owned by foreign bank. There are 23 Filipino banks in the internet system there are 14 foreign.

In phone/PC-based operations local banks have 15, foreign-owned have three; 16 Filipino banks are in cell phone/laptop operations, there are five foreign in the business. There are eight proprietary e-banking services of foreign banks. Philippine banks have only two.

There are 20 Filipino banks in mobile/internet transactions. There are three foreign in the same business.

The continued consolidation and open and stiff competition among banks made the system even stronger. This is proven by the fact that as of last year, total assets of the system was expected to be at P6.296 trillion.

There was a slight decline in loans to deposit ratio. It was 69.7 per cent in 2002 but stood at 65.9 as of end June last year. The decline does not appear strange to Dr. Ravalo. The banks have developed other products or shifted to consumer finance.

For example, there is stiff competition in the area of private banking to such an extent that some banks commit in writing that they will not collect a fee higher than the yield of the investor's money.

Dr. Ravalo did not so say but bankers are one in the belief that the lessons learned from the financial collapse in the United States, largely caused by sub prime lending to home buyers, have forced banks and investors to a flight to safety.

That may well be the reason for the declining yields on sovereign debts in the face of high demand. The high level of liquidity and the preference for low-risk but safe sovereign liabilities have practically left the government dictating the rate on its borrowings in spite of persistent and pernicious annual budget deficits.

The relatively smaller demand for commercial-industrial loans has its own beneficial effects on the banks.

First, the non-performing loan ratio to total portfolio has declined to 4 per cent where it stood at more than 10 per cent in the late nineties and early twenties as a result of the Asian contagion that started early in Bangkok and hit the Philippines in the middle of 1997.

The banks are heavy in consumer finance. The market has grown big because the rates are at their lowest levels. The effect is spreading the risks that in turn means no bank gets hurt that bad even if a few accounts default.

The most telling part of the strength of the banking system, according to the study of Dr. Ravalo, is what the bottom line like looks like. In 1999 when the banking system was reeling under the Asian crisis, return on equity stood at slightly higher than 2 percent.

As of the end of June last year, the ROE jumped about five times to 10.9 percent after dipping to lower than 6 percent in 2008, again as a result of the collapse of the financial system in the United States beginning that year.

Percentage-wise, the income of the banking system rose from 53.6 per cent in 2003 to 66.4 per cent or P69.5 billion by the end of 2009.

The next question, after seeing the success brought about by lessons from the financial collapse in the US and continued consolidation, is "where do we go from here?"

Ravalo answers his own question. Without giving details, he drew up a priority list on top of which is the "implementation of other innovative mode of asset clean up; implementation of a time-bound prompt corrective action (PCA) framework; and harmonization of corporate governance standards with other financial regulators."

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PHNO-SB: WILLIE TURNS TO GOLD


 



WILLIE TURNS TO GOLD

[PHOTO - Birthday Boy Willie Revillame opens show at his birthday dinner Saturday night at Shangri-La Makati. Inset: His ex-wife Princess Punzalan (left) and Willing Willie co-host Shalani Soledad]

MANILA, JANUARY 31, 2011 (STAR) - FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo - For two days after his 50th-birthday episode of his TV5 game show Willing Willie last Thursday, Jan. 27, Willie Revillame went "missing, leaving his loan female co-host Shalani Soledad to, so to speak, mind the store, assisted by segment host Mo Twister.

[PHOTO - Willie and Shalani with TV5 Kapatid Network Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP, center) and Viva big boss Vic del Rosario Jr. (rightmost)]

Reason: His throat was swollen, and so was did a pressed pimple on his nose.

Millions of cash and, among other prizes, three Camella Homes houses & lots donated by Sen. Manny Villar were given away during the show which lasted for more than four hours. No wonder Willie's throat hurt.

During the show, Willie said that he has set aside P50 million for his foundation. In his will, his children are all provided for.

But Saturday night during a "surprise" birthday party at the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Makati (where the Birthday Boy has been billeted since Thursday after the show), Willie opened a night of retro music by saying, "So you are 'surprising' me, huh. Ako ang may sopresa sa inyo," and proceeding to sing singing three songs, Ikaw Na Nga, I Love You and Kanlungan.

The party, which started at 8:30 p.m. with a sit-down dinner and ended at 4 o'clock the next morning, was graced by starry guests led by TV5 Kapatid bosses Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) and Ray Espinosa.

Gloria Diaz and boyfriend Mike de Jesus As a nod to his early years in showbiz, Willie then played the drums with Boy Katindig and his band, the same group Willie used to hang around with at Birdland.

The show was hosted by Ruffa Gutierrez, with Rufa Mae Quinto joining her for a while.

Daisy Romualdez and Pilita Corrales (photo at right) Among those who sang were Pops Fernandez, Kuh Ledesma, Gary Valenciano, The Rainmakers, and the trio of Gino Padilla, Dingdong Avanzado and Raymond Lauchengco.

One of the night's highlights was the meeting of Willie's ex-wife Princess Punzalan and Shalani. Princess flew in from the States (where she's based with her American husband) to play the mom of Richard Gutierrez in My Valentine Girls, a co-production venture between GMA Films and Regal Films.

"Yon ang talagang sorpresa sa akin," Willie said of Princess' presence.

Perhaps the only sad note to an otherwise joyful golden celebration was the news that Willie's buddies John Estrada and Randy Santiago have accepted an offer to host a new noontime show on ABS-CBN Kapamilya Network, with which Willie has swapped court charges. It turned out that, giving in to John and Randy's pakiusap,

But Willie is taking it personally. In fact, he has begged off from acting as Best Man at the wedding of John and Priscilla Meirilles at a La Union beach next month.

(photo from left: Vice Pres. Jojo Binay, Pops Fernandez, Annabelle Rama, MVP and Boss)

Vic Willie was ready to close a deal for the three of them to host a noontime show on TV5, reminiscent of the one (Magandang Tanghali Bayan) they did on ABS-CBN. Willie couldn't hide his displeasure during his birthday episode when he had a "live" phone exchange with John.

John wasn't present at the Shangri-La affair. Neither was Randy. But John has texted Willie, saying, "Trabaho lang, walang personalan."

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PHNO-SB: CHARICE TO DO VALENTINE SPECIAL FOR GMA NETWORK


 



CHARICE TO DO VALENTINE SPECIAL FOR GMA NETWORK

[PHOTO - International singing sensation Charice arrives at the NAIA on a PAL flight from Los Angeles yesterday. She will be in Manila for two days before flying back to the US. RUDY SANTOS]

MANILA, JANUARY 31, 2011 (STAR) GMA By Ricky Lo - Unlike a few weeks ago when she came home for the launch of a perfume distributed by Joel Cruz, Charice didn't have any bodyguard when she arrived on a PAL flight from L.A. yesterday morning to do a Valentine special for GMA which will be aired on Sunday, Feb. 13.

During her last visit, Charice was tightly guarded by security men, reportedly as per her mentor/manager Oprah Winfrey's advice, who prevented her from being interviewed by the movie press. Charice was dead tired at that time, having flown in the morning, performed at MOA that same night and flown back to the States the new day.

She's going back to L.A. tomorrow, Feb. 1, after the shoot for the Home For Valentine TV special with guests Michael V., Ogie Alcasid, Rachel Ann Go and Elmo Magalona.

She was supposed to do a Christmas special for the Kapuso Network in December last year but she begged off when she got ill of intestinal flu. "Ang takaw-takaw ko kasi, eh," Charice said during a one-on-one with The STAR yesterday at the GMA building before she started rehearsing for the special. Except to discuss the TV special, Charice begged off from revealing her projects for this year. According to reports, she is set to start taping for her next stint on Glee.

"I'm going to have a show in Japan next month," confirmed Charice who was met at the airport by her mom Raquel.

Asked how she deals with jetlag from too much and too frequent traveling between Manila the US, Charice said, "I'm young, kaya nakakaya ko. I have a lot of energy." But not during her last visit when she badly lacked sleep.

Charice is turning 19 in May. Does she have a Valentine?

"None yet," she blushed. "Busy pa sa work, eh!"

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PHNO-SB: REGINE'S FANTASY


 



REGINE'S FANTASY

MANILA, JANUARY 31, 2011 (STAR) SOUNDS FAMILIAR By Baby A. Gil - Music piracy remains a big problem and record producers are always on their toes thinking of ways to counteract the illegal practice. Take note, just counteract because given the rapid way technology is improving everyday, it is now impossible to fully put a stop to piracy. Fantasy, the latest and the 19th CD by Regine Velasquez is an interesting example. Created with the true Regine fan in mind, it comes in very special packaging, which the pirates will only be able to duplicate at great cost.

There are actually two editions available. That means the buyer can choose from two different covers. One is in black and white and the other one is in color. Then inside are several new and daring photos of Regine taken by Mark Nicdao that fans can only acquire by buying the original two-volume set.

Despite the steep CD price, P550 each, the ploy worked with help from the public interest in Regine and Ogie because of their wedding late last year. Fantasy debuted at No. 1 and was proclaimed Gold after only two weeks in the stores last December and went Platinum soon after. No Regine fan probably wanted to be caught dead with only one CD cover. They must have both. They can really use an extra copy of the album what with all the repeated playings they want to enjoy.

There are lots of new originals including the first single release, You Don't Know, composed by her husband Ogie plus True Romance by Janno Gibbs, Sana'y Laging Ganito by Edwin Marollano, Always a duet with Jay Perillo written by Monet Silvestre and the cutest of the lot, OK Lang Ako by Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar. There is no need for fans who like the hit covers Regine does very well because they will find here great versions of You And Me by Lifehouse and Paul Young's I Go Crazy.

We will probably never know when the loving started but the songs in the CD Magpakailanman should give you a good idea about some instances. Released to celebrate their recent wedding, this hit compilation of Filipino originals is made up of solo and duet recordings by Regine and Ogie. Somewhere in the course of making some of these recordings, Regine and Ogie fell in love, defied a lot of odds, and are now happily and hopefully, forever together.

Of course, Magpakailanman is made up of love songs. In fact, here are some of the most memorable works from composers like George Canseco, Willy Cruz, Vehnee Saturno, Louie Ocampo and Ogie himself. And with romantic melodies as the prevailing theme the album makes for a most suitable wedding soundtrack. There are probably lots of memories for Regine and Ogie in these beautiful songs but I do not think they would mind having other lovers adopt them as their own.

Included in the collection are Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka, Ikaw, Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin, Forevermore, Pangako and Never Ever Say Goodbye by Regine; Ikaw Lamang, Magmula Ngayon, Pangako Ko, Mahal Kita, Minamahal Kita and Ikaw Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig by Ogie; and for their duets, there are Sa Piling Mo, Hanggang Ngayon and Magpakailanman.

Meanwhile, here are the Top 20 videos of the moment from the Pinoy MYX weekly countdown. Regine's You Don't Know featuring reel and real lovers Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, remain in the Top 10 after almost two months of release.

The list: Sino Nga Ba Siya by Sarah Geronimo on its third week at No. 1; Liwanag by Callalily; Hanging Habagat by Champ; Lagi by Kiss Jane; Wag Na by Yeng Constantino; Mahal Kita (Di Mo Pansin) by Kyla; Song For The Suspect by Franco; You Don't Know by Regine Velasquez; Ang Huling Yakap Ng Mundo by Imago; Today I'll See The Sun by Frencheska Farr.

Kahit May Mahal Ka Nang Iba by Mark Bautista; Naked by Salamin; Lumapit by Archipelago; What's Your Poison by Chicosci; Fly With Me by Duncan Ramos; Naaalala Ka by Jericho Rosales; Paasa by All For Patricia; Sa Silid by SLEX; Meron Akong Ano by Kamikazee featuring Chito Miranda, Ian Tayao & Reg Rubio; and Pagkakataon by Shamrock featuring Rachelle Ann Go.

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PHNO-P-NOY: P-NOY: I'M STEPPING ON MANY TOES; MAYBE THEY ARE THOSE ENVIOUS OF ME


 



P-NOY: I'M STEPPING ON MANY TOES; MAYBE THEY ARE THOSE ENVIOUS OF ME

MANILA, JANUARY 31, 2011 (STAR) By Aurea Calica – President Aquino conceded yesterday that his administration has been under attack on several fronts since he started reforms in the government.

The President said that while trying to put in place massive reforms in the country "we are stepping on" a lot of people.

Asked if the camp of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was one of the groups trying to pull him down, Aquino said he did not want to pinpoint anybody at this time.

"I am not saying that. But there are many. There was one who was removed from his position and now doing nothing but incessantly hit me," he said.

"Maybe there are those who are just envious of me. Maybe that's how it is really but for me it is very clear that what we are doing is right," he added.

Aquino said some of the criticisms against his administration were utterly baseless and the detractors would not even bother to check their facts.

He cited house cleaning being done at the National Food Authority (NFA); the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

"In the case of NFA alone, aren't there who are not worried? There was supposed to be a private transaction but the checks came from one bank alone. In the DPWH where we started the rehabilitation projects, the P900 million plus is now only P600 million. Don't you think we did not run over those who would lose P300 million plus that they thought would fall on them?" Aquino said.

The President earlier bared that the NFA was suffering from a P177-billion debt because of over-importation and overpricing of rice during the previous administration.

In the case of the DPWH projects, Aquino said the projects were negotiated instead of being subjected to bidding so his administration stopped them.

The President said he was also supporting the investigation into the alleged corruption in the military and government-owned and controlled corporations so the government would have more funds for social programs.

He lamented that he was being criticized for having a luxury car even if it was purchased using his personal funds.

On Friday, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda again rallied the people behind the administration, saying it was trying its best to address all the problems of the country.

He said some issues must not be sensationalized and that government efforts to stop corruption and criminality must be fully supported.

Lacierda would not say if some groups were out to destabilize the government with the spate of carjacking-slays and the bus bombing on Tuesday.

"There is a coherent attempt, effort to solve the problem and this has been going on," Lacierda said.

"We are asking the public to cooperate with us and to remain vigilant in an effort to secure the country. We need the cooperation of the public and this is not only an effort on the part of the government to assure the public that we are doing something," he said.

Lacierda said the government was working round the clock to make sure the campaign promises of Aquino to eradicate corruption and reduce poverty are achieved.

The President said he could understand the criticisms against him but appealed for fair treatment, stressing that he had never lied to the public as regards his activities as public servant.

Aquino is facing criticisms for buying a Porsche but maintained that he bought the luxury car with his own money. He said was not the owner of the armored Toyota Lexus that he was using for security purposes. He said it was leased by his brother-in-law.

The President said his critics should not begrudge his spending his own money on something that he found to be worth investing in.

He cited the P29.25 billion remitted by GOCCs to the national coffers this year compared to less than P10 billion last year when he was not yet President.

Aquino also said he would not be buying new vehicles for his own use if it would not be justifiable and could not be afforded by the present budget of the government.

"I think from the campaign to now, hinahanapan ako ng isyu (they try to find issues against me). Kung wala, gawan ako ng isyu sinusuportahan naman ng mga kalaban (If they can't find an issue, they will create one which my enemies support)," he said.

NEWS HEADLINE FROM THE TRIBUNE (WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOR)

Aquino's critics grow; protest rallies set 01/30/2011

Aquino needs management skills & human relations with his administration - Catholic Bishop Gutierrez

The rank of the disillusioned with President Aquino keeps growing and now includes supporters of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, who indicated plans to start holding protest actions mainly as a result of the rising cases of criminality in the country.

The group, some associated with the Council for Philippine Affairs (Copa) led by Pastor "Boy" Saycon (photo at left), openly expressed to the Palace its intention to organize an anti-Aquino administration movement and added their voice to those warning that Aquino won't be able to finish his six-year term should he fail to address all the security issues facing his administration.

The Palace said the group is free to express its anti-Aquino views.

"We are always open to them. If they have any concerns, they could have easily approached us. But, again, this is a free country. They have the right to express whatever grievances they have. But we can very well assure them that we are doing everything that we could. In fact, if they are less myopic, they will see that there is development going on," said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda at a post-briefing interview when asked of Malacañang's thoughts about this latest set of Aquino's detractors.

Lacierda maintained that the ongoing issue about the perceived rise of criminality in the country is just a product of mass media's sensationalism because they have the statistics to prove that crime rates have actually gone down since Aquino assumed the presidency.

"Against all sensationalized reporting of criminality going on, the truth of the matter is it has gone down and whenever there is a situation and incidents such as the bus bombing, we immediately convene the security cluster, the

National Security Adviser is there, the Secretary of Interior and Local Government, Chief PNP, AFP units are also there. So there is a coherent attempt, effort to solve the problem and this has been going on," Lacierda insisted.

"Do not jump the gun on the intelligence groups. They are all studying the matter. Our security forces are on top of the situation. If ever there are no responses of it (being felt as yet) this is because the information are still being validated… So there is no truth to assertions that the government does not take these information seriously," Lacierda added.

It was not the first time that Aquino was warned of the possibility of not completing his six-year term.

Earlier, Catholic Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez (photo at left) said chances are high that Aquino will not finish his term, if he continues to listen only to two of his Cabinet members, and refuses to heed the voice of the people.

Gutierrez said Aquino needs management (skills) and human relations to deal with the series of problems facing his administration.

The prelate cited that all of his seven executive orders are being challenged in court and by the time he reaches his 100th EO, he may no longer be in Malacañang, and no longer president.

"Every executive order is being questioned because they are not reflective of the feelings and aspirations for many people.

"Honesty alone will not save him (Aquino) as he has lost the people's trust and confidence and if it continues he will be losing all the goodwill. He must consult people and ask those who know and not only his two trusted Cabinet officials," the bishop said.

"If he is really sincere in his statement that the people are his boss, then he should consult the people who have the the wide contact with the masses, such as the priests," he said.

"The tuwid na landas (straght path) is now liko liko na (going wayward) and slowly his popularity is dipping," he said.

Gutierrez said Noynoy started his presidency with a big mandate and he had people power but that he is not utilizing this and as such, there will be continued erosion and Aquino will not last his six-year term.

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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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PHNO-HL: HONASAN: PHL NOT READY FOR 'GUNLESS SOCIETY'


 



HONASAN: PHL NOT READY FOR 'GUNLESS SOCIETY'

MANILA, JANUARY 31, 2011 (STAR) By Perseus Echeminada – Sen. Gregorio Honasan yesterday said the Philippines is not yet ready to be a "gunless society" because the government is still unable to ensure the safety of the citizens from lawless elements. "A gunless society can only exist if the government can protect the citizens," he said in a news forum in Quezon City.

Honasan, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and illegal drugs, said law and order in the country has deteriorated to a point where there is confusion on who should be in charge of the rising criminality.

"Who is in charge? The Department of National Defense, the Philippine National Police?" he said. A bus was recently bombed in Makati City, killing five and wounding several others. Two car traders were also recently killed. Honasan also said law enforcement agencies merely react to terror attacks and high-profile crimes instead of preventing them. Because of this, he said, calls for a total gun ban and the revival of the death penalty will not deter criminal and terror activities in the country.

Dominguez carjacking ring protected by police? By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated January 30, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (4)

MANILA, Philippines – Several active and retired senior police officials are protectors of the notorious Dominguez carjacking syndicate, sources in the intelligence community revealed yesterday.

The Dominguez carjacking syndicate has been tagged as the group responsible for the murder of car traders Emerson Lozano and Venson Evangelista, sources said.

The same sources revealed the brutal slaying of Lozano and Evangelista and driver Ernane Sensil could be part of plot to cover the tracks of their protectors.

One of the police protectors of the Dominguez group reportedly owns a fleet of 18 luxury cars including a Hummer.

"Hopefully these people would soon be unmasked, arrested and charged in court," an intelligence official said.

The official did not identify the police protectors but another simply said they could not elaborate since it would compromise their operations against them.

"Aside from helping concerned police units crack the case, we are doing our investigation into these criminal activities for own unit's consumption," the official said.

However, another official assured the public that once solid proof is obtained, they would make public their findings.

On reports that the resurgence of high-profile crimes could be part of an ongoing move to destabilize the Aquino government, the intelligence official admitted they are not ruling this out.

But for now, he said, they are more inclined to believe that no politics was involved in the sudden increase in criminal activities.

"We are not discounting that possibility but from our radar screen, there appears some key police personalities who are serving as godfathers of these carjacking syndicates," he said.

The official also revealed efforts to uncover the activities of at least five to six key personalities that had been linked to various criminal syndicates operating in Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon.

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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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PHNO-HL: PAPAL LEGATE TO BISHOPS: BE CREDIBLE AND EFFECTIVE EVANGELIZERS


 



PAPAL LEGATE TO BISHOPS: BE CREDIBLE AND EFFECTIVE EVANGELIZERS

[PHOTO at left taken in 2006 at Fordham University. The Archbishop also told Philippine Schools last week to Focus Faith in Christ. Photos by Marcel Salvaro)

MANILA, JANUARY 31, 2011 (STAR) By Evelyn Macairan – Papal Legate Archbishop Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski yesterday reminded Catholic bishops attending the 102nd Plenary Assembly that they should work toward becoming "credible and effective" evangelizers.

CBCP News reported that Cardinal Grocholewski made the statement during his homily at a Mass to open the CBCP 102nd Plenary Assembly being held at the Pope Pius XII Center along UN Avenue, Manila.

He reminded his brother bishops that they should become a source of Christian "dynamism" in the midst of secularism.

"Faith of itself, if it does not have work is death... Faith can live and grow only by working and by sharing the faith to others," Grocholewski said.

The Vatican representative believes that the Church leaders should help ensure that the Catholic faith will continue to grow because it has weakened, and it might even disappear if they become negligent.

"Faith can grow in us but it can also diminish. Each of us is responsible for the growth or the diminishing of this faith... Do not spare any effort to grow constantly in the faith. Have the courage to think, to judge and act entirely within the logic of the faith," said the Polish-born Cardinal who heads the Vatican's Congregation for Catholic Education.

He added, "Let us never forget that the faith is both a great treasure as well as a delicate plant, which must be nurtured with care everyday."

The CBCP presently has a total of 132 members, 97 of them active and 35 retired.

CBCP secretary-general Monsignor Juanito Figura said that about 101 bishops attended the three-day meeting, including Archbishops Gaudencio Rosales of Manila, Jose Palma of Cebu and the current CBCP president Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar.

The bishops' plenary assemblies are bi-annual meetings, which are traditionally held in the months of January and July.

EARLIER NEWS

Vatican representative to lead UST's Quadricentennial celebration By Evelyn Macarian (philstar.com) Updated January 21, 2011 06:05 PM Comments (0)

[PHOTO - President Benigno Simeon Aquino III graces the 10th Biennial Conference of the International Council of Universities of St. Thomas Aquinas (ICUSTA) in conjunction with the 400th foundation anniversary of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Wednesday (Jan. 26) at the UST Chapel in España, Manila. With the President are UST Rector Fr. Rolando dela Rosa, O.P., Archbishop Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, Papal Legate (special representative of the Holy Father) and Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, Master of the Order of Preachers Fr. Bruno Cadore, O.P., and Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams.. (Photo by: Gil Nartea/Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau/PCOO).]

MANILA, Philippines — The prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for Catholic Education (VCCE) Papal Legate Archbishop Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski is expected to arrive in the country and be the main celebrant in the Mass set on January 28 for the University of Sto. Tomas' (UST) 400th Quadricentennial celebration.

UST Rector Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, O.P. today announced that the Cardinal Grocholewski would be in the country "to celebrate the mass and afterward he would leave for Rome."

Grocholewski is the Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education in Vatican which is responsible for almost 1,000 Catholic universities, 150 theological centers as well as more than 3,000 ecclesial seminaries.

The 71-year-old Polish Cardinal would be the main homilist. He would be joined by several bishops and archbishops in the country, many of who graduated at the UST Central Seminary.

Among those who confirmed their attendance are former Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) presidents Jaro Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo and Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla. Also present are Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas and Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Inigeuez.

Apart from the presence of a high-ranking official from the Vatican, Fr. De La Rosa said that Pope Benedict XVI has also prepared a video expressing his congratulations to the Pontifical school in Asia and this would be played during the Mass.

"Yesterday, we received a report from the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines (Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams) that the pre-recorded video of the Pope congratulating the university community for its 400 anniversary is already underway. So we are just waiting for it to arrive. We would show this video during the Mass," he added.

Also expected to attend the Eucharistic celebration is the new Master General of the Dominican Order Rev. Fr. Bruno Cardore, O.P.

The UST Rector also said that those who would be attending Quadricentennial Mass and activities during the period of January 2011 until January 2012 are entitled to receive plenary indulgence.

Cardinal Fortunato Baldelli, head of the Holy See's Apostolic Pententiary, informed the UST that the Pontiff also granted plenary indulgence "under the usual conditions of Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father" to be gained by visiting the Santisimo Rosario Church (UST Chapel) during the "Quadricentennial Jubilee Year".

Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church defined indulgence as a "remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the sanctifications of Christ and the saints."

Today, the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) also launched the commemorative P200 bills bearing the overprint of the UST's 400th years logo. They would be distributing P2 billion worth or 10 million pieces of these bills.

Of the 10 million pieces, 400 of them were uncut in pairs.

BSP-Bank Notes and Securities Printing Department director Nestor Salanio said that the rest of these specially issued bills would be made available next month.

"It is also worth noting that this is the only about the 11th or 12th of a print approved by the BSP and president of the Philippines for the last 20 years. BSP is very discriminating in printing anything on our currency and it has to meet the very high and rigid standards of the BSP. The celebration should have both national and international significance and I am very happy to say that UST is able to meet these very high standards of BSP," Salanio said.

They also launched the commemorative gold plated medals.

While the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) is also coming up with four designs of the UST 400 Years (1611-2011) "Unending Grace" stamps that would be issued on Jan. 25. It is classified as a "commemorative" kind of issue with a denomination of P 7.00 and quantity of 100,000 pieces. Also to be issued are souvenir sheets with a denomination of P 37.00 and 10,200 pieces.

Business mogul Manuel "Manny" V. Pangilinan, despite not being an alumnus of UST, also donated P5 million to help the school's Simbahayan project which is its centerpiece project for the Quadricentennial celebration.

Smart Communications also announced that it would be issuing commemorative customized SIM cards and call and text P100 cards to mark the university's 400 years in existence.

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