lightsandshade

Casiño on RFID

2009-10-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

Casiño files resolution to investigate RFID project,
urges motorists not to pay the RFID fee

Bayan Muna party list representative Teddy Casiño is set to file a resolution today (September 30) for the House Committee on Transportation to investigate the Land Transportation Office's P2.6 billion radio frequency identification (RFID) project, saying that the House has the duty and oversight powers to look into the legality of fees and charges being imposed on citizens.

At the same time, the lawmaker urged vehicle owners not to pay the P350 RFID tag fee to be imposed starting tomorrow, Oct. 1 or at least to delay the registration of their vehicles pending the filing later this week of a complaint in court preventing the LTO from implementing the project.

"Since vehicle owners have the whole month to register their vehicles, I think it would be better for them to delay the registration of their vehicles pending the results of the court case and the congressional inquiry," he said.

Casiño reiterated his appeal to the LTO to suspend the implementation of the RFID project "until all issues have been settled."

In a resolution to be co-authored by representatives Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza, the party list lawmakers want Congress to look into the following issues:

1. The RFID did not undergo proper public hearings as required by law;
2. It was packaged as a mere "enhancement" of the existing contract between LTO and Stradcom Corporation and thus did not undergo public bidding;
3. The cost of the RFID tag is exorbitant;
4. Contractor Stradcom has no authority to import and operate RFID technology;
5. The RFID tags threaten the right to privacy of citizens;

"Why the apparent swiftness in the implementation of the RFID project? Why is DOTC-LTO cutting corners? And why the high price for the stickers? These are some of the questions Congress should ask," said Casiño.###

Casiño, lawyers to halt LTO’s RFID tagging of vehicles

(Sept. 24) Congressman Teddy Casiño of Bayan Muna partylist today said he and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) would move swiftly to effect a temporary restraining order (TRO) and start a Congressional inquiry on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) plan to tag all motor vehicles with radio frequency identification (RFID) stickers.

“We find the LTO tagging scheme suspicious. First, it seems that this plan to tag vehicles with RFID materialized only this year. Can this be another midnight deal that members of the Arroyo administration have cooked up in preparation for 2010? Why were there no public hearings? And more importantly, why was there no public bidding for this multi-billion peso project?” Casiño asked.

"The memorandum circulars of both the DOTC and LTO show that this project was approved by DOTC only last May as a mere enhancement of the existing LTO IT Project exclusively cornered by the firm STRADCOM. Apparently no bidding was done for this, as it was a mere proposal by STRADCOM approved by the DOTC and implemented by the LTO," said the progressive lawmaker.

"The project was not even in the LTOs programs and plans for 2009, as attested to in their website," he added, saying the LTO should first provide the public all the details pertaining to the project. He said he was awaiting a copy of the memorandum of agreement between LTO and STRADCOM on the project.

“Secondly, the tagging appears to be overpriced at P350 when RFID chips are already inexpensive, costing 20 cents on the average or around P10-15 only. There are almost six million motorized vehicles registered with the LTO as of December 2008. If motorists pay the one-time tagging fee of P350 when they register their vehicles starting next month, the LTO will be able to collect more than P2 billion (approximately P2,061,945,200) upon registration,” Casiño said.

“Thirdly, in using RFID technology, we should study its implications on the people’s Right to Privacy, as we fear that this tagging may be used by government operatives for surveillance and attacks on private citizens and critics of the administration. We also want to know why the contract for this project was pegged for a duration of 10 years,” Casiño adds.

“Although the RFID scheme appears to promise solutions to the traffic and pollution problems that can otherwise be solved by an efficient transportation department, we highly suspect this deceptive, Orwellian, and profit-making scheme to be detrimental to public interest. At this point, the LTO’s RFID tagging must be stopped,” concludes Casiño. ###

News links:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/24/09/clamor-vs-ltos-rfid-project-grows

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/24/09/lto-contractor-defend-rfid-project

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/nation/16471-solon-assails-lto-defends-rfid.html

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20090925/tph-palace-agrees-to-reconsider-ltos-rfi-d6cd5cf.html

http://www.bomboradyo.com/ilonggo.asp?ID=110341

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2009-09-25&sec=4&aid=103694

http://www.globalpinoy.com/v2007/sections/news/fulldetails.php?newsnum=21798

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/sep2509/news06.htm

news clips

2009-10-10T06:11:00.000-07:00

Farmers warn vs. pocketing of “Ondoy funds”

Two days after the devastating floods brought by storm Ondoy, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP, Peasant Movement of the Philippines) urged the public to monitor government funds and donations for relief and rehabilitation projects.

The KMP feared that Malacanang will seize the opportunity to rake up funds intended for Ondoy victims. The group also alleged that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo used P800 million worth of emergency fund on her foreign trips, based on a Commission on Audit (COA) report.

In a press statement, KMP secretary general Danilo Ramos said, “We should all watch out for corruption by the Arroyo government as it has already been reported that the P800 million emergency fund was used for her trips abroad.”

According to Ramos, the KMP farmers had a bad experience with the government's rehabilitation projects after typhoon Frank submerged Iloilo City, killed 200 and left 162 missing last year. The floods also destroyed crops and infrastructure worth P500 million in Iloilo and P1 billion in the region.

“Because our members were badly hit by the typhoon, especially our regional chapter, we gambled in inquiring with the Dept. of Agriculture (DA) to avail of any emergency resources. DA officials said that the funds were already at their regional field units, but when our members inquired at their offices, they said the funds were still not released,” Ramos said. The KMP said none of their members or of other local organizations were able to avail of the said fund.

The DA reported that P95 million worth of agricultural crops in CALABARZON were destroyed where P85 million were rice. Ramos said the damage is bigger for the Filipino farmers, citing that the crops of KMP members in areas such as Tungkong Mangga, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan and Sitio Wawa, Bgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal were totally destroyed.

KMP also hit the government's slow response and lack of preparedness for rescue operations. “We see that we are all unprepared for Ondoy. We are on regular monitoring on PAGASA reports prior, but they only warned of a Signal No. 1 typhoon and no qualitative report about the rainfall. Also, the government who has all the resources, where P800 million emergency fund were used by Arroyo on her trips, acted late,” laments Ramos.

“The ordinary people who acted courageously to help others are admirable and we sympathize with those who lost their loved ones. The loss of lives should be enough justification for the government and other entities to look further into the slow reaction for rescue operations. Also, we should be vigilant of the corruption that would rake funds that should be used for relief and rehabilitating areas hit by Ondoy,” said Ramos.

OFWs alerted on scammers misrepresenting migrant group

Migrante, an alliance of overseas Filipino workers’ organizations, warned OFWs to beware of persons who may be misrepresenting or maliciously using the organization's name. The group also alerted distressed OFWs to contact legitimate Migrante officers for assistance.

John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator, said “we are alerting our fellow OFWs, especially those in distress, to be careful in dealing with individuals misrepresenting Migrante, claiming that they are members and officers (when, in fact, they are not), giving wrong advices and are asking for money in exchange for the 'counseling' services they have rendered to distressed OFWs seeking assistance.”

Monterona said Migrante is the most active OFWs group that provides assistance to distressed, run away, and stranded OFWs in the Middle East. He added that they will not allow Migrante’s name to be used and tainted by “wicked individuals who dupe distressed OFWs.”

Monterona narrated that 'OFW Peter' (not his real name) was victimized by such a scammer. Peter, a family driver, said he was scolded and nearly slapped by his employers and was told he will be fired from his job. This incident prompted Peter to seek advice or help until he was referred to a person who introduced himself as a Migrante official in Al Khobar. The scammer, using Migrante’s name, advised Peter to run away from his employer, and promised that a temporary shelter will be provided in exchange for 1,500 Saudi riyals. Peter, doubting the person's intentions, contacted the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Al Khobar and discovered that no such person is affiliated with or has been tasked by Migrante to attend to cases.

According to Monterona, “Migrante chapters in the Middle East have designated officials to attend welfare cases and that all rights and welfare cases must come through them before officially endorsing it to the attention of the concerned RP posts/officials for its action”.

Monterona said distressed OFWs should only contact legitimate Migrante officers who have been issued an official Identification Card of their chapters in the Middle East. He can be contacted 24/7 via 056 497 8012.

Simply the best items for yuppie parents and their baby

2009-09-03T02:35:00.000-07:00

As a member of the internet savvy generation of young professional Moms- and Dads-to-be who are excitedly preparing for their baby, I too have surfed for the best items suitable for our active lifestyle.

Gradually, we have mind-set ourselves that soon, Mom will be busy nurturing Baby, attending to all her needs, while Dad (that's me) will be 'competing' for his share of raising up our little girl.

With a lot of help from friends and Baby's soon-to-be ninongs and ninangs, my wife and I gathered the stuff that we think would work best for us three. Our relatives are, of course, also with us to give all their support and words of wisdom.

Our bags are packed. Baby's clothes, mittens, and booties are all ready to wear. The cotton diapers, blankets, bed sheets and towels have been laundried, folded and packed. The BPA-free feeding bottles, electric sterilizer, breast pump, Baby's bassinet and bathing gear, all of which are of the highest quality, are neatly arranged on one side of the room. We made sure that these items have passed our rigid quality inspections.

Only one item remains unaccounted for: the baby's crib or play pen. But that can wait. I just might be able to get back the heavy-duty crib my parents gave me 30 years ago. LoL.

Since my wife and I are both outdoor-loving, strolling yuppies constantly engaged in either leisure and work, and yes of course, want to bond early with Baby, we also searched for a baby carrier perfect for our needs.

Dads, have you ever felt the urge to carry your cuddly little angel as close and comfy as Moms do from the time baby was still inside the womb? Like, wish that you have a kangaroo-pouch for you to safely bring along baby to family reunions and leisure walks? Moms, have you thought of getting the trendiest outdoor apparel for you and your baby?

Allow me share with you what we found at "my Baby & my Sling" www.mybabyandmysling.multiply.com. The baby slings offered in that site allow you to select and wear fashionable designs while safely carrying your little one. These carriers are made of the best fabric and come in print designs suited for the outdoor-loving parent.

Our little one will certainly enjoy the comfort and durability of the Mojito sling we bought for her. We are definitely excited to let our Baby see the world as she rides inside the green Mojito.

mag-rehistro na: comelec registration

2009-09-02T00:56:00.000-07:00

comelec
bayan muna

Tatakbo si Teddy

2009-08-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

Almusalan para kay Teddy (Breakfasts with Teddy)

2009-08-17T00:49:00.000-07:00

Supporters launch breakfast drive for bet

By Maricar Cinco
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 00:14:00 08/17/2009

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna, Philippines—It’s a long day ahead for Bayan Muna Representative Teodoro Casiño’s bid to become senator, one that a group of his cash-strapped supporters hope to start with what nutritionists say is the most important meal of the day—breakfast.

A group of lawyers, doctors, teachers, scriptwriters, and businessmen started selling tickets to breakfasts with Casiño in a bid to raise funds for one of the poorest members of the House of Representatives.

They call it “Almusalan para kay Teddy (Breakfasts with Teddy),” sessions with Casiño over pan de sal, coffee, or classier fare for those who could afford.

Mostly alumni of the “UPLB Perspective,” the student paper of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Casiño’s supporters hope the breakfast sessions could also help introduce Casiño as a “poor, but deserving” candidate for senator.

Casiño and his supporters kept in touch through the Internet.

Then when he confirmed, also through the Internet, that he was running for senator, the first question that was raised was where the campaign funds would come from.

“We asked him, ‘what about your funding,’ he said he had none,” said Val Aguilar, who works for a construction and sales company and one of the core organizers of the breakfast sessions.

Instead of soliciting funds from the rich—businessmen and other politicians—Casiño’s supporters thought it best to bring him closer to people, small groups, and make money out of it at the same time.

Smaller than town hall meetings, Casiño’s supporters hope the sessions would help the candidate present his platform.

“It’s not like a panel or a press conference,” said Jenny Bonto, a volunteer for Casiño.

Bonto recalls one session when Casiño was answering questions from his audience as he changed his child’s diapers.

“He is as real as you are and is there just to ask for help,” she said.

More than money, however, Bonto said Casiño’s supporters hope to solicit something more valuable during the breakfast sessions—“informed and committed support.”

Another supporter said breakfast was thought of because “breakfasts and mornings connote everything positive.”

“All that is good is heralded in the morning,” said another supporter.

“It’s not (spending) five or ten thousand pesos (for activities) like moneyed politicians do,” added Jojo Salas, who is now director for a financial firm.

The first breakfast session was held in Los Baños, Laguna, and the second in Libis, Quezon City, last July.

The group hopes to do it at least twice a month and spread it to Cebu and Davao. Funds will be raised, too, from supporters abroad.

Breakfast fare varies from the all too common “pan de sal” to the more expensive fried chicken, depending really on who Casiño’s audience would be.

Bonto, who said she has stopped believing in elections since 1986, will vote again.

“It’s not every day that a non-trapo (traditional politician) runs,” she said. “I want to do this for myself and my family.”

Salas said Casiño had been offered by bigger political parties to run under their ticket, but he declined.

Bonto said a Casiño victory would be a signal of “change in itself.”

The campaign, she said, would be “a quantum leap.”

“We are trying to re-engineer a mindset,” she said.

The next breakfast session with Casiño is set August 18 at Park Square, Makati City. Schedules are posted at the http://almusalan.teddycasino.org/.

pakikialam ng Malakanyang sa Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining

2009-08-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

Nakikiisa si Congressman Teddy Casiño ng Bayan Muna Partylist sa 'pagluluksa' ng mga alagad ng sining sa simbolikong pagkamatay ng Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining dahil sa maanomalyang paggawad ng parangal na ito ngayong taon.

"Ang naglalagablab na kontrobersiyang ito ay dapat imbestigahan ng Kongreso. Mahalagang malaman natin ang tamang proseso sa pagpili ng National Artists at ang hangganan ng 'presidential prerogative' na kaugnay nito," pahayag ni Casiño.

Ayon kay Casiño, "maitutulad natin ang kontrobersiyang ito sa pakikialam ng lideratong Arroyo, ng Palasyo ng Malakanyang, sa proseso ng Judicial Bar Council (JBC) sa pagpili ng kapalit ng dalawang magreretirong Supreme Court Justices."

"Sa pakikialam ng Palasyo, kitang-kita ang kawalang-respeto ni Pang. Arroyo sa demokratikong proseso, maging sa pagpili at paggawad ng parangal sa Order of National Artists (dating National Artists Awards)," dagdag pa ni Casiño.

Ito ang tugon ni Casiño sa mga inihayag sa kanya ng mga miyembro ng National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) na kalahok sa screening committee.

Sinabi ni Casiño na "Panahon na rin upang ating pag-aralan kung mas maiging gawan ng naaangkop na batas para dito upang maiwasan ang kahalintulad na kalituhan at kontrobersiya."

Maghahain si Casiño ng angkop na resolusyon sa Kongreso pagbalik niya mula sa Cebu at South Cotabato, matapos ang kampanyang “Atras Con-Ass” dito kasama si Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo.

Ang Dalawang Pambansang Alagad ng Sining sa Panitikan, sina Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera at Rio Alma, kasama ang dekano ng UP–Mass Communication, si Rolando B. Tolentino, ay ilan sa mga kilalang mariing tumututol sa pakikialam ng Palasyo.

Ang mga grupong bumabatikos sa ‘kamay ni Pangulong Arroyo’ sa proseso ng pagpili sa Order of National Artists 2009 ay pinangunahan ng Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), Sinag Bayan, Sining Bugkos, Musicians for Peace, Ugat Lahi Artists Collective, Tudla Productions, University of the Philippines – College of Mass Communication, Film Institute at Department of Visual Communication ng College of Fine Arts.

nation thanks Cory for peaceful people power

2009-08-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

'Cory National Hero' resolutions filed
by Carmela Fonbuena, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak | 08/04/2009 5:44 PM

MANILA - Two resolutions have been filed in the House of Representatives seeking to declare former President Corazon Aquino a national hero.

House Joint Resolution No. 41—A Joint Resolution extolling former President Corazon Aquino, her leadership, and her contributions in restoring and strengthening Philippine Democracy, and urging the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Philippines to proclaim Corazon C. Aquino as a Hero of the Republic of the Philippines—was filed by Rep. Rodolfo Plaza.

“President Aquino is recognized all over the Philippines as having lived for Democracy and for the People which her husband and fellow freedom fighter, Benigno S. Aquino Jr., believed, are worth dying for,” the resolution states.

Declaring President Aquino as a national hero is “a way of ensuring the continuity of her legacy of democracy and love of country,” it says.

House Joint Resolution No. 42—A Joint Resolution to recognize the valuable contribution of President Corazon C. Aquino by declaring her as a National Hero—was filed by Rep. Liwayway Chato.

“The most recognized symbol of freedom and democracy that led to the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986, President Corazon C. Aquino had showed throughout her life and death the true hallmarks of modern heroism,” the resolution states.

President Aquino is also recognized as a democracy icon in the international community. She received numerous citations and recognitions including TIME Woman of the Year in 1986, the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding in 1996, the Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding in 1998, and her nomination to the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986.

The two measures are expected to be consolidated and reported out for plenary approval next week, according to a statement by House Speaker Prospero Nograles. A similar resolution is also expected from the Senate.

Another resolution, House Joint Resolution 40, also seeks to declare January 25 as “Cory Aquino Day.” It was initiated by Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III. He is a son of Wigberto Tañada, who served as customs commissioner during the Aquino administration and won as senator in 1987 under the Cory ticket.

In the Senate, Senator Loren Legarda filed Senate Resolution No. 1252 expressing “sincerest gratitude” to President Aquino and “deepest condolences” to her family.

“President Cory has been a constant moral force in the life of our nation, consistent in her ideals of courage, simplicity, faithfulness, and compassion; her public service record was exemplary and untainted by any wrongdoing; and she was a staunch advocate of democracy, peace, good governance, and women empowerment,” the resolution reads.

"President Aquino, was a unifying force for Filipinos of all political affiliations and sectors; an unfailing figure of prayerfulness and faith in God; and humanity owes to Maria Corazon Cojuangco Aquino the gift of people power and peaceful revolution as means for exercising their sovereign power,” it adds. -- abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak

For more Cory news, log on to: http://coryaquino.abs-cbnnews.com

Senate honors former President Cory Aquino

The Senate honored former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino with a resolution declaring her as truly worthy of having led the country into democracy.

Maria Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino, more popularly known as "Cory", peacefully joined her Creator on August 1, 2009, at the age of 76.

In a prayer he read at the start of the session, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile extolled the virtues of the late president, recognizing the pivotal role that she played in giving voice to the nation's clamor for democracy against a dictatorial regime.

"Despite our differences, the former President proved that she was a woman worthy of respect. The fact that she was a housewife thrust into taking care of the ills of a nation, she truly deserves the admiration, respect and gratitude of the Filipino people."

Enrile enumerated several accolades given to her by the international community, most notable of which were the following: 1986 Woman of the Year by Time Magazine; the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award, also in 1986; Martin Luther King, Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize in 1987; One of the 20 Most Influential Asians of the 20th century by Time Magazine, and the Women's International Center International Leadership Living Legacy Award in 2006.

"The passing away of former President Aquino, an icon of democracy, a loving wife, a caring mother, and God's gift to the Filipino people, has left the nation she dearly loved and the nation she dearly served, bereft of a shining exemplar of moral leadership, unwavering in faith and dauntless courage" added Enrile.

With deep sadness on her passing, the Senate resolved and approved the resolution acknowledging the late Corazon "Cory" Aquino as a worthy leader of the Filipino people having dedicated her life in the service of the country and of the Filipino.

Satur: NDF has a lot to thank Cory for
by Carmela Fonbuena, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak | 08/03/2009 7:17 PM

MANILA - Former National Democratic Front (NDF) spokesman and now Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo said the rebel movement has a lot to thank the late President Corazon Aquino for.

"President Aquino was very instrumental in starting the peace negotiations between the government and the NDF. Though this effort failed for many reasons, Cory also took the road for a just and lasting peace at the start of her government," Ocampo said on Monday.

Ocampo fondly remembers how, in December 1983, Aquino visited political prisoners of the Marcos regime in the Bicutan Rehabilitation Center in Taguig. It was after her husband, staunch Marcos critic Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., was assassinated and she was forced to continue his battles.

"On a personal level, I remember her visiting us at Bicutan. We were many there--from the Left, the Light a Fire Movement, and others--and she expressed her solidarity with us and promised to work for the release of political prisoners," said Ocampo.

True to her words, Aquino fulfilled her promised in 1986 only days after she was swept to power through the People Power revolution. Ocampo remembers how Aquino released 450 political prisoners despite the strong opposition from the military and even from within the Cabinet.

"We should remember that Ninoy was also a political prisoner. She knew what it was like--the harassment, the body searches, and the tortures. When she visited after Ninoy's death, she knew our sentiments," Ocampo said.

Ocampo was not among the 450. He had escaped from Bicutan in 1985. As a former official of the National Press Club, he was granted a pass to vote in the National Press Club elections that year. But he was able to slip away from his military guards and return to the underground movement.

He resurfaced in 1987 to become the spokesman of the NDF.

Jose Maria Sison, Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair and NDF chief political consultant had earlier also recalled his "exceptional" relationship with the late president.

‘A giant has passed’
Written by Fernan Marasigan / Reporter
Saturday, 01 August 2009 21:07

MEMBERS of the House of Representatives gave paeans to the former President and joined the nation in mourning her passing.

Speaker Prospero Nograles, who is in the US with President Arroyo, said in a statement, Mrs. Aquino’s “courage, honesty and humility gave hope and life, and inspired the Filipino to fight and win back freedom and democracy—a legacy that will forever be engraved in the hearts of a grateful people.

Nograles added: “Catapulted to the highest office of the land, whether by design or by destiny, former President Cory was a blessing to the presidency.”

“We thank God for giving us Cory during our most crucial episodes of history,” he said.

Lakas Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay said one facet of the character of President Cory Aquino which stands out in his mind was “her respect for and capacity to tolerate differing views and opposing partisan positions.”

Lagman, a die-hard supporter of Ramon Mitra in the latter’s presidential bid, while Mrs. Aquino supported the presidential candidacy of Fidel Ramos, recalled, “She respected my political persuasion and did not attempt to change it with the budgetary support she had just given to my district, or the fact that she once appointed me as her undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management shortly after the Edsa People Power Revolution.”

Members of leftist party-list groups, who were at odds with Mrs. Aquino’s policies during her term, also expressed their praise and “deep sense of loss” for the passing of the former President.

Party-list Rep. Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna said, “My progressive party-list colleagues and I join the Filipino people in saluting former President Cory Aquino. We are very saddened by her passing at this critical point of our nation’s history. We share her family’s deep sense of loss but also relief in that she has been freed from the pains and burdens in the last moments of her life.

Party-list Rep. Teodoro Casiño also of Bayan Muna, said, “We [Bayan Muna] join the nation in mourning the passing away of Cory. She will always be remembered for her struggle for freedom and democracy against tyranny, whether of the Marcos or Arroyo kind. Her death saddens us all but does not diminish nor dampen our continuing struggle to protect democracy from the evil plots of those in power.

Gabriela’s Party-list Rep. Liza Maza said the memory of President Cory’s courage and the quiet grace of her spirit will always be a reminder to those who aspire to be dictators or tyrants that the Filipino people, inspired by the same memory, will never allow them to rule again.

Maza described Cory as a formidable voice in the anti-Arroyo administration struggle and has been instrumental in the cause against corruption and greed for power.

“Up to the last days of her life, she has been one with the people in calling for change. She served as an inspiration to millions of Filipinos who dare to challenge and oppose the existing bankruptcy of the Arroyo administration,” she said.

Maza added: “In the light of moves to amend the 1987 Constitution through constituent assembly, the Filipino people should constantly be reminded of how the late Cory Aquino stood up against this threat to democracy.”

Liberal Party Rep. Rozanno Rufino Biazon of Muntinlupa said the passing of former President Cory Aquino is a national loss. But her life was a “national gift.” Her physical life has ended but it will continue to inspire us.

Independent Rep. Roilo Golez of Parañaque said he did not have the honor of serving in her government “but I had the privilege of joining her cause after her presidency as she continued to fight for her democratic principles and ideals.”

He said: “A giant has passed…. It will take many generations before another leader of her towering stature will pass our way again.”

Rep. Edno Joso of Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija said, “Long live Cory and democracy! She fought for the country when others dare not; she lived for truth and honesty while others cannot; she loved, laugh and cried with us in moments of triumph and perfidy, and she led the way so that never again shall our nation go astray.”

Cory Aquino’s Place in History

2009-08-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

Cory Aquino’s Place in History
PUBLISHED ON August 1, 2009 AT 10:28 AM

The failures of her presidency notwithstanding, Cory Aquino will be remembered for helping restore democracy in the Philippines and dismantle the vestiges of the Marcos dictatorship. When the Arroyo regime increasingly became corrupt and autocratic, she again rose to the challenge. Cory fought tyranny to the very end.

By BENJIE OLIVEROS
Bulatlat.com

MANILA – Corazon Aquino could have just went through the normal grieving process with her family after losing her husband Ninoy to the dark forces of the Marcos dictatorship. But she did not. Cory rose to the occasion to challenge the dictator for the presidency during the snap elections. In the process, she represented the anger of the Filipino people who were fed up with Marcos and his martial-law regime. And Cory, who was belittled by Marcos for being a “mere housewife,” defeated the dictator who was in power for 20 years and was known to be a brilliant lawyer before running for politics. When Marcos committed massive electoral fraud and refused to yield, Cory became the symbol of the “people power” uprising that ensued.

When Ferdinand Marcos was ousted from Malacañang and Cory Aquino assumed the presidency, she immediately went about dismantling the vestiges of martial law. She restored the Filipino people’s formal democratic rights, reopened the institutions of governance, released political prisoners, created the Presidential Committee on Human Rights, and appointed some human-rights lawyers to positions in government.

However, owing to her background, she fell short of implementing substantial reforms. She signed the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, but the law had to be extended for more than two decades without being completed. The mill and farm workers of the Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita had to fight for the land they have tilled for generations for two decades, paying for it with their blood before being able to gain it. She refused to renegotiate even the onerous foreign debts of the Marcos dictatorship, passing the Automatic Appropriation Law instead. And the Aquino government pursued the same economic policies that have wreaked havoc on the lives of the Filipino masses.

Aquino also implemented the same militarist solution to the armed conflict by “unsheathing the sword of war,” displacing more than a million people in rural areas. The “low intensity conflict” strategy that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) learned from the US Armed Forces and was implemented by the Aquino government included arming anti-communist vigilante groups, which was responsible for brutal attacks against the people in rural areas. Enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings were also committed although the number of victims pales in comparison to that of the present Arroyo government.

Nevertheless, Cory Aquino, who died today, Aug. 1, has secured her place in history for daring to challenge the hated Marcos dictatorship and becoming the first woman president of the Philippines. More importantly, she presided over the dismantling of martial law and the restoration of the Filipino people’s formal democratic rights and processes.

Cory is much unlike the second woman to become president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is attempting to emulate Marcos by attempting to become a dictator and trying to outdo Marcos in corruption and human-rights violations. Seeing this, Cory Aquino had to rise again to the occasion and ask Arroyo to resign. She became one of the guiding forces of the movement to oust Arroyo. Cory fought tyranny to the very end. (Bulatlat.com)

NDF: Cory an ‘Outstanding and Inspiring Figure’
PUBLISHED IN BULATLAT.COM ON August 2, 2009 AT 1:39 PM

NDFP MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE ON THE DEATH OF FORMER PRESIDENT CORAZON AQUINO

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Negotiating Panel and its Consultants convey their heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of former President Corazon Aquino on her passing away yesterday.

Corazon Aquino was an outstanding and inspiring figure in the anti-fascist alliance against the Marcos dictatorship, especially after the assassination of her husband, Benigno Aquino. She was openly critical of the longrunning support of the US for the Marcos dictatorship in exchange for the aggrandizement of US economic interests and the continuance of the US military bases.

Upon assuming the presidency after the fall of the dictator Marcos, she fulfilled her commitment to release all political prisoners, including Prof. Jose Maria Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the Chief Political Consultant of the NDFP.

She engaged the NDFP in peace negotiations, but the military and police caused the termination of the ceasefire agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP when they indiscriminately fired on the peasants and their urban supporters marching for land reform on January 22, 1987.

The 1987 constitution, which was framed under the Aquino administration, contains provisions which may be used to counter land reform. But it also carries provisions which uphold human rights and restrain the proclamation of martial law, retain national restrictions on foreign investments and prohibit foreign military bases, foreign troops and nuclear weapons on Philippine soil.

Beset by coup attempts and threats by pro-Marcos and pro-Enrile factions of the military and police, then President Corazon Aquino sent Congressman Jose V. Yap to NDFP officials in The Netherlands in September 1990 to explore the holding of GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. These efforts were, however, derailed by Generals Fidel Ramos and Renato de Villa.

After she finished her term as president, Corazon Aquino strongly opposed the grossly anti-democratic policies and actions of her successors, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In this regard, she was willing to join up with the patriotic and progressive forces of the people in mass protest actions.

Though suffering from failing health, she condemned the anti-democratic machinations of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to cling to power beyond her term ending in June 2010. From her sickbed, she sent a powerful message of support to thousands of demonstrators protesting Mrs. Arroyo’s Con-Ass scheme. She called it “a shameful abuse of power!”.

The NDFP Negotiating Panel and its Consultants express their solidarity with the family, relatives and friends of former President Corazon Aquino in their time of mourning and grief and wish them much strength and courage.

------------------------------

Here are some of the leading Philippine networks' live streaming videos and tribute sites dedicated to former president Cory Aquino:

http://now.abs-cbn.com/videos/live/anc.asx

http://now.abs-cbn.com/videos/live/abslive.asx

http://now.abs-cbn.com/videos/live/dzmm.asx

http://www.gmanews.tv/livestreaming.html

PGMA's SONA, campaign speech for 2010

2009-07-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

July 27, 2009
Bacolod City

Immediately after Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivered her State of the Nation Address today, Rep. Teddy Casiño said, "Has the campaign period started already? It certainly seems so, judging from GMA's SONA where she bashed her critics and presented herself and her government as the best thing that ever happened to the country."

Casiño added that "Arroyo failed to categorically state her plans for 2010, even making a bad joke about stepping down from the podium but not from the presidency."

The lawmaker said Arroyo's joke and the thrust of amending the Constitution has made her intentions for 2010 more dubious. "This, plus the push for Charter change, makes us ever doubtful about her true intentions," Casiño said.

"Overall, it was a great campaign speech for the prime ministership in 2010," concludes Casiño.

----------

Hours before the SONA, Casiño said, "I will not attend the session for the SONA this afternoon."

In the protest rally held in Bacolod, Casiño said "Hindi trabaho ng isang kinatawan ng mamamayan ang makinig sa isang mandaraya, sinungaling, magnanakaw at pasista kahit pa siya'y presidente ng Pilipinas. Masyado nang maraming manggagantso sa Kongreso, di na namin kailangang makinig sa isa pa."

HOUSE BILL NO. 6611 (Filed on July 23, 2009)

2009-07-27T05:24:00.000-07:00

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As a tribute to the historic role and contributions of the campus press in the promotion and protection of freedom of the press in the country, this legislation aims to declare the 25th of July of every year as the "National Campus Press Freedom Day."

The 25^th of July is a momentous day for the campus press as the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), an alliance of tertiary student publications nationwide, was founded on July 25, 1931 – the day the campus press started to organize itself. The CEGP is the largest, oldest existing, and the only student organization of its kind in the Asia Pacific Region. The 25^th of July coincides with the birthday of Ernesto Rodriguez Jr., a former editor in chief of The National (National University) and the founder of the CEGP.

The Guild, a patriotic and democratic organization, is the center for the advancement of campus press freedom in the Philippines as it aims to continuously uphold and defend the interest and welfare of student journalists, its student-publishers, and the Filipino people.

Campus journalists and alumni who have served with CEGP continued to pursue the organization's advocacies even after their years in school and have thus contributed significantly to the nation's overall development. Alumni, such as government officials, public servants, civil society leaders and activists, media practitioners, business and industry leaders, and personalities grace the CEGP history's list of student leaders.

An alternative press during the dark days of martial law, the campus press has shown to the Filipino people the true state of affairs of the country during the years of dictatorship. Today, the campus press continues to do so in its commitment for the promotion and protection of freedom of the press, and for the defense of the interest and welfare of the Filipino people. In fact, a number of student journalists and alumni have even sacrificed their life and limbs in the fulfillment of the patriotic and democratic ideals of the Guild.

This legislation, therefore, aims to mandate that the "National Campus Press Freedom Day" be celebrated in the Philippines as a testament to the students' commitment to promote and protect the inviolable right of freedom of the press.

It is for these reasons that the passage of this proposed measure is earnestly sought.

The Opposite of Change

2009-07-22T23:20:00.000-07:00

Statement of Pagbabago! People’s Movement for Change
on Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s 9th State of the Nation Address

July 27, 2009

Ordinary Filipinos and the nation as a whole will find it extremely difficult to accept, much less appreciate, the achievements to be shamelessly claimed by Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her State of the Nation Address (SONA). Simply put, ordinary Filipinos - 70% of whom are anti-GMA - will find her SONA a lot of hogwash.

Why? Because the last eight years under Mrs. Arroyo is the complete opposite of the change aspired for by our people.

While Filipinos nurture the promise of a better life, today there is only grinding poverty. While the people hope for freedom, democracy and social justice, today there is only repression and injustice. While the nation dreams of leadership guided by a sense of decency and moral ascendancy, today there is only unbridled corruption and bad governance.

Mrs. Arroyo’s rule is characterized by lies, machinations and the complete absence of integrity. This is currently exemplified by her insistence on clinging to power by illegally amending the Philippine Constitution through “Cha-cha”, engineering a palace-sponsored coup d’etat disguised as “emergency rule” and “transition government” and other nefarious schemes.

Propelled by greed and lust for power rather than the people’s interest, Mrs. Arroyo has systematically undermined the most basic requisites for a decent life: food, shelter, clothing, health and education.

Malnutrition and hunger are more widespread than ever. Chronic but preventable diseases like tuberculosis have become a permanent fixture while epidemics afflict a populace made more vulnerable by their destitution. Health and other social services have been reduced to token measures and myopic programs.

Thanks to Mrs. Arroyo, we now live in a society where principled men and women are abducted, tortured, and summarily executed with impunity, where honest and upright people are persecuted and jailed while plunderers and murderers are commended and rewarded with public office.

She has auctioned off our working men and women as cheap labor here and abroad, bartered away our patrimony and surrendered our national sovereignty to foreign interests

Shall we allow these to continue?

Our own history shows that the moving force for social change is the people themselves, collectively exercising their political will. Vigilance and accountability are necessary requisites for democracy to flourish. No right or freedom will ever be truly enjoyed unless those who have betrayed the people’s trust and aspirations are brought to justice.

We cannot allow the sacrifices of those who came before us to be diminished and sullied by the utter mendacity of those who lead us today. If we want change, then the rule of Mrs. Arroyo must end. If we seek a life of dignity, then Mrs. Arroyo must go.

The true State of the Nation is our continuing struggle: the struggle against tyrants, the struggle against exploitation and oppression, the struggle for genuine freedom and democracy.

CHANGE. We enjoin the Filipino people to complete this unfinished task.

----------

http://pagbabago.org

Progressive solons to boycott Gloria’s SONA; call on House colleagues to join suit

2009-07-20T00:28:00.000-07:00

The eight-member progressive partylist bloc will boycott the ninth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and encourages fellow House members to join the majority of the people who disapproved her almost 9-year misrule and her devious intentions to stay in power beyond June 2010.

Arroyo, her family and her minions are maneuvering to use any option to change the 1987 Constitution via House Resolution (HR) 1109 wherein they plan to convene the House of Representatives minus the Senate as a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) after Gloria’s 9th SONA on July 27, 2009.

As in all her eight previous SONAs, Gloria tries to foster the illusion that the Philippines is on the verge of becoming an industrialized country, with hallucinations of faster economic growth through ambitious, unrealistic "growth area" development plans, and worse, projects that offer huge chunks of our national territory for exploitation by foreign investors via charter change.

We call on all House members with a conscience to side with the people and withdraw their signatures to HR 1109 and all other measures that aim to amend or revise the Constitution according to the designs of Arroyo. These include Speaker Nograles’ HR 737 that will amend the economic provisions of the Constitution to allow foreigners to own land and further plunder our natural resources.

The men and women of the 14th Congress should finally heed the people’s call to withdraw their support for the most unpopular president who has done the country so much ruin in all her years in power through plunder, high-end graft and corruption, widespread election fraud, high prices of oil and consumer goods, extrajudicial killings, torture and other widespread human rights violations.

Let us all boycott Gloria Arroyo’s pa-Siyam: her last SONA!

Rep. Satur Ocampo
Rep. Liza Maza
Rep. Teddy Casiño
Rep. Rafael Mariano
Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan
Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares
Rep. Joel Maglunsod
Rep. Raymond Palatino

news release from www.bayanmuna.net

balancing the budget

2009-07-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

How does this blogger balance the monthly budget? An average family in Metro Manila will need a combined income of P15,000 to 25,000 per month to make both ends meet. The minimum daily wage pegged at less than P12,000 per wage-earner per month makes me wonder how one family breadwinner gets by. Here now's my list of monthly expenses.
Food (for 4) ......................................... P 5,000
Transportation (home-office only) ..... 3,440
Electricity ............................................... 1,300
Water ......................................................... 300
Internet ..................................................... 450
Phone (family extensions) ...................... 900
Contingency fund ................................... 1,139
Other Bills & Support ............................ 4,000
LPG & rice ................................................. ????

I will need additional resources for:
Baby's needs
(health care, hospital bills, etc.) ......... 40,000
Helper (salary) .......................................... ????
Possible lot or house acquisition ........ 50,000 + loan
Emergency and savings account ....... 50,000
Visa and Air fare (optional) .............. 100,000

This is a tough budget to balance.

bombings, SONA security, emergency plots, Cha-cha, etc. in my fb

2009-07-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

I just want to share some recent items and news releases about the bombings, SONA security, emergency plots, Cha-cha, etc. floating in my FB account.

Iligan City --- July 8, 2009

Failure of Intelligence or Deliberate Obfuscation?

Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Teddy Casiño today condemned as deplorable acts against humanity the recent string of bombings and bomb scares in Mindanao and Metro Manila. At least six were killed and more than 50 civilians were wounded in separate bombing incidents.

Rep. Casiño, who was guest speaker at the Mindanao State University in Marawi yesterday, is now in MSU - Iligan Institute of Technology attending a forum and the launching of the People's MARCH (People's Movement Against Charter Change) - Lanao.

"We condemn the series of bombings and bomb scares that injured and killed civilians as acts against humanity, and we sympathize with those who have been affected by these deplorable string of events," said Casiño. "These should have been prevented, had the intelligence community performed their duties of preventing lawless acts and apprehending criminal elements," he added.

"Now, we have more reason to think that either there is failure of intelligence on the part of the military and police, or there is an ongoing cover-up and obfuscation meant to confuse the public," said Casiño.

"With all the speculations circulating about the possible motives and perpetrators responsible for the bombings, we are appalled and alarmed about the lack of credible information from authorities. There still seems to be no official statement that points away from the Arroyo administration as the chief beneficiary of a chaotic scenario leading to repressive measures and emergency rule," Casiño laments.

"Billions of pesos of people's money go to the intelligence funds of Malacanang, the military, police and their attached departments. Instead, earlier we heard the military and police saying that the bomb scares were "ordinary" prior to SONA. Congress should look into where these funds are exactly used vis-a-vis the spate of bombings that remains to be solved," Casiño said.

"The lack of conclusive information on the motives and perpetrators of the bombings reinforces the suspicion that either there is a failure of intelligence or the obfuscation is deliberately orchestrated to divert the public's attention from the real issues and the threat of emergency rule. Arroyo remains as the sole beneficiary of what's going on," concludes Casiño. ###

July 6, 2009

Security Plans for SONA,
Based on Rumors and Meant to Intimidate

Security preparations for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's annual State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) shown to the public over the weekend were meant to intimidate instead of reassure the people that everything is normal. This was what Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said in response to the Armed Forces' and National Police's show of force.

"This security overkill showcases the administration's strong arm and sends a warning to the ordinary folks who plan to join protest actions on July 27 as Arroyo delivers her SONA," said Casiño. "Malacanang and the military leadership's message aims to discourage people from exercising the basic human and Constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assemblies," the militant solon adds.

Casiño said, "the Armed Forces and the National Police's preparations for protest rallies and a so-called destabilization plot, even if they say it is merely a rumor, in light of the recent bombings that they dismiss as a "trend", do not reassure us that everything is normal."

"Are they telling us that they are making such preparations based on rumors?," Casiño asks. "It's more alarming now that instead of revealing to us those who are behind the rumored destabilization plot and the bombings, the Armed Forces and Police downplay these as ordinary. Their statements do not dispel our doubts that something's brewing," said Casiño.

"I offer this advise to our military, police and to Malacanang. If they want to eliminate the possibility of unrest or chaos, the administration's plans for Charter Change, convening a constituent assembly, House Resolution 1109, and all plots to extend Arroyo's powerhold should be junked once and for all," said Casiño.

"In the end, the security overkill only justifies the deployment of more troops, the suppression of our rights and the quelling of peaceful protests. But their show of force can not stop us from exercising our democratic rights," concludes Casiño.###

June 30, 2009

Casiño calls for vigilance in face of
poll automation failure, bombing, martial rule plot

In view of the apparent collapse of the poll automation project, the recent bombing and the “Oplan August Moon” plot, Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño today warned the public to be extra vigilant in ensuring that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will not stay in power beyond June 2010.

"We should be on guard not only with con-ass but the other Palace-concocted scenarios. We must be extra vigilant for a no elections (no-el) scenario or a brewing coup plot that would prolong PGMA's powerhold beyond 2010," Casiño said, citing an earlier proposal by National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales for Arroyo to head a transitional revolutionary civilian-military junta.

"Due to irreconcilable differences between TIM and Smartmatic, the planned automated election has been jeopardized. We also suspect that the leak about 'Oplan August Moon' and the bomb incidents at the Department of Agriculture and the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City are all aimed at creating the conditions for giving Arroyo authoritarian powers or extending her term beyond 2010," Casiño said.

Regarding a possible declaration of military rule, Casiño said "Marcos did it before. Arroyo has all the cards, motives and tendencies to do it again. We should keep ourselves informed and prepared for such scenarios."

Casiño warned the Palace not to consider such repressive scenarios as PGMA might suffer the fate of ousted president Marcos in the 1980s and, just recently, of Honduran president Manuel Zelaya, if PGMA and her allies push through with term extension.

The plot dubbed “Oplan August Moon” was reported as favorable to Arroyo and to generals identified with Class ’78 of the Philippine Military Academy. PGMA is an adopted member of Class ’78.

Casiño, together with anti con-ass leaders, lawmakers, and ordinary citizens will be marching against con-ass and Charter change today at 3 p.m., June 30. Assembly points are: Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila - Intramuros, Adamson University - Taft Ave., and Welcome Rotonda in Manila.

June 29, 2009

Three Things PGMA Should Say on Her SONA

Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño today said there are only three things that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should declare on her State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27 at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

Casiño said, “Majority of Filipinos, as consistently verified in all opinion surveys in the country, are interested to hear only three things from PGMA when she delivers her SONA:

Number 1. ‘ I will abandon all efforts to convene Congress into a constituent assembly (con-ass) and therefore there will be no more Charter change (Cha-cha) before the 2010 national elections; ’

Number 2. ‘ I will step down in 2010, and; ’

Number 3. ‘ I’m not running for any position, be it for Congresswoman or even for municipal councilor, in the 2010 elections. ”

“That’s all that matters. That’s all we want to hear from PGMA,” affirmed Casiño, citing the nationwide disgust for President Arroyo and her administration.

“She should make her last SONA short and sweet. Enough of her lies. PGMA’s alter-egos in Malacañang do not need to fool us about a ‘resilient Philippine economy’, the ‘improved fight against corruption’ and her numerous achievements,” said Casiño.

“PGMA’s claims of economic development are obviously far from reality,” concluded Casiño.

Casiño is one of the most popular guest speakers invited by host committees of anti-con-ass forums held in schools and communities nationwide.

This afternoon, Casiño will be attending the noise barrage to be held in front of De La Salle University along Taft Avenue, Manila at 5:30 p.m., as part of the nationwide campaign against Arroyo’s con-ass and Cha-cha.

June 26, 2009

Casiño: Surround the House on PGMA's SONA to Stop Con-Ass

To avert any move that will convene Congress into a constituent assembly (con-ass) beginning July 27 when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) delivers her State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the House of Representatives, Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Teodoro Casiño is calling on the public to surround the House and guard vigilantly against con-ass.

“We should be alert when Pres. Arroyo congratulates her allies in Congress during her SONA to ensure con-ass is not convened right then and there,” Casiño said.

“Let's show them we have the numbers to defeat con-ass by surrounding the House of Representatives on July 27,” Casiño appealed before a forum of anti-con-ass forces in Marikina City today. Casiño and other anti-con ass congressmen are doing the rounds of schools and communities in preparation for a showdown when Congress resumes next month.

“Con-ass proponents are bent on taking steps to amend the Constitution, we shouldn't risk letting our guard down. Remember, the House majority approved House Resolution 1109 at an unholy hour when they thought most Filipinos were already asleep,” added Casiño.

He also said it is still possible for majority of the congressmen to abandon con-ass if they become convinced of the public's outrage.

Bayan Muna partylist firmly opposes any amendment that will favor Arroyo’s perpetuation in power, and institute pro-foreign and repressive provisions in the Constitution. ###

Dancing Inmates' Michael Jackson Tribute

2009-06-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

This Youtube video was posted by "byronfgarcia" on June 27, 2009. This two-day old post already has a total of 1,863,245 views as of this minute. According to the video info, "Dancing Inmate's Michael Jackson Tribute" was "performed by 1,500 CPDRC Inmates on June 27, 2009 in memory of Michael Jackson." It was completed within 10 hours after they heard that the King of Pop passed away. Jackson's "Ben" "I'll be there" and "We are the World" are featured in this Pinoy tribute. The video that made the CPDRC Dancing Inmates world-famous can be viewed under the tribute. Watch and enjoy these amazing videos from Cebu, Philippines. I could learn a move or two from the DI's. LoL

Tribute Video

Thriller Video (practice)

Richest and Poorest Senators & Representatives (Congressmen) of the Philippines

2009-06-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Lists of Richest and Poorest Representatives (Congressmen) of the Philippines (2009)

Here are the lists of the Top 10 richest and poorest representatives (congressmen) for 2009 based on networth:

The top 10 richest congressmen are:

1. Rep. Cynthia Villar (Lone District of Las Piñas City) - P1.05-B
2. Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (1st District of Leyte) - P477-M
3. Rep. Julio Ledesma IV (1st District of Negros Occidental) - P447-M
4. Rep. Arturo Robes (Lone District of San Jose del Monte) - P441-M
5. Rep. Judy Syjuco (2nd District of Iloilo) - P265-M
6. Rep. Monica Prieto Teodoro (1st District of Tarlac) - P232-M
7. Rep. Ferjenel Biron (4th District of Iloilo) - P191-M
8. Rep. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (2nd District of Ilocos Norte) - P180-M
9. Rep. Edgar San Luis (4th District of Laguna) - P165-M
10. Rep. Aurelio Gonzalez Jr. (3rd District of Pampanga) - P153-M

The top 10 poorest:

1. Rep. Rafael Mariano (ANAKPAWIS Party List) - P55-T
2. Rep. Teodoro Casiño (BAYAN MUNA Party List) - P118-T
3. Rep. Adam Relson Jala (3rd District of Bohol) - P782-T
4. Rep. Satur Ocampo (BAYAN MUNA Party List) - P895-T
5. Rep. Mujiv Hataman (AMIN Party List) - P1.5-M
6. Rep. Liza Maza (GABRIELA Party List) - P1.5-M
7. Rep. Benjamin Asilo (1st District of Manila) - P1.9-M
8. Rep. Pedro Pancho (2nd District of Bulacan) - P2-M
9. Rep. Sharee Ann Tan (2nd District of Western Samar) - P2.1-M
10. Rep. Narciso Santiago III (ARC Party List) - P2.9-M

Richest and Poorest Philippine Senators
(compare 2007 & 2009 figures)

The rankings of our senators’ net worth based on their statements of assets and liabilities (December 2007).

Richest Senators

1. Senate President Manny Villar - 1.04 billion pesos
2. Senator Jamby Madrigal - 146.48 million pesos
3. Senator Bong Revilla - 117.96 million pesos
4. Senator Mar Roxas - 110.63 million pesos
5. Senator Juan Ponce Enrile - 98.84 million pesos
6. Senator Mirian Defensor-Santiago - 89.38 million pesos
7. Senator Jinggoy Estrada - 83.15 million pesos
8. Senator Pia Cayetano - 76.39 million pesos
9. Senator Loren Legarda - 45.99 million pesos
10. Senator Edgardo Angara - 44.10 million pesos

“Poorest” Senators

1. Senator Antonio Trillanes - 2.6 million pesos
2. Senator Chiz Escudero - 7.46 million pesos
3. Senator Joker Arroyo - 11.05 million pesos
4. Senator Nene Pimentel - 11.53 million pesos
5. Senator Lito Lapid - 12.09 million pesos

List of 24 Senators of the Philippines (2009) based on net worth

Here is a list of the 24 senators of the Philippines (2009), arranged based on their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN):

1. Villar, Manuel 1.046 Billion pesos
2. Madrigal, Jamby 145.617 Million pesos
3. Ponce Enriile, Juan 120.367 Million pesos
4. Revilla, Bong 118 Million pesos (2007)
5. Roxas, Mar 110.7 Million pesos (2007)
6. Estrada, Jinggoy 83.511 Million pesos
7. Cayetano, Pia P75.593 Million pesos (2008)
8. Santiago, Miriam 75.755 Million pesos
9. Legarda, Loren 45.59 Million pesos
10. Angara, Edgardo 44.1 Million pesos (2007)
11. Zubiri, Juan Miguel 30.733 Million pesos
12. Biazon, Rodolfo 29.456 Million pesos
13. Lacson, Panfilo 27.806 Million pesos
14. Gordon, Richard 27 Million pesos (2007)
15. Cayetano, Alan Peter 16.266 Million pesos
16. Honasan, Gregorio 15.904 Million pesos
17. Lapid, Lito 14.6 Million pesos
18. Aquino, Benigno Iii 14 Million pesos (2007)
19. Pimentel, Aquilino Jr. 12.313 Million pesos
20. Pangilinan, Francis 11.684 Million pesos
21. Arroyo, Joker 11.05 Million pesos
22. Escudero, Chiz 7.683 Million pesos
23. Trillanes, Antonio IV 2.966 Million pesos

US taxpayers' money ginagamit sa paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa Pilipinas?

2009-06-22T23:51:00.000-07:00

Pinakamapanganib na bansa sa Asya para sa mga manggagawa, at pangatlo sa pinakamapanganib sa buong mundo.

Ito ang ranggo ng Pilipinas, ayon sa sarbey ng International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) kung ang bilang ng napaslang na unyonista ang pagbabatayan. Palagi nang nasa itaas ng listahan ng pinakamapanganib ang Pilipinas dahil sa mga kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao.

Nakapagtala ang Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) ng 70 kaso ng pamamaslang sa hanay ng mga manggagawa mula 2004-08. Mga kagawad ng militar o pulisya ang kadalasang suspects o may pakana ng mga ito. Mula 2001 nang maupo ang Pangulong Arroyo, may 91 kaso na ng pamamaslang sa mga manggagawa ang naitala.

Nagpahayag ang International Labor Organization (ILO) na magpapadala ito ng high-level team sa Pilipinas upang siyasatin nito ang mga kaso ng pamamaslang, pagdukot, panunupil at iba pang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mga manggagawa.

Una sa listahan ng ITUC na pinakamapanganib na bansa para sa mga manggagawa sa buong mundo ang Colombia, sinundan ng Guatemala at pangatlo ang Pilipinas.

Isa rin sa pinakamapanganib na bansa ang Pilipinas para sa mga mamamahayag dahil sa “culture of impunity” at di-maresolbang mga kaso ng pamamaslang sa mga mamamahayag. Maging ang National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) at mga kasapi nito ay nasa watchlist ng militar ng Pilipinas.

Sa kaso naman ng pagdukot at tortyur sa Fil-Am na si Melissa Roxas, mga elemento rin ng militar ang itinuturong nagpapatupad lang ng counter-insurgency program ng gobyerno ng Pilipinas na Oplan Bantay Laya (OBL-Operation Freedom Watch) kaya patuloy ang paglabag sa karapatang pantao.

Hindi maikakailang pinakikinabangan ng militar ng Pilipinas ang foreign military financing mula sa gobyernong US na pinopondohan ng buwis ng mamamayan sa US.

Bilang kondisyon sa 2008 badyet ng US, dapat daw sundin ng gobyerno ng Pilipinas ang mga rekomendasyon ni United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Killings Philip Alston na litisin ang mga kagawad ng militar at iba pang lumalabag sa karapatang pantao sa Pilipinas. Kahit na hindi natupad ng Pilipinas ang mga rekomendasyon ni Alston noong 2008, binigyan pa rin ng US Department of State ang Pilipinas ng full foreign military financing allocation. Sa 2009 US badyet, isinaad ng mga senador ng US na dapat masunod ang kondisyong iyon para sa pagbigay ng $30 milyon military aid sa Pilipinas, ngunit tila walang transparency sa paggamit ng US taxpayers' money para sa military aid.

Nanawagan pa naman si US President Barack Obama na gawing naaayon sa karapatang pantao at “rule of law” ang foreign policy ng US.

Dapat lang na suriin muli at itigil na ang foreign military financing ng US sa Pilipinas kung ito ay nagagamit sa paglabag sa karapatang pantao ninuman sa Pilipinas.

US taxpayers' money ginagamit sa paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa Pilipinas?

Protection Against Swine Flu?

2009-06-22T02:30:00.000-07:00

As our airwaves were flooded with news about the 400+ Influenza A(H1N1) virus (commonly called "swine flu") cases (and still spreading) in the Philippines, health experts advise everyone to mind their personal hygiene and take preventive measures such as washing of hands with soap and covering of mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

People now consciously shop for and use their trusted brands of soap, alcohol and hand sanitizers, while the wearing of surgical masks seem to be becoming stylish again. Schools with flu cases suspended their classes for about ten days to prevent the spread of infections. The House of Representatives suspended operations and mourn the death of a co-worker who tested positive for the virus. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said there are 428 cases since May 21 with almost 80 percent now fully recovered. Health officials also said no vaccine has been fully developed that would immunize one against the virus, and that food supplements could not guarantee protection against A(H1N1) either.

The World Health Organization said more than 44,000 cases had been reported worldwide.

So, are we defenseless against the virus?

It seems that people only need to get back to the basics of maintaining good personal health, hygiene and disease prevention to spare themselves from A(H1N1).

On the other hand, maybe we have to be more alert about responding to this virus threat.

On the lighter side, this writer is glad to share his access to a non-food but food-grade product that helps prevent bacterial / viral growth, among many other uses.

The company that markets the said product cites a test conducted last May 2007 by South China Testing Center of Textile Industry using Japan Industrial Standards Committee Anti-Bacterium Test Standard. According to the company, the test confirmed the 99.9% anti bacterial effect of the product, particularly on Staphylococcus aureus -- a type of bacteria that can cause a range of illnesses from minor skin infections, such as pimples, impetigo, boils, and abscesses, to life-threatening diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis, Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and septicemia.

Testimonies from consumers and medical practitioners also attest to the product's effectiveness against viruses, fungi and other health problems.

In summary, the said product when safely placed on the skin's surface, according to research, specifically the negative ion strip, helps boost the immune system and improves blood circulation. It helps in the detoxification of the body to flush out toxins or address health discomforts. According to studies and tests, negative ions relieve body aches, headache, asthma, and even allergies. Negative ions balance the metabolism and lessens irritability, lethargy and depression.

All these health benefits are available simultaneously with just one small piece of cloth! The better part of this news is that a piece of negative ion strip costs only Php10 (retail price) that could be useful for one whole day.

While there are, of course, no approved therapeutic claims, satisfied consumers report these additional uses of negative ion strips: energy booster and increases physical stamina, significantly reduces joint pain from arthritis, eliminates hemorrhoid and urinary tract infection (UTI), anti-dandruff, reduces wart, relieves stress and fatigue, removes black/white heads, eliminates pimples, eliminates foul odor, improves sleep patterns, and other uses.

Celebrities with positive feedback (via video) about this amazing product include Ms. Pilita Corales, Daisy Reyes, Roxanne Barcelo, Danny Ildefonso, and Piolo Pascual.

There are no reported harmful effects of using the negative ion strips. Another good news is that the product is available worldwide and is integrated in a global recession-proof business that can grow exponentially in Asia, USA, Canada, Middle East or Europe.

Will it work against swine flu? There is a test for the negative ion generator (a big machine) that showed effectiveness against the more lethal bird flu. This writer has no data yet about the effects of ions on A(H1N1) and I really have no intention of testing the flu on myself ;)

Please email me for any inquiry or correspondence.

jai ho!

2009-06-15T00:48:00.000-07:00

inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center dance to the tune of Jai Ho, one of Slumdog Millionaire's soundtrack hits

'Satur' - by STeX

2009-06-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

Satur -- An 8min video-tribute for Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo, a true Nationalist and servant of the Filipino masses. Produced and directed by ST eXPOSURE

Congress' priority: Gloria's Cha-cha

2009-06-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

In Night of ‘Rape’ and ‘Outrage,’ Arroyo Allies in Congress Take First Step to Cha-Cha

by BULATLAT.com

Opposition congressmen tried to block the approval of House Resolution 1109 that would create a Constituent Assembly, with some valiantly opposing the apparent railroading of the measure. But the sheer number of President Arroyo’s allies was overwhelming.

MANILA – In a night variously described as a “night of ignominy,” a “travesty,” a “charade,” – even a night of “rape” that is worse than the Hayden Kho sex video scandal – allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved a House resolution that would create a so-called constituent assembly to amend the Philippine Constitution.

Critics say House Resolution 1109 would pave the way not only for the amendment of the Constitution but for the possible extension as well of Arroyo’s stay in power — a term, which is supposed to end next year, that has been marred by so much political scandal, allegations of corruption, and massive violations of human rights.

The vote adopting HR 1109 came about half an hour before midnight of Tuesday. And a few minutes after the decision was made, calls for protests were already being made through text messages, Twitter and Facebook, which had been abuzz with tweets and updates about the debates and the impending approval of the resolution.

Shouts of “sa kalsada na lang ang labanan! (bring the fight to the streets!)” and pained questions about the future of Philippine democracy reverberated throughout the social-networks, with Twitter and Plurk users providing blow-by-blow accounts and reactions that ranged from bemused to shocked and outraged.

Opposition congressmen tried to block the approval of HR 1109, with some valiantly opposing the apparent railroading of the measure. But the sheer number of Arroyo’s allies was overwhelming.

Shortly before the voting, Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo wondered aloud on the podium why administration representatives suddenly filled the session hall. He said there must have been a “marching order” from Malacanang for them to be present Tuesday night to vote for the measure.

A majority vote, or 134 of the 265 House members, was needed to approve the resolution. Apparently, tonight’s session satisfied this requirement.

The Constituent Assembly, or Con-Ass, is one of three ways that the Constitution can be amended. Under the Con-Ass mode, both houses of Congress can convene to propose changes in the charter.

Early in the debates, which began after 5 p.m. Tuesday, arguments were made that the majority was deliberately misreading the requirements for a Con-Ass, by acting as if it were the only Congress (excluding the Senate) that the rules were referring to.

“We cannot vote alone. We are a bicameral legislature. We should follow first a joint concurrent resolution,” Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Gutierrez, an oppositionist congressman, pointed out during the debates.

There were also concerns that HR 1109 was too vague and lacked specifics to allow an informed vote. The resolution, said Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan, “is so hollow that it does not specify what exactly are we going to vote for.”

“Tonight,” Ilagan said, “is a night of ignominy. We witnessed the tyranny of numbers.”

During the interpellation of the sponsors of the resolution, the progressive bloc in the House took turns lambasting the majority and the administration for railroading Con-Ass.

Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo said the “public is entitled to know why there is need to change the Constitution,” pointing out that majority of Filipinos oppose Cha-cha, according to the latest SWS survey that says 42% of Filipinos are not in favor of amending Constitution.

Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza decried the absence of consultation for the measure, particularly among the marginalized sector. “No resource persons from marginalized sectors were invited to committee hearings to hear their positions,” she said.

“Why the rush? What is the reason? Will the world disappear tomorrow if we don’t approve HR 1109? Will the Philippines disappear?” Maza said.

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares wondered what would kind of constitution the Congress would create when it did not even consult the public. “This is a terrifying night,” Colmenares said. “Let us not allow Arroyo to surpass Marcos,” he said, referring to the late dictator’s many years in power.

Anakpawis Rep. Joel Maglunsod asked his colleagues what good the Cha-cha will bring to ordinary Filipinos, the unemployed, the OFWs and those affected by the financial crisis.

The denunciations went on into the night, with Rep. Edno Joson of Nueva Vizcaya likening the night’s vote to a rape. Kabataan partylist Rep. Raymond Palatino called the impending vote “worse than the Hayden Kho scandal,” referring to the sex video scandal riveting the nation.

There were intense moments during the debates, as when Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona III delivered what seemed to Arroyo allies like a privilege speech and not an interpellation.

“Arroyo has destroyed many institution of our government and has removed the faith of Filipinos in these institutions,” Guingona said. This, he said, referring to HR 1109, “is the first step toward changing the Constitution with one aim: to let Arroyo remain in power indefinitely.”

House security also initially prevented people from entering the gallery, with many of them ending up drenched by the rain outside the Congress halls. This prompted Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casino Jr. to take the floor and asked his colleagues: “This is the house of the people. Why are we preventing them from entering?” (Bulatlat.com)

Economic Relief and Reforms

2009-06-02T00:15:00.000-07:00

What are patriots and activists doing during an economic crisis? One important role performed by this oppressed / marginalized group is the conduct of advocacies for education, relief and reforms. Information sharing is a step towards realizing the recommendations listed below. A reminder: there's no place for illusions, given attainable goals. This repost is something everyone here ought to know. (published in Bulatlat.com)

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People’s Fighting Demands for Economic Relief and Long-Term Reforms:
Ensuring a Pro-People and Nationalist Response to the Global Financial and Economic Crisis

1. Protection and Promotion of Jobs and Immediate Provision of Benefits and Assistance to Affected Workers

a. Ensure that due process are accorded to all workers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who are facing retrenchment or dislocation to prevent unreasonable termination.
b. Review all the cases of displaced workers with the employer citing the global financial and economic crisis as the reason behind such termination to determine if due process was observed and the reason cited was legitimate.
c. Ensure the easy access of all workers to all the benefits accorded to them by their social security and insurance systems.
d. Ensure that all claims due to the displaced workers such as separation pay and other entitlements must be given without delay by their employers.
e. Provide immediate relief, including but not limited to, direct cash assistance grant to all workers displaced by the global financial and economic crisis.
f. Ensure that displaced OFWs obtain from their employers the immediate provision of full compensation including separation pay, payment for the unexpired portion of their contracts, and reimbursement of air transportation fare.
g. Stop the imposition of onerous and additional fees on workers leaving the country to look for employment opportunities abroad.
h. Ensure that all benefits due to OFWs from their contribution to the funds of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are easily accessible and readily provided.
i. Stop contractualization and all forms of labor flexibilization schemes.
j. Stop the massive and systematic retrenchment of all public sector workers by scrapping all so-called “rationalization plans” such as Executive Order (EO) 366 and EO 102, and all privatization programs for various government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and other public enterprises and institutions.
k. Stop the ejection of peasants from their land.
l. Provide substantial and immediate government assistance to farmers in areas hit by natural or man-made calamities that affected farm production.
m. Suspend the clearing operation of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) against sidewalk vendors.

2. Provision of Sufficient Social Services

a. Provide sufficient social services especially public education (excluding military education), public health, and public housing by substantially increasing their national budget allocation and increasing public spending on them.
b. Reduce substantially the national budget allocation for the military and debt servicing and redirect the savings to allocation for public education (excluding military education), public health, and public housing.
c. Stop the privatization and commercialization of all public schools and state colleges and universities, public hospitals, and public housing to ensure that the services they provide are accessible and available especially for the poor and ordinary income earners.
d. Stop the demolition of urban poor communities and provide decent and secure housing for the poor.

3. Generating Resources While Easing the Undue Burden Caused by Taxes and Debt

a. Stop the automatic appropriation for debt servicing through the repeal of Presidential Decree (PD) 1177 or the Budget Reform Decree of 1977 and Executive Order (EO) 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987 to free up resources for social services spending.
b. Declare a moratorium on foreign debt servicing and review all foreign debts to determine which are odious and illegitimate and therefore shall no longer be repaid.
c. Remove the 12% value added tax on oil, power, water, and other basic consumer goods and basic services to lower prices and stretch the budgets of ordinary households.
d. Provide tax breaks for all minimum wage earners in the private sector and their equivalent in the public sector. Review all pertinent laws and policies to ensure that such tax breaks are appropriately enjoyed by targeted workers and employees.
e. Provide tax breaks and other forms of financial assistance to Filipino-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost their viability. Various forms of fiscal incentives accorded to transnational corporations (TNCs) and other foreign businesses operating in the country must be redirected to Filipino-owned SMEs.
f. Re-impose tariffs on imported goods that have been cut back or eliminated under past and present trade liberalization programs and international trade agreements to generate revenues for the national government.
g. Implement a serious crackdown against government corruption, bureaucratic wastage, and smuggling that take away much-needed public resources.

4. Mitigating the Cost of Living and Controlling the Prices of Basic Goods and Services

a. Implement the demand of all private and public sector workers for a substantial increase in their wages through legislation.
b. Impose price control mechanisms on basic consumer goods and provide state subsidy to mitigate sudden increases in prices. Review all pertinent laws and policies to ensure that price control mechanisms are properly implemented and are actually beneficial to consumers.
c. Repeal Republic Act (RA) 8479 or the Oil Deregulation Law of 1998 and RA 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 to stop and reverse the privatization and deregulation of the oil and power sectors that have led to increasing petroleum prices and electricity rates.
d. Stop all new increases in water and power utilities caused by various automatic rate adjustment mechanisms under privatization contracts forged by past and present administrations.
e. Stop all new increases in mass transportation fares. In the case of public utility jeepneys, buses, and taxis, government must provide considerable assistance to drivers and small operators including, but not limited to, subsidies on petroleum and spare parts. Onerous and additional fees imposed by government agencies on the public transport sector must be scrapped as well.
f. Freeze the increases in tuition and all other fees imposed by public and private schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions nationwide. Stop the deregulation of tuition and other fees by repealing the Education Act of 1982.
g. Ensure the availability of affordable food, especially rice. Make available to the general public the P18.25 per kilo rice subsidized by the National Food Authority (NFA), which is currently restricted to holders of family access cards (FACs). The privatization of the NFA must be stopped and its mandate to ensure food security must be promoted, including its procurement of at least 25% of domestic rice production. At the same time, it must maintain its palay support price of P17 a kilo for palay farmers.
h. Review all relevant laws and policies to ensure that affordable, essential, and safe medicines are available and accessible to the people.

5. Ending and reversing the liberalization of trade and investment

a. Reverse all trade and investment liberalization policies to support and promote domestic production. All previously removed and reduced tariffs, quantitative restrictions, foreign equity limits, and other forms of control and regulation must be restored and strengthened to check the undue competition posed by foreign goods and capital on Filipino producers.
b. Stop the implementation of existing bilateral, regional, and multilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) such as, but not limited to, the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) and the various trade deals under the World Trade Organization (WTO). All ongoing negotiations for new bilateral and regional FTAs as well as talks for new liberalization commitments in the WTO must be immediately discontinued.
c. Stop all moves to further liberalize the investment regime in the country such as, but not limited to, House Resolution (HR) 737, which calls for 100% foreign ownership of land and resources in the country through Charter change (Cha-cha).

6. Orienting the Domestic Economy Towards Self-Sufficiency and Self-Reliance

a. Promote local industries by providing government support and incentives that will allow them to expand and create jobs inside the country.
b. Reorient the import-dependent and export-oriented design of light industry in the country towards the production of basic consumer goods as well as basic producers’ goods to meet the needs of Filipino consumers and domestic economic sectors.
c. Undertake a program for national industrialization including developing the country’s capability to produce industrial goods. Effective state control over strategic sectors and economic activities such as energy, raw material production, utilities, etc must be ensured.
d. Establish and implement a genuine agrarian reform program in the country and undertake rural industrialization to spur development and deal decisively with unemployment, poverty, and hunger.

7. Addressing the Roots of the Armed Conflict in the Country

a. Considering that poverty and marginalization are the roots of decades-old armed conflict in the Philippines, it is vital to address these issues head-on instead of the current militarist approach, including military operations cloaked under so-called poverty alleviation initiatives. There is a need to resume the stalled peace negotiations, including the talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), as well as with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to allow discussions on comprehensive and extensive social and economic reforms that the Filipino people urgently need especially amid a worsening global economic condition.

new rent control bill OK'd

2009-05-29T00:21:00.000-07:00

Plenary ratifies bicam report setting 1-year moratorium,
7% cap on house rental increase

The House Plenary last Tuesday (May 26) unanimously ratified the bicameral conference committee report on a new rent control law that imposes a 1-year moratorium on rental increase and a 7% cap until 2013.

The report was the result of the bicameral conference committee meeting last May 20 on the disagreeing provisions in Senate Bill Number 3163 and House Bill Number 6098, which replaces the old rent control law that expired on Dec. 31 last year.

In addition to the 1-year prohibition on rental hike introduced by Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, the bicameral conference committee also agreed to impose a 7% ceiling in annual rental increases for units charging rent from P1 to P10,000 in Metro Manila and P1 to P5,000 in other areas. This is lower than the old law's cap of 10%.

“Bayan Muna is happy about this development, since more than 1.54 million poor families living in rented houses, plus hundreds of thousands of bedspacers and dormitory residents will immediately benefit from this law,” said Casiño, a principal sponsor of the measure in the House and member of the bicameral conference committee.

Rep. Casiño hopes that the Bill will be signed into law before Congress adjourns on June 5.

“This law aims to protect poor families from higher and unreasonable rental payments at this time when we are feeling the adverse effects of the global economic recession. The enactment of the Rent Control Act will somehow relieve the families' burden of higher rentals,” said Casiño.

The prohibitions would apply to house and lot units, apartments and other dwelling places including boarding houses, dormitories, rooms and bedspaces offered for rent by their owners. It also includes residential units used for home industries, sari-sari stores or other business purposes which doubles as dwelling places for the business owner.

A two-year moratorium for rental increases was earlier proposed in House Bill No. 5849 sponsored by Rep. Casiño and co-authored by Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo, Gabriela representatives Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan, and Anakpawis party representative Rafael Mariano. This was reduced to one year by the House and upheld by the bicameral conference committee.

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earlier news item:

House OKs rent control
By EDMER F. PANESA
May 7, 2009, 9:04am Manila Bulletin . com

The House of Representatives approved on final reading Tuesday night a bill that aims to protect millions of housing tenants in the country from unreasonable rent increases.

House Bill (HB) 6098 or the proposed “Rent Control Act of 2009” seeks to extend the country’s last rent control law, which expired last December 31, 2008 for another four years.

But unlike the previous rent control laws which have set a 10-percent cap annually on rent increases, the new measure imposes only a one-year moratorium on rent hikes and allows an increase of only up to four percent per year for the succeeding three years.

The approval of the measure was unanimous as all 186 House members present at Tuesday’s session voted in its favor.

HB 6098 was one of the 13 bills the House approved on third and reading. Its passage came a day after the legislative chamber received flak for its failure to hold session on Monday due to lack of quorum, which was brought about by the absence of a substantial number of congresspersons who were either in Las Vegas or have joined President Arroyo in her visits to Egypt and Syria.

Others approved on final reading are HB 5241, or the proposed Investments and Incentives Code of the Philippines; HB 6072, An Act Expanding the Promotion of Breastfeeding; and HB 6052, which would require all voters to undergo biometrics registration for elections.

Speaker Prospero Nograles, who was among those who flew to Las Vegas to watch the Pacquiao-Hatton fight last Sunday, expressed elation over the final approval of the new rent control law and other important legislation, saying it “compensated the unfortunate quorum problem that we had.”

“The passage of these measures was a responsive and collective action of both the leadership of the House and the members of the majority coalition with the critical cooperation of our colleagues in the minority,” the Speaker said in a statement.

Nograles, principal author of HB 6098, considers the measure as among the “socio-economic safety nets needed to protect millions of low-income Filipino families from the global recession gripping even the strongest of economies.”

Other authors of the bill are Reps. Rodolfo Valencia (Oriental Mindoro), Edgardo Chatto (Bohol), Eufrocino Codilla (Leyte), Raul del Mar (Cebu City), Pablo Garcia (Cebu), Teodoro Casiño (Bayan Muna), Eduardo Gullas (Cebu), Liza Maza (Gabriela), Ramon Durano VI (Cebu), Satur Ocampo (Bayan Muna), Pedro Romualdo (Camiguin), Glenn Chong (Biliran), Luz Ilagan (Gabriela), Roman Romulo (Pasig City), Rafael Mariano (Anakpawis), Neptali Gonzales II (Mandaluyong City), Del de Guzman (Marikina City), Victor Agbayani (Pangasinan) and Rene Velarde (Buhay).

The proposed “Rent Control Act of 2009” covers all residential units in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized cities rented for R10, 000 and below per month and those in other areas with monthly rent not exceeding P5, 000.

The bill provides that after the one-year moratorium, the rent of residential units covered by the measure shall not be increased by more than four percent annually as long as the unit is occupied by the same lessee.

When the unit becomes vacant, the renter may set the initial rent for the next lessee except in the case of boarding houses, dormitories, rooms and bed spaces offered for rent to students where the rent shall not increase more than once a year.

Exempted from the coverage of the law are rooms in a motel, hotel and resort.

If enacted, the new rent control law grants the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) the authority to continue the regulation of rental fees of certain residential units after the lapse of the one-year moratorium and the three-year period of regulation.

HUDCC is also empowered to determine the residential units covered, and to adjust the allowable unit on rental increases per year, which shall not be more than the average monthly inflation rate on rentals of the immediately preceding year as determined by the National Statistics Office.

The measure prohibits the collection of more than one month as “advance rent” and two months “advance deposit.”

It also grants the lessor and the lessee the option to engage in a rent-to-own agreement that will result in the transfer of ownership to the latter. Such an agreement shall be expected from the limit on increase in rent.

The bill imposes a fine of not less than P5, 000 and not more than P15, 000 or imprisonment of 32 days to six months or both against those who shall be found guilty of violating any of the law’s provisions.

free phones

2009-05-28T03:27:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for a new mobile phone that is handy as a camera, music player, internet modem, video recorder, and videophone, and has dual-sim, blue tooth and tri-band capabilities. It must also be affordable, if not free. Functionality is on top of my criteria while brand is of no importance. I've been stopping by mall booths but have not yet found a phone that matches my specifications.

Most telecoms such as Globe, Smart, Sun and other service providers abroad offer free cellphones - mobile handsets - depending on the postpaid line subscription availed. I found these free phone deals attractive but the sheer number of choices and subscription price listings make choosing difficult for me. The deals require you to pay a fixed monthly fee for two years or more so that you can have the cellphone for free. I found many of the subscription fees overpriced. By the end of that lock-in period, the cellphone would have been outdated. So one has to pay overpriced fees for a fixed period. I'd appreciate some tips.

Meanwhile, in my friendster page, I found out that some friendsters out there are allegedly offering free cellphones. This is a special promo, the ad said. I am not sure how the "account" owner/s manage to visit many friendster profiles. Maybe some geek invented a computer program similar to the one used in the Pablo Banila invasion of friendster. The viral announcement instructs the friendster user to click on some links leading to a website that has photos of nice cellphones. The site even has photos and testimonials of "winners" of free cellphones. I immediately guessed that this was a scam and closed the browser. Still, if a virus or program did this advertising, there's doubt that lingers on whether or not my friendster account or computer had also been infected.

In the end, the search for an affordable or free cellphone is not a risk-free pastime.

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Some of what's here in the net about free phones:

Ickypeople writes. . .

U.S. Government Giving Out Free Cellphones and Service to Poor Americans

This is a bizarre policy. The U.S. Government has started giving out free cellphones, free service, and free minutes every month, plus rollover minutes, caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail to citizens who qualify. Uncle Sam pays for everything. I'm not making this up.

It's called SafeLink Wireless.

Service is currently being offered in "parts of Delaware, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia," and plans to expand to Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, and New Hampshire.

You are eligible if you live in one of those areas, and are already receiving federal aid or your income is below 135% of the poverty guidelines set by the government.

Click here to learn more.

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Cellphonenumbers . . . worked to provide a huge list of free cellphones available to everyone looking for a new cellphone service contract. We have organized this list by cellphone provider.

Some, cellphone manufactures have a large selection of cellphones, for example Motorola, Nokia and LG both offer a very large selection of free phone, others offer a smaller selection. Take a look around and please let us know if you there is a phone you feel we need to add to our site. We are going to work to secure as many free cellphone offers as we can find.

Note: In order to make sure you get your cellphone for free, make sure you purchase through the links we ae provided.

Free PDA Cellphone Crossovers from Blackberry and Palm Phones

Free Nextel Phones with a new Sprint Nextel Contract

Free Samsung, Sanyo and Ericson Phones for everyday use.

Our free phones are only available with a new cellphone service plan. If you already have a service contact and it is not expiring soon check out some of the used cell phones we have found. They are a great alternative to high priced new phones.

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Reuters has this report . . .

Free cellphones to fight Maoists in Indian state

RANCHI, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Authorities in an insurgency-hit eastern Indian state are distributing free mobile phones to villagers to provide information about Maoist rebels, officials said.

The heads of about 220 villages in Jharkhand have been provided with a mobile phone each and users are provided with a list of police numbers to call as part of the latest strategy to fight Maoist insurgency. . .

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I won't be surprised if the President or her allies will also give away free cellphones in the coming months.