Surigao Police probes shoe store robbery
Surigao City (15 November) - Personnel of Surigao City police station conducted an ocular investigation on a reported robbery incident just before the Pacquiao-Margarito fight Sunday, November 14 at OTTO Shoes Store located at the provincial sports complex along Rizal Street this city.
Initial investigation revealed that around 7:30am, the victim Delia Apuyo Trilles, 60 yrs old, married, a native of Legaspi City, trusted and checker of the store presently residing at Digao Apartment located at Lot 1, Block 14, Canlanipa Homes, Brgy. Canlanipa, went to the said establishment owned by her daughter named Grace Sabado purposely to make and check their daily sale’s report.
Moment later the suspect identified as Jhonny Gueral Congayo, stock man of the said establishment and a resident of Payawan I, Brgy. Luna arrived and on such instance, she then gave the key to the suspect intended to open the entrance door of the said establishment.
But when the victim was inside the comfort room, unexpectedly, the suspect came in and suddenly thrust a fist blows and struck her head using a hammer. The suspect then took away the keys and cash worth P39, 026.89 and fled towards unknown direction.
The victim sustained wound on her head and was immediately rushed to Caraga Regional Hospital for medical treatment. Follow-up operation is still conducted for possible arrest of the said suspect. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Cebuano News: Samahang Magdalo mi-endorso sa bag-ong RD sa BFAR 9
Ni Michael Imbo
Butuan City - Si Dr. Pendatun I. Talib Al Hadj ang gitudlo nga bag-ong Regional Director sa Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) didto sa Regiona 9, dili pa lang dogay.
Ang paghupot ni Talib sa maong posisyon subay sa endorsing giduso sa Samahang Magdalo nga gipanguluhan ni Capt. Garry Alejano.
Nahibaloan nga si Dr. Talib usa ka doctor of Rural Development nga nakabase sa Zamboanga City kinsa mauy molingkod isip Regional Director sa BFAR Region 9.
Si Talib nakaserbisyo na sa Regional Fisheries Training Center sulod sa 30 katuig.
Ang Department of Agriculture pinaagi sa Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ug Regional Offices sa DA, ang naningkamot nga makatabang sa pagpadaghan sa industriya sa fish processing.
Apil sa serbisyo sa BFAR ang pag-inspeksyon sa planta sa fish processing, fish ports, microbiological, chemical analysis of fishery products, training sa fish inspection ug proseso sa quality control.
Sa laing bahin hulipan ni Talib si Former BFAR Regional Director Virgilio A. Alforgue alang sa iyang pagretiro sa serbisyo.
Si Dr. Talib nailhan nga lumadnong kaliwat sa Sama Badjao tribe usa ka marginalize sector sa isla sa Mindanao. (PIA-Caraga)
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Banana farmers urge senate to push measures to help Philippine export banana industry
DAVAO CITY, 15 November 2010 - Contract growers of export bananas in the Davao Region are not heaving a sigh of relief despite repeated government announcements that “ the Iran market has resumed and that alternative markets have been found in case of a repeat of the Iran crisis. “
Secretary Proceso J. Alcala told media recently that “China is increasing its demand for Philippine bananas and that the difficulty in Iran is mainly due to lack of letters of credit being issued to Iranian fruit importers and that the problem have been addressed.”
Iran is the Philippine export banana industry’s biggest market in the Middle East. The country imports an average of 32,000,000 boxes per annum representing the production of 9,000 banana farmlands in Mindanao and approximately valued at PHP4.8-billion.
“Iran is a sizable and crucial market for Philippine bananas,” declared Stephen A. Antig, executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA).
Antig said that earnings from Iran sustain the livelihood of 36,000 workers mostly heads of six-member households bringing to roughly 216,000 Mindanao residents who are directly dependent on the continuing viability of the Iran market.
PBGEA earlier presented to Senator Teofisto TG Guingona Jr., a six-point package of options to mitigate the negative impact of Iran’s inability to buy Philippine bananas as crafted by the joint meeting of the Economic Development Committee and Social Development Committee of the Regional Development Council-Region XI.
The said package includes, among others, exploring the possibility of bartering Philippine bananas with Iranian oil and asserting entry of Philippine bananas to Australia to balance the trade between the two countries which is too lopsided in favor of Australia.
Australian export earnings from the Philippines average $480-million per annum vis-Γ -vis the Philippines paltry $126-million. (Danilo Escabarte/PIA-Caraga)
POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
Report on shooting incident
One Rolly Abano Jr y Arestoteles, 38 years old, married, Bantay Dagat member and resident of Brgy Gata, San Agustin. Surigao del Sur together with his brother one Santiago Abano y Arestoteles, also a Bantay Dagat member while conducting Seaborne Patrol at the seawater of Brgy Bretania, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur on November 13, 2010 at 1:00 am, saw a group of fishermen engaged in illegal fishing locally known as “Boso”.
Rolly Abano Jr fired his gun twice as warning shots, however, one Noberto Trimidal, legal age, married, leader of the group of fishermen and a res of St Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur was accidentally hit by the warning shots and was immediately brought to Lianga District Hospital and latter referred to Agusan del Sur Provincial Hospital, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur for medical treatment.
PNP elements of San Agustin MPS responded to the incident and recovered one unit cal .38 revolver Smith & Wesson with defaced serial number without any legal documents and two (2) spent shells which believed to have been use during the incident. Suspect and recovered items are now under the custody of San Agustin MPS. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
Lianga, SdS cops arrest wanted person
One Joel Rivas y Urbistondo, 24 years old, married and resident of P-1, Tigis Street, Brgy Poblacion, Lianga, Surigao del Sur was arrested by PNP personnel of Lianga Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by PINPS VITALIANO B PAGARAN III, by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Alfredo P Jalad of RTC Branch 28, Lianga, Surigao del Sur for violation of RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004), docketed under CC nr L-2175with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 12,000.00.
Aprehension took place at Bgry Poblacion, Lianga, Surigoa del Sur on November 14, 2010 at 10:15 am. Subject person now detained at Lianga MPS for proper disposition.
One Leonardo Elyaya y Andujuyan, 29 years old, married and resident of Purok 5, Brgy Tabon-tabon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur was arrested by PNP elements of Sibagat MPS on November 14, 2010 at 9:10 am at Sitio Camponay, Brgy Tabon-tabon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
Apprehension made by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Hector B Salise of RTC Brnach 7, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, dated May 5, 2010 fr the crime of theft, docketed under CC nr 3167 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 20,000.00. Subject person now under the custody of Sibagat MPS for proper disposition. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
Zero crime incidents during Pacquiao-Margarito boxing match
For information, no crime incident was reported in the area of responsibility of Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) during the time span of Manny Pacquiao versus Antonio Margarito boxing fight from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on November 14, 2010. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
Legarda bill increases salaries of doctors to keep them home
To avert a crisis in health care provision caused by a decrease in the enrollment of students in the field of medicine and the recent phenomenon of doctors forgoing their medical education and training in order to pursue nursing abroad, Senator Loren Legarda said there is a need to upgrade the salary and benefits of doctors while upgrading the quality of their training as well to keep them home.
In filing Senate Bill No. 1395, Legarda said, “This bill seeks to make our Filipino medical residents stay in the country in order for them to continue looking after the health of Filipinos.”
“Some government and private hospitals were reportedly filling up their medical resident vacancies by hiring foreign doctors.”
“In a survey done by the Department of Health (DOH), among its retained training and teaching hospitals, 12% of plantilla positions for medical residents remain unfilled. It is feared that with Filipinos opting for out-of-residency training, there will no longer be Filipino medical specialists in the future,” Legarda cautioned.
“Filipino doctors shift to nursing and work abroad just so they could earn larger amounts as compared to what they would earn as doctors in our country. Aside from a measly monthly salary of P19,168.00 as a Medical Officer III in government hospitals, doctors are said to be living in inhumane conditions.”
“Resident doctors are the main workforce in hospitals and as such, they are sometimes on duty for three straight days, during which meals and sleep are missed. Surely, these dismal conditions make raising a family and living decently a very difficult endeavor for Filipino doctors in the country. “
Legarda‘s Senate Bill No. 1395 - An Act To Manage The Residency Training in the Philippines recommends the creation of an agency attached to the Department of Health that would oversee and standardize the accreditation of specialties and sub-specialties now currently being done by societies, and look after the welfare of medical residents by ensuring they receive a more decent salary.
“Through this bill, it is hoped that our country will produce competent medical specialists who are willing to stay in the country and serve their fellow citizens “ Legarda concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)
P1 B capital fund for small and medium scale IT start up companies – Legarda
Senator Loren Legarda proposes the creation of an IT venture capital fund for small to medium-scale IT start-up companies in order to encourage more Filipinos to venture into the very dynamic industry of information technology.
“There is a need to widen the participation of the poor in the IT sector, particularly through entrepreneurial activities. The proposed fund, which amounts to P1 billion, shall be administered by the Department of Science and Technology.”
Surigao City (15 November) - Personnel of Surigao City police station conducted an ocular investigation on a reported robbery incident just before the Pacquiao-Margarito fight Sunday, November 14 at OTTO Shoes Store located at the provincial sports complex along Rizal Street this city.
Initial investigation revealed that around 7:30am, the victim Delia Apuyo Trilles, 60 yrs old, married, a native of Legaspi City, trusted and checker of the store presently residing at Digao Apartment located at Lot 1, Block 14, Canlanipa Homes, Brgy. Canlanipa, went to the said establishment owned by her daughter named Grace Sabado purposely to make and check their daily sale’s report.
Moment later the suspect identified as Jhonny Gueral Congayo, stock man of the said establishment and a resident of Payawan I, Brgy. Luna arrived and on such instance, she then gave the key to the suspect intended to open the entrance door of the said establishment.
But when the victim was inside the comfort room, unexpectedly, the suspect came in and suddenly thrust a fist blows and struck her head using a hammer. The suspect then took away the keys and cash worth P39, 026.89 and fled towards unknown direction.
The victim sustained wound on her head and was immediately rushed to Caraga Regional Hospital for medical treatment. Follow-up operation is still conducted for possible arrest of the said suspect. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Cebuano News: Samahang Magdalo mi-endorso sa bag-ong RD sa BFAR 9
Ni Michael Imbo
Butuan City - Si Dr. Pendatun I. Talib Al Hadj ang gitudlo nga bag-ong Regional Director sa Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) didto sa Regiona 9, dili pa lang dogay.
Ang paghupot ni Talib sa maong posisyon subay sa endorsing giduso sa Samahang Magdalo nga gipanguluhan ni Capt. Garry Alejano.
Nahibaloan nga si Dr. Talib usa ka doctor of Rural Development nga nakabase sa Zamboanga City kinsa mauy molingkod isip Regional Director sa BFAR Region 9.
Si Talib nakaserbisyo na sa Regional Fisheries Training Center sulod sa 30 katuig.
Ang Department of Agriculture pinaagi sa Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ug Regional Offices sa DA, ang naningkamot nga makatabang sa pagpadaghan sa industriya sa fish processing.
Apil sa serbisyo sa BFAR ang pag-inspeksyon sa planta sa fish processing, fish ports, microbiological, chemical analysis of fishery products, training sa fish inspection ug proseso sa quality control.
Sa laing bahin hulipan ni Talib si Former BFAR Regional Director Virgilio A. Alforgue alang sa iyang pagretiro sa serbisyo.
Si Dr. Talib nailhan nga lumadnong kaliwat sa Sama Badjao tribe usa ka marginalize sector sa isla sa Mindanao. (PIA-Caraga)
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.
Banana farmers urge senate to push measures to help Philippine export banana industry
DAVAO CITY, 15 November 2010 - Contract growers of export bananas in the Davao Region are not heaving a sigh of relief despite repeated government announcements that “ the Iran market has resumed and that alternative markets have been found in case of a repeat of the Iran crisis. “
Secretary Proceso J. Alcala told media recently that “China is increasing its demand for Philippine bananas and that the difficulty in Iran is mainly due to lack of letters of credit being issued to Iranian fruit importers and that the problem have been addressed.”
Iran is the Philippine export banana industry’s biggest market in the Middle East. The country imports an average of 32,000,000 boxes per annum representing the production of 9,000 banana farmlands in Mindanao and approximately valued at PHP4.8-billion.
“Iran is a sizable and crucial market for Philippine bananas,” declared Stephen A. Antig, executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA).
Antig said that earnings from Iran sustain the livelihood of 36,000 workers mostly heads of six-member households bringing to roughly 216,000 Mindanao residents who are directly dependent on the continuing viability of the Iran market.
PBGEA earlier presented to Senator Teofisto TG Guingona Jr., a six-point package of options to mitigate the negative impact of Iran’s inability to buy Philippine bananas as crafted by the joint meeting of the Economic Development Committee and Social Development Committee of the Regional Development Council-Region XI.
The said package includes, among others, exploring the possibility of bartering Philippine bananas with Iranian oil and asserting entry of Philippine bananas to Australia to balance the trade between the two countries which is too lopsided in favor of Australia.
Australian export earnings from the Philippines average $480-million per annum vis-Γ -vis the Philippines paltry $126-million. (Danilo Escabarte/PIA-Caraga)
POLICE REPORTS
By PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
Report on shooting incident
One Rolly Abano Jr y Arestoteles, 38 years old, married, Bantay Dagat member and resident of Brgy Gata, San Agustin. Surigao del Sur together with his brother one Santiago Abano y Arestoteles, also a Bantay Dagat member while conducting Seaborne Patrol at the seawater of Brgy Bretania, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur on November 13, 2010 at 1:00 am, saw a group of fishermen engaged in illegal fishing locally known as “Boso”.
Rolly Abano Jr fired his gun twice as warning shots, however, one Noberto Trimidal, legal age, married, leader of the group of fishermen and a res of St Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur was accidentally hit by the warning shots and was immediately brought to Lianga District Hospital and latter referred to Agusan del Sur Provincial Hospital, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur for medical treatment.
PNP elements of San Agustin MPS responded to the incident and recovered one unit cal .38 revolver Smith & Wesson with defaced serial number without any legal documents and two (2) spent shells which believed to have been use during the incident. Suspect and recovered items are now under the custody of San Agustin MPS. Progress report to follow. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
Lianga, SdS cops arrest wanted person
One Joel Rivas y Urbistondo, 24 years old, married and resident of P-1, Tigis Street, Brgy Poblacion, Lianga, Surigao del Sur was arrested by PNP personnel of Lianga Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by PINPS VITALIANO B PAGARAN III, by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Alfredo P Jalad of RTC Branch 28, Lianga, Surigao del Sur for violation of RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004), docketed under CC nr L-2175with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 12,000.00.
Aprehension took place at Bgry Poblacion, Lianga, Surigoa del Sur on November 14, 2010 at 10:15 am. Subject person now detained at Lianga MPS for proper disposition.
One Leonardo Elyaya y Andujuyan, 29 years old, married and resident of Purok 5, Brgy Tabon-tabon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur was arrested by PNP elements of Sibagat MPS on November 14, 2010 at 9:10 am at Sitio Camponay, Brgy Tabon-tabon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
Apprehension made by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Hector B Salise of RTC Brnach 7, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, dated May 5, 2010 fr the crime of theft, docketed under CC nr 3167 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 20,000.00. Subject person now under the custody of Sibagat MPS for proper disposition. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
Zero crime incidents during Pacquiao-Margarito boxing match
For information, no crime incident was reported in the area of responsibility of Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) during the time span of Manny Pacquiao versus Antonio Margarito boxing fight from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on November 14, 2010. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)
Legarda bill increases salaries of doctors to keep them home
To avert a crisis in health care provision caused by a decrease in the enrollment of students in the field of medicine and the recent phenomenon of doctors forgoing their medical education and training in order to pursue nursing abroad, Senator Loren Legarda said there is a need to upgrade the salary and benefits of doctors while upgrading the quality of their training as well to keep them home.
In filing Senate Bill No. 1395, Legarda said, “This bill seeks to make our Filipino medical residents stay in the country in order for them to continue looking after the health of Filipinos.”
“Some government and private hospitals were reportedly filling up their medical resident vacancies by hiring foreign doctors.”
“In a survey done by the Department of Health (DOH), among its retained training and teaching hospitals, 12% of plantilla positions for medical residents remain unfilled. It is feared that with Filipinos opting for out-of-residency training, there will no longer be Filipino medical specialists in the future,” Legarda cautioned.
“Filipino doctors shift to nursing and work abroad just so they could earn larger amounts as compared to what they would earn as doctors in our country. Aside from a measly monthly salary of P19,168.00 as a Medical Officer III in government hospitals, doctors are said to be living in inhumane conditions.”
“Resident doctors are the main workforce in hospitals and as such, they are sometimes on duty for three straight days, during which meals and sleep are missed. Surely, these dismal conditions make raising a family and living decently a very difficult endeavor for Filipino doctors in the country. “
Legarda‘s Senate Bill No. 1395 - An Act To Manage The Residency Training in the Philippines recommends the creation of an agency attached to the Department of Health that would oversee and standardize the accreditation of specialties and sub-specialties now currently being done by societies, and look after the welfare of medical residents by ensuring they receive a more decent salary.
“Through this bill, it is hoped that our country will produce competent medical specialists who are willing to stay in the country and serve their fellow citizens “ Legarda concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)
P1 B capital fund for small and medium scale IT start up companies – Legarda
Senator Loren Legarda proposes the creation of an IT venture capital fund for small to medium-scale IT start-up companies in order to encourage more Filipinos to venture into the very dynamic industry of information technology.
“There is a need to widen the participation of the poor in the IT sector, particularly through entrepreneurial activities. The proposed fund, which amounts to P1 billion, shall be administered by the Department of Science and Technology.”
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Legarda filed Senate Bill No. 1407 - AN ACT TO ACCELERATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY START-UP COMPANIES BY PROVIDING AN IT VENTURE CAPITAL FUND - to assist entrepreneurs and likewise provide incentives for the proliferation of IT-related businesses through-out the country, thereby increasing connectivity, particularly in underserved areas.
“Such measure will allow the IT industry to penetrate even the grass roots level, thereby making IT services accessible to the marginalized poor. “
“In the year 2009, the Philippines ranked 47th out of 66 countries in the Information Technology (IT) Industry Competitiveness Index in a study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit. While the same study notes that the Philippines has a generally favorable business environment, there were weaknesses and inefficiencies in the IT sector that need to be addressed in order to improve its standing.”
“Recognizing that the IT industry is a promising industry in the country, efforts can be further exerted to boost the country’s competitiveness in the global sector. Such efforts include the expansion and rehabilitation of information and communications technology infrastructure, promotion of research and development, and most importantly, development of human resources.”
“The enactment of this significant piece of legislation is in line with the government’s objective to fast-track our country’s economic development and its competitiveness in the global arena,” Legarda concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)
Respect for Muslim faith and ways – Key to peace in Mindanao
As 1.57 billion Muslims worldwide celebrate tomorrow the Eid’l Adha—the Feast of Sacrifice that commemorates a story of dedication and obedience to God, Senator Loren Legarda in a manifestation at the Senate Floor said that in order to resolve conflicting issues with the Filipino Muslims there must be genuine respect for their faith and the ways that they have to live in accordance to their religion.
“Through the years the government has been trying especially in the part of Mindanao to tackle issues about ancestral domain and autonomy for the Muslims.”
“We have been trying to forge a peace deal with Moro groups, but we have not yet succeeded. And even if we did, peace cannot be attained through such a pact alone.”
“With just a little effort to understand the faith of other people, we will realize that we share something in common.”
“The whole Filipino nation will join our Muslim brethren in commemorating the Eid’l Adha, by virtue of Republic Act 9849, which this representation co-authored.”
“Because the Philippines is a predominantly Christian nation, it is incumbent upon us to accord the proper respect to other faiths and religions, as any democratic state ought to do. This was our motivation when we pushed the passage of a law that declares the tenth day of the month of Zhul Hijja as a national holiday to commemorate the Eid’l Adha.”
“As Filipinos of different religions join Filipino Muslims in commemorating the Eid’l Adha, let us look at this occasion more than just another holiday we must enjoy. As a feast of major importance to the Islamic Faith, let us respect the celebration as a sign of our acceptance to our Muslim brothers and sisters, “Legarda concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)
Women to Bishops: “The RH law will not jail you”
A women’s organization tells the Bishops to stop worrying about going to jail because of their opposition to the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.
Elizabeth Angsioco, National Chair of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) said, “When HB96 authored by Rep. Lagman is passed, malicious disinformation about the intent or provisions of the law will be penalized. This scares the Bishops but, there really is no reason to be if they only speak of facts. Their statement about going to jail is more of a manifestation that they know the RH Bill will soon be enacted by Congress.”
Angsioco added, “Archbishop Cardinal Vidal’s assertion that he will no longer be able to do sermons if the RH Bill passes is unfounded unless he is admitting that what they do is ‘malicious disinformation.’ At this point, the Bishops know that they are losing in public opinion which is very favorable to the RH Bill’s passage. They also know that the number of legislators supportive of the measure is rapidly increasing.”
She said further “perhaps the Catholic hierarchy wants to be seen as the underdog in a desperate move to win support for their unpopular opposition to the bill. Let us not forget that it is them who sent Carlos Celdran to jail allegedly for ‘offending their religious feelings.’ Instead of misinterpreting the RH bill’s provisions, we urge the Bishops to study it so they do not get unnecessarily stressed.”
“We believe that the bill’s passage is imminent. This is long overdue. Poor women continue to die of preventable pregnancy and childbirth complications. In the DSWP alone, we lost a number of our members because of these. There are also those who almost died due to the same causes. These unnecessary deaths and almost-deaths must end,” Angsioco concluded. (Vigie Benosa-Llorin, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc./PIA-Caraga)
Legarda filed Senate Bill No. 1407 - AN ACT TO ACCELERATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY START-UP COMPANIES BY PROVIDING AN IT VENTURE CAPITAL FUND - to assist entrepreneurs and likewise provide incentives for the proliferation of IT-related businesses through-out the country, thereby increasing connectivity, particularly in underserved areas.
“Such measure will allow the IT industry to penetrate even the grass roots level, thereby making IT services accessible to the marginalized poor. “
“In the year 2009, the Philippines ranked 47th out of 66 countries in the Information Technology (IT) Industry Competitiveness Index in a study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit. While the same study notes that the Philippines has a generally favorable business environment, there were weaknesses and inefficiencies in the IT sector that need to be addressed in order to improve its standing.”
“Recognizing that the IT industry is a promising industry in the country, efforts can be further exerted to boost the country’s competitiveness in the global sector. Such efforts include the expansion and rehabilitation of information and communications technology infrastructure, promotion of research and development, and most importantly, development of human resources.”
“The enactment of this significant piece of legislation is in line with the government’s objective to fast-track our country’s economic development and its competitiveness in the global arena,” Legarda concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)
Respect for Muslim faith and ways – Key to peace in Mindanao
As 1.57 billion Muslims worldwide celebrate tomorrow the Eid’l Adha—the Feast of Sacrifice that commemorates a story of dedication and obedience to God, Senator Loren Legarda in a manifestation at the Senate Floor said that in order to resolve conflicting issues with the Filipino Muslims there must be genuine respect for their faith and the ways that they have to live in accordance to their religion.
“Through the years the government has been trying especially in the part of Mindanao to tackle issues about ancestral domain and autonomy for the Muslims.”
“We have been trying to forge a peace deal with Moro groups, but we have not yet succeeded. And even if we did, peace cannot be attained through such a pact alone.”
“With just a little effort to understand the faith of other people, we will realize that we share something in common.”
“The whole Filipino nation will join our Muslim brethren in commemorating the Eid’l Adha, by virtue of Republic Act 9849, which this representation co-authored.”
“Because the Philippines is a predominantly Christian nation, it is incumbent upon us to accord the proper respect to other faiths and religions, as any democratic state ought to do. This was our motivation when we pushed the passage of a law that declares the tenth day of the month of Zhul Hijja as a national holiday to commemorate the Eid’l Adha.”
“As Filipinos of different religions join Filipino Muslims in commemorating the Eid’l Adha, let us look at this occasion more than just another holiday we must enjoy. As a feast of major importance to the Islamic Faith, let us respect the celebration as a sign of our acceptance to our Muslim brothers and sisters, “Legarda concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)
Women to Bishops: “The RH law will not jail you”
A women’s organization tells the Bishops to stop worrying about going to jail because of their opposition to the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.
Elizabeth Angsioco, National Chair of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) said, “When HB96 authored by Rep. Lagman is passed, malicious disinformation about the intent or provisions of the law will be penalized. This scares the Bishops but, there really is no reason to be if they only speak of facts. Their statement about going to jail is more of a manifestation that they know the RH Bill will soon be enacted by Congress.”
Angsioco added, “Archbishop Cardinal Vidal’s assertion that he will no longer be able to do sermons if the RH Bill passes is unfounded unless he is admitting that what they do is ‘malicious disinformation.’ At this point, the Bishops know that they are losing in public opinion which is very favorable to the RH Bill’s passage. They also know that the number of legislators supportive of the measure is rapidly increasing.”
She said further “perhaps the Catholic hierarchy wants to be seen as the underdog in a desperate move to win support for their unpopular opposition to the bill. Let us not forget that it is them who sent Carlos Celdran to jail allegedly for ‘offending their religious feelings.’ Instead of misinterpreting the RH bill’s provisions, we urge the Bishops to study it so they do not get unnecessarily stressed.”
“We believe that the bill’s passage is imminent. This is long overdue. Poor women continue to die of preventable pregnancy and childbirth complications. In the DSWP alone, we lost a number of our members because of these. There are also those who almost died due to the same causes. These unnecessary deaths and almost-deaths must end,” Angsioco concluded. (Vigie Benosa-Llorin, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc./PIA-Caraga)
