Mayoral wannabe Rianne leads charge Women bets take Ecija politics by storm; 140 lady pols eye seats in 2013

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, November 2, 2012–Women power is taking Nueva Ecija politics by storm, with over 140 lady politicians throwing their hats in the political arena in the May 2013 elections.

          Records from the provincial office of the Commission on Elections here showed that at least 140 women candidates filed their certificates of candidacy for the various elective positions up for grabs in next year’s mid-term polls, some of whom are neophytes.

          Leading the roster of new aspirants is businesswoman Arianne Cuevas who is running for mayor of Palayan City under the banner of the Liberal Party against comebacking former three-term congressman and ex-Light Railways Transit Authority administrator Pacifico Fajardo.  

          Cuevas, more commonly known as Rianne, is an executive of at least six companies. She is said to be the political patron of outgoing three-term mayor Romeo Capinpin who is her running mate in the 2013 polls.

          Cuevas said her priority is to provide employment to residents of Palayan where the unemployment rate reportedly stands at 12% based on a recently commissioned survey of the city labor and employment office. This involves 5,000 individuals with no jobs at all.

          Based on Comelec records, there is one lady aspirant for governor, five for Congress, five for board members, four for the position of city mayor, five for city vice mayor, 13 for municipal mayor and 10 for municipal vice mayor and over 100 more for the post of city and municipal councilor.

          Outgoing three-term first district Rep. Josie Manuel-Joson is challenging the reelection bid of Gov. Aurelio Umali who is on his third and last term. Manuel-Joson is the wife of Quezon Mayor Mariano Cristino Joson.

          Those eyeing congressional seats are the governor’s wife, third district Rep.  Czarina who is seeking a third and last term against human rights lawyer J.V. Bautista; Senior Board Member Estrellita Suansing, former San Isidro mayor Sonia Lorenzo, former two-term fourth district congresswoman Julita Villareal and Magnolia Antonino, daughter of outgoing fourth district Rep. Rodolfo Antonino.

          Suansing, wife of Bureau of Customs deputy commissioner Horacio, is slugging it out in the first district against Mariano Cristino and former two-term congressman Renato Diaz.

          Lorenzo, executive director of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, is running against her estranged sister-in-law Villareal, the younger Antonino and San Leonardo Mayor Froilan Nagano.

          Those aspiring for board member are reelectionist Teresita Patiag and Belinda Panlilio, ex-board members Bella Aurora Dulay and Solita Santos and Nene Galvez who is running as an independent.

          Running for city mayors are Maricel Gatus Natividad of Gapan City, Vice Mayor Ester Lazaro of Munoz Science City, reelectionist Mayor Marivic Belena of San Jose City and Cuevas.

          Natividad is challenging the reelection bid of Mayor Christian Tinio, Lazaro is running against comebacking former three-term mayor Nestor Alvarez and Belena is facing former vice mayor Mario Salvador in a grudge rematch of the 2010 polls.

          Lady aspirants for city vice mayors are Councilor Glenda Felimon of San Jose City and Bibiana Abesamis of Palayan City.    

           The lady bets for municipal mayors are outgoing three-term Vice Mayor Elizabeth Vargas of Aliaga who is facing businesswoman Lucita Moreno; reelectionist Mayors Lovella Belmonte-Espiritu of Zaragoza, Gloria Crespo-Congco of Cabiao and Lorna Mae Vero of Llanera; Mary Abad of Carranglan, Floria Esteban of Cuyapo, lawyer Emily Padilla of Gabaldon, Areli Grace Santos and Luz Cruz of Gen. Natividad, Marivic Bajet of Lupao, Ophelia Cabico of Nampicuan and Nerivi Martinez of Talavera.

          For vice mayors, those running are reelectionist Vice Mayors Cinderella Ramos of Cuyapo, Ma. Lourdes Lahom of Quezon and Irene Bernardo of Sta. Rosa; ex-mayor Lydia Pagaduan of Zaragoza, Cora Villanueva of Nampicuan, Erlinda Abad of Gabaldon and Arsenia Javate of Jaen.

          Eyeing seats in the Sangguning Panlunsod or city councils are Cristina Paulino and reelectionist Councilor Jean Cruz in Cabanatuan City, Gemma Pangilinan, Susan Hernandez and Maria Erlinda Ordonez of Gapan City, Marinelia Coronel and Erlinda Jimenez of Munoz; Rosalia Merez, Annette Quiddam and Gloria Santos of Palayan City and Gloria Munar, Jennifer Salvador, Marivic Adawag, Rizza Mendoza and Susan Corpuz of San Jose City.

          Those running for seats in the Sangguniang Bayan or municipal councils are Susana Ramos, Donna Gonzales and Juanita de Leon of Aliaga, Teresita del Mundo, Edelwina Gonzales, Anita Legaspi and Sylvia Macalino of Cabiao; Rosalie Cabungcal, Elvira Codilana, Elizabeth Espinosa, Stephanie Joaquin, Rosemarie Miguel and Remedios Valdez (Gabaldon), Anita Arocena, Jenneth Diaz, Emelita Manahan and Evangeline Tampengco (Gen. Natividad), Ma. Lina Bulacan, Anna Busalpa and Belen Francisco (Gen. Tinio), Jesusa Samano (Laur);

          Myrna Ilagan, Leny Ogrimen and Noraida Rivera (Licab), Daisy Arocena, Cielito Bugayong, Elsa de Guzman, Lea Lagasca, Felicidad Matias and Soledad Roy (Llanera), Marilou Flores, Levie Ladia and Aurora Vendivil (Lupao), Gemma Guzman, Virgie Isidro and Zenaida Papilla (Nampicuan), Patricia Gaboy, Olivia Jardiel, Ofelia Manayao, Josefina Ortega and Michelle Santiago (Penaranda).

          Leticia Ramirez, Vita Salvacion and Anastacia Sison (Quezon), Teodora Agustin, Sofia Capia, Susana Dumlao, Rowena Palattao, Jeyanne Poblete, Marlyn Santos, Marilyn Villajuan and Theresa Wysthroff (Pantabangan), Rosalinda de Guzman, Lovely Sadama, Marivic Zapanta, Josephine dela Vega and Felomina Castelo (Rizal), Dominga Cruz, Daisy Santos, Iriz Torres and Angelyn Reyes (San Antonio), Vivian Tumacay (San Isidro), Diana Santos and Lizette Simbulan (Sta. Rosa), Eliza Bravo, Mira Espiritu, Armi Garcia and Teresita Torres (Sto. Domingo), Marlyn Aloya, Elvie Caparangca, Narcisa Camagas, Flora Cinense and Pia Sapla (Talugtug).

          Ginalyn Catambing, Corazon dela Cruz, Elsa Mesde, Annabel Ramos and Angelina Soleta (Talavera) and Erlinda Gasapos, Donabel Manucduc, Floremy Regunan, Winnie Annani, Jo Ann Palapal and Maria Kristine Regalado (Zaragoza). (Manny Galvez)      

Legarda: Climate Change Will Define the Political Future of the World’s Greatest Leaders

MANILA, November 2, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda, United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, today renewed her call for world leaders to take on bold and decisive actions to combat climate change, stressing that climate change has become a humanitarian challenge that will define the political future of the world’s greatest leaders.

“As I have always said many years ago, climate change is the greatest development and humanitarian challenge of our times. It has become a defining political issue too in America, especially with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsing President Obama because of the steps he has taken to address climate change and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie commending President Obama’s actions during Superstorm Sandy’s wrath,” Legarda said.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg cited President Obama’s efforts in pushing for regulations that will cut down emissions from cars and power plants. Meanwhile, Governor Christie expressed appreciation to President Obama and the Federal Emergency Management Agency officials for working in close coordination with the State government during the disaster.

“Even in the Philippines, climate change is a defining political issue because it means livelihood, jobs, homes, and our very survival,” Legarda added.

“World leaders must not allow people to continuously suffer from floods, hunger, displacement, and economic setbacks. This is “disaster risk reduction politics”. The aftermath of Superstorm Sandy presents an opportunity to remind world leaders of their great responsibility to lead people out of the crises and uncertainties brought about by unsustainable development, worsening disasters and climate change,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda Alarmed Over ILO Report of Abused Domestic Workers in Europe; Urges Ratification of ILO Convention 189

MANILA, November 2, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda expressed deep concern over a report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) which revealed that despite clear domestic labor laws, domestic workers in Europe still suffer from abuses and discrimination.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said that there is an urgent need for European governments to ratify the ILO Convention 189 (Convention Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers).

“I echo the call of the ILO on European governments to ratify the ILO Convention 189. The time has come for all of us to acknowledge the contributions of our household heroes into the global workforce, no longer as invisible hands but as domestic workers, equipped with the rights and benefits accorded others,” she stressed.

Legarda, the driving force behind the Philippine Senate's concurrence in the ratification of ILO Convention 189, stressed that the Convention “is the manifesto that every domestic worker deserves and longs for. It is an international instrument that declares domestic work not as a favor to be granted but as an occupation to be protected. This Convention unveils the universal rights of domestic workers.”

The Senator added that there are 1.5 million Filipinos working as domestic workers abroad, of which close to 800,000 Filipino workers are in Europe, who may be exposed to abuses and discrimination.

“We ratified ILO Convention 189 last August, and our advocacy for the rights of our domestic workers abroad was given unfettered meaning. We should thus lead the global campaign for protection of domestic workers and encourage other States to ratify the convention in order to provide the same rights and privileges and cultivate a culture of respect for all domestic workers the world over,” Legarda said.

ILO reported the case of Coring, a domestic worker from the Philippines who lost her job in the Netherlands after insisting to take some days off.

ILO Convention 189 directs ILO-member states to institute measures “aimed at ensuring equal treatment between domestic workers and workers generally with respect to normal hours of work, overtime compensation, periods of daily and weekly rest, and annual paid leave.”

Josefino Alumni to reflect on mission, Vatican II’s relevance

QUEZON City, Nov. 1, 2012 –The lay and ordained alumni of San Jose Seminary are set to gather for their 83^rd Alumni Homecoming on November 15-16 at the Ateneo de Manila campus, in Quezon City.

The gathering this year enjoins all Josefino alumni to reflect on their Christian mission on the occasion of the 50^thAnniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

The theme for this year’s gathering is “Tanglaw-Bayan: Josefino at Vatican II.”Fr. Joselito Henson, President of the San Jose Alumni Association, said the two-day homecoming aims to invite the lay and ordained alumni to share the light of Christ to our fellowmen in the context of the Second Vatican Council’s challenge to partake in the role of Christ as Light of the nations.

“Tanglaw-Bayan is an attempt to translate ‘Lumen gentium.’ Lumen gentium – Light of the nations – of course, refers primarily to Jesus Christ. At the same time, it also embodies the role that the whole church is called upon to assume in the world, namely, to radiate Christ’s light and make it real and palpable especially – in the context of PCP II – among the poor and powerless,” Fr. Henson said when asked about the relevance of this year’s theme.

“Fifty years after the opening of the Second Vatican Council, we Josefinos, as part of the larger church, have to reflect on how far have we succeeded in doing our part in advancing the church’s mission. It is my humble opinion that it is on our fidelity (or lack of it) to this mission that our identity as Josefinos – seminarian, lay and ordained – stands or falls,” he continued.

Among the highlights of the event are the reflection points on mission and Vatican II to be given by Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio S. David, DD, Auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando; and a talk on Social Justice Ministry 50 years after Vatican II to be given by Fr. Edu Gariguez, Executive Secretary of the CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and Peace. Both speakers are alumni of San Jose Seminary.

Seminarians will show a simple theatrical presentation during the evening’s program, to highlight and deepen further the theme of the celebration.

The seminarians’ presentation is traditionally a major part of the event and much-awaited by the alumni.

About 200 alumni from all over the Philippines and also from abroad are expected to grace the annual occasion. The alumni community will also honor its Golden Jubilarian Class of 1962 and Silver Jubilarian Class of 1987.

Established in 1601, San Jose Seminary is a national seminary under the care of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus. Among the illustrious alumni of the 411-year-old institution include Most Rev. Luis Antonio Tagle, D.D., Archbishop of Manila who will be elevated to the College of Cardinals on November 24; and Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, D.D., Archbishop Emeritus of Manila. (Edmel Raagas/CBCPNews)

Laoag youth launches Year of Faith

LAOAG City, Oct. 31, 2012—The diocesan commission on youth (DYC) of Laoag diocese opened the Year of Faith during the Diocesan Youth Leader’s Assembly (DYLA) held at St. John Bosco Parish in Dingras, Ilocos Norte last October 26-28.

The Redemptorist missionaries assigned in the diocese explained the Year of Faith and introduced the second Filipino Saint Pedro Calungsod to the participants.

More than 200 youth leaders attended several workshops were they traced their own faith journey and made simples modules for youth catechism classes.

They also had the chance to experience mission visits to families and spend time sharing faith with them.

A tree planting activity took place in the nearby dam to end the assembly. The event culminated with a send-off mass celebrated by parish priest Fr. Lawrence Torreflores. (Mark Vertido/YPNews)

Comelec sets December 1 plebiscite on Cabanatuan’s conversion into HUC

CABANATUAN CITY, October 30, 2012–The Commission on Elections has set for December 1 the holding of a plebiscite on the conversion of this city from a component city into a Highly Urbanized City.

          In a resolution issued last week, the Comelec, sitting En Banc, approved the date of the plebiscite to December 1 with only registered voters of the city allowed to participate in the exercise.

    The resolution was signed by Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. and Commissioners Rene Sarmiento, Lucenito Tagle, Armando Velasco, Elias Yusoph and Maria Gracia Cielo Padaca. Commissioner Christian Robert Lim is on official business.

          Copies of the resolution were forwarded to Comelec regional director for Central Luzon Zoilo Perlas Jr., Nueva Ecija provincial election supervisor Panfilo Doctor Jr. and Cabanatuan city election officer Michael Camangeg.

          Earlier, the poll body denied the petition of Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali  to allow all qualified voters in the whole province of Nueva Ecija to take part in  a plebiscite that will ratify the proclamation of this city into a HUC.

  In his petition,  Umali  said Novo Ecijanos will be affected once Cabanatuan becomes HUC and thus, it is imperative for them to participate in a plebiscite that would ratify Presidential Proclamation 418 declaring the city as such.

    

    Umali filed a verified motion for reconsideration which was also denied by the poll body.

     

     Velasco has been designated Commissioner-in-charge of the plebiscite.

       

     In fixing the date of the plebiscite, the Comelec approved the recommendations of deputy executive director for operations Bartolome Sinocruz Jr. to use the August 2012 list of voters and adopt the clustering of precincts scheme used in the October 2010 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. 

         

          Reacting to the denial of his petition, Umali, a lawyer, said there is already  existing jurisprudence, foremost of which is a July 11,1986 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Tan vs Comelec regarding the creation of a new province of Negros del Norte wherein 2,768.4 square kilometers from the land area of the parent province will be removed to create a new province whose boundaries will be substantially altered.

          

               He mentioned the separate concurring opinion of Chief Justice Claudio Teehankee who stated that to limit the plebiscite to only the areas to be partitioned and seceded from the province is “as absurd and illogical as allowing only the secessionists to vote for the secession that they demanded against the wishes of the majority and to nullify the basic principle of majority rule.”

              

              Another case in point, he said, the October 19,1992 ruling in Padilla Jr. vs Comelec which stated that when the law states that the plebiscite shall be conducted in the political units directly affected, it means that residents of the political entity who would be economically dislocated by the separation of a portion thereof have a right to vote in the said plebiscite.

          

              “Evidently, what is contemplated by the phrase “political units directly affected,” is the plurality of political units which would participate in the plebiscite,” Umali stressed, quoting from the ruling.

          

             Umali said this is not the first time the issue of who should vote in the plebiscite is raised before the Comelec, citing the first case was Antipolo City’s own HUC bid wherein Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III raised the same arguments.

               

              The Law Department of the Comelec, Umali recalled, found basis in the contention of Ynares and officially opined that the conduct of the plebiscite must include the qualified voters of Rizal. (Manny Galvez)                       

“Draw Lessons from NY Mayor’s Preparedness for Superstorm Sandy” – Legarda

MANILA, October 30, 2012-In light of the massive weather disturbances caused by Superstorm Sandy in the East Coast of the United States, Senator Loren Legarda urged government leaders to draw lessons from the effective disaster preparedness measures undertaken by the New York City government.

“As early as October 26 in New York, Mayor Mike Bloomberg already announced that the city was taking necessary precautions. Modes of public transportation like the subway were closed shortly after, and residents were told to stay inside their homes. By October 28, tunnels and bridges were already closed and all flights going in and out of the area were cancelled. This level of alertness should also inspire other US government officials to prepare, if not for Sandy then for the subsequent weather disturbances that are certain to occur as we witness the worsening effects of climate change,” she stressed.

Legarda also cited the level of disaster preparedness of the Federal Government and State Government of New York.

Sandy, categorized as a post-tropical storm, is dubbed the strongest weather disturbance experienced by the region in 27 years, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph or 130 km/h. Hurricane force wind warnings, storm surge warnings, and high wind and blizzard warnings have all been raised for the East Coast and surrounding areas. It is expected to make landfall on October 29, local NY time.

“Mayor Bloomberg's sense of urgency and swiftness of action should be emulated by all our public servants. Working together, our meteorologists, weather scientists, national and local officials, and other leaders, can all prevent massive losses of lives and property by simply being prepared,” said Legarda, the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific.

“The US’ experience with Sandy shows us that while such a massive force of nature is frightening and unstoppable, we can drastically reduce our losses by combining the latest technology, the most up-to-date information, and effective and efficient public warning systems. Ultimately, we must take responsibility for each other, and we must use all our resources to do so,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda Stresses on Value of IPRA, Calls for Better Implementation

MANILA, October 30, 2012-Fifteen years after the passage into law of Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), Senator Loren Legarda today underscored the importance of the law in the protection of the country’s indigenous communities and the traditional knowledge and practices they live by.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, said that IPs continue to be deprived of many of their rights, but with better implementation of the provisions of IPRA, many of their concerns can be addressed.

“Our indigenous peoples have shaped our story as a Filipino people—our music, arts and dance, our native knowledge and skills, our deeply held beliefs, our creativity, our sustainable ways of living with our physical environment and most important, our self-worth. Despite these overwhelming contributions, we have admittedly underwhelmed them as opportunities, services and share in decision-making, that are embodied in the Indigenous Peoples Rights law, have yet to be fully accorded,” she stressed.

The Senator said that most leaders of various IP communities in the country have raised the concerns of their groups during the three regional assemblies and the first National Indigenous Cultural Summit that she organized in 2011.

“In the IP Regional Assembly in Luzon, IP leaders called for the effective implementation and harmonization of the IPRA, mining and environmental laws, and policies of the government; while the indigenous communities in Mindanao stressed the need for the implementation of the provision of the IPRA that requires LGUs to appoint IP representatives in policy-making bodies and legislative councils,” she explained.

Moreover, in the IP Assembly for the Visayas region, an IP leader raised the issue on the need to harmonize conflicting policies and programs on land ownership that go against the spirit of the IPRA.

“While it is true that we still have a lot to do in order to fully accord our indigenous brothers and sisters the recognition and protection they need, we have to give the laws we crafted, especially the IPRA, a chance to be fully implemented. Government must faithfully implement the provisions of the law in order to protect our culture bearers and to improve their quality of life,” Legarda concluded.

Consumer Month celeb in CL centers on motorcycle ride safety

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, October 29, 2012-Over a hundred riders with Import Commodity Clearance (ICC)-marked helmets held a motorcade around the City of San Fernando on Friday in a bid to encourage the public to patronize quality motor gears.

 

The event was part of the concluding activity of the 2012 Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) celebration in Central Luzon which carried the theme “Get Organized. Be Heard. Be Empowered.”

 

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Information Officer Wilfred Carbonell said “this year’s CWM celebration, which our agency is hosting, aims to be an avenue in the interaction among consumers, retailers and government institutions on issues relative to the quality of construction materials and motorcycle helmets.”

 

Carbonell added that “Section 6 of Republic Act 10054 otherwise known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 mandates DTI to be the lead determinant in the quality of helmets out in the market.”

 

Under the law, all riders including the backriders are obliged to wear ICC-marked helmets in order to curb the rising number of deaths in motorcycle accidents that is frequently caused by the absence or substandard protective gears.

 

RA 10054 does not cover tricycles and other similar modes of transportation such as pedicab.

 

Based from the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations that was released recently, all helmets to be sold beginning 2012 must bear the ICC mark.

 

Carbonell likewise said “for motorcycle riders whose helmets were purchased prior to 2012, they are required to go to the nearest DTI office to obtain the ICC sticker.”

 

DTI will be processing ICC sticker applications for free until December, 2012.

 

Land Transportation Office will begin to implement the new measure on January, 2013 where stiffer penalties await violators. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

Legarda: Let’s Aim for Zero Casualty in the Next Typhoons

MANILA, October 29, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today challenged the government and all local communities to aim for zero casualty in the succeeding typhoons that will hit the country, noting that the recent Typhoon Ofel has left at least 27 people dead when it ravaged several provinces in the country.

Legarda, the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Asia-Pacific, said that the country is still expecting at least six more typhoons in the next two months.

“As we expect more typhoons that could be stronger and more devastating, our national and local action must promote disaster prevention with ‘zero tolerance’ as a mindset and approach. We must bring disaster preparedness to an even heightened level and aim to have no casualties for the succeeding typhoons,” she stressed.

Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said that in order to reduce the adverse effects of typhoons, concerned agencies both from the national and local governments should come up with disaster preparedness action plans, ensure that all canals and drainage systems are cleaned up and no families live in high-risk areas, release frequently updated advisories and ensure that areas expected to be affected are prepared--activate all forms of early warning systems, set up evacuation centers, evacuate families living in landslide-prone and flood-prone areas.

“All sectors must work together. The government must make our laws work and carry out programs that would improve disaster preparedness of every community. The private sector, on the other hand, must strengthen their business continuity plans, especially for hospitals and other lifelines, which are vital for post-disaster activities,” she explained.

“The public must be more aware of the disaster risks in their midst and do something to protect lives and property way ahead of any typhoon and other natural hazards,” she added.

The Senator noted that the government already has ongoing programs—National Greening Program, the Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) and the Geo-Hazard Mapping Project—that could very well make the country disaster-resilient.

Continuous protection of the environment is crucial in defending communities from disaster risks; the Geo-Hazard Mapping Project will ensure that homes and livelihoods are not placed in high-risk areas, as identified in the maps; while Project NOAH plays a crucial role in the dissemination of disaster risk warnings down to the barangay level.

Politicians told: No campaigning in cemeteries

MANILA, October 28, 2012— A Catholic Church official has urged politicians to respect this year’s observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days by not using the occasion for politicking.

Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, media office director of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said that “Undas” is for the faithful departed and not for “epal” politicians to gain political mileage.

Since it is not campaign period, he called on aspirants of the 2013 elections to spare cemeteries of their posters, streamers and other campaign materials.

“It’s not proper. We should respect the real intention of Undas which is for the faithful departed,” Quitorio said.

Asked if parish priests can take off tarpaulins and other campaign paraphernalia inside cemeteries, the priest said it is already up to the ‘conscience’ of the politicians.

“Normally it’s not priests that control the areas. Our point is that ‘epal’ is not right,” he said. “It’s up to their (politicians) conscience.”

Thousands of people are expected to troop to various cemeteries on November 1 and 2 to visit the graves of their departed loved ones. (RL/CBCPNews)

JINGGOY BRINGS HOME 20 OFWS FROM DUBAI

MANILA, October 27, 2012-Twenty distressed overseas Filipino workers from Dubai, United Arab Emirates are coming home Monday afternoon through the assistance extended by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada.

 

Sen. Estrada shouldered the airfare of the 20 household workers who ran away from their employers after they were subjected to overwork, physical and verbal abuse, and other forms of maltreatment.

 

They are: Mary Chell Afable, Lariza Arceo, Janet Bentero, Jonnalyn Belmosao, Rowena Carao, Anabel Cortez, Maida Esmael, Sittie Mariam Gudal, Cherry Lyn Larosa, Mary Joy Mangad, Nerissa Molleda, Jelleny Morabe, Maria Malaya Padilla, Diana Lou Publico, Maria Leni Regino, Noraida Sambutuan, Bariya Lipai Sawaldi, Michelle Torio, Angelina Uyammi, and Clarence Viscarra.

 

All of them are expected to arrive in Manila on Monday, October 29, 4 o’clock pm via Emirates airlines, with Sen. Estrada.

 

Sen. Estrada learned of the cases of distressed migrant workers awaiting repatriation in Dubai from Ambassador Grace Princesa as he made a stopover to the Philippine Consulate-General in UAE, before heading to Vatican City to attend the canonization rites of the second Filipino saint, San Pedro Calungsod.

 

“As per Labor Attache Delmer Cruz, an estimated 1,000 Filipino migrant workers abscond from their visa sponsors (also employers) every year. And almost everyday there is a new case of maltreatment, especially of our household service workers,” Sen. Estrada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development and Congressional Oversight Committee on Labor and Employment, laments.

 

Common complaints include overwork, physical abuse, lack of food and rest, and unpaid salary. 90% of the complaints received by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) come from domestic workers.

 

The runaway OFWs seek temporary shelter in the facilities of the POLO, as the embassy and labor officials arrange their travel and employment documents and negotiate with their respective employers to allow them either to work elsewhere or to go back to the Philippines. The process could take up months depending on the cooperation of the employers and nature of their case.

 

For instance, Lariza Arceo, 29 years old from Parañaque City, was admitted to the Migrant Workers and other Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFWRC) last August 5.

 

Data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) shows that UAE ranks second to Saudi Arabia in terms of number of land-based new hires and rehires. In 2010, there are 201,214 land-based workers deployed to UAE.

 

UAE, which ranks third next to Hong Kong and Kuwait in terms of number of deployed household service workers, is host to 13,184 Filipino household service workers.

 

“Domestic workers are really the most vulnerable sector of our labor force to abuse and exploitation, here or abroad. Many OFWs, about a hundred of them, are still waiting for repatriation there pending the release and approval of their papers. I urge the administration to further intensify its efforts to assist the OFWs in distress and ensure their safety and protection,” Sen. Estrada states.

Legarda Looks Forward to Greater Cooperation with Australia

MANILA, October 26, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today said she looks forward to stronger bilateral and security cooperation between Australia and the Philippines following President Benigno Aquino’s official visit to Australia where he met with  Prime Minister Julia Eileen Gillard.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, also said that the Philippines’ ratification of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with Australia, which the Senator sponsored, will further enhance bilateral defense and military cooperation between the two countries.

“Australia is the largest bilateral grant aid donor to the Philippines.  Since 2001, Australia has extended aid  investment of around Php32 billion, while defense assistance is estimated at PhP1.16 billion. With President Aquino’s official visit to Australia, we are hopeful that this will open more areas of cooperation and bolster defense and security cooperation between our two countries,” she stressed.

  

Legarda explained that Australia has programmed approximately USD235 million aid for 2010-2012. It assists the Philippines in developing capacities in the field of disaster risk reduction and management such as in the Project Enhancing Greater Metro Manila's Institutional Capacities for Effective Disaster/Climate Risk Management towards Sustainable Development or the READY project. This strengthens institutional capacities of local government units and national government agencies to manage disaster and climate change risks.

Meanwhile, the SOVFA is intended to enhance cooperation on maritime terrorism and other security threats. It defines the rights as well as the responsibilities between the visiting forces and the host government on such matters as criminal and civil jurisdiction, claims, entry and exit of personnel and property, movement of vessels, aircraft and vehicles and carrying of arms, among others.

“The SOVFA also contains a unique provision on environmental protection, thus assuring us that local environmental laws will be observed in the conduct of exercises. As conceived, joint activities may also cover joint training on marine resource protection, sea search and rescue operations, disaster relief operations, and other civic action projects,” she pointed out.

“Today's security challenges require that we strengthen our defense posture through a regime of cooperation with allies with whom we share strategic security interests. Fostering strong defense relations with partners, through SOVFA, is a good defense strategy anchored on national interest, national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right to self-determination,” Legarda concluded.

‘ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS ARE KEY TO REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT’ – PHL DELEGATION TO IPU

QUEBEC, Canada, October 25, 2012-Various Philippine Senators underscored the importance of anti-corruption and good governance initiatives in achieving developmental objectives at the ongoing 127^th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) here in Quebec, Canada.

The legislators, who are all members of the Philippine Delegation, relayed this message before various delegations and bilateral meetings, highlighting the importance of government reforms particularly in terms of transparency and accountability.

During the meeting with all member countries of the ASEAN and the larger Asia Pacific Group (APG), Senator Edgardo J. Angara explained the nexus between development and corruption and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in terms of curbing corrupt practices in Asia.

“In 2025, Asia will become the center of global production. But in order to reap the gains of that demographic window, we ought to work together in cleaning our governments and in preparing our institutions for such progress,” said Angara, Chairperson of the Southeast Asian Parliamentarians Against Corruption (SEAPAC).

Angara likewise met separately with the leaders from Myanmar and Germany to encourage them to lead anti-corruption work in Asia and Europe, respectively.

Speaking in front of a delegation of 22 Latin American and Carribean countries, Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. then explained the importance of fighting corruption to developed and developing countries alike.

“This is a problem shared by countries—developed or developing. And we must work together as parliamentarians to address this issue in our respective regions,” encouraged the Senator.

Later, Senator Teofisto Guingona echoed the same message to the 14 countries from the Middle East in attendance. Guingona was positively received by the group and gained support from members of the different delegations for the anti-corruption advocacy.

Angara, Marcos and Guingona joined Senator Franklin Drilon, Head of the Philippine Delegation to the 127th IPU Assembly representing the Senate of the Philippines. During the meetings, the Philippine Delegation actively encouraged fellow parliamentarians in attendance to come to Manila for the 5th Global Conference on Anti-Corruption in January 2013.

With the theme "Good laws. Good leaders. Good Citizens," the Conference, hosted by the Senate of the Philippines, the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), and the Southeast Asian Parliamentarians Against Corruption (SEAPAC), is expected to draw 500 parliamentarians all over the world to Manila. 

The group also met with Mr. John Williams, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the GOPAC, himself a former IPU Delegate as Senator of Canada, to discuss preparations for the upcoming Manila Conference, as well as how to further the role of the Philippine legislators in anti-corruption work in the region. (Rikka Sotto)

Legarda Urges All Filipinos to Share in Celebration of Eidul Adha

MANILA, October 25, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today urged all Filipinos to share in the celebration of Eidul Adha or the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice.

“Tomorrow (Oct. 26), the whole Filipino nation will join our Muslim brethren in commemorating the Eidul Adha, by virtue of Republic Act 9849. As we observe this special Muslim occasion, we must also understand its significance to the Islamic Faith so that we can create a better understanding with our Muslim brothers and sisters,” said Legarda.

“I have always hoped that in a Catholic-dominated nation such as ours, we can go beyond familiarity of Muslim religious holidays and move towards deeper respect and understanding among us Filipinos regardless of faith or religious belief,” she stressed.

The Eidul Adha signifies the end of the Islamic Pilgrimage to Mecca wherein Muslims pay homage to the Prophet Ibrahim’s supreme act of sacrifice. Ibrahim’s love and obedience to Allah was put to a test when he was asked to offer his beloved son, Ishmael. Ibrahim willingly surrendered to the perceived commandment and Allah was pleased. When Ibrahim was about to sacrifice Ishmael, a voice from heaven stopped him and allowed him to sacrifice a ram instead.

“This story is the same with that of the Christian story about Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to God. Now that the whole nation will be commemorating Eidul Adha, we begin to create interfaith harmony among Filipinos. Greater awareness of each other’s celebrations and traditions will help bring to the fore the significance of healthy and constructive discussions among faiths in the Philippines,” Legarda said.

“I wish to reiterate my full support for government efforts to further strengthen Christian-Muslim unity. Interfaith dialogue is crucial to attaining lasting peace and harmony in Philippine society in the years ahead,” she added.

Legarda is the author of R.A. 9849 which declared the tenth day of the month of Zhul Hijja as a national holiday to commemorate the Eidul Adha.

Last month, Legarda filed a bill declaring the first week of February as “World Interfaith Harmony Week” in the Philippines, which aims to build genuine understanding among people of different faiths and belief systems.