A Repost From GMA News.TV

Jobless in Jeddah: 200 unpaid Pinoys seek help

GMANews.TV - 2 hours 40 minutes ago

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Filipino medical workers in Jeddah trooped Wednesday to the Philippine Consulate General there to request action against their erring employer and on the impending closure of their workplace, six months after they sought assistance from the Philippine post. The workers, numbering over 200, are nurses and clinic staff of the Al Ansar Hospital, located at the Al Salama district of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

“They are complaining of non-payment of their salary for six months now which they would like to be released immediately amid the impending closure of the hospital, and are demanding that they all be given their release papers so that they could look for possible employment," said Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona, who has been assisting the workers. The facilities of Al Ansar include a hospital and two polyclinics where about 236 Filipino workers are deployed. Only one polyclinic remains in operation. According to Monterona, only 59 workers have so far received their release papers, while all are still awaiting payment of their salaries. Labor Attache Vicente Cabe told GMANews.TV in a separate interview that the workers’ case has already been forwarded to Saudi’s Ministry of Labor and to the Office of the Governor of Jeddah for appropriate action. “A committee, composed of representatives of the Jeddah governor’s office, immigration office and labor office, has also been formed to resolve the issue," he added. According to Cabe, the committee has agreed to allow the workers to apply for employment in other hospitals even without their release papers. Those who may wish to just go back to the Philippines will also be assisted, he said. “As regards the unpaid salaries, a case against the company is already pending before the Primary Commission of the Ministry of Labor," he explained. Cabe, however, could not estimate when the case will be resolved, saying the commission is still conducting regular hearings. In a separate interview meanwhile, the recruitment agency in Manila of 55 of the workers said they have done what they can to assist the workers in the five months that they did not receive their salary. “The workers under my agency, which include nurses, housekeepers and bus drivers, have already transferred employment, some of whom started working June 1. What’s good here is that their new jobs involve higher salaries and increased benefits," Anchor Manpower Intl. Services Inc. owner Oscar Garcia told GMANews.TV. He added they are still working on the case of at least five workers, who have opted to be repatriated. According to Garcia, a possible resolution for the workers’ unpaid salaries may involve selling the properties of Al Ansar, the proceeds of which will go to the workers. The workers first came to the Consulate General December last year, according to Cabe. He said the Consulate agreed on a deadline for the company management to release the workers’ salaries, which the company failed to meet.

The workers had earlier complained they did not receive assistance from the Consulate and their Manila agency, until recently.—JV, GMANews.TV

Reposted From GMA News.TV

A Repost From GMA News.TV

House fails to ratify Freedom of Information bill

GMANews.TV - Saturday, June 5

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A proposed freedom of information law that could have been reportedly ratified in two minutes was not acted upon because the House of Representatives did not have enough members to hold a session.

Only 128 of the needed 135 House lawmakers were present in the House on Friday after Camiguin Rep. Pedro Romualdo called the rolls of the chamber’s 268 members.

Because of the absence of a quorum, the House failed to ratify the Freedom of Information bill which would have increased government transparency by enabling even ordinary citizens to access pertinent documents.

House Speaker Prospero Nograles, who promised the bill would be ratified Friday, said he was "at a loss on what to say."

"We cannot take up any legislative business without [a] quorum," Nograles said.

Some lawmakers and audience, including many media members and advocates of the bill, were furious.

"How can we say we are the House of the people if we cannot even do our job?" said Cibac party-list Rep. Joel Villanueva. His statement was met with applause.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, one of the primary proponents of the bill, walked out of the session hall after saying Romualdo's statements were an "insult" to the 180 sponsors of the bill.

The ratification was stalled after Romualdo made the motion questioning the quorum.

Nograles immediately suspended the session to talk to Romualdo, but Romualdo refused to withdraw his motion and reiterated that a roll call must be done.

"It pained me so much considering that you and I have been together for so long a time. Almost on your bended knees you requested me to withdraw...[but] this is a question of principle," said Romualdo. He and Nograles — who both belong to Lakas-Kampi-CMD — were both human rights lawyers in the 1970s.

Romualdo said he was ensuring that majority of lawmakers were there for the FOI’s enactment because it was an important bill that he claimed was not deliberated upon.

"The House is practically being pressured to pass this bill," said Romualdo.

The House has adjourned its session and will no longer be taking up legislative matters.

"Ang ating binuburol ngayon ang reputasyon, respeto, at isang salita ni Speaker Nograles at ng 14th Congress," said PCIJ executive director Maloou Mangahas. — RJAB Jr./RSJ, GMANews.TV

Reposted From GMA News.TV

A Repost From Thea Alberto at Yahoo News

Boy Abunda to get a Cabinet post?

By Thea Alberto – May 31st, 2010

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By Thea Alberto, Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Boy Abunda just might become part of president-apparent Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s cabinet.

This Aquino divulged in an interview with reporters, as he noted of Abunda’s expertise in marketing and his ability to communicate well.

“He’s an icon and more so for his ability to understand the audience,” Aquino said when asked about reports Abunda is open to accepting a government post.

He however clarified he has not asked Abunda yet although he already sent feelers to the host.

Aquino did not specify the post he eyes for Abunda, a popular television host and the best friend of his sister Kris, but indicated that Abunda is best fit for a “marketing” job.

He also hinted Abunda could be part of the Department of Tourism.

“Boy would be a good communicator…puwede rin siya pagkatiwalaan,” added Aquino.

He however said Abunda might not even consider the position because a cabinet post means a meager salary.

“We have to look at the compensation aspect. Gasino lang naman suweldo,” he said.

Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN.com

Reposted From Thea Alberto of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

A Repost From ABS-CBN News

Gabby Lopez talks about Willie in ABS-CBN stockholders' meet

ABS-CBN - Thursday, May 27

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Gabby Lopez talks about Willie in ABS-CBN stockholders' meet

Photo courtesy of Ryan Ramos, ABS-CBN Corp. Comm.

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III discussed the recent controversy involving the network and its biggest talent, "Wowowee" host Willie Revillame, during the firm's stockholders' meeting on Thursday.

In response to a question raised during the meeting held at the Dolphy Theater, Lopez acknowledged that what happens to a star like Revillame definitely has a financial impact on the network.

"There are ongoing discussions now with Willie, and we prefer to keep these discussions at this point between ourselves and Willie. Suffice it to say that we are cognizant of the financial impact that a star like Willie brings to the network. But we are also aware that an institution like ABS-[CBN] will deal with stars all the time. And stars come and go, but the institution stays," Lopez said.

"So we will take into consideration the wide variety of factors that are involved in dealing with stars like Willie. He is not the first or the last star that will reflect this kind of behavior. It goes with the territory," he added.

"These decisions will be made in the proper time. I think the best decision we made is for both Willie and I to decide that, for the interim, we will both keep silent about what's going on, and these discussions will be made in the course of the next several months.”

Lopez talked about the controversy when one of the stockholders asked management about Revillame. The visibly irked stockholder even added that if it was up to him, he would kick Revillame out.

'Indefinite break'

On Tuesday, ABS-CBN announced that Revillame is taking an “indefinite break” from his popular noontime show, but his contract obligations with the network remain.

“ABS-CBN management and Willie Revillame pushed through with their scheduled talk yesterday afternoon. Willie has realized his mistake and apologized to ABS-CBN management for his outburst on air in 'Wowowee' on May 4, 2010, and his failure to report to work since May 5, 2010. ABS-CBN management has accepted Willie’s apology.

"ABS-CBN and Willie agreed that he takes an indefinite break effective immediately, but his contract obligations with ABS-CBN hold. This disallows him to perform similar work for any person or entity in direct competition with ABS-CBN. At some point, ABS-CBN management and Willie will discuss what will be in the best interest of the viewing public.

"Meanwhile, 'Wowowee' will continue to provide entertainment and inspiration to Filipinos worldwide,” said Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications."

The statement was released after Revillame and the big bosses of the network met Monday evening.

'Release me'

Prior to the meeting, Revillame sent management a letter dated May 12 asking that he be released from his contract.

The letter, which was addressed to ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III and president Charo Santos-Concio, was written in light of the controversy involving him and entertainment journalist Jobert Sucaldito. A copy of the letter was leaked to the media.

Revillame had slammed Sucaldito for the latter’s alleged non-stop criticisms about Wowowee. Revillame, in particular, got irked after Sucaldito allegedly insulted the contestants of “Wowowee." The contestants were reportedly high school students with general averages of 75 to 79.

Sucaldito has repeatedly denied that he insulted the “Wowowee” contestants.

Revillame demanded that the network fire Sucaldito and threatened to leave the network if this was not implemented. The “Wowowee” host then went on indefinite leave.

"Wowowee" is currently being hosted by action star Robin Padilla.

Award-winning director and actor Cesar Montano has been offered to host the show for two weeks, but Montano and ABS-CBN have not made a final decision.

Reposted From ABS-CBN News

A Repost From Thea Alberto at Yahoo News

Enrile: Canvassing may have to wait

By Thea Alberto – May 25th, 2010

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By Thea Alberto, Yahoo! Southeast Asia

(UPDATE 5) Although both chambers have approved the rules of canvassing, actual canvassing may have to wait for a few more days, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said after the joint session was suspended Tuesday.

“Hopefully we could begin but we ask the public to be patient. We will spend about two days or three days to clarify all these issues. We can’t open canvassing with a cloud of doubt,” Enrile told reporters.

Enrile said the Commission on Elections and Smartmatic officials have to appear before the joint committee of canvassing to clarify and answer several issues including allegations of poll fraud.

“Comelec must explain why, in its order or directive under Resolution No. 8786 dated March 4, 2010, it disregarded the requirement of the law for digital signatures to be affixed before transmitting the results of the voting,” Enrile said in his opening speech.

Enrile added that if the Comelec and Smartmatic refuse to heed their invitation to appear, a subpoena will be issued.

Meanwhile, the Senate president said a partial proclamation is possible.

“As much as possible, we will proclaim both. If there is reason to proclaim [one candidate] ahead, it’s not much a problem,” said Enrile when asked whether a president might be proclaimed ahead of the vice president.

“There is no legal question as long as we proclaim both by June 30,” he added.

The Senate and the House of Representatives finally adopted the rules for canvassing Tuesday, which signals the start of a journey towards proclaiming the winner for president and vice president of the country.

Enrile and House of Representatives Speaker Prospero Nograles presided over the public joint session.

“Let us rise above our political and partisan interest and…summon our collective will as institution and as statesmen of this nation, working on the people’s trust,” said Enrile, as he opened the session.

He also noted the “number of registered of voters,” which showed “256,733,195″ as the number of voters.

“What was brought to my attention was that in the field marked ‘No. of Registered Voters,’ the figure ’256,733,195′ was reflected. I inquired from Smartmatic if this was just a code or an outright error which must be corrected right away,” he said.

He said that Smartmatic has asked to be given time to verify the data.

Enrile said the Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said that the poll body would make the necessary corrections.

During the deliberation on the rules, Representative of the 1st District of Maguindanao Didagen Dilangalen requested the presence of Smartmatic, the Comelec and information technology experts before the House approves the rules.

Nograles eventually ordered the presence of the Comelec, Smartmatic and IT experts in the joint session, which was set to resume 2 p.m. Wednesday.

The joint Congress might proclaim the winners for president and vice-president by June 15, according to Enrile.

The Philippine Constitution requires that a new president must be proclaimed on June 30.

Presidential candidate Maria Consuelo Madrigal was among the presidential candidates seen attending the session.

Photo by NPPA

Reposted From Thea Alberto at Yahoo News

A Repost From AFP

Philippine boxing champ Pacquiao taken to hospital

AFP - Monday, May 24

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Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao (L) shows his finger marked with indelible ink after casting his vote at a polling center in Kiamba, Sarangani province, in the southern island of Mindanao on May 10. World boxing champion Pacquiao has been taken to a hospital for a stomach ailment, but his lawyer says it is not serious and that he will likely be out the next day.

Slideshow: Faces of Asia PH

MANILA (AFP) - – World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao was taken to a hospital on Sunday for a stomach ailment, but his lawyer said it was not serious and that he would likely be out the next day.

Pacquiao, who was recently elected as a legislator, was taken to a suburban hospital in Manila after feeling pains in his stomach, said lawyer Jesus Gacal.

"It was just his usual acid reflux. The doctor told me there is nothing to worry about," Gacal told AFP.

"There was even no need for him to be confined but he wanted to take a rest after the (election) campaign," the lawyer added.

He said Pacquiao had suffered from this stomach problem before.

The 31-year-old fighter, who was elected on May 10 to represent the impoverished southern province of Sarangani, has been preparing to take up his post in the Philippine parliament.

Boxing promoters are also working to arrange a bout between Pacquiao and American Floyd Mayweather in November, to settle once and for all the fighters' claim to be the best fighter, pound-for-pound, of his generation.

Pacquiao has said he can handle the simultaneous burdens of being a legislator and training for a major fight, remarking that this required only proper "time management."

Boxing victories as well as his commercial endorsements last year made Pacquiao the world's sixth-highest paid athlete, with earnings of 40 million US dollars, according to Forbes magazine.

Reposted From AFP

A Repost From ABS-CBN News

Bernas to Aquino: Recognize Corona appointment

ABS-CBN - Thursday, May 20

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Bernas to Aquino: Recognize Corona appointment

MANILA, Philippines - Leading presidential contender Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III should recognize the appointment of Chief Justice Renato Corona, an expert on the Constitution said Wednesday.

Constitutionalist Father Jose Bernas SJ said that Aquino should accept the appointment of Corona to the chief justice post to avoid a constitutional crisis.

Bernas said, despite Aquino not wanting to take his oath of office from Corona, he believes the incoming president will respect the appointment made by outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Bernas, one of the authors of the 1987 Constitution, explained that even if he is opposed to the Supreme Court's decision on the controversial appointment ban, the high court should still be respected.

Aside from the appointment ban, he is also opposed to the decision of the SC on the executive privilege of current Social Security Systems President Romulo Neri in relation to the NBN-ZTE telecommunications scandal, and the division of a congressional district in Camarines Sur favoring presidential son Rep. Diosdado "Dato" Macapagal Arroyo.

He said Corona should now be given a chance to prove himself, saying that he is giving the new chief justice the benefit of the doubt, and that he is his own man. Report from Timi Nubla, ABS-CBN News

Reposted From ABS-CBN News