tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29949461656192930502024-03-18T15:32:22.889+08:00KAKAMMPI NewsKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.comBlogger13597125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-30785377727937675052024-03-18T15:20:00.003+08:002024-03-18T15:20:54.894+08:00Japan space rocket explodes seconds after launch ---- AFPTOKYO: A rocket made by a Japanese company exploded seconds after launch on Wednesday, in a spectacular failure for the start-up's bid to put a satellite into orbit. Tokyo-based Space One's 18-metre (60-foot) Kairos rocket blasted off in the coastal Wakayama region of western Japan, carrying a small government test satellite.
But around five seconds later, the solid-fuel rocket erupted in fire, sending white smoke billowing around the remote mountainous area as orange flames raged on the ground, live footage showed. Space One said it had taken the decision to "abort the flight" and details were being investigated.
"We want to accept this outcome in a forward-looking manner and embark on our next challenge," company president Masakazu Toyoda told reporters, asserting that Space One does not use the term "failure". The firm wishes to "contribute to the expansion of space-related services" through successful satellite launches by its rockets in the future, he added.
Burning debris fell onto the surrounding slopes as sprinklers began spraying water, in dramatic scenes watched by hundreds of spectators gathered at public viewing areas including a nearby waterfront.
Private companies like Space One are playing an increasingly important role in space exploration worldwide. Last month a Houston-based company landed America's first spaceship on the Moon in more than 50 years, and rockets made by Elon Musk's SpaceX have come to be heavily relied upon by NASA.
But failures are rife, and last year another Japanese start-up, ispace, tried in vain to become the first private company to land on the Moon. The company said it had lost communication with its craft in what it described as a "hard landing".
'Didn't even imagine'
Space One is hoping to become Japan's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit. The plan had been for Kairos — an ancient Greek word meaning "the right moment" — to do so around 51 minutes after take-off on Wednesday morning.
The launch had already reportedly been postponed five times due to parts shortages and other problems, most recently on Saturday. The mayor of Kushimoto, the district in Wakayama where Space One's launch site Spaceport Kii is located, voiced his surprise and disappointment. "I didn't even imagine an outcome like this," Katsumasa Tashima told reporters shortly after the explosion. The area and its 15,000 residents "will continue to support Space One," he said. "We want to continue to offer our help so that the first rocket will have a successful launch."
Space One was established in 2018 by a team of major Japanese tech businesses, including Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace, construction firm Shimizu and the government-owned Development Bank of Japan. The failure fueled a sell-off of their shares, with Canon Electronics ending the day down 7.45 percent.
Last July, another Japanese rocket engine, the solid-fuel Epsilon S, exploded during a test around 50 seconds after ignition. That was one in a string of failures for the country's space agency JAXA, including launch attempts for its next-generation H3 rocket.
JAXA eventually managed a successful blast-off last month for the H3, its new flagship rocket that has been mooted as a rival to SpaceX's Falcon 9. That followed Japan's successful landing in January of an unmanned probe on the Moon — albeit at a wonky angle — making it just the fifth country to achieve a "soft landing" on the lunar surface. — AFPKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-11105395446169262152024-03-18T15:19:00.000+08:002024-03-18T15:19:11.269+08:00UN: In Sudan, 5 million at risk of starvation --- AFPUNITED NATIONS: The United Nations appealed Friday for Sudan’s battling factions to allow delivery of humanitarian relief to fend off looming “catastrophic” hunger. Some five million Sudanese could face calamitous food insecurity in coming months as a nearly yearlong war between rival generals continues to tear the country apart, according to a UN document seen Friday by AFP. The war between army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has since April last year killed tens of thousands, destroyed infrastructure and crippled the economy.
It has also triggered a dire humanitarian crisis and acute food shortages, with the country teetering on the brink of famine. Noting that some 18 million Sudanese are already facing acute food insecurity — a record during harvest season — UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths warned in a letter to the Security Council that “almost 5 million people could slip into catastrophic food insecurity in some parts of the country in the coming months.”
He noted that nearly 730,000 Sudanese children — including more than 240,000 in Darfur — are thought to suffer from “severe” malnutrition. “Aid organizations require safe, rapid, sustained and unimpeded access — including across conflict lines within Sudan,” said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric. “A massive mobilization of resources from the international community is also critical,” he added.
The UN’s World Food Programme has warned that the war risks “triggering the world’s largest hunger crisis.” Jill Lawler, the emergency chief in Sudan for the UN children’s agency UNICEF, said there were enough aid stocks in Port Sudan, but the problem was getting the aid from there to the people in need.
Lawler said she last week had led the first UN mission to reach Khartoum state since war erupted 11 months ago. They had seen first-hand that “the scale and magnitude of needs for children across the country are simply staggering,” she told reporters in Geneva via video link from New York.
The war “is pushing the country towards a famine” with hunger “the number one concern people expressed.”
Mandeep O’Brien, UNICEF representative in Sudan, said 14 million children needed humanitarian aid and four million were displaced. There was only a “small window left to prevent mass loss of children’s lives and future,” she warned on X, formerly Twitter. World Health Organization regional director Hanan Balkhy, who recently returned from a trip to Sudan, underlined the acute needs in Darfur, saying most health facilities were looted, damaged or destroyed.
Griffiths, the UN aid chief, lamented that fighting continued to rage during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan despite a Security Council resolution calling for a cessation of hostilities.
“This is a moment of truth,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “The parties must silence the guns, protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access.” The UN on Friday called for more financial support for aid operations in Sudan.
UN spokeswoman Alessandra Vellucci told reporters in Geneva that the world body had appealed for $2.7 billion to provide aid this year, but had received just five percent of that amount so far. — AFPKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-7113494778014907732024-03-18T15:15:00.001+08:002024-03-18T15:15:12.765+08:00‘Difficult’ Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa ----AFP ‘They decide who they let in, who they don’t let in, and you don’t know why’
JERUSALEM: Under a heavy police presence, tens of thousands of Muslims attended the first Friday prayers of Ramadan in east Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound, a gathering weighed down by the war in Gaza.
Old men leaning on canes, veiled women and smartly dressed children flowed through the gates of the Zionist-annexed Old City for the midday prayer, which unfolded peacefully, though some younger men were turned away by police conducting security checks. “It’s random. They decide who they let in, who they don’t let in, and you don’t know why,” said Amjad Ghalib, a 44-year-old carpenter from the Mount of Olives who described relief at being granted access.
“I have to be honest, we are afraid,” he said, a prayer mat resting on his shoulder. “It’s the first year I see so many forces (police), and their eyes, their look ... Two years ago I could argue with them, but now ... they’re giving us no chance.”
The Al-Aqsa mosque compound is Islam’s third holiest site and Judaism’s most sacred, known to Jews as the Temple Mount. The site has been a flashpoint for violence during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in past years, and thousands of police officers were deployed on Friday, some of them heavily armed.
“There are so many soldiers. Wherever you go, you find them. They make it difficult,” said Ezzat Khouis, a 75-year-old tour guide, referring to the police. “Why do they do this? ... This is not good for us, not good for the future, for the peace and for the people to live together.”
‘Sad all day’
Since the Gaza war, violence in the occupied West Bank has flared to levels unseen in nearly two decades, according to the health ministry in Ramallah. Zionist troops and settlers have killed at least 430 Palestinians in the West Bank since the Gaza war began, the ministry says.
For security reasons, Palestinians trying to access Al-Aqsa from the West Bank were expected to face some restrictions this year, police said in a statement earlier this week. Only men aged 55 and over and women older than 50 would be allowed to enter the mosque compound from the territory, government spokesperson Ofir Gendelman said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said that, despite the restrictions, worshippers would be allowed to enter the mosque “in similar numbers” to past years. But those assurances meant little to some young men who were denied entry to the Old City on Friday.
“It’s unfair. When they refuse to let in young boys, it hurts me very, very much,” says Fida Absiya, who stood at the entrance to the Old City collecting money for orphans and the less fortunate. “Since the first day of (the war) we knew that we would have very difficult days,” a man who declined to give his name told AFP.
Other West Bank worshippers were unable to reach Jerusalem, including Umm al-Abd who attempted to cross at the Qalandia checkpoint to its north. “In the past, I used to go (to Al-Aqsa) every Friday and I never missed (the prayers)”, the 50-year-old woman said. “Today they did not allow me to enter. I am sad. I will be sad all day.” — AFP
KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-26775222615433213272024-03-18T15:12:00.005+08:002024-03-18T15:12:53.423+08:00EU, Egypt agree $8 billion energy, migration deal — AFPAgreement follows other controversial deals sealed in North Africa to stem irregular migration
CAIRO: The European Union, which seeks to stem irregular migrant arrivals, and cash-strapped Egypt were Sunday due to sign a 7.4 billion euro ($8 billion) package of loans, grants and energy cooperation deals.
It will include billions in credit over coming years and deals to step up Egyptian energy imports to help Europe "move further away from Russian gas" amid the Ukraine war, a senior European Commission official told reporters.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen — who was to be joined in Cairo by the government leaders of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece and Italy —was to sign the package later in the day with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
The agreements includes five billion euros in loans over four years, 1.8 billion euros in investment and hundreds of millions for bilateral projects including on migration, the official said on condition of anonymity.
Egypt, mired in a painful economic crisis, borders war-battered Libya and two ongoing conflicts — the Zionist attack on Gaza, and Sudan's war between the regular armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. "Egypt is a critical country for Europe today and for the days to come", said the commission official.
The official pointed to Egypt's "important position in a very difficult neighborhood, bordering Libya, Sudan and the Gaza Strip". Egypt already hosts around nine million migrants and refugees, including four million Sudanese and 1.5 million Syrians, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration.
The EU official said the deal includes steps to cooperate on "security, counter-terrorism cooperation and protection of borders, in particular the southern one" with Sudan. The Gaza Strip "will not be the main focus but will be part of the discussion" in Cairo, the official added.
The high-powered delegation was to include three Mediterranean leaders — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, her Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. They were to be joined by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
'Cash-for-migration-control'
The agreement follows other controversial deals the EU has sealed in northern Africa — with Libya, Tunisia and Mauritania — to stem the flow of irregular migrants across the Mediterranean Sea.
The EU's border agency Frontex last year recorded nearly 158,000 migrant arrivals in Europe via the dangerous sea route, up by 50 percent on the previous year. The aim is to limit arrivals at a time of rising anti-immigrant rhetoric in Europe and of right-wing populist political parties in several EU nations.
Human rights groups have strongly condemned past deals with authoritarian governments. US-based Human Rights Watch said it had documented "arbitrary arrests and mistreatment of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees by Egyptian authorities".
HRW again criticized what it labelled "the EU's cash-for-migration-control approach" which it said "strengthens authoritarian rulers while betraying human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and activists whose work involves great personal risk".
Egypt stresses that migrant boats have not sailed from its coast in recent years. But Egyptians still arrive in Europe by sea, mostly via Libya or Tunisia to Italy.
Highly indebted Egypt, the Arab world's most populous nation, is in dire need of financial help as it weathers a severe economic crisis marked by rapid inflation.
The International Monetary Fund this month agreed an $8 billion loan package after Cairo implemented a flexible exchange rate and raised interest rates. Egypt's economy, dominated by military-linked enterprises and focused on infrastructure mega-projects, has been hit hard by a series of recent economic shocks.
Among them have been the COVID pandemic's impact on tourism, higher prices for food imports amid the Ukraine war, and attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Red Sea shipping that have slashed Suez Canal revenues. Egypt's external debt has ballooned to nearly $165 billion, and the cost of servicing it is expected to reach $42 billion this year. — AFPKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-25536945034601902152024-03-18T15:10:00.002+08:002024-03-18T15:10:10.791+08:00‘Bloody’ Ramadan weekend in Gaza Zionist strike kills 36 people from one family on first Friday night of holy month
GAZA: Displaced by Zionist bombardment, the Tabatibi family gathered in central Gaza to eat together during the first Friday night of Ramadan, a reunion that soon turned into a bloodbath.
An air strike hit the building where they were staying as women prepared the pre-fasting meal, killing 36 members of the family, witnesses told AFP on Saturday. The health ministry in Gaza, which provided the same death toll, blamed the Zionist entity for the strike in Nuseirat, as did survivors.
Asked about the strike on Saturday, the Zionist military said it targeted two “terror operatives” in Nuseirat “throughout the night”, without elaborating. “The circumstances of the incident are still being reviewed,” it said.
Mohammed Al-Tabatibi, 19, stood in the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in nearby Deir al-Balah, where the bodies of his relatives were spread out. “This is my mother, this is my father, this is my aunt, and these are my brothers,” Tabatibi, whose left hand was injured in the strike, said through tears.
“They bombed the house while we were in it. My mother and my aunt were preparing the suhoor food. They were all martyred,” he added before the bodies were stacked on a truck to be driven to a cemetery.
Because there were not enough body bags, some of the dead — including at least two children — were wrapped in white cloth stained with blood, AFPTV footage showed.
The strike in Nuseirat was one of 60 “deadly air strikes” reported overnight by the press office of the Gaza government, from Gaza City in the north to Rafah in the south. “This is a bloody night, a very bloody night,” said Salama Maarouf of the government’s media office.
Air strike kills muezzin
The Zionist military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 31,645 people, mostly women and children, according to the territory’s health ministry. The Zionist entity claims the assault is in response to an attack staged by Hamas in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally.
In Rafah, where the majority of Gaza’s 2.4 million people have sought refuge, more bloodshed is feared after Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Friday he had approved plans for a military operation there.
Yet even before any such operation begins, air strikes continue, including one early Saturday that witnesses said killed Issa Duhair, the muezzin of a mosque, along with his two sons.
Mahmoud Duhair, a 41-year-old relative who lives nearby, described the muezzin as “a good man” who, as usual, dutifully performed the call to prayer before dawn on Saturday, then went to eat with his family “when his house was struck”.
Back in Nuseirat, in central Gaza, Yussef Tabatibi said the true toll of the strike that killed 36 members of his family could rise. “Some of the martyrs we are unable to retrieve. We lack equipment, bulldozers, machinery, or anything else, “ he told AFP, his hands and sweatshirt covered with dust from trying to clear rubble. “We retrieve them only with our hands. We brought shovels and hammers, but to no avail. Look at the extent of the destruction.” — AFPKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-32203173243874810342024-03-18T15:03:00.001+08:002024-03-18T15:03:16.328+08:00OFW Nanny of the Year in Dubai: Loving my career changed my life ---- By SHERYLIN UNTALAN, GMA Integrated NewsLike many Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Esperanza Deangkinay decided to leave the country to work abroad. Her aim? To give her family a better life.
Esperanza’s journey began 27 years ago when she left her home province of Quezon in 1997 for the Emirate of Dubai.
She said she faced challenges was not easy and was made more difficult after her father passed away when she was only 12 years old.
“Twelve years old ako noong kami ay maulila sa Tatay at ang bunso po namin ay tatlong taon noong time na ‘yun. Kaming magkakapatid ay nagtulungan para sa ikauunlad ng aming buhay.
Ang kasama po namin ay ang aming Lola at aming Nanay lamang,” she said in an interview in GMA Pinoy TV’s “Portraits”.
(I was only 12 years old when we lost our father and my youngest sibling was only 3 years old at the time. My siblings and I had to strive in order to have a better life. We only had our grandmother and our mom to rely on.)
While her elder siblings were studying in college as mass communication and criminology students, she begged her mother to allow her work to help with their daily needs.
“Pumapasok po ako ng limang piso lang ang aking baon sa college, ang hirap kasi ayokong manghingi ng pamasahe sa’yo, sabi kong ganon kay Nanay,” she shared.
(I used to attend classes with only five pesos in my pocket, it was hard because I didn't want to ask you for a fare, she told her mom.)
Ezperanza said working abroad was not not her first choice but she recalled the pieces of jewelry worn by her cousins who worked overseas caught her attention.
“Sabi ko, someday, magkakaroon din ako niyan,” she said.
(I told myself that someday, I too will have something like that.)
In Dubai, Esperanza looked at different kinds of employment from secretary to factory worker to taking care of family pets. Despite having no experience in cleaning or taking care of children, Esperanza gravitated towards taking care of children. She said she learned to love and learn her job as a nanny.
In 2019 her efforts and passion were recognized: Ezperanza was awarded by the Gawad Kasambahay as “Nanny of the Year”.
“Kumbaga sa akin, it’s amazing na maka-ano ng 25 years. Ang magpapabago pala sa buhay mo ay pagmamahal, It’s about love to my career. It’s about love to the children na pinagtatrabahuhan ko. Kasi kung walang pagmamahal at pera lang, hindi mo magagawa ‘to. Ang hirap palang gawin.”
(For me, it's amazing to be able to work as a Nanny for 25 years, Love changed my life, it's about love to my career. It's about love for the children I work for. You would not be able to do this work just for money, you will need to have love. It has many challenges.)
But despite the difficulties, Esperanza has found something deeper and meaningful that helped her thrive in her chosen profession far from home.
“‘Yung tawagin kang ate, ‘yung tawagin kang Mama, ‘yung hanggang ngayon shineshare nila yung problema nila sayo. Hanggang ngayon kahit graduate na sila ng college sila ay professional na, sila pa rin umaakbay at yumayakap sa akin dahil sabi nila, hindi ako katulong. Ako ay isang ina na nag-alaga sa kanila,” she added.
(When they call you Big Sister or Mama, and how they open up their problems to you. Until now, even though they have graduated from college, they are now professionals, they still hug me because they tell me I am not just a maid. I am a mother who took care of them.)
Esperanza’s hard work has paid off. She was able to build her own house and now runs a house rental business. Her siblings have managed to graduate from college. However, she does not wish to return to the Philippines just yet.
“Sabi ng Nanay ko, bakit hindi ka pa umuwi? Sabi ko, I want to enjoy my life, ako naman,” she said.
(My Mother said, why don't you come home? I told her, “I want to enjoy my life, it’s my turn.”)—RF, GMA Integrated News
KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-55373272112278861562024-03-18T14:59:00.002+08:002024-03-18T14:59:57.951+08:00Pinay in UAE overcomes gender stereotype, becomes CEO --- By SHERYLIN UNTALAN, GMA Integrated NewsWorkplace stereotype has it that women cannot climb the corporate ladder and be leaders. A hardworking overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in the Middle East proved that wrong.
"I arrived in the United Arab Emirates in 1992, which was 30 years ago. I was only 22 years old. I started as a quality control officer in a textile company. I started with a salary of 300 dollars at that time, and the exchange rate was 25 pesos per dollar," shared Dr. Mary Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi in a Global Pinoy Unlimited episode on GMA Pinoy TV.
Alvero-Al Mahdi said all her earnings were sent to her family in the Philippines to give them a better and more comfortable life.
After seven months, Alvero-Al Mahdi said she left her first job and found the job that really changed her life -- a junior chemist at the most famous laboratory in UAE, where she eventually got promoted to chief chemist.
However, despite her hard work, Alvero-Al Mahdi was terminated due to gender bias within her workplace.
"They couldn't believe or did not want to accept that a woman could lead them, so I've been forcibly asked to resign, but I said no, I would not resign because I love my job. So, if they do not want me, they can terminate me. I've been terminated, but that experience opened a very big opportunity, and that's why I'm here today," she said.
Like how she dealt with a gender bias environment, she was also able to overcome every challenge in her life with the help of God, her family, and the people who believed in her.
After her termination from her previous company, a company with only eight employees gave her a chance, and she eventually offered to be the company's chief executive officer (CEO).
Alvero-Al Mahdi handled big projects and started hiring people from the Philippines. Their company, Geo-Science, has 10 business entities under the Prime Group of Companies.
"I have a dynamic and strong team, a very diverse team. My style of leadership is charismatic, and I always make people feel that I am their mom," she said.
"My life has always been blessed, and even now, I am really so blessed. I have people who trust me and believe in me. I have bosses who respect my decisions, listen to me, and prioritize me. I have a community that believes in me and that I could help them change their lives," Alvero-Al Mahdi added.
With her hard work, dedication, and commitment to personal and professional growth, she received a Gold Award in 'The Rise to Success' category at the Employee Happiness Summit and Awards 2023. —KBK, GMA Integrated NewsKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-14915313941257278422024-03-18T14:57:00.003+08:002024-03-18T14:57:47.274+08:00Marcos trip to Prague highlights OFW demand in Central, Eastern Europe —envoy By ANNA FELICIA BAJO, GMA Integrated NewsPRAGUE - Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic Eduardo Martin Meñez on Thursday said President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.'s state visit would highlight the increasing demand for Filipino workers in Central and Eastern Europe.
''So the visit of the President is also significant for this point because the Czech Republic is sort of like, a symbol or representative of the demand for Filipino workers in Central and Eastern Europe,'' Meñez said in an interview.
"So it is a very opportune time for the President to come and visit this country. And also to make sure that the conditions for our workers are good," she added.
According to Meñez, one of the deliverables for Marcos' visit is a labor consultation mechanism ''for us to ensure that we are able to study the data, look at the trends and work with the Czech government to address future problems or emerging problems."
The Filipino official reiterated that the quota on the number of Filipinos working in the Czech Republic alone could increase to 10,300 by May of this year.
''The Czech government and the employers in the Czech Republic have seen how well the Filipino workers have adapted and how hard they work, and the productivity of the companies that have hired them has also gone up,'' he said.
When it comes to trade and investment, Meñez said the complementary strengths and efforts of both countries allow for economic cooperation to flourish as started by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala when he visited Manila last year.
Marcos also brought a business delegation to Prague that will participate in two business forums during his state visit, according to the envoy.
He said Marcos is the first Asian head of state or more notably, the first Indo-Pacific head of state, who embarked on a visit to the Czech Republic under the administration of President Petr Pavel. —KBK, GMA Integrated NewsKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-38283682418977409232024-03-18T14:54:00.001+08:002024-03-18T14:54:11.787+08:00US court sentences 4 Pinoys over large-scale marriage fraud --- By DAVE LLAVANES JR.NEW YORK—Four Filipinos, all residents of Los Angeles, California, have been sentenced by a federal court in Boston, Massachusetts, for orchestrating a large-scale marriage fraud scheme.
Marcialito Benitez, 50, Juanita Pacson, 48, Engilbert Ulan, 43, and Nino Valmeo, 43, were convicted of conspiring to arrange fraudulent marriages, helping hundreds of undocumented immigrants in obtaining legal status in the United States.
Benitez was sentenced on March 7, 2024, by US District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 22 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
He pleaded guilty in September 2023.
Pacson was sentenced on the same day to two years of supervised release, with the first four months to be served on home detention, after previously pleading guilty in September 2023.
Ulan was sentenced on March 6, 2024 to 14 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He was convicted by a federal jury in November 2023.
Valmeo was sentenced on January 11, 2024 to three years of supervised release, with the first six months on home confinement, after pleading guilty in August 2023.
Court records reveal that the four Filipinos colluded to arrange sham marriages in exchange for sums ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 USD.
They allegedly submitted falsified documents to facilitate the processing of work permits and green cards for their clients.
Benitez's agency was found to have orchestrated fraudulent marriages and submitted counterfeit immigration documents for at least 600 clients between October 2016 and March 2022.
Several co-defendants were previously sentenced for their involvement in the scheme.
Peterson Souza, who referred non-citizens to the agency for a fee, received a five-month prison sentence and three years of supervised release, with the first five months on home detention.
Felipe David, who referred clients to the agency for assistance with VAWA-based applications, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. —NB, GMA Integrated NewsKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-85352468325094706272024-03-18T14:52:00.003+08:002024-03-18T14:52:54.022+08:00Filipino Michael del Mar breaks through in Dubai fashion scene --- By GMA Integrated NewsA Filipino fashion designer and CEO is slowly but steadily making his mark on the Dubai fashion scene.
Michael del Mar, fashion and creative director for luxury brands and the CEO of experiential marketing agency Icon, grew up exposed to arts and culture during his childhood in Cebu City.
Del Mar's interest in fashion began in college he went to fashion shows and go-sees of designers after he befriended a model.
He later attended a job fair and got a job in Dubai.
“I came to Dubai by accident,” Del Mar told GMA Pinoy TV.
“I spoke to my dad. He was apprehensive and telling me like ‘You know what, I give you a year or two. You're gonna be back here.’ I took the one-way ticket and I'm still here two decades later,” he added.
He said life in Dubai was not easy as he worked 12-hour to 14-hour shifts at the airport hotel.
“We had limited offs. We barely have breaks. We basically have 24-hour shifts. Is this really the opportunity that I took?” Del Mar said.
The struggle led Del Mar to look for other job openings. This led him to a job at Diva Models.
“I was literally going out in the streets knocking at doors at offices and asking if there are openings for me,” Del Mar said.
“I stumbled upon [Diva Models]. I told [the owner], ‘Okay, take me for three weeks. Don't pay me anything and if you think I would be good for the job take me. And she did take me,” he added.
Del Mar started as a junior booker and worked his way to head booker.
He became years later the head of the agency with his name getting known in Dubai’s fashion scene.
"I met Michael in Dubai in 2005. He's been my friend for 18 years. We work and travel together. He’s exceptionally talented [and] he's very passionate about his work,” Dubai-based fashion designer Michael Cinco said.
Del Mar found another big break when he was head-hunted by executive director and producer Bong Guererro to be part of the core team for Dubai Fashion Forward, one of the biggest fashion events that launched talented designers in Dubai.
"I realized that there was a kind of shortage of show directors, so I actually confronted Bong Guerrero. I basically started show directing while I was in Dubai Fashion Forward," Del Mar said.
Even with Filipinos all over the world, Del Mar said he had to deal with double standards in the industry.
“We need to overcome all these stereotypes. Break the mold, and go out of the box. Let the rejections come. I didn’t let it define me,” Del Mar said.
"Everywhere a Filipino goes he always makes an impact," he added. —Jiselle Ann C. Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated NewsKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-31170966086358213752024-03-18T14:49:00.000+08:002024-03-18T14:49:43.599+08:00DFA: China’s claim of historic rights to South China Sea ‘baseless and misleading’ --- By GMA Integrated NewsThe Department of Foreign Affairs on Sunday responded to China's assertion of "historic rights" in the South China Sea, calling its claims "baseless and misleading."
Last Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin asserted China's historic rights in what it calls "Nanhai Zhudao," or "South China Sea Islands."
“China has internal waters, territorial sea and contiguous zone, based on Nanhai Zhudao; China has exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, based on Nanhai Zhudao. And China has historic rights in the South China Sea,” he said.
“The above positions are consistent with relevant international law and practice. As early as in 1948, the Chinese government officially released the dotted line, which has been upheld by successive Chinese governments,” Wang added.
In a statement, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza called this claim "baseless and misleading."
The Philippines has long had sovereignty and exercised administrative control over Bajo de Masinloc, as well as various features west of Palawan which now form the Kalayaan Island Group. These features appeared and were clearly identified in the administrative maps of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, including the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map of the Philippines," she said.
Bajo de Masinloc is also known as Scarborough Shoal or Panatag Shoal. The Kalayaan Island Group, meanwhile, are part of the municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan and includes other features in the sea that are claimed by China, including Pag-asa Island and Ayungin Shoal. Both Bajo de Masinloc and the Kalayaan Island Group are in the West Philippine Sea—the part of the South China Sea within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
"As has been settled by the 2016 Arbitral Award, China’s claims to historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction beyond the limits of the maritime entitlements provided by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), are without legal effect," Daza added.
In 2016, an international tribunal ruled that China's sweeping claims to nearly the entirety of the South China Sea had no legal basis. China has refused to recognize this ruling.
"The Philippines maintains a firm stand against misguided claims and irresponsible actions that violate Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its own maritime domain. The Philippines has never used the South China Sea issue to heighten tensions, mislead the international community, or undermine peace and stability in the region," Daza said.
"The Philippines urges China to reconsider its unfounded positions and claims.”
In his statement, Wang also accused the Philippines of "misleading the international community" and claimed that China has never laid claim to the entire South China Sea. In response, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said that he "did not know of any instance where the Philippines has instigated anything, at any point, both verbally, or militarily, or diplomatically."
''We did not begin all of these problems. All of these commotions were not caused by the Philippines. So I don’t know what they are referring to,'' Marcos added.
China's coast guard and maritime militia vessels have been conducting "dangerous maneuvers" against Philippine government agency vessels and civilian fishing boats in the West Philippine Sea for years.
Earlier this month, four people were injured after two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels trained their water cannons at a boat on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. Two days later, several Chinese vessels blocked and harassed the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Malabrigo which had been on its way to Bajo de Masinloc.
Retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio, a longtime advocate of the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea, called the territorial dispute an "intergenerational struggle" for Filipinos. "I do not see this dispute being resolved anytime soon," he said. — BM, GMA Integrated NewsKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-79967239294585726582024-03-18T14:41:00.003+08:002024-03-18T14:41:58.884+08:00Pinay's Berlin coffee biz seeks to foster Filipino pride in Germany --- By ANNA FELICIA BAJO, GMA Integrated NewsKape de Filipina was established by Patricia Villaseñor, who moved to Berlin in 2018 to pursue her master's degree in business. She told GMA News Online that the coffee products she offers always try to provide a sense of familiarity and pride among Filipinos in Berlin. As for foreign customers, she wants them to discover something new about her home country.
"There aren't a lot of Filipino brands that have been established in Berlin, so by having a Filipino brand here in Germany and occasionally doing some events like pop-ups, I feel like Kape de Filipina has become a brand that people go to, when they want to share something from home, something unique or special, or need a space that feels familiar," Villaseñor said.
She said she had tasted a variety of coffee from South America, Africa, and Asia, but for her, Philippine coffee is "extremely rare, almost impossible to find, in Europe."KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-39754950946508483232024-03-18T14:40:00.003+08:002024-03-18T14:40:43.810+08:00Filipino couple drowns in Australia, leaves behind 13-year-old daught --- By GMA Integrated NewsA Filipino couple drowned in an estuary south of Perth in Australia, leaving behind their 13-year-old daughter, Australian news site 9 News reported.
The couple, Leslie and Jun Ballo, drowned last week while on a fishing expedition, the report said.
The report said police were alerted after the couple failed to return from their expedition. The couple's car was later on found at the Herron Point Boat Ramp without their fishing gear.
The bodies of the were recovered at the Peel Estuary some 30 kilometers south of Mandurah in Perth on March 14, a separate report said.
Though no foul play was suspected, further investigations were conducted by the Western Australia Police.
The couple had been married for 24 years and had even renewed their vows just two weeks before the fatal incident.
The couple were born and raised in the Philippines, with Leslie coming from Bangued, Abra and Ballo from Ilocos, according to their respective Facebook page.
Their daughter will now be under the care of the couple's friends and relatives, 9 News reported. —Jiselle Casucian/KBK, GMA Integrated News KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-75769981763135938452024-03-18T14:38:00.002+08:002024-03-18T14:38:34.682+08:00PDEA warns public vs marijuana-infused vapes Mark Ernest Villeza - The Philippine StarMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has issued a warning to the public regarding the increasing availability of marijuana-laced vapes on the market.
A surge in the availability of vaping products infused with marijuana oil was uncovered during recent anti-narcotics operations staged by PDEA.
In Taguig City, two drug personalities were arrested along with the seizure of cannabis oil, marijuana kush and assorted vaping devices which cost around P842,000 in a joint operation by PDEA and the Taguig City Police last March 14.
Eighteen balikbayan boxes containing cannabis oil and marijuana kush concealed inside e-cigarettes, with an estimated value of approximately P337 million were also intercepted by PDEA and the Bureau of Customs last week at Port Area, Manila.
The selling and smuggling of marijuana oil cartridges “indicate a growing domestic demand for these products,” according to PDEA.
“Considering that the vaping culture is predominantly popular among the youth, PDEA is wary that these cannabis extracts can be passed off as a legitimate vape aerosol in the market and sold to the younger patrons,” the agency said.
PDEA urged the public to refrain from patronizing marijuana-laced e-cigarettes due to the associated health hazards and the explicit prohibition of such products by law.
The proliferation of these items, it said, also poses the risk of unknowing customers becoming addicted to marijuana.
To address this issue, PDEA said that they are enhancing its monitoring capabilities to detect physical and online vape shops selling cannabis-flavored e-cigarettes and related paraphernalia.
The agency called for the support and cooperation of the country’s regulating bodies to formulate stricter measures against vape stores, retailers and importers to prevent consumers from using prohibited substances.KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-21297152392067416462024-03-18T14:37:00.001+08:002024-03-18T14:37:23.283+08:00Duterte-Duterte in 2028 floated at pro-Quiboloy rally Ghio Ong, Emmanuel Tupas - The Philippine StarMANILA, Philippines — An official of the previous administration floated the possibility of the country’s top positions to be held by Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2028.
During the last day of the weeklong Laban Kasama ang Bayan prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila last Tuesday, former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo asked the crowd who the next president in 2028 would be.
The crowd chanted: “Inday Sara Duterte!”
Panelo then told the crowd that the answer to his first question should be the same as his second question: “Who will replace Inday Sara as vice president in 2028?”
The crowd again shouted: “Duterte!”
After asking in jest which Duterte they were referring to, Panelo declared they should be referring to the older Duterte with the nickname “Digong.”
The former president was also present at the rally.
Panelo said he proposed a Duterte-Duterte tandem in the 2022 election, which the father and daughter “declined” due todelicadeza.
With alleged corruption and abuse of power committed by the current administration, Panelo asserted that the younger Duterte should run as president and her father, who was president from 2016 to 2022, as vice president in 2028.
“That’s why in 2028, Mayor Digong is still strong, so I told him that now is the chance that you father and daughter hold power and become president and vice president,” Panelo said.
The prayer rally was organized by members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founded by its embattled pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is linked to the Dutertes and has been accused of various offenses in the Philippines and in the United States.
Complaints
At the same prayer rally attended by key figures and Duterte family supporters who want President Marcos to resign, the Vice President enjoined the public to raise their complaints before the President himself.
The younger Duterte appeared last Tuesday evening on the seventh and last day of the event, where she was cheered by supporters opposing the investigations being levied against Quiboloy and his network Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
The rally was also attended by hundreds of others calling for Marcos’ resignation, singing songs about the Marcos administration’s “unfulfilled promises,” including P20 per kilo rice.
“I’m here to thank all members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, personnel of SMNI and all supporters of Pastor Quiboloy. We thank you for all your support for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education… Let us all pray for truth and justice for all,” the younger Duterte said in an interview with SMNI on the sidelines of the event.
Asked how she felt about sentiments that two years of the Marcos administration had not amounted to much change, Duterte said that she was glad that people were organizing rallies to voice out their feelings.
“(Their complaints) are something they should raise with the President. All complaints can be talked about with diplomacy, and I’m happy because the supporters of Pastor Quiboloy, members of KOJC and personnel of SMNI, hold rallies like this so that they can express what they feel and exercise freedom of speech and religion,” she added.
Duterte also stressed that she would continue working as Vice President and education secretary amid calls for her to replace Marcos – and even with “mounting” black propaganda against her.
“I grew up in politics, that’s why I know that black propaganda is part of a politician’s journey. They have this script that they keep replicating. They want to brand me as a corrupt, abusive, traitorous murderer of a warlord,” she said.
“I’ve seen black propaganda against my father and countless politicians. So I’m not really surprised with this demolition job against me,” she added.
While the rally was attended by Marcos’ detractors, the Vice President maintained that she only appeared at the event to show support and gratitude toward Quiboloy, KOJC and SMNI.
Avoid bloody incidents’
Meanwhile, the elder Duterte urged supporters to “avoid bloody incidents” as public unrest increased over the proposed economic changes in the Constitution being pushed by Congress.
The former president also told the crowd to ensure that their gatherings are peaceful.
“Pakiusap ko lang sa inyo, let us make this rally peaceful as much as possible,” he said.
He also urged them not to storm Malacañang to prevent the destruction of the country’s national treasures.
“Dito lang muna tayo. Let us not go into the seat of the governing power, kasi doon may mga national treasure,” Duterte said.
“Before, in the time of Marcos (Sr.), maraming nasira. Hindi man kanila yun. Sa ating Pilipino yun. ’Yang lahat sa Malacañang, lahat ng makita mo ay kayamanan ng Pilipino,” he added, alluding to the first People Power revolution in 1986, when the crowd stormed into the Palace and looted some of its treasures after the Marcos family left in haste and fled to the United States.
The former president also asked his supporters not to alienate the police and the military.
While Duterte urged his supporters to avoid bloody incidents, he also asked them not to allow any changes to the Constitution to happen.
The former president lambasted the proposed economic amendments to the Constitution, saying that it is just a guise to change the current presidential form of government to parliamentary, specifically tailored to extend terms.
He told the crowd that any changes to the Constitution would affect not just them, but also their grandchildren and their grandchildren’s children.
Duterte likened President Marcos’ move to that of his father, who was the first to amend the Constitution to allow him to extend his term. – Neil Jayson Servallos, Diana Lhyd SueltoKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-83869673592984754582024-03-18T14:33:00.002+08:002024-03-18T14:33:28.782+08:00Economic Cha-cha gets final House OK this week Delon Porcalla - The Philippine StarMANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is bent on approving this week, on third and final reading, the Charter change that lawmakers have crafted for purposes of relaxing restrictive economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution.
“Under the original timeline set by our good Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, we hope to have final approval before our scheduled adjournment on Wednesday, barring any last-minute delay,” Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said.
The congressman of Pampanga’s third district said Resolution of Both Houses 7 (RBH7) that they authored, which details the proposed economic amendments, “will be approved as is without amendment,” as per recommendation by the House committee of the whole led by the Speaker.
Gonzales, who now belongs to the ruling Lakas-CMD party, said those who still doubt that the House had planned to include political amendments in its push for economic Charter reforms “should now shed their baseless suspicions and their fear of the unknown.”
“Speaker Romualdez and the rest of us in the House have honored our word and followed the guidance of our President Marcos Jr: That we would work only on proposing economic amendments,” he said.
He said not one House member even tried to propose anything political in nature in the push for economic Charter reforms.
“We have proven the doubters wrong. No term extension proposal for any elective official. I hope they will now believe President BBM’s statement that his advocacy was confined only to changing the economic provisions,” Gonzales added.
Rep. LRay Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party – one of the biggest power blocs in the chamber – is hoping that the “investment plunge” in foreign direct investments for two years since the global pandemic in 2020 will be the senators’ “tipping point” in changing their anti-Cha-cha minds.
He said this should “somehow be the tipping point to convince senators that the Philippines will remain at the tail end of the region when it comes to investment generation, for so long as the restrictive economic provisions of the Charter stay – and continue to spook overseas investors.”
The Camarines Sur second district congressman noted that “for over a decade before the pandemic, the Philippines had struggled with anemic FDI (foreign direct investment) inflows despite its investment-grade ratings and enviable status as one of Asia’s economic stars.”
“Fast forward to the post-Covid period and our country, despite emerging as the fastest-growing economy in the region, remains stuck with scanty inbound investments when compared to those streaming to our neighbors,” Villafuerte said. KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-31418662804969395812024-03-18T14:32:00.000+08:002024-03-18T14:32:00.631+08:00Marcos returns to Manila after diplomatic tour to Germany, Czech Republic --- Philstar.comMANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has wrapped up his three-day state visit to Germany and Czech Republic after a series of diplomatic engagements.
He arrived at Maharlika Presidential Hangar, Villamor Airbase in Pasay City from the Czech Republic at 3:11 p.m. on Saturday.
Earlier on Saturday, Marcos said that he had a productive visit to Czech Republic, where he met with all four top-ranking government officials and signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs), according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos, was invited by Czech Republic President Petr Pavel for a three-day state visit "to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation and multilateral partnership between the Philippines and the Czech Republic."
The PCO said that Marcos held meetings with top Czech officials, including President Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová, Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Czech Senate President Miloš Vystr?il, and Czech Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová.
Among the outcomes of the visit was the signing of a Joint Communique aimed at establishing a labor consultation mechanism between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, witnessed by both Marcos and Pavel. — Kristine Daguno-BersaminaKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-4940221695215275862024-03-18T14:29:00.003+08:002024-03-18T14:29:35.177+08:00Filipino seafarers injured in Houthi attack back in Philippines --- Philstar.comMANILA, Philippines — Two wounded Filipino crew members of a missile-stricken merchant vessel have returned to the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Thursday.
They arrived via a chartered medical evacuation flight on Thursday morning after they were cleared “fit for travel” by medical authorities in Djibouti.
“The two were received by a medical team and taken to hospital where they will continue their recovery,” the DMW said, adding the crewmen and their families have requested privacy.
The two crewmen suffered serious injuries when their vessel True Confidence was struck by a missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels last week.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Worker Affairs Eduardo de Vega earlier said one suffered severe facial burns and the other had his leg amputated.
Eleven crew members of True Confidence returned to the Philippines on Tuesday, nearly a week after a missile fired by Houthi rebels struck the fuel tanks of the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned ship.
The attack in the Red Sea killed three seafarers, including two Filipinos. Their remains have yet to be recovered.
Filipino mariners comprise more than 25% of 1.5 million sea-based workers worldwide, the highest number from any country, according to the government.
Since November, the Iran-backed militants have been attacking ships in the Red Sea, in professed solidarity with Palestinians during Israel's war on Gaza. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-29012187053833079322024-03-18T14:23:00.000+08:002024-03-18T14:23:01.006+08:00FDA, BIR collaborate to cut medicine prices for senior citizens Kristine Daguno-Bersamina - Philstar.comMANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is partnering with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to reduce the prices of essential medicines for senior citizens by exempting them from Value Added Tax (VAT).
FDA Director General Samuel Zacate announced this collaboration during a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday, with the aim of making essential medicines more affordable for seniors.
Zacate explained that certain essential medicines will be exempt from VAT under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law, also known as Republic Act (RA) No. 11534.
“Basically, the exemption for VAT is through a law – iyong CREATE Law. So, those medicines have been declared by the FDA, endorsed to the BIR para matanggal or mawala iyong kanilang VAT," Zacata said on Saturday.
(Basically, the exemption for VAT is through a law – the CREATE Law. So, those medicines have been declared by the FDA, endorsed to the BIR so the VAT will be removed.)
The medicines include those used for conditions like hypertension, cancer, mental illnesses, tuberculosis, kidney diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol and even COVID-19 treatments.
According to Zacate, the FDA will identify the medicines eligible for VAT exemption and send the list to the BIR for implementation.
"Basically...we only endorse it to the BIR kasi kami po iyong nagdi-determine kung ano, para saan talaga iyong gamot. So, FDA ang magsasabi, kung papaano iyong mekanismo, kung paano tatanggalin iyong gamot. So, it’s a joint process po of the FDA and the BIR," the FDA official said.
(Basically, we only endorse it to the BIR because we are responsible for determining which medicines serve specific purposes. The FDA oversees the mechanisms and decides which medicines qualify. So, it's a joint process between the FDA and the BIR.)
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s mandate to grant a 20% discount and VAT exemption for senior citizens as stipulated in RA 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-91820046289125403402024-03-18T14:17:00.001+08:002024-03-18T14:17:15.145+08:00Marcos signs new law for online passport applications in Philippines Kristine Daguno-Bersamina - Philstar.comMANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the "New Philippine Passport Act," designed to modernize passport application processes nationwide.
The law aims to greatly improve accessibility and streamline procedures, especially benefiting senior citizens, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and individuals with special needs or exceptional circumstances, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Friday.
The recently enacted law, signed on March 11, replaced Republic Act No. 8239, also known as the Passport Act of 1996.
"The new passport law now authorizes DFA to provide offsite and mobile passport services in areas outside of the consular offices and foreign service posts (FSPs)," the PCO said.
"The DFA is also mandated by the new law to arrange accommodations for the applications of regular passports by senior citizens, PWDs, pregnant women, minors aged seven years old and below, solo parents, OFWs, and individuals with emergency and exceptional cases," it added.
To ensure passport security, the PCO explained that the law sets tough penalties for unauthorized passport handling. Offenders could face at least 12 years in prison and fines ranging from P1 million to P2 million.
The New Philippine Passport Act addresses offenses such as passport forgery and misuse, with penalties including imprisonment for six to 15 years and fines ranging from P100,000 to P250,000.
It also targets unfair practices in passport issuance, prescribing penalties like suspension, dismissal, fines of up to P250,000, and imprisonment for a maximum of six years.
According to the PCO, regular passports, meant for Filipino citizens ineligible for diplomatic or official passports, will be issued under the new law, serving government officials or employees traveling abroad for personal reasons.
"Government officials and employees and members of their families may, during their incumbency in office, hold two passports simultaneously," the PCO said.
The New Philippine Passport Act will take effect 15 days after its publication in either the Official Gazette or a widely circulated newspaper.KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-3555505121946474092024-03-18T14:15:00.002+08:002024-03-18T14:15:24.612+08:00Philippine passport ‘for sale’ - Sen. Pia Malou Escudero - Pilipino Star NgayonMANILA, Philippines — Naalarma ang Senate blue ribbon committee kaugnay sa pagbibigay ng pasaporte ng Pilipinas sa isang Vietnamese national.
Sa pagdinig tungkol sa tumataas na bilang ng hindi awtorisadong paggamit ng mga banyaga ng mga government documents, kinuwestiyon ni Senator Pia Cayetano kung “for sale” na ang Philippine passport.
Ibinunyag ni Senator Pia Cayetano, pinuno ng Senate panel, ang umano’y iregularidad at pinangalanan ang Vietnamese national na isang “Nguyen.”
Pero nilinaw din niya na naipa-deport na ang nasabing banyaga.
“This foreigner is using a duly issued Philippine passport. A Vietnamese national. So this Vietnamese national was recently deported by the Bureau of Immigration after being discovered in possession of a fraudulently obtained Philippine passport,” ani Cayetano.
Ayon pa kay Cayetano, napatunayan na iniisyu ng Department of Foreign Affairs ang pasaporte ni “Nguyen.”
Nauna rito, nagpahayag ng pagkabahala ang mga senador sa pag-iisyu umano ng mga balidong pasaporte ng Pilipinas sa mga Chinese nationals na banta umano sa seguridad ng bansa.
Napaulat na ang mga dayuhan ay nagbabayad ng P500,000 para makakuha ng mga pasaporte ng Pilipinas.
KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-11165446200984995022024-03-18T14:13:00.001+08:002024-03-18T14:13:22.023+08:00Government urged to redirect Cha-cha funds to boost education system Cristina Chi - Philstar.comMANILA, Philippines — A teachers’ group has called on the government to prioritize increasing teachers’ wages and building new classrooms instead of allowing foreign ownership of schools through amendments to the Charter.
With the House of Representatives' recent second reading approval of Resolution of Both Houses 7 — which relaxes foreign ownership restrictions in basic and higher education, among other economic amendments — Alliance of Concerned Teachers Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said that the government should redirect its funds for Charter change to addressing its shortage of over 100,000 classrooms.
Quetua described the projected cost of holding a Charter change plebiscite as a “stark misallocation of resources” at a time when teachers and students are dealing with “overcrowded and inconducive learning environments."
Both Charter change resolutions in the House and the Senate (Resolution of Both Houses 6) aim to relax foreign ownership restrictions in the education sector. Pro-Charter change lawmakers argue that the the amendments will attract more foreign universities to the country, but education experts are concerned that the Philippines’ reputation for diploma mill schools could instead bring in low-tier universities from abroad.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has been vocal about his support for economic amendments to the Charter, said that he would like the Charter change plebiscite to be synchronized with the 2025 midterm polls to cut down on costs.
“Even Marcos Jr. himself admits that holding a plebiscite for ChaCha is impractical and costly,” Quetua said.
“Instead of wasting time pushing for ChaCha, which will only expose our economy further to foreign interests, the Congress should prioritize legislation of bills on increasing wages, granting workers and employees the much-needed economic relief amid the crisis, and resolving the worsening learning loss,” he said.
The ACT chairperson also said that it was “appalling” that the budget for education is “being scrimped despite the enormity of backlogs and shortages.”
“Teachers and all other employees and workers are also being scrimped with measly wage increases and benefits, yet funds can be set aside and spent on ChaCha solely for the interests of foreign entities and a few in power,” Quetua said.
Similarly, Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Partylist) said that the government is “shirking its responsibility” of improving access to education by pushing to allow foreign investments in basic and higher education.
“Like the promised P20 per kilo of rice, this economic Cha-cha (charter change) of Marcos is another attempt to dupe people and the youth,” Manuel said in Filipino during a press conference on Thursday.
“We don’t believe in the promised quality education in opening up education to foreigners because quality and accessible education is the responsibility of the government. Education should be given sufficient funds and not left to foreigners,” he added.
In the same press conference, Quetua warned that proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution could worsen the “commercialization of schools.”
Quetua said that allowing 100% foreign-owned schools to operate here may lead to the closure of smaller schools and layoffs of their education personnel.
“It seems that the current administration is not alarmed with the worsening education crisis that we are facing,” he added.
Last year, the Department of Education (DepEd) fell short of its target for classroom construction, completing just 58% or 3,673 out of its goal of 6,379 new classrooms.
Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte has set a slightly more conservative target this year of building at least 4,000 new classrooms by the end of the first semester of 2024.
A month before the start of the school year or in August 2023, DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas said that public schools were short of around 159,000 classrooms, which would require at least P397 billion in funding.
The Philippines has some of the lowest government expenditures per student at primary and secondary levels in the world, and smaller funding for education has hampered the ability of the education sector to improve students' learning competencies, according to a 2023 policy note by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
To increase students' learning achievements, PIDS noted that the government must not only raise its budget for education, but also accompany this with "more effective and efficient use of available resources."KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-30836402091265887742024-03-18T14:10:00.002+08:002024-03-18T14:10:58.904+08:00Marcos signs 3 key measures into law Alexis Romero - The Philippine StarMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has signed into law measures that digitalize passport applications, require schools to allow disadvantaged students to take their exams even without a permit and strengthen the Philippines’ salt industry.
The New Philippine Passport Act; No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act and the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act were signed into law last March 11.
The New Philippine Passport Act or Republic Act (RA) 11983 repeals the Passport Act of 1996 and mandates the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to establish and maintain an online application portal and electronic one-stop shop readily accessible on its website.
The law authorizes the agency to render offsite and mobile passport services in areas outside of the consular offices and foreign service posts.
It also tasks the DFA to arrange accommodations for the application of regular passports by senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, minors aged seven years old and below, solo parents, overseas Filipino workers and individuals with emergency and exceptional cases through the creation of special lanes.
The law also enumerates the requirements for the application and issuance of passports, grounds for the denial of the issuance of, cancelation of and imposition of restrictions on passports and penalties for passport-related offenses.
No test permits
The No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act or RA 11984 allows students with unsettled fees to take exams.
The law covers all public and private basic education or K-12 institutions, higher education institutions and technical-vocational institutions.
In the case of technical-vocational institutions, the law only covers long-term courses exceeding one year.
In the case of K-12 students, the mandate shall apply for the entire school year.
The municipal, city and provincial social welfare and development officer or the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall issue the necessary certificate on the disadvantaged status of the student due to calamities, emergencies, force majeure and other good or justifiable reasons in accordance with the rules and regulations issued by the agency.
The law shall be without prejudice to the right and power of the educational institutions to require the submission of a promissory note, withhold records and credentials of students and other legal and administrative remedies available to them for the collection of the unpaid fees.
The DSWD, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations defining “disadvantaged student” and the criteria and requirements for and effectivity of the issuance of certifications by different entities involved.
Salt industry
Meanwhile, the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, meanwhile, seeks to formulate and establish a roadmap that will enumerate programs, projects and interventions for the development and management, research, processing, use, business modernization and commercialization of Philippine salt.
The roadmap shall be aligned with the goals and continued implementation of the law on nationwide salt iodization.
The roadmap also seeks to increase salt production to achieve self-sufficiency and to make the country a net exporter of salt; encourage salt farming and expand the number of self-producing areas; ensure the sustainable production, management and harvesting and soil and water conservation practices in salt farming areas and promote public and private investments in the salt industry development programs, among other goals.
A Philippine Salt Industry Development Council will be formed to ensure a unified and integrated implementation of the salt roadmap and accelerate the modernization and industrialization of the industry.
The agriculture secretary will serve as the chair of the council while the trade secretary will be the vice chair.
Speakers hails ‘landmark’ laws
Speaker Martin Romualdez yesterday hailed Marcos for enacting these three “landmark” laws.
These legislations address “educational equity, passport services and the salt industry,” bolstering the administration’s commitment to “positive change across sectors,” according to Romualdez.
He emphasized that RA 11984, which prohibits the “no permit, no exam” policy in all educational institutions, is “a crucial milestone in our journey towards educational equity.”
“By abolishing the ‘no permit, no exam’ rule, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that every student, regardless of their financial background, has equal access to education,” he said, as he underscored the need to provide equal access to education to allow all students to pursue their “academic aspirations.”
“Education is a fundamental right, and it is our duty to create an environment where every student can thrive,” he added.
As for the New Philippine Passport Act, the Speaker asserted that by making the passport application process more accessible and user-friendly, “we are empowering every Filipino to obtain travel documents efficiently and with minimal hassle.”
On the salt law, Romualdez maintained that this would revitalize and modernize the salt sector, positioning it for “sustainable growth and international competitiveness.”
“This legislation represents a crucial step forward in advancing the development and modernization of the salt industry in the Philippines,” he said.
“The ultimate goal is to facilitate sustainable production that could potentially lead to salt exportation, contributing to the country’s economic growth,” he added. — Sheila CrisostomoKAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-43514560221442455062024-03-18T14:09:00.001+08:002024-03-18T14:09:31.298+08:00Government urged to redirect Cha-cha funds to boost education system Cristina Chi - Philstar.comMANILA, Philippines — A teachers’ group has called on the government to prioritize increasing teachers’ wages and building new classrooms instead of allowing foreign ownership of schools through amendments to the Charter.
With the House of Representatives' recent second reading approval of Resolution of Both Houses 7 — which relaxes foreign ownership restrictions in basic and higher education, among other economic amendments — Alliance of Concerned Teachers Chairperson Vladimer Quetua said that the government should redirect its funds for Charter change to addressing its shortage of over 100,000 classrooms.
Quetua described the projected cost of holding a Charter change plebiscite as a “stark misallocation of resources” at a time when teachers and students are dealing with “overcrowded and inconducive learning environments."
Both Charter change resolutions in the House and the Senate (Resolution of Both Houses 6) aim to relax foreign ownership restrictions in the education sector. Pro-Charter change lawmakers argue that the the amendments will attract more foreign universities to the country, but education experts are concerned that the Philippines’ reputation for diploma mill schools could instead bring in low-tier universities from abroad.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has been vocal about his support for economic amendments to the Charter, said that he would like the Charter change plebiscite to be synchronized with the 2025 midterm polls to cut down on costs.
“Even Marcos Jr. himself admits that holding a plebiscite for ChaCha is impractical and costly,” Quetua said.
“Instead of wasting time pushing for ChaCha, which will only expose our economy further to foreign interests, the Congress should prioritize legislation of bills on increasing wages, granting workers and employees the much-needed economic relief amid the crisis, and resolving the worsening learning loss,” he said.
The ACT chairperson also said that it was “appalling” that the budget for education is “being scrimped despite the enormity of backlogs and shortages.”
“Teachers and all other employees and workers are also being scrimped with measly wage increases and benefits, yet funds can be set aside and spent on ChaCha solely for the interests of foreign entities and a few in power,” Quetua said.
Similarly, Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Partylist) said that the government is “shirking its responsibility” of improving access to education by pushing to allow foreign investments in basic and higher education.
“Like the promised P20 per kilo of rice, this economic Cha-cha (charter change) of Marcos is another attempt to dupe people and the youth,” Manuel said in Filipino during a press conference on Thursday.
“We don’t believe in the promised quality education in opening up education to foreigners because quality and accessible education is the responsibility of the government. Education should be given sufficient funds and not left to foreigners,” he added.
In the same press conference, Quetua warned that proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution could worsen the “commercialization of schools.”
Quetua said that allowing 100% foreign-owned schools to operate here may lead to the closure of smaller schools and layoffs of their education personnel.
“It seems that the current administration is not alarmed with the worsening education crisis that we are facing,” he added.
Last year, the Department of Education (DepEd) fell short of its target for classroom construction, completing just 58% or 3,673 out of its goal of 6,379 new classrooms.
Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte has set a slightly more conservative target this year of building at least 4,000 new classrooms by the end of the first semester of 2024.
A month before the start of the school year or in August 2023, DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas said that public schools were short of around 159,000 classrooms, which would require at least P397 billion in funding.
The Philippines has some of the lowest government expenditures per student at primary and secondary levels in the world, and smaller funding for education has hampered the ability of the education sector to improve students' learning competencies, according to a 2023 policy note by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
To increase students' learning achievements, PIDS noted that the government must not only raise its budget for education, but also accompany this with "more effective and efficient use of available resources."KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2994946165619293050.post-7988925144797333062024-03-13T18:31:00.003+08:002024-03-13T18:31:53.837+08:00Militant groups protest Marcos visit in Germany
Militant Filipino organizations and their allies in Europe and Germany welcomed Philippine president Marcos Jr’s arrival in Berlin with protests. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Europe together with ALPAS (Alternatibong Pangarap Para Sa Ating Sambayanan) Pilipinas, GABRIELA Germany, and the Deutsch-Philippinesche Freunde e.V. (German-Filipino Friends) organized a demonstration in front of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Berlin yesterday March 12 as part of a series of actions condemning Marcos Jr.’s human rights violations. Marcos Jr. was in the said hotel to have dinner.
“Marcos Jr.’s visit, designed to cleanse his family’s rotten image in Germany and the international community, will not be warmly welcomed. The President cannot hide from his family’s repugnant reputation,” said BAYAN Europe in a statement.
"The widespread historical revisionism and disinformation campaign of the Marcoses should be considered an outright attack on the Filipino people," said ALPAS in another statement delivered during the protest action.
The group called out the German government for agreeing to supply drones to the Marcos administration amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Earlier this year, the German Cooperation for International Cooperation (GIZ) pledged to provide additional four units of Trinity F90+ drones worth €129 million (P7.9 billion) to the Philippine Coast Guard to be used for imagery and reconnaissance purposes in the disputed waterways.
“By providing ongoing military and political support to the Marcos Jr. regime, Germany and Europe are complicit to these abuses and criminal acts,” BAYAN Europe explained.
The protesters also condemned the recent unjust and arbitrary deportation of Dutch-Filipina activist Marikit Saturay which happened last March 7 a few days before Marcos arrived in the region. Further, they called out the Philippine president for his frequent travels abroad at the expense of people's money.
"It is the height of hypocrisy that Marcos is constantly globe-trotting and trying to present an amenable face to other world leaders, while at the same time maintaining all the violent repressive machineries of Duterte and other presidents before him that are meant to stiffle any form of dissent," said GABRIELA Germany in a statement.
"We demand that Germany hold Marcos accountable. There should be no talk of business and trade relations while Filipino migrant activists are being repressed and barred from returning to our homeland," GABRIELA Germany added.
"Instead of deporting and prohibiting the entry of activists and government critics to Manila, Marcos himself should be declared persona non-grata in Europe!" said BAYAN Europe.
Other German-based groups participated in the demonstration including Courage, Internationale Solidarität, and The Left Berlin.KAKAMMPI Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08042115894109396126noreply@blogger.com0