KAKAMMPI News

ABS-CBNnews.com Posted at 11/13/2012 12:53 PM | Updated as of 11/13/2012 12:53 PM MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said foreign recruitment agencies based in Dubai have pledged to implement the Philippines' household reform package that grants more protection to Filipino maids. “I am happy to note that the new SEC (Standard Employment Contract) for HSWs (Household Service Workers) to be deployed to Saudi Arabia has motivated other Middle East countries to follow suit and also formulate their own modes of giving our HSWs the kind of protection they truly deserve," said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. The reform package includes paying Filipino maids a minimum of $400 a month or at least P16,000 and non-charging of excessive fees.. Dubai's move follows Saudi Arabia's which earlier yielded to the Philippine government's demand to grant those reforms. Meanwhile, Labor Attache Delmer Cruz added that the ...

ANDREI MEDINA, GMA NEWS   A Filipino died after he was allegedly beaten up by three fellow Filipinos in Milan, Italy last weekend. Anthony Edison Topacio, 34, was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries, radio dzBB reported on Thursday. A report of GMA Network's “24 Oras” showed Topacio laying motionless on a street while a man seemed to be pinning him down. Another scene showed the same man along with another person kicking Topacio in the head while he was sprawled on the ground. The report said three persons ganged up on Topacio despite bystanders' attempts to stop them. Topacio was rushed to the Fatebenefratelli hospital but doctors failed to save him,  a report of the news site “ AkoayPilipino ” said. Italian authorities have taken custody of the three suspects, the report said. The report added that a councilor of the Comune di Milano, Marzio Ferrario, recorded a video of the fight, which he also attempted to stop. Meanwhile, a video hosting ...

ANDREI MEDINA, GMA NEWS   The Overseas Worker’s Welfare Administration (OWWA) has assisted the families of 14 Filipinos who were injured in the Riyadh tanker explosion that killed at least 23 persons — including Filipino Florentino Santiago — and injured 135 others on October 31.   In a report of Jam Sistante on GMA Network's "24 Oras" newscast on Thursday, OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon said the assistance extended to the families included one-on-one counseling and stress debriefing sessions.   “Kung ano yung kailangan nila na tulong, makikinig kami,” Dimzon said.   One of those injured in the incident is Ruben Kebeng, the Filipino truck driver of the tanker that exploded. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said Kebeng  is currently being held by Saudi authorities.    "He is still under investigation. Wala pang katiyakan, he is just a mere suspect. We are preparing to provide legal...

Carpe diem ! Seize the day!             A little over three months ago, Speaker Belmonte uttered these words to summon his colleagues in the House of Representatives to work harder and faster on bills pending in the chamber, not least of them the FOI (Freedom of Information) bill. This clarion call may well be addressed not only to the House, but to the Senate, the Executive, and the public as well.             Starting Nov. 5, the FOI bill enters a most critical stage. There would only be 35 working days left before Congress again adjourns on December 21. Session will resume for only 15 working days next year from January 21 to February 8, after which legislative work virtually grinds to a halt to give way to the campaign for the May 13, 2013 elections.             While time is running out...