Archive for June, 2007
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Misuse of privatization earnings endangers Philippine economy, group warns
The government has been using proceeds from the sale of government assets to pad its fiscal position, thus giving the illusion that all is well with the economy. The problem is the Arroyo administration will soon run out of assets to sell or privatize.
MANILA — DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes should go beyond merely suspending the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) by cancelling it for good and investigating Jung Ang Interventure Corporation’s development of a report spa in the crator of Taal Volcano in Batangas, a leader of environmental activist group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) said [...]
MANILA — The announcement of Malacañang that it will review its counter insurgency program to make it more sensitive to human rights is a meaningless statement as far as human rights victims are concerned. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita’s announcement is a token response to the European Union “needs assessment mission” which recently concluded its work [...]
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the leaders of Africa meeting for their annual summit to free all journalists imprisoned on the continent as part of its ‘African Journalists out of Jail Campaign.’
“My daughter Delara is accused of a crime that she did not commit… Help me and help us until justice is properly served. There are no signs of humanity and justice in here.”
father of Delara Darabi who is awaiting execution in Iran, 11 January 2007
Malacanang announced today a Cabinet revamp. According to a statement from Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has sent Hermogenes Ebdane back to the Department of Public Works and Highways, where he had been before appointed as defense secretary. Former Tarlac congressman Gilbert Teodoro will replace Ebdane as defense secretary. National Security Adviser will act as officer-in-charge of the defense department until Teodoro assumes the post on Aug. 3.
Some quarters are concerned about the beating the Philippines gets in the international media. This mindset is offensive on many counts. Let me cite two. One, it trivializes the suffering of the victims and their families. Their lives have been turned upside down by the brutality — and all we care about is how people in other countries perceive us? Second, it shapes official response to the killings. Indeed, it gives the Arroyo administration a way to evade responsibility.
Although the iPhone is not going to flood the Philippines anytime soon, it may make sense for us to check out the reaction to the product by consumers and experts in the U.S. (An aside: Were it not for the fact that any product Apple releases almost always gets this massive press and buzz, one would be tempted to think that, based on everything that has been said about the iPhone, the world has gone nuts.)
The assumption that one possesses the birthright to be in power has constantly placed incompetent people, with the exception of a few, in public office. Forget track record and competitiveness. All you need is pedigree.
Winding up a 10-day “needs assessment mission” to look into the extra-judicial killings in the country, the European group headed by European Union Ambassador Alistair Macdonald offered today “technical assistance” to the government in the investigation of extrajudicial killings, the prosecution of the suspects and witness protection.
The Arroyo administration is strengthening the country’s collegiate education program to promote the Philippines not only as a world-class tourist destination but also as a topnotch center of higher education.
LIBMANAN, Camarines Sur – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured today the farmer-beneficiaries of the Libmanan-Cabusao Irrigation Pump System Project that her administration will help them restore Libmanan as the “rice granary of Bicol region.”
MANILA — The government is well on its way to putting an end to the perennial problem of “diploma mills” or fake diplomas often sold in some of Manila’s main streets, particularly Recto.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Dr. Carlito Puno said the antidote to this long-time problem is through the centralization of the printing [...]
Reds seek activation of NPA hit squads in cities After Ampatuan Massacre, 2009 a Record Year for Journalist Killings Worldwide CHR to military: Respect and protect human rights during martial law in Maguindanao Maguindanao, its political elite and a culture subservient to corruption U.S. Must Improve Responsiveness to Mass Atrocities; Absent UN Action, Make Clear Willingness to Act on Its Own, Says New CFR Report Martial law dilutes the Philippines’s human rights and democratic gains Martial law in Maguindanao sets ‘most dangerous precedent’ Lawyers will wear black armbands, ribbons in courts Law group shall file plunder cases against President Arroyo et al. UN Experts: Maguindanao massacre must be the start of a major reform process
Arroyo’s oil-price control a publicity stunt, cries Ibon Political Bloodbath Continues: Widow of Slain Activist Shot Dead New Wave of Protests Against Charter Change Set in April Comelec’s Automation to Worsen Election Fraud — Watchdog 2008: Another Bad Year for the Philippine Press ‘Unemployment Figures Wrong; Number of Jobless Higher’ ‘Nicole Is Not the Enemy’ ‘Nicole’: ‘My Conscience Bothers Me’ Is the Call Center Industry a Bright Spot for New Graduates? 6 Great Ways to Vent Your Frustrations Eating Dirt Is Actually Good For Children Australia Offers 150 Scholarship Slots for Philippines, Asia-Pacific mamert dolera: The horrible maguindanao massacre displays the “crueltiest 221; act of political warlordism... Don Untalan: I am also interested to buy (AROD) and the tall hybreed variety. Pls advice where to buy from Manila,... scott: Sports and politics do not mix. But the economy of the Philippines relies on Pacqiao. How much money would a... Bernadine Ebo: nov.11,2009 4:45 my husband and i wants to adopt