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Content about Social Issues

January 2, 2012

MANILA, Dec. 31, 2011–The crusade for a culture of life is an advocacy of truth, and based on the goings-on in 2011 alone, the pro-life advocacy has covered a lot of ground and, inadvertently, saw much success in promoting the truth.

Though reproductive health (RH) legislation in the Philippines is not new — being proposed, discussed, rejected and resurrected for decades now — 2012 saw significant developments in its promotion as well as in its opposition. The year ended with the RH bill reaching the period of interpellation in both chambers of Congress, heated debates in progress when legislative sessions went on adjournment on the final month of the year. Mass actions such as rallies and prayer vigils to express opposition to the bill happened not just in the country’s capital, but in many other cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Civil society seemed to wake up to the folly of the legislative measure and wanted to be heard loud and clear.

MANILA, Dec. 31, 2011–The crusade for a culture of life is an advocacy of truth, and based on the goings-on in 2011 alone, the pro-life advocacy has covered a lot of ground and, inadvertently, saw much success in promoting the truth.

January 2, 2012

MANILA, Dec. 31, 2011—Highlighting the contribution young people can make in the society marked with growing discontent due to the crisis happening in the world of labor and economy, Pope Benedict XVI said the young can offer new hope to the world if they are educated in justice and peace.

The pope said he is convinced that the young people, with their enthusiasm and idealism, can contribute in the building of a more humane society.

MANILA, Dec. 31, 2011—Highlighting the contribution young people can make in the society marked with growing discontent due to the crisis happening in the world of labor and economy, Pope Benedict XVI said the young can offer new hope to the world if they are educated in justice and peace.

The pope said he is convinced that the young people, with their enthusiasm and idealism, can contribute in the building of a more humane society.

December 29, 2011

Heartbreaking tragedies and heartwarming tales of generosity and heroism.  Crippling crises and empowering developments.  Shameful scandals and inspiring comebacks.

All these characterized the news of 2011, a year that started with so much optimism and potential, yet would end with the country in a state of calamity. 

Heartbreaking tragedies and heartwarming tales of generosity and heroism.  Crippling crises and empowering developments.  Shameful scandals and inspiring comebacks.

All these characterized the news of 2011, a year that started with so much optimism and potential, yet would end with the country in a state of calamity. 

December 29, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 29, 2011) - The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 126 of Caloocan City recently dismissed a civil complaint for damages against GMA Network and Imbestigador host Mike Enriquez filed by plaintiff Ronald Virola owing to episodes of Imbestigador aired December 14 and 28, 2002.

The said episodes carried a story on Virola, whose house in Caloocan was raided on the strength of a search warrant for allegedly containing undetermined quantity of regulated and/or prohibited drugs, one of which is labeled as Ativan. Likewise searched were video tapes containing nude and obscene footages of different women, who seem to be under the influence of such drugs and victimized by his sexual escapades.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 29, 2011) - The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 126 of Caloocan City recently dismissed a civil complaint for damages against GMA Network and Imbestigador host Mike Enriquez filed by plaintiff Ronald Virola owing to episodes of Imbestigador aired December 14 and 28, 2002.

December 29, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 29,2011) - Four days before the New Year, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) released its Fourth Quarter Social Weather Survey, conducted from Dec. 3 to 7, showing that 95 percent of Filipino adults said they would welcome 2012 with hope while only 4% would face the New Year with fear.

Despite gloomy global economic forecasts and a string of natural calamities that hit the country this year, the figure is two points higher than the 93 percent who entered 2011 with hope and matches the all-time high of 95 percent recorded in 2002 who were hopeful entering 2003, the SWS said.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 29,2011) - Four days before the New Year, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) released its Fourth Quarter Social Weather Survey, conducted from Dec. 3 to 7, showing that 95 percent of Filipino adults said they would welcome 2012 with hope while only 4% would face the New Year with fear.

December 27, 2011

MANILA, Dec. 25, 2011—At least 100 overseas Filipino workers had spent their Christmas in jam-packed temporary shelter provided by the Philippine Government in the Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates’ capital city.

Mostly absconders, John Leonard Monterona, regional coordinator of Migrante-Middle East said, these OFWs had run away from their abusive employers, sought the help of the Philippine Embassy, hoping that they could be repatriated immediately. But sad to say, most of them have already stayed at the Bahay Kanlungan for about three to six months now.

MANILA, Dec. 25, 2011—At least 100 overseas Filipino workers had spent their Christmas in jam-packed temporary shelter provided by the Philippine Government in the Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates’ capital city.

Mostly absconders, John Leonard Monterona, regional coordinator of Migrante-Middle East said, these OFWs had run away from their abusive employers, sought the help of the Philippine Embassy, hoping that they could be repatriated immediately. But sad to say, most of them have already stayed at the Bahay Kanlungan for about three to six months now.

December 21, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 21, 2011) President Aquino visited the flood-ravaged cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete yesterday, declaring a state of national calamity in the aftermath of the devastation caused by tropical storm “Sendong” as a massive relief operation continued.

As thousands of workers search and retrieve decomposing bodies, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed the death toll from the storm at close to a thousand, more accurately 998, with an undetermined number still missing, mostly from the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 21, 2011) President Aquino visited the flood-ravaged cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete yesterday, declaring a state of national calamity in the aftermath of the devastation caused by tropical storm “Sendong” as a massive relief operation continued.

December 13, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 12, 2011) - With swiftness that suprised many including the senators, congressmen-allies of President Aquino moved yesterday to impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona for alleged betrayal of public trust, violation of the Constitution, and graft and corruption.

In a dizzying turn of events, 188 congressmen – almost twice the minimum 95 signatures required for trransmittal to the Senate -  signed an impeachment complaint drafted by the committee on justice, leveling eight charges against Corona.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 12, 2011) - With swiftness that suprised many including the senators, congressmen-allies of President Aquino moved yesterday to impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona for alleged betrayal of public trust, violation of the Constitution, and graft and corruption.

In a dizzying turn of events, 188 congressmen – almost twice the minimum 95 signatures required for trransmittal to the Senate -  signed an impeachment complaint drafted by the committee on justice, leveling eight charges against Corona.

December 13, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 12, 2011) – As the country’s  internal armed conflicts have reached negotiation stages,  it’s time to take on external threats to defend and preserve the Philippines’ sovereignty territorial intergrity

This is President Aquino’s position that is echoed by newly installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa who declared yesterday that the 125,000-strong military under his watch will focus on territorial now that domestic insurgency problems are being addressed on the negotiating table.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 12, 2011) – As the country’s  internal armed conflicts have reached negotiation stages,  it’s time to take on external threats to defend and preserve the Philippines’ sovereignty territorial intergrity

December 7, 2011

This December, the search is on for the singing kiddies who will take the center stage and become the newest child wonders of GMA’s upcoming primetime series Biritera.

Biritera, is a family-oriented drama series which will showcase unparalleled acting and incomparable singing ability that will surely be loved by Pinoys all over the world.

This December, the search is on for the singing kiddies who will take the center stage and become the newest child wonders of GMA’s upcoming primetime series Biritera.

Biritera, is a family-oriented drama series which will showcase unparalleled acting and incomparable singing ability that will surely be loved by Pinoys all over the world.

December 3, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 3, 2011) – Citing that President Aquino was raising issues and concerns important to public interest, Malacañang defended his pronouncement expressing doubts on the impartiality of the Supreme Court.

Yesterday President Aquino’s questioned the Supreme Court’s (SC) decisions, particularly the temporary restraining order on the travel ban against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 3, 2011) – Citing that President Aquino was raising issues and concerns important to public interest, Malacañang defended his pronouncement expressing doubts on the impartiality of the Supreme Court.

Yesterday President Aquino’s questioned the Supreme Court’s (SC) decisions, particularly the temporary restraining order on the travel ban against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

December 3, 2011

 

ANTIPOLO City, Dec. 3, 2011—Migrante International and its affiliates had begun the five o’clock habit or series of vigils and protest actions as the death of the 35 year old Filipino, sentenced to death due to drug-related offense, is getting nearer.

The unidentified Filipino in death row is said to be scheduled for execution on December 8, in an undisclosed place and time. The said OFW [overseas Filipino worker] was allegedly caught with more than 4 kilos of heroin and was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court of China. However, news reports said, the Filipino is still unaware that his life would be taken away on December 8.

ANTIPOLO City, Dec. 3, 2011—Migrante International and its affiliates had begun the five o’clock habit or series of vigils and protest actions as the death of the 35 year old Filipino, sentenced to death due to drug-related offense, is getting nearer.

December 1, 2011

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City (Dec 1, 2011) – As the whole Filipino nation celebrates the 148th birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio on November 30, the Philippine Army also recognizes the heroism of each soldier, both in war fighting and in winning the peace.

The act of courage and bravery displayed by Filipino soldiers in combat, and their selfless service to the citizens through the conduct humanitarian missions and rescue operations during disasters, are manifestations that the flame of heroism is burning and alive.

FORT BONIFACIO,Taguig City (Dec 1, 2011) - As the whole Filipino nation celebrates the 148th birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio on November 30, the Philippine Army also recognizes the heroism of each soldier, both in war fighting and in winning the peace.

The act of courage and bravery displayed by Filipino soldiers in combat, and their selfless service to the citizens through the conduct humanitarian missions and rescue operations during disasters, are manifestations that the flame of heroism is burning and alive.

December 1, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 1, 2011) – Immediately after hearing the testimony of the main attending physician of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the court ordered the transfer the arrested ex-president from her $1000 a day hospital suite to a government hospital.

Pasay City court Judge Jesus Mupas today ordered the transfer of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from the St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) in Taguig City to a government hospital.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 1, 2011) – Immediately after hearing the testimony of the main attending physician of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the court ordered the transfer the arrested ex-president from her $1000 a day hospital suite to a government hospital.

Pasay City court Judge Jesus Mupas today ordered the transfer of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from the St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) in Taguig City to a government hospital.

November 29, 2011

Once again, our Nation is apparently in a dilemma on how a former president, now Gloria Arroyo, accused of a crime and arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant should be treated. Or simply put, where should she be detained pending judicial proceedings?

President Aquino was certainly right in dodging the question by stating that such matter is within the jurisdiction or power of the court that issued the warrant of arrest. His government’s job is to prosecute the case, that is, to present evidence to show guilt beyond reasonable doubt...

Once again, our Nation is apparently in a dilemma on how a former president, now Gloria Arroyo, accused of a crime and arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant should be treated. Or simply put, where should she be detained pending judicial proceedings?

President Aquino was certainly right in dodging the question by stating that such matter is within the jurisdiction or power of the court that issued the warrant of arrest. His government’s job is to prosecute the case, that is, to present evidence to show guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

November 24, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Nov 24, 2011) – The family President Benigno Aquino III's shall soon find themselves landless as the Supreme Court orders the distribution of the Cojuangco-owned 4,915.75-hectare Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac to over 6,000 farmer workers-beneficiaries of the sugar estate.

The SC, in the 56-page ruling obtained by The Star last night, recalled and set aside the option granted to the farmers to remain as stockholders of Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI).

MANILA, Philippines (Nov 24, 2011) – The family President Benigno Aquino III's shall soon find themselves landless as the Supreme Court orders the distribution of the Cojuangco-owned 4,915.75-hectare Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac to over 6,000 farmer workers-beneficiaries of the sugar estate.

The SC, in the 56-page ruling obtained by The Star last night, recalled and set aside the option granted to the farmers to remain as stockholders of Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI).

November 22, 2011

 

MANILA, Philippines – Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 112 has approved the temporary detention of arrested ex-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the St. Luke’s Medical Center as she awaits trial for non-bailable offense of electoral sabotage.

 “For humanitarian reasons the motion (for hospital arrest) is granted,” said Judge Jesus Mupas of Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 112.

“The court has agreed to a temporary hospital arrest due to her health condition and for humanitarian reasons,” clerk of court Jose Pelicano told reporters after the court postponed to Friday a hearing on the motions filed by Arroyo’s lawyers.

MANILA, Philippines – Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 112 has approved the temporary detention of arrested ex-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the St. Luke’s Medical Center as she awaits trial for non-bailable offense of electoral sabotage.

 “For humanitarian reasons the motion (for hospital arrest) is granted,” said Judge Jesus Mupas of Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 112.

November 16, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Nov. 16, 2011) – In a surprise move, the Department of Justice blocked the rush departure of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and husband Mike in spite of a Supreme Court order permiting the former first couple to travel abroad.

Hours after getting the Supreme Court’s approval to travel abroad, Gloria and MIke were barred last night from leaving the country.

Pandemonium broke out at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 as the ailing former president – now a Pampanga congresswoman –and husband Jose Miguel made a virtual dash for the earliest flight out.

MANILA, Philippines (Nov. 16, 2011) – In a surprise move, the Department of Justice blocked the rush departure of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and husband Mike in spite of a Supreme Court order permiting the former first couple to travel abroad.

Hours after getting the Supreme Court’s approval to travel abroad, Gloria and MIke were barred last night from leaving the country.

November 9, 2011

 

JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — Mississippi voters Tuesday defeated a ballot initiative that would have declared life begins at fertilization, a proposal that supporters sought in the Bible Belt state as a way to prompt a legal challenge to abortion rights nationwide.

The so-called "personhood" initiative was rejected by more than 55 percent of voters, falling far short of the threshold needed for it to be enacted. If it had passed, it was virtually assured of drawing legal challenges because it conflicts with the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established a legal right to abortion. Supporters of the initiative wanted to provoke a lawsuit to challenge the landmark ruling...

JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — Mississippi voters Tuesday defeated a ballot initiative that would have declared life begins at fertilization, a proposal that supporters sought in the Bible Belt state as a way to prompt a legal challenge to abortion rights nationwide.

November 6, 2011

 

MANILA, Philippines (Nov. 6, 2011) - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) central office is telling medical practitioners to report abuse or harassment by local tax enforcers as the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) partners with the tax agency to ensure that doctors pay the right taxes.

PMA president Dr. Oscar Tinio said they were alarmed by “some unpalatable ways our medical doctors have been subjected to in the name of tax collection.”

MANILA, Philippines (Nov. 6, 2011) - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) central office is telling medical practitioners to report abuse or harassment by local tax enforcers as the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) partners with the tax agency to ensure that doctors pay the right taxes.

PMA president Dr. Oscar Tinio said they were alarmed by “some unpalatable ways our medical doctors have been subjected to in the name of tax collection.”

November 4, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Nov. 4, 2011) – The 253 new cases recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) this September is an all-time high  on monthly basis and bring the total known cases of the dreaded viral disease in the Philippines to 7,684.

The report, prepared by the DOH’s National Epidemiology Center and released yesterday,  reveals a 65 percent increase over the 153 AIDS cases recorded in September 2010. Out of the 253 cases, 5 are already considered full-blown AIDS...

MANILA, Philippines (Nov. 4, 2011) – The 253 new cases recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) this September is an all-time high  on monthly basis and bring the total known cases of the dreaded viral disease in the Philippines to 7,684.

The report, prepared by the DOH’s National Epidemiology Center and released yesterday,  reveals a 65 percent increase over the 153 AIDS cases recorded in September 2010. Out of the 253 cases, 5 are already considered full-blown AIDS.

In August this year, 196 new HIV cases were recorded.

November 1, 2011

CALABANGA, Camarines Sur (Nov. 1, 2011)  – This town located along the coastlines of San Miguel Bay has been the lone beneficiary in the Bicol region of the financial and material assistance given by members of corporate firms under the Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR)...

 

CALABANGA, Camarines Sur (Nov. 1, 2011)  – This town located along the coastlines of San Miguel Bay has been the lone beneficiary in the Bicol region of the financial and material assistance given by members of corporate firms under the Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR).

November 1, 2011

 

PARIS (AP) — Palestine became a full member of UNESCO on yesterday in a highly divisive breakthrough that will cost the agency a fifth of its budget and that the US and other opponents say could harm renewed Mideast peace efforts.

Soon after the vote, the United States cut funding to the organization because of a US law that bars funding an organization that has Palestine as a member before an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal is reached.

PARIS (AP) — Palestine became a full member of UNESCO on yesterday in a highly divisive breakthrough that will cost the agency a fifth of its budget and that the US and other opponents say could harm renewed Mideast peace efforts.

Soon after the vote, the United States cut funding to the organization because of a US law that bars funding an organization that has Palestine as a member before an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal is reached.

October 29, 2011

DAET, Camarines Norte (Oct 29, 2011) – Recent incidents of armed robberies targeting the business community threaten the economic lifeblood of this capital town and the business sector is pleading for help.

The most recent armed robbery was carried out in broad daylight in the morning of Oct 24 by 5 motorcycle-riding suspects with Visayan accent and resulted in the death of ...

DAET, Camarines Norte (Oct 29, 2011) – Recent incidents of armed robberies targeting the business community threaten the economic lifeblood of this capital town and the business sector is pleading for help.

The most recent armed robbery was carried out in broad daylight in the morning of Oct 24 by 5 motorcycle-riding suspects with Visayan accent and resulted in the death of Allied Bank security guard, Rodan Bacuno Lonto, who was shot before one of the suspects grabbed from a bank employee a money bag containing cash and checks from KLT Trading.