Tag Archives: Sun.Star

[In the news] 1,000 public hospital workers walk out vs privatization | Sun.Star

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1,000 public hospital workers walk out vs privatization | Sun.Star.

October 25, 2012

MANILA — At least 1,000 health workers of state-owned hospitals walked out Thursday in protest of the ongoing “privatization” of hospitals being run by the government.

Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) media officer Lovely Tanghal said the health workers left their stations during the lunch break from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. to stage a rally in front of their respective hospitals to denounce the privatization program.

At least 26 government-run hospitals are being subjected to privatization under the government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program.

The public health workers are against privatization since it could result to higher hospital services and facility fees.

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[In the news] Government taking steps to stop rights violations, says Justice Secretary Leila de Lima | Sun.Star

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Government taking steps to stop rights violations, says Justice Secretary Leila de Lima | Sun.Star.

September 26, 2012

MANILA — Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told a group of human rights watchdogs that had been instrumental in cutting United States military aid to the Philippines that the Aquino administration has taken steps to reduce cases of extrajudicial killings and related violations.

In a meeting on Tuesday at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., De Lima said the government has not used violence, intimidation or threats to curtail rights of individuals.

Militants have since accused the government’s counter-insurgency program Oplan Bayanihan of killing members of leftist organizations but the military claimed otherwise, saying the program is centered on resolving conflicts through peace process and community work.

“This Aquino administration can honestly and sincerely say this because we absolutely have nothing to hide,” said de Lima, former chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

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[In the news] Business files petition before Supreme Court questioning anti-cybercrime law | Sun.Star

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Business files petition before Supreme Court questioning anti-cybercrime law | Sun.Star.

September 25, 2012

MANILA – A businessman has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to stop government agencies from carrying out some provisions of the controversial Cybercrime Prevention Act, which critics fear may infringe freedom of expression because of its provision on online libel.

Louis “Barok” Biraogo, in his 28-page petition, said Section 4 (c) [4] of the law punishes libelous items posted on the Internet and “any other similar means, which may be devised in the future.”

He said the provision was crafted by legislators with grave abuse since this is opposed to “Sections 3 (1) (on inviolability of privacy of communication) and 4 (on freedom of speech, of expression, of the press, and peaceful assembly), Article III (Bill of Rights) of the 1987 Constitution.”

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[In the news] Militants chide Philippine National Police for arrests | Sun.Star

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Militants chide Philippine National Police for arrests | Sun.Star.

By Arianne Caryl N. Casas
August 26, 2012

A PROGRESSIVE youth group condemned what they call an illegal arrest and detention by Talomo police of some of its members who tried to stop the demolition of houses at the disputed Bariquit compound in Bugac, Maa on Friday.

The contested property is part of Le Jardin Subdivision owned by the Villa Abrilles.

Those arrested were identified as Joselito Lagon Jr., regional spokesperson of Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan (Karatula); Wyrlo Enero, a member of the League of Filipino Students (LFS); Johnny Boy Urbina and John Michale Lim, both members of Anakbayan.

Anakbayan appealed for the immediate release of the four.

“We are outraged by the demonstration of fascism by the Talomo police who arrested, beat up and electrocuted our youth leaders,” says Cherry Orendain, regional spokesperson for Anakbayan.

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[In the news] Jose Manuel Diokno: Peoples’ access to justice should be assured | Sun.Star

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Jose Manuel Diokno: Peoples’ access to justice should be assured | Sun.Star.

July 24, 2012

MANILA (3rd Update, 4:39 p.m.) — The Supreme Court should be in an instrument of bringing justice to the poor and the downtrodden, a nominee for the position of Chief Justice said Tuesday.

“All they need is access to counsel. It is hard for people to get that access,” Jose Manuel Diokno, dean of the De La Salle University College of Law, said.

Saying that the scales of justice in the country is somewhat biased against the underprivileged, the law dean even pointed out the public is losing faith in the legal system because of case delays and corruption.

“Many of our brothers no longer believe in the justice system. That would have to be the first priority of the Chief Justice, how to address that,” Diokno said.

He also proposed wider public participation in the justice system, particularly on the selection of people who should be appointed to judicial positions. In fact, Diokno said the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), which conducted the interview on Tuesday, should be depoliticized by having more non-lawyers.

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[In the news] Parents group in San Luis, Pampanga opposes K 12 implementation | Sun.Star

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Parents group in San Luis, Pampanga opposes K 12 implementation | Sun.Star.

By Herbert P. Mapiles
May 25, 2012

SAN LUIS — A group of parents here has expressed disagreement with the impending implementation of the K+12 basic education curriculum (BEC) by the Department of Education (DepEd) in June.

The group said the additional two years in high school and another year for kindergarten, as prerequisite before entering elementary education, would mean extra burden for every poor families in the localities.

“Pinaunlad na lamang sana nila ang paraan ng pagtuturo. Sana ay dinagdagan ang bilang ng classrooms para mabawasan ang bilang ng mga estudyante sa bawat klase,” said Teresita Viray, a mother of an incoming Grade 1 pupil.

She said the competitiveness of Filipino graduates could not be measured on the number of years they spend in school.

“Reporma sa sistema ng edukasyon ang kailangan natin at hindi na dapat pahabain pa ang taon ng pagaaral. Matatalino tayong mga Pilipino [pero] may mali lang sa sistema natin,” Viray added.

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[In the news] Lawmaker pushes for creation of body to regulate tuition hike | Sun.Star

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Lawmaker pushes for creation of body to regulate tuition hike | Sun.Star.

May 21, 2012

SAN Juan Representative Joseph Victor Ejercito is pushing for the creation of a multi-sectoral body that will regulate tuition adjustments of tertiary school, a recurring problem every opening of school year.

The lawmaker stressed the need for a council that will look into justification of tuition increases of both public and private tertiary schools.

“Before private schools can adjust their tuition, the council should investigate and study if the increase is reasonable,” Ejercito told reporters in a press briefing here.

Last month, Ejercito filed House Bill 04598, known as an “Act Rationalizing and Regulating Tuition and Other School Fees in all Higher Education Institutions, Creating a Tuition Fee Rationalizing Council (TFRC), and Other Purposes.”

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[In the news] DepEd: Classroom shortage hounds 10 towns in Negros Oriental | Sun.Star

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DepEd: Classroom shortage hounds 10 towns in Negros Oriental | Sun.Star.

By Victor L. Camion
May 22, 2012

THE Department of Education (DepEd) in Negros Oriental confirmed that there are classrooms shortages in the ten towns of the province following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake last February 6 this year.

School division superintendent Dr. Marilyn Andales told Sun.Star that some school buildings in eight towns in the first congressional district and two towns in second district will no longer be used.

Andales said at least 57 school buildings were totally damaged and another 63 school buildings with 303 classrooms need repair, she said.

In Matauta Elementary School, all three school buildings with nine classrooms can no longer be used, said head teacher Ronito

Quiñones.

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[In the news] Wage increase for private workers, employees in Cordillera approved | Sun.Star

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Wage increase for private workers, employees in Cordillera approved | Sun.Star.

By JM Agreda
May 22, 2012

THE Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) approved last May 18 a new wage order that provides an P8 increase to basic salaries of private sector employees in the Cordillera, a Labor official said.

The RTWPB’s Wage Order 15, Department of Labor and Employment Regional Director Henry John Jalbuena said, particularly provides the additional P8 to all private workers and employees receiving the minimum wage in the region, regardless of their position, designation, or status and irrespective of the method their wages are paid.

He said the order will take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation after being forwarded by the board to the National Wages and Productivity Commission, which will arrange for the wage order’s publication.

Jalbuena said the order restores the purchasing power of workers.

He also stressed that the order maintains the Cost of Living Allowance ranging from P22 to P37 granted under Wage Order 14.

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[In the news] Zamboanga police rescue 43 human trafficking victims | Sun.Star

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Zamboanga police rescue 43 human trafficking victims | Sun.Star.

By Bong Garcia
May 19, 2012

ZAMBOANGA City Police Office (ZCPO) operatives have rescued 43 victims of human trafficking, mostly minors, and arrested the suspected recruiter in this southern port city, a top police official announced Saturday.

Chief Superintendent Mario Yanga, police regional director for Administration, said the victims were rescued and the suspect was arrested around 8:56 a.m. Friday at a hotel along Governor Alvarez Avenue in downtown Zamboanga City.

Yanga said the victims are from the villages of Makiri and Timpul, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province.

Yanga identified the arrested suspect as Khaiser Salih, 25, a native of Isabela City.

The arrest of the suspect came after an informant tipped off Yanga concerning the presence of suspected human trafficking victims at Medio Hotel along Governor Alvarez Avenue.

Read full article @ http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/05/19/police-rescue-43-human-trafficking-victims-222353

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[In the news] Environmental group seeks total mining ban in Manicani Island, Guiuan | Sun.Star

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Environmental group seeks total mining ban in Manicani Island, Guiuan | Sun.Star.

May 16, 2012

AN ENVIRONMENTAL group will seek an exception from the National Government to implement a total mining ban in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Marcial Somooc, an official of Barangay Buenavista of Manicani Island in Guiuan and member of the board of directors of Save Manincani Movement (SaMaMo), said they have written several petitions for President Benigno Aquino III to declare a total mining ban in their island due to the damaging effects of the mining operations.

He said they also asked Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone to aggressively campaign through legislation for the declaration of their province as mining-free, adding the House of Representatives is the best forum where they can achieve their anti-mining crusade aside from an executive initiative.

“We feel desperate in seeking relief without any positive actions from the local government unit and even from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) for the stoppage of any mining in our island. That is why we are asking the President to help us,” he said.

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[In the news] Progressive groups condemn filing of case vs 13 farmers | Sun.Star

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Progressive groups condemn filing of case vs 13 farmers | Sun.Star.

By Arianne Caryl Casas
May 17, 2012

PROGRESSIVE groups condemned the filing of case against 13 farmers who allegedly harvested coconut worth P50,000 for personal benefit.

Pedro Arnado, of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), said the 13 farmers who are members of Alyansa sa mga Ma-uuma sa Sidlakang Dabaw (Almasid) were charged with qualified theft before the Regional Trial Court in Mati City.

He identified the farmers as Angeline Diones, Wilfredo Diones, Antonieta Diones, Jocelyn Dagcuta, Jesus Dagcuta, Artemia Olivar, Manuel Olivar, Eustacquio Tero, Danilo Rosalita, Leopoldo Diones, Naldo Diones, Armando Diones and the chairperson of Almasid Lito Lao.

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[In the news] Filipinos across the globe launch protests vs China | Sun.Star

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Filipinos across the globe launch protests vs China | Sun.Star.

May 11, 2012

MANILA (3rd Update, 12:20 p.m.) — Police have stopped an activist from burning a Chinese flag at a protest outside China’s consulate in Makati City amid the two countries’ monthlong standoff in the South China Sea.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also said the protests are a private undertaking. “We have nothing to do with this,” he said, noting that even Chinese groups have launched similar actions against the Philippines abroad.

Tensions have risen since both countries deployed vessels to claim sovereignty over the Scarborough shoal, which is located 124 nautical miles from Zambales province and 472 nautical miles from China’s nearest landmass in Hainan province.

The Chinese Embassy warned its citizens in the Philippines ahead of the protest.

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[In the news] Anakbayan hits anew tuition increase, K 12 | Sun.Star

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Anakbayan hits anew tuition increase, K 12 | Sun.Star.

By Arianne Caryl N. Casas
April 29, 2012

A YOUTH group scored anew the Aquino administration for granting tuition increase in more than 200 higher education institutions (HEIs) and the implementation of Kinder to 12 years program, which adds two more years to basic education curriculum.

“Tuition increase and K+12 are added burdens to the youth and the people amid high prices of basic commodities,” said Cherry Orendain, Anakbayan regional spokesperson.

Quoting reports, the group said the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) already approved tuition increase application of 222 HEIS for school year 2012-2013.

A total of 301 HEIs applied for tuition hike.

In Davao Region alone, all 41 HEIs that applied for tuition hike were approved, 22 of which from Davao City. Ched allowed these HEIs to increase tuition by an average 11 percent.

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[In the news] 5 die in clash near Koronadal City mine site | Sun.Star

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5 die in clash near Koronadal City mine site | Sun.Star.

By Bong S. Sarmiento
April 27, 2012

KORONADAL CITY — A soldier and four communist rebels were killed in a firefight in a remote village near the mining development site of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines Inc. in this city, an official said.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexis Noel C. Bravo, commander of the 27th Infantry Battalion, said the attack happened last Wednesday, when an estimated 40 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) stormed a military detachment in Barangay Bacungan, Columbio, resulting in the firefight that lasted for about 45 minutes.

Bravo did not identify the dead soldier who is from this city and holds a rank of private first class.

He said pursuit operations continue Friday against the NPA rebels at the boundary of Columbio, Sultan Kudarat and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur.

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[In the news] Anti-mining protesters in South Cotabato cry harassment | Sun.Star

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Anti-mining protesters in South Cotabato cry harassment | Sun.Star.

By Bong S. Sarmiento
April 22, 2012

KORONADAL CITY — Hundreds of protesters in South Cotabato cried harassment Sunday after two pick-up vehicles blocked their way to the development site of the foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) in Tampakan town.

Ryan Lariba, spokesman of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in the Soccsksargen Region, tagged SMI and the military as behind the blockade of the solidarity mission caravan.

“This is plain harassment, we only want to peacefully air our support to the lumads (indigenous peoples) who are against the Tampakan mining project,” Lariba said.

But Lieutenant Colonel Alexis Noel Bravo, 27th Infantry Battalion commander, denied Lariba’s allegation, saying he strictly ordered his troops deployed in the mines development site to stay on their detachment.

“It’s the IP (indigenous peoples) supportive of the Tampakan project that blocked the road. We have no troops in the roads,” Bravo said.

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[In the news] President Noynoy Aquino accused of breaking promise to environmental groups | Sun.Star

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President Noynoy Aquino accused of breaking promise to environmental groups | Sun.Star.

April 22, 2012

MANILA — Weak enforcement of environmental laws and endorsement of polluting fossil fuels as additional energy source mark the first two years of President Benigno Aquino III, an environmental group said on Sunday.

Greenpeace, which released the statement in time for the Earth Day celebration, said Aquino’s poor performance only showed how he has reneged on previous commitments to advance green goals.

To recall, then Senator Aquino stated that the country must shift to clean energy and technologies in response to the Green Electoral Initiative survey of Greenpeace and toxic watchdog Eco-Waste Coalition.

But for Von Hernandez, executive director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, the President’s commitments have either remained in the realm of rhetoric, or have been undermined by contradicting policies or actions of the National Government.

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[In the news] Promotion of Major General Jorge Segovia opposed | Sun.Star

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Promotion of Major General Jorge Segovia opposed | Sun.Star.

April 13, 2012

MANILA — Human rights groups chided President Benigno Aquino III for designating Major General Jorge Segovia as head of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command even if he was blamed for the illegal detention of health workers in Rizal in 2010.

Collectively known as Morong 43, these health workers were suspected as communist rebels after they were reportedly caught in possession of bomb-making chemicals during the February 6, 2010 raid in Morong, Rizal.

Despite criticisms, Segovia defended the legitimacy of the arrest but mounting pressure on President Benigno Aquino III pushed him to order the withdrawal of cases before the courts in December that same year.

Segovia, who previously headed the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division in Tanay, Rizal, is one of the respondents to the P15-million damage suit filed by the Morong 43 for their illegal arrest, detention and torture under the last few months of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He is also among the “missing” respondents who have yet to be served the court summons several months after such were issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. The court server supposedly cannot locate the whereabouts of Segovia.

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[In the news] Green Caravan set in Mindanao, Philippines | Sun.Star

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Green Caravan set in Mindanao, Philippines | Sun.Star.

Friday, April 13, 2012

A MINDANAO-BASED environmental advocacy group will spearhead a “Green Caravan” on April 17 to 19.

EarthSoul Solutions Inc. is organizing the event in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in support to the observance of the Philippine Earth Day on April 22.

The caravan, which will be participated by local government units, government agencies, non-government organizations, business and private sectors, will start in Zamboanga City and will end in Davao City.

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[In the news] Top leaders of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas nabbed | Sun.Star

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Top leaders of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas nabbed | Sun.Star.

By Merlinda A. Pedrosa and Teresa Ellera
April 4, 2012

POLICE nabbed Tuesday top officials of militant groups for their alleged participation in the attack at the fishpond of the nephew of Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.

Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director Ricardo de Paz identified the arrested militant leaders as Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Negros secretary general Christian Tuayon and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMU)-Negros spokesperson Ian Evidente.

The arrest was reportedly carried out around 4:20 p.m. in front of the Bacolod City Public Plaza by a joint team of the Philippine National Police’s Regional Intelligence Unit and BCPO’s Police Station 1.

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