8-3-15

Vice President Jejomar Binay did not address the corruption allegations hurled against
him in his counter State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday.
Speaking before a jampacked gymnasium of the Cavite State University on Monday,
Binay instead dedicated his speech in hitting the Aquino administration’s “manhid” and
“palpak” response to calamities and disasters, the administration’s Disbursement
Acceleration Program (DAP), and the botched Mamasapano operation, among others.
Instead of directly addressing the corruption allegations against him, Binay chose to
decry selective justice under the administration, where allies of President Aquino such
as Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya and Budget Secretary Butch Abad are spared of
graft raps over the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) and the DAP, respectively.
For his part, Atty. Harry Roque, eyed to run as senator under Binay’s United Nationalist
Alliance, said Binay need not answer the corruption allegations because he has
submitted his counter affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Binay has also submitted an affidavit to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee
investigating the alleged corruption when Binay was Makati mayor.
“Ginawa na ni VP Binay (ang lahat). He has submitted his answer to the Ombudsman.
Siguro pagkakamali ni Binay na hindi siya pumatol sa pulitika sa Senado. Minabuti
niyang sagutin isa isa ang mga paratang sa kanya,” Roque said after Binay’s Sona.
The Ombudsman is investigating Binay and his son Makati mayor Junjun for graft over
the alleged overprice and rigged bidding of the Makati City Hall Building II and the
Makati Science High School Building.
In his counter affidavit before the Ombudsman, Binay hit the Ombudsman for selective
justice when its investigating team found probable cause to indict Binay for graft over
the alleged rigging of the Makati City Hall Building II, and its fact finding team
recommended graft over the anomalies in the Makati Science High School Building.
This while the antigraft unit dismissed for lack of merit the graft complaint against
Abaya over the anomalous MRT maintenance contract with Philippine Trans Rail
Management and Services Corp. (PH Trams)-CB&T joint venture. Abaya is the Liberal
Party’s acting president.
Meanwhile, indicted for graft is sacked MRT General Manager Al Vitangcol for failing to
declare his family relationship to an incorporator of a contractor.
“Lumipas pa ang mahabang panahon bago may inihabla ng korapsyon. Pero ang
tanong ng dating MRT general manager, bakit ako lang? Ang tanong din ng taumbayan:
Oo nga naman. Bakit siya lang?” he said.
(We had to wait a long time before a corruption case was filed. But the question of the
MRT’s former general manager was this: “Why is it that I am the only one charged with
the accusations?” And the people also asked: “Yes, why is it he is the only one
charged?”)
Binay also made an indirect swipe against Abad as the “budget scam mastermind” of
the administration for his DAP, an economic stimulus package portions of which were
declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
“Ngunit iba sa daang matuwid. Iba ang trato sa kalaban sa pulitika, iba naman para sa
kapartido at kaalyado,” he said. (But it is different in the “right path.” Those they see as
enemies are treated differently from their allies.)
“Wika nga ng paboritong blogger ng administrasyon, “I’ve got your back.”  Kaya
untouchable ang budget scam mastermind ng administrasyon,” he added. (As a favorite
blogger of the administration said, “I’ve got your back.” Thus, the budget scam
mastermind of the administration remain an untouchable.)

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/710084/vp-binay-in-sona-mum-on-corruption-
allegations#ixzz3jVV9wmT2

I’ve chosen this news because having a president and a vice-president

throwing stones at each other is just peculiar. They are the two foundations of
our country yet they show no respect with each other. Given the circumstances, I
think Binay should have addressed the allegations dignifying himself not
degrading the president. On the other hand, the black propaganda against Binay
is just too obvious on the instances that it the 2016 election is on its way.
8-4-15
CHINA may be building a second airstrip on a reef near the second largest of the
Spratly Islands being occupied by the Philippines and which is being claimed by three
claimant-countries, according to the Washington-based think-tank Center for Strategic
and International Studies (CSIS).
China is already building a 3,000-meter (9,842 feet) runway on Fiery Cross reef, the
longest in the area, which security experts say is already in the advanced stages and
could ultimately be used for military operations. The reef is around 1,000 kilometers
from the island province of Hainan.
Hooper noted that China’s new island at Johnson Reef is only 6.2 kilometers away from
Collins Reef, and its outpost at Hughes Reef is just 14 km away from Sin Cowe Island,
which are both held by Vietnam.
“Given these short distances, moves by China to significantly augment the flow of
vessels and aircraft through these outposts would increase the risk of accidental or
inadvertent escalation between the claimants, which could in turn result in armed
conflict,” Hooper stressed.
In her testimony, titled “Security Dimensions of China’s Relations with Southeast Asia,”
before the US-China Security and Review Commission of the US Congress on May 15,
2015, Hooper said that China’s land reclamation efforts appeared to follow a four-step
process:
*  China sends in dredging ships to expand the channels around a given land feature;
*  They then dredge up sand from the sea bed and deposit it on the reef or rock to
create terrain above the water line;
*  They use concrete to construct sea walls and prepare the surface of the new
landmass for construction;
*  They begin to construct military and civilian facilities on the island.
Each of China’s artificial islands is disputed between China and at least one other South
China Sea claimant, according to Hooper. At least three of these artificial islands –
Hughes Reef, Johnson South Reef, and Mischief Reef – are within the 200-nautical-mile
Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines from its nearest primary landmass,
Palawan.
According to the CSIS website, satellite photos of Subi, where nearly four million square
meters (988 acres) of land have been reclaimed, indicate China may be preparing for
the second airstrip.
“A Chinese airbase at Fiery Cross Reef would allow for much-improved situational
awareness,” it said.
“China may be more readily able to use the airbase for patrols or limited offensive
operations against other South China Sea claimants, or even United States assets,” it
added.
Col. Restituto Padilla, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the
military had no report or sighting of a new airstrip being constructed in Subi reef, thus it
could not confirm the CSIS report.
Padilla said he has not read the CSIS report on Subi reef constructions, but said this
report was based on the facts gathered by the academe-based think-tank.
“I did not confirm that there is a second airstrip (being built by China),” Padilla said when
asked to comment on the CSIS report.
“In the US, the academe also conducts its own report and make an assessment so it is
based on factual reports. But from our side, we don’t want to confirm anymore. You
have to take it as it is,” he added.
INQUIRER

Having this territorial dispute with China stretching its arm is very dangerous.
The Philippines who maybe a small country but with the help of U.S can stand
against China. But who among us wants a war. This is why china is threatening
other countries to avoid future battles. China is a big country compared to the
Philippines that’s why it doesn’t bow down to us. But with the help of other
countries the China would not want to go to war with us.
8-5-15
The two landing craft heavy vessels donated by Australia have arrived in the Philippines
after almost two weeks of voyage.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan on Wednesday said the two ships were escorted
by warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar and have passed the waters of Zamboanga on
Tuesday night.
It is expected to be in Sangley Point in Cavite on Friday.
“Of course we are happy they are home,” Millan said.
The two ships will be also be displayed in the Navy Headquarters in Roxas Boulevard
on Monday at the turnover of the Navy leadership.
Millan will retire on Monday as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56. His
successor has not yet been named.
President Benigno Aquino III on Monday is expected to attend the turnover ceremony.
The two brand new AW109 attack helicopters will also be on display on Monday. It has
yet to be announced if they will be finally commissioned to the Philippine Navy.
In January, the Australia announced that it will donate two LCH vessels. Both were
decommissioned from the Australian Navy last November 20, 2014.
READ: Australia gives Philippines two naval landing craft
The donation included a package of spare parts.
The two ships sailed for the Philippines starting July 23. They will be named BRP Ivatan
and BRP Batak. They used to be named as HMAS Tarakan and Brunei in the Australian
Navy.
The ships are expected to enhance the Philippines’ capability to respond to disasters as
it would transport heavy equipment and large amounts of aid.
A welcome ceremony awaits for the ships but it will also depend on the weather
condition.
“Due to Typhoon Hanna, we are still waiting the assessment and recommendation of
my units from the Philippine Fleet subject to weather conditions,” Millan said. TVJ
RELATED STORY

Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/126963/2-ships-donated-by-australia-arrive-
in-ph#ixzz3hy7Qugh5

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Philippine government on Thursday pointed out that although China claimed that it
has halted reclamation in disputed areas of South China Sea, there is no proof that it is
telling the truth and that it has also stopped construction and other activities.

The Australia giving us support is one of the thing that may halt China’s territorial
expansion. Amidst the territorial crisis, the Philippines still gives respect to the
stronger China. But continues to use diplomacy on the land. For me I choose this
news because the territorial dispute has been a big issue nowadays. And it may
become bigger on the near future.
8-6-15

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. pointed out that the Philippines wants “a
halt in reclamation, halt in construction and a halt in aggressive actions that could
further heighten tensions,” as mentioned earlier by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del
Rosario.
READ: Asean finally makes united stand on China bold reclamations

Recently, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China has already stopped the
reclamation of islands.
Coloma, however, said that the report should be verified.
“Hindi pa tinutukoy ‘yung aspeto ng construction at sabi nga ng ilang observers, second
phase ‘yung construction kaya kailangang pigilin din ito, at higit sa lahat dapat pigilin
‘yung lahat ng aksyon na maaaring magpadagdag o magpataas sa tensyon dahil ang
pinaniniwalaan natin dito ‘yung kahalagahan ng rules-based at diplomatic approach,” he
said.
(We are not yet talking about the aspect of construction and some observers say that
the second phase is the construction and it has to be stopped. Most of all, we should
stop all actions that may add to or heighten the tension because what we believe in is a
rules-based and diplomatic approach.)
Earlier, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) expressed a united view
that it wanted China to stop reclaiming land in South China Sea, especially areas also
claimed by its member states.
Coloma reiterated the need to agree on a legally binding code of conduct between the
Asean and China.
The Philippines has been thumbing down China’s proposal to enter bilateral talks. It has
insisted that all parties should be involved.

Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/127051/ph-to-china-no-reclamation-but-how-
about-construction#ixzz3i2bW0V23 

The Asean Making a united stand against china plays a vital role on Philippines
Territorial claim. This effort extends the Philippines claim. Because of this China
would want to talk to the Philippines. But the Philippines has been wanting to talk
since the start of the dispute but china has been ignoring us. Now that we have
support from other country they would want us to have bilateral talks? I think
Philippines decision is good.
8-7-15
Dozens of students camped out at the University of the Philippines (UP) – Diliman on
Thursday evening as they await the results of their appeal for affordable dormitories.
Mench Tilendo, chairperson of the Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic
Rights in UP, said the students have been camping out also in protest of the lack of
transparency in the process and the commercialization of education.
“It is not the first time that there has been a shortage in dorm slots,” Tilendo said in
Filipino. However, she told INQUIRER.net that more students were displaced this year
because the university also accommodated more freshmen.
A report posted by the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) said the
UP administration “took in more students, more than what it could actually
accommodate, to compensate for the lack of enrollees next academic year due to the K
to 12 program.”
The Congress of Teachers and Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND),
on the other hand, held a press conference on Friday morning to discuss the problem of
dorms and “underloading” or the inability of students to register for enough units.
“Data from the UP Diliman administration show that there are 3,563 enrolled first-year
students for the first semester of this academic year, compared to 2,723 during the
same period in the previous academic year,” said a joint statement posted online by UP
professor Danilo Arao.
“This translates to an increase of 840 students, hence the problems encountered during
registration and dorm accommodation. Sources in the UPD administration claim that the
acceptance of more students this year is due to the expected reduction of the number of
enrollees in 2016 and 2017 as a result of the K-12 program,” it added.
On Thursday, UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan held a dialogue with the students.
Tilendo said 320 appeals were granted but some students remained dorm-less.
She explained that most UP students hope to qualify in Kalayaan and other state-
funded dorms because staying there costs only P350 to P600 per month. Semi-private
and private dormitories, on the other hand, charge P1,500 to P3,000 a month, excluding
the costs of water and electricity.
Tilendo said many of the students awaiting the results of their appeal camped out in
front of Kalayaan or slept in offices inside the campus. Some stayed at the Sunken
Garden.
The All UP Academic Employees Union reportedly allowed several students to sleep in
its office while Tan said the Church of the Risen Lord, also inside the campus, will
accommodate a maximum of 10 students Friday night.
Tilendo said they are demanding transparency in the appeals process, especially since
the Dormitory Oversight Admissions Committee (DOAC) does not have a student
representative.
She said many students complained that they submitted all the requirements, including
proof of their low income, but were still rejected.
For now, they are thankful that many individuals have offered help. One good Samaritan
provided meals for 300 students on Friday. Others gave monetary donations.
Tilendo said they will wait for further announcements from the DOAC on
Friday afternoon. They expect the results of the next batch of appeals to be
announced. KS

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/711185/students-professors-protest-dorm-
failure-at-up-diliman#ixzz3iC57BXtO

Studying is not an easy thing. Especially if you have no place to study at. And
having a cheaper dormitory may help ease the stress of studying. I chose this
news because I think UP students give their best on their study and it’s a rightful
reward for them to have cheaper dormitories.
8-8-15
DAVAO CITY – The Maguindanao town of Parang has been chosen as Mindanao’s
gateway under the $30-million Internet connectivity project in the East Asean
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Growth Area (Eaga), an economic
cooperation initiative involving Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines (BIMP).
Edgardo Celorico, head of the BIMP-Eaga’s Information and Communications
Technology cluster, said Mindanao will be connected to neighboring Eaga areas and
Asia, and the world through Parang, using the submarine cable system, which will be
implemented by Singaporean firm Best Cable Inc.
Celorico said the ground breaking for the Parang facility will be held early next year.
“The Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei consortium will shoulder the project’s cost
amounting to about $30 million. It is a regional 5,092-kilometer high bandwidth fiber
optics cable system that allows telecommunication connectivity in the BIMP-Eaga
region with the rest of the Asean and Asian countries, particularly Singapore, Hong
Kong and US,” he said.
Celorico said the connection between Brunei and Sabah in Malaysia was in the process
of completion already. Sabah will then be connected to Guam and mainland Malaysia.
“The Philippines will tap on the same connection that will land in Parang, Maguindanao,”
Celerico said.
Samuel Matunog, ICT Davao president, said Parang was specifically chosen because
EA Trilink, the Filipino private sector proponent of the cable project, has an existing
telecommunication franchise in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
“This is also one of the peace dividends for ARMM,” Matunog added.
Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu said the choice of his province as gateway for
Internet connectivity between BIMP areas proved that the province is now an
investment area.
Mangudadatu cited the existence of various petroleum companies in the province,
which offer cheaper fuels through their depots in Parang.
“We also have such companies as banana exporters investing in the province these
days,” he said.
Matunog said the BIMP-Eaga interconnectivity project was targeted for completion in
2017 and was foreseen to also position Mindanao as business process outsourcing
investment destination.
“Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is one of the sectors for
cooperation and collaboration among the BIMP-Eaga member economies and is a key
enabler for socio-economic development and integration in the region,” Matunog said.
Celorico said it was also hoped that in the long run, the system will usher in cheaper
Internet rates. Judy Quiros, Inquirer Mindanao

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/711330/maguindanao-town-now-internet-
gateway-for-east-asean#ixzz3iC2KQ1HX

Maguindanao was infamous because of the massacre. Having it as the internet

gateway for East Asia is refreshing. Knowing that this tragedy may not be
forgotten but bad things doesn’t always come to this place. It would help
maguindanao to progress drastically and the progress I think may be good.
8-9-15
A magnitude 4.3 earthquake hit Occidental Mindoro Sunday afternoon, the Philippine
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
The quake occurred at 12:49 p.m. and was recorded 25 kilometers northwest of Paluan,
Occidental Mindoro.
It had a depth of 25 kilometers.
The tectonic quake was felt in the following areas: Intensity 3 in Tagaytay City and
Intensity 2 in Batangas City, Bauan, Batangas and Puerto Galera. 
No aftershocks or damages were recorded due to the quake. AJH

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/711492/magnitude-4-3-quake-rocks-occidental-
mindoro#ixzz3jVWJyT9e

My province is Leyte and coming from that province I experienced a lot of

earthquakes. But I still fear the big one. I chose this news because The big one
has been a trending topic nationwide. This may not be the big one but still is a
quake that hits Luzon.

8-10-15
SENATOR Grace Poe on Monday turned the tables on those people claiming that her
possible run in 2016 would only divide the vote, saying the same question should be
asked to others seeking a higher post.
“Sinasabi ng iba, siguro huwag mo nang isiping tumakbo sa mas mataas na position at
hahatiin mo ang boto. Hindi ba pwede namang tanungin din sa kanila yun?” Poe said in
an interview at the Senate on Monday.
“So sa tingin ko, kung ano na lang po ang sa tingin namin ang makakayanan namin
bilang indibidwal para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan,” she said.
Asked if she would make a counter offer for Interior Secretary Mar Roxas , Poe said:
“Hindi. Ang ibig ko lang sabihin, ang mga sinasabi nila sa akin ay pwede rin namang
matanong kahit na sino’ng interesadong tumakbo.”
Roxas, who has declared his presidential bid, invited Poe on a national television last
week to be his running mate in 2016.
Until now, however, the senator said, there was no scheduled meeting yet with Roxas.
“Meron syang isang pinasabihan na magkita muli pero hindi pa po sigurado kung
ano’ng mga araw yun,” she said.
While she remains undecided about the 2016 elections, Poe said she would make a
decision based on the platform of government that they were preparing in case she runs
for a higher post and based on her consultations with the people who are praying for
her.
READ: Grace Poe: I’m praying and preparing for 2016
The senator was aware though that the negative reports that were coming out in the
media against her were only meant to weaken her position about seeking a higher post
next year.
“Gayunpaman ang sinasabi ko nga ito ay laban para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga
kababayan kung ano ang makabubuti sa kanila,” said Poe.
Last week, a quo warranto case was filed against Poe at the Senate Electoral Tribunal
by a defeated senatorial bet, seeking to unseat her from the Senate.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/711702/poe-hits-critics-claiming-her-run-will-
divide-vote#ixzz3jVWjFyMt

The Daughter of FPJ, Grace Poe, Has been a well-known figure in the politics.
Even having her capacity to govern in question, her credibility is very high. On
this reason, Sen. Grace Poe running as a president will surely divide the votes for
Mar Roxas. For me, as a first time voter I would vote Grace Poe rather than roxas.
Because if Mar Roxas is a good candidate then candidate for vice president
would quickly choose him as the running mate.
8-11-15
Malacañang on Tuesday insisted that Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad should not be
included in the latest pork barrel scam case since the incident happened before he was
appointed budget chief under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
“Sa atin pong pagkabatid, ‘yung mga tinutukoy na paratang hinggil sa maling paggamit
ng pondo ng bayan, ayon na rin mismo sa special audit report ng COA, ay naganap
noong 2007, 2008, ang karamihan sa mga transaksyon na ito,” Communications
Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said during a press briefing.
(Based on my understanding, the issue tackled in the case on the misuse of taxpayers’
money, according to the special audit report of the Commission on Audit, mostly
happened in 2007, 2008.)
Coloma was responding to a petition filed by Bonifacio Alentajan before the
Sandiganbayan. His 10-page motion said Abad was instrumental in the release of funds
to bogus non-government organizations linked to alleged pork barrel scam mastermind
Janet Lim-Napoles.
Alentajan claimed that Napoles’ NGOs still received money through the Priority
Development Assistance Fund (Pdaf) under the term of Aquino.
But Coloma said the incidents of alleged misuse of funds were only under the previous
administration.
“So paano kaya magkakaroon ng katuwiran ‘yung alegasyon hinggil sa partisipasyon
diyan ni Secretary Abad dahil hindi naman po siya naninilbihan sa Department of
Budget and Management doon sa panahong iyon,” he added.
(So why would it be justified to claim that Secretary Abad was involved when he was not
yet the head of the Department of Budget and Management at that time.)
Coloma said it is fairly easy to “understand the data.”
“Kung ang tinutukoy ay mga transaksyon ‘nung nakaraang administrasyon, paano
naman po magkakaroon ng katuwiran na ang papanagutin ‘yung nanunungkulan sa
kasalukuyan?” he asked.
(If he is referring to the transactions of the past administration, how could he justify
holding accountable someone who is with the present administration?)

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/712073/palace-to-lawyer-abad-not-yet-dbm-
chief-during-pork-scam#ixzz3jVXfFe1O

The pork barrel issue is also one of the issue that has been trending nationwide.
For me I don’t judge without basis. But for my opinion, secretary Abad is under
fire right now because he’s one of Pnoy’s colleagues. Being one of Pnoy’s
colleague allegation is normal. But if he’s really innocent then he must face all the
allegations thrown to him.
8-12-15
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has ordered a 30-day
preventive suspension of the entire fleet of Valisno Express bus company after one of
its buses figured in an accident Wednesday morning which killed four persons and left
at least 30 persons injured.
In a statement issued through its official Twitter account, LTFRB Chairman Winston
Ginez ordered the suspension of all 62 buses of Valisno Express which means their
plates will be confiscated.
Ginez also ordered the buses to undergo road worthiness inspection.
“All drivers of Valisno will be required to (a) undergo road safety seminar; (b) drug test;
(c) secure police and NBI clearance,” the order read.
A Valisno bus with the plate number TXV 715 heading to San Jose del Monte Ciy in
Bulacan province slammed into the arch marking the Quezon City-Caloocan City
boundary at Quirino Highway at around 7:20 a.m.
The driver of the bus, who has been identified as George Pacis, had fled the scene
while its conductor Ferdinand Dacusan was brought to Tala Hospital along with other
injured passengers. IDL

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/712281/ltfrb-suspends-62-valisno-express-
buses-over-fatal-crash#ixzz3jVXqqwkb
 This kind of accident only proves that drivers should not drive under the
influence of drugs and alcohol. It also proves that the Bus Company has not been
strict to its rule and guidelines. Also LTFRB is blameworthy because they should
pose strict enforcement on drug testing and they should not give franchise to
Bus Company that easily.

8-13-15

The bus crash that claimed four lives and left 18 injured in Quezon City on Wednesday
morning was blamed on a joke that offended the bus driver, according to one of the
passengers who was hurt.

Following the accident, the entire fleet of Valisno Express was ordered grounded for 30
days starting Wednesday. According to Land Transportation Franchising and
Regulatory Board Chair Winston Ginez, all 62 buses would be required to undergo a
roadworthiness inspection to be conducted by the Land Transportation Office.

Their bus drivers must also take a drug test and attend a road safety seminar, he said.

The deadly crash happened at 7:20 a.m. on Wednesday as the Valisno Express bus
being driven by George Pacis, 35, was plying Quirino Highway in Barangay Greater
Lagro, Quezon City, with at least 30 passengers on board.

The nonair-conditioned bus was on its way to Tungko, Bulacan, from SM Fairview when
it rammed into the concrete arch marking the boundary between Quezon City and
Caloocan. According to a witness, Pacis was chatting with someone on the bus before
the crash, while speeding and swerving on the highway.

The right side of the bus crumpled on impact, instantly killing two passengers who were
thrown out of the bus. One was a woman in her 30s, dressed in a green blouse and
denim pants, who remained unidentified at press time. The other was Eduardo Remorin,
39, according to the case investigator, SPO1 Ferdinand Paglinawan.

Two other passengers who died while being treated at Dr. Jose Rodriguez Memorial
Hospital in Tala, Caloocan, were identified as Arcenio Jacaba and Alberto Golpeo,
Paglinawan said.
Ernesto Africa, who was among the injured passengers taken to the same hospital, told
the Inquirer that before the accident, Remorin—a coworker—was talking with Pacis, the
bus driver.

Africa, who along with Remorin was seated in front and to the right of the driver, said his
companion jokingly told Pacis that he chose not to take a Nova Bus that day because
their drivers drove much faster than Valisno’s.

The joke apparently offended Pacis because he started driving fast until he hit the
concrete boundary marker, Africa added.

Due to the impact, he and Remorin were also thrown out of the bus. “When I regained
consciousness, I called Remorin but he didn’t respond. [I later found] out that he died
right away,” said Africa, who sustained minor injuries in the foot.

He added that he and other passengers saw the driver changing his clothes before
fleeing.

“If only the driver had not taken the joke seriously, this would not [have] happened,” said
Africa who was holding back tears as he lay on a hospital bed.

Meanwhile, Pacis, who was arrested by policemen in his hometown of Balagtas,

Bulacan, at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, denied that he was speeding or chatting with
someone before the crash.

He added, however, that he talked to a male passenger who teased him for driving
slowly.

According to Pacis, he had overtaken a passenger jeepney before the crash. When he
reached the bend near the boundary marker, “I stepped on the brakes and even
swerved to the right but the bus kept on going.”

“To the families of those on the bus, I did everything I could. I ask for forgiveness from
those on the bus. It was an accident,” he said, adding that he fled because he was
scared that his passengers would kill him.

Pacis will face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property with
multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries, and abandonment of one’s own victim,
said Quezon City Traffic Enforcement Unit head Supt. Ely Pintang.

Pacis was interviewed on TV after the fatal crash. He appeared to show no remorse
over his actions.

Read more: http://motioncars.inquirer.net/38870/fatal-bus-crash-traced-to-a-
joke#ixzz3jVYWcWhh

This news is saddening to hear. That because of a mere joke, the lives of people
were taken or put into danger. Lives were taken because of a joke. This driver
should be punished by the law.
8-14-15
TACLOBAN CITY—A ranking national social welfare official is urging politicians not to
use the antipoverty measure Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps, of the
government in their campaign for elections next year.
“This is a program of the national government and not by certain politicians,” said Javier
Jimenez, assistant social welfare secretary, at a press conference here on Monday.
“While we are grateful to Congress for supporting the program, what’s involved here is
public money,” said Jimenez.
Jimenez said politicians using the 4Ps program could be considered “epal” or irritating
attention-grabbers.
‘Moral suasion’
He admitted, though, that Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
officials could not do anything because they did not have prosecution powers. “What we
can do is just to ask them and apply moral suasion to them,” said Jimenez.
He did not identify any politician who uses the 4Ps program to campaign.
One of the most known politicians to ride on the 4Ps program, however, is Interior
Secretary Mar Roxas, the official candidate for President of the Aquino administration.
In radio and TV ads, Roxas is seen calling for the people’s support for the continuation
of the gains of the so-called “daang matuwid (straight path)” that included benefits given
the poor through the 4Ps program.
Jimenez said he had received reports that some politicians had been threatening
beneficiaries of 4Ps, a program started by now detained former President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo and adopted by the Aquino administration, with removal from the
program if the beneficiaries did not vote for the politicians next year.
Jimenez did not identify who the politicians are but made an appeal for the 4Ps program
to be spared.
He said the reports about harassment by politicians of beneficiaries came from
beneficiaries in the provinces of Zambales, Dagupan and Pampanga.
The reports, which also reached the DSWD office in Manila, said politicians had been
bragging about having the power to remove or add beneficiaries from or to the list of
4Ps beneficiaries.
Poorest of the poor
The 4Ps program releases stipends to families classified as the poorest of the poor in
exchange for the continued elementary and high school education and regular health
checkups of their children.
The politicians, said Jimenez, claim that funds being given to beneficiaries come from
the politicians’ pockets.
Jimenez said this is the reason he has been going around the country to inform
beneficiaries that no politician has the power to remove or add beneficiaries to 4Ps.
Beneficiaries, he said, could be removed from 4Ps only for violation of guidelines set by
the DSWD and failure to meet conditions for grant of the stipends.
These include prenatal care for pregnant women by professionals and attendance in
responsible parenthood seminars.
He said at least 4.4 million families had been qualified as 4Ps beneficiaries. More than
700,000 of these are in Eastern Visayas, he said.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/712827/pols-using-4ps-tagged-as-
epals#ixzz3jVZ6Or8a
I am a Yolanda survivor and this issue is somewhat appealing to me. There are a
lot of people that needs the money and the politicians should stop playing “epal”.
The money is also a money of the people and they should be spent for the
people’s good not for the politician’s campaign.
8-15-15
The alleged mastermind in the murder of racing champion Enzo Pastor is now
considered “in hiding” after police found he is no longer in his Metro Manila home and
workplace following the issuance of an arrest warrant for him by a Quezon City court.
This was confirmed by Quezon City police homicide section chief Senior Insp. Elmer
Monsalve, who said the house of suspect Domingo “Sandy” de Guzman III in BF
Homes, Parañaque, was already vacated when the Quezon City police turned up to
serve the warrant.
The police also checked De Guzman’s custom car auto shop in Muntinlupa City, but
were told by the staff that they had not seen De Guzman around, Monsalve said.
Earlier, Quezon City Police District Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit head Chief
Insp. Rodelio Marcelo urged De Guzman to just surrender instead of waiting to be
captured.
On Tuesday, the Quezon City court Branch 85, which was hearing the murder case,
issued a hold departure order for De Guzman’s co-respondent, Pastor’s widow Dalia
Guerrero Pastor.
The arrest warrant for Dalia was issued on March 26. Police, however, believe she is
already out of the country.
Last year, the Quezon City Police District tagged Dalia as a suspect in the killing of
Pastor, alleging she had an affair with businessman De Guzman, who had then hired
hitman Edgar Angel.
Angel, already under police custody for a drugs charge, executed an extrajudicial
confession saying De Guzman hired him for P100,000 to kill Pastor, allegedly because
Dalia suffered domestic abuse.
On the evening of June 12, 2014, Pastor was driving a truck carrying a race car in
Quezon City, when he and his helper Paolo Salazar were ambushed by a motorcycle-
riding guman at the corner of Congressional and Visayas Avenues. Pastor died of a
bullet to the head, while his helper survived a shot in the abdomen. Jaymee T.
Gamil/RC

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/713293/alleged-mastermind-in-enzo-pastor-
slay-now-in-hiding#ixzz3jVZOo5E2

There are a lot people that has been killed without justice. I choose this news
because my mother is also killed but she did not receive the justice she deserve.
Now the perpetrators are hiding. This kind of news brings me back the feeling of
anger to people who will kill unreasonably. This people should be sentenced to
death so that any innocent people’s lives will not be wasted again.
8-16-15
Lack of quorum could be a threat to the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic
Law by September 20, a House lawmaker said on Sunday.

In an interview on dzBB, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chair of the ad hoc
panel on the BBL, said, "Importanteng magkaroon ng quorum para maipasa ang
panukalang BBL.  At mahalagang mag-stay [ang mga lawmaker] hanggang matapos
ang sesyon."

Also, he appealed to his colleagues, "Just be  present."

The House of Representatives resumed plenary deliberations on the proposed BBL last

August 10, after mustering a quorum. The debate, however, ended abruptly because
lawmakers eventually left and only a handful of them were left on the floor.

Majority Floor Leader Neptali Gonzales II is eyeing the passage of the Bangsamoro bill
on third and final reading in the House by September 20, when the proposed national
budget for 2016 is expected to be tackled on the floor.

When asked if he’s confident of meeting the deadline amid quorum issues, Gonzales
said: "Bahala na si Batman."

Meanwhile, Rodriguez reiterated his position on moves to restore the BBL to its original
form —as submitted by Malacañang.

"Kapag ibinalik ang mga probisyong inalis ... baka makuwestiyon pa ito sa Korte
Suprema," he told dzBB's Rowena Salvacion on Sunday.  

“This BBL has gone through 51 committee hearings. This has gone through debates in
the ad hoc committee. These particular amendments and deletions were approved. It
would be difficult to be able to accede to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission’s
request,” Rodriguez told reporters on the sidelines of the budget deliberations of the
House appropriations committee last August 10. — LBG, GMA News - See more at:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/533126/news/nation/lawmaker-says-lack-of-
quorum-threat-to-bbl-s-passage#sthash.my81LkwA.dpuf

BBL is also one of the issue I’m concerned at. This law should be handled with
utmost care because this would mean a lot on the relationship between Muslims
and Christians. One wrong step could mean war or could make Mindanao a
peaceful place. The debate should tackle every single detail for the good of the
people.
8-17-15
Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday said he was prepared to defend his substitute bill
on a proposed Bangsamoro entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM) and urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to exercise
flexibility.
The Senate begins Monday floor debates on the substitute bill for the Palace’s
proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that Marcos’ committee had submitted to the
Senate floor.
In an interview with Radyo Inquirer, Marcos expressed hope that the measure would be
approved before the October deadline for candidates to file their certificates of
candidacy for the ARMM regional legislative assembly whose election would be held
simultaneously with the May 2016 national and local elections.
The Bangsamoro charter to be crafted by the Senate and the House of Representatives
would abolish the ARMM and set up a substate envisioned under a peace agreement
hammered out last year between the Aquino administration and the MILF.
Speaking to Radyo Inquirer, Marcos said he believed the Senate debates would be
“smooth sailing” as the substitute bill was very detailed.
“That’s why I could possibly answer questions on the amendments and changes made
there,” he said.
He said the MILF was seeking to meet with senators—the same way it did with House
counterparts—but there was no definite schedule as of now.
Asked what the government would do if the MILF rejected the new version, he said this
would be up to the government and the MILF negotiating panels.
What the Congress and Senate can do is to make sure discussions are complete and
detailed so people can understand why the changes have to be made in the Palace bill,
he said.
Marcos expressed hope that he would be given the chance to explain the changes and
that “our partners in the peace process could be flexible— not pushing to accept only
the original draft.”
“Otherwise, we cannot do anything. What will happen after that is really up to the two
parties, the Philippine government and the MILF,” he said.
Marcos said his committee would provide research materials used in making the
substitute bill to explain the changes but added that it was “impossible” to say when the
debates in the Senate would be completed.
Fourteen senators have registered for the interpellation, Marcos said. “I think almost all
the senators will ask questions,” he said.
Even if the proposed BBL is not passed after October, lawmakers will include a
provision that will allow a smooth transition of elected ARMM members to the new
Bangsamoro autonomous region.
Marcos said he was saddened by reports that the MILF had dubbed his substitute bill a
“a man without a soul” because the changes constituted more than 100 percent.
“I’m sorry that was their view on what I did. But I only did what I think is needed to make
the bill legal and we also fixed the problems in the original draft,” he said.
Marcos said the committee could not retain proposed provisions in the original draft that
he said were unconstitutional.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/713532/marcos-urges-milf-be-flexible-on-
bbl#ixzz3jVd4bUkO

The BBL is a very delicate topic. As I said it must be handled with utmost care.
And I think Marcos is right when he say that some of the provisions are illegal.
The MILF should be flexible because if they really want peace they would attain it
in anyway possible without war. They must not be angry at Marcos because he
only did what he think is right.
8-18-15
Typhoon Ineng (international name Goni) entered the Philippine area of responsibility
on Tuesday noon, the state weather bureau said.
Northern Luzon may experience a direct effect from the typhoon within the next two
days, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (Pagasa) said.
The typhoon will also enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat in Palawan and
Visayas.
There will be occasional rains over the western section of Luzon, including Metro
Manila, starting Thursday until early next week, Pagasa said.
Panahon.TV said there are two scenarios for the typhoon: It will either make landfall
over Batanes Group of Island on Friday morning, or instead re-curve and not hit any
part of the Philippines.
Ineng, the ninth tropical cyclone this year, packed maximum sustained winds of 170
kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 205 kph.
It was last located 1,475 kilometers east of Aparri in Cagayan. It also maintained its
strength.
It continued to move west northwest at 25 kph. Frances Mangosing/JE

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/713978/typhoon-ineng-enters-
par#ixzz3jVdh7qE2
The rainy days have come but still only typhoons made the sky dark. Now the
typhoon Ineng 9th typhoon to enter our country. It has been 8 months of the year
2015 but still few of typhoons has passed by. Im not wishing that typhoons
should occur. What im saying is that climate change has been observable this
past years. And we should do things to prevent the further changes in our
climactic status.

8-19-15
The Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved on
Wednesday the application of online-based transportation service provider Uber as an
accredited Transport Network Company (TNC).
LTFRB says that effective Wednesday, August 19, Uber is now a registered TNC.
As an accredited TNC, Uber partner drivers will need to register as common carriers
with the LTFRB and pay a filing fee of at least P520.
Uber cars are required to install global positioning system (GPS) tracking and
navigation devices.
The approval of Uber’s application came two days after the ridesharing mobile
application filed for accreditation ahead of the August 20 deadline imposed by LTFRB.
The TNC accreditation will allow Uber and other app-based service providers to operate
legally in the country.
The LTFRB will apprehend unregistered Uber taxis and other private vehicles operating
as public utility vehicles (PUVs) starting August 21. Drivers of unregistered private
vehicles operating as PUVs will be fined P200,000 and their vehicles will be impounded
for three months.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/714285/ltfrb-approves-uber-
accreditation#ixzz3jVdtOSMF
This is one example of good implementation of law. It would be easier for people
to ride a taxi and it is more secure for it has GPS tracking system. And also it
would help lessen the unregistered taxi in the streets. It would also decrease the
traffic in busy parts of Manila.
8-20-15
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A woman and her 11-year-old daughter were killed and
dumped in a septic tank of their house in Deca Homes Phase 2, Barangay Tungkil,
Minglanilla town, at least 17 kilometers south of here.
The body of Virginia Sharpe, 37, was found floating inside the septic tank past 9 a.m. on
Thursday, said  Chief Inspector Richard Gadingan, Minglanilla police chief.
The police also found a sack containing the body of  her daughter, Mica Ella who was
still in her school uniform, he added.
The bodies of two victims had stab wounds and were in a state of decomposition.
Virginia’s husband is a foreigner based in London.
Gadingan said they arrested three men – carpenters hired by the family. Found from
their possession were some items belonging to the victims, he added.
The suspects were still being interrogated, said Gadingan, but the motive in the killing
could be robbery.
The police chief said the victims may have been killed over the weekend because the
neighbors had not seen the mother and daughter since Monday.
Some neighbors and barangay officials decided to check on the two and forcibly opened
the main door. They were greeted by a pungent odor from the septic tank near the
kitchen where a number of flies were hovering.
They immediately alerted the police.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/714909/mom-daughter-found-dead-inside-
septic-tank#ixzz3jVf0DYd5

People nowadays are not afraid of the law. Because government does not pose
strict implementation of it. In my own opinion, I want the death sentence to return
so people would be afraid to commit such hideous crimes. And innocent people
would not be afraid to come out of their houses and enjoy their own life.
8-21-15
At least four were killed during the heavy rains dumped by Typhoon “Ineng”
(international name: Goni), reports said on Friday.
Three of the fatalities due to landslides were identified by the National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council as Yckir Manid-ing Mayon, 10, of Namatec in
Sabangan, Mt. Province, Eric and Markim Celo, both 26, of Gambang in Bakun,
Benguet.
A police report from Ilocos Norte, meanwhile, said one was killed after being hit by a
fallen mango tree in Brgy. Capangdanan. Herminio Tabuyo was onboard a motorcycle
with a companion named Luiller Dahilig when the tree fell. Dahilig was injured.
Lykher Mayon of Namatec in Mt. Province was also reported injured due to landslides.
Twenty-six roads in Abra, Baguio City, Benguet, Apayao, Mt. Province, Kalinga,
Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Cagayan have been closed due to landslides.
“If possible, we advise not to use these roads. Weather permitting, the [Department of
Public Works and Highways] could start their clearing operations,” NDRRMC Executive
Director Alexander Pama said.
At least 1,000 persons have been evacuated due to the typhoon. In Cordillera region,
1,141 individuals or 223 families had moved out of their homes, a regional report said.
Typhoon Ineng kept its slow pace and strength as of Friday afternoon. Although not
likely to make landfall, it will bring rains over parts of Central and Northern Luzon.
It is seen to move faster within 24 hours. Frances Mangosing/RC

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/715223/typhoon-ineng-leaves-at-least-4-
dead#ixzz3jVf7yx79

Typhoon is one of natural calamaties that cannot be prevented but can be readied
for. I choose this news because once again because of climate change many
calamity that happens always leaves a death toll. We must always be ready for
this kind of calamities and must always pray to God.
8-22-15
Social welfare workers in Pasay City have taken into custody a mother seen in a viral
video slapping her newborn baby at the Pasay City General Hospital.
Rosalinda Orobia, Pasay City social welfare officer, said the mother will undergo a
psychological evaluation before she is turned over to an appropriate institution.
A radio dzBB report said that according to Orobia, the mother may be transferred to the
National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City. 
On Thursday, Facebook user Nilo Sabangan posted a video of the mother slapping her
crying baby while they were lying on the hospital bed. The video went viral and currently
has 79,000 shares. Sabangan said in his post that the incident happened Tuesday,
August 18.
2days late upload,,,kawawa ang sanggol na eto sa ginawa ng kanyang nanay na
walang awang pinagsasampal,,,..!!
Posted by Nilo Sabangan on Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Social Welfare Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman has said that they will assess the
video and then check whether the mother is capable of taking care of her baby.
"Kasi kung wala siyang kakayahan, kukunin muna namin iyong sanggol," Soliman said
in a report on GMA News' 24 Oras.
Orobia said that as of Saturday morning, they were still checking if they baby can
already be discharged from the Pasay City General Hospital. 
She said that if the hospital gives them the go signal, they will bring the baby to the
family of the mother. If the family refuses, they will put the baby under the care of the
Children's Reception Center of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. —
ALG, GMA News
- See more at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/533942/news/nation/dswd-
takes-into-custody-mother-seen-slapping-baby-in-viral-video#sthash.li0JaRcj.dpuf

For me raising an infant is a hard job. So if you don’t have the capability to raise a
child then don’t. It’s better that the DSWD took control of the situation so that
further abuse to the child would stop and so that it would teach the parents not
just the mother a lesson.