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October 2012
Volume 3 - Number 18
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OUTRAGE OVER CYBERCRIME LAW Cecil Morella, AFP
A NEW cybercrime law in the Philippines that could see people sentenced to 12 years in jail for posting defamatory comments on Facebook or Twitter is generating outrage among netizens and rights groups. The stated aim of the cybercrime law is to fight online pornography, hacking, identity theft and spamming in the conservative Catholic nation amid police complaints they lack the legal tools to stamp out Internet crime. However it also includes a blanket provision that puts the country’s criminal libel law into force in cyberspace, except that the penalties for Internet defamation are much tougher compared with old media. It also allows authorities to collect data from personal user accounts on social media and listen in on voice/ video applications, such as Skype, without a warrant. Teenagers unwarily re-tweeting or re-posting libellous material on social media could bear the full force
of the law, according to Noemi Dado, a prominent Manila blogger who edits a citizen media site called Blog Watch. “Not everyone is an expert on what constitutes libel. Imagine a mother like me, or teenagers and kids who love to rant. It really hits our freedoms,” Dado told AFP. Compounding the concerns, those teenagers or anyone else who posts a libellous comment faces a maximum prison term of 12 years and a fine of one million pesos ($24,000). Meanwhile, newspaper editors and other trained professionals in traditional media face prison terms of just four years and fines of 6,000 pesos. While harsh criminal libel legislation remains in force in other parts of Asia, Dado said the Philippine law sent the wrong signal in a country that overthrew the military-backed Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship just 26 years ago. Dado, a lawyer’s wife known in the local online community as the “momblogger”, is among a group of bloggers and other critics of the
libel element of the cybercrime law campaigning for it to be repealed. Brad Adams, Asia director for New York-based Human Rights Watch, said the law was having a chilling effect in the Philippines, which has one of the world’s highest per capita rates of Facebook and Twitter users. “Anybody using popular social networks or who publishes online is now at risk of a long prison term should a reader – including government officials – bring a libel charge,” Adams said. About a third of the Philippines’ nearly 100 million people use the Internet, with 96 percent them on Facebook, according to industry figures. Five petitions claiming the law is unconstitutional have been filed with the Supreme Court. Senator Teofisto Guingona, the lone opponent when the bill was voted on in the Senate, has filed one of the petitions to the Supreme Court. “Without a clear definition of the crime of libel and the persons liable, virtually any person can now
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A new cybercrime law in the Philippines is generating outrage among netizens and rights groups.
be charged with a crime – even if you just re-tweet or comment on an online update or blog post,” Guingona told the court. “The questioned provisions... throw us back to the Dark Ages.” The five petitions all say the law infringes on freedom of expression, due process, equal protection and privacy of communication. University of the Philippines law professor Harry Roque, who filed one of the petitions, said the Philippines was one of a shrinking number of countries where defamation remained a crime punishable by prison. Part of the penal code that was drawn up 82 years ago, it goes against the trend in many advanced democracies such as the United States and Britain where defamation is now punished with fines rather than imprisonment, Roque said.
Amid the public backlash, some of the senators who voted for the cybercime law have started to disassociate themselves from it, even claiming they did not read the provision on libel. However presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda has defended the cybercrime law. “The Cybercrime Act sought to attach responsibilities in cyberspace... freedom of expression is always recognised but freedom of expression is not absolute,” he told reporters on Thursday, September 27. Nevertheless, Lacierda said the law could still be refined. He called for critics to submit their concerns to a government panel that will issue by the end of the year specific definitions of the law, such as who may be prosecuted. ■ (©AFP – Manila, Philippines – September 29, 2012)
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October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
PHL-UK Relations: on track towards greater cooperation
FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Secretary of the State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague reaffirmed the importance of bilateral ties between the Philippines and the United Kingdom and welcomed developments that showed the Philippines-United Kingdom relations are on track towards greater cooperation. Meeting at the sidelines of the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 27 at the UN Headquarters in
New York, Secretary del Rosario and Minister Hague had a broad exchange of views on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest and discussed the timeliness of the PhilippinesUnited Kingdom Joint Plan of Action that will identify practical cooperation measures towards enhancing the relationship of the two countries. Minister Hague also reiterated the United Kingdom’s readiness to continue assisting in the Mindanao peace process. Secretary del Rosario
invited his British counterpart to visit the Philippines and Minister Hague stated this would be certainly considered for next year. In a statement following the meeting, Secretary del Rosario said the Philippines and the United Kingdom recognized that both nations and peoples shared common and universal values of democracy, free speech, and the rule of law buoyed further by a shared language and growing and deepening links between their two peoples. ■ (DFA –
September 29, 2012)
PHL recognized for conservation effort in Tubbataha Reefs AN international jury has conferred on the Philippines a Silver Future Policy Award for its 2010 Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act, recognizing it as an exemplary policy that has “contributed most effectively to the sustainable management of the world’s oceans and coasts for the benefit of current and future generations.” The award was announced on 26 September 2012 during a press conference at the UN Headquarters in New York, coinciding with the UN General Assembly. The Award was given by the World Future Council, an international policy research organization that aims “to safeguard the rights of future
generations” through advocacies on environment, sustainable development and social justice. The 2012 Future Policy Award, in turn, highlights the challenges faced by the world’s oceans as well as exemplary solutions to protect them. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act ensures the effective management of the Tubbataha Reefs, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hotspot of coral reef biodiversity. Local authorities and non-government organizations engaged in protecting Tubbataha have received praise because of the excellent condition of the reefs. Tubbataha’s example has also shown that carefully planned management
can result in benefits for local communities since Tubbataha is a nursery site for fish supporting local artisanal fisheries. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act has been hailed as a model of coral reef conservation and already similar legislation has been enacted for neighboring Apo Reef. “With the Future Policy Award we want to cast a spotlight on policies that lead by example. The aim of the World Future Council is to raise awareness for exemplary policies and speed up policy action towards just, sustainable and peaceful societies,” said Alexandra Wandel, Director of the World Future Council. Dr. Braulio Ferreira de Souza
Dias, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, comments, “The ocean world is in all our daily lives. Even for the many millions of people who may not think that they have a strong reliance on oceans, marine ecosystems and wildlife provide all kinds of benefits. The Future Policy Award provides the opportunity to raise awareness of the issue and increase practical action.” Jury member Pauline Tangiora states, “National policies have to consider the needs of local communities and incorporate their traditional knowledge of the ecosystems and the natural resources these communities depend on - to ensure the sustainable
use and management thereof.” The announcement of the winning policies in New York will be followed by an awards ceremony on 16 October 2012 at the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad, India. Other awards recognized the efforts of Palau, Namibia, South Africa, and California in the USA. Thirty-one policies from 22 countries were nominated for awards. Nominations were assessed by an international jury of experts from the academia, politics, international bodies, civil society and indigenous groups from all 5 continents. ■ (DFA – September 28, 2012)
International News
Wanted: More Filipinos in Kalayaan as China improves fishermen’s shelter in Spratlys HELLO PHILIPPINES
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©InterAksyon.com
Primitive stretch of road on Pagasa island indicates how much further the Philippines must go in transforming its occupied areas into full communities.
Jaime Sinapit, InterAksyon.com
THE commander of the Western Command (WestCom) who has jurisdiction over the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) confirmed on Sunday that China has continued the expansion and improvement of its military facilities in the area it occupies. “Yes, of course [they keep expanding], although they claim that these are fishermen sanctuaries, not at all. As we observed most of the time, its (facilities are) frequented by military vessels,” WestCom commander Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban said in a phone interview. Pressed for more details, he said: “No, these are classified information and I have already shared with you the general information.” He said that while the Philippines continues to employ only peaceful means in engaging Beijing, what it can do in the meantime is have more civilians populate the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), especially Pagasa. Sabban pointed out that the Chinese activities are “not really ongoing construction, per se” and that “this is not as significant [as] to cause alarm.”
October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
“There are minor changes that we’ve observed. For example, they have an additional satellite disc; at one [area] they extended the facility platform. It’s not that significant though to cause alarm,” Sabban said. Sabban said China has not been respecting the 1992 Declaration of Code of Conduct. “Only the Philippines is abiding by the Code of Conduct of claimant countries,” he said. More civilians needed in Kalayaan Sabban, who belongs to the Marines service that has been the main force manning the areas occupied by the Philippines, is urging the government to beef up the presence of the civilian population in the town of Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), Palawan. The KIG is a formally established political entity with a voting population, headed by an elected mayor. “Civilians living in those islands covering the KIG municipality should be increased. We should improve and develop our structures for the population to utilize not only for their livelihood but also for other purposes such as schools, a runway that can [eventually] accommodate
tourist planes. We are not [deemed] confrontational [with] all these things; we will maintain that the area stay as peaceful as it can be and sustain a civilian way of life,” the Marine general said. The KIG town is composed of 7 islets and two reefs under the political leadership of Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon. Center of leadership in Pagasa At present, the center of political leadership of the KIG is in Pagasa island, where fewer than 300 civilians reside. Personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and National Police are also deployed on the island where a dilapidated runway has yet to be improved. Earlier, the AFP redeployed a Marine battalion to Palawan, That battalion was pulled out in the 1970’s to help fight the Moro rebels in Mindanao. Sabban said the troops will be deployed in all the military satellite detachments all over Palawan, in the KIG. With the new deployment, the WestCom now has at least a brigadesized, battle-tested Marines to help patrol the WPS. ■ (©InterAksyon.com)
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October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
Malaysian monarch confers highest honors on Filipino generals ©AFP-PAO
His Majesty Yang Di Pertuan Agong of Malaysia confers an honorary Panglima Angkatan Tentera or Malaysian Armed Forces Order for Valor (First Degree) to AFP chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa in Malaysia on Monday, September 24. The awarding was held to mark the 79th anniversary of the MAF.
MALAYSIA’S head of state, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah of Kedah, has conferred the Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera, or the Malaysian Armed Forces Order for Valor (first degree), on Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa and former Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz. The monarch bestowed the honorary awards on the generals during the Malaysian Armed Forces’ 79th foundation anniversary celebration on Monday for their role in enhancing the military relations of both countries, said AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos. “This award is given only to highest ranking officers of the Malaysian
Army, chiefs of Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force and to foreign generals and admirals,” said Burgos. The Sultan also conferred on AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence Maj. Gen. Franciso Cruz the Panglima Setia Angkatan Tentera or the Malaysian Armed Forces’ Order for Valor (second degree), which is awarded to major generals. “The awards were given [to the three] in recognition of their leadership and strong commitment in strengthening bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between the two Armed Forces. They were also seen to further enhance the long-standing defense relationship of the Malaysian
and Philippine governments,” said Burgos. Ortiz, a recipient of the Medal of Valor for bravery and gallantry in action against communist rebels in his junior officer days, bowed out of the service in November last year upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. A letter issued by Malaysian Gen. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin says: “The relationship between our two Armed Forces has flourished from leaps to bounds and this, by no small measure, is due to your able leadership and strong commitment.” Burgos said military relations between Philippines and Malaysia
began when the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation in 1984. While expressing his gratitude for the award, Dellosa assured his Malaysian counterparts of the Philippine military’s “continuous commitment in its bilateral relations with the Malaysian Armed Forces geared towards healthy regional defense cooperation.” “We are optimistic that our efforts to further strengthen the ties between our two Armed Forces will result to more security cooperation activities and peace and development programs that will contribute to the general security in our region,” he said. ■ (©GMA News – September 26, 2012)
Philippines sends more troops to guard disputed islands THE Philippines has deployed 800 more Marines and opened a new headquarters to guard its interests in the disputed Spratlys islands, which China also claims, a senior military official said Sunday, September 30. Straddling vital shipping lanes and believed sitting atop vast reserves of mineral deposits, including oil, the Spratlys chain in the South China Sea has long been considered a flashpoint for conflict in the region. Apart from the Philippines and China, the Spratlys are claimed in whole or in part by Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. Lieutenant General Juancho
Sabban, appearing to want to assuage Beijing in particular, said the deployment was only meant as a defensive measure and should not be seen as an aggressive move. “These two battalions which arrived recently will be augmenting protection of our islands,” Sabban, who heads the military garrison which has jurisdiction over the Spratlys, told AFP. “We are just on a defensive posture and are ensuring the defence of our islands. It is better to defend than retake islands once other claimants occupy them.” He said a Marine brigade
headquarters had also been created on the nearby Philippine province of Palawan, facing the South China Sea, “to provide command and control” over the forces. The Marines will not be stationed on the Spratlys but will patrol nearby. Sabban accused China of continually fortifying its structures on islands in the Spratlys that Beijing controls, though at present “no claimant countries have manifested any offensive action”. “We are not there to create a situation where it will lead to an accidental conflict and escalate into a regional problem,” Sabban stressed.
© AFP/File, Kalayaan Municipal Office
The Spratlys chain in the South China Sea has long been considered a flashpoint for conflict in the region.
China, which is in a dispute with Japan over islands in the East China Sea, has been accused of ramping up tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippines and Vietnam over the
past year raised alarm over Beijing’s assertiveness. China claims all of the South China Sea, which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea, even waters close to its Asian neighbours. Sabban’s announcement came just days after incoming Chinese leader Xi Jinping met a special Philippine envoy and expressed hope bilateral ties would improve. The meeting was set months after both sides were locked in a tense standoff in Scarborough shoal, another outcrop in the South China Sea north of the Spratlys. ■ (©AFP –
September 30, 2012)
PHL gets top UN official’s support to settle territorial row peacefully THE Philippines has the full support of no less than the United Nations General Assembly president for the peaceful settlement of international disputes, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday, September 29. In a news release, the DFA said Vuk Jeremic, president of the UN General Assembly’s 67th session, described the peaceful settlement as a timely theme for the General Assembly. Jeremic, who met with DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario at UN headquarters in New York last Thursday, September 27, stressed “utmost attentiveness and energy to the Philippine initiatives at the United Nations on the peaceful settlement of disputes.” The Philippines has been pushing for a peaceful settlement of international disputes, amid territorial row with China at the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal that began since early April. Also, the Philippines is one of six claimants to the Spratly Islands with five other states, including China, Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Earlier, Jeremic had chosen the theme “Adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario engages Vuk Jeremic, President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in an active discussion of issues of concern to the UNGA, including the peaceful settlement of disputes during a meeting at the sidelines of the 67th session of the UNGA. Secretary del Rosario heads the Philippine delegation to the General Assembly this year.
peaceful means” for the 67th session of the UN General Assembly. For his part, Del Rosario welcomed Jeremic’s statement, saying “this will further draw attention to the duties and obligations of States to settle their disputes in a peaceful manner as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in international law.” “(Jeremic’s choice of the theme) reflects a keen awareness of crucial issues that confronts our world
today and a deep and principled understanding of the way forward (and provides an opportunity for) a synergy of actions by stakeholders to advance the peaceful settlement of disputes at the United Nations,” Del Rosario said. He added the Philippines is confident Jeremic can steer the General Assembly to achieve the goals “we all share as responsible members of the international community.” Also, he said the Philippines is “encouraged by the clarity of President Jeremic’s vision for the General Assembly.” Jeremic, in his address at the opening of the UNGA’s 67th session, outlined the focus for this year’s session, with the overarching theme being the peaceful settlement of international disputes. “I hope this framework will usefully serve the noble cause of preventing gathering conflicts and resolving existing ones,” Jeremic said.
Meeting with Clinton Meanwhile, Del Rosario and fellow foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met with United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
They discussed “wide-ranging issues,” including regional peace, stability and security, the peaceful settlement of disputes and maritime issues. The DFA said the meeting was held on the sidelines of the UNGA 67th session. Del Rosario, who heads the Philippine delegation to the UNGA, described the discussions as “constructive” and these talks “significantly touched on key issues of mutual concern for the Philippines, its neighbors and the United States.” “The discussions during the meeting emphasized ‘the need to secure stability in the region, the peaceful settlement of disputes and other maritime issues.’ The holding of the meeting in the Mission was very relevant, given the realities in Southeast Asia and in the larger East Asian region,” he said. Clinton reaffirmed the US’ commitment to the Asia Pacific region and underscored that “[the US] wants to work with all of you to build a stable and just regional order that will benefit every nation.” She also clarified that this “means supporting mature and effective institutions that can mobilize
common action and settle disputes peacefully.” “It means working toward rules and norms that help manage relations between peoples, markets, and nations and safeguard universal rights. And it means establishing security arrangements that provide stability and build trust,” she added. On maritime security, Clinton said the US looked forward to the Expanded ASEAN maritime forum next week in Manila on October 5. The DFA said all 18 East Asia Summit states have been invited for in-depth discussions on how to improve safety on the region’s waterways, combat piracy, protect the environment. “(W)e are encouraged by the recent informal dialogue between ASEAN and China as they work toward a comprehensive code of conduct for the South China Sea as a means to prevent future tension in the region,” Clinton said. Del Rosario said both the first Expanded Forum and the third ASEAN Maritime Forum in Manila will “serve as an opportunity to discuss cross-sectoral cooperation on regional maritime issues.” ■ (©GMA News – September 29, 2012)
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October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
Victorias Milling food unit to venture outside home market Ben Arnold O. De Vera, InterAksyon.com THE food manufacturing subsidiary of listed Victorias Milling Corporation on Friday, September 28, said it will jack up its capital expenditure next year as it plans to expand its domestic distribution network as well as export markets. On the sidelines of the 27th Negros Trade Fair at the Rockwell Tent in Makati City, Jaime Unson, Victorias Foods Corporation general manager, said the company will allot 50 percent more for capex next year to renovate facilities, purchase higher-capacity equipment, and spend on product research and development, although he declined to disclose figures.
“The market is growing, so we’re reconfiguring our operations to suit the demands of the market,” Unson said. At present, Victorias Foods’ threehectare facility within the sprawling VMC compound in Victorias City, Negros Occidental churns out canned bangus and sardines, canned lechon paksiw, luncheon meat, as well as processed meat products such as American ham, bacon, chorizo and tocino. Fish is sourced from the Visayan Sea, while the meat is from Negros-based hog farms. Although the parent-firm VMC is a sugar miller, Victorias Foods does not produce any sugar-based product. At present, 70 percent of their production gets exported
to the US through consolidators, while the remainder are sold by major supermarkets in Western Visayas. The company had stopped distribution of its products outside of the Negros and Panay islands following problems with distributors in the past, Unson said. But as Victorias Foods moves to ramp up its presence in Metro Manila by next year, the company will put up its own distribution arm to directly supply retailers elsewhere in the country, he said. “In the next three years, our products will be available around the Philippines.” In the meantime, Victorias Foods is tapping trade fairs, such as the 27th Negros Trade Fair, to generate
©InterAksyon.com/File
Victorias Foods general manager Jaime Unson during the 27th Negros Trade Fair in Makati City.
interest among buyers, Unson said. “We get inquiries from souvenir shops and restaurants that are interested to sell our products or use them as ingredients,” he said. The company is also eyeing exporting to Europe and countries with
big Muslim populations, Unson said, noting that their products are Halaland US FDA-certified. Starting next month, Victorias Foods will increase its export capacity to better serve the growing number of customers – Filipinos and foreigners alike – abroad, he said. The food manufacturer is also looking at expanding its product lineup, he said. Victorias Foods’ products are in the “premium” category, hence more expensive, but Unson said this is because the company’s goods do not have extenders. “Our products are comparable with imported goods,” he said. ■ (©Interaksyon.com – Manila, Philippines – September 28, 2012)
Phlpost’s launches e-Postmo Money Transfer Service workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of the Saudi Arabia. During a meeting with leaders of the Filipino community held at the Riyadh Palace Hotel on September 14, Ms. Dela Cruz announced that Phlpost will be launching in the Kingdom its
e-Postmo service, an electronic money transfer system through which OFWs can send money to the Philippines, with their beneficiaries receiving the amount on the same day of remittance. “Sending money through Phlpost is the most convenient way of transferring money to the Philippines “because of the wide distribution of post offices in accessible locations throughout the Philippines,” adding that beneficiaries receive exactly the amount remitted to them “because Phlpost has no hidden charges.” Phlpost will also pioneer the door-to-door remittance service.
Philpost remittance service will be available starting next month in Saudi Arabia through Al-Rajhi Bank, Philpost’s Saudi counterpart in the remittance service. “Just go to the nearest post office or bank in the country where you are to remit your money. Your beneficiary in the Philippine will be contacted to choose from different modes of delivery, such as cash pick-up at the post office, cash door-to-door delivery, credit to account, and postal money order,” Dela Cruz said. Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin H. Tago welcomed
Philpost’s joining the remittance business, saying that the door-todoor service and the promised lower service charges by doing away with the “back charges” will be most beneficial to Filipinos in the Kingdom and their relatives back home. The Postmaster General appealed to overseas Filipino workers in the Kingdom to support the new remittance service. “By supporting these, you’ll not only help jumpstart Phlpost but also help save the jobs of 11,000 compatriots back home,” she said. ■ (DFA – Thursday 27, 2012)
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POSTMASTER General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Josefina M. Dela Cruz led a delegation from the Philippine Postal Corporation (Phlpost) on September 13 to 16 for a marketing campaign to provide Philpost’s remittance service to overseas Filipino
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October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
PAL key shareholders to borrow $4.5 billion form company for building new airport PHILIPPINES
Darwin G. Amojelar, InterAksyon.com SAN Miguel Corporation and the Lucio Tan Group will spend $5-6 billion to develop a new international airport in an undisclosed location, the president of Philippine Airlines said on Friday, September 28. “The airport project is between the two shareholders, San Miguel and the Lucio Tan family. It would cost $5-6 billion, of which you need an equity of at least $1-2 billion,” Ramon S. Ang told reporters on the sidelines of PAL Holdings Inc.’s stockholders meeting. He said the new airport would be located “15 minutes away from EDSA Makati by car [and] not in Bulacan, kasi mabundok doon.” “Hindi ko sasabihin ang totoong
lugar, kasi magkakaroon ng speculation. Tataas ang lupa doon,” he said. When asked to confirm a report by CIMB Group that the new international airport would likely be located in Bulacan, Ang however did not categorically deny or confirm the report. Malaysia’s CIMB recently bought part of the San Miguel group’s stake in Bank of Commerce. The CIMB report said PAL’s planned international airport would be about 45 kilometers northwest of Makati City, and closer to Metro Manila than the Clark International Airport, which is 100 kilometers from the business district. Ang said the two key shareholders of PAL will create a new company to
©InterAksyon.com/File
PAL president Ramon S. Ang
handle the development of the new airport. “We intend to talk to the government to submit our proposal by January next year. We are now preparing,” he said. The new airport will have four runways and will span 2,000 hectares. Ang had said the company was
Philippine Airlines to buy 10 Airbus A330s
PHILIPPINE Airlines said Friday, September 28, it would buy 10 new Airbus A330 jets with a list price of $2.5 billion, on top of 54 aircraft it ordered from the European manufacturer last month. The new order, signed two weeks ago, brings the total PAL-Airbus deal at close to $10 billion, the airline’s president, Ramon Ang, said in a statement. In the earlier deal, PAL and Airbus announced firm orders for 44 singleaisle A321 planes and 10 long-haul A330-300s. Ang said the extra 10 planes would replace PAL’s current A330 fleet for medium-haul routes. He said Airbus would start deliveries of about 10 of the 64 orders next year, without specifying which ones. San Miguel, one of the Philippines’ biggest conglomerates, bought a 49-percent stake in PAL for $500 million in April, and took over management. Ang is also head of San Miguel.
Ang has sought to revive PAL, which has lost its status as the nation’s top carrier in recent years to low-cost airline Cebu Pacific. Cebu Pacific last year ordered
23 Airbus 320 and 30 Airbus A321 neo aircraft to add to its fleet of 25 A320s, and in January leased eight A330s for long-haul flights. ■ (©AFP –
THE Philippines is seeking to lure investment from Japanese companies that are being hurt by their country’s bitter territorial dispute with China, a senior trade official said Wednesday, September 26. Japanese firms in China have been targeted in recent weeks by demonstrators angered by the row over the Japan-held Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, claimed by China, which calls them Diaoyu, forcing some to shut down. Philippine Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio said the government was courting 15 of these companies with the best potential for relocating some of their operations from China to the Philippines. “We don’t want to say we want to take advantage of the misery of
others but we’re trying to be practical and help the Japanese,” Panlilio told reporters. “We have marching orders to our trade attaches to approach these Japanese companies, both in China and Japan.” He declined to name the companies that were being approached. To attract the Japanese, Panlilio said the government was offering tax incentives while promoting a well educated population, economic stability and President Benigno Aquino’s efforts to stamp out corruption. He said said that without the diplomatic tensions, rising labour costs in China were already making the Philippines more attractive for Japanese companies.
Panlilio said the Philippines undertook similar sales pitches in Thailand and Japan last year after those countries suffered natural disasters that forced manufacturers there to halt production. He said those efforts had paid dividends with companies such as Toshiba, Canon, Toyota and Hitachi increasing their presence in the Philippines. The Philippines is trying to reverse a trend that has seen its manufacturing sector struggle to remain competitive with China in recent years. The manufacturing sector made up 17 percent of the Philippines’ total economy in 2011, down from 26 percent in 1980, according to government data. ■ (©AFP – September
Contributed Photo
September 28, 2012)
Philippines seeks gain in Japan-China row
26, 2012)
in talks with a Korean contractor for the project, construction of which would be completed in three years. 10 more wide-bodied jets A new airport would fit hand-inglove with PAL’s ongoing refleeting. Ang said PAL ordered an additional 10 wide-bodied aircraft from Airbus at a cost of $2.5 billion. “The additional 10 wide-bodied jets was agreed two weeks ago. The list price is about $250 million. So our refleeting now is close to $10 billion already,” he said. Ang said PAL is also in talks for the purchase of another 35 widebodied aircraft from Airbus or Boeing. “These are replacements for our existing aircraft. By replacing our old aircraft to modern wide-bodied
jets, we are projecting to save at least 20 percent of our costs,” he said. Earlier, PAL announced a $7 billion deal to acquire 54 planes from Airbus, with delivery to start next year. Ang had said this was part of a plan to acquire 100 planes. Through wholly owned subsidiary San Miguel Equity Investments Inc., SMC entered into investment agreements with Trustmark Holdings Corporation and Zuma Holdings and Management Corporation to acquire a 49 percent stake in PAL and budget unit Air Philippines Express for $500 million. Trustmark and Zuma are majority owned by Tan. ■ (©Interaksyon.com –
Philippines closer to rice self-sufficiency THE Philippines is now closer to its rice self-sufficiency targets with reported increase in nationwide palay production, particularly in nonirrigated areas, a leading rice research and development agency said. In a statement, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) expressed optimism that the country could be self-sufficient by end of 2013, citing massive increase in all rice ecosystems over the last 12 years. Dr. Flordeliza Bordey, PhilRice socio-economist, said the country was 92 percent rice self-sufficient in 2011 at current domestic rice prices while import dependency was reduced to 8 percent – about 800,000 to 900,000 metric tons of rice. Bordey, who is also the program leader on Impact Evaluation, Policy Research and Advocacy, noted that the country’s harvest area also increased to about 4.24 percent. Based on records, the country’s land devoted to rice grew to about 47,773 hectares per year from 20002011. But the figures more than triple in 2010-2011 with 182,481 hectares. “So far, a large portion of the increase came from non-irrigated areas where harvest area is more dependent on weather,” she said. “When the government’s interventions on irrigation will be fully implemented, irrigated areas will be the source of increase in production, thereby improving the reliability of supply and be less dependent on vagaries of weather,” she added. Despite the increase in rice production, Bordey said that
Manila, Philippines – September 28, 2012)
utilization of locally produced rice is yet to meet the nation’s rising demand, adding that the gap in supply continued to narrow over the last few years. In 2011, the country produced about 10.85 million metric tons (MT) of rice with the total utilization estimated at 12.14 million MT. “Based on the computation, the utilization of rice in 2011 was maintained from the previous year, while only data on population growth continued to increase,” she said. “Given the volume of existing stocks in the economy, only 800,000 to 900,000 MT of rice were imported in 2011,” she said. Bordey said that Filipino consumers could help lessen the gap by minimizing rice wasted. “Filipinos waste 9 grams of cooked rice every day that when not wasted, could result in P5.3 billion import saving and could feed about 2 million hungry Filipinos in a year,” Bordey said. Dr. Eufemio Rasco Jr., PhilRice executive director, emphasized the need for rice self sufficiency in the country, stressing that food insecurity has now become a global phenomenon. “Food miles or the distance that a food travels from the farm to the consumers’ plate are getting longer. Before, we import our rice from Vietnam and Thailand, now, [it gets farther] as we are importing from India,” Rasco said. “Where will we buy our rice supply when [exports become less]? [If we are not self-sufficient], we will be dependent on others’ supply,” he added. DA-PhilRice is a governmentowned and –controlled corporation that aims at developing high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos. ■ (©Philippines News Agency – Manila, Philippines – September 30, 2012)
DOT, PATA commit to advance PH tourism
THE Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2012 was officially opened Wednesday at the SMX Convention Center with close to a thousand international and local participants composed of buyers, sellers, media representatives, and members of National Tourism Organizations from 52 countries. At the opening media briefing, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. presented the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), the country’s roadmap for tourism development, which aims to position the Philippines as a must-experience destination in Asia. The NTDP seeks to achieve 10 million international visitor arrivals, employ 6.8 million workers in the tourism sector, and generate 1.9 trillion pesos in tourism receipts by 2016. Tourism development will be propelled through the convergence among government agencies, local government units, legislators, private companies, and nonprofit organizations. Secretary Jimenez was joined by Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr., who talked about the potential of cruise tourism. “The good news is that the number of cruise passengers to the Philippines has been growing over the last several years as a result of the overall interest in Southeast Asia as the newest and most exciting cruise playground. Ten to fifteen years back, it was almost unthinkable for big vessels with the capacities of 3,000- 3,500
people to be homeported in any of the ports here. Singapore is now a default homeport, and the Philippines has been able to get a fair share of the cruise passenger traffic. In fact by October this year, Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas will be calling on the port of Boracay,” Assistant Secretary Bengzon said. PATA Vice Chairperson Paul Antonson said that “Tourism should be given focus as it is the most inclusive sector,” and congratulated Secretary Jimenez for the completion of the NTDP and phenomenal worldwide success of the It’s More Fun in the Philippines campaign. On the other hand, PATA CEO Martin J. Craigs underscored the role of technology – the need to be electronic and mobile – in the development of tourism. He also raised the importance of improving policy reforms to address issues on accessibility and connectivity. When asked about the Philippine travel tax by the media, Secretary Jimenez explains that tax proceeds are divided among the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprize Zone Authority (TIEZA), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for use in government projects and programs. The DOT, however, remains supportive of the efforts to make the Philippines more competitive such as the eventual removal of the travel tax in support of the Brunei Darussalam-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-
LONDON, 01 October 2012—Philippine food products will hit some of TESCO’s supermarkets in the United Kingdom today. Philippine snack foods, seasonings, condiments, mixes, sauces, biscuits, crackers, noodles and juices, among others will finally be available to both ethnic and non-ethnic consumers in the United Kingdom as they are introduced in TESCO supermarkets. Following the introduction of Manning Impex Limited to Tesco by officials of the Philippine Trade & Investment Center (PTIC) in London earlier this year, a launch will take place today at TESCO Extra Sandhurst in Berkshire, which will coincide with the rollout of said Philippine products in other TESCO stores in the United Kingdom. “We are very pleased that our introduction of
Manning Impex to Tesco has moved forward into a concrete partnership, making Philippine food products more accessible to a greater number of consumers in the United Kingdom,” said Ms. Anne Marie Kristine Umali, Commercial Attaché & Head of PTIC-London. She added, “This step is a splendid illustration of what the Filipino and British private sectors and government agencies can do to advance and invigorate bilateral trade & investment relations between the Philippines and the United Kingdom for their mutual benefit. Thru this partnership, both producers (from any one of the Philippines islands) and consumers (here in London and its outskirts) alike get to experience in a very real sense the solid benefits of a borderless global trading environment.” His Excellency Enrique Manalo, Philippine
EAGA) sub-regional cooperation initiative. Secretary Jimenez also clarified as to why the Philippines has a smaller international visitor arrivals figure relative to other countries in ASEAN such as Malaysia and Thailand. He said that the Philippines does not enjoy a connection of contiguous land mass where a foreign national can simply drive across a border and be counted among the international arrivals. “Tourism is not just a game of counting people coming out of airplanes, of people setting foot on your tarmac. What is more important is to build a business that creates opportunities and yields revenues. On a revenue level, the Philippines is up to speed with the rest of ASEAN,” Secretary Jimenez enthused. Secretary Jimenez shared that talks are underway for the implementation of a unified ASEAN visa, similar to the Schengen visa of the European Union (EU). Five countries in the region already have data facilities for such initiative. He added that the Philippines is working hard to open the region to more foreign tourists, streamline travel requirements, and modernize the visa application processing. Secretary Jimenez said that the huge energy for welcoming more tourists is the strong selling point for the country. “Filipinos actually enjoy playing hosts. It is not just another economic activity for most Filipinos -- it is real enjoyment. It is an area where we naturally excel,” the Secretary further adds. ■ (27 September 2012)
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Philippine Food Products to be Launched at TESCO Ambassador to the Court of St. James, will lead the launch together with Ms. Umali; officers of Manning Impex Ltd led by its Managing Director André Cheong; and TESCO officials led by World Food Buyer Pally So will unveil the gondola in one of the sections of TESCO Extra Sandhurst where the Philippine products will be showcased. This initial launch will be followed by other launchings in various TESCO stores in major cities in the United Kingdom in the next few months. “The success of the partnership between Manning Impex and TESCO in promoting Philippine food products to the United Kingdom is a clear reflection of a dynamic active and expanding Philippine-British trade and investment networking,” said Philippine Ambassador Enrique Manalo. ■ (01 OCTOBER 2012)
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October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
DATE / TIME 2 November 2011 to 31 October 2012
EVENT Filing of Applications for Registration / Certification and Transfer of Registration Records
VENUE Philippine Embassy, 6 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG
7 October 2012 – Sunday 11:30am
All-Filipino Marian Pilgrimage
7 October 2012 – Sunday 2:00pm
Volleyball Tournament
12 October 2012 – Friday 8:00pm to 2:00am
Pinoy Live Sessions – “AAA” (Live Bands + 1 DJ – FireFallDown, Ekiz, Myth of Ben, Wasak and DJ Celebrate
The Friars Shrine of Our Fr Ari Dy, SJ Lady of Mt Carmel and St Simon Stock, Aylesford, Kent The Royal Dock Community School, Prince Regent Lane, London E16 3HS Archangel, 11 – 13 3Rhythm Productions Kensington High Street, London W8 5NP – www.aaa.net.uk
13 October 2012 – Saturday 5:00pm tp 11:00pm
Retro Dinner and Dance Party
13 October 2012 – Saturday 6:00pm
Ms Glamour Philippines UK
13 October 2012 – Saturday 1:30pm to 6:45pm
Baden Powell House, 65 – 67 Queens Gate, London SW7 5JS 95th Anniversary Celebration of St Joseph Catholic Church, the Apparition of Our Lady of 1 Montem Road, New Fatima Malden KT3 3QW
20 October 2012 – Saturday 6:30pm
Batangas Association UK – 19th Annual Charity Dinner & Dance
27 October 2012 – Saturday 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Fancy Dress-up Halloween Disco
27 October 2012 – Saturday
MFBA Halloween Party
2, 3 and 4 November 2012 – Friday, Saturday and Sunday 17 November 2012 – Saturday
Okay Fine, Todo Na’To! – Ms Rufa Mae Quinto
9 December 2012 – Sunday 5:00pm to 11:30pm
Christmas Charity Party for Cancer Research
22 December 2012 Saturday
MFBA Thanksgiving / Christmas Party
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The Ballroom, Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, 22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG The White Hall, Glencoyne Square, Bristol BS10 6DE
Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66 – 72 Colliers Wood High Street, London SW19 2BY 1st Reel Gate International Film Riverside Studio in London Festival in London and Manila (1st RGIFF) Eat Bulaga! Live in London, ExCel London, ICC United Kingdom Auditorium, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL
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Online Booking: www.aaa.uk.net/whatson/pinoy-live-sessions-presentfirefalldown-ekiz-myth-of-ben-wasak/ Over 21’s only / £6.00 Advance / £8.00 On The Door Vannz Bio 07947 160 826 / Imee 07970 370 519 / Bangles 07515 732 764 / Ness 07778 635 476 Baby Sumang 07883 024 325
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Cora Santos 07956 271 750 / Lorna Fortunado 07776 223 212 / Gloria Diaz 07572 795 321 / Attire: Strictly Formal
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Bel Pangilinan 07789 935 777
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Roger Ferreol 07771 892 997
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23 November – Port Talbot 24 November – Swindon 25 November – Newcastle 30 November – Belfast 1 December – Sussex York Sports Club, Clifton Park, Shipton Road, York YO30 5RE
Star Dragon Events UK Limited
Port Talbot 07769 273 618 / Swindon 07897 753 064 / Newcastle 07886 742 417 / Belfast 07850 151 678 / Sussex 07827 965 478
Cancer Research UK – Filipino Beat Cancer
Kim Hawker 07871 446 135 / 01904 691 308 / Les Bright 07758 356 639 / Admission: £10.00 Adult / £5.00 Tennagers / Under 10s Free
Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66 – 72 Colliers Wood High Street, London SW19 2BY
Mitcham Filipino British Association (MFBA)
Roger Ferreol 07771 892 997
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October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
Seafarers deployed as fishermen file complaints against recruiter employer 20
PHILIPPINES
ADMINISTRATOR Hans Leo J. Cacdac said 12 seafarers have recently sought the assistance of POEA’s anti-illegal recruitment branch in filing separate complaints against a manning agency and the owners of two fishing vessels in Taiwan for alleged contract substitution, misrepresentation, maltreatment, and charging bribe money from them. In their complaint sheet, the seafarers claimed that from January to February 2012, they engaged the services of JMP Polaris Navigation, Inc. which recruits regular seafarers such as messmen, deck cadets and engine cadets with a monthly salary of USD250.00 to USD350.00. The complainants alleged
that the agency’s crewing and operation manager assured them of employment as seafarers in an international vessel but they have to pay the amount of PhP15,000.00 as lagay (bribe) and some miscellaneous fees. Cacdac said there is total prohibition on charging any fee from seafarers. “Under POEA Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Seafarers, manning agencies are prohibited from charging or accepting directly or indirectly any amount of money, goods or services, or any fee or bond for any purpose from the seafarers,” Cacdac said. Cacdac said the 12 complainants
alleged they paid JMP Polaris Navigation, Inc. a total of PhP265,000.00. The complainants stated that after submitting the required documents and signing their employment contracts, they left the country for Taiwan in separate dates from January to March 2012. The seafarers alleged that before departure at the airport, an employee of JMP Polaris Navigation Inc. told them that the positions in their respective contracts would be substituted to “fisherman”. Nonetheless, the seafarers, boarded their plane bound for Taiwan to work in fishing vessels owned by Menh Hao Fishery, Co. Ltd and Jui Wun Fishery, Ltd.
Not much demand for Filipino nurses in UK
THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said the United Kingdom is not actively hiring Filipino nurses as it warned jobseekers to be wary of supposed vacancies advertised through social media channels. Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said he received information from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in London that there is no active hiring of nurses in UK at present though there were a few NHS Trusts and care homes that were able to hire nurses and senior carers these past months. Cacdac said that currently, there is not much demand for Filipino
nurses from employers in the United Kingdom. “Except for a few, old job orders in our accreditation database, the POEA has not received nor approved fresh JOs for nurses from UK employers”, Cacdac said. Labor Attache Joan Lourdes Lavilla also alerted the POEA about a facebook account named Drake Personnel Philippines which is used to recruit Filipino nurses and other medical professionals. Cacdac said Drake Personnel Philippines has no valid license from the POEA and is not allowed to recruit or deploy Filipino workers overseas.
Cacdac said that to avoid being duped by illegal recruiters, Filipino applicants desiring to work in the United Kingdom may visit http:// ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visasimmigration/working/ for useful information about working in the UK and how to get visas for various work categories. To check whether a UK employer is allowed to sponsor migrant workers, applicants may browse http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk /sitecontent/documents/ employersandsponsors/points basedsystem/pbsregisterofsponsors ■
(Philippine
Overseas
Employment
Administration (POEA) / September 13, 2012)
Beware of fake Unicef jobs, English training scam POEA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac warns job applicants anew against emails offering fictitious employment and English training for a fee. Administrator Cacdac said the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Manila office recently alerted the POEA of fake job offers supposedly coming from them being circulated through email. The fake email, which was sent by a Dr. Michael Wallace, informs the applicant of being accepted to the job and that training will take place in London after payment of fees has been completed. In its website, UNICEF said it “is aware of fictitious employment
offers being circulated via email or originating from online job boards. Many of these schemes consist of an alleged offer of employment or contract with UNICEF in return for the payment of fees or providing personal or banking information.” UNICEF clarified that it does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training or any other fees). UNICEF said it only advertises its employment opportunities on its global employment website or on the website of its Country Offices/ National Committees. UNICEF also utilizes bona fide and established
media, newspapers and online job boards to disseminate its vacancies. Meanwhile, a hospital in Manitoba, Canada has denied involvement in a supposed “British English Training” conducted in the Philippines. “We have been informed of a “scam” involving our hospital… To clarify, we are not hiring nurses here in this fashion”, Jon Einarson, Executive Director of Grace Hospital Foundation in Winnipeg, Canada said in his email. Administrator Cacdac said recipients of similar recruitment emails should disregard the same and should not divulge any personal or bank account information. ■
MALAYSIAN courts has sentenced two women, a Filipino and Indonesian, to death in separate cases of drug trafficking, reports said Saturday, September 29. Ani Anggraeni, an Indonesian working in the northern state of Penang as a domestic helper, was convicted Friday of trafficking nearly four kilos (9 pounds) of methamphetamine on June 21 last
year, The Star newspaper reported. She had testified she went to see her daughter in Vietnam and met a friend “Dwi” who asked her to carry two bags on her flight to Penang, to be passed to another friend. “Her story makes no sense and I don’t think her friend ‘Dwi’ even exists,” the English daily quoted the judge, Mohd Amin Firdaus Abdullah, as saying.
The complainants said their employer maltreated them and made them work beyond the normal hours of work without pay. The seafarers also complained of poor accommodation, inadequate food and water, and lack of safety equipment and first-aid supplies. They left their employers and came back to the Philippines in June 2012. Cacdac said that on the basis of the sworn statements of the complainants, the POEA suspended the license of JMP Polaris navigation, Inc. and suspended Menh Hao fishery, Co. Ltd and Jui Wun Fishery, Ltd. from participating in the overseas employment program pending investigation of the case filed against
them. “We find strong prima facie evidence of a case for violation of the pertinent provisions of POEA Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Seafarers and there exists a reasonable ground to believe that the continued deployment of the respondent agency of workers to the respondent employer will lead to further violations of the Rules and exploitation of the job-seeking public’” Cacdac said in his order. Cacdac reminded job applicants that licensed agencies are barred from engaging in any recruitment activities while under preventive suspension. ■
(Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) / August 13, 2012)
Outcome of London Metropolitan University’s legal challenge AN initial challenge was heard on 21 September 2012. Following the hearing, a UK Border Agency spokesperson said: “London Metropolitan University’s Tier 4 sponsor licence remains revoked. London Metropolitan has failed to get its sponsor status restored and the judge has not granted interim relief. ‘UKBA agreed to allow existing genuine students to continue studying at the university until their course has ended or the end of the academic year, whichever is sooner – as long as they meet the right standards. But students who are here illegally and do not meet our immigration criteria will not be allowed to stay. Revoking the university’s licence was the right course of action and we
will continue to fight the University’s challenge at the full hearing.” Our decision to revoke London Metropolitan University’s licence therefore remains in place. However, the judgment does allow existing genuine students to stay on at the university until their course has ended or the academic year, whichever is sooner - as long as they meet Tier 4 requirements. This means we will make additional checks on affected students at the university. We will update our guidance for students at London Metropolitan University in light of this judgment. In the meantime London Met students should contact the help centre if you have any questions about what the court judgment means for you. ■ (UKBA – September 21, 2012)
New UK visa application centre opens in Cebu, Philippines on 4 October 2012 wish to submit your application at the Cebu visa application centre you will be required to pay an additional fee for the service. Please monitor this website for further information about the new visa application centre in Cebu. ■
(POEA) / August 31, 2012)
ON 4 October 2012, UKBA open a new visa application centre, operated by their commercial partner VFS Global, in Cebu, The Philippines. The new service will eliminate the need for customers from Cebu and surrounding areas to travel to Manila to submit their visa application. If you
The high court in Shah Alam, just outside Kuala Lumpur, also handed the death sentence to Marivelle Gonzales for trafficking a kilo of drugs, mostly heroin, into the country two years ago, the Bernama news agency reported. The 31-year-old Filipino said a man had offered her $1,000, a work permit and $250 in expenses to bring in a bag containing the drugs.
Both their lawyers could not be reached for comment. The court decisions are the latest in a clampdown by Malaysian authorities on alleged foreign drug traffickers but the mandatory death penalty has mostly been meted out on men. A Kuala Lumpur court in August charged 10 Iranians, an Uzbek and a local with trafficking methamphetamine.
An Australian nurse and Nigerian man were also charged with trafficking drugs in July, in a case that attracted media attention worldwide. Since 1960, more than 440 people have been executed in Malaysia, including two Australians sentenced to death in 1986 for heroin trafficking – the first Westerners to be executed under tough anti-drug laws. ■ (©AFP –
(Philippine Overseas Employment Administration
(UKBA – September 24, 2012)
Two women sentenced to death for drugs in Malaysia
September 29, 2012)
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October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
DOLE warns recruiters on failure to protect deployed domestic workers “THE obligation of a licensed recruitment agency to its hired OFWs does not end upon their deployment to the worksite. The recruitment agency has the continuous obligation to ensure protection of workers, especially domestic workers.” Thus said Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda DimapilisBaldoz after she reminded yet once again recruitment agency owners who lose sight of their duty to protect domestic workers deployed overseas. “No less than the governing board of the Philippine Overseas
Employment Administration (POEA) has required the highest degree of protection for our overseas household service workers, owing to the vulnerable nature of their employment,” Baldoz said. “Hence, we shall hold recruiters true to their responsibility and accountable to the POEA to ensure that foreign employers faithfully comply with their legal and contractual obligations to our domestic workers,” she added. Baldoz is the chairman of the POEA governing board.
POEA administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac, the governing board’s vice chairman echoed the warning of Secretary Baldoz by saying that licensed recruitment agencies’ “failure to abide by their responsibility to protect OFWs warrants the cancellation of their licenses, depending on the gravity and frequency of the offenses.” Administrator Cacdac said such legal and contractual obligations include humane treatment, payment of salaries and benefits, and notification of the Philippine
Embassy about any significant development affecting the condition of domestic workers. Also, the recruitment agency must assist in the settlement of disputes and report to the POEA any significant or important situation experienced by a deployed domestic worker. Administrator Cacdac noted that over the last five years, an increasing number of overseas domestic workers have filed cases against their recruitment agencies and employers before the POEA. He also noted an
ADMINISTRATOR Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has filed appropriate charges against 19 manning agencies found conducting illegal recruitment activities at Luneta Seafarer’s Center in Ermita, Manila. Cacdac said he ordered the operatives of POEA’s Operations and Surveillance Division to assist agents of the Anti-Transnational Crime Division of PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group
(PNP-CIDG) in the conduct of a special operation against reported illegal recruitment activities in the area. Cacdac said a joint POEA-PNP surveillance team formed for the purpose posed as applicants and inquired about available seafarer positions from representatives of several manning agencies present at the Seafarer’s Center. The POEA-PNP team reported that the agency representatives handed them company brochures,
calling cards, and flyers listing their respective job openings. The report identified the manning agencies discovered recruiting seafarers at Luneta Seafarer’s Center as Korpil Shipmanagement and Manning Corporation, Seaboard Maritime, Wallem Maritime Services Inc., Avantgarde Shipping Corporation, Univan Management Services Phils Inc., Century Maritime Agencies Inc., Solpia Marine and Ship Management Inc., Great Swiss Maritime Services Inc., Intercrew
Philippines Agency Inc., Epsilon Maritime Services Inc., C-Man Maritime Inc., Trans-Global Maritime Agency Inc., Cardiff Crewing Filipinas Inc., International Ship Crew Management Phils Inc., Michaelmar Phils Inc., Hanjin Shipping, Evic Human Resource Management Inc., Morning Mist Maritime Services, and Seafarers Shipping Inc. Upon verification with the POEA database, Seaboard Maritime, Hanjin Shipping, and Morning Mist Maritime Services were found to have no authority to recruit or deploy Filipino workers overseas. The other agencies have valid licenses. Cacdac said all recruitment activities outside the registered offices of a licensed recruitment or manning agency are deemed illegal without the special recruitment authority (SRA) issued by the POEA. SRA is the authority granted by the POEA to a licensed agency to conduct recruitment outside the
increasing number of cases that involved the death or physical abuse of female domestic workers. For any violation of recruiters’ legal obligations to protect deployed domestic workers, Cacdac delivered this stern warning: “Recruitment agencies shall be held accountable for incidents of abuse, exploitation, or breach of contract committed by household employers against our domestic workers.” ■
(Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) / Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) /September 24, 2012)
Manning agencies found recruiting at Luneta face charges registered office or address stated in the license of an agency or its acknowledged additional office(s). Cacdac said that for reported recruitment malpractices, the POEA stopped in May 2009, the issuance of SRA to manning agencies and ordered those occupying booths at the Luneta Seafarers’ Center to end their recruitment activities or face administrative sanctions. The POEA had already suspended the license of 12 manning agencies and ordered them to pay appropriate fines for recruiting seafarers in the area without the SRA, Cacdac added. Instead of going to Luneta to find seafaring jobs, Cacdac advises seafarers to file their applications directly with licensed manning agencies in their registered office address which can be found in the POEA website poea.gov.ph. ■ (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) / September 21, 2012)
Saudi to accept Philippine maid applications
2013 New OAV Registrant’s numbers exceed the 850,000 milestone
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that the total number of new registrants in the ongoing overseas absentee voting (OAV) registration exercise has exceeded the 850,000 milestone at 850,708. The figure continues to rise, even though the upcoming 2013 elections is Senatorial, demonstrating the increasing political consciousness of Filipinos overseas. The Department of Foreign Affairs’ OAV Secretariat (DFA-OAVS), in coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the various Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) and Manila Economic Cultural Offices (MECOs) as well as other partner
agencies, has stepped up its efforts further to enhance political participation of overseas Filipinos. Other OAV stakeholders contributed to this ongoing exercise. Different media networks/outlets, which continually reported on updates and developments on OAV, have greatly enhanced awareness about the ongoing political exercise. The use of social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, by different entities, such as Definitely Filipino, The Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA), Overseas-Filipino. com, Filipinos Abroad, Munting Nayon News Magazine, Ausinformer, PinoyBrunei.com, First Time in
Korea blogspot, among many others, has created a multiplier effect in cyberspace and has undoubtedly translated into more OAV awareness which contributed to the increase of political consciousness of Filipinos worldwide. Other OAV stakeholders include the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA), Migrante International, Filipino Migrant Workers Group, Migrant NGO Forum, Philippine Migrants Rights Watch, and the International Coalition for Overseas Voting Rights (ICOFVR). The DFA’s OAV campaign slogan is “Boto niyo... kinabukasan namin...”(“Your vote... is our future...”). ■ (DFA – September 12, 2012)
SAUDI Arabia will begin accepting applications for domestic workers from the Philippines on Monday, October 1 after the two governments resolved a row over minimum pay that had prompted a ban, state media said. “The Saudi labour ministry announced it will begin accepting applications for domestic workers from the Philippines starting Monday, October 1” the official Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday, September 30. The move came after the ministry “reached an agreement with the Philippines on a final version for contracts between the two sides that ensures their rights,” the news agency said. Philippine officials said on Thursday, September 27 that Saudi ©AFP/File, Jay Directo
Vice President Jejomar Binay
Arabia had agreed to a minimum wage of $400 a month for Filipina maids, a year after a row over the issue halted the entry of such workers. Vice President Jejomar Binay, who oversees the welfare of Filipinos working overseas, said in a statement that the kingdom had agreed to lift its ban on Philippine workers imposed in June last year. The ban came after Manila insisted on a minimum wage for its domestic staff to protect them from exploitation. Riyadh had resisted the demand and suspended the processing of employment contracts. Saudi Arabia is a major employer of Filipinos, with 1.2 million working in the kingdom as manual labourers, technicians, saleswomen and maids. They are part of an estimated nine million Filipinos who work overseas and who account for some 10 percent of the population. Their remittances are a mainstay of the economy. The welfare of overseas workers has become a major political issue in the Philippines amid complaints of abuse and exploitation. ■ (©AFP – September 30, 2012)
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HELLO PHILIPPINES
HP NEWS
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Philippine ivory probe team blocked from church AUTHORITIES looking for religious statues made from “blood” ivory were prevented from entering a church where the banned items were allegedly kept, a government investigator said Saturday, September 29. A joint team from the Justice Department’s investigation bureau and the Environment Department were denied entry to the Shrine of the Black Nazarene in the central island of Cebu when they visited on Friday, a member said. Security guards at the shrine, set up by a priest allegedly linked to the illegal smuggling of ivory, told investigators they would have to speak to the priest’s lawyers first, said Eddie Llamedo, an Environment Department spokesman. He conceded the team did not
have a search warrant at the time and would have to obtain the proper legal papers, possibly giving suspects time to conceal any ivory items. Asked about the incident, Cebu archdiocese spokesman Monsignor Achilles Dakay said “the lawyers are taking care of that. We will be cooperating (with authorities) but we have church lawyers”. The shrine is maintained by Monsignor Cristobal Garcia, a priest named in a National Geographic article as giving advice on how to smuggle ivory and naming carvers who would turn it into statues. The article has touched off a nationwide investigation into the smuggling of ivory, and particularly its use in making religious statues in this largely Roman Catholic country. Philippine authorities on Friday
said they had launched a nationwide investigation into Catholic devotees collecting religious figures made of ivory smuggled from Africa. The probe, initially focused primarily on Garcia, has become an investigation into other owners of ivory figures, amid concerns the trade is extensive, said National Bureau of Investigation’s environment division Sixto Comia. After the National Geographic article was published, the Catholic Church revealed he had been suspended in June after the Vatican began an investigation into allegations he sexually abused children three decades ago. Garcia, who himself is known to have a large collection of ivory statues, has been sick and confined to a hospital, keeping him out of the public eye.
October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition ©AFP/File, Ted Aljibe
An employee of Philippine’s Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau displays part of the 13.1 tonnes of Tanzanian elephant tusks seized from smugglers in 2005 and 2009, in Manila on September 26. Philippine authorities looking for religious statues made from “blood” ivory were prevented from entering a church where the banned items were allegedly kept, a government investigator has said.
Catholic statues have for centuries been made with ivory, but the church now officially condemns the practice in a bid to prevent the slaughter of elephants for their tusks.
Importing ivory has been banned in the Philippines since 1981. The maximum penalty for possessing illegal ivory is four years in jail. ■ (©AFP – September 29, 2012)
Philippine jailbirds perform ‘Gangnam Style’ Ship’s captain apologises for New Zealand disaster
PHILIPPINE convicts who became famous for dancing to Michael Jackson’s hits have added South Korean spice to their repertoire, with a performance of the popular “Gangnam Style” rap. A video posted by prison authorities in the central city of Cebu on YouTube showed about 1,000 inmates clad in orange uniforms doing the horse-riding dance made famous by South Korean rapper Psy. The lead dancers in the centre wore black shirts and mimicked the artist, whose recent appearances at the MTV awards in Los Angeles and on other US talk shows have lifted his song into the top 10 of the US charts. The inmates performed in the prison court yard for visitors at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center amid heavy rain, and the four-minute clip was
uploaded to Youtube Saturday, September 29. GMA television said more than 1,000 visitors watched the dance, the inmates’ first public performance since February when authorities stopped the shows due to violence at the jail. The convicts became an Internet sensation in 2007 after jail authorities
posted a recording of them doing the zombie dance from Jackson’s “Thriller” music video, which registered more than 42 million hits on YouTube. The video of their “Gangnam Style” performance can be watched at: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=o1AGTGLL_wg ■ (©AFP –
September 30, 2012)
Inmates form a human peace sign after performing a Michael Jackson-inspired dance routine in 2010. Philippine convicts who became famous for dancing to Michael Jackson’s hits have added South Korean spice to their repertoire, with a performance of the popular “Gangnam Style” rap.
Priest probed over ‘child abuse’
THE Vatican has suspended a senior priest in the Philippines over allegations he abused children when he was based in the United States three decades ago, a church spokesman said Thursday, September 27. Monsignor Cristobal Garcia, who was in charge of ensuring churches follow Vatican guidelines in the country’s second biggest city of Cebu, was suspended in June from all priestly functions, said Monsignor Achilles Dakay. “He is undergoing preventive suspension because the Vatican is investigating his case in the United States in the early-80s. He had a case of alleged child abuse,” said Dakay, spokesman of the archdiocese in the central island of Cebu. When asked for the specific allegations against Garcia, Dakay said he did not know. However he said he was aware that Garcia returned to the Philippines in
the 1980s after being expelled from the Dominican order in the United States. On Wednesday Cebu archbishop Jose Palma released a statement saying “the matter of Monsignor Garcia’s past... has been elevated to the Holy See”. “The church is also aware of the gravity of the crime of pederasty,” said Palma, president of the country’s Catholic bishops association, but also without giving specific details of the allegations against Garcia. Dakay said Philippine church leaders were unaware why the Vatican had suspended Garcia and begun an investigation this year, so long after he was expelled from the United States. He said the case against Garcia had been “settled” in the United States, although he would not give any details about the settlement. The admission that Garcia had been suspended came only after
media reports this week that he was involved in the illegal trade of African ivory by collecting religious icons made of tusks. Philippine authorities launched an investigation this week into Garcia and another priest allegedly involved in the trade. They face up to four years in jail if found guilty of illegally possessing ivory. Garcia has not spoken to the media since the allegations were raised. In his statement on Wednesday, September 26, Palma said the National Geographic article that raised the initial allegations of ivory collecting against Garcia “smacks of bias against religious practices”. The Roman Catholic Church has been rocked in recent years by a series of scandals involving alleged paedophilia by priests worldwide, including Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Germany, France and the United States. ■ (©AFP – September 27, 2012)
THE Filipino captain of the ship that caused New Zealand’s worst maritime environmental disaster has issued a public apology for the catastrophe and for trying to cover up his role. Mauro Balomaga was deported to the Philippines earlier this month after serving half of a seven-month jail term for operating the container ship Rena in a dangerous manner and attempting to falsify navigation records. Speaking from the Philippines, Balomaga told The New Zealand Herald of the guilt he felt knowing his actions had caused so much devastation. The Liberian-flagged Rena ploughed into an offshore reef in October last year, spewing more than 300 tonnes of toxic fuel oil that killed thousands of sea birds and fouled beaches in the North Island’s pristine Bay of Plenty. Nick Smith, then environment minister, had described it as New Zealand’s worst maritime pollution disaster as the oil slick spread to the shoreline of the bay, which teems with wildlife including whales, dolphins, penguins, seals and rare sea birds. “We did not think it would come to that point. Of course we felt sorry about it,” Balomaga said in his first public statement about the disaster.
“During the course of the interviews and the investigations, we did apologise on the record, but that was for the safe-keeping of the authorities, and not for the public.” Balomaga admitted taking a short-cut on the way to the Port of Tauranga but said he was surprised that the Rena ploughed into the reef – even though it had showed up on the ship’s radar 15 minutes before the grounding. “It was really unexpected... We thought we may not be able to save it completely, but we could limit the damage and we could save the ship... That was our thinking initially.” The New Zealand government has estimated the on-going disaster clean-up will cost NZ$130 million ($109 million), most of which will be covered by the Rena’s owner, the Greece-based Costamare Shipping Company, and its insurers. ■ (©AFP – September 28, 2012) ©AFP/File, Marty Melville
The grounded container ship in January 2012, three months after it crashed into an offshore reef.
©AFP/Graphic
A map of the ship crash and subsequent pollution.
28
HELLO PHILIPPINES
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ENTERTAINMENT
Miss and Mr Philippines UK 2012 MISS Philippines UK came about in the year 1977, organised by the first Filipino Association called FAUK (Filipino Association in UK). Then in 1993, Mr Philippines UK was conceived and organised, forming what is now known as Miss Philippines UK and Mr Philippines UK. Since then, it has been a very successful event. We want to recognise the beauty, talent, academic excellence, personality and achievements of the exceptional young Filipino men and women all over the United Kingdom. This year’s winners were: Miss Philippines UK 2012 Winner: Jacqueline Rose Llaneza Mr Philippines UK 2012 Winner: Erwin Mateo Trinidad Female First Runner-up: Jasmine Chamberlain Male First Runner-up: Karl Alcantara Female Second Runner-up: Maria Burgos Male Second Runner-up: Jeffrey Abas Female Third Runner-up: Jenifer-Rose Caesar Male Third Runner-up: Kim Michael Last Female Best in Casual: Jenifer-Rose Caesar Male Best in Casual: Karl Alcantara Female Best in Swimwear: Jacqueline Rose Llaneza Male Best in Swimwear: Gian Carlo Sumbillo Female Best in Evening wear: Maria Burgos Male Best in Evening wear: Karl Alcantara Female Best in Ethnic Dance: Jacqueline Rose Llaneza Male Best in Ethnic Dance: Erwin Mateo Trinidad Miss Charity: Jenifer-Rose Caesar Mr Charity: Kim Michael Last Miss Friendship: Vivienne Lorraine Roa Mr Friendship: Kim Michael Last Female People’s Choice: Melle Angelie Doroy Male People’s Choice: Karl Alcantara Audition date for Miss & Mr Philippines UK 2013 has already been booked for Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 12:30pm at Ampthill Tenant Hall, Barnby Street, London NW1 2JT. Join us: Website: http://www.philippines-uk.org Twitter: @PhilippinesUK Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhilippinesUK For any enquiries please contact: Mrs Eva Macadangdang – 07983 593 914 Marlowe Macadangdang – 07956 944 520 Myra Adap dela Cruz – 07789 695 596 Email: MP_UK@yahoo.co.uk ■
October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
“Wash down Pure Foods Corned Beef with Red Horse Beer.”
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Philippine Embassy Around the World
October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
DFA-Office of European Affairs hosts Regional Consultative Meeting (RCM) for Heads of posts in Europe FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario commended Philippine Ambassadors posted in Europe during the recently concluded Regional Consultative Meeting (RCM) for the Heads of Posts in Europe, hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of European Affairs (DFA-OEA). The RCM, centered on the theme “Philippines-Europe: Partners for Peace and Progress”, was held at the DFA’s Elpidio Quirino Hall from September 17 to 20. Ambassadors adopted an outcome document, the DFA Regional Strategic Plan for Europe, which defines Philippine foreign relations with European bilateral partners and the European Union (EU) with the view to advance President Benigno S. Aquino III’s vision of using foreign policy as a tool to realize key result areas of his administration and translate these to jobs, income, protection and promotion of the welfare of our country and people. Secretary del Rosario directed the Ambassadors to redouble their efforts to increase trade and investments, tourist arrivals, and find employment opportunities for highly skilled Filipinos in Europe where the working conditions and remunerations are much better than in other parts of the world. A unique feature of the Strategic Plan is how posts can harness the Filipino Diaspora in Europe to contribute to the Philippines’ socio-economic development. “Europe is a major partner of the Philippines and will remain so in the many years to come...as Ambassadors in Europe, your work is very important in the achievement of our national goals for development... I am counting on all of you in the pursuit of this very important work,” Secretary del Rosario said. In presenting the Strategic Plan
and the Pledge of Commitment to the Secretary, DFA Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Elizabeth P. Buensuceso thanked the Secretary for according the Philippines-Europe relations the importance and priority it deserves since this region has been an important partner of the Philippines. She said that the Philippines sets the same premium on the very ideals of human rights, democracy and good governance on which the Europeans have based their foreign policy. The heads of Post affirmed their commitment to advance Philippine national interests in Europe guided by the DFA Strategic Plan for 2012 to 2016. The Strategic Plan, which is envisioned to be the roadmap towards a comprehensive PhilippinesEurope partnership, places Europe as a valuable partner in the country’s geographic sphere of priorities. It reimagines Europe as more than just a socio-economic counterpart but also as an important politico-security partner. It is anchored on the DFA Strategic Plan for 2012 to 2016 and is in consonance with the Aquino administration’s key result areas. The recently signed PhilippinesEU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) likewise served as a useful basis in the identification of the priority agenda for the Philippines’ engagement not only with the EU but also with other European partners. The Strategic Plan is also a solid expression of current realities in the field and aims at making the Philippine diplomatic posts in Europe cost effective and in synch with the DFA’s partner agencies. An interesting feature of the Strategic Plan also focuses on how the Filipino diaspora in Europe could be harnessed to help contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. After the RCM, the Heads of Posts also attended the Asian
The Heads of Posts in Europe pose with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda F. Basilio (seated, 6th from left), Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Elizabeth P. Buensuceso (seated, 5th from left), Philippine ASEF Governor, Ambassador Rosario Manalo (seated, 7th from left), FSI Director Angelina M. Sta Catalina, and Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination (OSPPC) Assistant Secretary Alejandrino Vicente (standing, 7th from left) during the opening of the Regional Consultive Meeting for Heads of Posts in Europe, which centered on the theme, “Philippine-Europe Partners for Peace and Progress”, held at the Elipidio Quirino Hall of the DFA Main Building from 17 to 20 September 2012.
Led by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, the Heads of Posts in Europe presented the Regional Strategic Plan and Pledge of Commitment to Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario during the Fellowship Dinner hosted by the Secretary held at the Diamond Hotel on 20 September 2012. The presentation was witnessed by Undersecretary for Administration Rafael Seguis and Undersecretary for Special and Ocean Concerns Jose Brillantes.
The Heads of Posts in Europe pose with Secretary del Rosario during the Fellowship Dinner hosted by the Secretary held at the Diamond Hotel on 20 September 2012. Also in the picture are Underseretary Seguis, Undersecretary Brillantes and Assistant Secretary Buensuceso.
Institute of Management (AIM) Training on Strategic Management and Leadership and Economic Diplomacy at AIM in Makati from September 24 to 26. This is part
of the DFA’s continuing retooling of their ranks so that they would be able to perform the functions of commercial officers in their respective posts, in addition to their
regular ambassadorial duties. The DFA Office of European Affairs hosted the event and provided substantive and logistical support to the RCM. ■ (DFA – September 28, 2012)
Philippine Consulate General in Milan, Labor Office conducts forum on Sanatoria 2012
THE Philippine Consulate General, in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Office conducted a special forum on the Sanatoria 2012 at the Consulate’s Community Hall on September 13.
Legislative Law No. 109/2012 also known as Sanatoria 2012 allows the employer to apply for regularization of an undocumented worker starting from 15 September 2012 to 15 October 2012. It was passed by the Italian Government and became effective last August 9.
The employer could be Italian, European or non-European employers who hold a long-term Permit of Stay (Carta di Soggiorno). Mr. Armando Cecatiello, an Italian lawyer, was invited to give a general overview of the Sanatoria. He explained at length the
(Photo from left to right) Attendees during the Forum on Sanatoria held at the Philippine Consulate General Community Hall. Labor Attaché Annabella Oliveros, Consul Enrique Pingol, Atty. Armando Cecatiello and Welfare.
requirements needed for the Sanatoria application stressing the importance for the submission of proper and correct documents. Below is a summary of the qualifications/conditions for the Sanatoria application: 1. A worker must be continuously present in Italy on or before 31 December 2011 and working with the employer for at least 3 months before 9 August 2012. Proof of their presence in the Italian territory like documents issued by the Italian public institutions must be submitted. 2. Part-time employees must have at least 20 hours of work per week. 3. The employer shall shoulder the cost of regularization: €1,000 forfetaria contribution plus social tax contribution for at least 6 months
4. The employer must have sufficient income of €30,000 per year. For domestic workers, the employer must have at least €20,000 annual income per year. 5. Those who have been convicted of a crime and have received a “foglio di via” cannot apply. 6. Should the employer refuse to regularize his/her employee, the worker has the right to file a “denuncia” or a declaration at the police station. The worker will be granted a six-month visa to find a new employer. The forum was well-attended and proved to be very informative. Applications may be filed online by the employers through the website of the Ministero dell’Interno http://www. interno.it/ from 15 September until 15 October 2012. ■ (DFA – September 27,
2012)
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1st Reel Gate International Film Festival in London, UK
October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
Official films of the 2012 Reel Gate International Film Festival: Proudly Filipino Boy Villasanta ORIGINALLY, when controversial and intriguing Fil-Briton filmmaker Jowee Morel of the equally controversial and intriguing films “Moma,” “Ec2luv,” “Mga Paru-Parong Rosas (Pink Butterflies),” “Mona Singapore Escort,” “When a Gay Man Loves,” “Latak (Residue),” “Moving Dreams,” “HiStory,” “Strictly Confidential” and the newly wrapped up migration film “Leona Calderon” which starred Filipina screen legend Pilar Pilapil and awarded British and Hollywood actress Virginia McKenna, thought of showing only Filipino films in London, afterthoughts cropped up post haste nonetheless. It was like a postscript if not an epilogue: It shouldn’t be just home grown fares tacked on the theatre marquees but must include British productions as well. “In as much I am also a British Citizen, I should also show British films as fair play, for God’s sake,” Jowee chuckled in a random conversation back home. The plan was promising – a mix of Filipino and British films, rightly dichotomized as SineMabuhay and CineBritannia, respectively. Labelling the two components, though, was brain wracking exercise for Morel but he enjoyed it just the same. While the world film event is billed Reel Gate International Film Festival, it was perceived and projected to be a general view of international cinema seen from the two nation’s participating filmmakers’ perspectives. But as Jowee went on – short listing possible British films done by British or non-British filmmakers but depicted United Kingdom life and culture, monitoring their whereabouts, classifying information about them,
talking to their safe keepers and owners – it dawned on him it wasn’t an easy way in to British filmmaking. Although, Robert Pattenson’s earliest public intro shot on short film format, “A Summer House” directed by Daisy Gilli, was given to Morel after months of negotiations with its rightful producer, it wasn’t a bed roses acquiring it but the Fil-Briton was thankful he was given such an opportunity to exhibit it. Also, a short film reportedly starred in by the Dame herself, Judi Dench, was considered and researched on to Jowee but it hasn’t landed on his lap to this very moment. When Morel went to Manila recently to grace the press confab of Reel Gate and to still gather bits and pieces of the project, he squeezed in a meeting with Ana Tan, Programme and Public Relations Manager of the British Council in Manila and found out how scarce free British films were. “I had to pay for each British film to be exhibited at Reel Gate and Jesus, I couldn’t afford the prices. There was only one available film which the embassy could lend me but I need a great number of considerable films,” Morel recalled. “Yes, I would retain that one available British film when we transport Reel Gate from London to Manila in December,” said Jowee. So he decided to drop the showing most British feature films altogether but settled instead on some English ones, however shorts and documentaries, made by his colleagues – TurkishBritons, Indon-Brits, etc – at the University of Greenwhich where he finished his Master of Arts (MA) in Cinematography and Post-Production. What Morel was deluged with was the avalanche of Filipino films, experimental, shorts, docus, features,
full-lengths coming from all corners of the world. Proudly Filipino is the exact phrase one can think of to describe the line up of films in the forthcoming 2012 RGIFF at the Riverside Studios on November 2, 3 and 4. For the full-length category alone, the following are the official entries to the fest:
“In Bangka Ha Ut Sin Duwah Sapah (The Boat Between Two Rivers)” by Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez “In Bangka Ha Ut Sin Duwah Sapah” or “The Boat Between Two Rivers” is a story about a mother who swims from one end of the river to the other using a makeshift boat made out of banana stalks just to put her two kids to school. Problem arises when at the other side of the river, government military forces are holding camp while on the other side of the river are where the extremist Muslim rebels are holed up. What happens when these two forces clash? Will the mother still be able to give her kids a good education?
“Bisperas” (Trespassers) by Jeffrey Jeturian The eve of Christmas, the Aguinaldo family’s residence is burglarized, causing its members to identify stolen items and uncover lingering sentiments they have hidden from each other. Amidst the tension brought about by the burglary, the Aguinaldo family realizes how treasured sentiments have been lost, relationships have evolved as they arrive from church at a house in shambles.
“Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” (The Woman on the Septic Tank) by Marlon Rivera “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” is a satire on Filipino independent filmmaking that chronicles a day in the life of three ambitious, passionate but misguided filmmakers who believe they have a winning script, the energy and the drive to make their dreams come true but are caught up with harsh realities on the set.
“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story” by Scenema Concept “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga” is based on the story of a notorious gang leader Nicasio “Asiong” Salonga of Tondo, Manila.
“Rindido” (Rage) by Noriel Jarito As an OFW is laid and returns home, he finds that his wife has sought company in the arms of another man. In a rage, he kills both of them and ends up taking another person hostage. With all hope lost, he steadily heads down a path to his own destruction.
“MNL143” by Emerson Reyes “MNL 143” is about a commuter’s trip from Manila’s business district to the suburbs, the director finds a myriad of possibilities, ranging from miniature ironic situations to a love story that is finally finding its unexpected closing. An emotional rollercoaster ride of despair, dreams and desire, MNL 143 is also a black comedy about limited private spaces in conflict with sprawling public realms.
“Happyland” by Jim Libiran The story of “Happyland” revolves around a Spanish missionary priest, prodded by an inner voice from his past, starts an unthinkable project in one of Manila’s most impoverished districts. From the young rabble of Tondo, he seeks to build a fighting team for a football tournament.
“Tribu” (Tribe) by Jim Libiran The film follows Ebet who witnesses three youths being initiated into the Thugz Angels gang. In the opening sequence of the film, the 10-year-old boy explains the genesis of the tribes. They exist, he says, because the children are poor. They are poor because they or their parents lack jobs. In Tondo, the boy says, you have to be tough or you die. Even a child needs to be tough. But in the hell that is Tondo, he says, even a child can be God.
“Thelma” by Paul Soriano A tomboyish Ilocano girl Thelma discovers she’s got a gift for speed. But while her talent creates new opportunities, it also presents new challenges for her and her family. 2012 Reel Gate International Film Festival is supported by Hello Philippines, Pinoy Radio UK and Mega C. ■
34
HELLO
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CELEBRITY, SHOWBIZ & ENTERTAINMENT
October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
Kapuso goes Universal with Manny Many Prizes brings non-stop fun and prizes all the way to LA PHILIPPINES
FILIPINOS from all over the US and even from Canada experienced the thrill and excitement that only Manny Many Prizes can offer last September 16, with a two-part special at the Gibson Amphitheater, Universal Studios Hollywood. Dubbed as Kapuso Goes Universal with Manny Many Prizes, this presentation was for the 7th anniversary of GMA Pinoy TV, the flagship international channel of GMA Network. Around 5,000 spectators filled the venue to see the MMP barkada led by pound-for-pound King Manny Pacquiao. He was joined by his cohosts Paolo Contis, Mike “Pekto” Nacua, Onyok Velasco and Gladys Guevarra. In addition, Filipinos also had the chance to see up close some of the biggest Kapuso stars – Dingdong Dantes, Rhian Ramos, Solenn Heussaff, Rochelle Pangilingan, Elmo Magalona, and Julie Anne San Jose. Fans of Pacquiao were very pleased to see the fun side of the boxing hero as he sang OPM songs with his wife Jinkee, and even danced to the tune of Gangnam Style to the delight of everyone present. Turning serious, Pacquiao later introduced lola Leoning Torio, an 87-year old woman who was living alone in an old garage in West Covina, and making a living out of picking up discarded bottles and cans on the street. After being touched by her story, Pacquiao made the old lady’s wish come true that is to come home to her family in Nueva Viscaya. She received 2,000 USD and a plane ticket from Pacquiao, who also provided her family with a new source of income, and a college scholarship for her grandson. Ninong Manny also gave away a 2-bedroom condo unit from New San Jose Builders, a brand new Nissan Urvan, and cash prizes amounting to several thousands of dollars.
Aside from the MMP show being a certified success, the pre-event talent competitions were also a huge hit among locals, as aspiring singers and dancers took turns in impressing the judges at the prestigious Globe Theatre. A singing competition for aspiring young singers was held in the morning of September 16, followed by a singing search among young Fil-Am singers. Finally, a ballroom dancing competition was held afterwards in search for the Ballroom Dancing King and Queen. The press conference, which was held on September 15 at the Celebrity Center, was likewise well attended by members of the press. Apart from answering questions about his show, his career, his advocacies and even his personal life, Pacquiao also sang “Sometimes When We Touch” with Dr. Tess Mauricio of GMA Pinoy TV’s RSVP with Dr. Tess, and granted Sansu Ramsey’s (Queen of Rock and Roll Elizabeth Ramsey’s daughter and host of The Sansu Show which airs on GMA Pinoy TV) wish to kiss him on stage. Crowds of people also filled up the merchandising booths, where hundreds of Kapuso items were also given out and discounted products were also sold out. Kapuso Goes Universal with Manny Many Prizes is an event spearheaded by the GMA Entertainment group led by VP for Entertainment Marivin Arayata, AVP for Drama Redgie Magno, Program Manager Mae Zambrano, and the GMA International group composed of GMA International VP Joseph Francia, Programming Head Cheri Domingo, Assistant Manager for Events Donna Reyes and GMA Pinoy TV Sales Consultants Serafin Bautista and Vicky Pacis. The presentation was directed by Louie Ignacio. Local viewers can watch this oneof-a-kind celebration on October 7 and 14 on GMA-7. ■
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October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
Bela Padilla marks her first lead role via GMA Pinoy TV’s “MAGDALENA” THERE’s just no stopping Bela Padilla’s rise to stardom as she marks her first lead role via GMA Pinoy TV’s newest compelling drama MAGDALENA, set to air starting October 11. Playing the character of the beautiful Lena, Bela seeks to display her versatility and acting prowess in this original series. She will star alongside three talented leading men who will become her love interests in the series: Ryan Eigenmann as Baron, a rich businessman who will force Lena into his illegal business; Dion Ignacio as Abel, Lena’s first and true love; and Pancho Magno as Jet, an aspiring model who will help Lena to get back on her feet but will fall in love with her. Joining them are veteran actors Maria Isabel Lopez as Huling; Sharmaine Arnaiz as Chato; Irma Adlawan as Luding; Alan Paule as Dolpo; and Deborah Sun as Celya. Completing the cast are Pauleen Luna as Carol; Lexi Fernandez as Fatima; Charizze Solomon as Ms. Roxy; Boddie Cruz as Deo; Prince Stefan as Ice; Vivo Ouano as Obet; Alvin Aragon as Raki; Mayton Eugenio as Dessa; Via Antonio as Siony; Chuckie Dreyfuss as Kuya Ben; Tess Bomb as Leandra; and Mercedes Cabral as Kim. Magdalena tells the story of Lena, a simple girl who works hard to support her family. Aside from her pure heart, men are often smitten with Lena’s natural beauty. But Lena
Bela Padilla
is already in love with her childhood friend Abel, whom she also considers as her first love. However, Lena’s mother Luding is against her relationship with Abel. Luding wants Lena to marry Baron, a wealthy guy from Manila. Luding and her husband Dolpo think that Lena’s marriage to Baron will save them from their dire living condition. Luding hatches a plan to destroy Lena and Abel’s romance. Left with no choice but to obey her parents’ will, Lena dumps Abel. Baron brings Lena to Manila with the promise to marry her. But Lena’s nightmares are far from over because Baron will just use her for his illegal business. He will turn her to an escort girl. Lena’s world is shattered and her dream of a better life crumbles. Despite her desire to escape Baron, Lena is not ready to face Abel and her family. How long can Lena tolerate Baron’s evil ways? Will she find the courage to escape from him? And what will Lena do if her secret is finally revealed? Who among Abel, Baron and Jet will win Lena’s heart in the end? With Agnes Gagelonia-Uligan as headwriter, Magdalena is based on the Pilipino Komics “Kukulayan Ko Ang Langit” written by RJ Nuevas. Under the helm of seasoned actress and TV director Gina Alajar, Magdalena premieres October 11 weekdays on GMA Pinoy TV. For more details on the show, visit www. gmanetwork.com/international. ■
Dion Ignacio
Lexi Fernandez
Pancho Magno Pauleen Luna
Prince Stefan
Ryan Eigenmann
Maria Isabel Lopez
Sharmaine Arnaiz
Mayton Eugenio
Vivo Ouano
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BOXING
PACQUIAO MARQUEZ 4 CONFIRMED FOR DECEMBER
FILIPINO superstar Manny Pacquiao will fight Juan Manuel Marquez for the fourth time on December 8, 2012, promoter Bob Arum confirmed on Friday, September 14. Pacquiao and Mexico’s Marquez will embark on a three-city international media tour touting the fight starting on Monday in Beverly Hills, California. Between them Pacquiao and Marquez have won world titles in 12 weight divisions and they will add another chapter to their intense rivalry
FOOTBALL
when they fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas – scene of their first and third fights. Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KOs) was also in negotiations for a rematch against Tim Bradley, who claimed Pacquiao’s welterweight world title with a controversial split-decision victory in Las Vegas on June 9. Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto was also a possible opponent for Pacquiao, but he announced on Twitter last month that he would fight junior middleweight world champion Austin
Trout on December 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Pacquiao defeated Marquez in a majority decision in November – a third gut-wrenching result for Marquez against his Filipino foe. In the build-up to that fight, Marquez had taunted Pacquiao with claims that he was the true winner of their first two clashes – a 2004 draw and a 2008 rematch that went to Pacquiao by a single point on a single scorecard. ■ (©AFP – Los Angeles, USA – September 14, 2012)
©AFP/File, Joe Klamar
©AFP/ File, Jay Directo
Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao is pictured in June 2012.
After championship finish, Azkals sweep Peace Cup awards ©Roy Afable/InterAKTV
Karl Decena, InterAKTV MEMBERS of the Philippine national men’s football team swept the awards for the inaugural Philippine Football Peace Cup, capping a dominant performance that won the country its first title in 99 years. Filipino-German forward Denis Wolf clinched both the Golden Boot Award and Most Valuable Player honors after scoring a total of four goals in the tournament, including a hat trick in the Azkals’ 5-0 victory ©Roy Afable/InterAKTV
The Philippine national football team swept the Philippine Football Peace Cup on Saturday to win the first international title for the country since the 1913 Far East Games. It’s been a long time coming for these Azkals. ©Roy Afable/InterAKTV
October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
against Macau last Thursday, September 27. “I’m so proud to be part of this team,” Wolf said. “Winning these is a dream come true.” Veteran Eduard Sacapaño won the best goalkeeper award, while Fil-Belgian Jeffrey Christiaens won the best defender plum. Azkals newcomer Matthew Uy was hailed as the best midfielder of the tournament. The Filipinos also grabbed the Fair Play Award of the competition. Chinese Taipei finished as the
tournament’s runners-up, followed by Guam and Macau. The Azkals swept their three matches in the tournament to win the Peace Cup title, the Philippines’ first international crown since a gold medal finish in the 1913 Far Eastern Games. The four-country meet is part of the Azkals’ preparations for the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation, where the FIlipinos look to surpass their historic semifinal run two years ago in the same tournament. ■ (InterAksyon – September 29, 2012)
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BASKETBALL
MUSES INSPIRE PBA PLAYERS, OFFICIALS, FANS IN OPENING CEREMONIES OF PBA 2012
Rey Joble, InterAKTV THE PBA ushered in its 2013 season with simple opening ceremonies on Sunday, September 30, highlghted by the traditional parade of muses. Anne Curtis of San Mig Coffee, Sam Pinto of GlobalPort, Georgina Wilson of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Isabel Daza of Petron, and Alice Dixson of Talk ‘N Text drew the loudest reactions from the sellout crowd Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. The muses were welcomed at center court with a kiss on the cheek from each of the PBA’s governors, drawing cheers from the crowd. Curtis, who looked positively radiant in her blue mini dress, said she hopes her presence is a good portent for the Mixers’ season. “I’m so happy to be here yet again. I hope maging lucky charm ako,” Curtis told AKTV in a television interview. Pinto, FHM’s reigning sexiest woman, also drew loud cheers from the crowd. She was welcomed at center court by Batang Pier owner Mikee Romero, who eschewed a kiss and politely escorted her to the designated spot. “Andun kasi yung misis ko eh,” said Romero in jest. Pinto took to Twitter to wish her team luck. “First time I didn’t feel so tall! Haha! Good luck Gobal Port Batang Pier,” she wrote. Wilson, wearing a striking red dress, drew a big pop from the proGinebra crowd who were on hand to watch the opening match between the Gin Kings and the Batang Pier. Pictures of elegance Daza, the daughter of former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, showed off her good genes as a picture of elegance on the court. Dixson, who first appeared as muse in the opening ceremonies of the 1987 season, also stood out with her simple grace. “Galingan natin, Talk ‘N Texters,” said Dixson during the TV interview. ■ (InterAksyon.com – September 30, 2012)
October 2012 – No. 18 • UK & Europe Edition
©PBA/Nuki Sabio
©Justin Gener, InterAKTV
©Justin Gener, InterAKTV
Anne Curtis of San Mig Coffee
Alice Dixson of Talk ‘N Text
©Justin Gener, InterAKTV
Sam Pinto of GlobalPort Batang Pier
©Justin Gener, InterAKTV
Sophie Albert from TV5’s Artista Academy of Meralco
©InterAKTV File Photo
©Justin Gener, InterAKTV
Ciane Xavier of Barako Bull
BILLIARDS
©Justin Gener, InterAKTV
Stephany Stefanowitz of Air 21
©Justin Gener, InterAKTV
Georgina Wilson of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel ©Justin Gener, InterAKTV
Isabelle Daza of Petron Blaze
Orcullo bags China Open crown
Rey Joble, InterAKTV DENNIS Orcullo has finally ended his long drought. The reigning Player of the Year won his first WPA ranking tournament this year following a masterful win over Lu Hui Chan of Chinese Taipei, 11-9, in the China Open 9-Ball tournament Sunday in Shanghai. Orcullo started the year as the world No. 1 player but fell several notches to No. 11 in the WPA rankings because of his slump. His latest win will boost his ranking, and he is likely
to move up to the top five. He earlier won the US Open 10-Ball as well as the Derby Challenge, but those were not WPA ranking events. “Magagaling na yung mga Europeans and Asians, but Dennis is the only Pinoy so far who is winning consistently,” said Perry Mariano, the manager of Orcullo. It was a tough match for the Filipino, who squandered a 9-3 lead and allowed the Taiwanese to get back into the game. A former World 8-Ball champion, Orcullo made his way to the final
round by winning over Chang Yu Lung of Chinese Taipei in the semis, 11-9. Orcullo didn’t start his China Open campaign on a winning note, losing his opening match in the elimination round, but bounced back strong in his next matches. The Filipino cue artist demolished local bet Fu Jianbo, 11-4, in the last 32. Orcullo followed it up with tough victories over two more Chinese bets. He survived Dang Jinhu, 11-9, then outlasted Han Haoxiang, 11-8, to enter the semifinal round. ■ (InterAksyon
– September 16, 2012)
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Manning Impex Ltd 2 Doman Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3DF Tel: +44 (0) 1276 406 887/8 Email: sales@manningimpex.com www.manningimpex.com
Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE TRADE AND INVESTMENT CENTER London, United Kingdom
MESSAGE
Our warmest greetings to Manning Impex as you partner with TESCO in launching Philippine food products to mainstream United Kingdom supermarkets and modern trade making them available to both ethnic and non-ethnic consumers. We are very pleased that the Philippine Trade & Investment Center’s introduction of Manning Impex to TESCO has moved forward into a partnership making Philippine food products such as snack foods, seasonings, condiments, mixes, sauces, biscuits, crackers, noodles and juices, among others, more accessible to a greater number of consumers here in the United Kingdom. Moreover, this furthers our goal of expanding and strengthening the dynamic bilateral trade & investment ties between the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Let me take this opportunity to underscore the long-standing warmth, depth and vibrancy of Philippine - British friendship, cooperation and partnership. To Manning Impex, our sincere congratulations and best wishes for your continuing support in marketing Philippine products in the mainstream United Kingdom markets and modern trade. Your dynamism and unwavering efforts in promoting Philippine products has contributed towards upgrading the volume and quantity of commercial collaboration and partnership for the mutual benefit, progress and prosperity of the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Mabuhay!
ANNE MARIE KRISTINE C. UMALI Commercial AttachĂŠ & Director 01 October 2012