According to Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon during the media presentation of all seized items at the MICP on Friday, importer Scan Marine Inc., tried to pass its container van, loaded with four units of outboard motors and two kinds of motor oils as outboard motor parts.

But the company was issued an Alert Order upon the recommendation of the Operations and Intelligence Office of the Enforcement Group (OIO-EG) Head lawyer Imelda Cruz and Arnel Baylosis. The shipment was estimated to be worth P6.8 million.

“I have instructed all BOC frontline officials to scrutinize thoroughly all importation documents for any sign or indication of misdeclaration or undervaluation to ensure that appropriate taxes are collected by the government,” Biazon said.

“Although we were able to post the Bureau’s highest collection ever last year, we have a higher collection target to meet this year. This is the reason why I have ordered all our frontline people to be even more vigilant to facilitate higher collection and to ensure that no contraband goods such as drugs are able to enter the country,” he said.

Together with the Scan Marine, Inc. shipment, Extreme Five Trading Corp. also tried to pass its 2,520 cartons of various types of candies as food additives, but were likewise intercepted and seized by the OIO-EG operatives, also at the MICP.

The seized candy shipment was worth P1 million. While, Telsphere Intl. Trading Corp. thought that it could do away with taxes by declaring its 257 units of kilowatt hour meters worth P4.4 million as vacuum heaters.

And W.A. Bitancor Enterprises’ two container vans of equipment from China worth P20 million like chip condensers, pumps, a control panel, thermometer, fittings, boilers, reactors and valves among other gears for setting up a laboratory for manufacturing illegal drugs and substances never missed the watchful eyes of the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) operatives under retired General George Aliño, when the two 40 footer container vans were issued Alert Orders on Dec. 13, 2011.

For his part, Deputy Commissioner Suansing pointed out that one way to facilitate higher revenue collection is the strict enforcement of customs laws and rules. “In this regard and in compliance with the Commissioner’s order to generate more revenues, I have likewise ordered all EG personnel to exert due diligence in the performance of their jobs,” Suansing said. (PNA) RMA/JS/PR/utb

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In his inspirational message during the Presidential Management Staff- Employees Association (PMS-EA) General Assembly held at the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Building located on Arlegui Street, San Miguel, Manila on Friday, Coloma underscored the need to achieve harmony at work to help contribute to nation building.

"Paano tayo magkakaroon ng harmony at work. Dapat maging matapat sa tungkulin, maagap at masipag at higit sa lahat may malasakit sa trabaho at kapwa. Hindi natin tinatranslate in English ang salita na may malasakit kasi walang exact transalation iyon. Tayong mga Pilipino lang talaga ang nakakaalam nun," he said.

Coloma also stressed the importance of achieving "work, life and harmony" to be good public servants. "Our sense of worth is related to or dependent on the significance of our work," he noted.

"Ang importanteng elemento sa work, life and harmony ay tatlo rin – integrity, quality and tender loving care. Ma-achieve natin ito kung tayo ay integrated person. Walang pagkakaiba ang buhay mo bilang isang ama or bilang boss. Kung ano ang trato mo sa opisina dapat ganun ka rin dapat sa pamilya. Kung ano ang pagmamahal mo sa isa ay ganun ka rin dapat sa isa. Consistent ka dapat," he said.

Coloma also said that excellence in public service depends greatly on the performance and dedication of government officials and employees. He also reminded them of their commitment to take the straight path.

During the general assembly, which coincided with the anniversary of the employees' association, Coloma also congratulated the officers and members of the association and wished them all the best and success in all their endeavors.

Coloma, who served as Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief under former President Corazon C. Aquino, told employees that he was happy to meet with them in an important event. He recalled the many memories during his time as PMS head. (PNA)

RMA/PCOO/ssc

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Crime records culled by the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) showed a sharp decline in index crime cases recorded in January 2012.

Index crime incidents dipped 20.01 percent from the 14,227 cases in January 2011 to 11,379 cases in January 2012, according to PNP Spokesman Chief Supt. Agrimero A. Cruz Jr.

Cruz said that index crime cases were the valid indicators of the prevailing crime situation.

Index crimes include crime against persons such as murder, homicide, physical injuries and rape; and crime against property such as robbery, theft, carnapping and cattle-rustling.

The crime trend in January 2012 showed similar double-digit decline in crime against persons and crime against property compared with the previous year’s record for the same month.

Cruz said if the January crime trend was an indication of things to come in the months ahead, then we can certainly look forward to an improved peace and order situation towards the rest of the year.

Meanwhile, the PNP’s Crime Solution Efficiency in January 2012 rose 28.02 percent, indicating better police performance in solving crime cases.

Even with this noteworthy crime solution record, the PNP leadership believes that police operations must focus more on crime prevention mainly, thru increased police visibility and patrol operations, Cruz said.

Contrary to opinionated perceptions of a crime wave sweeping the country as highlighted by some sensationalized reports of some isolated incidents of heinous crime–factual and verifiable records in the form of crime statistics say otherwise, Cruz said.

“Crime is not a runaway problem because the criminal justice system is fully functional and certainty of punishment has been fully established as an effective deterrent to crime,” the PNP Spokesman added. (PNA) RMA/JCA

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In an interview during the launching of an entrepreneurial program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Friday, the President said the target of his administration is to maximize employment for Filipinos through measures being implemented by various government agencies.

Since last year, the President said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been working with TESDA, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) so that jobs are matched with those applying for work.

“We have been investing in a… as an example, sa BPO (business process outsourcing) industry, we’re investing P500 million this year precisely to train them further to increase their possibility of getting employed in this sector that is really fast growing,” he said.

“Yung sector naman has been appealing to us to assist them for the managerial supervisory positions, they’re hard pressed to meet their targets. Parang ang daming oportunidad ang nasasayang dahil hindi pa natin na-develop yung talent for that.”

That industry expects to grow, according to the Chief Executive, noting however that the limiting factor for growth is the availability of talent and skilled workers that fit the job. As a response, the government carries out programs so that they get the training and skills they need at the earliest possible time.

Asked about the government’s job target this year, the President said he got a report saying there are one million new entrants to the marketplace. He noted that the employment rate last year, which was pegged at around 7 percent, was significant.

“The target is open-ended. Kaya nga yung mga programs na hina-highlight ng TESDA ngayon are those that have ready employment opportunities,” the President added. (PNA)

scs/lgi/PCOO/ssc

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The SC Associate Justices, who voted in favor of the TRO, were Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Arturo Brion, Roberto Abad, Jose Perez, Lucas Bersamin, Martin Villarama, Jr., Bienvenido Reyes and Jose Mendoza.

SC Spokesman and Court Administrator Atty. Jose Midas Marquez on Friday said that they would just wait the impeachment complaint against the SC justices.

Marquez said that it seemed that the impeachment case had become a regular threat against the magistrates.

Likewise, he also assured that at present, the work of the magistrates continues and that they would decide on pending cases based only on facts.

House prosecutor Ilocos Norte (1st District) Rep. Rodolfo Farinas earlier said that he would lead in the filing of the impeachment complaint against the eight SC magistrates who voted in favor of the issuance of the TRO against the opening of the dollar account of Corona. (PNA)

RMA/PTR

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In a 10-page ruling penned by Associate Justice Maria Cristina Cornejo, the court's Fourth Division gave weight to the motion of the Office of the Ombudsman's prosecution team to place Acosta under a preventive suspension for alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund while still a congressman of Bukidnon.

"J.R. Nereus Acosta is hereby ordered preventively suspended from office and…is directed to cease and desist from further performing and/or exercising the functions, duties and privileges of the positions he is currently occupying," the Sandiganbayan said.

His current positions are as Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection and General Manager of the Laguna Lake Development Authority, "or any other government position he may now or hereafter be holding, effective upon notice hereof and continuing for a period of 90 days."

Invoking Section 13 of Republic Act No. 3019, the Ombudsman earlier filed a motion to suspend Acosta pendente lite — meaning pending litigation — to prevent him from frustrating or hampering his prosecution by intimidating or influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence or from committing further acts of malfeasance while in office.

The case arose from a complaint filed by Bukidnon Crusade Against Graft and Corruption alleging that Acosta used his PDAF to procure a P2.5-million solar tunnel dryer for the municipal government of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Court records showed the supposed crime was committed while Acosta's mother, Socorro, was still the municipal mayor of Manolo Fortich in 2001.

The BCGAC alleged that another P2.5 million was also supposedly given to a private cooperative, the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries (Binhi), Inc.

The complaint said a private entity called Bukidnon Vegetable Producers Cooperative also received P5.5 million which was part of Acosta's PDAF.

Acosta's aunt, Ma. Nemia Bornidor, who was a member of the board of Binhi and Socorro, a member and director of BVPC, were both charged with graft for the same offense.

The Sandiganbayan said "any political motive allegedly behind the filing of the instant motion, uncorroborated as it is, is ineffective to negate the merits of the motion."

It directed Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and the Board of Directors of the LLDA to immediately implement the suspension order against Acosta. (PNA)

hbc/PTR

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MANILA, Feb. 10 – Despite health problem, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has promised to attend the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona on Monday so she can explain why her fellow senator-judges should respect a temporary restraining order stopping the impeachment court from disclosing the alleged dollar accounts of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

”Though I’m still hypertensive, I will really have to attend hearing even for a while so I can explain by means of interpellation and interrogation. So we can understand fully the effect of disobedience to the TRO. It has many consequences,” Santiago said in a phone-patch interview with Senate media on Friday.

Santiago, however, clarified that she would not convince her colleagues not to oppose the TRO issued by the Supreme Court through an 8-5 vote last Thursday while the impeachment court was conducting hearing on bank deposits of Corona.

”No, I would not try to convince the senators. This is a matter of personal conscience. As a lawyer and officer of the court, my duty is to explain my position but I will not lobby on my fellow senators because it would appear that I’m superior intellectually,” Santiago explained.

Santiago, one of the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) elected late last year, was not present last Monday when the senator-judges voted to grant a motion of the prosecution to subpoena the peso and dollar accounts of Corona with the Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank).

The lady lawmaker said the Senate impeachment court is a class of its own but it will violate the Constitution on check and balances if it will disobey the SC.

”One branch of government should not be superior. The impeachment court should not be exempted in the check and balances. The Supreme Court can intervene because it is the supreme interpreter of the law under the Constitution,” Santiago said.

Santiago also said that the Senate, sitting as impeachment court, is not absolute court.

”We have to be very patient in the impeachment court. It requires extraordinary patience because the prize of rushness or showmanship will be public disturbance that will affect peace and order and economy,” Santiago explained.

The senator-judges will meet on Monday in a caucus to tackle the TRO petitioned by the PSBank.

Based on testimonies of PSBank president Pascual Garcia III, Corona had ending balance of P19.7 million as of December 2010 with the PSBank.

The House prosecution accused Corona of not declaring his bank deposits to his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. (PNA) scs/jfm

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“Ang hinahabol natin umasenso lahat. Ngayon, na-highlight sa Customs dahil napakalayo nila doon sa inaasam-asam natin at tatatlong buwan pa lang si Ruffy Biazon at si Danny Lim, tapos medyo malalalim na ugat ng problem diyan sa Customs at talaga namang kailangan bigyan natin ng realizable target,” the President said in an interview on Friday.

The President was interviewed by the media during the launching of an entrepreneurial program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Taguig City on Friday. Reporters asked the President about the government agencies that he will prioritize in the implementation of reforms.

Aside from discussing the reforms at the BoC, the President said he is impressed at the way TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva does his work.

Despite the P2.4 billion debt, the President said TESDA was able to get ISO certification as well as posting 61 percent employment record.

“Talaga namang happy tayo (with the performance). But of course, pag ni-report ni Joel na 100 percent ng 100 percent, mas happy tayo,” he said. (PNA)

lgi/PCOO/ssc

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In a 12-page ruling penned by SC Associate Justice Lucas P. Bersamin, the SC en banc also gave complainant Engr. Oscar L. Ongjoco 10 days from receipt of the resolution to show cause in writing why he should not be punished for indirect contempt "for degrading the judicial office of respondent Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals, and for interfering with the due performance of their work for the Judiciary."

"Judicial officers do not have to suffer the brunt of unsuccessful or dissatisfied litigants' baseless and false imputations of their violating the Constitution in resolving their cases and of harboring bias and partiality towards the adverse parties," the SC said.

The case arose from the administrative complaint in June 2011 filed by Ongjoco, claiming to be the Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the FH-Gymn Multi-Purpose and Transport Service Cooperative (FH-Gymn), charging the CA's Sixth Division, composed of Enriquez as chair and Bato and Macalino as members, with rendering an arbitrary and baseless decision unfavorable to FH-Gymn.

FH-Gymn filed a graft complaint with the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon against San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan councilors, who are members of the Committee on Transportation and Communications, for uttering statements against FH-Gymn and denying its request to authorize FH-Gymn Chair Ongjoco to issue motorized tricycle operators permit (MTOP) to its members.

When the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint for insufficiency of evidence, FH-Gymn elevated the case to the CA, but the CA's Sixth Division denied FH-Gymn's petition for review and later, its motion for reconsideration (MR).

The SC said that the CA's Sixth Division's decision showed that it has complied with the requirements of the Constitution contrary to Ongjoco's claims.

It said that "the definitive pronouncement of the CA's Sixth Division that 'the Deputy Ombudsman found no substantial evidence to prove that there was interference in the internal affairs of FH-GYMN nor was there a violation of the law by the respondents' met the constitutional demand for a clear and distinct statement of the facts and the law on which the decision was based."

The SC said that the CA's Sixth Division expressly found that FH-Gymn had not discharged its burden as the petitioner of proving its allegations with substantial evidence.

It reminded Ongjoco that to sustain his allegations of misconduct against the respondent Justices, his administrative complaint "must rest on the quality of the evidence; and that his basing his plain accusations on hunches and speculations would not suffice to held them administratively liable for rendering the adverse decision."

"We recognize that unfounded administrative charges against judges really degrade the judicial office, and interfere with the due performance of their work for the Judiciary. Hence, we deem to be warranted to now direct Ongjoco to fully explain his act of filing an utterly baseless charge against respondent Justices," the SC said. (PNA) RMA/PTR

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In keynoting the launching of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) at the TESDA Auditorium, TESDA Complex along East Service Road in Taguig City on Friday, President Aquino reiterated that the government was mandated to hone the innate skills and talents of the Filipino citizenry which, he said, could lead not only to a better standard of living but also to a progressive and developed national economy.

“Simula’t sapul pa lang ng ating panunungkulan prayoridad na ng ating gobyerno ang paglikha ng mga trabaho at palawakin pa ang mga oportunidad para sa mas nakararami,” the President said.

“Malinaw ang ating naging mandato… linangin ang kakayahan ng mga Pilipino at tanggalin ang mga hadlang upang matamasa nila ang maayos na pamumuhay. Alam natin na magbubunga ng mabuti ang paglilingkod sa mas nangangailangan dahil ang pagtaas ng antas ng kanilang pamumuhay ay siya ring pagtaas ng kumpyansa ng Pilipinas na umusad sa tunay na kaunlaran,” he added.

The President expressed full trust and confidence in the leadership of TESDA Director-General Joel Villanueva as he thanked him for the efforts in effecting reforms in the agency in order to achieve inclusive growth for the people.

“Tiwala tayo sa liderato ni Secretary Villanueva… walang ‘wang-wang’ sa TESDA, walang manglalamang at walang perang mapupunta sa mga walang kabuluhang programa. Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa TESDA sa pagtupad nito sa panata natin sa taumbayan — walang maiiwan sa pag-unlad,” President Aquino said.

Based on the impact evaluation studies conducted last year, the President said, almost 61 per cent of those who graduated in the technical, vocational and educational training of TESDA are now earning through their respective jobs.

He added that the government is focusing on providing more jobs for the remaining 39 per cent. “Thirty-nine per cent po ang dadagdagan natin ng pansin para may makakuha na rin sila nang mga trabaho…” the President noted.

The Chief Executive, assisted by Villanueva, distributed tool kits to the selected eight TESDA “Specialistas” from the National Capital Region, Region 3 and Region 7.

President Aquino also said the government had allocated a total of P500 million under the economic stimulus program for the training of some 65,000 individuals in preparation for their possible employment in the business process outsourcing sector (BPO).

The TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) is one of TESDA’s responses to the goal of the government to achieve inclusive growth as embodied in the Labor and Employment Plan and National Technical Education and Skills Development (NTESDP) 2011-2016.

It is designed to facilitate employment for certified workers/persons to get into productive undertakings through the provision of services in demand in the community.

TPSP shall develop a pool of trained and certified TESDA Specialistas who will respond to the demand for services by the households and the immediate communities.

Present during the event were other government officials led by Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Commission on Higher Education Secretary Patricia Licuanan, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairman Cristino Naguiat.

Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Victoria Tarlac Mayor Candido Guiam III, Oriental Mindoro Representative Rey Umali and Manila Representative Carlo Lopez also graced the occasion.

In the same event, the President also witnessed the awarding of ISO 9001-2008 Certificate to TESDA.

Villanueva received the award from Mr. Chia Jen, general manager of the TUV-SUD PSB Malaysia, a service provider for a comprehensive and integrated suite of product testing, inspection and certification services. Its operation in the Philippines was set up more than 11 years ago with the aim of helping companies achieve business excellence. (PNA) RMA/PCOO/ssc

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SPO3 Rodel Perez of the Muntilupa police identified the security guard as Elmer Tagol of the Gallantry Security Agency, who died instantly after engaging at least three motorcycle-riding robbers in a violent, close range shootout, killing one, who was later identified as Venancio Pioquinto.    

Perez said that Tagol's colleague Elmo Toreda survived with a gunshot wound in the shoulder.

The shootout took place at around 11:15 a.m. Friday at the parking lot of the Ayala-owned Alabang Town Center, where the two guards and a teller of East West Bank were about to deliver cash to a business establishment inside the mall.

Perez said the two security guards were coming out of the van when about three robbers on two motorcycles opened fire at them. Despite being wounded, Tagol managed to fire back, fatally hitting Pioquinto.

The three others then decided to escape, leaving the undetermined amount of cash inside the armored car intact. The unnamed teller escaped unhurt. (PNA)

RMA/FFC/CLTC

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Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian said SRS' essence is to establish and maintain a repository of the national manpower information, by which job opportunities shall be cascaded down to the registrants when demands for workers arise and jobs become available.

An orientation themed “Hahanapin Ka ng Trabaho Kung Ikaw ay Nakarehistro” was earlier held at the Valenzuela City Auditorium as a joint project of the city government, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and the DOLE-NCR.

Director Rhea Cabansag of the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), CAMANAVA (Caloocan/Malabon/Navotas/Valenzuela) District Office, tackled the expected output and measures to be undertaken to ensure an orderly data-collection process.

PESO is the implementing arm of the SRS Project in the city. Coordination with the punong barangays shall be undertaken for a purposive data gathering, encoding and updating of the registry. This entails all barangay units to be mobilized in assisting the implementation of the SRS.

The designated databank for the collated information is Phil-JobNet, an internet-based job and applicant matching system that can help expedite job seekers’ search for jobs and employers’ search for manpower. This is a facility of DOLE with centralized database maintained by BLE.

Gatchalian commended the DOLE for providing the essential skeletal support of PESO. It supervises all the training and orientation requirements for the proper use and operation of the program. (PNA) scs/PFN

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Police identified the fatality as Kurt John Aquino, 19, and his injured back rider as Michael Legaspi, who is undergoing treatment at the Manila Central University Hospital in Caloocan City.

Investigators are verifying the claims of witnesses that the victims' motorcycle was speeding and went out of control after hitting a gutter, then crashed into the truck driven by Rosanto Ricafrente.

The truck driver is now in police custody and undergoing investigation. (PNA) scs/PFN

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MANILA, Feb. 10 — The government hopes to forge a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) within the first half of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s six-year term in 2013, according to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles.

“The President aims not only to sign within his term but also to implement and assess signed peace agreements and not pass it to the next administration,” Deles said at the launching of the program “Catch Up Plan for Social Services in ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao)” held in Buluan, Maguindanao early this week.

Peace negotiations are ongoing between the government and the MILF to resolve the Bangsamoro problem.

Deles said the next round of formal exploratory talks is slated in Kuala Lumpur this month.

“The government is determined to resolve conflicts through the comprehensive peace process and achieve just and lasting peace,” Deles said as she clarified that “it is absolutely not true that development programs pursued by the government serve to substitute peace negotiations” for settling armed conflicts.

However, Deles stressed that “peace and development should always be connected, coordinated and harmonized.”

She said that the national government believes that development cannot wait. “Hindi pwedeng paghintayin ang mga mamamayan (We cannot make the people wait). Their immediate needs, which they long waited for, should be addressed.”

“This is the reason why the national government allocated the P8.5-billion ARMM Stimulus Fund and there is also the peace and development framework nationwide called the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program intended for conflict-affected areas,” Deles said.

This year, the government will start implementing the P8.5-billion worth of roadmap and investment plan for the five provinces under the ARMM intended for “socioeconomic development, governance reforms, and for improving peace and security in the region.”

The amount is on top of the P11.8-billion regular ARMM budget for 2011.

From the said budget, P1.9 billion is earmarked for ARMM social welfare and development programs which are spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“This is due to the fact that the reforms are focused on the needs of our poor fellowmen. Reforms should be felt by them,” said DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman who attended the launching.

Genuine development is founded on “the straight path” (tuwid na daan) and “genuine peace,” she pointed out.

Deles agreed that “peace and development cannot be achieved without good governance” anchored on the “straight path.”

“We (in the national government) will always continue to reiterate the call. Let’s all help, join hands, and actively participate and monitor (socio-political and economic issues and programs) so that we can altogether achieve peace and development for all Filipinos, including our children and the future generations,” she said.

On the other hand, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman vowed to restore confidence and change the perception of leadership which has been the stereotyped among Muslim officials.

“We aim to restore trust, dignity, and integrity in our leadership,” Hataman said.

ARMM reforms are centered on three areas, namely: governance with a special focus on making the bureaucracy functional, electoral reforms, and eradication of corruption with a priority on the regional Department of Education; peace and security focusing on regulating the proliferation of loose firearms and neutralization of private armies; and socioeconomic reform with emphasis on enterprise and livelihood development.

During the same event, Deles led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Modified Shelter Assistance and Day Care Center construction in Mother Kabuntulan, Maguindanao for displaced families affected by armed conflicts and flooding in 2011.

The shelter assistance and day care center construction are among the first projects funded under the ARMM Stimulus Fund.

Among the officials who attended the ceremony were Vice Governor Hadja Bainon G. Karon, ARMM-DSWD OIC Secretary Hadja Pombaen Karon-Kader, and local government officials, namely Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangundadatu, Buluan Mayor Datu Ibrahim Mangundadatu, and Mother Kabuntalan Mayor Datu Salaban Diocolano.

Also present were Maj. Gen. Rey Ardo, commanding general of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, Brig. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, chairman of the government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH). (PNA) scs/RBC/mec

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In its weather synopsis issued 5 a.m. Friday, PAGASA said that as of 2 a.m., the LPA was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 860 kilometers east of southern Mindanao (6.8°N, 135.0°E).

The weather agency said the northeast monsoon would possibly deter the LPA from developing into a tropical depression as it is expected to dissipate within two days, although it would bring rains during the weekend, especially in Mindanao and the Visayas, including in the recently earthquake-stricken Negros Oriental.

In its weather forecast, PAGASA said the eastern sections of Northern, Central and Southern Luzon will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered light rains.

The Visayas and Mindanao will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms, becoming cloudy with widespread rains over Eastern Visayas, Northern and Eastern Mindanao which may trigger flash floods and landslides.

The rest of Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and the Visayas and coming from the northeast to north over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough. (PNA) scs/magi

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PNP Chief Director General Nicanor A Bartolome instructed Senior Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Chief of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office, to revoke the firearms license issued to BOC Clerk Paulino C Elevado and businessman Florencio O Bato.

Petrasanta said the gun documents issued to Elevado and Bato were revoked effective February 1, 2012.

On the same day, the Chief PNP revoked the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) issued to the two suspects.

It is PNP policy to cancel or suspend gun ownership privileges issued to licensed firearm holders involved in criminal cases especially when the gun is believed to have been used in the crimes, Bartolome said.

Elevado and Bato, both on board a Porsche sports car were arrested by Pasay City police after figuring in a high speed car chase along SLEX – allegedly firing shots and manhandling a student whose van accidentally collided with the suspects’ Porsche.

The FEO Firearms Information Management System (FIMS) database listed Elevado as a owner of a cal.40 Taurus pistol, while Bato is licensed to possess a cal.45 SAM pistol with serial number SH11080001.

Both suspects were also issued Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR), a privilege granted to qualified licensed firearm holders who need to carry firearms for personal security by virtue of their profession or status.

On January 27, 2012 or six days after the two suspects figured in the incident, the FEO had already flagged these firearms files in the FIMS database to prevent the transfer, sale, and renewal of these guns while an investigation is underway.

Elevado’s cal.40 pistol is in the custody of Pasay City Police investigators, while Bato is being given reasonable time to surrender his cal.45 handgun that is now deemed as loose firearm upon cancellation of his gun license.

Bartolome noted the fact that SOCO probers recovered cal.45 fired cartridge cases from the scene. (PNA) RSV/JCA

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MANILA, Feb. 9 – A female branch manager of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) took a witness stand of the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona and revealed on Thursday that the chief magistrate had a checking account with an ending balance of P12.02 million as of December 2010.

Leonora Dizon, branch manager of the BPI-Ayala, said that Corona “is the owner of 1445-8030-61,” referring to BPI Express Teller Checking Account that the chief magistrate opened in 1989.

Dizon said that based on subpoenaed documents, she brought the records beginning 2005 which had ending balance of only P149,767.36. It rose to P153,395.12 as of December 31, 2006; P5,069,711.18 as of December 31, 2007; but reduced to P1,525,872.87 as of December 31, 2008, and further to P678,501,83 as of December 31, 2009.

Senator-Judge Serge Osmena III asked the court to subpoena other bank accounts of Corona not only with BPI as Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) as well after Dizon said she can only talk about the subpoenaed checking account.

The senator-judges debated Osmena’s motion while the defense panel opposed the request.

The defense lead counsel, former Justice Serafin Cuevas pointed out that Corona’s BPI account balance may be due to several transactions.

Presiding Officer and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile instructed both the defense and the prosecution to go to BPI Makati branch to get the bank statements to shorten the proceedings.

Senator-Judge Joker Arroyo fizzled out the debate as he suggested instead to tackle the motion in a caucus at 11 a.m. on Monday, saying “we should not argue in public.”

Dizon was the second bank official to testify after PSBank president Pascual Garcia III earlier confirmed that Corona had five peso accounts but refused to confirm allegations that the chief justice also maintains dollar accounts with the same bank.

The PSBank official said the total ending balance of Corona’s peso accounts was nearly P20 million as of December 2010, the year he was appointed as chief justice by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (PNA)

scs/jfm

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MANILA, Feb. 9 — A member of the House of Representatives' prosecution panel proposed on Thursday that the eight Supreme Court justices who voted to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the disclosure of Chief Justice Renato Corona’s dollar accounts should be impeached.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Farinas, deputy leader of the House prosecution team, also called the decision a "meddling" in the affairs of a co-equal branch of government.

Voting 8-5, the High Tribunal granted the TRO on the disclosure of Corona's dollar accounts.

Farinas accused the High Court of protecting Corona, who, "suddenly, like a spoiled child, since he cannot get what he wants, he goes to the SC."

He said the SC, out of "delicadeza" or propriety, should not meddle with Congress since the Senate is granted a "specific power" as an impeachment court.

For his part, Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares, member of the House prosecution team, said the issuance of a TRO by the High Court "is a clear attempt to derail the impeachment proceedings and hide the truth about the chief magistrate's (alleged) unexplained wealth."

"It's the worst move Corona can make and will surely backfire on him and his Supreme Court justices. Whatever public trust that Corona has left so far will completely disappear," said Colmenares in a text message.

"The people will be asking how much dollars does Corona have to merit opening five dollar accounts in one bank alone not to mention the nearly P31 million in peso deposits at the PSBank (Philippine Savings Bank) and BPI (Bank of Philippine Islands) that was not declared in his 2010 SALN (statement of assets, liabilities and net worth)," he said.

Colmenares hopes that the Senate, sitting as the impeachment court, will not allow "this attempt to hide the truth and persist in the subpoena of information on these accounts."

Aside from hiding the truth, the Bayan Muna party-list lawmaker said, the chief justice is setting the High Court and the Senate as an impeachment court "into a collision course which could lead to turmoil."

Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara, one of the prosecution’s spokesmen, said the Ilocos Norte solon's plan to impeach the eight justices was a necessary part of "house cleaning."

"Kung ang impeachment ay paglilinis po ng ating bahay o pagreporma ng mga hindi tamang desisyon, dapat po (If impeachment is a cleaning of our house or reforming bad decisions, then it is necessary)," he said in a media interview.

Meanwhile, House Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo "Erin" Tanada III, spokesman for the prosecution, said the continued invocation of the Foreign Currency Deposit Unit (FCDU) Act of 1974 seems to encourage not only impeachable officers, but also any other person who has a tendency to be corrupt, to conceal ill-gotten wealth.

"It is so disheartening that the chief justice is using the FCDU Act of 1974 as to conceal the truth," he said.

"This absurd situation would then make it easy for corrupt public individuals to escape accountability by simply depositing their illegally-stashed money into dollar accounts, thus keeping their so-called fruits of corruption, effectively hidden," he said.

Tanada lamented that the law was intended to beef up the country's dollar supply and increase investments, but not to be used as "legal cover and be a sanctuary for graft and corruption and ill-gotten wealth."

"If it were so, it is like saying to any one, be they public or private individuals, pag-corrupt ka, mag-dollar account ka," he said.

The SC associate justices who voted in favor of the TRO were Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Arturo Brion, Roberto Abad, Jose Perez, Lucas Bersamin, Martin Villarama Jr., Bienvenido Reyes, and Jose Mendoza.

Those who objected to the issuance of the TRO were Associate Justices Antonio Carpio, Mariano Del Castillo, Diosdado Peralta, Maria Lourdes Sereno, and Estela Bernabe.

Chief Justice Corona and Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. took no part on the case. (PNA)

scs/LGI

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Enrile said this as he directed PSBank president Pascual Garcia III to bring to the impeachment court branch manager Anabelle Tiongson of the PSBank-Katipunan where Corona maintains a total of peso deposits amounting to nearly P20 million and suspected dollar deposits.

”I must tell you that this court is in possession of information regarding the leakage bank documents and, in fact, the BSP is now conducting an investigation regarding this leakage,” Enrile said.

“We have to protect the integrity of the bank system. So, bring the manager here to answer questions,” Enrile instructed Garcia.

Garcia was asked about the opening balance of the alleged 10 accounts of Corona with PSBank but the bank official failed to provide the convincing answers.

Shown with bank documents used by the prosecution to request for subpoena on Corona’s bank records, Garcia said the bank documents do not jibe with original documents of Corona’s bank deposits.

”This court is in possession of information regarding the manner of this leak, the release of these documents and so you better be candid with us because if you don’t, we will be forced to apply the rules of this court,” Enrile warned.

Garcia answered: “In all candidness, we have gone through the process of auditing this and we have determined that based on what we have as original documents, those documents floating around do not come from PSBank,” Garcia insisted.

”In other words, they are fake documents?,” Enrile asked again.

”They are not facsimile (photo copy) of the original documents that we have. They must be fake,” Garcia replied.

The bank documents, according to the prosecution, was given by anonymous ‘small lady’ to prosecution member Rep. Reynaldo Umali of Oriental Mindoro.

Senator-judge Jinggoy Estrada asked Garcia if their PSBank branch manager in Katipunan is a small lady.

”She’s not little. She’s tall,” Garcia said. (PNA)

DCT/jfm

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”From hereon, in deference to the SC, the interpreter of the Constitution and guardian of our basic rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, this chair would suggest and recommend to this impeachment court and the two sides of the case — the prosecutors and defense — to take heed and let us discuss other issues other than foreign currency deposits because of the presence of a TRO from the SC and will discuss that in due time,” Senate President-Presiding Officer Juan Ponce Enrile said.

Enrile made the ruling upon hearing from Senator-Judge Panfilo Lacson that the SC issued a TRO on the subpoenaed dollar accounts of the Chief Magistrate.

Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) president Pascual Garcia III was being asked at that time by the senator-judges on the alleged 10 bank accounts, including five dollar deposits, of Corona with the PSBank.

Despite pressures for him to present Corona’s alleged dollar deposits, Garcia insisted that he could not do so for fear that it might expose him as well as other officials and employees of the PSBank to criminal liability since the law on foreign currency deposit provides that the release of dollar account requires permission from depositor.

The impeachment court has already directed Garcia to submit a written explanation for his refusal to divulge Corona’s dollar accounts.

The bank official complied but the court decided to tackle the written explanation on Monday next week. (PNA) DCT/scs/jfm

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