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‘Danger’ level heat index recorded in 9 areas
Nine areas in the country experienced a heat index classified as “danger” level on Tuesday amid El Nino and the start of the dry and warm season......»»
Metro Manila, Davao, Zamboanga sizzle as heat index rises
Metro Manila sizzled on Monday after the heat index reached 42 degrees Celsius......»»
Scorching Heat
Pedestrians brave the scorching heat in downtown Davao City, as the heat index hit 43 degrees Celsius at 1 p.m. Monday, 25 March 2024, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The agency advised the public to observe extreme caution as high temperatures could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. MindaNews photo.....»»
Braving the Heat
BRAVING THE HEAT. Workers install a platform in front of the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City on Monday, 25 March 2024. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that the city's heat index reached 43 degrees Celsius at 1 p.m. the same day. The platform is in preparation for Easter Sunday's "Salubong" mass. MindaNews photo.....»»
‘Extreme danger heat index seen in May’
The cities of Puerto Princesa in Luzon and Cotabato in Mindanao sizzled with a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius on Saturday, according to state meteorologists......»»
Davao City rape cases drop
Davao City rape cases drop.....»»
Summer is officially here, says Pagasa
Friday, March 22, 2024, has been declared as the official start of the summer season by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). Dr. Nathaniel Servando, Pagasa chief, announced this during a press briefing, today. READ: Pagasa forecasts two days of 46°C heat index in La Union “Today, we officially declare the start of.....»»
Blinken Arrives in South Korea to Attend Democracy Summit
Seoul, South Korea - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived Sunday in South Korea on the first stop of a brief Asia tour also including the Philippines, as Washington moves to reinforce ties with two key regional allies.Blinken landed Sunday afternoon ahead of the third Summit for Democracy on Monday, an initiative of U.S. President Joe Biden, which Seoul is hosting this week.Before arriving in Se.....»»
Nancy Binay kay Mariel: May kasamang kapanagutan ang pagiging artista
NAGBIGAY pahayag si Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee Chair Sen. Nancy Binay kaugnay ng viral Instagram post ni Mariel Padilla matapos itong magsagawa ng IV drip session sa loob ng opisina ng kanyang mister sa Senado. Aniya, naba-bother daw siya na baka marami ang mahikayat ng dating TV host sa pagpapa-IV drip. “I’m not sure.....»»
Kazel Kinouchi binulabog sa hiwalayang Richard-Sarah: Wala akong kasalanan!
NA-BOTHER din ang Kapuso actress na si Kazel Kinouchi nang pagbintangan siyang third party sa hiwalayang Richard Gutierrez at Sarah Lahbati. Nu’ng pumutok ang naturang chika ay natatawa lamang siya ngunit nang tumagal-tagal na ay nag-alala na rin siya dahil marami na ang naniniwala sa mga fake news sa social media. Ayon sa aktres na.....»»
Adamson takes Ang Liga Season 19 football championship
More than 25 years ago, Adamson fielded a UAAP football team. They got blown out that season and the next year, they didn’t even bother to field a team. In recent years though, with a better program, vision and cohesion, they have been a UAAP mainstay......»»
Brawner: Phl has right to repair BRP Sierra Madre, China can’t tell us otherwise
The Philippines has the right to repair its commissioned navy warship, BRP Sierra Madre grounded in Ayungin in the West Philippine Sea and China cannot tell no, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Wednesday. In an interview during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Brawner stressed that the Philippines has the sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters around Ayungin shoal and so the repair of BRP Sierra Madre must be fitting. “I really believe that we have the right to repair the ship because that is a Philippine-commissioned Navy ship. Kahit andoon siya sa Ayungin Shoal, karapatan natin na ayusin (Even if it was stuck in Ayungin Shoal, it’s our right to repair that),” he said. Brawner lamented that the Philippines did not even bother China when it had gone as far as installing a missile system and even building artificial islands in the WPS. “So, for me, China has no right to tell us not to repair that while they themselves have created these artificial islands,” he said. Brawner criticized China’s audacity to block the Philippines’ legitimate actions in its territorial waters in WPS. “Hindi naman tayo nakialam. Hindi naman natin sinabi, 'Don't do that.' Hindi naman natin sinabi, 'Don't bring missile systems into these artificial islands.' Sila ngayon kinalampag. Napakalaking imbalance (We did not interfere. We didn’t say ‘don’t do that’. We didn’t tell them ‘don't bring missile systems into these artificial islands’. Now they’re being shaken. A huge imbalance),” he said. The AFP chief believes that China is persistent in harassing and blocking the country’s rotation and resupply mission in the BRP Sierra Madre because it wants to insist their claims over Ayungin Shoal, which was invalidated by the Arbitral Tribunal ruling of the Hague-based Court on 12 July 2016. China has repeatedly ignored the ruling as it constantly insists that Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin shoal) is part of China’s Nansha Qundao and is under China’s territory. The National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya has also noted that China “has no legal authority or basis” to enforce anything in Ayungin Shoal because it is constituted “well within” the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. The shoal is located 105.77 nautical miles from the nearest Philippine province of Palawan. The post Brawner: Phl has right to repair BRP Sierra Madre, China can’t tell us otherwise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MAKI CHRONICLES ‘GREATEST PAIN’ IN DEBUT EP ‘TANONG’
Kapamilya artist Maki captures the uncertainties and confusions of lost love in his debut EP Tanong, now available on various streaming platforms. The EP, released under Tarsier Records, has five Filipino tracks, consisting of “Sigurado?” “Kailan?” “Siguro…?” and his viral hits “Saan?” and “Bakit?” “Last year, I went through so much pain mentally and emotionally. I had no one to talk to about my questions back then except for my best friends, but I didn’t wanna bother them so I just started writing my questions on a paper. Sinulat ko lahat ng tanong ko sa mga taong wala na sa buhay ko, missed opportunities as well as ‘yung mga tanong ko sa sarili ko,” Maki said. The R&B artist added that the songs started out as journal entries until they ended up being a collection of songs that reflected his personal journey. “No’ng una akala ko magiging journaling journey ko lang siya at araw-araw akong iiyak, but it turned out to be the best project I did so far sa career ko. I never thought that my greatest pain could turn into something I can look at now as a possession that I’ll treasure forever,” he shared. The up-and-coming singer has captured the hearts of listeners through his relatable and catchy songs that show his childlike view on life. Maki has released several singles including “Halaga,” “Para Sa Buwan” and his hit R&B rendition of “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw.” He continues to forge his path as one of the fresh faces of OPM with the success of his single “Saan?” which is currently charting on Spotify Philippines’ Daily Top Songs and has accumulated almost 15 million streams, while the track “Bakit?” is also making waves as it debuted on the top 50 of Spotify Philippines’ Viral Chart, accumulating 1.5 million streams to date. The post MAKI CHRONICLES ‘GREATEST PAIN’ IN DEBUT EP ‘TANONG’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maritime zones long defined under law — JPE
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce said the Senate should not bother enacting the maritime zones measure since the country’s territory has long been defined under the Baselines Law. Enrile was reacting to reports that the Senate is consolidating eight proposed measures seeking to define the maritime zones of the Philippines that the legislators said should strengthen the country’s claim in the West Philippine Sea, but which would merely duplicate a 2009 law. Senator Francis Tolentino, the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones chairperson, had said that a new Philippine map, with its specified maritime zones, would be included in the proposed mandate. “We will be sending a copy of the measure to the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) Secretariat (and) the United Nations for their recognition as well. But again, the other countries supporting us would also support our claim based on our new Maritime Zone Law,” he said. The Baselines Law is already in the hands of international bodies. The proposed measure, Tolentino said, would also specify the sea lanes, air routes, and natural resources within the country’s exclusive economic zone. “Once crafted into law, this will be part of our argument that China should abide by UNCLOS because the progeny of UNCLOS is the Maritime Zone Law. So this will fortify our claim,” he said. The process, however, is redundant since “we already have the Baselines Law,” Enrile indicated on his weekly program Bayan ni Juan. “We applied the principle of archipelagic waters consisting of Amianan island in the north and Sibutu in the east, and you have a 12-mile limit from the baseline that is considered part of Philippine waters where Filipinos can fish,” he explained. So they don’t have to craft another law since the law already exists; it was enacted during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, according to Enrile. He added that the nine-dash line of China did not cover those areas under the law since China respected it. Among the islands in the Baselines Law within the country’s territory are the Kalayaaan group of islands and Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal. The Baselines Law, or Republic Act 9522, enacted in 2009, was cited as the basis for seeking the intervention of the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague, which subsequently issued the ruling in July 2016 that favored the Philippines. Enrile, one of the law’s authors, said it intended to encourage further dialogue with China while asserting the country’s stake. A peaceful negotiation would be the only way for the Philippines to settle the West Philippine Sea issue with China under the landmark measure, particularly its claims over the Kalayaan island group and Scarborough Shoal. Enrile said the regime of islands the Baselines Law sought to protect was demarcated based on the provisions of UNCLOS. China protested the law’s enactment, but Enrile said a dialogue might iron out the kinks between both nations. “The only capability we have is through negotiations; we must use patience in negotiating with China,” he said. Status quo once existed The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China, in a white paper it issued shortly after the arbitral ruling titled “China Adheres to the Position of Settling Through Negotiation the Relevant Disputes Between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea,” stated that a near stable situation existed in the disputed territory. The post Maritime zones long defined under law — JPE appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UN chief convenes ‘no nonsense’ climate summit, without China or US
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set Wednesday to host a climate meeting marred at its outset by the absence of speakers from the world's top two emitters, China and the United States. Despite increasing extreme weather events and record-shattering global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and fossil fuel companies reap handsome profits. Guterres has thus billed the "Climate Ambition Summit" as a "no nonsense" forum where leaders or cabinet ministers will announce specific actions that deliver on their commitments under the Paris Agreement. The bar for making the podium was set high, with the UN chief making clear that only leaders who had made concrete plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse emissions would be allowed to speak. After receiving more than 100 applications to take part, the UN finally released a list on Tuesday night of 41 speakers which did not include China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan or India. "Tomorrow, I will welcome credible first movers and doers to our Climate Ambition Summit," Guterres said Tuesday. Several major leaders didn't bother making the trip to New York for this year's UN General Assembly, including President Xi Jinping of China and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak from the United Kingdom, who said he was too busy. US President Joe Biden, who addressed the General Assembly on Tuesday, sent his climate envoy John Kerry to the meeting -- though Kerry won't be permitted to speak. "There's no doubt that the absence of so many leaders from the world's biggest economies and emitters will clearly have an impact on the outcomes of the summit," Alden Meyer of climate think tank E3G said. He blamed competing issues -- from the Ukraine conflict to US-China tensions and rising economic uncertainty. "But I think it's also the opposition in many of these countries from the fossil fuel industry and other powerful interests to the kind of transformational changes that are needed," said Meyer. Catherine Abreu, executive director of nonprofit Destination Zero, said it was "perhaps a good-news story that we see Biden not being given a speaking slot at the summit" because the United States is continuing to expand fossil fuel projects even as it makes historic investments in renewables. "I think about this as being a correction from past summits, where leaders have been given the opportunity to take credit for climate leadership on the global stage, while they continue to pursue plans to develop fossil fuels, and continue driving the climate crisis back at home," she added. While the United States won't take the rostrum, California will be represented by Governor Gavin Newsom. From Britain, London Mayor Sadiq Khan will also attend. Growing anger The event is the biggest climate summit in New York since 2019, when Greta Thunberg stunned the world with her "How Dare You" speech before the UN. Anger is building among climate activists, particularly younger people, who turned out in thousands last weekend for the "March to End Fossil Fuels" in New York. Observers are eager however to see what Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and European Union President Ursula von der Leyen say both on their own goals and on financing commitments for the developing world. The failure of advanced economies, responsible for the majority of historic emissions, to honor their promises to the worst affected lower-income nations has long been a sore point in climate talks. There are some bright spots, including the announcement that Colombia and Panama are joining a grouping called the Powering Past Coal Alliance -- particularly notable as Colombia is the world's sixth biggest coal exporter. Wednesday's summit comes weeks ahead of the COP28 climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, where goals include tripling renewable energy by 2030, and ending by 2050 the generation of fossil fuel energy that isn't "abated" by carbon capture technology. The post UN chief convenes ‘no nonsense’ climate summit, without China or US appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Paying tribute to Criselda, Rustan’s bestselling iconic fashion designer
In her lifetime, Criselda Lontok epitomized the kind of woman for whom the legendary Glecy Rustia Tantoco established her home-based establishment that would grow into the country’s foremost luxury department store. No wonder that the Rustan’s Department Store founder, known for her keen understanding of the ladies of Manila’s 400, offered to Criselda, one of Manila’s most beautiful women and smartest dressers, a beauty queen and a fashion model, an exclusive line intended for her kind. Criselda, who had served initially as a buyer and merchandiser, and spearheaded a number of homegrown Italian-inspired Rustan’s labels, accepted the challenge, keeping in mind her friends and acquaintances, the quintessential upper-class Filipina — fashionable, committed to philanthropic and civic causes, herself engaged in an enterprise or a profession that fits her colegiala or finishing school education and, of course, prominent and socially-adept. Having seen the world and constantly on the go in the jet-setting era, these women, like Criselda herself, knew the best of foreign brands and were accustomed to wearing them. [caption id="attachment_186354" align="aligncenter" width="1365"] JOHN Fernandez, Criselda Lontok’s son. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RUSTANS[/caption] Taking her cue from the composite personality traits of her intended clientele, beautiful people as they were then called, Criselda went on to create dresses that appealed to the ladies’ fine sensibilities anchored on a lifestyle of privilege, comfort, grace and sophisticated aesthetics. Her ingenuity could not have been more apt, as proven by her designs hogging the limelight, the topic of conversation among socialites who finally found the dress that fit them and their style — and becoming the best-seller of Rustan’s. From its beginnings in the early 1980s, the label Criselda went on to grow as among the top offerings and go-to brands of the country’s sole purveyor of high style. And even as Rustan’s aimed for inclusivity to address the needs of professionals and customers who aspired to the good life within their budget, Criselda remained the top choice for those who sought to be attractive and stylish, while being practical and wise in their choices. A Criselda was always a good investment. Through the decades, just like a select few things that get better as they get older, Criselda, the exclusive clothing brand, has transcended fashion trends and social seasons and has maintained its eminent position in the country’s pret-a-porter sector. Criselda’s recent demise might have led to a void, especially in the firmament of Philippine fashion, but her eponymous brand, Criselda, just like her name, has endured. She may be gone but she is remembered, first by her Rustan’s family led by Zenaida R. Tantoco, chief executive officer and chairman of the Rustan Group of Companies, her friends, devoted clientele, and the many others whose lives she touched through her professionalism, kindness, friendliness and warmth, which she generously gave especially to those who came to peruse her creations, mostly cut along classic lines but not sacrificing women’s desire to be chic and trendy. Her career with Rustan’s is a story worth telling as it is inspiring, one that would encourage our young women to pursue their dreams. As a young wife and mother who believed she could contribute to the world out there, Criselda applied for a job at Rustan’s. The grand lady of the number one purveyor of luxury in the country, Glecy R. Tantoco, took her in despite her initial doubts as to whether Criselda, who comes from a good family in Batangas and married into another good family from Laguna, would stick it out despite the rigorous requirements of the job. Glecy Tantoco was known for her insistence on the efficiency of her staff, along with a strong sense of service and an overall image in terms of personal looks and demeanor that defined the Rustan’s style of appropriateness, class and good breeding. [caption id="attachment_186355" align="aligncenter" width="1078"] ERNIE Lopez and Bertha Felicino of Bantay Bata.[/caption] Thankfully, Criselda proved herself worthy, even as she had to deal directly with her tough and no-nonsense boss. In fact, they clicked, as Glecy turned out to be a supportive mentor. Taking Criselda under her wing, she gave her additional responsibilities and assigned her to the forefront when dignitaries and international socialites shopped at Rustan’s. More than the label and the prestige, what Glecy Tantoco gave her were the right work ethic and belief in herself. Criselda remembered her mentor, “GRT (as Glecy was called) was so very hardworking, you just had to be as hardworking, too. I truly admired her foresight. She had the drive. She taught me that I must be sure of myself and only if I was sure should I pursue whatever I wanted to do.” It did not take long for Criselda’s outfits to become a must among Manila’s prominent women who love to wear them not only when attending big parties but also when visiting with friends, shopping at the mall, or relaxing with the family at home. Whether these were day dresses, afternoon outfits, cocktail dresses, or ravishing evening gowns, they lapped them up, happy at the thought of not having to bother with fittings and the encumbrances that went with wearing haute couture. If they wore her creations, it was because they believed her when she spoke to them of fashion sense and carriage and, of course, compatibility with what they wore. She once said, “It is important to consider your age. An 80-year-old woman should not even wear mini skirts...just a little above the knee is permissible but not one that shows her prominent varicose veins and other unsightly parts.” The post Paying tribute to Criselda, Rustan’s bestselling iconic fashion designer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese carmakers confront European industry at Munich show
Chinese manufacturers will be out in force at next week's IAA auto show, one of the industry's biggest, revving their new electric models on the turf of German carmakers, which have been lagging in the e-mobility race. Elon Musk's Tesla, usually a hold-out from such events, will also make an appearance at the show in Munich, joining the jostle to steal the spotlight from Europe's biggest brands. The industry fair, which opens Tuesday with a speech from Chancellor Olaf Scholz, comes with clouds gathering for the automotive sector in Europe and in particular, Germany. While suffocating supply chain problems have eased from the pandemic years, European auto giants are struggling to cope with increased energy costs in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year. Although sales in the European Union have steadily improved over the last 12 months, they remain around 20 percent below their pre-coronavirus levels as inflation and higher interest rates dampen appetite for new vehicles. At the same time, European manufacturers are facing increasingly stiff competition from Chinese carmakers which are touting their vehicles at far lower prices. Local upstarts have captured an increasingly large part of the prized Chinese market and are threatening to dominate the growing trade in electric vehicles. Chinese groups were starting "their assault on Europe with the IAA", said industry analyst Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer from the Center Automotive Research in Germany. "The IAA 2023 maps out a new automobile world in Europe. Competition will be tougher. After the Chinese battery factories, their automobile makers are coming," he said, calling it a "turning point" for the industry. In all, 41 percent of exhibitors at the industry fair have their headquarters in China, including brands such as BYD and Leapmotor which will hope to steal the spotlight from German giants Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Contrary to the Asian onslaught, participation from other European makers is muted. Opel will be US-European conglomerate Stellantis's lone ambassador in Munich, while Renault is showcasing only its eponymous marque at the show. In contrast, Musk's Tesla was slowly falling in line with traditional manufacturers as "the brand that doesn't do marketing begins to do exactly that" with its first appearance at the IAA, said independent analyst Matthias Schmidt. - Petrol protest - Over the week, around 700,000 visitors are expected to attend the show, split between exhibition halls and the city center. The move away from combustion engines to electric vehicles -- and the bigger climate question -- will take center stage inside and outside the exhibition halls. As carmakers roll out their latest offerings, climate groups have vowed protests at the fair, including "civil disobedience" aimed at disrupting the IAA. The last edition of the show in 2021 was already troubled by small-scale protests. This time around, some 1,500 people are expected at a camp in a suburban Munich park promoting a "revolution in mobility". Car manufacturers were "destroying the lives of countless people worldwide with their growth imperative", one of the climate groups said ahead of the fair. Automotive groups have not helped their case recently by recording massive profits on the back of strong inflation. Manufacturers -- particularly those at the high end of the market -- have been able to benefit from rising prices to boost their margins. A growing climate consciousness movement is increasingly pitting environmental activists against carmakers. Mindful of society's changing views on automobiles, the IAA upped sticks from Frankfurt to Munich in 2021 and restyled itself as a festival for all forms of "mobility" -- bringing bikes and scooters into the fold. As well as cleaning up its image, the move was an attempt to reinvigorate traditional motor shows. The marquee events have struggled to attract manufacturers, who are doubtful that they create enough publicity to be worth the bother. In 2022, the Paris Motor Show saw visitor numbers dwindle, as it was cut in length from two weeks to one. Many big European names, such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Ferrari were absent from the French fair, to which Chinese carmakers like BYD by contrast turned up. The post Chinese carmakers confront European industry at Munich show appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Who foots bill?
In the grant of certiorari, or in layman’s terms allowing the Court of Appeals to intervene in an Energy Regulatory Commission decision, the appellate court cited ERC’s “abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.” Legal experts, nonetheless, said the situation could be the opposite with the CA undermining the mandate of a quasi-judicial agency in issuing its recent ruling. The CA made the writ of preliminary injunction permanent thus allowing business giant San Miguel Corporation to disregard ERC’s rejection of its price increase petitions that did not favor it. Moreover, the court’s 13th Division ruled to grant the price adjustment petitions of SMC units South Premiere Power Corp. and San Miguel Energy Corp., thus subverting the ERC which had ruled against the SMC appeals. The ERC, through Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, had previously criticized the CA 13th Division’s grant of a writ of preliminary injunction or WPI as having “the immediate effect of prejudging the disposition of the main petition.” Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is a former Davao City prosecutor, had condemned the indiscriminate dispensation of the WPI and/or temporary restraining order or TRO, particularly on a purely business matter. In the ERC case, the CA was able to take over the functions of the regulator using the strength of the WPI. In essence, it assumed the mandate of the ERC while the WPI was in effect, which is now permanent based on the recent ruling. Such omnipotence of the court triggered Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile to coin the word “Presidential Injunction” which was his way of criticizing the frequent overreach by the court. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had also urged the court to review the TRO, saying that it would result in higher electricity bills. Guevarra, in the ERC’s motion for the CA to reconsider the grant of the WPI, said the “settled principle is that an injunctive relief will not be issued if it will result to a premature disposition or a prejudgment of the case on its merits.” The SolGen said that consequently, courts are “cautioned” against issuing a WPI and/or TRO when the issuance thereof “would have the result of disposing of the main case without trial.” Set aside by the CA ruling was the ERC order of 29 September requiring the SMC energy arms to strictly adhere to the terms and conditions of their power supply agreements with Meralco. “Thus, by granting the petitioner’s application for the issuance of the WPI, the Honorable Court, in effect, affirmed the petitioner’s act of terminating the PSA,” Guevarra said. He added: “The grant of the WPI had the same effect as though the instant petition was already granted upon a finding of grave abuse of discretion on the part of the ERC.” The CA ruling stated what SolGen had warned about and gave relief to SMC through the permanent injunction. The ERC now has the option to appeal the CA ruling and thereafter elevate the case to the Supreme Court. The sum of it is that SMC escaped its obligation under its contract with Meralco “to the damage and prejudice of the public consumers,” according to Guevarra. The court gave SMC the option of still pursuing the PSAs with the adjustments in price despite the provision on straight pricing that did not allow the pass-on of costs to consumers. But why bother, when it can also unilaterally terminate the contract through the court order disregarding the ERC ruling? As such, SMC can exercise its will freely on how to collect from electricity users the P15 billion or so that it claimed to have lost from the Meralco contract that it had won through a fair bid. The crux of the ongoing legal tussle is that it would be the consumers who would have to bear the consequences of bad business decisions that SMC made in the supply contract. The post Who foots bill? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Constantino begins 3-peat bid in ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge
The pressure to deliver for a record run doesn’t bother Harmie Constantino a bit, but the back-to-back winner at Luisita and Villamor has underscored the need for consistency. .....»»
Change of address information failure
If you are party to a case, it is vital that you inform the court where you want to receive its orders and decisions. Failure to do so might lead to disastrous consequences. Imagine losing the opportunity to file a motion for reconsideration solely because you did not inform the court about your change of address. Good if you won the case. At least there is nothing for you to ask the court to reconsider. But what if you lost? In Patrica Q. Austria-Carreon vs. Luis Emmanuel C. Carreon (G.R. 222908 promulgated on 6 December 2021), petitioner Patricia filed for a declaration of nullity of her marriage to her husband Luis. The trial court, after due proceedings, found the case meritorious and declared the parties’ marriage void. The State, through the Office of the Solicitor-General however, did not agree. It appealed the case to the Court of Appeals, which eventually decided the case in favor of the OSG’s argument. It reversed the trial court’s decision. The Court of Appeals after rendering said decision, furnished the parties a copy of the decision at their official addresses on record. Prior to the decision, however, petitioner Patricia’s counsel withdrew from the case. Said counsel requested the court that in lieu of his address, all orders of the court be furnished to Patricia at her own address. And accordingly, the appellate court did so. Unfortunately, petitioner Patricia, by the time the decision was sent to her address, no longer lived there. She, however, did not inform the court about her new address. The decision then became final and executory. Months ensued and Patricia asked her new counsel to check on the status of the case. Her new counsel found out there was already an entry of judgment, meaning the decision was no longer subject to reconsideration. Patricia argued in her motion for reconsideration that she never received the decision. Her argument did not merit the nod of the appellate court. Thus, the petitioner took the issue to the Supreme Court. This is the Highest Court’s pronouncement. “The records reveal that only petitioner could be faulted for her failure to receive a copy of the CA Decision. From the time of Atty. Bihis’ withdrawal of appearance as petitioner’s counsel on 12 September 2012, which was done with her conformity, until 12 January 2016, when petitioner’s new counsel filed a Formal Entry of Appearance with Motion for Reconsideration with the CA, the petitioner did not bother to secure the services of a new counsel. Worse, she transferred to another residence without informing the CA of her new address, which led to her failure to track the notices of the case. The records of the case also showed that the petitioner no longer filed the required appellee’s brief before the CA. The general rule is that where a party is represented by an attorney in an action or proceedings in a court of record, all required notices must be given to the attorney on record. The service of the court’s order upon any person other than counsel on record is not legally effective and binding upon the party, and it may not start the running of the corresponding reglementary period for the subsequent procedural steps that may be taken by the attorney. Here, there was no counsel of record at the time the CA rendered the assailed decision because the petitioner’s former counsel withdrew his appearance, with her conformity. As such, the CA sent all notices to the petitioner’s address on record. The notices were then returned unserved for the reason that the petitioner had ‘moved out.’ Indeed, petitioner cannot successfully invoke denial of due process in failing to receive the CA decision because of her own fault. Petitioner slept on her rights; first, by not securing the service of a new counsel after the withdrawal of representation by her former counsel with her conformity; and second, by not informing the CA of her new address. To countenance petitioner’s act would put a premium on negligence and encourage the non-termination of cases simply by not informing the courts of a new forwarding address.” See how devastating a simple mistake can do. Had she informed the court about her new address, she could have been informed right away about the court’s decision. More importantly, she could have done what was necessary; that is file a motion for reconsideration, within the period allowed by the rules. And had she done so, she may not have lost the fight. The facts and quoted salient portion of the decision are from the case mentioned above. The post Change of address information failure appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»