Christine Jacob, Paolo Abrera sign off as CNN Philippines shuts down
CNN Philippines' "New Day" hosts Ria Tanjuatco-Trillo, Jamie Herrell, Paolo Abrera and Christine Jacob-Sandejas bid farewell to the viewers of the network, which just announced its shut down today......»»
Dominic Roque nakipag-bonding sa ibang members ng Nguya Squad
MASAYANG ibinandera ni Dominic Roque ang kanyang pakikipag-bonding sa mga kaibigan na miyembro rin ng Nguya Squad. Sa kanyang Instagram post two days ago ay makikitang kasa-kasama niya ang ilang miyembro ng kanilang grupo na sina Khalil Ramos, Gabbi Garcia, Patrick Sugui, Aeriel Garcia-Sugui, Marco Gumabao at ang dyowa niyang si Christine Reyes. “Olivia Sugui,”.....»»
Vivamax star Christine Bermas tumigil sa showbiz dahil sa mental health
PAGPASOK pa lang ng 2024, kakabog agad ang dibdib n’yo sa sexy psycho-thriller na handog ng Vivamax – ang “Bedspacer” starring Christine Bermas and Micaella Raz. Iikot ang kuwento nito kay Janice na tinatakasan ang isang iskandalo pero mapapasok sa mas matinding kapahamakan. Tahimik at may pagkamahiyain si Janice, pero nagkarelasyon sa kanyang teacher. Nag-viral pa.....»»
Woman from Sogod found dead in Mandaue City
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The body of a 28-year-old woman from Sogod, northern Cebu, was discovered at an open lot along Ouano Avenue in Barangay Tipolo, Mandaue City, Cebu on Thursday evening, January 4, 2024. The woman was later identified as 28-year-old Christine Pepito, a native of Ibabao, Sogod, Cebu. Pepito was reportedly residing temporarily.....»»
Pasig s Ducanes strikes table tennis gold in Batang Pinoy
Olympia Ducanes led Pasig’s campaign in the Batang Pinoy table tennis tournament, winning the gold medal over Christine Elep of Camarines Norte, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7, in the mini cadet girls division at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Paranaque City......»»
Hallasgo, Bautista blow away PNG rivals
Southeast Asian Games veterans Christine Hallasgo and Clinton Bautista cast their long, intimidating shadows in centerpiece athletics even as Baguio’s martial artists wreaked havoc in wushu in the Philippine National Games yesterday......»»
Hallasgo, Bautista blow away PNG rivals
Southeast Asian Games veterans Christine Hallasgo and Clinton Bautista cast their long, intimidating shadows in centerpiece athletics even as Baguio’s martial artists wreaked havoc in wushu in the Philippine National Games yesterday......»»
Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development
Following his visit to Babak District the previous day, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and a staunch advocate of community development, attended another Provincial Health Information Management System Orientation in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, 25 October. The said program aims to enhance healthcare delivery, streamline information flow, and ensure that citizens across the region have access to quality health services. Go personally accorded recognition to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) for their efforts to promote the health and well-being of their constituents. He also noted that BHWs are the backbone of healthcare in the country, acting as the first line of defense in ensuring the welfare of their respective communities. "Bilang isang senador gusto kong pasalamatan ang ating mga barangay health workers. Hindi natin mararating ito ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyong sakripisyo na magserbisyo. Dapat kayo ang pasalamatan ngayong araw. Palakpakan natin ang ating mga barangay health workers,” expressed Go. “Sa totoo lang sa panahon ng pandemya nahirapan talaga tayo. Pero (dahil) sa inyong pagtutulungan at pagserbisyo sa mamamayan, nalampasan natin ito. Hindi tayo makapag-gather ngayon o makapagtipon kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Ganito man ang inyong trabaho, nakita ko ang importansya at kung anong serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa barangay level ang iniaambag ninyo,” he continued. During the event, Go was also joined by Councilor Sonny Lanorias, BHW City Coordinator Christine Enriquez Lara, BHW District Federation President Alicia Sastrillas, and District Coordinator Arlene Pacquaio, among others. The senator also extended assistance to around 200 BHWs present, such as gift packs, masks, vitamins, shirts, meals, and balls for basketball and volleyball. He also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and watches to select recipients. He also extended similar assistance to the 201 BHWs who attended the previous day. On October 23, around 250 BHWs were also given similar assistance by his staff. Continuing his message, Go pledged his commitment to working with the local government to ensure that BHWs receive proper training, resources, and compensation. The lawmaker outlined his legislative initiatives, specifically on two key bills: Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 or the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, and SBN 427, or the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Bill. The proposed Magna Carta for Barangays aims to bolster support for barangays, enabling them to effectively carry out their responsibilities. This measure proposes that barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer, be accorded treatment similar to that of regular government employees. If this bill becomes law, it will entitle them to salaries, benefits, allowances, and other related perks. On the other hand, SBN 427 proposed granting BHWs a monthly honorarium, coupled with other benefits encompassing allowances, job security, consistent training, and opportunities for skill development. Furthermore, the bill extends these benefits to encompass support from institutions like the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund. “Na-hearing na po ito sa sub-committee on Health sa pangunguna ni Senator JV (Ejercito) at mayroon pang mga susunod na committee hearings at papakinggan po ang mga LGUs syempre, unang-una rito ‘yung kakayahan po nilang magbigay ng kompensasyon,” shared Go in an interview after his visit to Kapalong on October 24. “Ito pong bill na ito kung saan po ay magkakaroon sila ng mga karagdagang benepisyo… Kung sakaling maisabatas magkakaroon po sila ng monthly honorarium. Kasama na diyan ang job security, regular trainings, skill development opportunities, along with a potential to acquire civil service eligibility,” he continued. Furthermore, Go also referenced SBN 2399, a proposal aimed at declaring April 7 as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers (BHNW) Day. This initiative acknowledges the pivotal role played by BHNWs in the delivery of primary healthcare services within communities. Go has reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality. This commitment is manifested through his backing of the continued operations of Malasakit Centers, the construction of Super Health Centers, and the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers across the nation. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program is designed to help ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partnered agencies. This was institutionalized in 2019 through the passage of RA 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go. Currently, 159 operational Malasakit centers have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The senator was likewise instrumental in pushing for adequate funding to ensure that more Super Health Centers are established across the country. Some 307 Super Health Centers were funded in 2022 and 322 more in 2023, through the initiative of Go, DOH, local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers. The Super Health Centers will offer a range of healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. Moreover, the senator is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. During the previous day, Go also visited Davao del Norte to participate in the blessing and turnover of a multipurpose building in the Municipality of Kapalong. This project was funded with Go's support as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He also inspected Balay ni Maria, a facility completed in 2020, and another project he supported the funding of. This infrastructure served as an isolation center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Central banks in no rush to cut interest rates
Investors were hoping to hear central banks finally signal this week that they were close to being done raising interest rates in their battle against inflation. Instead, policymakers indicated that high rates are here for a while yet, with more hikes on the cards and few, if any, cuts in the near future. The US Federal Reserve set the tone on Wednesday when it paused its rate-hike campaign but caused a stir by leaving the door open to another increase before the end of the year. The central bank also unsettled investors by saying that only two cuts were expected next year instead of four as anticipated. The Fed has more room to keep its "hawkish" stance as the US economy has performed better than feared despite the rate increases. This firm position is shared by other central banks. Norway's rate hike Thursday was anticipated, but it also warned further tightening was "likely" in December, while ruling out any easing before next year. Growth or inflation This firm tone came "as a surprise to the markets," which have "decided that the peak" of rate hikes is "happening right now," HSBC economist Fabio Balboni told AFP, even though "central banks' communications leave the door open to the possibility to further hikes". It leaves "real uncertainty about the level of inflation next year", he said. Their decision "reflects a compromise between growth and inflation", he added. The rate hikes raise the cost of credit for businesses and consumers, which theoretically in turn reduces demand and inflationary pressures. But if demand slows too much, it runs the risk of triggering a recession. Faced with this dilemma, the European Central Bank (ECB) chose inflation-limiting measures, with a 10th consecutive rate hike. That took its benchmark rate to 4.0 percent, the highest since 1999. "We can't say we have peaked," ECB president Christine Lagarde said, although other officials indicated that the cycle of raising rates might be coming to a close. "Our future decisions will ensure that the key ECB interest rates will be set at sufficiently restrictive levels for as long as necessary," the bank's chief economist Philip Lane said Thursday in New York. Return to lower rates There are other signs, however, that rates are reaching their peak. The Bank of England on Thursday announced its first pause on raising rates since December 2021, following a slight decline in UK inflation in August. Switzerland and Japan -- like half of all central banks -- have also chosen to halt raising rates in the past 10 days. "We expect no more rate hikes in the future" for the US, England and Europe central banks, said Balboni. Jennifer McKeown of Capital Economics said she expected the last hikes to come in the fourth quarter, and that the easing cycle would take hold as 2024 approaches. "By this time next year, we anticipate that 21 out of the world's 30 major central banks will be cutting interest rates," she wrote. Although Balboni, taking a more measured stance, said "in the context of weak growth, it will be very complicated to reduce rates" while inflation remains "too high". Instead, he believes reductions to US rates won't be seen until the third quarter of 2024, while the rest of the world will have to wait until 2025 for rate relief. The post Central banks in no rush to cut interest rates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Circular Explorer boosts Manila Bay rehab
A solar-powered, marine waste-removing vessel has removed and recycled 600,000 tons of plastic waste from Manila Bay from January, when it started its cleanup of the polluted body of water, to June. On 10 September, the Circular Explorer also collected 18,415 kilograms of waste, including 7,965 kilograms of plastics, in 3.84 million square meters of the bay. With the significant accomplishment of the Circular Explorer, which is operated by the Holcim Group and One Earth-One Ocean, a partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is now in the works to align the vessel’s activities with the agency’s Manila Bay rehabilitation program. “We are proud to see the Circular Explorer in action and responding to the enormous challenge of marine pollution. The vessel also plays a key role in amplifying our message on the importance of circularity to preserve natural resources and minimize waste,” Holcim Philippines president and CEO Horia Adrian said. “With the first months of cleanup operations, a vision has become reality. We are now actively helping clean Manila Bay with this unique prototype vessel,” OEOO Circular Explorer project manager Daniel Scheler said. The Philippine Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection Command participate in the Circular Explorer’s daily cleanup of the bay. The vessel has special sensors for collecting data on marine microplastics, huge concentrations of which endanger aquatic life. The gathered information is shared with the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, which is studying waste management and aquatic conservation strategies. The vessel is also spreading awareness on the importance of a circular economy through an education campaign with the advocacy organization Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation. “I am stoked to see even more important milestones coming up soon, as we are about to take the next exciting steps toward consolidating our Education and Scientific pillars,” according to Scheler. Holcim Group Circular Explorer project manager Christine Bellen, for her part, said, “We are excited to see the Circular Explorer reach new milestones under its waste collection, science, and education pillars in collaboration with our amazing partners. As it gathers more support in its mission, we are confident in seeing it deliver a bigger positive impact that can extend beyond the Philippines.” The education campaign will be run in a number of public and private elementary schools to embed the value of protecting seas and conserving resources among elementary and high school students. The post Circular Explorer boosts Manila Bay rehab appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pause or hike? ECB rate decision on a knife edge
The European Central Bank is walking a tightrope between still-high inflation and a darkening eurozone outlook as it decides whether to lift interest rates again or finally pause its historic hiking cycle. Whether to raise borrowing costs for a 10th straight time when they meet Thursday is shaping up to be rate-setters trickiest decision since the tightening campaign began. The central bank for the 20 countries that use the euro has already lifted rates by 4.25 percentage points since July last year to combat runaway consumer prices. But the Frankfurt institution now finds itself in a "difficult spot," HSBC said in a note, as officials struggle to digest competing data. On one hand prospects for the single currency area are looking bleaker, particularly due to a poor performance in its biggest economy, Germany, which sank into a recession over the winter and is struggling to climb out of it. Latest data showed eurozone second-quarter growth reached just 0.1 percent, lower than previously estimated, while a recent survey pointed to the economy contracting at its fastest rate in three years as a manufacturing slowdown spread to services. The weak data has fuelled calls for the ECB to pause the aggressive hiking cycle for fear it could deepen a downturn, and President Christine Lagarde finally opened the door to doing so at the bank's last meeting in July. Eye-watering inflation But consumer prices, which began surging after Russia's invasion of Ukraine due to galloping energy costs, continue to rise strongly. This would support arguments for another hike to borrowing costs, with the aim of further depressing demand and slowing inflation. Consumer price rises came in unchanged at 5.3 percent in August, way above the ECB's two percent target, although closely-watched core inflation -- excluding volatile energy and food prices -- eased a little. While inflation has slowed since last year as energy costs fall, officials are now worried that other factors, particularly wage increases in a tight labor market, are keeping it elevated. The data makes for a "very complicated mixed bag," said ING economist Carsten Brzeski. "We expect a very heated debate with a close outcome." Brzeski said he expected the 26-member governing council to opt for one final increase, which would take the closely-watched deposit rate to a record high. Other analysts, however, are betting on a pause on Thursday, although they also think the ECB might then impose one final hike at a later meeting. This would be similar to what the US Federal Reserve has done -- taking a break in June before resuming lifting rates again in July. The Fed and the Bank of England are due to hold their next meetings the week after the ECB. Hawks versus doves ECB officials have insisted their decision will depend on incoming data, which has put the focus on updated forecasts the central bank is also due to release on Thursday. In the run-up to the meeting, they have mostly been cagey about what will happen, a contrast to other recent meetings where the decision was usually well-telegraphed in advance. And mixed signals have emerged in recent days. Governing council member Peter Kazimir called for another 25-basis-point hike, with the Slovak central bank chief writing in an op-ed it is "better to be safe than sorry". But another member, Italian central bank boss Ignazio Visco, disagreed with those who think it is better to overdo it, rather than undershoot, while ECB chief economist Philip Lane welcomed signs inflation was easing in some areas. Analysts stressed it was far from clear whether the "hawks", backers of further tightening, or "doves" -- proponents of a pause -- would prevail on Thursday. But if they do choose to lift rates, it will likely be "the final hike in this cycle, with the ECB on hold until at least mid-2024," said Frederik Ducrozet, chief economist at Pictet Wealth Management. The post Pause or hike? ECB rate decision on a knife edge appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Thousands stuck in mud at Burning Man festival, one dead
Tens of thousands of festival-goers were stranded Sunday in deep mud in the Nevada desert after rain turned the annual Burning Man gathering into a quagmire, with police investigating one death. Video footage showed costume-wearing "burners" struggling across the wet gray-brown site, some using trash bags as makeshift boots, while many vehicles were stuck in the sludge. All events at the counterculture festival, which drew some 70,000 people, were canceled after rain tore down structures for dance parties, art installations and other entertainment. Police said they were probing one death, without giving further details. Road gates in and out of the Black Rock City venue were closed, but some desperate attendees trudged on foot for hours to reach the nearest road and hitch a lift out. "It was an incredibly harrowing 6 mile (10 kilometer) hike at midnight through heavy and slippery mud, but I got safely out," lawyer Neal Katyal said on social media. "It is very slippery and the mud is like cement and sticks to your boots. "No one should try this unless in good shape and part of a group. These are dangerous conditions to hike and will likely get worse." Festival crowds were asked to shelter in place and conserve food and water after the heavy rains started Friday night, with more downpours forecast on Sunday. "You can't really walk or drive," a young woman with dreadlocks named Christine Lee, a circus performer, said on TikTok. Internet service was not available or patchy, she said. "My boots are five inches, and the mud became five inches so I was kind of on stilts," Lee said, adding people were being told they may be stuck until Tuesday. "We have enough tuna for a week so we're OK." A video posted on social media showed comedian Chris Rock hitching a ride in the back of a pickup truck after managing to leave. Pershing County Sheriff’s Sargent Nathan Carmichael told CNN the conditions are difficult. The muck "seems to stick to people, stick to tires (and) makes it very, very difficult to move vehicles around," he said, adding that most RV motorhomes were stranded. Organizers urged festivalgoers to "conserve food, water and fuel, and shelter in a warm, safe space," saying the "playa" -- the huge open-air esplanade where the event unfolds -- was impassable. "Look out for your neighbors, introduce yourself," they added. The festival was scheduled to conclude on Monday. 'Survival guide' The organizers warned only some four-wheel drive vehicles with all-terrain tires were able to move. "Anything less than that will get stuck. It will hamper exodus if we have cars stuck on roads in our camping areas, or on the Gate Road out of the city," they said on a "2023 Wet Playa Survival Guide" special webpage. If necessary, they said it was possible to walk to the nearest road, where buses would be provided to take people to Reno. Mobile cellphone trailers were being deployed and the site's wireless internet was opened for public access. "We have done table-top drills for events like this. We are engaged full-time on all aspects of safety," organizers said. Last year, the festival contended with an intense heat wave and strong winds. Launched in 1986 in San Francisco, Burning Man aims to be an undefinable event, somewhere between a celebration of counterculture and a spiritual retreat. The festival -- for which tickets cost hundreds of dollars -- culminates each year with the ceremonial burning of a 40-foot (12-meter) effigy. It has been held since the 1990s in the Black Rock Desert, a protected area in northwest Nevada, which the organizers are committed to preserving. The post Thousands stuck in mud at Burning Man festival, one dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Veggie, legume stakeholders eye production increase
City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Vegetables and legumes stakeholders recently conducted a meeting at the conference room of the Department of Agriculture Central Luzon to boost their production in the region. According to the DA’s Regional Field Office 3, the meeting aimed to discuss the current situation on the production of vegetables and legumes, farmers, and the area these produce are being planted, including agreements and future plans. During the opening, Agriculturist II Glarissa Balbarez introduced the participants of the various sectors of the industry. Around 50 people took part in the event that consisted of farmers and officials from the Office of Provincial Agriculture and Municipal Agriculture Office of every province in the region. High Value Crops Development Program Focal Person Engr. AB David has cited the importance of the meeting and the exchange of information and ideas to further improve the production and marketing of vegetables and legumes. Meanwhile, Balbarez discussed the Lowland Vegetable and Legumes Situations in Region 3, followed by the presentation of Agriculturist II Christine Joy Corpuz regarding Lowland Vegetables and Mungbean Profile in Central Luzon FY 2022-2023. The post Veggie, legume stakeholders eye production increase appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DBM imposes penalties on Pharmally-linked officials
The Department of Budget and Management on Thursday said it has started enforcing penalties against seven officials who were sued by the Office of the Ombudsman for irregular purchase of P4-billion COVID-19 testing kits from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation. DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said she already ordered DBM Executive Director Dennis Santiago to impose penalties for graft charges against former DBM undersecretary Christopher Lao. The other six are Warren Liong, Paul Jasper de Guzman, Webster Laurenana, August Ylagan, Jasonmer Uayan and Christine Marie Suntay. Their penalties include forfeiture of all retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from reemployment in the government service and fines worth their one-year salaries. “DBM holds steadfast in its commitment to uphold the principles of transparency, good governance, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law,” Pangandaman said. The Office of the Ombudsman released its decision on 14 August which found Lao et al. conspired to secure the purchase of the COVID-19 testing kits in three transactions in 2020 despite their disadvantages. “Respondents' concerted and conspiratorial acts enabled the award of a multibillion worth of contract to Pharmally notwithstanding the existence of other corporations that are financially and technically capable to supply and deliver test kits at an equal or lower prices," the Ombudsman said. The post DBM imposes penalties on Pharmally-linked officials appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos appoints CHEd execs
The Commission on Higher Education announced on Wednesday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed three new officials of the agency, which included a former president of a state university in Iloilo. The President appointed Iloilo Science and Technology University President Raul Muyong, Corinna Frances Cabanilla and Dr. Christine Ferrer as Directors IV of CHEd. “I congratulate and welcome our three new CHEd officials. They all come with impressive academic credentials and expertise that will help CHEd implement its mandates and priorities under the Marcos administration,” said CHEd chairperson Prospero de Vera III. Muyong earned his Doctor of Education degree major in Educational Management from the West Visayas State University in March 1997; Master of Science in Industrial Education major in Educational Management from Western Visayas College of Science and Technology in April 1991; and his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education degree from the same institution in April 1986 where he graduated as Magna Cum Laude. He is a two-term President of ISAT U and is responsible for the rapid improvement of ISAT U particularly in science and technology programs, including impressive performance in the licensure examination in Electronics Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Cabanilla, on the other hand, serves as director-in-charge of the local graduate scholarship programs of CHEd that provides opportunities for faculty members to finish their masters and doctoral degrees. She is also the Representative of the CHEd chairman in the Philippine-American Educational Foundation which sets the policy direction and implementation of Fulbright Scholarships for Filipinos, CHEd representative for the Department of Science and Technology National Technical and Selection Committee on Science and Technology Scholarships. She was originally connected with the UP NCPAG Center for Policy and Executive Development. The post Marcos appoints CHEd execs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SC junks celebrity doctor’s appeal
The Supreme Court on Tuesday disclosed that it has dismissed the appeal of celebrity doctor Joel Mendez to set aside the decision of the Court of Appeals affirming the seven-year jail term slapped against him by the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City for violating the provisions of Republic Act 8282 or the Social Security Act of 1997. In a six-page resolution dated 31 July 2023, the High Court’s First Division did not give merit to Mendez’s claim that the CA’s Former Special Eight Division — through Associate Justices Edwin Sorongon, Sesinando E. Villon and Marie Christine Azcarraga-Jacob — committed grave abuse of discretion when they outright dismissed his petition. This stemmed from the petition of Mendez before the SC invoking anew “extrinsic fraud” on the part of his lawyer in seeking reconsideration of the CA’s ruling. The doctor claimed that the failure of his former counsel to attend scheduled hearings for his presentation of evidence and his counsel’s failure to inform him of the hearings and that his presence was required during the proceedings were tantamount to “extrinsic fraud.” Extrinsic fraud refers to “fraudulent act of the prevailing party in litigation committed outside of the trial of the case, whereby the defeated party is prevented from fully exhibiting his side of the case by fraud or deception practiced on him by his opponent, such as by keeping him away from court; by giving him a false promise of a compromise; or where the defendant never had the knowledge of the suit, being kept in ignorance by the acts of plaintiff; or where an attorney fraudulently or without authority connives at his defeat.” The SC, though, held that Mendez’s contention that the failure to present his side due to his former counsel’s negligence constitutes extrinsic fraud, “is untenable.” “As a ground for the annulment of a judgment, extrinsic fraud must emanate from an act of the adverse party, and the fraud must be of such nature as to have deprived petitioner of their day in court,” said the SC. “The fraud is not extrinsic if the act was committed by petitioner’s own counsel. In this light, we have ruled in several cases that a lawyer’s mistake or gross negligence does not amount to the extrinsic fraud that would grant a petition for annulment of judgment,” it added. Also, the SC stressed that Mendez failed to comply with the 60-day period under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court within which to file the present petition questioning the CA decision, adding that Atty. Marc Anthony B. Antonio, one of Mendez’s former counsels, received a copy of the CA resolution dated 16 April 2019 on 2 May 2019. Mendez alleged that Antonio informed him about the resolution only on 19 June 2019. The court added that Mendez — instead of filing the present petition for certiorari within 60 days from 2 May 2019 — secured the services of a new lawyer and filed the petition only on 8 August 2019, or 98 days after Antonio received the CA Resolution dated 16 April 2019. “As keenly observed by the OSG (Office of the Solicitor General, Mendez blames yet again one of his former lawyers who allegedly belatedly informed him of the receipt of the CA Resolution dated 16 April 2019,” the SC said. “This is a self-serving allegation not supported by any evidence and, thus, deserves scant consideration. A party alleging a critical fact must support their allegation with substantial evidence, for any decision based on unsubstantiated allegation cannot stand without offending due process,” it added. To recall, the CA — in its August 2018 decision — denied the petition filed by Mendez seeking to annul the 18 July 2016 decision of QC RTC Branch 88 Presiding Judge Rossana Fe Romero which found her guilty of violating Republic Act 8282. It did not give weight to Mendez’s contentions, stressing that the SC has previously ruled that a lawyer’s neglect in keeping track of the case and his failure to apprise his client of the development of the case do not constitute extrinsic fraud. Mendez, who owns a chain of dermatology clinics in the country, was sentenced to a jail term ranging from six years and one day as minimum to seven years as maximum by the QC RTC. He was also ordered to pay SSS a total of P1,865,657.50 representing unpaid contributions from October 2011 to January 2013 with an interest of three percent per month from July 2015 until full payment. The post SC junks celebrity doctor’s appeal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Equities edge higher as inflation moderates
Global stocks mostly edged up on Monday as investors remained optimistic that interest rates will not go higher and China made moves to boost lackluster growth. Wall Street stocks finished a choppy session modestly higher, as investors traded cautiously ahead of key economic and earnings releases later in the week. European stock markets were boosted by data showing the economy grew in the second quarter and inflation slowed in July, raising hopes the European Central Bank will be able to hold off from hiking interest rates. Asian equities closed with gains, tracing a pre-weekend bump on Wall Street and bolstered by new pledges from China of measures to stimulate its stuttering economy. In the eurozone, official figures on Monday showed the economy grew 0.3 percent in the second quarter, while inflation eased to 5.3 percent in July from 5.5 percent the previous month. That could support expectations for a pause in ECB rate hikes after its chief Christine Lagarde said Sunday "we are reaching our goal" of inflation at around two percent. "We do expect a much lower reading in inflation by the end of the year," said Bert Colijn, a senior economist at ING. Inflation remains much higher in the UK, at nearly eight percent, putting the Bank of England on course to raise interest rates once more on Thursday. In China, the world's second-largest economy, the government announced fresh measures to boost consumption days after unveiling some initiatives for light industry. The move comes as spending by China's vast number of consumers remains subdued even after the lifting of strict Covid containment measures late last year. A fresh round of figures showed the country's manufacturing activity continued to shrink in July, albeit at a slightly slower pace than last month. Hopes for a government drive to kickstart the economy have provided much-needed support to markets over the past week, even as some observers warn the large-scale measures seen in the past were unlikely. Oil prices kept rising. "Fears that Saudi Arabia will go further and extend their production cuts into September is seeing demand return at the same time as the US economy looks to be faring better than expected," said analyst Michael Hewson at CMC Markets. In currency markets, the yen continued its retreat against the dollar as the Bank of Japan announced a move to buy government bonds. This was seen as a message to the market that the central bank was committed to keeping the long-term interest rate in check. The bank slightly increased the flexibility of its super-easy monetary policy last week, but it was seen as a small enough change not to disrupt the market. The post Equities edge higher as inflation moderates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Drone attack wounds video journalist
An Agence France-Presse video journalist was wounded by a drone attack while reporting at a Ukrainian artillery position on Monday, AFP reporters who witnessed the explosion said. Dylan Collins, an American citizen based in Lebanon but on assignment in Ukraine, sustained multiple shrapnel injuries in the attack in a forested area near the southern Ukraine region of Bakhmut. He was evacuated to a nearby hospital where he was being treated and doctors have said his condition was not life-threatening. Collins, 35, is conscious and speaking to colleagues. “We are investigating the full circumstances behind this incident. Our thoughts are with Dylan and his loved ones,” AFP’s Europe Director Christine Buhagiar said in a statement. Bakhmut has been at the epicenter of the fighting in eastern Ukraine. The city fell into Russian hands in May after a battle that lasted nearly a year. Since the start of a counteroffensive in June, Ukrainian forces have been advancing slowly to the north and south of Bakhmut in an attempt to surround Russian forces and eventually re-take the city. The attacks along Bakhmut’s flanks run into stiff Russian defenses and minefields. Collins has been working for AFP since 2018 and is currently the agency’s video coordinator for Lebanon and Syria. He has made regular trips to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s invasion in February last year and was in the capital Kyiv in first days of the assault. Collins has worked extensively in Middle East conflict zones and covered the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war for AFP. AFP video journalist Arman Soldin was killed aged 32 by Russian rocket fire near Bakhmut in May. Russia hikes ammo production Meanwhile, Russia said Monday it had dramatically increased production of ammunition and military equipment, as its offensive in Ukraine enters its 18th month. “Since the beginning of this year, many types of weapons and military equipment are being produced in quantities far above last year,” Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said. “In terms of munitions, we are reaching a level where deliveries in a month exceed last year’s total orders,” Manturov said. Western sanctions have sought to hinder Moscow’s ability to restock by banning exports of machine parts and electronic components that could be used on the battlefield. But analysts say Russia has circumvented some sanctions by importing through third countries. Last week, Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak said Ukraine was using from 5,000 to 10,000 of one type of shell daily. WITH AFP The post Drone attack wounds video journalist appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Baguio PWDs undergo stress management seminar
BAGUIO CITY — The Persons with Disability Affairs Office of the Baguio City Government and the Philippine Mental Health Association of the Philippines Baguio Chapter treat 144 persons with disabilities, their guardians, and their families to a Stress Management Seminar last 19 July. The program aimed at guiding participants to what stress really is and its effects to health and relationships in the family. PDAO Baguio chief Samuel Aquino stressed that it will also let them deeply comprehend on the impact of stress to the PWDs which is one of the focus points in the observation of the 45th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week this year. Meantime, PMHA Baguio-Benguet chief executive manager Christine Gina Dailay-Camsol explained to the participants that stress should be handled properly so that it will not lead to a greater risk like depression and anxiety. She added there are different coping mechanisms of every individual on how they handle stress depending on the kind of stressor or the causes of their stress. The post Baguio PWDs undergo stress management seminar appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Selyado 5.0 cyber security forum highlights privacy-enabled secure systems
Union Bank of the Philippines recently held the fifth iteration of its annual Selyado series, which focused on data privacy and security. Led by data privacy and cyber security experts from the public and private sectors, the event entitled “Selyado 5.0: Fostering A Privacy-Enabled Secure System” aimed to raise awareness and promote privacy-enabled secure ecosystems for Filipinos through four different activities held from 17 May to 7 June 2023. “This year’s Selyado is all about empowering ordinary Filipinos with the knowledge that will help them safeguard their data and privacy, which is invaluable in a world where threat actors are becoming more innovative in their methods of causing harm in the digital space,” said UnionBank Data Privacy Office head and deputy data protection officer Atty. Jesse Pauline Solis, who presided over the event. Kicking off the event was “Selyado on Wheels: School Edition,” a symposium designed for Grade 10 students held in partnership with Pasig City Science High School. It featured Privacy Compliance officer Atty. Danniel Amorin provided practical strategies for safeguarding personal information, while DevSecOps engineer Johann Paolo Abog discussed cybersecurity fundamentals, including identifying phishing and scams and securing accounts and sensitive data. UnionBank’s chief information security officer Joey Rufo delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing that the youth who are safe and secure online are the nation’s hope. On 24 May, UnionBank led an online roundtable discussion where Rufo, together with the Data Protection Officers of the Aboitiz Group (Christine Kempeneers of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Ed Monares of Pilmico Food Group, Atty. Ernie Villarin of Visayan Electric Co., Inc., and Atty. Mischele Sta. Ana of Aboitiz Land) talked about data privacy and the importance of data subject rights. The “Selyado on Wheels” symposium was conducted for the Banilad Center for Professional Development in Cebu City students with the theme “Fostering a Privacy-Enabled Secure Ecosystem.” The event was crucial in cultivating a privacy -conscious and cyber-resilient community, particularly among the youth. Selyado 5.0 culminated on 7 June with discussions led by experts, who delivered insightful talks that addressed critical aspects of data privacy and security. National Privacy Commission Deputy Commissioner Atty. Leandro Angelo Aguirre emphasized the significance of safeguarding personal data, particularly for the younger generation. He cited potential risks posed by online quizzes and surveys designed to extract sensitive information, underscored the role of parents as the “frontline defenders,” and encouraged them “to be vigilant, read terms and conditions, and monitor their children’s online activities.” The post Selyado 5.0 cyber security forum highlights privacy-enabled secure systems appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»