Palace: Foreigners cannot engage in political activity
Malacañang on Thursday, April 19, stressed that foreigners are prohibited by law to engage in any political activity in the country. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. in a Palace press briefing mentioned this prohibition in relation to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s order to conduct a probe against Australian nun Sister Patricia Fox. Roque said the…
President Duterte reiterates tough stance vs illegal drugs during PNP event
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday led the change of command rites of the Philippine National Police and renewed his warning against those involved in illegal drugs. “Before acknowledging everybody and anybody, I’d like to just issue a warning, not give, but issue talaga. That kayong mga pulis nasa droga, nasa kidnap for ransom kung ano-anong…
UST, Embassies of Israel, Hungary, commemorate Holocaust through exhibition, memorial ceremony, film screening of “Son of Saul”
The Embassy of Israel and the Embassy of Hungary, in cooperation with the University of Santo Tomas, mounted an exhibition titled “Beyond Duty” dedicated to Holocaust survivors and diplomats recognized as Righteous Among the Nations, with a memorial ceremony for victims of the Holocaust. A screening of the 2016 Academy Award-winning Best Foreign Movie “Son…
BPI earmarks P50 billion on four strategic priorities in 2018
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will allocate approximately P50 billion from its stock rights offering (SRO) on four strategic opportunities that will help the Bank in its expansion in 2018 and in the coming years. “Our client base has grown by about half a million to 8.5 million in 2017. Of all Filipinos…
New Clark City construction on track – BCDA
The construction of New Clark City, a modern metropolis envisioned to be next growth driver in Luzon, is on track, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Monday.This was assured by BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Vivencio Dizon after meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte about New Clark City, one of the big-ticket projects…
LG HELPS IGNITE THE YOUNG MINDS OF MARAWI
LG SUPPORTS MARAWI. LG Electronics Philippines is donating 200 desktop monitors and 30,000 personal care items to the people of Marawi with the assistance of the Department of Education (DepEd). LG Philippines Managing Director Inkwun Heo (leftmost) turns over the donations to DepEd ARMM Assistant Secretary for Special Programs and Projects Alfhadar Pajiji (center); DepEd…
May 2018 Priority Dates
EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date…
California divorce 101
NEW Year, new resolutions, new life. For some of you, the New Year is a time for reflection, and to realize that changes are needed to be able to lead and live the life you’ve always wanted to lead. Sometimes, divorce happens. The following seeks to address or clarify some common misconceptions about divorce. “What…
Insect Repellents
IS DEET safe? The ingredient DEET ((N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) in insect repellents is safe when used according to directions on the container, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For approval, the EPA requires manufacturers seeking registration of a product to present laboratory data showing safety and efficacy supported by extensive testing on both the short-term…
US Supreme Court deems deportation law ‘vague’ in decision involving Filipino
The U.S. Supreme Court said Tuesday, April 17, that the part of a federal law that allows easier deportation of immigrants was too vague, impeding the Trump administration’s efforts in deporting non-citizens. Bringing in the decision was Justice Neil Gorsuch — President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court appointee — who sided with the court’s four liberal…
Duterte maintains stance against divorce bill
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, April 18, reiterated that he is against the legalization of divorce and dissolution of marriage in the country. Duterte said he could not support House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’s bill because his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, is “not happy” with his proposed law. “I’m sorry but I cannot…
De Lima to stay in jail after SC junks appeal
Senator Leila De Lima will remain in detention after the Supreme Court (SC) dismissed her motion for reconsideration on the arrest warrant against her issued by Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC). In a ruling penned by Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr., the SC upheld the arrest order against the senator, which was issued by Muntinlupa…
US, PH officials lead groundbreaking of first major EDCA project
The construction of a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) storage facility in Basa Air Base in Pampanga began on Tuesday, April 17. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and United States Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the warehouse, which is one of five projects under the Enhanced…
PRRD at the Oath-taking Ceremony of Newly-appointed Officials and Courtesy Call of Pilipinas Sambo Federation Incorporated
President Duterte to new gov’t officials: Resist any temptation President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, April 17, called on newly appointed government officials to stand up to any temptation that may hurt their good name. The President administered the mass oath taking of officials from various government offices at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace….
President Duterte praises former AFP chief, appoints him to head MARINA
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, April 18, commended outgoing Armed Forces of he Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero for his successful stint in the AFP, including the handling of the Marawi City reconstruction efforts, and announced that Guerrero will be leading the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). “Alam mo sir, matagal ng…
Long Beach approves $2-million settlement with family of mentally disabled Fil-Am shot and killed by police
Settlement among largest in city history The city of Long Beach, California has reached a $2-million settlement with the family of a mentally disabled Filipino-American man who was shot to death at an arcade by city police in 2015. The settlement is said to be among the largest approved by the city in a police…
Filipina social entrepreneur Clarissa Delgado joins first batch of 2018 Obama Foundation Fellowship
Education has also long been cited as a way out of poverty and a path towards new opportunities and a better future. Yet, inequity in education continues to be a problem as many young students around the world continue to lack access to quality instruction. This is true in the Philippines where approximately 3.8 million…
Seven things you should not do when served with divorce papers by your spouse
FOR most people, being served with divorce papers by your spouse is probably one of the biggest surprises in your life. The spouse in the receiving end of the divorce sometimes are not offered any explanation for the divorce petition by their spouse. You may start getting upset about how this can happen to you…
What to do when the IRS contacts you
WHAT you need to do when you received a call or notice from the IRS? Below are some tips that you should be aware of: • Revenue Officer (RO) observes fair tax collection practices and taxpayer rights. • You have Right to Representation under Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) 5.1.10.7.2. • You will be advised first…
Garden lessons
“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.” –Claude Monet, speaking of his garden at Giverny in France SPRING is here and the earth beckons. The rains came this year, sometimes with the intensity of a freight train, sometimes rain so fine and gentle, it feels like a caress on your face, a silent benediction from the…
Government of National Unity
After most of our God-centered thoughts during the last Holy Week, we felt there is need today for new initiatives for peace, renewal, and development in our country, and what immediately comes to mind is to revive our old proposal for a “Government of National Unity.” The other choice of other more extreme advisers is…
New US Supreme Court ruling saves Filipino immigrant from deportation
DEPORTATION. This is perhaps among the top stressors of kababayans in the United States, especially those who have already established new lives in this adoptive country. The fear is real, not only among undocumented immigrants, but even among those who have already been granted green cards, also known as Permanent Resident Status. Green card holders…
Pacquiao on splitting with Roach: No final decision on trainer yet
Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao clarified that he has not made any decisions on who will be his trainer for his upcoming fight against WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse yet. Pacquiao made the clarification in a social media post on Monday, April 16, amid reports that he has cut ties with Freddie Roach, who’s been…
Trump quietly orders major crackdown on public assistance programs
Trump administration establishes stricter requirements for Medicaid, TANF, and food stamps Amid the shocking news of airstrikes on Syria and President Donald Trump’s ongoing personal scandals, the president last week ordered for the major overhaul of the nation’s public assistance net. Though the news largely went under the radar, Trump on Tuesday, April 10 signed…
In State of the City address, Garcetti calls for more shelters for homeless Angelenos
Homeless advocate organization thinks plan “falls short” in addressing the needs of LA’s growing homeless population On the morning of Monday, April 16, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti delivered his fifth State of the City address. Like any other State of the City address, the mayor heralded the city’s progress and announced plans to build upon the…