Real 'Puppy' hangs on a clothesline on Facebook album

Facebook user Jerzon Senador uploaded photos of what seems like a newly washed stuffed toy pinned to a clothesline and hanging out to dry. The only thing is that it’s actually a real live puppy.

Senador, who is from Calamba, Laguna has gained notoriety on the internet after posting several those photos on his Facebook account.

The album Bagung Ligo si 'PUPPY' was posted on June 12, Independence Day in the Philippines. Unfortunately, Puppy could not enjoy freedom as he was hanging there secured by five clothespins.

Initially, the album was met with disgust by at least a couple of other Facebook users. Dogsand Catslover clicked "unlike," while Jhane Aragon posted "anu ba yan.."

The Facebook page "Report, Jerzon Senador the Animal Abuser" was created "to raise awareness regarding Animal Cruelty."

As of this posting, more than 3,000 Facebook users have liked the page, but uploading pictures and videos has temporarily been disabled.

Indignant viewers

Some of those who saw the photos were indignant, and condemned the act as well as Senador. The creator of the page warned people several times to avoid cursing or making threats.

Despite negative comments, Senador was unapologetic, saying "hahaha,..winashing k p nga yan weh..." and "Hahaha, hnd ako makukulong noh..remember senador toh! aquh ng pa2pad ng Animal cruelty at kya kong bawiin yun!! ahahahaha."

Those up in arms knew this was no laughing matter, and continued to protest on their own virtual spaces and on the page which was created to serve as warning to all Animal Abusers. "Jerzon Senador is just one of them, we have to do our part to help others in need. Not only to pets but to others as well," according to the page.

"Can we all help email to PAWS the link to this dog abusers fb album?" asked Thysz on Twitter.

"Animal cruelty is never cute. I hope somebody takes action on acts like this," said Weenarte on Twitter.

Sheenah Tan wrote Senador an open letter on her personal blog, suggesting other activities he could have done if the act was stated out of boredom.

"If you’re bored, you can do a whole lot of things but not pinning a poor puppy to dry. I bet you studied Biology and you are very aware that dogs can’t take care of themselves when they’re soaking wet," she wrote on her blog.

All apologies

Following pressure from netizens, Senador has since apologized via his own Facebook wall, saying "To All Animal Lover and to all over the world please read this:

“Gusto ko humingi ng tawad sa nagawa kong kasalanan sa aking alagang aso.. Sana mapatawad nyo ako at pinapangako ko na hindi na mauulit…"

The apology was accepted by some, but found lacking by others.

Facebook user Jess Rubi wrote "... he ruined his life by posting those pics. Not funny kahit saang anggulo tingnan. He should have thought of the outcome before niya ginawa yun, di na sya bata."

Jheck Kcehj Lopera said even the Lord forgives those who apologize for their sins. "Kaya patawarin na natin siya. Pero kelangan niya pa rin tangapin ang consequences sa kanyang mga actions," he wrote.

Others continued to threaten Senador, challenging him to show his face in public.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) was grateful. "Thank you to everyone who posted about Jerzon Senador, the guy who hung his puppy on a clothesline and posted it on his facebook. We'll keep you posted," was PAWS' status message on Tuesday morning. GMA News Online is still trying to contact PAWS and Senador as this posting.

Last month, a Quezon City court convicted a University of the Philippines – Diliman student for violating Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

PAWS filed the case against UP Physics major Joseph Carlo Candare after netizens campaigned against him. Candare killed a cat, then wrote about it on his blog, incurring the wrath of animal welfare advocates online. — VS, GMA News

PNoy leads flag-raising to kick off Independence Day rites

President Benigno Aquino III kicked off early Sunday the celebration of the Philippines’ 113th Independence Day by leading flag-raising ceremonies in Kawit, Cavite at 7 a.m.

Aquino received arrival honors at the Aguinaldo Shrine and took part in wreath-laying ceremonies before raising the Philippine flag, radio dzBB’s Tuesday Niu reported.

He arrived at the shrine at 6:30 a.m. With him were Cabinet secretaries led by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

Present at the ceremonies were Cavite Governor Juanito Victor Remulla Jr., Kawit Mayor Reynaldo Aguinaldo, and Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle.

The shrine stands where Philippine independence was first declared on June 12, 1898.

In Manila, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino led the flag-raising ceremonies at the Rizal Park.

The Philippine Coast Guard sounded horns while the Armed Forces of the Philippines started a static display in Manila, radio dzBB’s Glen Juego reported.

Also present at the Manila rites were Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Secretaries Alberto Lim (tourism), Armin Luistro (education) and Jose Rene Almendras (energy).

Security was tight in the area, particularly along Roxas Boulevard, as militant umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) was to hold a protest action near the US Embassy.

At the Monumento area in Caloocan City, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo led flag-raising ceremonies following a 6 a.m. Mass, dzBB’s Allan Gatus reported.

Robredo said the spirit of patriotism must be kept alive in Filipinos even if it is not Independence Day.

“Ang pinakahamon manatili hindi lamang sa panahon na tayo nakikipaglaban sa dayuhan kundi sa bagay na pwede nating sabihing kinikitil ang kasarinlan ng mamamayan. Kung hindi natin mabibigyan ng buhay ang damdaming yan naroon lang siya sa isang tabi," he said

(Our challenge is to keep the spirit of patriotism alive, not just at a time when we are fighting foreign invaders. We should not neglect our sense of patriotism.)

In San Juan City in Metro Manila, students showed up early for the flag-raising ceremony at the Pinaglabanan Shrine led by Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, dzBB’s Mao dela Cruz reported.

Mayor Guia Gomez and son Rep. Jose Victor Ejercito arrived early for the flag-raising ceremony.

In Bulacan province, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and provincial officials led similar activities at the Barasoain Church.

The church was a temporary residence of General Emilio Aguinaldo, and was the venue of the convening of the First Philippine Congress (September 15, 1898).

It was also where the drafting of the Malolos Constitution took place, and where the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated on January 23, 1899. — LBG, GMA News

US greets PHL on Independence Day

Filipinos received a congratulatory message for Independence Day from the United States, where Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reassured them of the US' commitment as "long-time friends and partners."

In her statement for the Philippines' National Day, Clinton said the Philippines and the US continue to work on many new fronts, after a long history of standing together to defend liberal democratic values.

"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of the Philippines on the 113th anniversary of your declaration of independence this June 12," she said in her statement posted on the US Embassy in Manila's website.

"The United States and the Philippines are long-standing friends and partners. We stood together during World War II to defend liberal democratic values. Today, we are working together on many new fronts. Whether we are working to find ways to catalyze economic growth, helping victims of natural disasters, combating extremism, or calling for greater protection of human rights, our two countries share a vision of a better world," she added.

She said the US supports the Philippine government’s commitment to fight corruption, promote judicial reform, reduce poverty, and create opportunities for its people.

Both countries are "cooperating in new ways on everything" from the Partnership for Growth joint effort to boost prosperity in the Philippines, to the Open Government Partnership initiative to improve governance and transparency around the globe, she added.

"Together through our Millennium Challenge Corporation compact we are working to reduce poverty through economic growth. The Philippines is a committed partner on so many issues," she said.

"Please accept my sincere thanks for your friendship and best wishes for your continued success and prosperity on this special day," she added. — LBG, GMA News

Pinoys on Twitter react to Starbucks 'no smoking' campaign

As far as Starbucks is concerned, cigarettes and coffee don't go well together anymore.

In a recent notice posted in Starbucks stores nationwide, the company said that it is converting "all previously designated smoking outdoor areas" into non-smoking zones beginning June 27.

The controversial move, which was met with mixed reactions by users of social networking site Twitter where the story first broke, is meant to comply with a recent campaign by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

"Since there is a new enforcement campaign that seeks to make Metro Manila 100% smoke-free, we decided to comply with the rule," an official of Rustan Coffee Corporation (RCC), the local operator of Starbucks, told GMA News Online in a phone interview.

Asked if the move -seen to alienate smokers from patronizing the company's products- will negatively affect their sales, the official said: "Hopefully not."

This early, however, Twitter users are threatening to leave their usual Starbucks habit in favor of other coffee brands because of the company's move.

"Is this true, All Starbucks outlets will be NON-SMOKING starting June 27???? Goddluck sa customers nyo," Twitter user @jay_matti cautioned.

"no smoking in starbucks? hello coffee bean!" @briansales quipped.

One Tumblr conversation between friends jokingly went: "Well, that's the last time I'm taking my business to Starbucks then. What the *** am I supposed to do in Starbucks? Drink coffee???"

The RCC official, who asked not to be named, said they will put up signages around the stores to remind customers about the new policy.

But what if customers still insist on smoking in the outdoor areas of the store? "We leave the enforcement to the MMDA. As an establishment we just wanted to comply with the law," the official stressed.

Here are some of the reactions of Pinoy Twitter users regarding Starbucks' new policy:

[View the story "Starbucks Ends Smoking in Coffee Shops" on Storify]

- TJD, GMA News

For the first time, PNoy to lead Independence Day rites

For the first time, President Benigno Aquino III will lead the Independence Day celebrations on June 12, Sunday, beginning with a flag-raising ceremony in Kawit, Cavite.

The country’s 113th Independence Day celebration will be followed by a vin d’ honneur at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall at 10 a.m., also to be officiated by Aquino. Then at 4 p.m., the rites will center on the Independence Day festivities at the Quirino Grandstand.

Last week, the Palace directed the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to organize and implement this year’s Independence Day celebrations.

In preparation for Independence Day, the Palace commemorated National Flag Day late last month. The effort, however, was off to a bad start when the Office of the President displayed the Philippine flag on its official website with the red side up signifying a state of war.

Meanwhile, in an interview with GMA News TV’s “State of the Nation" newscast, the NHCP issued a reminder on Tuesday that the public cannot turn the flag into a fashion statement, and must treat it with respect. — PE/VS, GMA News

Senate passes 4 Aquino priority bills during 1st regular session

Just like the House of Representatives, the Senate was able to pass four of the 23 priority bills of the Aquino administration before Congress adjourned session on Wednesday.

Out of the 2,871 bills filed at the Senate, the chamber was able to approve at least 14 bills on third and final reading, four of which were among the 23 priority bills presented by President Benigno Aquino III during the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) last February.

"We have introduced, deliberated in committee and in plenary, and then approved on third reading amendatory bills that seek to either strengthen or further improve existing laws on labor, health, the environment, family relations, civil service and justice," Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said during his closing remarks on the last day of the chamber's session on Wednesday.

Among Aquino's priority measures approved by the Senate was the GOCC Governance Act of 2011, which seeks to create a body that will govern government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).

The GOCC Governance Act of 2011, authored by Sen. Franklin Drilon in the Senate, has been signed into law by the President.

Two other priority bills — Drilon's SB 4146 which seeks to postpone the August Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections and Sen. Sergio "Serge" Osmeña III's SB 2846 which seeks to extend the lifeline rate — are just awaiting Aquino’s signature for them to become laws.

On the other hand, SB 2701, which expands the exceptions from the night work prohibition of women employees, still needs to be ratified by both chambers of Congress.

SB 2701 was authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, and Senators Francis Pangilinan, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Lito Lapid, and Loren Legarda.

Other bills

The 10 other bills that have been approved by the Senate on third and final reading are:

SB 78 by Estrada, which seeks to increase the minimum wage of household helpers or kasambahaysand provide them with additional benefits.

SB 138 by Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Drilon, and P. Cayetano which seeks to amend Presidential Decree 996 to require mandatory basic immunization services against Hepatitis-B for infants

SB 480 by Estrada which seeks to amend the Family Code of the Philippines to allow either spouse to mortgage or dispose of his or her exclusive property without the consent of other spouse

SB 1052 by Sen. Manny Villar which also seeks to amend the Family Code of the Philippines to allow a Filipino spouse of an alien spouse to remarry in the Philippines even if the marriage and divorce was obtained abroad

SB 2559 by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri which seeks to grant Philippine citizenship to American import Marcus Douthit to allow him to play for the Smart Gilas Pilpinas Team in major Asian basketball tournaments

SB 2671 by Trillanes which seeks to strengthen the bureaucracy by professionalizing the ranks of government managers and executives.

SB 2726 by Sen. Francis Escudero which seeks to strike out vagrancy as a punishable crime under Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code.

SB 2748 by Trillanes which seeks the "expeditious and timely" release of the retirement pay, pension, and other benefits of government employees, except that from the GSIS, within 30 days after retirement.

SB 2802 by Estrada, and Senators Edgardo Angara and Miriam Defensor-Santiago which seeks to restructure daycares into early childhood education centers and craft a formal curriculum for pre-school pupilsto help them cope with elementary lessons.

SB 2808 by Senators Villar, Santiago, Escudero, Revilla, and Gregorio Honasan which seeks to increase the equivalent rate of each day served by prisoners in jail as subsidiary penalty.

First time

During its first few months, Congress was also able to enact the General Appropriations Act of 2011, giving a P1.645-trillion budget to the national government. The speedy passage of which allowed the President to sign it in the same year it was submitted—the first time in 11 years.

Enrile admitted, however, that they had some delays in their legislative work because they had to reorganize.

"We had to restudy the whole thing but that is normal. As we go along, in the next session, I’m sure we’ll be acting faster on many of these bills," he said.

The Senate was also supposed to serve as an impeachment court for the trial of former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, who resigned even before the Senate could begin the trial. - RSJ, GMA News

DepEd: Classes in NCR resume Friday

Classes will resume Friday for the pre-school, grade school, and high school levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), Department of Education (DepEd) NCR director Elena Ruiz told GMA News on Thursday.

Shortly after 4 a.m. on Thursday, Ruiz announced the suspension of classes in NCR after hours of continuous rains and in consultation with state weather forecasters.

Five areas remained under Storm Signal No. 1 as tropical depression "Dodong" accelerated and continued to move north-northwest towards China Thursday afternoon. — PE/VS, GMA News

Arroyo’s hostility to SC justice's Ombudsman bid 'dangerous' — Palace

“Disturbing" and “dangerous" — that’s how Malacañang on Thursday characterized the opposition put up by former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo to the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales as Ombudsman.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said while every citizen, including Arroyo, has the right to oppose proposed nominees being considered by the Judicial and Bar Council, Arroyo’s position is “part of a disturbing piece."

“Mrs. Arroyo takes a dangerous, verging on scurrilous, tack by imputing a lack of judicial integrity to Justice Morales on the basis of her voting record," Lacierda said.

He noted how the letter Arroyo submitted to the JBC on Wednesday opposing the nomination on Carpio-Morales, in fact, contrasts with her previous stand that Supreme Court justices are impartial.

“She says that the voting record of Justice Morales — dissenting in many cases where the majority had voted to uphold Mrs. Arroyo when she was President — is proof positive that as Ombudsman, Justice Morales would not give the Arroyos due process and a fair handling of cases," he said.

“As Claro M. Recto famously remarked, what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. At the very least, the aggressive assertion of independence on the part of the high court’s majority Mrs. Arroyo insisted upon should be given Justice Morales. Otherwise it would serve to admit what Mrs. Arroyo had long denied: that the justices voted not on the basis of impartial law, but instead, with partisan considerations," he added.

“We cannot determine what would inspire Mrs. Arroyo to go off-message and even unleash that living monument to her maladministration of the justice system, former Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, but it does seem she has some explaining to do to the Supreme Court and the Filipino people," he said.

Also on Thursday, Lacierda said that the Aquino administration was still gathering evidence of anomalies — allegedly committed by the past administration — in order to file the necessary chargeswhen the Ombudsman is finally appointed. — MRT/VS, GMA News

75 possibly new animal species discovered in PHL

The Philippines, located at the center of the coral triangle, may have even more secrets hidden in its various ecosystems.

The 2011 Philippine Expedition spearheaded by the University of the Philippines (UP) and the California Academy of Sciences (CAS) announced on Wednesday that it has discovered 75 possibly new species of animals, inserts and sea creatures endemic to the Philippines.

The coral triangle is refers to the area of tropical waters which holds the highest diversity of marine life, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Shallow, deep, and terrestrial and fresh waters in Taal Lake and other areas in Batangas were covered by the expedition, which ran from April 26 to June 8.

Among the new species discovered by groups from the National Museum of the Philippines and CAS include the juvenile singing catfish, Moorish idol and dragon sea moth in Taal Lake and other areas in Batangas. Different species of mollusks, corals and sea urchins were also discovered in Batangas waters.

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In Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Isarog, the UP Los Baños Arachnology team and the CAS discovered possibly new spider species, including one as small as an ant.

The different teams also discovered many more new species, including walking sticks, crickets and assassin spiders.

However, CAS Science and Research Collections dean Terrence Gobliner said that the new species have “always been there," but have been discovered only now.
“We just haven't been looking carefully enough. The expedition is just the initial discovery aspect. The hard work comes when we really start understanding what we've found," he added.

The scientists clarified that further study is needed to confirm that the 75 newly documented creatures actually are new species.

‘Historic, most comprehensive’

Scientist noted during the expedition’s press conference a month ago that the expedition would be the “the first to make a comprehensive survey of both terrestrial and marine diversity" in the country.

Biologist Dr. Perry Ong noted that it has been over 100 years since Mt. Makiling was last comprehensively surveyed.

According to the CAS website for the project, “climate change, increased fishing pressure, increased urbanization, and increased logging" have made the areas involved in the expedition threatened hot spots, heightening the need to explore the area at the soonest possible time.

“In order to protect, we need to understand what exists," according to the CAS.

CAS researchers have long been making trips to the Philippines — since 1992 — and always discovering new species.

The expedition also aims to contribute to the creation of “sustainable development and conservation-related decisions."

For UP Professor Emeritus Dr. Edgardo Gomez, the teams’ discoveries ought to heighten conservation efforts. “What might be happening in Lake Taal, for example, not only are the introduced species being killed but maybe even the indigenous and endemic species are being killed by all the pollution," he said.

Last week, Taal Lake was the subject of headlines because of a massive fish kill caused by fish farming mismanagement and the abrupt change in the lake’s average temperature because of the rainy season.— BC/VS, GMA News

Enrile wants Chacha talks revived

A day after Congress adjourned session, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile on Thursday said that he wants to revive the discussion on Charter change (Chacha).

During Thursday's weekly forum at the Senate, Enrile said that he has been talking with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte about the need to revisit the economic provisions of the Philippine Constitution.

"Walang bill (There is no bill filed yet but) I'm provoking a discussion," he said.

He said he specifically wants to amend the Constitutional provision which prescribes that foreign investors can only own up to 40 percent of every company based in the country.

"We must release the rigidity and leave it to Congress to decide what are open to foreigners," he said, adding that adjusting this economic provision can create more jobs for Filipinos.

"They (foreign investors) know that they come in, but under present laws, if they want to create hotels they need to put up a dummy because they cannot own a land," he added.

Enrile noted, however, that he only wants to have Chacha only through a Constituent Assembly (Con-ass) and not through a Constitutional Convention (Con-con).

In Con-ass, members of the Senate and House would convene to amend the Charter, while in Con-con people would elect delegates for convention.

"Sino ba ang nakaiintindi ng problema kundi ang halal ng tao, halal ninyo (Who else will be able to understand the problems of the people but the people they themselves elected?)," he said.

"Bakit tayo matatakot na debatihin ang buhay natin (Why are we afraid to debate something that affects out lives), why not discuss this very, very basic thing that affects the lives of people," he added. — GMA News

CBCP website defaced anew

A website of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) was defaced anew Thursday, while it was undergoing "maintenance."

Visitors to the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Health Care as of Thursday morning were greeted with the message "DEATH_K1ng."

However, there was no indication of who was behind the apparent hacking as the rest of the page was blank (www.cbcphealthcare.org).

In past days, the site displayed a message indicating it was undergoing "maintenance."

The site was defaced on Nov. 27 last year, hours before a major pro-life Catholic group was to hold a vigil against the Reproductive Health (RH) bill.

At the time, the site's home page featured the image of a man with his back turned to the viewer.

"HackEd BY LordDem0n EgYpT!0n - H4Ck3r ... Your Security Can Not Face Us !!!" read the message on the defaced website.

The defacement was removed as of noon, although the site continues to remain under maintenance.— TJD, GMA News

Govt teams to dismantle illegal fish pens in Taal

Illegal fish pens in Taal, Batangas will be dismantled starting June 15 and the operators will be penalized, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Senate committee on food and agriculture.

The DA said up to 1,300 illegal fish pens in Taal Lake will be removed before the year is over. Officials added that the lake should have only 6,000 fish pens.

Four teams will be deployed for the dismantling operations, made up of personnel from the DA, Philippine National Police, local government units, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Committee chairman Senator Francis Pangilinan said the operators of the illegal fish pens are liable for the fish kill based on the Clean Water Act and the law on National Integrated Protected Area Systems (NIPAS).

The Batangas provincial government, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and DENR will deploy up to five patrol boats to monitor the state of the lake and make sure no new fish cages are put up.

Short-run, long-term solutions

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala urged local governments of Batangas and other areas to help enforce the country’s laws by issuing local permits for fish pens. He said there is a master plan for Taal Lake but it does not clearly define the responsibilities of local governments, fish cage operators and fisherfolk.

BFAR officials informed the Senate that as of Monday, fish kill damage in Batangas was at P150 million, with the towns of Anda and Bolinao reporting P7 million in damages. However, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in its Tuesday evening update that ‘validation’ by field offices of BFAR reduced the damage figures to P143.96 million.

The DA’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management has, for its part, lent 50 water pumps to help restore water quality in areas affected by fish kill. The BFAR will supply 5,000 fingerlings of maliputo, and ‘bottom feeder’ fish species to help clean the lake water. The bureau will also study the use of water-cleaning biotechnology agents and techniques.

BFAR added that it will work with the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority to explore the feasibility of establishing a fish port, cold storage and fish processing facilities in Talisay, Batangas.

Oxygen levels rising

BFAR said its latest tests of Taal Lake’s water show higher dissolved oxygen content but not yet at normal levels. The water has also become clearer.

In the town of Mataas na Kahoy, no more dead fish have floated to the surface. In the municipality of Talisay, BFAR said the bangus in fish pens are becoming more lively again.

Fisheries officials in Batangas have begun preparing for next week’s operations to dismantle illegal fish cages.

Meanwhile, at the Kakiputan Channel in Pangasinan province, operations to dismantle fish pens have begun. BFAR officials said it will take time before the illegal fish cages are removed because some of the pens’ posts and nets are buried deep under the water.

The BFAR said levels of dissolved oxygen in the water should increase to sufficient levels soon after the water flow through the Kakiputan Channel returns to normal.


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Illegal fish pens in Taal, Batangas will be dismantled starting June 15 and the operators will be penalized, according to Department of Agriculture and the Senate committee on food and agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said up to 1,300 illegal fish pens in Taal Lake will be removed before the year is over. Officials added that the lake should have only 6,000 fish pens.

Four teams will be deployed for the dismantling operations, made up of personnel from the DA, Philippine National Police, local government units, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Committee chairman Senator Francis Pangilinan said the operators of the illegal fish pens are liable for the fish kill based on the Clean Water Act and the law on National Integrated Protected Area Systems (NIPAS).

The Batangas provincial government, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and DENR will deploy up to five patrol boats to monitor the state of the lake and make sure no new fish cages are put up.

Enforce the laws

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala urged local governments of Batangas and other areas to help enforce the country’s laws by issuing local permits for fish pens. He said there is a master plan for Taal Lake but it does not clearly define the responsibilities of local governments, fish cage operators and fisherfolk.

BFAR officials informed the Senate that as of Monday, fish kill damage in Batangas was at P150 million, with the towns of Anda and Bolinao reporting P7 million in damages. However, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in its Tuesday evening update that ‘validation’ by field offices of BFAR reduced the damage figures to P143.96 million.

The DA’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management has, for its part, lent 50 water pumps to help restore water quality in areas affected by fish kill. The BFAR will supply 5,000 fingerlings of maliputo, and ‘bottom feeder’ fish species to help clean the lake water. The bureau will also study the use of water-cleaning biotechnology agents and techniques.

BFAR added that it will work with the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority to explore the feasibility of establishing a fish port, cold storage and fish processing facilities in Talisay, Batangas.

Oxygen levels rising

BFAR said its latest tests of Taal Lake’s water show higher dissolved oxygen content but not yet at normal levels. The water has also become clearer.

In the town of Mataas na Kahoy, no more dead fish have floated to the surface. In the municipality of Talisay, BFAR said the bangus in fish pens are becoming more lively again.


Fisheries officials in Batangas have begun preparing for next week’s operations to dismantle illegal fish cages.

Meanwhile, at the Kakiputan Channel in Pangasinan province, operations to dismantle fish pens have begun. BFAR officials said it will take time before the illegal fish cages are removed because some of the pens’ posts and nets are buried deep under the water.

The BFAR said levels of dissolved oxygen in the water should increase to sufficient levels soon after the water flow through the Kakiputan Channel returns to normal. — Earl Rosero/VS, GMA News

DepEd suspends classes in NCR due to non-stop rains

Department of Education (DepEd) NCR director Elena Ruiz made the announcement on dzBB radio shortly after 4 a.m., as she also cited recommendations from school superintendents in the region.

"Dahil na rin sa kahilingan ng ibang mga superintendent ng Metro Manila, minarapat ng DepEd NCR na suspindihin ang klase sa lahat ng antas... sa araw na ito," she said.

The DepEd has jurisdiction over preschool, elementary and high school. The Commission on Higher Education supervises schools at the collegiate level, although classes in many colleges are due to start next week.

According to DepEd, the decision to cancel classes in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) region which has also experienced rainy weather, will depend on education authorities there.

In Batangas, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said a subdivision in Batangas City was flooded, but the floodwaters subsided as of 1 a.m.

In an interview on Unang Balita DepEd Region IV-A director Lorna Dino said only the Batangas City superintendent has confirmed suspension of classes in the city.

"I leave it to the different division superintendent to coordinate with local officials in making decisions on class suspension. Pero sa ngayon, Batangas City lang ang nag-suspend ng classes,"Dino said.

Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported early Thursday that classes were also suspended in Antipolo City in Rizal province and in San Pablo City in Laguna.

In Quezon City, on the other hand, some students who did not know about the suspension showed up for classes.

At an elementary school in the Kamuning district, students who showed up said they did not listen to the radio, according to a report by dzBB's Glen Juego.

Security guards at the school were instructed to stay at their posts to inform students who would show up for school that classes were suspended for the day.

On Wednesday night, the heavy rains prompted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to go on yellow alert.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of flash floods and landslides in parts of Central and Southern Luzon.

"Maaring hanggang bukas o Sabado maaring maulan tayo," PAGASA forecaster Ben Oris said in an interview on dzBB radio Thursday.

He also said the low-pressure area (LPA) causing the rains is likely to become a cyclone, but only after it leaves Philippine territory.

As of 2 a.m. Thursday, PAGASA said the LPA was estimated at 50 km northwest of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro and embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the country.

For his part, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino ordered flood and traffic control teams deployed to parts of the metropolis affected by the rains and resulting floods, radio dzBB reported Thursday.

Several teams were fielded to flood-prone areas in the Ortigas area in eastern Metro Manila, and in places where water concessionaires were conducting repair work.

Floods in Manila

Parts of Manila were flooded due to the heavy rains, partly due to garbage clogging the drainage.

Gutter-deep floodwater was noted near the City Hall area before dawn Thursday.

Traffic slowed down in flood-hit areas including Abad Santos Street in Tondo and Tomas Mapua Street in the Chinatown area, the dzBB report added.

Garbage also piled up in other areas in Tondo early Thursday.

In Marikina City, many residents were kept awake for fear the Marikina River might overflow although the water level remained normal as of Thursday morning, radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported.

However, the city government still kept its rescue team on alert for possible floods, especially in flood-prone villages such as Nangka, Concepcion, Calumpang, Sta. Elena, and Sto. Niño.

Marikina City was one of the areas devastated by floods brought by tropical cyclone "Ondoy" (Ketsana) in 2009.

More classes suspended elsewhere

The DepEd also announced that classes in parts of Central and Southern Luzon were suspended due to heavy rains.

It made the announcement in a series of entries on its Twitter account that began making updates only after 8 a.m.

In Central Luzon, the areas where classes were suspended included: Bulacan:
- Malolos City (afternoon classes in preschool and elementary; no advice for classes in high school yet)
- Doña Remedios Trinidad and Obando, Bulacan (all levels)
- Pariahan Elementary School, Don Isidoro Teodoro High School in Bulacan town in Bulacan are suspended.

Pampanga, Bataan:
- Angeles City, Pampanga; Balanga City and Limay in Bataan (all levels)In Southern Luzon, the areas where classes were suspended included: Antipolo City in Rizal Province

Batangas:
- Lemery, Bauan, Batangas City, Calaca, and Taal (suspended in all levels)

Cavite:
- Kawit, Cavite

Laguna:
- Alaminos and San Pablo City

— LBG, GMA News

Ampatuan camp eyes Gloria Arroyo as witness again

The defense panel in the Maguindanao massacre trial has once again decided to present former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as one of its witnesses in the high-profile murder case.
Defense lawyer Gregorio Naravasa, legal counsel for Andal Ampatuan Sr. and son Andal Jr., bared his camp's plan to include Arroyo anew during Wednesday's pre-trial conference at the sala of Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221.


The conference was for the murder cases of the elder Ampatuan and 31 other suspects who filed a motion for bail.
Narvasa stressed that Arroyo would be testifying this time for the trial of Andal Sr.'s murder case and not Andal Jr.'s. The two, along with at least 56 other suspects, have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
More than 100 other suspects remain at large, while other detained suspects including other Ampatuan scions, Rizaldy and Sajid, have yet to be arraigned pending the resolution of their respective motions in court.
Narvasa refused to comment when asked by reporters what Arroyo could be testifying about in court.
In response to the defense panel's plan to field Arroyo on the witness stand, lawyer Romeo Bagares of the Center International Law, which represents families of some of the slain journalists, said they would be "looking forward to Arroyo's testimony."
In August last year, Arroyo's name came up on the list of around 300 witnesses that the defense was planning to present during the trial proper for the murder case lodged against prime accused Andal Jr., a former mayor of Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao.
Critics at the time said Arroyo's inclusion on the list bolstered claims that the former president strongly supported the powerful clan. During her term, Arroyo was a perceived ally of the Ampatuans in Mindanao and was thought to have been helped by the clan to secure her victory in the region in the 2004 elections.
Through Executive Order 546 in July 2006, Arroyo virtually allowed the Ampatuans to tap civilians and arm them to serve as force multipliers against armed rebels in the southern Philippine region.
Through this privilege, the Ampatuans were said to have amassed a hug arms cache and eventually convert these armed civilians into their private armies.
The defense panel, however, ended up dropping Arroyo from the list of witnesses over unspecified reasons.
Among the other members of the Arroyo administration planned to be presented for Andal Jr's murder case were Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., former Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, and Lakas-Kampi-CMD stalwart Prospero Pichay. — KBK, GMA News