Sison’s jail conditions meet intl standards – Dutch spokesman
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Amid an allegation of violation of rights of a detained Philippine communist leader, the Dutch Ministry of Justice said that the Netherlands prison system meets international standards, reported ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.
Ministry of Justice Spokesman Han Janssens reacted to the allegation of National Democratic Front negotiating panel chief Luis Jalandoni of the Dutch government’s "scandalous violation" of international laws and basic rights of Jose Maria Sison who was reportedly placed in solitary confinement days after his arrest.
"I never heard that the Dutch prison system doesn’t meet the international standards," Janssens claims in a telephone interview.
Janssens said that prisoners in the Netherlands are allowed to file complaints regarding their treatment.
"If a prisoner has complaints about his treatment, there’s this procedure where he can apply these complaints to an independent commission which is located in every prison in the Netherlands or he can get in touch with his lawyer," Janssens explained.
Jalandoni complained that Sison is not allowed visitors at the prison, barred from reading newspapers and watching TV.
More importantly, Jalandoni said that Sison is not allowed to receive his medicine.
Although Dutch government regulations do not allow Janssens to provide specific information on individual detainees, he said that prisoners in the Netherlands have the same medical rights as people outside the prison.
"Every prison in the Netherlands has a medical staff and every prisoner who enters the prison for the first time will be seen by a medical staff there and one of the questions there is do you use medicines, what kind of medicines," Janssens said.
The spokesman explained that the medical staff then gets in touch with the prisoner’s physician or family doctor in order to discuss whether these medicines are necessary and get the correct doses so that no mistakes are made.
Sison, who is detained at the Scheveningen prison in The Hague is scheduled to appear on Friday before a court at the Palace of Justice which is located at the center.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office said that it will seek that Sison be incarcerated for an additional fourteen days.
"We will ask the investigative judge to extend the custody [of Sison] for fourteen days. That’s the normal procedure under Dutch law. And in the end of the period, a court that will consist of three judges will make a decision about further detention," spokesman Wim de Bruin said.
Sison’s allies are confident that he will be released Friday.
The Public Prosecutor also seemed confident, because de Bruin was already anticipating further interviews with this correspondent.
"I think in the coming months, we will have much contact," de Bruin said.
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=90639
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Dutch police: No bail for Joma
National (as of 9:35 PM)
Dutch police: No bail for Joma
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Philippine communist leader Jose Maria Sison will not be freed on bail following his arrest in The Netherlands Tuesday, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau reported Wednesday.
Wim de Bruin, a spokesman of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, said that walking out on bail is not a possibility under Dutch laws.
“There isn’t a bail procedure. The judge will on Friday decide whether Mr. Sison will stay in custody for another fourteen days or release him. It’s one or the other,” de Bruin told ABS-CBN in a telephone interview.
De Bruin also gave further details about Sison’s arrest.
The founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines was arrested in Utrecht at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday (3:30 p.m. Manila time).
“He was invited by the Dutch police to talk about some of the cases and then he was arrested,” de Bruin said.
Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the National Democratic Front, told ABS-CBN morning program "Umagang Kay Ganda" that Sison was tricked into thinking that he was being called to report to the police station about other developments in his case.
De Bruin did not deny Jalandoni’s allegations.
“For sure it was a strategy because the police didn’t want to raid his house and arrest him there. They thought it would be more careful to invite him to the police station and arrest him there,” de Bruin said.
De Bruin said the police thought the arrest profile would be lower if Sison is invited to the station.
Sison was brought to the Scheveningen prison in The Hague.
He will be detained there until Friday prior to an initial appearance before a Dutch court.
De Bruin said he could not give a specific time for Friday’s court proceedings.
He said the judge has his own schedule for that.
De Bruin said that the Dutch police went to Manila during the investigation and interviewed several witnesses, details of which he declined to give.
He also said that it is hard to reveal the incriminating evidences leading to Sison’s arrest at present.
“The investigation started a year ago, in 2006 and in that period, about a year…more than a year, the Dutch national police gathered enough evidence to arrest Mr. Sison but the investigation is still ongoing and will take some more months and more witnesses will be interviewed by the police and also by the courts," he said.
"So overall the evidence will be presented when the court will try the case and that will take several months,” de Bruin added.
De Bruin also said that though the crimes were committed in 2003, it was only last year when the Dutch police received information about the possible involvement of Sison in the murders of Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara.
De Bruin also dismissed a statement by Kintanar’s widow claiming that she filed a case against Sison.
“No, none was [filed] in The Netherlands. The Dutch police [were] in the Philippines to talk to witnesses but I can’t specify [the] witness contacted and who was not,” de Bruin said.
A Newsbreak online report (www.newsbreak.ph) said Joy, Kintanar's widow, admitted that she filed a case against Sison. "Yes, I filed a case [against Sison]," Kintanar said in a text message to Newsbreak.
“If there is enough information for serious suspicion, an investigation can start. You don’t need a person to file a complaint. But it started not with a statement of one of the relatives. It started from another information,” de Bruin said.
De Bruin declined to say at this time if the incriminating information which led Dutch police to begin the investigation came from the Philippines.
He also declined to give details regarding possible telephone intercepts or wiretaps to Sison’s house as part of the investigation.
“Too early to make information about the investigation public. They will be made public later on,” de Bruin said.
Sison is detained inside a complex of cell barracks forming a penitentiary in the seaside suburb of The Hague.
The prison was once used by the Nazis to detain Dutch resistance fighters. The complex also houses the United Nation’s International Criminal Tribunal's detention center for accused criminals being prosecuted for war crimes from the former Yugoslavia.
Sison has been living in self-exile in The Netherlands since the late 1980s.
SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=90378
Dutch police: No bail for Joma
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Philippine communist leader Jose Maria Sison will not be freed on bail following his arrest in The Netherlands Tuesday, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau reported Wednesday.
Wim de Bruin, a spokesman of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, said that walking out on bail is not a possibility under Dutch laws.
“There isn’t a bail procedure. The judge will on Friday decide whether Mr. Sison will stay in custody for another fourteen days or release him. It’s one or the other,” de Bruin told ABS-CBN in a telephone interview.
De Bruin also gave further details about Sison’s arrest.
The founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines was arrested in Utrecht at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday (3:30 p.m. Manila time).
“He was invited by the Dutch police to talk about some of the cases and then he was arrested,” de Bruin said.
Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the National Democratic Front, told ABS-CBN morning program "Umagang Kay Ganda" that Sison was tricked into thinking that he was being called to report to the police station about other developments in his case.
De Bruin did not deny Jalandoni’s allegations.
“For sure it was a strategy because the police didn’t want to raid his house and arrest him there. They thought it would be more careful to invite him to the police station and arrest him there,” de Bruin said.
De Bruin said the police thought the arrest profile would be lower if Sison is invited to the station.
Sison was brought to the Scheveningen prison in The Hague.
He will be detained there until Friday prior to an initial appearance before a Dutch court.
De Bruin said he could not give a specific time for Friday’s court proceedings.
He said the judge has his own schedule for that.
De Bruin said that the Dutch police went to Manila during the investigation and interviewed several witnesses, details of which he declined to give.
He also said that it is hard to reveal the incriminating evidences leading to Sison’s arrest at present.
“The investigation started a year ago, in 2006 and in that period, about a year…more than a year, the Dutch national police gathered enough evidence to arrest Mr. Sison but the investigation is still ongoing and will take some more months and more witnesses will be interviewed by the police and also by the courts," he said.
"So overall the evidence will be presented when the court will try the case and that will take several months,” de Bruin added.
De Bruin also said that though the crimes were committed in 2003, it was only last year when the Dutch police received information about the possible involvement of Sison in the murders of Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara.
De Bruin also dismissed a statement by Kintanar’s widow claiming that she filed a case against Sison.
“No, none was [filed] in The Netherlands. The Dutch police [were] in the Philippines to talk to witnesses but I can’t specify [the] witness contacted and who was not,” de Bruin said.
A Newsbreak online report (www.newsbreak.ph) said Joy, Kintanar's widow, admitted that she filed a case against Sison. "Yes, I filed a case [against Sison]," Kintanar said in a text message to Newsbreak.
“If there is enough information for serious suspicion, an investigation can start. You don’t need a person to file a complaint. But it started not with a statement of one of the relatives. It started from another information,” de Bruin said.
De Bruin declined to say at this time if the incriminating information which led Dutch police to begin the investigation came from the Philippines.
He also declined to give details regarding possible telephone intercepts or wiretaps to Sison’s house as part of the investigation.
“Too early to make information about the investigation public. They will be made public later on,” de Bruin said.
Sison is detained inside a complex of cell barracks forming a penitentiary in the seaside suburb of The Hague.
The prison was once used by the Nazis to detain Dutch resistance fighters. The complex also houses the United Nation’s International Criminal Tribunal's detention center for accused criminals being prosecuted for war crimes from the former Yugoslavia.
Sison has been living in self-exile in The Netherlands since the late 1980s.
SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=90378
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
My Last Interview With Joma Before His Arrest
Interview with Joma
Land reform and peace talks will resolve insurgency
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau correspondent Loui Galicia interviewed Jose Maria Sison at the National Democratic Front international office in Utrecht on July 14 in connection with the European Union Court of First Instance's judgment ordering the EU to unfreeze the assets of Sison. Two articles from these interviews ran on this website. Galicia then conducted a second interview with Sison in an article she had planned to write in anticipation of a future crackdown by the government on CPP, NPA and the armed rebellion. President Arroyo announced on Friday a three year deadline for her administration to crush the communist insurgency, the Moro rebellion and "sheer terrorism".
Jose Maria Sison’s answer to President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo’s problem against communist insurgency in the Philippines is simply land reform, reported ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.
"If I were President of the Philippines and there is the NPA on the other side, I will just make a genuine move towards land reform. There will be no more basis for recruiting fighters for the NPA and I think the NPA will like me if I distribute land for free. I break up the big land holdings. You know, you don’t have to be a communist or Maoist to do land reform," Sison, said in an exclusive interview before his arrest on Tuesday.
The founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines was arrested in Utrecht, Netherlands, by the Dutch police in connection with his alleged involvement in the assassinations of Romulo Kinatanar and Arturo Tabara that took place in the Philippines.
The CPP and its 7,000-strong armed wing the New People's Army has been waging a Maoist rebellion since 1969, in what is one of Asia's longest running communist insurgencies.
Last week, President Arroyo unveiled a plan for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to
crush the communist insurgency, the Moro rebellion and "sheer terrorism" by 2010.
Sison explained that people join the armed revolution because of their restless aspiration for improvement.
"Diyan mahina ang pag-iisip ng mga reaksyonaryo sa Pilipinas. Di sila marunong. Eh kung matutunan nila ang land reform, baka mamahalin pa sila ng NPA. First mawawalan ang NPA ng ground for recruiting dahil wala nang peasants na diskontento. May peasants who are happy with their share of the land reform. Tapos magugustuhan pa nila kung sino ang gumawa nun," Sison said.
He blames Arroyo for the surge of armed rebels.
"Pinagpapatuloy naman yung reaksyonaryong mga patakaran at maka-imperyalistang patakaran. Di ba nung bagong upo si Gloria, sinulatan ko pa. Pinagmalaki niya publicly sa Cabinet meeting. Sinulatan ko. Ine-encourage ko na tulad ng tatay niya dapat magkainteres siya sa land reform, etc. Dapat magmula noon...signal na yon na pwedeng mag-usap," Sison said.
He expounded that the rebels are not unreasonable people, if only the government will concede to a mutual understanding and agreement to solve the problems of the masses.
"Basta me national unity, common platform for broad range of political forces. Matagal ko nang sinabi to eh. Pag walang foreign aggressor na pinagkakaisahan, ang pagkakaisahan eh kung ano ang problema ng ating bayan, yun ang kalaban. Poverty, landlessness, joblessness, etc. Pwedeng pagkasunduan kung ano yung mga social, economic, political and cultural problems na pagkaisahan," Joma said.
For Sison, it doesn’t always follow that the communist rebels will always oppose the government but history has it that any new government seems to be continuing the mistakes of the previous government thereby creating mass discontent.
"’Andyan naman ang program ng CPP eh yung program for People’s Democratic Revolution. Kung yung nakaupo sa gobyerno eh interesado talaga sila, then they would know what they are up against and they know, knowing both ends, they will know how to build the post in between to make a bridge. Di naman absolute na yung line ng CPP eh laging naglulunsad ng sandatahang pakikibaka," Sison added.
He said that at present, the armed rebels are rapidly growing and their number will continue to rise because of the widespread abuse in the Philippines and the continued aggravation of the poor living conditions of the Filipinos.
As far as the state of the rebels is concerned, Sison said that it is okay and their only problem is the intensified military operations.
But then, Sison explained that the military too are not without problems.
"Their troops are not enough to cover the whole country so namimili ng mga areas kung saan sila maglulunsad ng military operations," Sison said.
Sison complains that if only Mrs. Arroyo worked on the stalled peace talks with the National Democratic Front then the problem would have long been resolved.
Peace talks between the government and the NDF, which is the umbrella organization of the underground and aboveground mainsteam communist movement in the Philippines, have bogged down since 2005 when Sison and other NDF leaders withdrew from negotiations, saying it expect the Arroyo administration to fall.
"Ano naman eh ang kilusang rebolusyonaryo pumasok na sa peace negotiations para tingnan kung ano ang mga batayan para ma-address ‘yung root problems of the armed conflict through reforms. Ang mahirap eh meron nang proseso yan pagkatapos siningitan nitong anti-terrorism campaign," Sison said.
Sison complains that the Arroyo government opted to use harsh measures or the military solution, in the name of anti-terrorism instead of continuing the peace negotiations.
"Biro mo yung panahong kong naaksaya sa pag-aatupag dito sa kaso ko eh kung naibuhos ko sa peace negotiations, eh di maganda sana ang resulta," Sison said.
Sison said that the CPP and NPA shouldn’t be feared by all.
‘"No hindi dapat katakutan yan. Maraming nare-recruit yan. As a matter of fact, isang congressman who was with De Venecia, I will not mention it, sasabihin na pinalilitaw ko siya na kontra sa gobyerno, sabi Joma wag basta-bastang magus-surrender ang NPA. Kinakailangan yan para me kinakatakutan ang mga mangungurakot," Sison said.
Sison stressed that it is those who are guilty of human rights violations who should fear the CPP and NPA.
"At the least pag me NPA, yung mga naapi at pinagsasamantalahan eh me inaasahan. Ngayon sabi ni Mao [Tse Tung], without the people’s army in the face of oppression, the people have nothing but at least they have hope and they have a chance of doing away with oppression exploitation, " Sison said.
At the end of the interview, Sison was asked about allegations hurled against him that he is directing the CPP and NPA from the Netherlands.
Sison replied, "Me trust yung mga nagdedelegate ng negotiating functions at saka pumayag na mag-advise ako. So you might say na may tiwala sila and you can express it in so many ways…. I think it can not be avoided because I was once the chairman of the CPP, I understand the program and then the other side thinks that I could facilitate agreements that's why kinakausap din naman ako."
SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
Sison Arrested by Dutch police for Kintanar, Tabara Slays
Sison arrested by Dutch police for Kintanar, Tabara slays
The Dutch Public Prosecutor's Office in Rotterdam, Netherlands confirmed the arrest of Jose Maria Sison on Tuesday morning in Utrecht where Sison is based, reported ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.
Sison was arrested by the International Crime Investigation Team of the Dutch National Criminal Investigation Department to face the criminal charges for his alleged involvement in assassinations of Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara that took place in Philippines.
A statement on the Web site of the Dutch Public Prosecutor's Office said: "The Communist leader was suspected of giving orders, from the Netherlands, to murder his former political associates in Philippines, Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara."
Wim de Bruin, the spokesman from the Dutch Public Prosecutor's Office said in a telephone interview that the arrest was done by the local police and the Interpol was not involved because Sison was suspected to have ordered the murders from the Netherlands, which is a criminal act under the Dutch law.
"We started this investigation, a year ago, in 2006 and the police have concluded so far at the moment to make the arrest," de Bruin explained.
According to the Public Prosecutor's office, except for Sison's apartment, the police also combed the apartments of Sison's co-workers, seven in Utrecht and one in Abcoude.
A source said the house of National Democratic Front (NDF) official Luis Jalandoni was raided by Dutch authorities although this has yet to be confirmed.
De Bruin confirmed that it included the NDF Panel office in Utrecht.
The Dutch spokesman also said that it was only Sison who was arrested and that no other persons were arrested in connection with the charges.
De Bruin said that Sison who is the founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) will be detained in the Netherlands and will be tried by a Dutch court and will not be expelled or deported to the Philippines.
The statement said that Sison will be indicted by the Examining Judge at Court in The Hague on Friday.
Romulo Kintanar was gunned down while having lunch in a Japanese restaurant in Quezon City on January 23, 2003.
Kintanar was a former member of the Politburo, the CPP’s leading body. He was also the former chief of staff of the New People’s Army until his arrest in 1988.
Tabara was shot dead at the parking lot of SM Fairview in Quezon City in September 26, 2004. Tabara was the former head of the Visayas Commission of the CPP and also a former member of the Politburo.
Both assassinations were admitted to by the CPP and the New People’s Army.
Kintanar and Tabara were expelled from the CPP in the early ‘90s. The two were instrumental in the formation of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade which frequently had armed encounters with the NPA.
With a report from Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=90229
The Dutch Public Prosecutor's Office in Rotterdam, Netherlands confirmed the arrest of Jose Maria Sison on Tuesday morning in Utrecht where Sison is based, reported ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.
Sison was arrested by the International Crime Investigation Team of the Dutch National Criminal Investigation Department to face the criminal charges for his alleged involvement in assassinations of Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara that took place in Philippines.
A statement on the Web site of the Dutch Public Prosecutor's Office said: "The Communist leader was suspected of giving orders, from the Netherlands, to murder his former political associates in Philippines, Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara."
Wim de Bruin, the spokesman from the Dutch Public Prosecutor's Office said in a telephone interview that the arrest was done by the local police and the Interpol was not involved because Sison was suspected to have ordered the murders from the Netherlands, which is a criminal act under the Dutch law.
"We started this investigation, a year ago, in 2006 and the police have concluded so far at the moment to make the arrest," de Bruin explained.
According to the Public Prosecutor's office, except for Sison's apartment, the police also combed the apartments of Sison's co-workers, seven in Utrecht and one in Abcoude.
A source said the house of National Democratic Front (NDF) official Luis Jalandoni was raided by Dutch authorities although this has yet to be confirmed.
De Bruin confirmed that it included the NDF Panel office in Utrecht.
The Dutch spokesman also said that it was only Sison who was arrested and that no other persons were arrested in connection with the charges.
De Bruin said that Sison who is the founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) will be detained in the Netherlands and will be tried by a Dutch court and will not be expelled or deported to the Philippines.
The statement said that Sison will be indicted by the Examining Judge at Court in The Hague on Friday.
Romulo Kintanar was gunned down while having lunch in a Japanese restaurant in Quezon City on January 23, 2003.
Kintanar was a former member of the Politburo, the CPP’s leading body. He was also the former chief of staff of the New People’s Army until his arrest in 1988.
Tabara was shot dead at the parking lot of SM Fairview in Quezon City in September 26, 2004. Tabara was the former head of the Visayas Commission of the CPP and also a former member of the Politburo.
Both assassinations were admitted to by the CPP and the New People’s Army.
Kintanar and Tabara were expelled from the CPP in the early ‘90s. The two were instrumental in the formation of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade which frequently had armed encounters with the NPA.
With a report from Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=90229
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Campaign for Santiago's ICJ omination starts
Campaign for Santiago's ICJ nomination starts
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
A year before its elections, the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands has started an intense campaign for the candidacy of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago as a judge in the International Court of Justice.
The ICJ, also known as the World Court, is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations and is based in the Peace Palace in the Hague, Netherlands. It rules on legal disputes submitted by states and also gives advisory opinions on legal questions from duly-authorized international agencies.
The ICJ is comprised of 15 judges who serve nine-year terms. They are elected by the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council from a list submitted by the national groups in the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Asia is entitled to a seat in the ICJ when Jordan’s term expires in 2009.
President Arroyo announced Santiago's nomination to the ICJ during her speech at the opening ceremony of the 40th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Ministerial Meeting in Manila last month.
Ambassador Romeo Arguelles said starting the campaign a year before the actual elections would greatly benefit the campaign for Santiago's inclusion in the World Tribunal.
He said the bulk of the foreign affairs department’s campaign for Santiago will be in New York, where the voting will take place at the UN headquarters.
The UN General Assembly will vote for a candidate and the Security Council will also hold a separate vote, all in New York, Arguelles explained.
At the moment, the ambassador’s hands are full, making personal visits to different Dutch ministries, legal institutions and embassies.
"Our role is to make representations with the host government. Of course to see to it that the qualification of the candidate is known in the host country, we have to talk to the leaders of the country. We need to talk to the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You have to talk to the chief members of the Parliament and even including the bar associations, the legal luminaries of the country in order to project the qualification of our country," Arguelles said in an exclusive interview.
Arguelles said Santiago will not a be "hard sell" because of her brilliant qualifications.
"She is an expert on international law, on public and private international law. She is a scholar. She has written numerous books on international law. She has a doctorate in Science Of Law from the University of Michigan. She was a fellow at Oxford University and Cambridge University and these I think are the qualities that are needed in the court."
Arguelles added that Santiago has been highly endorsed in the Philippines.
"There are many Filipinos who are experts in international law but the permanent national group in the Philippines chose to nominate her because before you can be nominated, there has to be a group that will nominate you and she was strongly endorsed by the Chief Justice of the Philippines, the Philippine Bar Association, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Association of Law Deans, Association of Law Professors and Association of Women Lawyers," he said.
"I think if everybody worked together and really campaign on the basis of her qualification, on the basis of her expertise in international law, she will have a chance," Arguelles said.
Arguelles said Santiago will run for the position of judge as a representative of the Philippines and not in her personal capacity.
He added that the last time that a Filipino was nominated for the ICJ was during the term of President Diosdado Macapagal, Mrs. Arroyo's father.
"You know, the last time we had a chance in the ICJ was a long, long time ago when Judge Bengzon was a judge. That was more than forty years ago and we have never had another one from the Philippines," he said.
Chief Justice Cesar Bengzon was the first and only Filipino elected to the ICJ and served from 1967 to 1976.
Arguelles said Santiago may have a fighting chance but only if all of the country's foreign missions will campaign vigorously for the Philippines. He added that Santiago’s victory will be significant because the Hague is the legal capital of the world.
"What it would mean is this is a very prestigious position. It will show to the world that we have people with these qualifications who are qualified to work in the world’s highest judicial body and it gives recognition of the expertise of Filipinos in international law. So it is prestigious for the country and for the candidate as well." Arguelles said.
SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=89605
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
A year before its elections, the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands has started an intense campaign for the candidacy of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago as a judge in the International Court of Justice.
The ICJ, also known as the World Court, is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations and is based in the Peace Palace in the Hague, Netherlands. It rules on legal disputes submitted by states and also gives advisory opinions on legal questions from duly-authorized international agencies.
The ICJ is comprised of 15 judges who serve nine-year terms. They are elected by the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council from a list submitted by the national groups in the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Asia is entitled to a seat in the ICJ when Jordan’s term expires in 2009.
President Arroyo announced Santiago's nomination to the ICJ during her speech at the opening ceremony of the 40th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Ministerial Meeting in Manila last month.
Ambassador Romeo Arguelles said starting the campaign a year before the actual elections would greatly benefit the campaign for Santiago's inclusion in the World Tribunal.
He said the bulk of the foreign affairs department’s campaign for Santiago will be in New York, where the voting will take place at the UN headquarters.
The UN General Assembly will vote for a candidate and the Security Council will also hold a separate vote, all in New York, Arguelles explained.
At the moment, the ambassador’s hands are full, making personal visits to different Dutch ministries, legal institutions and embassies.
"Our role is to make representations with the host government. Of course to see to it that the qualification of the candidate is known in the host country, we have to talk to the leaders of the country. We need to talk to the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You have to talk to the chief members of the Parliament and even including the bar associations, the legal luminaries of the country in order to project the qualification of our country," Arguelles said in an exclusive interview.
Arguelles said Santiago will not a be "hard sell" because of her brilliant qualifications.
"She is an expert on international law, on public and private international law. She is a scholar. She has written numerous books on international law. She has a doctorate in Science Of Law from the University of Michigan. She was a fellow at Oxford University and Cambridge University and these I think are the qualities that are needed in the court."
Arguelles added that Santiago has been highly endorsed in the Philippines.
"There are many Filipinos who are experts in international law but the permanent national group in the Philippines chose to nominate her because before you can be nominated, there has to be a group that will nominate you and she was strongly endorsed by the Chief Justice of the Philippines, the Philippine Bar Association, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Association of Law Deans, Association of Law Professors and Association of Women Lawyers," he said.
"I think if everybody worked together and really campaign on the basis of her qualification, on the basis of her expertise in international law, she will have a chance," Arguelles said.
Arguelles said Santiago will run for the position of judge as a representative of the Philippines and not in her personal capacity.
He added that the last time that a Filipino was nominated for the ICJ was during the term of President Diosdado Macapagal, Mrs. Arroyo's father.
"You know, the last time we had a chance in the ICJ was a long, long time ago when Judge Bengzon was a judge. That was more than forty years ago and we have never had another one from the Philippines," he said.
Chief Justice Cesar Bengzon was the first and only Filipino elected to the ICJ and served from 1967 to 1976.
Arguelles said Santiago may have a fighting chance but only if all of the country's foreign missions will campaign vigorously for the Philippines. He added that Santiago’s victory will be significant because the Hague is the legal capital of the world.
"What it would mean is this is a very prestigious position. It will show to the world that we have people with these qualifications who are qualified to work in the world’s highest judicial body and it gives recognition of the expertise of Filipinos in international law. So it is prestigious for the country and for the candidate as well." Arguelles said.
SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=89605
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Investing in the Philippines: A negative experience to some OFWs
Investing in the Philippines: A negative experience to some OFWs
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Netherlands are discouraged from investing in the Philippines because of the bad experiences suffered by some OFWs here, reported ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.
To help overcome the negative attitudes of these Filipinos towards doing business in their home country, the Philippine Embassy hosted an informal forum in The Hague, presided by five representatives of the Philippine Consortium on Migration and Development or PhilComDev.
Estrella Dizon-Anonuevo of Atikha, Jonas George Soriano and Salvador Umengan of Ploughshares Inc., Lurina Gargarita of Philippine Social Enterprise Network and Julyn Ambito of IDEALS represented PhilComDev, which is a coalition of more than thirty non-profit organizations in the Philippines formed to lure remittances for social-enterprise initiatives.
Pinoys from the different organizations in Holland gathered at the Embassy to hear what PhilComDev had to offer in terms of investing their hard-earned euros in the Philippines.
Chito Garcia, a Pinoy who has been living in Amsterdam for thirty years now is still reeling from a traumatic experience when he started a corn business in the Philippines in 2001.
“I started the central buying of corn in Batangas but sad to say, the system in the Philippines is really disappointing. Unfortunately there are traders who I can’t compete with because they are millionaires who monopolize the buying of corn so I got rid of that cooperative. I really hate that system in the Philippines, I’m sorry to say,” he said.
Soriano told Garcia not to give up and to have faith because it is an essential virtue in a start-up enterprise.
“Normally ‘yung faith (is faith). I don’t know of any entrepreneur that hit it big kaagad agad (immediately). What I advice is maybe to go back and see where are the kinks in it. Because the trading system has been there for 100 years, but a lot of people had beaten the trading system,” Soriano said.
Soriano advised that corn is now a hot commodity in the Philippines since the US stopped selling corn to the world market because it is now being used for bio-fuel. The opportunity for corn buying and production then has surged in the Philippines due to the daily needs of hogs and chicken raising.
From the latest information that Soriano received, there is a necessity for 60 tons of corn a week and a shortage in the Philippines of one million tons per year.
A member of the Philippine Seafarers Assistance Program, Felix Pulmano, also went through hardship when his group invested in a rice business in the Philippines.
“We also have a business in 2001. And then in 2003 together with our group, we engaged in rice. And then we have difficulty as what Chito [Garcia] have said. But what we did was we danced with the music. And then I think what we learned from that is we asked some business people to be with us so we can learn,” Pulmano said.
Pulmano thinks that an OFW is walking a tightrope when doing business in the Philippines that it is still wiser to invest in an enterprise that is already established.
“I think we should look first for a kind of migrant enterprise that is booming. Of course I have some social responsibility. So first I think go first for which is profitable,“ he said.
Dizon-Anonuevo says that if one isn’t profitable, then there is nothing to share and such is basic.
“I think that’s the beauty of the social enterprise. Because what we have now in the consortium are already social enterprises. Mga pag-aari na ng (It’s already owned by the) cooperatives. Marami nang nagbebenefit sa kanila (Many have benefited). And they are products that benefit the environment because they are organic like organic rice, muscovado, lemon grass, essential oils, these are the kind of social enterprises that we are encouraging to be set up and upscaled in the Philippines,” she said.
Tess de Man-Solibio, from Stichting Bayanihan which is a foundation helping Filipino women in the Netherlands, asked how much money goes to the Philippines from the OFWs and why many in the Philippines remain poor.
Dizon-Anonuevo answered that sixteen billion dollars were remitted by OFWs last year yet the Philippines remains poor because a big portion of it is used on consumption thereby failing to create capital or wealth.
Remittance studies have shown that most of the money received by families of OFWs are used for day-to-day expenses, such as food, utilities, and other household expenses.
“In fact sa mga communities where we are working, nag-interview kami ng 1,000 families kung magkano ang nireremit at saka kung enough yung nireremit. Yung 5,000 pesos sabi nya hindi enough, yung 20,000 pesos sabi nya hindi enough, yung 60,000 pesos sabi nya hindi enough, yung 100,000 pesos ang nireremit monthly sinasabi din hindi enough. So ano yung enough. Kase ang nakikita namin, habang tumataas ang binibigay tumataas din ang standard of living. Tumataas din ang kanilang gusto (In fact in the communities where we are working, we interviewed 1,000 families how much they remit and if the amount they remit is enough. They said 5,000 pesos is not enough, 20,000 pesos is not enough, 60,000 pesos is not enough, 100,000 pesos that is remitted monthly is not enough. So what is wnough. From what we see when what we provide increases so dies the standard of living. Their needs also increase),” she added.
After the non-stop queries, only one Pinoy declared that his questions were not fully answered.
“It’s the first time they come that’s why I’m trying to pose some basic questions. It is in relation to mobilization of the economic initiative of migrants, mobilization of their savings. I asked what exactly is the PhilComDev advocacy and vision of development. It is a valid question,” said Nonoi Hacbang of the Commission on Filipino Migrant Workers.
“Things are already also happening here. For example, the seafarers here, the initiative on savings mobilization is being put and invested in Mindanao and then locally they are tied up creating a new local economy and at the same time it’s there, giving also some employment. And there are many initiatives going on which should be considered,” Hacbang told ABS-CBN Europe.
Despite that and with the forum lasting three hours than the scheduled two hours, PhilComDev succeeded in generating interest from the Pinoys and regaining their trust.PhilComDev did not only give a positive insight on how the OFWs can channel their earnings to worthy investment and business ventures in the Philippines, but also provided a platform to discuss migration and development issues.
“Most of them have a lot of negative experiences in managing business and we think that it is only in coming together that the different players in the Philippines and also the migrants abroad, if we can really put our acts together, that is the key because we can redirect the resources to sustainable development in the Philippines so that if we develop our communities then we break the chain of migration,” Dizon-Anonuevo said.
“I think their response is very encouraging. They said they have learned a lot, heard a lot of new things that are not usually discussed in a forum held here at the embassy. Maybe it’s because we are addressing issues that are close to their hearts like issue of the problem of children left behind and also how does the family, the husband cope with the separation, the social problem being brought about by migration. But also more importantly, we are giving them hope that there are a lot initiatives, good initiatives that are happening in the Philippines that are not known because sometimes the good news don’t get in the papers,” she added.
Consul Adrian Cruz thanked the participants and assured the Pinoys that the Embassy will continue in its effort to link up the Filipino community with Philippine-based social enterprises.
“We hope that activities of this kind could still be done by the Embassy and we encourage Filipino communities here in the Netherlands to also make priority, issues of migration and development because it doesn’t only affect themselves but their families as well,” Cruz said.
Soriano is optimistic that the Filipinos will continue to make a difference in the world.
“I think we have proven that the Filipinos are there to do something for themselves and for their communities and we can be both entrepreneurs for the Philippines and even for the world. I hope that this is the start of something big,” he said.
Indeed the continued investment of overseas workers and how it will have a significant impact in the Philippines will be something to look forward to just as how the OFW remains a miracle that doesn’t cease to perform wonders on the country’s economy and on the lives of Filipino families.
SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=88597
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Netherlands are discouraged from investing in the Philippines because of the bad experiences suffered by some OFWs here, reported ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.
To help overcome the negative attitudes of these Filipinos towards doing business in their home country, the Philippine Embassy hosted an informal forum in The Hague, presided by five representatives of the Philippine Consortium on Migration and Development or PhilComDev.
Estrella Dizon-Anonuevo of Atikha, Jonas George Soriano and Salvador Umengan of Ploughshares Inc., Lurina Gargarita of Philippine Social Enterprise Network and Julyn Ambito of IDEALS represented PhilComDev, which is a coalition of more than thirty non-profit organizations in the Philippines formed to lure remittances for social-enterprise initiatives.
Pinoys from the different organizations in Holland gathered at the Embassy to hear what PhilComDev had to offer in terms of investing their hard-earned euros in the Philippines.
Chito Garcia, a Pinoy who has been living in Amsterdam for thirty years now is still reeling from a traumatic experience when he started a corn business in the Philippines in 2001.
“I started the central buying of corn in Batangas but sad to say, the system in the Philippines is really disappointing. Unfortunately there are traders who I can’t compete with because they are millionaires who monopolize the buying of corn so I got rid of that cooperative. I really hate that system in the Philippines, I’m sorry to say,” he said.
Soriano told Garcia not to give up and to have faith because it is an essential virtue in a start-up enterprise.
“Normally ‘yung faith (is faith). I don’t know of any entrepreneur that hit it big kaagad agad (immediately). What I advice is maybe to go back and see where are the kinks in it. Because the trading system has been there for 100 years, but a lot of people had beaten the trading system,” Soriano said.
Soriano advised that corn is now a hot commodity in the Philippines since the US stopped selling corn to the world market because it is now being used for bio-fuel. The opportunity for corn buying and production then has surged in the Philippines due to the daily needs of hogs and chicken raising.
From the latest information that Soriano received, there is a necessity for 60 tons of corn a week and a shortage in the Philippines of one million tons per year.
A member of the Philippine Seafarers Assistance Program, Felix Pulmano, also went through hardship when his group invested in a rice business in the Philippines.
“We also have a business in 2001. And then in 2003 together with our group, we engaged in rice. And then we have difficulty as what Chito [Garcia] have said. But what we did was we danced with the music. And then I think what we learned from that is we asked some business people to be with us so we can learn,” Pulmano said.
Pulmano thinks that an OFW is walking a tightrope when doing business in the Philippines that it is still wiser to invest in an enterprise that is already established.
“I think we should look first for a kind of migrant enterprise that is booming. Of course I have some social responsibility. So first I think go first for which is profitable,“ he said.
Dizon-Anonuevo says that if one isn’t profitable, then there is nothing to share and such is basic.
“I think that’s the beauty of the social enterprise. Because what we have now in the consortium are already social enterprises. Mga pag-aari na ng (It’s already owned by the) cooperatives. Marami nang nagbebenefit sa kanila (Many have benefited). And they are products that benefit the environment because they are organic like organic rice, muscovado, lemon grass, essential oils, these are the kind of social enterprises that we are encouraging to be set up and upscaled in the Philippines,” she said.
Tess de Man-Solibio, from Stichting Bayanihan which is a foundation helping Filipino women in the Netherlands, asked how much money goes to the Philippines from the OFWs and why many in the Philippines remain poor.
Dizon-Anonuevo answered that sixteen billion dollars were remitted by OFWs last year yet the Philippines remains poor because a big portion of it is used on consumption thereby failing to create capital or wealth.
Remittance studies have shown that most of the money received by families of OFWs are used for day-to-day expenses, such as food, utilities, and other household expenses.
“In fact sa mga communities where we are working, nag-interview kami ng 1,000 families kung magkano ang nireremit at saka kung enough yung nireremit. Yung 5,000 pesos sabi nya hindi enough, yung 20,000 pesos sabi nya hindi enough, yung 60,000 pesos sabi nya hindi enough, yung 100,000 pesos ang nireremit monthly sinasabi din hindi enough. So ano yung enough. Kase ang nakikita namin, habang tumataas ang binibigay tumataas din ang standard of living. Tumataas din ang kanilang gusto (In fact in the communities where we are working, we interviewed 1,000 families how much they remit and if the amount they remit is enough. They said 5,000 pesos is not enough, 20,000 pesos is not enough, 60,000 pesos is not enough, 100,000 pesos that is remitted monthly is not enough. So what is wnough. From what we see when what we provide increases so dies the standard of living. Their needs also increase),” she added.
After the non-stop queries, only one Pinoy declared that his questions were not fully answered.
“It’s the first time they come that’s why I’m trying to pose some basic questions. It is in relation to mobilization of the economic initiative of migrants, mobilization of their savings. I asked what exactly is the PhilComDev advocacy and vision of development. It is a valid question,” said Nonoi Hacbang of the Commission on Filipino Migrant Workers.
“Things are already also happening here. For example, the seafarers here, the initiative on savings mobilization is being put and invested in Mindanao and then locally they are tied up creating a new local economy and at the same time it’s there, giving also some employment. And there are many initiatives going on which should be considered,” Hacbang told ABS-CBN Europe.
Despite that and with the forum lasting three hours than the scheduled two hours, PhilComDev succeeded in generating interest from the Pinoys and regaining their trust.PhilComDev did not only give a positive insight on how the OFWs can channel their earnings to worthy investment and business ventures in the Philippines, but also provided a platform to discuss migration and development issues.
“Most of them have a lot of negative experiences in managing business and we think that it is only in coming together that the different players in the Philippines and also the migrants abroad, if we can really put our acts together, that is the key because we can redirect the resources to sustainable development in the Philippines so that if we develop our communities then we break the chain of migration,” Dizon-Anonuevo said.
“I think their response is very encouraging. They said they have learned a lot, heard a lot of new things that are not usually discussed in a forum held here at the embassy. Maybe it’s because we are addressing issues that are close to their hearts like issue of the problem of children left behind and also how does the family, the husband cope with the separation, the social problem being brought about by migration. But also more importantly, we are giving them hope that there are a lot initiatives, good initiatives that are happening in the Philippines that are not known because sometimes the good news don’t get in the papers,” she added.
Consul Adrian Cruz thanked the participants and assured the Pinoys that the Embassy will continue in its effort to link up the Filipino community with Philippine-based social enterprises.
“We hope that activities of this kind could still be done by the Embassy and we encourage Filipino communities here in the Netherlands to also make priority, issues of migration and development because it doesn’t only affect themselves but their families as well,” Cruz said.
Soriano is optimistic that the Filipinos will continue to make a difference in the world.
“I think we have proven that the Filipinos are there to do something for themselves and for their communities and we can be both entrepreneurs for the Philippines and even for the world. I hope that this is the start of something big,” he said.
Indeed the continued investment of overseas workers and how it will have a significant impact in the Philippines will be something to look forward to just as how the OFW remains a miracle that doesn’t cease to perform wonders on the country’s economy and on the lives of Filipino families.
SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=88597
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Filipino Nurses in The Hague sponsor Bantay Bata 163 Fund Raiser
Filipino nurses in The Hague sponsor Bantay Bata 163 fund raiser
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Despite misunderstandings among its members, a group of Filipino nurses in The Hague managed to pull through a hit concert featuring local Pinay talents for the benefit of Bantay Bata 163, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau reported.
The Nightingales was founded last year by Randy Locquiao, who thought of turning a simple “barkada gimmick” into an enterprising initiative for his nurse friends by organizing community parties featuring local Pinay singers.
After a jam-packed concert last year featuring Venus, Tina and Toks, three talents based in the Hague, Locquiao thought of organizing as his next project, a party for a cause which will benefit the ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata 163.
“It’s really my dream to put up a project where it will be a benefit concert. I chose Bantay Bata to be the beneficiary. I have a soft heart for children. When I see less-fortunate children especially in the Philippines, I feel for them and I really want to help in my own little way so we decided to put up this project,” Locquiao said.
Bantay Bata 163 is a child welfare program of ABS-CBN Foundation that not only rescues and rehabilitates sick and abused children, but also provides shelter, therapy and quality home care for rescued children until they can be reunited with their families or referred to proper child-caring agencies.
Indeed, when Locquiao went to the Philippines in April, his first stop was at the Bantay Bata 163 office where he requested for permission to hold the fund-raiser in the Netherlands.
Through the assistance of BB163’s Jenny Lee-Villanueva, his request was granted and true to his words, he planned and coordinated the execution of the event, making his simple dream a big reality.
Despite some disagreements before the event, Locquaio thanked everybody for their selfless contribution to the cause.
He singled Michel Taal, a half-Pinoy half-Dutch who gave all his time to the organization of the event being the all-in-one handy man, driver, photographer.
“You can’t explain the feeling. It’s very overwhelming. It’s very fulfilling. I just hope that a lot of people will take initiative to give their share as well,” Locquiao said.
Although it was not over capacity as the first concert, the hall was full and surprisingly, a lot of Dutch people attended the concert.
The attendees were particularly moved at the presentation of two contrasting slides, one showing the poor children in the Philippines against the other showing the happy children of Pinoy parents who are living abroad.
The slides became a sort of eye-opener to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that night. They realized that they are fortunate enough to be living abroad and that their children are healthy and happy.
Halfway through the concert, a message from Bantay Bata Program Director Tina Monzon-Palma was read and BB163 envelopes were handed to guests who want to donate cash.
The response was overwhelming, specifically from the Dutch.
A middle-aged Dutch who didn’t want to be identified said that he came with his father not only to enjoy the party but also to help the needy children in the Philippines.
Having been in the Philippines three years ago, he still vividly remembers the needy children he saw there and appreciates the efforts of the Nightingales for holding the first Bantay Bata 163 event in The Hague because the children need it.
The event generated over 1,000 euros or 63,000 pesos in cash for Bantay Bata 163 and that was just from financial contributions.
Other Pinoys extended their support in kind and one can’t put a price tag on the time and services they have volunteered to help minimize the Nightingales’ overhead costs.
Singer Venus tirelessly performed her best and belted numerous requested songs all night without any talent fee.
One Filipina was very proud for her son’s offering his Dangerous Combination Youth group to perform a break dance at the concert.
“Nung nabalitaan namin na para sa Bantay Bata, kinausap ko yung anak ko kung gusto niyang mag-offer ng dance. Nung sinabi ko na ang goal is Bantay Banta, tinanong niya kung ano yung Bantay Bata. Sabi ko matutulungan mo yung mga me sakit na bata, poor children. Sabi niya o sige, so niyaya niya yung mga dance group niya para magsayaw so nagsayaw sila ng walang bayad (When we heard it’s for Bantay Bata, I talked to my son if he would like to dance. When I said the goal is for Bantay Bata, he asled what Bantay Bata is for. I told him he would help sik children, poor children. He said okay and he invited his dance group to perform and they did without payment),” Sonia Vicente said.
Vicente said that when she first went to the Philippines as a Balikbayan with her son Erwin, he was shocked to see an eight-year-old girl asking for alms while they were boarding a cab.
He didn’t understand why the girl was doing it because one rarely sees such form of begging nor child beggars in the Netherlands.
Street beggars here usually provide some form of musical entertainment like singing or playing an instrument such as a guitar or accordion in crowded places like downtown or train stations.
People are free to drop coins in their hats if they feel like it and it is very occasional to find someone approaching you directly for a coin.
The phenomenon of street children in the Philippines will certainly never be understood by so many Europeans but such an issue will always be close to their hearts.
SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=86716
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Despite misunderstandings among its members, a group of Filipino nurses in The Hague managed to pull through a hit concert featuring local Pinay talents for the benefit of Bantay Bata 163, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau reported.
The Nightingales was founded last year by Randy Locquiao, who thought of turning a simple “barkada gimmick” into an enterprising initiative for his nurse friends by organizing community parties featuring local Pinay singers.
After a jam-packed concert last year featuring Venus, Tina and Toks, three talents based in the Hague, Locquiao thought of organizing as his next project, a party for a cause which will benefit the ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata 163.
“It’s really my dream to put up a project where it will be a benefit concert. I chose Bantay Bata to be the beneficiary. I have a soft heart for children. When I see less-fortunate children especially in the Philippines, I feel for them and I really want to help in my own little way so we decided to put up this project,” Locquiao said.
Bantay Bata 163 is a child welfare program of ABS-CBN Foundation that not only rescues and rehabilitates sick and abused children, but also provides shelter, therapy and quality home care for rescued children until they can be reunited with their families or referred to proper child-caring agencies.
Indeed, when Locquiao went to the Philippines in April, his first stop was at the Bantay Bata 163 office where he requested for permission to hold the fund-raiser in the Netherlands.
Through the assistance of BB163’s Jenny Lee-Villanueva, his request was granted and true to his words, he planned and coordinated the execution of the event, making his simple dream a big reality.
Despite some disagreements before the event, Locquaio thanked everybody for their selfless contribution to the cause.
He singled Michel Taal, a half-Pinoy half-Dutch who gave all his time to the organization of the event being the all-in-one handy man, driver, photographer.
“You can’t explain the feeling. It’s very overwhelming. It’s very fulfilling. I just hope that a lot of people will take initiative to give their share as well,” Locquiao said.
Although it was not over capacity as the first concert, the hall was full and surprisingly, a lot of Dutch people attended the concert.
The attendees were particularly moved at the presentation of two contrasting slides, one showing the poor children in the Philippines against the other showing the happy children of Pinoy parents who are living abroad.
The slides became a sort of eye-opener to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that night. They realized that they are fortunate enough to be living abroad and that their children are healthy and happy.
Halfway through the concert, a message from Bantay Bata Program Director Tina Monzon-Palma was read and BB163 envelopes were handed to guests who want to donate cash.
The response was overwhelming, specifically from the Dutch.
A middle-aged Dutch who didn’t want to be identified said that he came with his father not only to enjoy the party but also to help the needy children in the Philippines.
Having been in the Philippines three years ago, he still vividly remembers the needy children he saw there and appreciates the efforts of the Nightingales for holding the first Bantay Bata 163 event in The Hague because the children need it.
The event generated over 1,000 euros or 63,000 pesos in cash for Bantay Bata 163 and that was just from financial contributions.
Other Pinoys extended their support in kind and one can’t put a price tag on the time and services they have volunteered to help minimize the Nightingales’ overhead costs.
Singer Venus tirelessly performed her best and belted numerous requested songs all night without any talent fee.
One Filipina was very proud for her son’s offering his Dangerous Combination Youth group to perform a break dance at the concert.
“Nung nabalitaan namin na para sa Bantay Bata, kinausap ko yung anak ko kung gusto niyang mag-offer ng dance. Nung sinabi ko na ang goal is Bantay Banta, tinanong niya kung ano yung Bantay Bata. Sabi ko matutulungan mo yung mga me sakit na bata, poor children. Sabi niya o sige, so niyaya niya yung mga dance group niya para magsayaw so nagsayaw sila ng walang bayad (When we heard it’s for Bantay Bata, I talked to my son if he would like to dance. When I said the goal is for Bantay Bata, he asled what Bantay Bata is for. I told him he would help sik children, poor children. He said okay and he invited his dance group to perform and they did without payment),” Sonia Vicente said.
Vicente said that when she first went to the Philippines as a Balikbayan with her son Erwin, he was shocked to see an eight-year-old girl asking for alms while they were boarding a cab.
He didn’t understand why the girl was doing it because one rarely sees such form of begging nor child beggars in the Netherlands.
Street beggars here usually provide some form of musical entertainment like singing or playing an instrument such as a guitar or accordion in crowded places like downtown or train stations.
People are free to drop coins in their hats if they feel like it and it is very occasional to find someone approaching you directly for a coin.
The phenomenon of street children in the Philippines will certainly never be understood by so many Europeans but such an issue will always be close to their hearts.
SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=86716
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Joma Sison’s Legal Status in Limbo
Joma Sison’s legal status in limbo
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Jose Maria "Joma" Sison, the founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has revealed that his legal status in the Netherlands is in a state of limbo since the inclusion of his name on the European Union's list of terrorists.
Sison went into exile in the Netherlands in 1987. Two decades later, he is back to square one in seeking asylum as a political refugee.
In an exclusive interview, Sison showed his digital "W-Document" card, which is an identification used for asylum seekers in the Netherlands.
The card, however, already expired in October 2005.
Despite the card's expiration, Sison told ABS-CBN that he still continues about with his daily activities without fear of deportation.
Under a new law that came into effect on Jan. 1, 2005, all Dutch citizens and people residing in the Netherlands aged 14 and above must carry a valid ID document at all times or face the risk of being deported.
Rejected asylum seekers are obliged to leave the Netherlands. Those granted refugee status are given a residence permit.
Sison said his legal status does not fall into any type.
He is neither a legal resident of the Netherlands nor is he a political refugee since he is a still a holder of a W-Document.
He is also not an asylum seeker because he has yet to exhaust all legal remedies.
The Dutch government also cannot force him out of the country.
“They made a hair-splitting decision. I’m a recognized refugee but I am not allowed legal admission to the Netherlands. To make a distinction, no legal admission but de facto I’m here,” Sison said.
At present, Sison’s legal status seems to have been frozen with his assets because the granting of a valid residency permit is pegged to the withdrawal of his name on the terror list.
Sison said that he finds the terrorist tag odd because he can travel to and from the Netherlands without a problem.
In fact, his latest trip abroad was on July 11 when he went to Luxembourg for the rendering of the EU Court of First Instance judgment.
“Mabuti pa paliwanag ko 'no. Mabuti makita mo ang kalokohan. Eh kung terorista ako eh bakit ako pinapasakay sa eroplano (It’s better that I explain it. It’s better so you can see the absurdity. If I’m a terrorist why am I allowed to travel on a plane)?""Tuwing mag-uusap sa Oslo [in Norway], eh binibigyan ako ng Laissez-Passer, 'yun eh temporary passport for a trip back and forth (When there are talks in Oslo [in Norway] I’m provided a Laissez-Passer, that’s a temporary passport for a trip back and forth). And I’m also granted a visa so I can return to the Netherlands,” Sison added.S
ison said the Laissez-Passer, which is a limited passport, was even issued to him by the Dutch Foreign Ministry.
He said it is ironic that a "terrorist" like him holds a Laissez-Passer passport.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Rob Dekker, meanwhile, declined to comment on Sison’s legal status in the Netherlands.
“I understand that Mr. Sison, he said a lot of things himself in the media and that’s of course his prerogative but we don’t comment on individual cases,” Dekker said.
Sison insisted that up to now, there is neither evidence nor proof that he is a terrorist.
He complained that there is still no criminal investigation on the charges of terrorism against him despite his volunteering for it.
“If there is any specific crime of terrorism for which they wish to hold me responsible, they better call me for a criminal investigation. The absence of a criminal investigation is underscored by the fact that my lawyer actually volunteered. I can appear for investigation anytime,” Sison said.
SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=86726
By LOUI GALICIA
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Jose Maria "Joma" Sison, the founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has revealed that his legal status in the Netherlands is in a state of limbo since the inclusion of his name on the European Union's list of terrorists.
Sison went into exile in the Netherlands in 1987. Two decades later, he is back to square one in seeking asylum as a political refugee.
In an exclusive interview, Sison showed his digital "W-Document" card, which is an identification used for asylum seekers in the Netherlands.
The card, however, already expired in October 2005.
Despite the card's expiration, Sison told ABS-CBN that he still continues about with his daily activities without fear of deportation.
Under a new law that came into effect on Jan. 1, 2005, all Dutch citizens and people residing in the Netherlands aged 14 and above must carry a valid ID document at all times or face the risk of being deported.
Rejected asylum seekers are obliged to leave the Netherlands. Those granted refugee status are given a residence permit.
Sison said his legal status does not fall into any type.
He is neither a legal resident of the Netherlands nor is he a political refugee since he is a still a holder of a W-Document.
He is also not an asylum seeker because he has yet to exhaust all legal remedies.
The Dutch government also cannot force him out of the country.
“They made a hair-splitting decision. I’m a recognized refugee but I am not allowed legal admission to the Netherlands. To make a distinction, no legal admission but de facto I’m here,” Sison said.
At present, Sison’s legal status seems to have been frozen with his assets because the granting of a valid residency permit is pegged to the withdrawal of his name on the terror list.
Sison said that he finds the terrorist tag odd because he can travel to and from the Netherlands without a problem.
In fact, his latest trip abroad was on July 11 when he went to Luxembourg for the rendering of the EU Court of First Instance judgment.
“Mabuti pa paliwanag ko 'no. Mabuti makita mo ang kalokohan. Eh kung terorista ako eh bakit ako pinapasakay sa eroplano (It’s better that I explain it. It’s better so you can see the absurdity. If I’m a terrorist why am I allowed to travel on a plane)?""Tuwing mag-uusap sa Oslo [in Norway], eh binibigyan ako ng Laissez-Passer, 'yun eh temporary passport for a trip back and forth (When there are talks in Oslo [in Norway] I’m provided a Laissez-Passer, that’s a temporary passport for a trip back and forth). And I’m also granted a visa so I can return to the Netherlands,” Sison added.S
ison said the Laissez-Passer, which is a limited passport, was even issued to him by the Dutch Foreign Ministry.
He said it is ironic that a "terrorist" like him holds a Laissez-Passer passport.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Rob Dekker, meanwhile, declined to comment on Sison’s legal status in the Netherlands.
“I understand that Mr. Sison, he said a lot of things himself in the media and that’s of course his prerogative but we don’t comment on individual cases,” Dekker said.
Sison insisted that up to now, there is neither evidence nor proof that he is a terrorist.
He complained that there is still no criminal investigation on the charges of terrorism against him despite his volunteering for it.
“If there is any specific crime of terrorism for which they wish to hold me responsible, they better call me for a criminal investigation. The absence of a criminal investigation is underscored by the fact that my lawyer actually volunteered. I can appear for investigation anytime,” Sison said.
SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=86726
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
