The Commission on Elections (Comelec) released on Friday the list of the party-list organizations, including the Ang Ladlad group, that are allowed to participate in the May 10, 2010 polls.

Ang Ladlad group represents gays, lesbian, transgender in the society.

In Resolution No. 8744, the Commission en banc approved the application of 144 party-list organizations to join the forthcoming elections.

The groups that were allowed to join the partly-list elections are:

1. 1-Aani
2. 1-AK
3. 1-Care
4. 1-Abaa
5. 1Ganap/Guardians
6. 1st Kabagis
7. A Blessed
8. AT
9. Abakada
10. Abang Lingkod
11. Aba Ilonggo
12. Abante Ka
13. Abamin
14. ATM
15. Abono
16. Abroad
17. ADD-Tribal
18. ADD
19. ACT Teachers
20. Alim
21. AKO
22. Adam
23. Alon
24. Ating Koop
25. A Teacher
26. Asahan Mo
27. A-Ipra
28. Agbiag
29. Agila
30. Agila
31. Agri
32. ADA
33. Agap
34. Ahon
35. Akap Bata
36. Apoi
37. Akbayan
38. Ako
39. AKB
40. Akma-PTM
41. Amana
42. Anakalusugan
43. Alagad
44. Alay Buhay
45. Abay Parak
46. Aama
47. ABC
48. Anad
49. AFPSEGCO
50. ARC
51. 1-Tubig (formerly Aawas)
52. ABP-Bicolnon
53. Anupa
54. APO
55. Arcapp
56. AVE
57. ATS
58. Alma
59. Almana
60. AMS
61. Agham
62. ABA
63. An Waray
64. Anak Mindanao
65. Anakpawis
66. Aani
67. Aambis-Owa
68. AG
69. ALIF
70. Ang Ladlad
71. AMA
72. A Tambay
73. Anak
74. ABS
75. Atong Paglaum
76. Amang
77. Aral
78. ALE
79. AAPS
80. Apec
81. Babae Ka
82. Bago
83. Bandila
84. BH
85. Banat
86. Bida
87. Bayan Muna
88. Bayani
89. Bigkis
90. Binhi
91. Biyaheng Pinoy
92. Biyayang Bukid
93. Buhay
94. Butil
95. Chinoy
96. Cibac
97. CPM
98. Senior Citizens
99. Cocofed
100. Cofa
101. Consla
102. Coop-Natcco
103. Dwa
104. Fil-Mus
105. Firm 24-K
106. 1st Prisa
107. Gabriela
108. Green Force
109. Ivap
110. KLBP
111. Kabayan
112. Kabataan
113. Buklod Filipina
114. Kalahi
115. Kalinga
116. Kakusa
117. Ang Kasangga
118. AA-Kasosyo Party
119. Kaakbay
120. Katribu
121. Kaagapay
122. Kasapi
123. 1-Ahapo
124. Oragon
125. OPO
126. PEP
127. Katutubo
128. PM
129. Pacyaw
130. PCL
131. PBA
132. Smart
133. SB
134. Bantay
135. TUCP
136. 1 Ang Pamilya (formerly ANC)
137. UNI-MAD
138. 1-Utak
139. Vendors Party List
140. VFP
141. WPI
142. Yes We Can
143. Yacap
144. Lypad

Section 10 of Republic Act No. 7941 (Party-List System Act) states that a voter is entitled to “a vote for a party, organization or coalition he wants represented in the House of Representatives” during elections.

A group is entitled to a maximum of three seats in the House of Representatives provided that they garnered three percent (per seat) of the total votes cast.

A one-hour, “live” program, hosted by Freddie S. Abando, covering one or to topics per episode, mainly in the English language, and aired every Tuesday from seven to eight in the evening.

“Convergence” is intended to be a meeting of minds, a meeting of ideas, a meeting of issues, and a meeting of concerns. A convergence of thoughts and exchanges of views and opinions on a specific subject is focused on the idea of offering the viewers the broadest possible view as the minutest possible analysis.

Over the past 46 episodes, the programs has covered the entire spectrum of government concerns in the various departments, institutions and offices, together with the private sectors’ participation, involvement, or reactions to the policies and projects of the government. The end in view is to call attention to our leaders and our people, their particular individual and collective earnest in the formation of true nationalism, love of country, discipline and values.

BGY. JOSE, Rodriguez, Rizal (PND) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo distributed food packs to victims of tropical storm Ondoy (international codename: Ketsana) at the multi-purpose covered court here Thursday afternoon

As I was going up the driveway this morning, I saw my neighbor getting into a waiting car. She was in uniform, fully made up, not a hair out of place and dragging her luggage. She looked so different from me in my jeans and shirt, pony tails and unadorned face since I just came from the supermarket after buying the groceries.

I recognized the uniform as a flight attendant’s. It made me smile, since I used to look like that, too, almost everyday a few years back; manicured nails, well kept hair, and always ready with my overnight bag.

But then, after my stint with the airline industry, I’ve chosen another career: motherhood.

After the birth of my first child (I have two now, of ages 4 and 5 years), I decided not to rejoin the work force. My friends would tease me, “Sayang ang brains mo!”. I would just smile because being a full-time mom doesn’t mean that you’d stop using your brain! I may not be thinking about the usual marketing plans or business strategies, or mastering the procedures in case of emergency landing. But, yes, I still use my brain, thank you.

Some people may look at the things that a mother does as ordinary (I did too, before), but it doesn’t matter what other people think because they are not. They are a great responsibility, and they involve the whole family’s life, especially the kids,’ and their future. And that is the most important of all.

The kids didn’t ask to be brought into this world. It was the parents who decided that. So I believe that parents owe it to their kids to take care of them and love them the best way they can. I am not saying to the working mothers out there that they are bad mothers. It’s a different story for every woman.

I consider myself lucky to have the choice of staying home and taking care of my kids. Some women want to do that, but just can’t, especially in these hard times. I’m very grateful that I have the opportunity to be able to spend the whole day, every day, with my growing kids. I am happy to witness their first steps, hear their first words, feed them their first solid food, or even wipe them when they make a mess. Those are memories that I will always cherish. Before I’d know it, they will be going away to college and living their own lives.

It’s not always easy, but staying home to care for the kids has its rewards. Sometimes when the newspapers are scattered all over the place by my 5-year-old son (he has been reading and spelling words like “inquirer”, and “headlines” since he was 4) even before I get to read them, I would get mad. But then I’d realize that, at least, he is reading the papers!

Since they learned how to use the computer, there have been many times that we would argue who would use it first. For me, that means less time to chat online, but then I remember they are even the ones teaching their grandmother how to surf!

Yes, I think I made the right decision. At least I don’t have to wake up early and endure the traffic on Edsa. I can take naps in the afternoon with my kids, or go to the mall anytime of the week if I want to, or just sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching my kids play. Ah, life’s simple pleasures.

When I opened the door to our unit, laden with grocery bags, the sight that greeted me made my grocery trip worthwhile. My 4-year-old ran up to me, a radiant smile on his innocent face, and proudly said, “Mommy, look what site we’re at! Nickelodeon.com!”

Matching his enthusiasm, I said, “That’s great, baby! But how did you find that website?” He answered, “Google”.

It’s about 15 minutes to the hour of Divine Mercy or 3 o’clock, the traditional time most believe our Savior, Jesus, gave His life for all of us. Up to a few minutes ago – in the heat of  another hot summer day in Manila (summer season starts here in March – more in line with the temperate climates springtime) – it suddenly burst forth with a heavy rain.

St. John 3.16-20

16 ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

17 ‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. 20For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’*

To me the rain a while ago brought back memories of a much earlier and simpler time of childhood of gathering together – no radios, CDs, Ipods, PSPs, beaches, or hotels – of a time where a family gets together, sits and prays and reads the Saints’ Gospels and reflects and remembers all that is the real meaning of today and why it is called ‘Good’ and the week itself is truly ‘Holy’.

So, if you have not already, here’s the reason for the this season as I often say at Christmastime, and so too now with Lent and Easter, why do we remember? Because of all that was done for us – the love, the sacrifice, the gift that comes from His name and power of His salvation. Blessed be His Holy name…

Continue reading…

No. This is not meant to defend Cheap Tsao (Chip Tsao, I mean) and the mockery he made out of every Filipino not to mention, the Philippine government. Just like you, my blood boiled after hearing from a local news program about the things he wrote regarding the Philippines- both the nation and its people.

Did he discriminate us by saying that we are a nation of servants? Only a fool would say no. But aren’t we guilty of doing the same thing? Didn’t we call names and brand our Visayan brothers and sisters the same thing? Didn’t we stereotypically attribute the Ilocanos as “kuripot”? We give names to Kapampangans, Aetas, Muslims and almost every ethnicity. Sure, we are guilty of the same crime Chip Tsao has committed.

I condemn what he did. It slapped my sensitive ego as a patriotic Filipino. But after I read his full length article, my ego was dead beaten with the offensive use of satire. Mind you Mr Tsao, satire is only appealing and funny when it’s done tastefully. He claims to be a patriotic Chinese but he doesn’t mind that the Russians sank a Hong Kong freighter, okay now that’s funny.

Lesson: there are things need not be said to assert certain course of argument. More importantly, don’t try to be funny at the expense of others. Hmmm… all of you, please raise your hand if you’re guilty.

Let’s cast our votes for Earth by switching off our lights tonight at 8:30-9:00pm.  If you’re heading out, don’t forget to turn off your lights before you leave home

What is Earth Hour?

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.

Excerpt from Earth Hour website.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the filing of appropriate administrative and criminal charges against Department of Justice (DOJ) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) personnel involved in the alleged “Alabang Boys” bribery case.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, in a briefing in Malacanang today, said the President, who is also the country’s “Drug Czar,” has ordered the reversal of the questionable DOJ resolution dismissing the drug case filed by the PDEA against Alabang Boys Richard Brodett, Jorge Joseph and Joseph Tecson.

At the same time, the President also directed Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez to file criminal charges in court against the three.

The President’s directives, Remonde said, were based on the report and recommendations submitted on March 12 by the independent fact-finding body she created under Administrative Order 252 last January headed by retired Supreme Court associate justice Carolina Griño-Aquino.

In her order dated March 19, 2009, the Chief Executive directed the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) to file bribery charges against State Prosecutor John Resado, who is accused of having been bribed by the “Alabang Boys” to get them off the hook.

Resado wrote the resolution dismissing the case against the three suspects.

The President also ordered the filing of administrative charges against Senior State Prosecutors Philip Quimpo and Jovencito Zuño for their cursory conduct of the review of the December 2, 2008 Resado Resolution.

She likewise directed that Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor be investigated further for possible violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The President gave PDEA 30 days to complete the investigation of its agents who allegedly manhandled Richard Brodett during his arrest in a buy-bust operation at the Ayala Alabang subdivision in September 2008.

Marine Major Ferdinand Marcelino, the PDEA-detailed military officer who blew the whistle on the alleged bribery, was also ordered investigated for “taking into himself the job of prosecutor” by releasing Patrick El Khoury, the driver of the vehicle where the buy-bust operation drug deal was consummated.

The President also asked PDEA to justify why its agents failed to strictly follow the rules on the marking, inventory and photo-documentation of the seized drugs as required by law.

The Aquino fact-finding panel was tasked to look into the conduct of state prosecutors in the handling and resolution of the Alabang Boys case and to validate the findings of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in regard to the allegations of bribery.

“After considering the report and recommendations of the committee, the President issued the directives,” Remonde said.

Aside from former Supreme Court Justice Aquino, the independent panel she headed included former Justice and Judicial and Bar Council member Raoul Victorino, and Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, Dean of the San Beda College of Law.

The panel ended its investigation on the case last February 18.

Voyage to the future is an educational project of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Network (ABU) that aims to promote awareness of our future global environment.

ABU brings together teenagers from Asia-Pacific Region to visit various locations to learn to appreciate, conserve and rehabilitate the different environments.

Voyage to the future 2009 goes to explore the Philippine shores with the theme “Preserving the Ocean Environment”.

25 students from seven participating countries namely, China, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar and Thailand will arrive the country on March 20, 2009, and will stay till March 31, 2009.

The National Broadcasting Network (the only TV station in the Philippines that is a member of ABU) will be hosting the event. Opening ceremonies will be held at the Manila Hotel come Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 9:00 am.

The participants will visit 3 pre-identified locations in the country – Puerto Galera in Mindoro Oriental, Danajon Double Barrier Reef in northern Bohol and Apo Island in Negros Oriental – in a span of 11 days.

Different fun and educational activities awaits the participants.