Singapore Police arrested a 42 year-old snatcher on bicycle with the assistance of 2 teen-agers.

A 33 year-old woman was walking along Pasir Ris Drive 1 on December 26, 2010 at about 3.45pm when a man on a bicycle came from behind and snatched away her purse. The victim shouted for help and two 17 year-old youths who happened to be in the vicinity responded to her cries and went after the thief. After a short chase, the youths spotted the suspect running up a nearby block of flats at Pasir Ris St 11 and called for the police while keeping watch.

Officers from Bedok Police Division responded promptly and conducted a systematic search of the said block. The suspect was found hiding on the 9th floor and placed under arrest. The victim’s items were also successfully recovered from the suspect’s possession.

The suspect will be charged in court on 28 December 2010 for the offence of snatch theft under Section 356 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, which carries a maximum punishment of 7 years imprisonment and caning.

Commander of Bedok Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Teo Chun Ching commended the 2 youths for their public-spiritedness and said, "This arrest showcases the importance and effectiveness of Police-community partnership in the fight against crime."

Celebrate 2011 at Marina Bay Area

Dress up in your party gear, round up your friends, and count down to 2011 at The Float @ Marina Bay!

Set against Singapore’s magnificent city skyline, this countdown event gives you an explosive night of sizzling fireworks and spectacular music acts, so be there to soak it all up. David Tao, the Taiwanese rocker with an R&B soul, commands the stage in an exclusive New Year concert showcase at the Floating Platform, while homegrown duo Jack & Rai and their band, EIC keep the crowd going with their original songs and popular hits.

From across the Causeway, One Nation Emcees is guaranteed to bring the house down with their brand of high energy hip-hop. Singapore Idol 3 winner Sezairi Sezali and Singapore Idol 3 finalist Sylvia Ratonel show off their homegrown talents. From reality talent competition, One Moment of Glory, performers including Jill- Marie Thomas, Luminiq Crew, Desert Roses, Vertical Dancers will strut their stuff --singing, dancing, spinning and even flying! And rock out with local band Rancour and Singapore Idol 1 finalist Sylvester Sim and The Queenband.

Dance the night away with spin maestroes from Zirca, DJ Kennerve and DJ Will as they bring you the Top 40 dance hits!

So get your tix for Celebrate 2011! to party in style and kick off 2011 with an unforgettable night packed with 7 hours of non stop entertainment!

 

DATE: 31 Dec 2010
Fri, 7:30pm

DURATION: Approx. 7hrs

VENUE(S): The Floating @ Marina Bay

TICKET PRICE (EXCLUDE BOOKING FEE):

Standard: S$38

Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please note the following conditions:
- Replacement tickets can only be issued for reserved seating.
- No replacement tickets will be issued for general admission or 'free seating/standing'.

Ticket sales will start at 6pm at the entrance of The Float @Marina Bay on the event day.

It's done, Pacquiao vs. Mosley fight will happen on May 7 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas

 

Bob Arum and Shane Mosley said it’s a go, the fight with Manny Pacquiao on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

But Pacquiao’s adviser, Mike Koncz, said they’re still tying some loose ends, and that the Filipino superstar will make his final decision after the holidays.

“A hundred percent it’s going to be Mosley. But we’re not yet where we want to be,” said Koncz.

Pacquiao must be trying to spice up the contents of the contract before he finally says yes.

“But we’re not too far,” said Koncz who also spoke to fanhouse.com and said, “We have yet to hear from Mr. Arum. I haven’t reached out to him and he hasn’t reached out to me. It’s the holidays, and we’re in no rush. We’ll speak to Arum shortly in the next few days and make our final decision probably by the new year,” said Koncz.

“When Bob Arum was here (in the Philippines), certainly Mr. Mosley consumed most of the time during our conversations, and that would mean that he got the bulk of our attention. But that doesn’t mean that we picked him. Most of our time was spent discussing Shane Mosley, however, it was also asked that Bob Arum return to Las Vegas with a counter proposal.”

Mosley, who’s pushing 40 but has vowed to give Pacquiao a good fight, and probably knock him out, told fighthype.com that it’s a done deal.

“It’s a go. Bob (Arum) and (his representative) James (Prince) came to an agreement on the money minutes ago. Bob is drawing up the contracts and I will sign either on Wednesday or Thursday,” said the pride of Pomona, California.

Arum said he wants everything done and over with as soon as possible because he has to work on the dates, the promotion and the press tour that should take both fighters to Los Angeles, New York, Washington and San Francisco.

Arum said there would be a stop in Washington because US Senator Harry Reid is setting up a rare meeting between Pacquiao and the US President, Barack Obama.

“The President wants to see Manny,” said Arum.

The meeting between the two of the world’s most powerful figures was supposed to take place right after Pacquiao’s fight with Antonio Margarito last November.

In fact, a private plane was already on standby to take Pacquiao from San Francisco, where he was then having a concert, to Washington. But it was called off because Obama “had to fly somewhere.”

Arum said he expects a tough fight for Pacquiao, who will face Mosley at 147 or 148 lb.

“We came to a meeting of the minds,” Arum told ESPN.com about his meeting with Prince in Las Vegas.

“[Top Rank matchmaker] Bruce Trample says it’s a very difficult fight. I believe it will be an exciting fight. Shane knows how to fight and how to deal with the speed. Manny is in for a hellacious fight. I really believe styles make fights,” Arum said.

Mosley said he’ll knock Pacquiao out.

“Come on, man. I’m a bigger guy than him and he gets hit. And you saw how I hurt Floyd. Manny is going to come forward and I will hit him on the chin at some point. His defense is not like Floyd’s. Manny will come at me, and I will knock him out,” he told ESPN.com.

But it’s not a hundred percent that’s going to happen.

VP Binay pushing for the creation of an “OFW Bank"

To bring down the cost of sending money to the Philippines, Vice President Jejomar Binay said Wednesday he is pushing for the creation of an “OFW Bank."

Binay — also the Presidential Adviser on OFWs’ Concerns — wrote to President Benigno Aquino III pushing for the proposed bank as an “alternative yet viable" remittance institution here and abroad.

“The bank will provide fair competition towards the reduction or lowering of remittance or transaction costs and provide a productive outlet for our overseas Filipinos’ savings as bank investors and shareholders," he said in the letter posted on the Office of the Vice President’s website.

Binay said the move was in response to OFWs’ (overseas Filipino workers) clamor for an OFW Bank, as financial intermediaries and money brokers are presently charging exorbitant fees for money transfers.

Government financial institutions will initially fund and underwrite the bank, according to the Vice President said.

Eventually, investors and stockholders will own and control the OFW Bank, Binay said.

Money sent home by OFWs rose to $15.46 billion in the first 10 months of the year, up 7.9 percent from $14.23 billion in the same period last year, central bank data showed.

A chunk of the remittances came from the US, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Japan, UK, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Italy, Germany, and Norway.

The idea for an OFW Bank was raised in 2006 as a way of consolidating the financial assets and operational capabilities of government institutions, like Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Philippine Postal Corp.

The project was supposed to create a financial institution for OFWs, one that is inexpensive and more focused toward its OFW-oriented direction and services. Because of the global recession, it was shelved.

Instead, LandBank and DBP launched separate remittance programs for the lucrative OFW market estimated by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration between eight million and 11.5 million land- and sea-based employees.

X'Mas Nightmare: Ex-CID Prison Cells open to Public for the 1st time

Bidding for his time, the Demon Lord, Khaos, has been waiting… this year, the Seal of Abyss trapping the demons in their underworld, revealed a crack never detected by the Guardians.

Seizing this opportunity, Khaos summoned the best of his minions to surge to the human world and spread his clutches to the corners of the world.

13 Demon Legions of all kinds answer the Demon Lord’s call to arms!

A foothold has been established by these legions at a location never thought to be the centre of this epic war. Every of his generals are preparing for His arrival to start the conquest of the human world…

Everything seems lost…only the Chosen Ones can turn this army of Darkness back to where they belong!

Are you the Chosen Ones? The fate of human kind rests on you! Take up your courage! Gather your fellowship! Brave this adventure of your life!

This X’mas…will never be the same again…

Chapter One of “The First Call to Arms” – Spencer Arbalest, 2010

 

Venue: 90 Eu Tong Seng St (Former CID HQ) Between People's Park Complex & Pearl's Centre (Chinatown MRT & Outram MRT)

When:  22nd Dec - 26th Dec 2010  &  29th Dec to 2nd Jan 2011

Time:   6.30p.m. - 3.00a.m. daily!

Book Now!!!

MRT: Chinatown Station

Buses that stops at Pearl's Centre: 54, 124, 143, 147, 166, CT18, CT28, CT8

Buses that stops at People's Park Complex: 2, 12, 33, 63, 80, 143, 197, CT18, CT28, CT8

 

Watch SPI TV EPISODE 2 - THE 13 CELLS (PART 1)

Watch SPI TV EPISODE 2 - THE 13 CELLS (PART 2)

Singapore Police Crime Prevention Advisory For The Festive Season – Molest & Unruly Crowds

The Christmas and the New Year celebrations are round the corner and as with previous years, large crowd and heavy vehicular traffic will be expected at major shopping centers, along areas like Orchard Road , Marina Bay, Vivo City and Sentosa. Police would like to advise all shoppers and revelers to remain vigilant against crime during the period.

CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE AGAINST MOLEST

Members of the public, especially women, are advised to stay vigilant against those who may take the opportunity to commit molest during this festive season. The following are some precautions women can take to minimize the risk of becoming a victim:

• Be wary of strangers who approach you in crowded areas
• Stay close to your friends or move around in groups when in crowded places
• Be aware and alert of your surroundings. If someone stands exceptionally close to you, or if you suspect that you are being followed, remain calm and proceed to a more crowded area to seek assistance;
• Avoid taking short-cuts through dark and deserted places. Keep to well-lit areas where there are more people and traffic;
• Do not enter the lift with a stranger. Let the stranger take the lift and wait for the next one;
• When coming home late at night, get someone to meet up with you at a planned location like the bus-stop, car-park or void-deck to escort you home;
• Carry a shrill alarm to call for help in times of emergencies; and
• When traveling in a public transport, remain alert and do not nap or sleep. 

CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE AGAINST UNRULY CROWDS

During the festive season, people may congregate in groups to celebrate. During such an occasion, people may also consume alcohol. Unfortunately, some celebrations may turn rowdy. Police take a serious view against actions which disrupt public order and peace and will not hesitate to take action against those involved in such cases. Foreign workers who are convicted of such crimes may also risk losing their jobs.

• Members of the public are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures to protect themselves:
• Be aware of your surroundings. If you notice a crowd likely to turn rowdy, move away and report the matter to Police
• When confronted by unfriendly/unruly persons, diffuse the situation by moving away quickly and avoid unnecessary eye-contacts or conversations. If the harassment persists, seek assistance from people and call for Police; and
• Consume alcohol within your limits and remain sober

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas: OFW remittances total $1.67 billion in October

The money sent home by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) totaled $1.673 billion in October, a new monthly record signaling the advent of money transfers for the Christmas season, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday.

The remittances in October brought to $15.456 billion the amount of money remitted by OFWs in first 10 months of the year, up 7.9 percent from $14.231 billion in the same period last year.

BSP Gov. Amando Tetangco Jr. said in a statement the remittances in October grew by $142 million or 9.3 percent from $1.531 billion booked a year earlier.

The remittances in October also eclipsed the $1.623-billion record registered in June.

"Remittances from overseas Filipinos coursed through banks grew 9.3 percent in October 2010 to reach $1.7 billion, the highest monthly level posted during the year," Tetangco stressed.

"The sustained remittance flows into the country were due to the sustained robust demand for skilled and professional Filipinos," he added.

The remittances that accounted for 84 percent of the total and coursed through banks came from the US, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Japan, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Italy, Germany, and Norway.

More job opportunities

Job orders that have been approved totaled 578,535 in the first 11 months, according to Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

These orders were for the service and production sectors as well as professional, technical, and related fields in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

More Filipinos would be deployed after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported employers in Algeria plan to hire more workers for infrastructure projects, according to the BSP.

The construction of a military base in Guam next year will also open more job opportunities for OFWs, the central bank said.

"Looking ahead, the deployment outlook for Filipinos overseas also remained upbeat, given continuing bilateral talks with some host countries aimed at matching manpower requirements with the competencies of Filipino workers," the BSP chief said.

Global remittance networks

There are continuing efforts to improve the variety and coverage of the global remittance networks, enabling OFWs to transfer money using more innovative financial services.

"This, combined with the increasing presence of bank and non-bank money transfer conduits, both locally and internationally, as well as the expanding range of products and services offered by financial intermediaries to overseas Filipinos and their beneficiaries, contributed to the strong inflow of remittances," Tetangco explained.

In 2009, remittances went up 5.4 percent to a record $17.348 billion from $16.426 billion in 2008 exceeding the revised 4-percent forecast by the central bank.

Returning OFWs get a free rides from Airport to Bus Terminals

As part of its efforts to honor overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the government is giving returning OFWs a free ride to bus terminals where they can get a ride to their home provinces during the holidays.

Radio dzBB's Denver Trinidad reported Monday the free rides are part of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's "Pamaskong Handog (Christmas offering)."

The report quoted OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon as saying the returning OFWs will be ferried from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to different bus terminals.

On the other hand, Dimzon said she has ordered OWWA personnel at the NAIA terminals doubled to attend to the needs of returning OFWs.

On Monday afternoon, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III will personally lead officials in welcoming OFWs returning home for the holidays.

Aquino is expected to hand out raffle prizes to lucky OFWs, the report said.

PNoy welcome returning OFWs at NAIA

President Benigno Aquino III will go to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Monday to welcome returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The move would symbolize the government's high regard for OFWs, whose remittances sustain the economy, radio dzBB reported Sunday.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief Carmelita Dimzon will be with the President.

With luck, three OFWs will get cash and non-cash prizes in a raffle, according to dzBB.

His administration will make working abroad an "option" instead of a necessity for Filipinos, the President earlier said.

During the campaign for the May 10 elections, Aquino lamented that poverty continued to force many Filipinos for better paying jobs abroad.

Malacañang Announces Christmas Holiday Schedule

Malacañang announced it was retaining the holiday schedule provided for under Proclamation No. 1841 of 2009 “Declaring the Regular Holidays, Special (Non-working) Days, and Special Holiday (for all Schools) for the Year 2010, saying the law was “relevant” for the occasion.

In an interview aired over dzRB on Sunday, Presidential Communication and Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said the government concurred with the law also known as the “holiday economics” law which provides that non-religious holidays be moved to the nearest Monday.

The rationale behind this law is to give Filipinos a longer weekend with which they can use to bond and strengthen family relationships as well as spur domestic tourism.

Under Proclamation No. 1841, December 24 (Friday) and December 31 (Friday) have been declared as “additional special (non-working) days” while December 27 has been declared a non-working holiday as it falls on the Monday nearest Rizal Day, a regular holiday every December 30.

With this holiday schedule, a pocket of three working days from December 28 (Tuesday) to December 30 (Thursday) remains for the remainder of the year after Christmas.

Watch Sale at OG Orchard Point up to 35% off

This Christmas, give your loved ones the gift of time with these stylish timepieces from Casio, Seiko and Citizen. Watches are going on sale at discounts at up to 35%! Only available at OG Orchard Point until 26 December 2010.

What:Discount sale of Casio, Seiko and Citizen watch
Where: OG Orchard Point

Filipino Dragons Bags 3 Golds, 1 Silver at Sava Sprints International IV Dragonboat Race

Filipino Dragons (Singapore) has recently bagged three gold medals at the 6th Sava Sprints International Dragonboat Competition, 20-21 November 2010, held at Lower Seletar  Reservoir, Singapore.  The team’s 12th gold medal in dragonboat races only in the span of two years.  Filipino Dragons (Singapore) is an expatriate team in Singapore with over 130 members and an affiliate member of the Singapore Dragon Boat Association.  It is to be mentioned here that the recent gold medal is the most precious one as it is the team’s first time to conquer the Championship in the Singapore Expatriate Community Category.

While the Filipino Dragons (Singapore) bagged the golds for the Corporate Club 20-Crew Open and the Singapore Expatriate Community Categories, two boats from the Filipino team raced and won the Gold and Silver in the Local Freestyle Category.  Also, in the two-day dragonboat event, several Filipino teams from Manila competed and all went home with medals.  They are the Legionaires Dragonboat Team, PDRT Fireblades and PYROS.

The Sava Sprints International is an annual event organized by Sava.  ”Think Dragonboat.  Think SAVA”, tryly has been Sava’s mission in promoting the sport in the country.  ”This year, we were very confident to win in the categories that we have signed up for because our team has religiously trained four times a week,” said Harland Baraquero, Head Coach of the Filipino Dragons (Singapore).  ”I always tell them to make each stroke solid and to alwyas look in front during their heats.”

“I am very proud of them for their first gold medal in the Singapore Expatriate Community Category.  They are now the new champions and the team to beat here in Singapore.”, Baraquero acknowledged.

For the record, Filipino Dragons (Singapore) or FDS has joined several international dragonboat races in Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and in the team’s homeland Philippines.  The team has been supported by 7,107 Flavours, PacBev, distributors of San Miguel Beer, Kali Majapahit and Buff Multifunction Headwear from Spain.

The team is celebrating its 2nd Anniversary in 13 December 2010 and has since established friendship and solidarity among other expatriate teams in the dragonboat community.  According to Tharin Walker, Team Captain of the American Dragons, “I’ve known the Filipino Dragons (Singapore) since the team’s beginning in early 2009.  I’ve been favorably impressed by several things about the team.  The first is , of course, the very fast growth in terms of numbers – FDS is easily the largest of the Expat / International teams in Singpaore.  Also, of course, the very fast rise from beginner to competitive status in terms of race results.  But, the coolest thing that I see about FDS is the friendly, family-like atmosphere amongst all the team members.  That is the team’s biggest strength, in my opinion.”

Wayne Salamonsen of AustCham Dragonboat Team when asked about the Filipino Dragons (Singapore) shared, “We’ve known the Filipino Dragons since they first setup here several years ago.  At that time they were just a fledgling team that had to borrow boats from other teams to get out on the water.  Since then they’ve grown significantly in both size and ability.”  In 2009, the Filipino Dragons (Singapore) joined the AustCham 10K Challenge hosted by the Australian Dragonboat Team and this year the Filipino Dragons (Singapore) sent two boats to participate in the said annual event.  Salamonsen added:  ”They are now probably the largest International team in Singapore in terms of membership numbers, own several boats and have become consistent challengers for the top step of the podium at the major Dragon Boat events in Singapore.”

Coach Baraquero added: ”We are now preparing for MR500 race in March 2011 and the Boracay International Dragonboat Festival on April 28-30, 2011 in Boracay, Philippines.  I am very delighted with the number and the quality of wins that we got for this year.  An early team anniversary and Christmas gift for most of us who will be away from their families this coming holiday season.”

MANGO Year End Sale now open at outlets island wide

The MANGO Year End Sale, one of the anticipated sales has come around again and starts today at MANGO outlets island wide. Go early to beat the crowds and take advantage of the discounts of up to 50% off!

What: The MANGO Year End Sale
Where: MANGO outlets islandwide

Bureau of Customs will be considerate this Christmas, no tax duties on one electronic item

The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BoC) will be considerate to vacationing balikbayans or overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who would want to bring in electronic items in the country this Christmas.

"In the spirit of the holiday season, ang sabi ko sa ating collectors, examiners at appraisers, lalung-lalo na dito sa arrival area na bigyan naman ng konting konsiderasyon ang ating mga kababayan," said Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez.

Balikbayans or OFWs will be allowed by the BoC to bring in one electronic product free of duties and taxes.

Based on customs regulations, ad valorem tax is imposed on an electronic product with more than P10,000 value.

Alvarez admitted that the law on duties and taxes is outdated and needs to be amended by Congress.

OFW Rodrigo Cabuena had just arrived from Palma de Mallorca in Spain. He bought family chocolates and clothes as presents for his family because he knows how difficult it is to bring in electronic products in the country.

Aside from the long thorough search of his belongings, BoC members would also bombard him with several questions.

“Alam nyo po naman ang trabaho namin saka yung sahod namin, minimum wage earner lang po kami doon. Ngayon, kung pagbabayarin po kami nun, medyo mabigat yun,” Cabuena said.

Alvarez reminded OFWs that they must honestly fill up the Customs Declaration Form and bring the receipt of the electronic item they want to bring into the country

source: abs-cbn

Singapore Police nab 32-year-old Malaysian believed to be responsible for two cases of armed robbery

Singapore Police have arrested a 32-year-old Malaysian man who is believed to be responsible for two cases of armed robbery with hurt in the Ang Mo Kio estate.

On 29 November 2010 and 1 December 2010 , two cases of robberies were reported in the vicinity of Ang Mo Kio. In the first case on 29 November 2010 , a 60-year-old female victim was assaulted and robbed of her handbag containing S$50/- cash and a handphone by an unknown man while she was in the lift of Blk 438 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 at around 11am . In the second case on 1 December 2010 , a 57-year-old taxi driver was robbed of S$180/- at knifepoint by a male passenger in his taxi at Blk 416 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 at around 10.05am . As a result of a struggle with the suspect, the taxi driver also suffered a 4cm laceration on his neck.

Following the reports, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division worked relentlessly on all possible leads. Through extensive probes and investigative follow-up, the officers managed to establish the identity of the suspect – a Malaysian who had overstayed. With this lead, the officers mounted a series of ambush operations at various locations in Ang Mo Kio and Toa Payoh area in a bid to apprehend him.

On 2 December 2010 at about 5.20 pm , the officers' efforts finally paid off when they located the suspect and arrested him in the vicinity of Lorong 5 Toa Payoh. Upon his arrest, he was found in possession of a bank passbook belonging to the first victim and a penknife, which was believed to have been used in the commission of the offence.

The suspect will be charged in the Court on 4 December 2010 for Armed Robbery with Hurt which carries a maximum punishment of 20 years imprisonment and not less than 24 strokes of the cane. He also faces an additional charge of Overstaying Illegally in Singapore under the Immigration Act. A Court Order will be sought to remand the suspect for further investigation thereafter.

Philippine Bureau of Immigration screening procedures led to a big drop in the number of human trafficking victims reaching Singapore

The Philippine embassy in Singapore lauded the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) campaign against human trafficking that prevented the departure of thousands of undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the past weeks, many of them bound for the progressive city-state.

In a letter to Immigration Officer-In-Charge Ronaldo Ledesma, embassy charge d’ affaires Nathaniel Imperial said the BI’s recent screening procedures for departing Filipinos led to a big drop in the number of human trafficking victims reaching Singapore.

Imperial said Singapore, being a Freeport, is a regular destination and transshipment point of Filipinos who are victims of illegal recruiters and prostitution rings preying on young women.

“The Embassy appreciates this effort of the Bureau in countering the trafficking problem in the Philippines, especially since Singapore is a destination country of many trafficking victims,” the official said.

Imperial said that due to the BI’s intensified drive against human trafficking, the embassy now receives frequent queries from Filipinos in Singapore who wish to invite relatives and friends to visit them.

He asked the BI for specific guidelines as to when immigration officers at the airports may require affidavits and other proofs from travelling Filipinos who claim they were invited by relatives and friends abroad.

Lawyer Arvin Santos, BI airport operations division chief, said such affidavits must be authenticated by the Philippine embassy in Singapore, but stressed that such affidavit is not a guarantee that the invitee will be allowed to depart.

He said it is the discretion of the immigration officer to allow or disallow the departure of a passenger depending on the assessment during primary and secondary inspections.
Santos said there were past reports that affidavits were being forged by human trafficking syndicates to facilitate the departure of “tourist workers”, or would-be OFWs disguised as tourists.

Driving instructor jailed for 9 months for molesting and insulting his teenage student

A 52-year-old Singapore driving instructor was sentenced today to nine months' jail for molesting his student and uttering sexually explicit words in her presence.

Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman was convicted of three counts of molest and one count of insulting the girl's modesty following a three-day trial.

He had committed the offences in a car during the girl's fifth and final driving lesson on December 19 last year.

He did so while the 18-year-old student was driving around the Ubi Estate between 8.30am and 10am that day.

Abdul Aziz had placed his right hand on her inner left thigh and squeezed it several times.

He had also used a finger to brush against her chest.

During the trial, the girl had testified that during her first four lessons with Abdul Aziz, she found that he was "a very nice person who was easy to talk to".

He only started behaving inappropriately towards her after the first 15 minutes of the final lesson.

The student had also testified that she felt violated by Abdul Aziz's behaviour.

In mitigation, the instructor's lawyer, Ismail Hamid urged District Judge Hamidah Ibrahim to consider his client's age before sentencing him.

Mr Ismail added that Abdul Aziz has been suspended from his job since he was charged and was "deprived of his livelihood" for more than six months.

However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Edward Ti told the court that Abdul Aziz had betrayed what he referred to as a "sacred" relationship between a student and a teacher.

The crimes had also taken place in a confined space, said Mr Ti.

Abdul Aziz who intends to appeal against his conviction and sentence has been offered a bail of $15,000.

For each molest charge, he could have been jailed up to two years and fined.

And for insulting the teenager's modesty, he could have been jailed up to a year and fined.

Singapore Police arrested a 51 year-old Malaysian for posing as ‘Bogus Electrician’

Police have arrested a 51 year-old Malaysian national who is believed to be responsible for numerous cases of theft in dwelling at various housing estates by posing as an electrician.

The ‘bogus electrician’ was known to target elderly persons and would pose as an electrician to gain entry into the victim’s unit on the pretext of checking/repairing the power supply. Upon entering the premises, the victim would be asked by the suspect to hold a bamboo pole against a light bulb in the kitchen toilet to facilitate the checks. The suspect would then take this opportunity to steal cash and/or jewelry from the premises while the victim was occupied. In the latest case reported on 26 October 2010, a 76 year-old woman living at Bendemeer Road fell prey to the ‘bogus electrician’ who made off with about $10,000 cash and $4,000 worth of jewelry.

Following these cases, officers from Central Police Division conducted extensive enquiries and investigations in a bid to nab the suspect. Police also issued a crime alert via the media on the suspect’s description and modus operandi, together with a crime prevention advisory to warn members of the public against him.

The officers’ hard work and perseverance finally paid off when the suspect’s identity was established through investigations and intelligence probes. With this important lead, an operation was mounted and the suspect was detained at Woodlands Checkpoint on 22 November 2010 at 2.50pm as he was about to leave Singapore.

The suspect will be charged in Court on 24 November 2010 for an offence of Theft in Dwelling under Section 380 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 which carries a jail term of 7 years and a fine. He will be remanded for further investigations thereafter.

Philippine immigration officers underwent customer care, skills training hoping to project positive and tourist-friendly image

This is good news, hopefully those who are planning to go home this holiday will feel the love and care of our “newly” trained officers. We commend BI for having thought of this training, it is badly needed. Those mentioned soft skills (in bold letters) are a mouthful and we hope they will stick once they are back on the job….

As part of its continuing mission to empower and develop the potentials of its employees, the Bureau of Immigration will conduct this week a three-day training for immigration officers that focuses on effective communication, enhanced customer service and conflict management.

BI Officer-In-Charge Ronaldo Ledesma said an initial batch of 25 immigration officers will undergo the “Customer Care, Image and Skills Enhancement Workshop” to be held at the Philippine Immigration Academy in Clark, Pampanga from November 3 to 5.

“This is part of the bureau’s continuing efforts to improve our service delivery and at the same time update our immigration officers on the latest immigration trends and best practices in the world,” Ledesma said.

“Our immigration officers are the very first persons that foreigners meet when they arrive in our airports. That is why it is very important that they project a positive and professional image that should also reflect the Filipinos’ trademark traits of hospitality and courtesy,” he added.

Lawyer Arvin Santos, BI Airport Operations Division chief, said that the bureau would adjust the schedules of the other immigration officers who are not included in the first batch of trainees to minimize disruption in operations, particularly in the manning of immigration counters in the airports.

The three-day workshop will cover topics such as

• updates in the policies and procedures of the Airport Operations Division
• courtesy and discipline
• personal awareness and aspects of a positive job image as immigration officers
• effective communication
• conflict management
• and defining business etiquette within globally-accepted immigration standards, among others.

The bureau’s immigration officers are at the forefront of the country’s intensified campaign against human trafficking, drug smuggling and other transnational crimes, and are usually at the receiving end of abusive foreign visitors, thus the need to project strict but professional demeanor at all times.

“This training program is vital not only for the immigration officers’ professional growth but also in projecting a positive and tourist-friendly image for the Philippines in the eyes of the world,” Ledesma said.

ASEAN Professional Basketball Challenge at Singapore Indoor Stadium

A Singapore Slingers game is much more than just a game of basketball - its full-on entertainment, offering amazing athletic entertainment, showcasing professional basketball at its best. Basketball is a game of skill, emotion, passion and excitement. The Slingers bring you the TOTAL GAME!!!

Secure your tickets now for the 2010/11 ASEAN Basketball League (ABL). Tickets @ $8 to $18 available at SISTIC. Season tickets, Courtside tickets and VIP Hospitality Boxes are also available.

The Slingers compete against quality professional teams from Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei. All home games are played in the air conditioned comfort of the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The Slingers are a true Singaporean team with a strong core of Singapore’s best players complemented by carefully selected imports. Come out and support your team!

 

Category -Sports, Entertainment

Date and Time - From 3-Oct-2010, Sun To 9-Jan-2011, Sun

Ticketing Detail - $8 to $18 per ticket.

• Group discounts.
• Ticket discounts for SAFRA,
• Season Ticket Packages
• VIP Hospitality Boxes
• Premier Courtside Seating

For more information please call the Slingers on 6346 1004 or email info@singaporeslingers.com

Beware of molesters posing as cops

I thought these things happen only in the Philippines (in 3rd world countries)….

BE WARY of people coming up to you claiming to be Singapore police officers - they may be molesters in disguise.

Police on Wednesday said they had noted several reports of outrage of modesty committed by culprits posing as police officers.

In these cases, the culprits would claim to be a police officer and use different reasons - such as checking for drugs, or underage smoking - to conduct a check on the victim, taking the opportunity to outrage their modesty in the process.

Members of the public are advised to check for proof of a police officer's identity through their warrant cards. A genuine warrant card will carry identification features such as the police crest, the officer's photograph, his name and NRIC number.

If in doubt of an officer's identity, members of the public should call 999 for help.

Impersonating a public servant is a serious offence which carries a jail term of up to two years, a fine, or both.

 

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

• When alone, always stay alert and be attentive to the surroundings. If you suspect that you are being followed, remain calm and proceed to a more crowded area or call the Police to seek help
• When approached by someone who claims to be from any government ministry / statutory board, always request to see their identification cards and verify their identity
• Do not enter the lift with a stranger. Let the stranger take the lift and wait for the next one; and
• When coming home late at night, get someone to meet up with you at a planned location like the bus stop, car park or void deck to escort you home.

source: Straits Times

What is an OEC and what are the requirements for the issuance of an OEC

What is an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)?

An Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), is a requirement under POEA Rules and Regulations to help ensure that Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) are properly documented and protected.

Only OFWs are required to get an OEC. In this case, OFWs would include: work permit holders such as domestic helpers, etc. as well as S-pass and E-pass holders. PRs, EPEC holders and OJTs are not required to get OECs.

Used OEC, whether regular or multiple, is a requirement to be submitted to the Department of Tourism to avail travel tax reduction for OFW dependents.

What are the requirements for Issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)?

Household Service Workers

• Accomplished application form
• Valid Employment Contract (processed by POEA or the Philippine Embassy – if there is no valid authenticated employment contract, please proceed to OEC for domestic worker for the checklist of requirements)
• Work Permit Card
• Passport
• Two-way ticket or Itinerary issued by travel agency
• Proof of OWWA valid membership (i.e. official receipt, certificate of coverage); worth S$42.00 renewable every 2  years.

Others Applicants

• Accomplished application form
• Employment Card, S Pass, Work Permit Card
• Passport
• Two-way ticket or Itinerary issued by travel agency
• Proof of OWWA valid membership (i.e. official receipt, certificate of coverage);  worth S$43.00 renewable every 2  years

Where and when to file an OEC?

OEC applications can be filed at Window 2 of the Philippine Embassy (Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. / Mondays to Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

 

How long will it take to process an OEC?

During ordinary days (not peak season) 5 to 10 minutes, provided the documentary requirements are complete.

Can a household service worker apply directly with the embassy to secure an OEC, without passing thru Singapore agent (SinAgent)?

Yes, provided she has a valid employment contract processed by the Philippine Embassy, in addition to other documentary requirements stated above.

How much is the processing fee for OEC?

S$5.50 payable in cash only.

 

Multiple OEC

An OFW who will travel to the Philippines twice or more in a year may apply for and will be issued multiple OECs. The copy of the multiple travel exit clearance (OEC) shall be validated on the date of departure by the POEA Labor Assistance Center at the appropriate international airport and copies of the same shall be submitted by the OFW/s to the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to avail of the exemptions from payment of travel tax and airport terminal fee pursuant to Sec. 35, R.A. 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995).

 

What are the requirements for the application of a multiple OEC?

The issuance of “Multiple Travel Exit Clearances’ (Multiple OECs) is governed by POEA MC No. 12 (2005) which allows OFWs provided with short contract durations and frequent vacations to avail of the same with one year validity upon submission of the following:

• Valid Passport (Original)
• Valid  Work visa
• Proof of Current Employment (Contract for Domestic Workers/EP/S-pass , etc.) with more than a year’s validity; and
• Proof of OWWA membership (Official Receipt or Certificate of Membership Coverage) with more than a year’s validity.

Tips when shopping in Singapore

 

Before hitting the stores, do equip yourself with information on local practices and conditions. The shopping tips provided below will help make your shopping experience in Singapore a pleasant one. It is also a good idea to check with your hotel concierge or visit any Singapore Visitor Centre for assistance, upon arrival.

Consumer Advisory

1. Always compare prices to get the best deals
   Prices can vary widely between shops because distributors are not obliged to follow each product’s Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Ask your retailer if the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies; note that purchases above S$100 (in a single receipt) entitle you to GST refunds if you leave Singapore by air.
2. Be aware that purchases made are usually final
   Once payment is made, retailers generally enforce strict return, exchange or refund policies. To play safe, always ask your retailer about those policies before you make payment.
3. Check receipts/invoices for accuracy
   Ask for a receipt or invoice whenever you buy anything. Keep them for reference. Check that prices and item descriptions are correct to ensure that you do not pay more than what is required; gifts, where applicable, should be indicated as such.
4. Verify what your “international warranty” covers
   International warranties are not standardized. Ask and verify that your warranty is valid in your home country. Ensure both your invoice and warranty card bear your retailer’s stamp and signature; in the case of electronic goods, note the product’s serial number as well.
   • There are no international warranties for mobile phones.
   • A “worldwide local warranty” means the warranty is available only in the country of purchase; “worldwide” here refers to the availability of the product, not the warranty.
   • Parallel imported items have no warranty, and retailers do not entertain returns, refunds or exchanges.
5. Check before leaving the store
   Before you make payment, ask to test the item you wish to buy and take time to check that the promised accessories and peripherals are in the package and work like they should.

Shopping Hours

A good number of department stores and some smaller shops are open daily from 1000 hrs to about 2100 hrs, or even 2200 hrs. Singapore is one of the few countries in the world it is reasonably safe out in the streets even late at night. As long as basic precautions are taken, you can shop in peace.

Mustafa Centre in Little India is the only department store in Singapore that is open 24 hours a day, everyday!

Prices and Bargains

The local newspapers are usually a good bet on the most current sales and promotions. You may wish to take time to browse and compare prices before purchasing.

In department stores, all items price-tagged and prices are fixed. Many small retailers also practice price tagging but are often flexible when approached for a discount. Ask the retailer for his "best price" and then counter-offer with realistic prices until both of you reach an agreement.

Credit/Charge Cards

Almost all stores accept major international credit and charge cards. Should you come across a shop insisting on adding a surcharge, do contact the local office of the card company so that corrective action can be taken.

Money

For travellers’ cheques and other financial matters, approach the banks which generally operate from 0930 hrs to 1530 hrs, from Mondays to Fridays, and from 0930 hrs to 1130 hrs on Saturdays. For greater convenience, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are conveniently located at banks and most shopping centres and are open round-the-clock. Keep a lookout for these machines displaying Plus and Cirrus signs.

You can exchange currency at all banks, hotels, and wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed.

 

Receipts and Return Policies

All department stores and smaller retail shops provide either cash slips or receipts upon purchase. Feel free to ask for one if this step is omitted and be sure that details shown on the receipt are accurate.

Larger shops and department stores will exchange goods if they are returned in good, original condition. However, returns are usually accepted only within a specified number of days (usually three) from the purchase date, and upon presentation of the receipt. Smaller shops may not be so accommodating, so always check goods carefully as well as the shop’s return policy before making a purchase.

If you're undecided about a purchase in a department store and would like to take some time to consider, just ask the sales assistant to put it aside for you. Items can usually be reserved for a maximum of three days.

Philippine Bureau of Immigration bars 4 OFWs disguised as tourists from leaving

Immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport barred from leaving the country four prospective overseas Filipino workers disguised as tourists after they presented bogus documents in an attempt to convince authorities that they were financially capable to go on a foreign holiday.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma said the suspected “tourist workers” were intercepted at the departure area of the NAIA 2 terminal last Oct. 6 as they were about to board a Philippine Airlines flight to Bangkok. Ledesma said the female passengers were offloaded after they were subjected to secondary inspection by immigration officers who doubted their purpose in traveling abroad.

The BI chief declined to divulge the names of the women, saying “they are victims of illegal recruitment whose identities need not be publicized.”

He added that the incident should serve as a warning to others who want to work abroad that they should not deal with illegal recruiters.

“The law requires that all Filipino migrant workers must secure proper documentation and clearances from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to ensure that they are protected while working abroad,” Ledesma stressed.

According to Atty. Arvin Santos, BI airport operations chief, the women when interviewed presented counterfeit credit cards and other questionable documents to prove that they are legitimate tourists.

The passengers also had US$300 each in pocket money and hotel bookings in their port of destination.

“They readily admitted that the credit cards are fake and they bought the same in Bacolod City for P200 each,” Santos said.

He added that the women claimed to be sales representatives of a company called Prince Motor Corp. but could not answer when asked to name the products they were supposedly selling.

A quick Google search yielded no result about this company but there is a similarly named company called Prince Motor Company which was a Japanese automobile manufacturer from 1952 until its merger with Nissan in 1966.

NTUC LINK 3-on-3 Basketball Challenge

Block out your calendar on November 27 and 28 for the annual 3-on-3 Singapore Basketball organized by U Sports! Get your teams ready for U16, U21, Men's & Women's Open.

Attractive prizes of over $8,000 to be won.

1. Details of event
Date: 27 and 28 November 2010, Saturday & Sunday
Time: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Venue: National Library Building, Event Plaza (Victoria Street)

2. Categories

nEbO Categories -> U16 Boys & Girls, U21 Boys & Girls

General Categories -> Men's & Women's Open

*All players will receive a Goodie Bag and Event Jersey each. Each team can register up to 4 players.

3. Prizes

Champion - $500 cash + Team Trophy + Individual Medals + Sports products
1st Runners up -  $300 cash + Team Trophy + Individual Medals + Sports products
2nd Runners up - $200 cash + Team Trophy + Individual Medals + Sports products
3rd Runners up -  Individual Medals + Sports products

4. Registration Fees

Price Chart for nEbO categories.

Click HERE for the Price Chart for General categories. 

 

5. Registration & Payment Outlets

• Click HERE to download the registration form and make payment. Fax the form to 6581-3326 / scan & email to carrie_soo@ntucclub.com.sg and send a crossed cheque to NTUC Club, U Sports 1 Pasir Ris Close Singapore 519 599 (state the team name at back of cheque)
• iHelp counter at Downtown East @ 1 Pasir Ris Close Singapore 519 599
• Basketball Association of Singapore @ 601 Aljunied Crescent #01- 04 Singapore 389 862 (Beside Geylang Swimming Complex)

6. Team Captain's Briefing

The date for Team Captain's Briefing will be announced to all Team Captains at a further date. All Team Captains are required to attend the session. Goodie bags and Event Jerseys will be given out during the Briefing.

Requirements for Filipinos Travelling Abroad

Courtesy of Wikipedia

According to Philippine Bureau of Immigration, Filipinos Travelling abroad only need to present the following documents:

• Valid passport – at least 6 months
• Valid Original visa for port of entry( when required); and
• For tourists, a return ticket. (Memorandum Order No. MCL – 07 -019 issued on October 24, 2007)

Some Restrictions On The Right To Travel

I. Minority- for the travel of unaccompanied minors, a Travel Clearance must be issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and presented to the Immigration Officer prior to departure.

A travel clearance is required and shall be secured from the DSWD by the following Filipino citizens:

1. A minor traveling alone to a foreign country
2. A minor traveling to a foreign country accompanied by a person other than his/her parents.
3. A minor who is the subject of ongoing custody battle between parents will not be issued a travel clearance unless a Court Order is issued to allow the child to travel abroad with either one of his/her parents or authorized guardian.

II. A Hold Departure Order (HDO) issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC). (Circular No. 39-97).

III. A Watch List Order issued by the Secretary of Justice in cases pending Preliminary Investigation or Motion for Reconsideration/Pending Review before the Department of Justice (DOJ) including application for “Not The Same Person (NTSP). (Section 1 and 3 of Department Circular no.18 dated April 23, 2007).

IV.    Contract workers :
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s), before departure, he/she must present a POEA Overseas Employment Certificate at the concerned immigration counter. Otherwise, they shall not be cleared for departure. (MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. ADD – 02 – 019 dated 15 April 2002).

EXCEPTIONS:
Under POEA Memorandum Circular  No. 18 series of 1997).

• The Licensing and Regulation Office (LRO), specifically the Employment Regulation Branch, shall remain the focal office, in evaluating employment and/or travel documents of individuals whose nature of travel falls under special cases and shall issue an exit clearance, if necessary.

Special cases shall include:

• Regular employees of local companies assigned or posted abroad to their subsidiaries/mother/sister companies on secondment arrangement for a limited period and are in possession of employment or intra-company transferee visa;
• Vacationing OFWs leaving on personal travel;
• Former OFWs/Individuals with CW passport travelling to foreign countries with no visa to ascertain the purpose of travel; and
• Religious missionaries who will be assigned temporarily abroad and are travelling on employment visa.

• Individuals who are travelling on visas other than employment such as training, foreign residence, visit, spouse/fiancee/ dependent, student, and business, need not secure exit clearance from POEA. However, in view of the peculiarities obtaining in the Korean labor market, trainee bound for korea must obtain an exit clearance or the appropriate Overseas Employment Certificate through their respective recruitment agencies, as the case may be. The POEA Regional Centers and Regional Extension Units may issue special exit clearance herein mentioned, as may be applicable.

V.    Requirements for Filipino emigrants as required by the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO).

• They are required to register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).
• They are required to attend in the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) to prepare them for settlement overseas.
• The children of emigrants aged 12 years old and below are exempt from attending the PDOS but must be registered even by proxy.
• The children of emigrants aged 13 and above are required to attend the Peer Counseling Program to help facilitate their adjustment to a new environment.

In these seminars, various topics are discussed such as:

• Travel regulations
• Immigration procedures
• Cultural differences
  Settlement concerns
• Employment and social security concerns; and
• Rights and obligations of Filipino migrants. For further details, please visit the website of the Commission on Filipino Overseas at http://www.cfo.gov.ph/pdos.htm.

VI.    Government officials :

The following persons are required to secure a travel authority to travel abroad from the Office of the President:

1. Members of the Cabinet and officials of equivalent rank;
2. Heads of the Government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC’s) and the Government Financing Institutions (GFI’s) under or attached to the Office of the President for authority to travel abroad; and
3. Heads of agencies under or attached to the Office of the President. (Section 1 of Executive Order No. 459 issued on September 1, 2005).

VII.    For Dual Citizenship

Only the following shall be considered as substantial proof of Philippine citizenship:

1. Genuine and valid Philippine passport; and
2. Original Identification Certificate issued by this Bureau.

source: Bureau of Immigration

National Serviceman pleads guilty to having sex with underage girl

A 20-year-old full-time Singapore National Serviceman has pleaded guilty to having sex with his underage girlfriend whom he had met in September last year through social networking website Facebook.

The Singapore Armed Forces Lance Corporal cannot be named to protect the 14-year-old student's identity.

The tanned, slim, young man had consensual sex with the girl in her flat when she was just 13, last November.

She later told her father about the incident and the police were notified.

Community Court Judge Soh Tze Bian has called for a pre-sentence report and the man will be back in court on November 23.

For having sex with the underage girl, he can be jailed up to five years and fined a maximum of amount of S$10,000.

Philippine Embassy – Report of New Birth and First-Time Passport Applicant

Report of birth and passport application forms must be accomplished by either of the Filipino parents or guardian.  The infant/child need to be personally brought to the embassy.

(For infants/children born in Singapore of Filipino parent/s)

Basic Requirements

• Duly accomplished passport application form
• Original and five (5) photocopies of the following documents
• • Birth Certificate issued by the Singapore Registration of Births
  • Report of Birth
  • Passports of parents (data pages only)
  • Marriage contract of parents (if applicable)
• Cash payment of S$187.00 (passport and notarization fees)

Additional Requirements (for newly born baby whose parents are not legally married)

• Affidavit of Acknowledgement to be executed by both parents
• Affidavit by the father consenting the use of his surname
• Cash payment of S$229.50 (passport and notarization fees)

Bureau of Immigration to re-activate mobile phone jammers at NAIA

The Bureau of Immigration will re-activate its mobile telephone jammers at the immigration zones of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as part of the government’s intensified campaign against human trafficking.

Immigration Officer-In-Charge Ronaldo Ledesma said he directed the bureau’s property section to immediately seek the necessary permit from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to again operate the NAIA cellular phone jammers.

He said similar jammers will be installed in all immigration areas in the country’s international airports as soon as the bureau gets the budget to procure them.

“These cellphone jammers will definitely go a long way in bolstering our fight against human traffickers,” Ledesma said, adding that human trafficking syndicates use mobile phones in communicating with their cohorts and victims at the airport.

According to BI property section chief John Tugade, the BI’s four jammers and its server remain intact at the NAIA departure area and can be used anytime. He said he has applied for a permit from the NTC to re-operate them as soon as possible.

The equipment, which cost more than P400,000, were bought during the previous administration but the bureau stopped using them reportedly due to protests from airline companies and other airport stakeholders.

Reactivating the jammers is one of several measures that the BI and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) initiated to boost the government’s drive against human trafficking.

The IACAT is headed by Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, who is also the undersecretary-in-charge of the BI.

Three weeks ago, Ledesma announced the adoption of the “S-line” queuing system for all arriving and departing passengers at the NAIA and other airports to prevent collusion among human traffickers and rogue immigration personnel.

The “S-line” aims to prevent international passengers from choosing which immigration counter to line up to process their travel documents.

Airport immigration officers are also strictly prohibited from using their mobile phones while on duty.

Charlie’s Kitchen – Filipino and Western Cuisine in the heart of Singapore’s financial district

Charlie's Kitchen is the latest place in town. Offering the best of Filipino and Western Cuisine in the heart of Singapore's financial district.

A place to relax, a place to chat, eat and drink.

Description:

Filipino and Western Cuisine in the heart of Singapore's financial district. Located within Once Upon a Bar at 25 Church St, Capital Square Three, #01-01, Singapore 049482

- located across The Chamber, opposite bullandbear

- opens Monday to Friday and Saturday evenings

Contact Details:

Tel: 9759 7221/9099 4058
International: +65 9759 7221/9099 4058

View Larger Map

Catch the Singapore Slingers vs. defending champion Philippine Patriots this weekend!

Catch the Singapore Slingers in action as they take on the defending champion, Philippine Patriots this weekend!

Be there for a chance to Shoot & Win $10,000 in Cash or take a shot at the "Air Asia mini basketball game - Free Throw for Free Seats" to win a pair of return flights to any of its 11 destinations departing from Singapore.

All these happening at the ASEAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE this Sunday at the Singapore Indoor stadium.

Game: Singapore Slingers vs. Philippine Patriots (Defending Champion)

Date: 14 November 2010 (Sunday)

Time: 4.00 pm

Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium

Fee: $6 ticket (Category 4)
(+$1 SISTIC booking fee) at the Gallery General Admission
Normal ticket price @ $15 (view seats)

$12 ticket (Category 3)
(+$1 SISTIC booking fee) at the Premium reserved Seating
Normal ticket price @ $19 (view seats)

Philippine Embassy Closure this November

Got this info from Philippine Embassy rep:

Please be advised that the Embassy will be closed on:

• November 17, Wednesday (Hari Raya) and
• November 29, Monday (Bonifacio Day).

A duty officer will be available to answer phone calls from 9AM to 5PM (6737-3977 for consular matters and 6734-7609 for labor matters).

For emergencies, please call the hp# 9072-2797.

--
Nathalie A. Fajardo
Cultural Assistant
Philippine Embassy
Singapore

49 year-old man arrested for shoplifting at multiple supermarket

Image via Wikipedia

Singapore Police have arrested a 49 year-old man who is believed to be responsible for a series of shop thefts at retail pharmacies and supermarkets island-wide.

Between August and October 2010, several cases of shop thefts were reported at retail pharmacies and supermarkets at Woodlands, Chua Chu Kang and Pasir Ris. Items stolen included medication, health supplements and tonics. A task force comprising officers from Woodlands and Pasir Ris NPC were formed to investigate the cases. The officers worked closely with the various retail pharmacies and viewed all the relevant CCTV footage. Their efforts paid off when they managed to establish the identity of the suspect from one of the CCTV recordings. With this crucial lead, the officers mounted several operations to apprehend the suspect but he remained elusive. Nonetheless, security officers at retail outlets and supermarkets were also alerted to look out for the suspect.

On 26 Oct 2010, Police received a tip off that the suspect was spotted at Woodlands Plaza. Officers from the task force immediately responded and managed to apprehend the suspect at about 8.30pm .

The suspect will be charged in Court No. 26 of the Subordinate Court on 28 Oct 2010 for Shop Theft under Section 380 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. If convicted, he may be sentenced to an imprisonment for a term which may extend to 7 years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Philippine Embassy (Singapore) Passport Renewal Process

As a passport with at least six months’ validity is a standard requirement for international travel, applicants are advised to renew their passports early to avoid inconvenience.

 

It takes six weeks to process the Philippine passport. In order to prevent overcrowding and in compliance with Singapore safety and welfare regulations, the Philippine Embassy institutes a cut-off of 80 – 100 applicants a day during periods of high consular traffic.

Applicants are advised to schedule their visits during weekdays to avoid long queues.

Basic Requirements

• Personal appearance of the applicant
• Duly accomplished passport application form
• Original and photocopy of passport (for renewals)
• Cash payment will be S$102.00 for the new ePassport (effective 28 June 2010).
• Passport Photos are no longer required, but applicants are required to wear the following:
  • For men: decent shirt, with collar
  • For women: decent attire, with or without collar (no sleeveless / no plunging neckline)

Additional Requirements

For Singapore Permanent Residents / Employment Pass / S-Pass / Dependant’s Pass / Long Term Pass & Work Permit holders (excluding household service workers)

• Original and photocopy of identity / employment card

For Household Service Workers

• Valid employment contract authenticated by the Philippine Embassy

For Seamen

• Seaman’s book
• Crew list
• Letter from the master of the vessel / authorized agency

For Married Women Who Wish to use the Surname of their Husband (holding machine-readable passports)

Married in Singapore

• Original and photocopy of Report of Marriage filed at the Philippine Embassy
• Original and photocopy of marriage certificate issued by Singapore Registry of Marriages (ROM)
• Photocopy of the data pages of passports of both husband and wife

Married in Philippines

• Original and photocopy of marriage contract issued by NSO and duly authenticated by DFA
• Photocopy of the data pages of passports of both husband and wife

Married in Abroad

• Original and photocopy of NSO-issued marriage certificate and duly authenticated by DFA
• Photocopy of the data pages of passports of both husband and wife

Important Notes

1. Collection of passports / travel documents may be delegated provided there is a proper letter of authorization.
2. Please take note of important embassy schedules for the processing and collection of passports / travel documents.

Company Policy: Being A Smart Worker

I got this in my email. I am not sure if this is true, just want to share it since I found it funny..

Does it sound familiar?

Does your company have similar policy?

Why not share your experience….

48 year-old Singaporean arrested for serial rental scam

Singapore Police arrested a 48 year-old Singaporean man who is believed to responsible for at least 3 cases of rental scams where victims were cheated of about $9,000/- in total.

A 43 year-old PRC national reported to the Police that he had been cheated of a sum of $2,800/- by a male suspect who agreed to rent him his flat but disappeared after collecting the money. Upon receipt of the report, officers from Clementi Police Division conducted extensive enquiries and investigations and managed to ascertain the identity of the suspect. This led to the arrest of the suspect 5 days later on 28 Oct 2010 when he turned up at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority ( ICA ) to collect his passport.

Preliminary investigations revealed that since 15 Sep 2010, the suspect had advertised his flat for rent on the Internet. Unsuspecting victims who were mainly foreigners responded to the advertisement and paid the suspect advance rental payments and deposits. The suspect would then become uncontactable after receiving the money.

The suspect will be charged in Court for the offence of Cheating. The offence carries punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall be liable to fine.

source: Singapore Police

Power bill to fall 3.3% cheaper from October to December

 

Singapore households will pay 3.3 per cent less for their electricity bill from October to December - thanks to falling oil prices.

SP Services on Thursday said the average electricity tariffs will be reduced by 0.79 cent per kWh to 23.34 cents per kWh in the next quarter, in line with the lower fuel price price which has fallen to $95.41 per barrel over the last three months.

With the lower tariffs, families in four-room Housing Board flats flats will pay about $3 less a month, on average.

The breakdown of the electricity tariff into its four components is as follows:

• Energy Cost  paid to the power generation companies: Reduced  by  0.79
  cents per kWh to 18.14 cents per kWh. This component, which  includes fuel
  and non-fuel components, is adjusted quarterly to reflect change in the cost of
  power generation.
• Network Cost paid to SP PowerAssets: Unchanged at 4.92 cents/kWh. This
  fee is reviewed every year and has been reduced by 10% since Oct 2008.
• Market Support Services Fee paid to SP Services: Unchanged at 0.22 cents
  per kWh.   This fee is reviewed every year and has been reduced by 21%
  since July 2009.
• Market Administration and Power System Operation Fee  paid to the
  Energy Market Company and the  Power System Operator:  Unchanged at
  0.06 cents per kWh.  This fee is reviewed every year  to recover the costs of
  operating the electricity wholesale market and power system.

SP Services reviews the electricity tariffs quarterly based on guidelines set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the latest tariffs.

These new tariffs have been approved by the Energy Market Authority, the electricity industry regulator.

source: SP Services

Philippine Bureau of Immigration mulls new Arrival/Departure card system

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is considering a new system to capture and store information from the arrival/departure cards being filled up by international travelers in the country’s ports of entry.

The front of a disembarkation form issued by the Bureau of Immigration of the Government of the Philippines. The form bears the statement: "WARNING: DEATH TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS UNDER PHILIPPINE LAW (RA 7659)".

 

Immigration officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma said he instructed Jollybert Galleon, BI computer section chief, to undertake the study and submit his recommendation as soon as possible. Ledesma said the bureau needs to come up with a more economical and efficient mode of retrieving and encoding the data in the cards without entering into contracts with private companies that only tend to create controversies and problems for the bureau.

Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the cancellation of the BI’s contract with e.Xtend Inc., the company that produces the cards being distributed by the bureau to travelers who enter and leave the country.

The contract was ordered revoked due to the controversies generated by the picture of dermatologist Vicky Belo on the card in an advertisement for the services of the latter’s beauty clinic.

Earlier, President Aquino ordered the BI to remove his picture from the card when he saw it during his recent trip to the United States.

Under its contract with the BI, e.Xtend, Inc. also provides the equipment that scans and retrieves information written in the cards.

Charice Pempengco brought to a hospital in Singapore due to food poisoning

MANILA, Philippines - Hours before her performance in a concert, international singing sensation Charice Pempengco was brought to a hospital in Singapore on Saturday morning due to food poisoning.

The culprit was a sushi meal she had in the morning with international singers David Foster, Natalie Cole, and other artists who are in the city state for another leg of their Asian concert tour.

Pempengco was rushed to the hospital hours before the concert because she was vomiting this morning, her mom, Raquel, told ABS-CBN News in a phone interview.

Nakakain po siya ng [sushi] sa Green Dome. Actually po hindi naman po si Charice lang, halos lahat po sila. Yung iba po kagabi po nagpa-check up na. Yung iba, ngayon kasama niya nagpapa-check up,” Raquel said.

Mrs. Pempengco said Charice is now okay and her fans have nothing to worry about anymore.

“Sabi niya po sa akin kanina nung tumawag po sa akin, ‘Mommy okay naman po ako. Pakisabi na lang po sa mga Chasters na ‘wag po silang mag-alala dahil yung nakain ko lang po yung hindi nakabuti sa tiyan ko kaya po ako dinala sa ospital’,” she shared.

According to Charice’s mom, her daughter has been feeling better already and will proceed with her performance at the concert scheduled tonight at the Esplanade Theatre.

“Ok na po siya ngayon. Wala na po siyang nararamdaman kasi naka-intake na po siya ng medicine niya. Nagme-make up na po siya ngayon kasi tuloy na tuloy po iyong show nila ngayong gabi,” Mrs. Pempengco said.

Pacquiao vs. Margarito fight to be shown at Starhub’s Super Sports (CH202)

We finally got a confirmation from Starhub, they will be showing live broadcast of the fight…. hopefully no interruption this time.

 

 

Thank you for your email.

We wish to inform you that the boxing match between Manny Pacquiao vs
Antonio Margarito will be showing on 14 November 2010 at 10:00am on
Super Sports (channel 202).

 

If you have any questions on our services, please email us at this
address or fax in to +65 6720 5000.

Yours sincerely

Tracy Thong
Customer Affairs

National Library ''People, Places & Recollections'' Photo Contest

Send in a photo that best captures your feelings for the people, places, events or activities in the Serangoon estate in North East Singapore and stand a chance to win attractive prizes!

Your work could also be featured in the upcoming Serangoon Public Library (opening in March 2011)!

To participate, submit your photo along with a title, caption and description of why the people / place / event in the photo is special to you.

Entries will be judged based on creativity, adherence to theme as well as the caption and description.

Closing date of Submission is Friday, 3 December 2010.

Prizes
1st Prize: Digital SLR Camera (worth $1,000) + $100 book voucher
2nd Prize: Digital Camera (worth $500) + $100 book voucher
3rd Prize: Digital Camera (worth $250) + $100 book voucher
5 Consolation Prizes of Book Vouchers of $100 book voucher each

Terms & Conditions

1. The contest is open to all residents in Singapore. Employees of the National Library Board (NLB) and their families are not eligible to take part.
2. Photographs submitted must reflect the people, places, events or activities related to Serangoon estate in North East Singapore. Examples of areas within Serangoon include: Serangoon Central, Serangoon Gardens, Upper Serangoon, Serangoon North. The photographs must be free of all or any copyright and intellectual property restrictions; the need to pay license fees by NLB and in compliance with the laws of the Republic of Singapore
3. Each participant may submit as many entries as he/she likes. However, each winner will only be awarded one prize in this contest.
4. Entries (soft copy only) should be emailed to: photocontest@nlb.gov.sg

   Note:

   • Subject of the email must include: "Serangoon"
   • Resolution of the entries must be at least 1200 X 800 pixels and 300 dpi respectively.
   • All photography works must be original and unpublished. The participant must also be the original author and sole owner of his/her own entries.
   • Entries must include title and a caption of the photo, with a description of why the people/ place/ event in the photo is special to them.
   • To include your full name (as in your NRIC), NRIC Number, correspondence address, telephone (home and mobile) and email address with your submission.
5. Entries with incomplete information shall be rejected.
6. All participants must ensure that permission has been obtained from the people featured to allow their photos to be displayed publicly.
7. The closing date for all entries is Friday, 3 December 2010. Entries received after the deadline will not be accepted.
8. All winners will be notified by Wednesday, 15 December 2010. The NLB judges’ decision is final and no correspondence shall be entertained.
9. NLB reserves the right to publish or display the selected entries with the name of the winner of this contest for advertising, publicity and exhibition purposes, without payment of any fee nor the need for written consent from any parties.