For continuing imposition of unjust penalties, etc.

"WHERE in the world can you find a government that penalizes promotions on ocean-going vessels?" This is the resounding cry of seafarers, manning agencies, and ship owners in their protest against the Maritime Industry Authority's imposition of "unjust penalties" on seafarers who are promoted on board. Moreover, the "penalty on promotion" is not limited to the seafarer as the manning agent and the shipowner are also slapped corresponding fines. 
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7-M Filipinos working abroad may soon vote

SENATOR Raul S. Roco (Aksyon Demokratiko) has fulfilled the dream of seven million overseas Filipinos to participate in national elections. Roco has filed the Senate Bill No. 1746 or the Absentee Voting Act which allows qualified Filipinos  abroad who are, or, have previously been, registered voters in the Philippines to vote in all national elections. This means that they can cast their vote for president, vice-president, senators, and party-list representatives in their temporary residence abroad. Under the proposed bill, all qualified Filipinos abroad shall file with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) or with the authorized diplomatic or consular officers a sworn written application to vote in absentia 180 days before the election. 
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3 Pinoy seafarers stranded in New York 

On board  a 'floating coffin' called M/V Campo Duran

NEW YORK -- Three Filipino seamen have been stranded in the New York Shipyard in Brooklyn for over four months now. The three -- Santos De-guelmo, 33; Andy Ramcil Ande, 28; and Rosalito Cag-maong, 35, all from Leyte -- have asked the Philippine consulate in New York for financial and legal assistance. The three, together with nine remaining officers and ratings, who have not yet received their
salaries, are on board cargo ship M/V Campo Duran which was ordered seized by a New York court. 
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