Australia new hot spot for ofws

Moderate labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) disclosed that Australia has become one of the busiest recruiters of Filipino workers owing to a new surge in metal and energy prices. The spate of recruitment by Australian employers and their agents has prompted the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to issue a memo-circular setting the guidelines for the deployment of workers as well as proper accreditation of recruiters and their principals. According to TUCP secretary-general Ernesto Herrera, Australia is recruiting mostly civil, chemical, mining and petroleum engineers as well as geologists and metallurgists primarily for mining-related projects. Several Aussie construction firms are also enlisting workers for projects in China and India, the former senator added. Aside from engineers and mining workers, Australia is also looking for accountants, doctors, nurses, medical technologists and even chefs. Last year, remittances from OFWs based in Australia hit an estimated $50 million.

Bro Armin’s ‘alternative’ school

It looks like Bro. Armin Luistro is set to transform De La Salle University into an "alternative" school. Sources disclosed that the good brother has been reportedly organizing so-called alternative classes meant to entice students into attending the Black and White Movement’s anti-GMA activities. Faculty members are allegedly ordered to send students (ala "hakot" style) to attend symposia and other gimmicks like noise brigades and candle lighting ceremonies. Some faculty members are reportedly against the idea, but are allegedly compelled to comply because they do not want to jeopardize their tenure. Other professors on the other hand are said to welcome such alternative classes because they wouldn’t have to prepare lesson plans. All they have to do is send their students to those politically inspired activities. For being cooperative and obedient, students reportedly get bonus points during exams, and those who have already accumulated excessive absences or whose academic performances are far from impressive get incentives in their grades. As a result, students no longer see the need to study for exams since the attendance sheet from the alternative classes is enough to pull up their sagging grades, the sources claimed. Parents are naturally unhappy over this development, and are urging the Commission on Higher Education to look into this practice.

Motorcycle menace

The incessant increase in prices of gasoline has made the motorcycle the transportation du jour for many, but Spybiz has been receiving numerous complaints against drivers who weave in and out of traffic, annoying other vehicle drivers no end. Readers are also complaining about the noise from roaring bikes because drivers who feel the need to be "pa-macho" remove the mufflers that could reduce the roaring sound from the engine. The Philippine National Police had also issued warnings to the public against robbers and snatchers on board motorcycles. The usual targets of these hoods are people who have just withdrawn a huge amount of money from the bank. Police suspect that the motorcycle robbers may have accomplices working inside the banks, giving out information on the transaction habits of potential targets.

Abusive gay instructor

This technological school with a saintly name has been the subject of complaints because of this gay instructor who has been victimizing students. Sources revealed that the instructor was allegedly found guilty of stealing student funds and selling overpriced Xerox copies of workbooks as far back as 2004. He also reportedly takes advantage of his position to sexually harass male students, and despite having been found guilty by a fact finding committee, he was simply made to write a letter saying he would not do such acts again. This gay instructor was again found guilty of sexual harassment just recently, but was just given a two-month suspension. Many are wondering why the school administration can’t seem to get rid of this abusive teacher. The school, located in Quezon City, caters to poor students so one could just imagine the dismay of students who have no recourse but to put up with this teacher just so they won’t get failing grades. Ironically, the gay instructor is a Filipino major but he is being made to teach subjects like English, the life and works of Jose Rizal, and values.

* * *

Join our ring of Eye-spies by sending your intelligence information, complaints, pictures, and comments to [email protected].

All information will be strictly confidential.