Here’s our first FiRE news digest assembled by our Vice-Chair, Cris Hilo! Check back soon as news surfaces frequently from the Philippines, U.S., and wherever Filipino migrant workers may be. Should you have any links, please leave them for us in the comment box below, and we’ll be sure to include them in the next digest, which reaches a readership of about 500 FiRE supporters!
Happy reading!
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Philippines
GOV’T ECONOMIC TEAM: : ‘Slowdown,’ not recession
By Maila Ager INQUIRER.net
Posted date: November 12, 2008MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) There is no economic recession in 2009 just a “slowdown,” according to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s economic team, as it allayed businessmen’s fears.
Arroyo approval rating stays low–survey
By Joel Guinto INQUIRER.net
Posted date: November 12, 2008MANILA, Philippines — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s approval and trust ratings remain low as her administration continues to be besieged by corruption allegations, according to an independent survey.
Pulse Asia Inc.’s October Ulat ng Bayan survey showed that the Arroyo’s public approval rating stood at 27 percent while her public trust rating was at 24 percent.
U.S.
Paulson Says Treasury Is Shifting Focus of Bailout
By DAVID STOUTWASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. announced a major shift in the thrust of the $700 billion financial-rescue program on Wednesday, at the same time joining several agencies in prodding banks to speed up the thaw in the country’s credit system.
Mr. Paulson said the $700 billion would not be used to buy up troubled mortgage-related securities, as the rescue effort was originally conceived, but would instead be used in a broader campaign to bolster the financial markets and, in turn, make loans more accessible for creditworthy borrowers seeking car loans, student loans and other kinds of borrowing.
Gay Marriages Begin in Connecticut
By LISA W. FODERARONEW HAVEN — Bunches of white balloons and giant sprays of long-stemmed red roses festooned City Hall here Wednesday morning, as one of the eight couples who successfully sued the state to allow same-sex marriage became the first to obtain a marriage license as the law took effect.
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