Archive: 3 January 1998
55 articles found
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 My Country 2:35 TV Series: The Crystal Maze 3:10 Environment Program: Kebakaran Hutan dan Lahan 3:35 Tour and Travel: Wisata Nasional 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Sports 5:30 TV Series: Full House 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:35 TV Drama: Janji Sang Ayah 8:05 Music: Tunas Vokalia 9:00 World News 9:30 Koran Recital 9:42 Religious Program: Pesantren ke Pesantren 9:57...
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian turmoil hits Australian tourism
Asian turmoil hits Australian tourism By Jack Taylor SYDNEY (AFP): Australian flag-carrier Qantas yesterday became the third airline to suspend flights from here to South Korea as Australia's tourism industry braces for the impact of a deepening Asian economic crisis. Qantas Airways Ltd. announced the decision to suspend its four weekly flights to Seoul from Feb. 1 because of a sharp drop in demand for seats amid deteriorating economic conditions in South Korea.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Multimedia project continues amid crisis
Multimedia project continues amid crisis JAKARTA (JP): The country's ambitious multimedia project to link the archipelago with information technology and superhighway networks would continue as scheduled despite the currency crisis, an official said Wednesday. The secretary-general of the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, Jonathan L.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Yayuk aming to stay in world's top 20
Yayuk aming to stay in world's top 20 JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's best tennis player Yayuk Basuki aims to maintain her presence in the world top 20 this year. She reached the elite in September 1997. "My form has improved during 1997 and my target this year is to maintain my top-20 position in the world," Yayuk told a media conference yesterday. However, the 27-year-old player said it would be harder to reach the world's top 15 or top 10 because many young players had come up recently.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two million lose their jobs during crisis: ABRI
Two million lose their jobs during crisis: ABRI JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) estimated yesterday that as many as two million people have lost their jobs since the monetary crisis began last July. Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. A. Wahab Mokodongan said such a crisis could destabilize the country, especially when people were easily provoked by speculation and rumors.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
More people die of diarrhea
More people die of diarrhea WAINGAPU, East Nusa Tenggara: The death toll of the diarrhea epidemic in the Sumba Barat regency capital of Waikabubak reached 14 in the past month. Secretary of the regency's administration, Anton Patymangun, was quoted by Pos Kupang as saying Wednesday that diarrhea had claimed six more lives since the disease killed eight people early last month. He said the number of people who were receiving medical treatment had risen to 704 from 500 in the same period.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Academic culture seems absent from our schools
Academic culture seems absent from our schools By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): When in a seminar on academic culture a participant asked, "What is academic culture?" I was stunned. How could someone participate in a seminar on academic culture without knowing what it is? My worry was somewhat diminished when I discovered that among the thirty-odd participants, there were one or two others who also did not seem to understand what academic culture was.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
RP communists free policeman
RP communists free policeman MANILA (AFP): Philippine communist guerrillas freed yesterday a policeman they had captured two months ago in an ambush on the island of Mindoro, south of here, government television and other reports said. Police officer Martellano Magtagad was handed over by the New People's Army (NPA) in Mindoro to a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross and two Philippine government officials, government television said.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Troubled small banks expected to merge
Troubled small banks expected to merge JAKARTA (JP): The planned merger of four state-owned banks as part of banking reform measures would encourage small private banks to follow the move in order to survive, an economist has said. Arief Ramelan Karseno of Yogyakarta's Gajah Mada University said yesterday the merger would force ailing private banks to merge in order to compete with the new state bank.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Abacus adds up to 'smarter kids'
Abacus adds up to 'smarter kids' JAKARTA (JP): Using a sempoa (abacus) -- the traditional Chinese calculator -- to solve arithmetic problems can exercise and develop the right side of a child's brain, an expert said.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four die during violent storm
Four die during violent storm KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Four people were killed when a tree fell on top of a hut during a violent storm in Tarawajo village, Ngada regency Wednesday. Ngada Regent Johannis Aoh said yesterday Onga, 50, and his 10- year-old daughter Rosa da Lima Dhoe Reba, Oliva Izu, 30, and Maria Edo Dheu, 25, died on the spot after the old sugar palm tree fell onto the shelter they were sharing.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Government delays tax on land, buildings purchase
Government delays tax on land, buildings purchase JAKARTA (JP): The government issued two rulings on taxes and one circular letter on assets reevaluation from the director general of tax yesterday. The Directorate General of Tax said in a statement yesterday that Government Regulation No. 1/1997, dated Dec. 31, had postponed the implementation of the tax law on the purchase of land and buildings from the original date of Jan. 1, 1998, to June 30, 1998.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mangga Dua show unfurls stylish Moslem fashions
Mangga Dua show unfurls stylish Moslem fashions JAKARTA (JP): With its maze of narrow hallways jammed with bargain hunters, one of Jakarta's biggest megamarts, ITC Mangga Dua Mall, was the ironic venue for a fashion show Monday. In fact, there was a quiet elegance to it. Peddling an understated Moslem look, 11 designers paraded their collections, that straddled the line between Chinese, Indian and Western concepts, in front of the droves of the fashion-conscious.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Land disputes expected to rise this year
Land disputes expected to rise this year JAKARTA (JP): This year will see an escalation in the number of land disputes, partly due to the country's economic upheavals in the last four months, State Minister of Agrarian Affairs Soni Harsono said yesterday. But Soni believes that the increase in land disputes would not have a "significant" political impact which could destabilize the country.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Banda Aceh-Penang route
Banda Aceh-Penang route JAKARTA (JP): Private airline company Sabang-Merauke Air Charter (SMAC) has operated a new daily direct flight between Aceh's capital Banda Aceh and Malaysia's city of Penang since Jan. 1, Antara reported yesterday. A senior official at the Aceh provincial office, Razali Yusuf, said the memorandum of understanding of the route was signed by PT Duta Seulawah Megah, the operator of SMAC, and Malaysia's Ultimate Way Sdn. Bhd. in Penang Wednesday.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Police seize firecrackers
Police seize firecrackers SEMARANG: Police in Tegal mayoralty have seized 24 tons of firecrackers worth a hundred million rupiah and arrested five people in three separate raids. Chief of Central Java police, Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajusman, said Wednesday that the five suspects -- identified as St, 44, Km, 20, Ar, 24, Dw, 23, and D, 23 -- were planning to sell the firecrackers in towns throughout Java.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Penjaringan Police hold man for house break-in
Penjaringan Police hold man for house break-in JAKARTA (JP): A man has been detained by the Penjaringan police subprecinct for allegedly breaking into a house in Pejagalan district, North Jakarta. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday Niat bin Sarman, 24, was brought to the police station Thursday afternoon by a security officer, who caught the suspect while trying to run away from the house.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 2, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 825 175 500 AHAP Insurance 500 0 0 Alter Abadi 450 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 350 0 736,000 Alumindo Perkasa 250 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,200 0 787,000 Aneka Tambang 1,300 -25 2,421,500 Anwar Sierad 200 -25 3,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
BMW Japan links dealers via Intranet
BMW Japan links dealers via Intranet TOKYO: BMW Japan Corp plans to link its 77 sales outlets via an intranet system within several months. As Japanese sales of BMWs fall, the company is looking to boost efficiency and coordination among its dealers, providing them with real-time access to information on financing, repairs and promotions. BMW Japan Finance Corp, a subsidiary of BMWJ, will be in charge of setting up the intranet.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
40 questioned over rioting
40 questioned over rioting PURWODADI, Central Java: Police here are questioning 40 people in connection with a riot on New Year's Eve that led to a house, two forest police posts and two police motorbikes being set on fire. Chief of the local police precinct, Lt. Col.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian log prices drop to $70 per cubic meter
Indonesian log prices drop to $70 per cubic meter JAKARTA (JP): The price of Indonesian logs dropped sharply to about US$70 per cubic meter in the second half of last year due to sluggish demand in overseas markets, according to the Association of Indonesian Forest Concessionaires.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Crisis-hit Asian nations move to expel foreign workers
Crisis-hit Asian nations move to expel foreign workers Once in great demand, foreign workers are being shipped back home as Asian countries feel the impact of the financial crisis engulfing the region. Mohan Srilal reports for Inter Press Service. SINGAPORE: For years, armies of foreign laborers who take on jobs from building skyscrapers to cleaning house, have flocked to Southeast Asia's newly rich countries in search of better paying work.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
12 more questioned in BI graft probe
12 more questioned in BI graft probe JAKARTA (JP): The police investigation into alleged acts of corruption committed by three former directors of Bank Indonesia (BI) continued yesterday -- after a two-day break over New Year's holiday -- with the questioning of experts and BI staff. The head of Jakarta Police Detectives, Col. Gories Mere, said that new information was collected during questioning sessions with 12 people.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Chinese minister arrives in HK, backs economy
Chinese minister arrives in HK, backs economy HONG KONG, China (Agencies): Foreign Minister Qian Qichen made his first visit to Hong Kong yesterday since the July 1 handover as the territory was embroiled in a scare over a bird flu and mounting fears over the economy. Qian, making a brief stopover on his return from a trip to South Africa, reiterated China's support for the Hong Kong economy as Asia roughs out major economic turbulence, government sources said.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian currencies get pounding on first day
Asian currencies get pounding on first day SINGAPORE (AFP): Asia's troubled currencies received a pounding on the first day of 1998 trading yesterday as regional financial turmoil entered its seventh month with no relief in sight, dealers and analysts said. The Malaysian ringgit, Philippine peso and Thai baht were sold down to new record lows against the U.S. dollar while the Indonesian rupiah skirted the sensitive 6,000 level.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Saturday Maghrib 6.13 p.m. Sunday Imsak 4:10 a.m. Subuh 4.20 a.m.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Oil tanker rates may stay firm but Asia is key
Oil tanker rates may stay firm but Asia is key LONDON (Reuters): The cost of shipping oil around the globe is expected to stay firm in 1998 but much depends on demand from Asia which has been hit by financial crises, especially South Korea, analysts say. Freight rates for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) from the Middle East to Japan this year hit their highest level since the Gulf War in 1991.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Horned man may exist
Horned man may exist LARANTUKA, East Nusa Tenggara: A team of archeologists from the regency's Tourist Office and Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University are examining a fossil of a horned man they found in the Lembata island village of Kadang. Head of the tourist office, Johanes Kia, said Tuesday the team had also discovered a tomb believed to belong to legendary Prime Minister of Majapahit Kingdom Gajah Mada in Labao village, 50 kilometers east of here.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Abortion and rape
Abortion and rape From Kompas Religious dignitaries, professionals and many other people have stated that abortion is prohibited except if there is a medical reason for it, i.e. to save a woman's life if her pregnancy threatens it. Opinions expressed in the media assume that recently exposed abortions were due to sex out of wedlock or husbands and wives not wanting the child. What about abortions resulting from rape? So far I have not heard any opinion on the matter.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Intellectuals lack writing skills
Intellectuals lack writing skills By A Chaedar Alwasilah BANDUNG (JP): Indonesian intellectuals are frequently criticized for their lack of ability to write. The Kompas daily (Dec. 17, 1997) quoted Dr. Aryatmo Tjokronegoro, Coordinator of the Jakarta Private Universities, as saying that in 1980-1985 around 50 percent of the faculty members never published textbooks or articles in Indonesian, let alone in English. Although the statistics are not current, the present situation remains the same.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
High Court annuls reopening of Bank Jakarta
High Court annuls reopening of Bank Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The State Administrative High Court ordered the Jakarta State Administrative Court to "disregard" its earlier by- verdict which allowed Bank Jakarta to reopen pending a definitive verdict, a lawyer said yesterday. The government's lawyer, A. Zen Umar Purba, said the high court had the authority to overrule the State Administrative Court based on Article 52 of Law No.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Art council holds writing contests
Art council holds writing contests JAKARTA (JP): To promote creative writing, Jakarta Arts Council is holding playwriting and romance novel competitions for avid wordsmiths. After a 16-year absence -- it was held annually between 1975 and 1981 -- the competitions were kicked off in November last year and will run until Feb. 20. The playwriting contest has one category for adult plays and another for children's plays, with all contributions to be original and not inspired by western works.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Municipality told to trace the stolen money
Municipality told to trace the stolen money JAKARTA (JP): City councilors urged the municipality yesterday to trace and collect Rp 5.23 billion (US$871,333) of the city's money that was stolen by former East Jakarta Mayoralty officials, who have agreed to return the money. "Actually the matter was fully investigated by city's inspectorate office (Itwilprop) two years ago and the guilty parties are obliged to pay the money back.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV programs scrambled
TV programs scrambled From Kompas Last year I was compelled to purchase a satellite disc to prevent my children from watching satellite TV at our neighbors house. Although at the time RCTI scrambled some of its programs (they could not be received normally), especially direct relays of soccer matches and widescreen films, the disc was a help because of the greater choice of channels it offered, including foreign telecasts.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
What to watch at cinemas
What to watch at cinemas JAKARTA (JP): The holiday mood is still in the air although many of us are back at work. Here are summaries of a couple of movies currently playing in local theaters, including the much- heralded Titanic, which may help you prepare for that inevitable Monday. DMZ, Dead Men Can't Dance. Cast: Michael Biehn, Kathleen York, Andrian Paul. Director: Stephen M. Anderson.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pupuk Kujang makes 600,769 tons of urea
Pupuk Kujang makes 600,769 tons of urea JAKARTA (JP): PT Pupuk Kujang, one of the country's four state-owned fertilizer producers, produced 600,769 tons of urea fertilizer last year. The company's president, Edi Madnawidjaja, said after producing the last urea fertilizer product of 1997 on Thursday, last year's urea output was slightly higher than in 1996. Edi said that in 1997, the company also produced 380,181 tons of ammonia.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japanese man shot dead in RP
Japanese man shot dead in RP MANILA (AFP): A Japanese man was shot dead at his orchid farm just south of Manila on New Year's Eve in what police said was the result of a family feud. Seishiro Shegasawa, 59, was tending to his plants in the town of Trece Martires, Cavite province across Manila Bay when the lone suspect shot him at close range with an assault rifle, police said yesterday. He died from five bullet wounds to the body, police said. Police suspect the motive could be revenge.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: 100 old photos from Indonesia and Singapore, at Galeri TC (Twilight Cafe), Jl. Kemang Raya No.24A South Jakarta, Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., until Jan. 29. * Photo Exhibition: Kilas Balik 97, at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara, Jl. Antara No. 59 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, daily except Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., until Jan. 14.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah again passes 6,000 level as stocks strengthen
Rupiah again passes 6,000 level as stocks strengthen JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah continued to decline further against the American dollar on the first trading day of 1998 yesterday, passing the 6,000 barrier on continuing corporate demand for the greenback. Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) gained ground on window-dressing activities, with the main index closing 2.07 percent higher.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI lends full support to govt
ABRI lends full support to govt JAKARTA (JP): In an unequivocal show of support for the government, Armed Forces (ABRI) commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung said yesterday the military fully supported the steps being taken to solve the monetary crisis. In a 10-point written daily instruction issued in conjunction with the New Year, the Armed Forces commander expressed support for the policies and a desire to help ensure they succeeded.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four months for smoking marijuana
Four months for smoking marijuana JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta District Court sentenced a female gymnastics teacher yesterday to four months in jail for smoking and possessing 0.2 grams of marijuana. Presiding judge Asmar Ismail said the defendant, identified as Wanda, 41, was arrested with her boyfriend in a taxi on Jl. Eks Bandara Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, after leaving a discotheque on Sept. 25.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
A blessing in disguise
A blessing in disguise The monetary crisis has indeed sent out shivers of gloom and doom especially for this year. And to say that it is a blessing in disguise could seem completely out of place. But, if you think about it, how else could major momentous change happen in a given situation unless not just one person is hurt, but everybody all the way from the very top down to the man in the street is affected. After all is said and done, Indonesia will never be the same again in many ways.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Iwik not to sue police for wrong indictment
Iwik not to sue police for wrong indictment YOGYAKARTA (JP): Dwi Sumaji, recently acquitted in the murder case against Bernas journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin or Udin, said yesterday he would not file a lawsuit against the police for falsely collecting evidence against him. To the disappointment of many of his sympathizers, Dwi Sumaji, better known as Iwik, told reporters yesterday he had written his team of lawyers confirming his stance.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
KL officials told to halt foreign trips
KL officials told to halt foreign trips KUALA LUMPUR (AP): In a measure to bolster its battered currency, the Malaysian government has barred all civil servants from spending their holidays abroad, a local newspaper reported yesterday. Top government officials were ordered Dec. 15 to reject any applications for leave made by employees who wish to travel overseas, The Star daily said.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Mayor upset over extra holidays
Mayor upset over extra holidays PALU, Central Sulawesi: Mayor Rully Lamadjido was upset after learning that a large number of his staff failed to turn up to a monthly flag-raising ceremony yesterday -- only because they extended their New Year holiday. Rully could not avoid expressing his anger before hundreds of the mayoralty's employees, saying that he would take punitive measures against the undisciplined staff. "We cannot tolerate them (to be absent) ...
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Councilor urges Dolog to prevent prices soaring
Councilor urges Dolog to prevent prices soaring JAKARTA (JP): A city councilor urged the Jakarta chapter of State Logistics Agency (Dolog) yesterday to control the rising prices of the nine staple foods, particularly rice and eggs. "How can (Dolog) say that food supplies are enough when, in reality, the food prices are steadily escalating?" Djafar Badjeber, head of Commission B for economic affairs, said. "The prices are getting higher even though Dolog has launched dozens of operations.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
National census on family welfare begins
National census on family welfare begins JAKARTA (JP): The national census on family welfare kicked off Thursday with surveys being conducted at 10 regencies in Indonesia's easternmost province. The census conducted in Irian Jaya is aimed at locating families who are still living below the poverty line, an official said.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Layoffs feared to spark urban violence
Layoffs feared to spark urban violence YOGYAKARTA (JP): The massive layoffs brought about by the current economic crisis may trigger more violence in urban areas as the competition for jobs in the lower economic strata increases, an economist warned here yesterday. "There will be more competition among pedicab drivers, street vendors, angkot (public transportation) drivers, urban have- nots...
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Slamet to play in Japan
Slamet to play in Japan JAKARTA (JP): Japanese music lovers will soon experience the wild sounds of Indonesian composer Slamet A. Sjukur's music. His newest composition, Yu-Taha will be performed at the Sendai Asian Music Festival in Sendai from Jan. 14 to Jan. 18. His Ji-Lala-Ji, written in 1989, will be played from Jan. 13 through Jan. 14 at an event jointly arranged by the International Society for Contemporary Music, and the Asian Composers League.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) conversion rates on Jan.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
SilkAir search extended for three days
SilkAir search extended for three days JAKARTA (JP): The search for the remains of the SilkAir MI-185 airplane which was due to end yesterday has been extended for another three days to allow recently brought in dredgers to complete their work. "Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto, through the head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, Commodore Harinto, instructed the operation to be extended until Monday," Commander of the Palembang Air Force Base Lt. Col.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Openness key to reducing violence
Openness key to reducing violence JAKARTA (JP): Openness in a family relationship and public awareness toward spousal abuse are two remaining key elements which must be underscored if the number of domestic violence cases is to decline. Human rights activist Marzuki Darusman and sociologist Melly G. Tan told The Jakarta Post an amicable open relationship and public cooperation would encourage more women to seek legal advocacy against abuse.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Action plan to help reduce rights violations
Action plan to help reduce rights violations Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas announced recently the government would launch a national plan of action this year to promote the protection of human rights in Indonesia. Deputy chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights Marzuki Darusman discusses the possible impact of the plan. Question: Do you think the launch of the national plan of action will help reduce human rights violations in the future?
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
Asian soccer after corporate cash
Asian soccer after corporate cash SINGAPORE (AP): Asian soccer will seek more corporate money to bolster its growth but will avoid losing control to television and sponsors, the sport's top regional official said yesterday. "We need television. We need sponsors. But we want healthy relationships," said Peter Velappan, general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation.
Sat, 03 Jan 1998, 00:00 WIB
RP's forex remittances
RP's forex remittances MANILA (AFP): The foreign exchange remittances of Filipinos working abroad rose 33 percent on the previous year to US$5.7 billion in 1997, a legislator said yesterday. Congressman Dante Liban said the remittances from an estimated 4.2 million overseas Filipinos accounted for about 5 percent of the country's gross national product (GNP).