Category Archives: International

Government, International, Science and Environment, Social Media, Tourism, Travel

Philippine Birddog Declared Endangered Species Along With Monkey-Eating Eagle

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The Philippine Eagle, left, and Philippine Birddog, right

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), also known as the monkey-eating eagle or great Philippine eagle, is an eagle of the family Accipitridae endemic to forests in the Philippines.

Among the rarest and most powerful birds in the world, it has been declared the Philippine national bird. It is critically endangered, mainly due to massive loss of habitat because of deforestation in most of its range. Killing a Philippine eagle is punishable under Philippine law by 12 years in jail and heavy fines.

The Philippine eagle is now joined in the endangered list by a newly-discovered bird species that is not found anywhere in the world.  It’s the Philippine Birddog.

Just like its name suggests, this unique animal is a cross between a bird and a dog. It was just recently discovered  in the forests of Palawan province. It is believed that there are only about two dozens of this species that exist.

It’s really more fun in the Philippines.

Government, Immigration, International, Law Enforcement, Travel

U.S. State Department Set To Cancel Donald Trump’s Passport Over Unpaid Taxes

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles, Washington Bureau) – Donald Trump’s executive order on travel has generated nationwide protests, but the president himself is protesting a law passed by Congress in late 2015 which could have his U.S. passport cancelled by the State Department.

More than a year ago, H.R.22 gave the IRS a new weapon to collect taxes. Tax code Section 7345 is labeled, “Revocation or Denial of Passport in Case of Certain Tax Delinquencies.” The law isn’t limited to criminal tax cases, or even cases where the IRS thinks you are trying to flee. The idea of the law is to use travel as a way to enforce tax collections. It was proposed and rejected in 2012. But by late 2015, Congress passed it and President Obama signed it.

If you have seriously delinquent tax debt, IRS can notify the State Department. The State Department generally will not issue or renew a passport after receiving certification from the IRS. 

Now we all know who has refused to release his tax returns amid reports that he has paid zero taxes, or could possibly owe the IRS huge sums of money.

Will Donald Trump become the first world leader to be passportless?

More important question is, can he be president of the United States if his most important proof of citizenry is cancelled? He’d better start carrying his birth certificate wherever he goes.

Now that’s what we call Obama karma!

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