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‘VAT’ NGA BA NAMAN KASI GANUN?
House body okays toll exemption from VAT The committee on ways and means of the House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a measure that would exempt toll operations from value-added tax (VAT) exempt toll expressways from value-added tax (VAT) coverage. Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas, chairman of the House committee on ways and means, said he would write to President Benigno Aquino III to make the bill an urgent measure to fast tract its approval in Congress. There are four proposed measures on the exemption and these would be consolidated into one version for referral to plenary for debates. The 12-percent VAT on toll, which was implemented by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) starting October 1, has drawn numerous complaints from commuters and transport operators who now have to pay higher fees when using the expressways.
Cont’d on page 5
Amid their woeful plight, President Noy is warmly received by flood victims in Calumpit, Bulacan. Reports have it flood-hit towns in Bulacan continue to struggle that has never seen dry land for nearly a week because of floods brought by back-to-back typhoons Pedring and Quiel.
Solon bats for stiffer penalty vs hospitals, funeral parlors detaining patients, cadavers Detaining patients or cadavers for non-payment of incurred medical or funeral services will soon be declared as a criminal act. Pampanga Rep. Carmelo Lazatin has filed House Bill 5286 which imposes stiffer penalty against owners of hospital, medical clinics and funeral parlors that detain patients or cadavers for failure of relatives to settle their bills. HB 5286 to be known as the “Expanded Patients Illegal Detention Act of 2011,” seeks to amend Republic Act 9439 of 2007. Under the bill, any person who prohibits or delays the release of the
patient or cadaver for non-payment of incurred hospital bills and other related expenses faces two years of imprisonment and a fine of P200,000 or both, at the discretion of the court. Under the present law, Lazatin said, a patient who wishes to leave the hospital but is financially incapable of settling hospital expenses may execute a promissory note secured by either a mortgage or by a guarantee of a co-maker. “But many of these patients are ordinary employees or indigents who
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Filipino seafarers to hit 400,000 The number of Filipino sailors working in the world’s merchant fleet is expected to hit the 400,000 mark before the end of 2011. Carlos H. Cao, Philippine Overseas Administration Office (POEA) administrator, attributed this positive development to the seamanship skills and competence of the Filipino seafarers. “We are targeting to reach a 400,000-mark deployment of our seafarers overseas this year, and it is indeed, very encouraging, indications have surfaced that we may even surpass this target,” he added. “In 2010, our deployment data for sea-based sector was 347,000 which was a 5.06-percent growth over the 2009 data, with an increase for land-based of 3.2 percent, showing a combined total of 1,470,826 deployment for that same year (2010), as compared to 1,422,586 in 2009, and 1,236,013 in 2008,” Cao emphasized. The POEA chief also said seafarer remittance for January to July 2011 has already reached the USD11.4 billion or a 6.3-percent increase over the same January to July 2010 figure of USD10.679 billion.
Cont’d on page 5
Striking workers of national flag-carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) stage a picket at the road leading to the Manila airport recently. The union staged a wildcat strike that paralysed the airline’s operations for a day. PAL, Asia’s oldest airline said it would not be able to resume normal operations for days even after outsourced workers took the place of union members who stopped working in a last-ditch effort to keep their jobs.
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Metro Express
NEWS
Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011
LRT/MRT & THE METROPOLIS
2-layered seawall good for tourism, environment -- MMDA The whole stretch of Roxas Boulevard is seen here being ravaged by typhoon “Pedring.” A double-layered seawall along Roxas Boulevard, Manila is now on the drawing board being planned by the MMDA intended to promote tourism and enhance the environment.
DOH advises Metro Manila hospitals to immediately treat leptospirosis The Center for Health Development – Metro Manila (CHD-MM) reported that leptospirosis cases are fast increasing as typhoons continue to bring flood waters in various cities of the National Capital Region. “This disease brought about by rats can be very deadly as it is transmitted through humans from contaminated waters, especially rat urine. Once it comes into contact with cuts and open wounds in the skin, a person may develop high-grade fever, muscle pain and nausea. If complications may arise, it can lead to renal failure, respiratory distress and eventually death,” explained CHD-MM Regional Director Eduardo Janairo. “I advise all Metro Manila Hospitals to immediately treat patients with high fever and provide Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for those seeking medical treatment. There should be no deaths caused by leptospirosis because it is treatable and preventable,” Dr. Janairo added. According to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, there
were a total of 391 leptospirosis cases from January to September 8, 2011. There were 31 deaths. Majority of the cases belonged to the age group from 15-30 years old, with 159 cases and 5 deaths. Among the top ten cities with the most number of cases are Manila (79), Quezon City (76), Caloocan City (3), Malabon (4), Navotas (27), Paranaque (22), Valenzuela (21), Pasay (19), Makati (12), Las Pinas (10), and Taguig (10). People are advised to avoid swimming and wading in floodwaters, if it is unavoidable, wear proper protection like boots and gloves and other protective gears in the body. “If you have been exposed to flood waters and you are not feeling well after, seek immediate medical attention. Leptospirosis can be treated only if it is diagnosed early to avoid complications.” Janairo concluded.
Valenzuela City tops NCR NAT
PPA South Harbor opens Pick-Up,Drop-Off area for passengers, well-wishers
Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian has announced that Valenzuela topped the National Achievement Test (NAT) conducted for the elementary level in the National Capital Region (NCR) in the first quarter of this year. Administered annually by the Department of Education (DepEd), through the National Education Testing and Research Center since it was established in 1997, the NAT aims to determine the achievement levels of grade 6 pupils. Among the academic subjects covered by NAT are English, Mathematics, Science, Filipino and Heograpiya, Kultura at Sibika (HKS). “The city government puts premium on high quality education. This is the result of having fine educators in the city who have undergone various trainings and seminars through the WIN ang Edukasyon Program,” Gatchalian said. He noted that Valenzuela’s NAT achievement is above the 85 percent level. The “WIN ang Edukasyon Program” is a pet project of Mayor Gatchalian established in partnership with Synergeia Foundation to oversee the development and improvement of the education system in the city through conceptualization and implementation of various education projects and programs.
Caloocan City employees eligible anew for GSIS loans More than 1,700 employees of Caloocan City Hall can now avail of loans from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the estate pension fund announced. GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara said this benefit can now be availed of Caloocan City Hall employees following the signing of memorandum of agreement between officials of GSIS and Caloocan City government last Friday. He said the MOA signing paved the way for the lifting of the suspension of the LGU from availing of GSIS benefit since 2005. “Now that the local government of Caloocan is no longer suspended, its more than 1,700 employees can fully enjoy their various loan privileges from the GSIS,” he said. Vergara said as of end-September this year, Caloocan City’s obligation to GSIS totalled to P120.59 million and P15.78 million of which is the principal while the larger part amounting to P104.80 million represents the interest. He said the MOA signed between the two entities last week calls for the condonation of P50
million from the total interest. Relatively, the Caloocan LGU also turned over a check amounting to P15.78 million, which represents the principal amount it owes the GSIS. Vergara said the rest of the obligation will be paid monthly, over a period of three years. He explained that under the agreement, the LGU “will continuously reconcile its Service Records including the payments of all active and inactive members within three months after the signing of the MOA.” The Caloocan LGU submitted to GSIS last August 5 a total of 2,864 service records, together with the master list of all active and inactive members with individual service records. These data were then verified and matched with GSIS’ own set of records. GSIS has been condoning accumulated unpaid interest of local government in the first nine months this year and this totaled to P45 million. It has signed agreements with 24 other agencies and LGUs for this purpose, which in turn restored loan privileges of 1,658 members.
The Philippine Ports Authority South Harbor-Port Management Office (SH-PMO) has announced the official opening of the South Harbor Pick-Up/Drop Off (PU/DO) area for all passengers and well-wishers at South Harbor port. “The provisions of the PU/DO facility will hopefully alleviate the plight of our sea traveling public with the end-goal of ensuring their comfort, convenience, safety and security at the South Harbor port,” a statement released by the Office of the Port District Manager Constante Fariñas Jr. said. The PU/DO area, consisting of 2,272 square meters at the former RV Marzan compound, CY-Boston, South Harbor, will be operated on a per demand basis depending on the schedule of arrivals and departures of vessels. The facility will be secured as a controlled area where passengers will be picked-up or dropped-off. During the official launch of the facility, PPA General Manager Juan C. Sta. Ana commended the management and staff of the Port District of Manila for carrying on the objectives of PPA to put premium on the comfort, safety, convenience and security of the sea traveling public. ”Our thanks also goes to the management of the Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), and all others concerned agencies for their continued support in all PPA’s plans and projects,” Sta. Ana said. South Harbor Port Manager Francisquiel O. Mancile, on the other hand, said the launching activity was participated in by all port officers, shipping companies and the ATI management, the SH cargo handling contractor, who provided the necessary support and assistance for the successful implementation of the project. “We want to assure our sea traveling public that the Philippine Ports Authority, specifically the South Harbor Port, will not stop on finding ways to provide comfort, convenience and safety to our port users,” Mancile added.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino said that the proposed design of a double-layered seawall along Roxas Boulevard in Manila would promote tourism and enhance the environment. He said it would also improve public safety, serving as the first line of defense against strong waves from Manila Bay. Tolentino’s proposed design includes the construction of a concave second seawall running parallel to the existing seawall along Roxas Boulevard. “It will enhance public safety and address environmental concerns. The proposed new seawall will be the first layer of defense from strong waves coming from Manila Bay during storms and other natural disasters. Built in accordance with the latest technology, it will be an improved structure that shall be stronger to withstand the buffeting waves,” he said. Tolentino added that the design will also enhance Roxas Boulevard as a major tourist destination, landmark and seawall promenade. The new seawall will be accessible to visitors through Spanish-style bridges. Plants, mangroves and benches shall be installed on the promenade or around the vicinity, so that tourists and passersby could better appreciate the beauty of Manila Bay and its famous sunset. The access bridges shall be opened from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. as a promenade similar to those in Galveston, Texas and Vancouver, Canada. The bridges would remain closed during off-hours or during storms and other disasters. “I hope this design would merit the favorable endorsement of concerned government agencies and of the public as well,” the MMDA Chairman said.
PCG to acquire new rescue chopper before end of 2011 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Vice-Admiral Ramon C. Liwag said that the maritime agency will be receiving during the last quarter of 2011 the first of the seven new helicopters it plans to acquire to boost its capability to respond to natural and man-made disasters. Liwag said the 10-seater helicopters will be used to beef up the PCG’s air wing which now consists of four aircraft. He also said that new aircraft will be used in the agency’s searchand-rescue missions, aside from its mandate of helping the Philippine Navy secure the country’s territorial waters. Liwag stressed that the remaining six units will be delivered during 2012 and 2013. The acquisition of new aircraft is part of the PCG’s 15- year modernization program. The PCG is also planning to acquire 40-meter and 100-meter vessels to beef up its marine safety and patrol capability, Liwag said.
PNP grants educational assistance for SY ‘11, ‘12 The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday it approved the educational grant of nine priority applicants and eight dependents of PNP Personnel with special promotion under the Reward Educational Assistance Program for School Year 2011-2012 in a conference held in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Also approved were 36 grantees under the Individual Best of Best Awardees which were also given scholarship grant for school year 20112012. Director Arturo Cacdac Jr, chairman of the PNP Educational Assistance Committee, clarified that applicants are not required to have a Standard General Average but on the second year grantees should have an average grade of 85-percent for them to continue receiving their scholarship awards. “PNP scholarship grantees should have a general average of 85 percent on the following year to continue receiving their educational grants,” Cacdac said. Twenty-one scholars under the PNP-De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Educational Benefit Program were also granted an annual stipend of P 10,000 each, as their tuition and miscellaneous fees were shouldered by the DLS-CSB. However, “they must pass the entrance examination and interview to be conducted by the DLS-CSB,” PDIR Cacdac said. Chief Insp. Dinah Colminero, chief Secretariat said scholarship grants were also renewed during the meeting for the current scholars of the PNP-Reward Educational Assistance Program (REAP).
TYPHOON “Pedring” flood victims await their turn at an evac center for food rations.
BUSINESS
Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011
3
METRO EXPRESS
PHL to remain resilient amid threats of another recession
President Noy personally inspects the site of the ongoing Pinatubo Hazard Urgent Mitigation Project Phase 3-B (PHUMP 3-B) in Barangay San Felipe, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The Chief Executive also visited the provinces of Tarlac and Bulacan, severely affected by floods spawned by twin typhoons Pedring and Quiel. PHUMP 3-B is a flood control project that serves as a line of defense for the City of San Fernando and nearby towns against flooding. Also in photo are San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, Vice Governor Joseller Guiao and DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson.
A United States-based thinktank believes that the Philippines will continue to show resiliency even with a threat of another global turmoil. Global Source, in its quarterly report, dubbed “Philippines: Resilient, Not Immune” dated October 3, 2011, revised downwards its growth forecast for the country this year to 4.3 percent from 4.8 percent and to 4.8 percent from 5.5 percent for 2012. The downward revision of the forecast was due to its projection that it would be hard for the government to meet its spending program for the year, the delay in the bidding of the projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) initiative, and the weakness in global economy. However, the report pointed out that the country remains to have strong fundamentals and this, along with robust domestic demand, strong remittance inflows and business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, would continue to power up the domestic economy. “In the worst case where European debt troubles coupled by U.S. weakness lead to another global financial crisis of the same scale as 2008, the Philippines could remain as resilient to financial volatility as it had been back then,” it said. Other factors that Global Source
JICA keen to take part in hybrid PPP projects – Roxas Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas reports additional foreign funding from international donors through Official Development Assistance (ODA) after coming from a successful Japan trip over the weekend—the last leg of a three-nation series of visit, first to China then the U.S.—with President Benigno S. Aquino III. “The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is very receptive about participating in the government’s public-private partSEC. MAR ROXAS nership (PPP) projects using a hybrid model,” said Roxas. With the hybrid model, foreign donors can come in and fund heavy infrastructure projects such airport and railroad developments, while counterpart funding will be provided by a private sector consortium once operations of these new airports and trains commence. Roxas said among the infrastructure projects that will be funded using ODA include the 11.7-km railway project that will expand the length
Smart banks on Unli Postpaid Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is banking on the unabated demand for unlimited on-net services to help ramp up its postpaid business. Its set of plans called Unli Postpaid plus, which offers unlimited calling and texting to any Smart, Talk ‘N Text, or red Mobile number plus a free handset, continues to generate activations for the telco, tripling the number of new Smart subscribers in just two months since its launch in July. “By offering the best combination of value and quality available in the market today, this has become the fastest growing postpaid variant of Smart. We are banking on it to help keep our postpaid numbers up until the end of this year,” said Guido Zaballero, head of mobile marketing at Smart.
of LRT 1 from to Baclaran to Bacoor, Cavite, and the development of new airports in Misamis Oriental, Bohol, and Puerto Princesa. Currently, these priority projects are being initiated using the hybrid-PPP scheme. “Nais po naming mapabilis ang pagtatayo ng mga imprastrakturang mapapabilis ang pagbibigay ng maayos na serbisyo sa taong-bayan,” [Our aim is to develop infrastructure that will give citizens the best and efficient service] Roxas said. “We want to assure the public that in line with the new government’s ‘Matuwid na Daan’ principle, we will adopt transparency in properly disbursing ODA funds, ensuring that it will be used in initiating the right projects.” Roxas said ODA is a good complement to the current PPP program in fast-tracking projects lined up by the government. “The ODA loans would benefit the consumers as well since there is no rush in recovering costs. It is a cheaper yet effective option because of the sovereignty of the partnership since governments of foreign donors are involved,” Roxas said. With ODA, the government would only pay a 1-percent interest rate spread over 30 years, while the private sector is subject to bank rates of 7-8 percent, for the same period. The ODA-funded projects, Roxas said, will be adopted in line with President Aquino’s 5 Rs policy: “Right project, Right quality, Right people, Right cost and Right on time.”
PAL sets US$ 60-M capex this year Philippine Airlines (PAL) said its working capital for fiscal year ending March next year would be funded by a loan from a European bank. Jose Gabriel Olives, PAL chief finance officer told reporters that the airline is expected to draw down between US$ 50 million and US$ 60 million from Credit Suisse within next month or two to finance its capital expenditure (capex) this fiscal year. Olives said the airline earlier drawn US$ 50 million from Credit Suisse to finance the separation and other transition benefits of close to 2,400 workers who would be out under the outsourcing program. PAL has allocated about P2.5 billion in severance benefits for the workers of in-flight catering, ground-handling and call-center reservations. PAL has contracted SkyKitchen Philippines Inc. for catering, SkyLogistics Philippines Inc. for ground handling, and SPi Global for call center reservations. Olives also said that PAL secured fresh loan from local banks to finance the 20 percent pre-delivery payment (PDP) for its two Boeing 777 worth US$ 200 million each schedule for delivery next fiscal year. PAL also expects the delivery of its two Airbus 320, which are on operating lease, next year. PAL said its outsourcing plan is key to attracting new investors, as the flag carrier braced for second-quarter losses mainly because of costlier jet fuel and weak passenger demand. “We are doing this for the survival of the airline and to make it attractive to new investors,” Jaime Bautista, PAL president said. He said the airline expects to save between US$ 10 million and US$ 15 million a year from the outsourcing of three non-core businesses, namely catering, ground handling and call center reservations . Bautista told reporters that the July to September period was a losing quarter for the airline because of the lean season. He also blamed the expected loss on rising jet fuel prices, which account for about 40 percent to 60 percent of the airline’s expenses. PAL reported a net income of US$ 28.2 million for the second quarter of its fiscal year in 2010, but incurred a net loss of US$ 10.6 million in the April to June period, the first quarter of its fiscal year ending March. This was a reversal from the US$ 31.6-million net income in the same period last year. Revenues this year amounted to US$ 454.1 million, up by 6 percent year-on-year.
DOE bares measures to ensure lower power rates Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras said the government exerts all its efforts to keep power rates within reasonable level. Almendras said the problem with country’s electricity rates is that it is very complex. “In determining if rates are high or low, you have to factor in a lot of things. There is the generation charge, transmission charge, and distribution charge so we have to see the issue on rates and apply a holistic approach and we need not just one but five measures to address the issue on rates,” Almendras said. In a Senate Hearing for the approval of the Department of Energy’s budget, Almendras detailed the Executive Branch’s plans to ensure an adequate power supply and measures how to ease the adverse impact of increasing electricity prices. First, he emphasized the need for baseload plants in the country. This includes the need for appropriate baseload technologies and the technological know-how to apply it to the local power setup in the country. “The current situation is, we are using non-baseload technologies for baseload demands. Right now, the baseload applicable for us is coal,
and as much as I have been criticized, we really need it right now,” Almendras said. DOE is also reviewing bilateral contract structures which will establish a reward system for the more efficient generators. It is envisioned that the rewards to the generators will eventually be shared and translated to savings for its customers. Almendras stressed the need for the continued attention to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) to ensure that prices are appropriate for the situation. “There is also a need for a reformat of the WESM. The goal is to transform it to an independent market,” he said. Almendras said DOE is thoroughly reviewing the applications for universal charge and the possible strategies to mitigate its effects. “I think people only see the news on UC applications which is why they think that power rates have been going up. The problem is, the filings of such applications are in the law but that does not mean that we are not doing anything about it. We have been doing a lot of things to ensure that the filings will not have a big effect on consumers.”
named as among the indicators of the country’s resiliency are the historically high dollar reserves, a generally healthy bank sector, and greater fiscal space. These factors are what would cushion the impact of the weak global economy to the country and make it “resilient compared to many of its neighbors in the region,” the report said. The report said that although it projects lower growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), the domestic economy would continue to be leveraged by domestic consumption. It also noted that although government infrastructure spending is expected to remain weak the rest of the year, “limiting the country’s investment growth” it “should eventually rebound.” The country’s strong fundamentals are also the main reasons behind the series of rating upgrades by Moody’s Investors Service, Standard and Poor’s (S&P) and Fitch Ratings as well as the 10 slots improvement in the country’s competitive ranking in the World Economic Forum’s latest Global Competitiveness report. “These observers noted the country’s strong macroeconomic management that has led to improvements in the country’s debt situation, narrower interest rate spreads, and reined-in inflation,”
A United States-based think-tank believes that the Philippines will continue to show resiliency even with a threat of another global turmoil. Global Source said. It cited that “in our best scenario, there could be a brightening in the outlook for the world economy if international efforts succeed at preventing a financial contagion coming from the euro zone and if effective measures to stimulate the U.S. economy are put in place.” “Domestically, we could see a bump in economic activity if government actually succeeds in accelerating infrastructure spending as it hopes to, though the contribution of PPP to this will not likely be much,” it added.
NEDA: Employment quality continues to improve in July The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that the quality of employment continued to improve this year, based on the National Statistics Office (NSO) report on the July 2011 Labor Force Survey. According to the NSO, the number of employed persons in July 2011 was estimated at 37.1 million, or 2.4 percent higher than the 36.2 million employment generated in July 2010. Employment generation for the SEC. PADERANGA period reached 870,000, which is higher than the 729,000 net employment in July 2010. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano W. Paderanga, Jr. noted the continuous improvement in the quality of employment as the number of workers with wages and salaries increased by 7.9 percent to 20.9 million in July 2011. “Filipino workers who are employed in the more remunerative and stable work comprise 56.3 percent of the total workers in July 2011 from only 53.4 percent a year ago,” said Paderanga, who is also NEDA Director-General. The NEDA official also said that those categorized as self-employed without paid employee, employer in own family-operated farm or business and unpaid family workers decreased by 1.7 percent, 6.2 percent, and 8.8 percent, respectively, in July 2011 compared with July 2010. “This employment performance in terms of class of workers implies that, in general, the quality of employment in the country has improved during the period,” said Paderanga. The NSO also reported that in terms of working hours, the number of full-time workers, which comprised 64.9 percent of total employment, grew strongly by 697,000 or by 3.0 percent during the said period. The number of the part-time workers likewise decreased from 34.7 percent in July 2010 to 34.1 percent in July 2011. “Incomes may have also increased considering the increase in the size of paid workers, full time employment, and the mean hours worked,” added Paderanga. The Secretary said that the average net employment creation for the months of January, April and July 2011 now reached 857,000. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate slightly went up to 7.1 percent in July 2011 from 7.0 percent in the same period last year due to more labor entrants recorded this year, with the labor force increasing by 2.5 percent, compared to the 1.3 percent growth in July 2010. The underemployment rate, or the proportion of those who are already working but still wanted more work, also went up to 19.1 percent, or around 7.1 million employed persons, possibly due to the higher uncertainties caused by the surges in world oil prices, the triple disasters in Japan, the slow recovery of the U.S. and Eurozone, and the social unrest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which increased the pressure to look for more work. The NEDA chief said that the higher unemployment and underemployment rates indicate that policy interventions of the government must focus not only in the creation of more employment, but also in generating more decent, productive, and quality employment. “In this period of slowing global economy and slowing external demand for Filipino goods and services, quality employment should be able to provide adequate income. Aside from keeping our workers and their families out of poverty, this will also boost household consumption, and domestic demand in general,” said Paderanga.
The Metro Express is published and distributed weekly by el amigo media solutions at Philippine Economic Zones, LRT Lines 1 & 2, MRT, Congress, the Senate and other government offices. For press, photo releases and advertising inquiries, text or call Hotlines Globe 0915-5517486 and Smart 0949-1661022. Emails: 2011metroexpress@gmail.com and esns03@yahoo.com. el amigo media solutions Publisher Ismael ‘El’ Amigo Editor Fitzgerald Cecilio Asst. Editor A.Z. Kal Art Director Eugene Labadan PR, Marketing & Circulation Manager Benjie Alejandro, Ana Cheza Montana, Noel Dolor Editorial Contributors
Thrash trash If our editorial photo at right is vivid enough for your eyes, you’d instantly notice the wide contrast between a mammoth vessel (far right) and the outrigger banca owned and managed not by a multinational company but by determined fishermen scavenging on dead fishes washed ashore courtesy of typhoon ‘Pedring’ recently. But think again. There is a bigger picture glaring at your very own eyes. Do you know what it is? “Ahhh....trash!” You’d say. “There is no other dominant picture in it but the two vessels!” Unfortunately, you are both right and wrong believe me you. “Right” in a sense that our eyes are trained to notice BETTER LATE the dominant figures in a picture: In this case, the THAN NEVER two vessels. That’s correct. “Wrong” in a sense that the big picture that our very own eyes missed is the amount of trash lining up the shoreline within which the two vessels are seemingly floating. Tons of trash, again got washed ashore along MaISMAEL A. AMIGO nila Bay courtesy of ty1ST-APLUMA phoon “Pedring” recently. And that has always been the case every time a typhoon lashes the Metropolis, the morning after effect so to speak. Typhoon in, and typhoon out. That has been the case. This simply means, that we need a lot of room for improvement on our drive to stamp out trash or to thrash trash and preventing them from getting into our waterways. It’s good to note local government units specially Muntinlupa City embarked on a pro-environment initiative by banning the use of plastic bags in each and every mall, business establishment for groceries and other goods. Further, its good to note other LGUs are toeing the line. For indeed, sooner or later, those plastic bags would clog waterways and finally the resultant factor of widespread flooding and decadence of the environment. Waste segregation is now also being followed down to the letter. Unsegregated trash are left uncollected by trash collectors and that’s fine. That will forcibly teach homeowners to segregate biodegrable waste materials with biodegradable materials. With it, recycling becomes a more easier task. There is money actually in trash provided these are properly taken care of. It’s not too late yet for us to do our share in saving Mother Earth. All we need to do is thrash trash. Let’s learn to dump them on proper dumpers. Littering literally destroys the environment. It should be everyone’s dream to see our rivers, shorelines and waterways free of trash. It’s not yet too late. We can help save the environment in more ways than one. Government agencies and the legislative department should also get involved by coming up with decisive measures that will penalize violators to the hilt by making it a major crime against humanity and the environment. Stiffer fines should stiffly teach violators and prevent them from wantonly throwing waste materials into waterways and open spaces. For indeed extreme measures are sometimes needed to solve extreme problems. EDITOR’S NOTE: All commentaries and or opinions submitted by columnists and herein published shall remain as personal opinion of Metro Express’ column writers. As such, these cannot and never be construed nor considered as similar to that of this publication (Metro Express)’s stand on issues discussed. Be that as it may, Metro Express shall not be held liable on any legal issues related/pertaining to, or any column/ commentaries that may appear herein.
Trash talk
Your trash may not be in the real sense of the word as it is for indeed there is a lot of money in trash that is, if we can manage them correctly and properly. Even improperly, trash provides a lot of things to a lot of us with the living proof of it serving as the main source of livelihood of many of our less fortunate brothers and sisters who unfortunately also learned the hard lesson that a trashslide could also kill them instantly in the infamous case otherwise known as the “Payatas Tragedy” not so long ago. That was when trash segregation was an alien word yet. He may not have been the perfect chairman the Metro Manila Development authority ever had but former MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando made famous a line that says “There is money in trash (May pera sa basura).” So we do strongly believe for this writer was there when the Municipality of Montalban in Rizal Province stepped forward and volunteered to serve as willing host for all of Metro Manila’s trash; tons and tons of them. This came to be known as the Montalban Solid Waste Disposal Facilities or in simplier terms: Montalban landfill. That solved Metro Manila’s trash crisis of 2004. Soon the town of Montalban metamorphosed into a new developing town in East Rizal, abuzzed with commerce
and projects sprouting here and there. Yup, talk about golden trash. And soon too, local officials got in the mix of things. A legal tug-of-war soon ensued between the Provincial Government and the local government unit of Montalban as the former questioned the legal standing of the latter as collection agent on millions of trash tipping fees with the MMDA. A long legal standoff ensued dotted with back-to-back suspension of the town mayor stemming from assorted cases filed with the Sandiganbayan both imagined and real concocted by his Capitol opponents. Imagined or real, this led to the local chief executive’s downfall in the most recent elections together with his own son’s candidacy. A cause and effect thing. Had the situation nine years ago back then or before the elections of 2010 been the same with the LGU of Montalban as direct recipient of MMDA TF payments, father and son could have given their opponents a good fight in the name of trash. Somewhere else, trash greatly matters. Millions of pesos, in fact, more than enough to support and perpetuate one’s hold on political power are derived from it. Next time a truckful of trash passes you by, smile.
EDITORIAL
OPINION Metro Express
4
Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011
VIEWS, COMMENTARIES, OPEN FORUM
Don’t worry about anything “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7). Today I want you to think about the worst thing that could happen in your life. Is it sickness? Bankruptcy? Loneliness? Normally I like to talk about nice things, but I want to share with you how God has been helping me with my worry. You see, I worry a lot. And most of my worries never come true. But say the worst of the worst happened, whatever that is for you. There are a few things you can know will never be affected, no matter what goes wrong: God will still be glorified: “’As surely as I live,’ says the LORD, ‘every knee will bend to Me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God’” (Romans 14:11). God will never leave you: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) Jesus will never stop loving you: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).
them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from Me” (John 10:27,28). What are you worrying about today? Give it to God. This is how I do it: I imagine my worry as a ball that I throw to God for Him to deal with. I Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Sometimes I have to throw my worry ball to Him just once; sometimes once an hour. But He always gives me His peace in exchange. And He will do the same for you.
God will never leave you: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) Jesus will never stop loving you: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).
So I’d like you to do this exercise with me. Fill in the blank with your worst worry and say out loud: “If God wants to glorify Himself through _______________, then so be it.
So let’s pray together this week that: We would completely give all our worries over to God and receive His peace. We would rest in the knowledge that He will ultimately be glorified.
He will never leave me, abandon me, or take His love away from me. And I will arrive at the End of Days with Jesus in Heaven.”
Global Media Outreach would completely give God all our worries.
Because that is the ultimate worst-case scenario: that you would arrive at the Day of Judgment and not be admitted into Heaven. But Jesus has promised you: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know
THANK YOU so much for your prayers. God loves you! Your Friends at GodLife.com
Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011
LEGIS/EXEC NEWS
Metro Express 5
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE SENATE & EXECUTIVE BEATS
Aquino is committed to observing transparency, accountability for the benefit of Filipinos — Coloma True to its commitment to the Filipino people, the Aquino government is serious in observing transparency and accountability resulting to massive economic benefits that will be distributed to the citizenry. In his message during the Countryside Development Summit at the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Enchanted Farm at Barangay Engkanto in Angat, Bulacan on Sunday, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr. said that the government has been gaining from its developmental efforts in leadership that is based on righteousness and moral values. “A government that is based on transparency, integrity and accountability of the leaders is now reaping massive economic benefits that will be distributed equitably among the millions of Filipinos especially those from the bottom of the pyramid,” Coloma said. He noted that President Aquino’s program of “Daang Matuwid” that calls for moral ascendancy and honest leadership that consequently results to higher economic value that benefits the people. “Ang programa po ng ating Pangulo na daang matuwid, hindi lang po ito tungkol sa paggawa ng tama sapagkat ayon sa kanyang vision of the Philippines, ang atin pong bansa ay isang bansa kung saan doing what is right does not only makes sense morally but also translates into higher economic value,” Coloma said.
Father Almighty. + gin, Bulacan’s Barangay Encanto — which connotes images of the supernatural and magical in Filipino — the Enchanted Farm is the canvas for Gawad Kalinga’s second phase of the 2024 road map to end poverty in the Philippines. Once idle and unproductive, the area is being transformed into a landscape of vast potential that will sustain communities for generations to come.
President Noy inducts the new officers of the The Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (October 3). FILSCAP is a non-stock, non-profit association of composers, lyric-writers and music publishers established in 1965 to administer the public performance and reproduction rights of creators and owners of original musical works. The Society represents the rights of both local and foreign composers, lyric-writers and music publishers.
The PCOO chief also said that part of the government’s programs is “Pilipinas Natin, which aims to uplift the standard of living in the country by providing universal access to basic needs especially of underprivileged Filipinos. Coloma expressed gratitude to the leaders of Gawad Kalinga, whom he said, are one of the government’s active partners from the private sector. “Napakarami po sa ating mga ka-
babayan ay nasa hanay ng maralita, paano po tayo uunlad kung hindi po kasama ang karamihan kaya po inclusive growth, kasama ang lahat kaya hindi lang po Pilipinas para sa iilan… hindi lang Pilipinas para sa mayayaman… ito po ay Pilipinas para sa lahat ng mamamayan... kaya po Pilipinas Natin. At nagagalak po kami na kapartner ang Gawad Kalinga dito sa Pilipinas Natin,” Coloma noted. “Mabuhay po ang Gawad Kal-
inga, mabuhay ang diwa ng Pilipinas Natin,” he stressed. The event, which coincides with Gawad Kalinga’’s 8th Anniversary celebration, was also attended by other government officials led by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Francis Pangilinan, and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. Also in attendance was Presidential Sister Victoria Eliza “Viel” Aquino-Dee who, along with pub-
lic officials present, witnessed the blessing of the Cory Garden, named and dedicated to her mother and former President, the late Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. Other activities during the event include the declaration of the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm as open for business, blessing of the Shell Road, Shell Center for Social Innovation and the Injap-Mang Inasal Pavillion Bed and Breakfast. Named after the place of its ori-
Subic Freeport hosts Rotaract reg’l confab
BUSINESS as usual so it seems for this enterprising “Lola” who tedns her store unmindful of knee-deep waters courtesy of typhoon “Pedring.”
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Freeport played host to hundreds of Rotaractors from countries in the Asia-Pacific region during the 8th Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) held from September 29 to October 2. Rotaract delegates from Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Bangladesh and host country Philippines participated in various lecture and workshop fora that were held here during the four-day conference. The visitors received a warm welcome from Filipino hosts in the opening ceremonies at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), where they were treated with a special dance performance by students from the Olongapo City National High School-Special Program for the Arts. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia, who greeted the Rotaractors during the opening program, said the visitors somewhat brightened Subic despite the stormy weather in the past week. “Thank you for bringing a part of the good weather. It’s a beautiful day outside,” he said, referring to the sunny weather during the opening ceremonies. Cont’d on page 7
P44.4M worth of smuggled onions seized The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized on Tuesday P44.4 million worth of onions from China that were declared as plastic cups and plastic wares. In a statement, Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Danilo D. Lim said the onions, loaded in 10 40-footer container vans, were found in a warehouse located at ICR Compound, Canumay East, Valenzuela City and were consigned to Royal Halo Enterprises at No. 286 Madrigal Building, Room 205, Binondo, Manila. He said the smuggled items were slipped past the premises of the Manila International Container Port (MICP) by paying only from P70,000 to P140,000 per container van. He said that the government lost about P18 million from this illegal shipment, which “probably succeeded through deep collusion between players and corrupt BOC officials and employees.” “It is very evident that there is serious malice to defraud the government of taxes and insult TCCP arrogantly in this incident, thus, all culprits in this case have to be brought to justice,” he said. Relatively, Jimmy Guban, assistant chief of the Risk Management Office and leader of the raiding team, said that “90 percent of the smuggled
onions were already unloaded from the container vans when they entered the premises of Steel World at ICR compound owned by Lam Tai Tin at Canumay East at around 9:30 a.m. yesterday.” “There were still two 40-footer container vans outside Steel World filled with smuggled onions when we opened it for inspection. And, definitely, it was a part of the shipment inside the warehouse,” he said. Guban identified the licensed customs broker for this shipment as Jason Ferrer, who, along with the consignee, and BOC employees, will be charged in court. He said that they discovered that Steel World was only rented as stock warehouse of the smuggled onions by one Allan Lim, owner of the MKK Enterprise, with office address at 1071-D Carmen Planas Street, Tondo, Manila. He said they also seized a copy of the contract of lease between Lam Tai Ting and Allan Lim during the raid and this “indicated the latter was the renter and claimant of the cargoes.” He clarified that they were “yet to ascertain ownership of the smuggled onions but considers Allan Lim as a key suspect or participant in the smuggling of said shipment.”
Solon bats for stiffer penalty vs hospitals, funeral parlors... cannot afford to give a promissory note. In many instances, they are not allowed to leave the hospitals while the body of a dead person is detained by the medical institution or the morgue,” he said. “Almost every day, we hear of complaints in newspapers, radio and television against hospitals and other medical institutions that detain patients or even cadavers of deceased patients due to unpaid medical bills,” he added. Lazatin said some funeral parlors and morgues are into this practice as well, keeping cadavers to force OBEY relatives of the deceased individual to cough up the payment for TRAFFIC burial services. RULES! HB 5286 mandates the Government Service Insurance System So that others may live. (GSIS), the Social Security System
S
TRUST GOD.
From page 1
(SSS), and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), as well as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to come up with special programs to help their members who cannot afford to pay medical or funeral bills. “If the patient is a member of the SSS, GSIS and PhilHealth, a promissory note from either of the agencies would suffice. In the case of an indigent patient, a certification and/or guarantee from the DSWD is sufficient,” he said. In the case of a deceased patient, corresponding death certificate and other documents required for interment and other purposes shall be released by the hospital or any medical institution, funeral parlor or morgues to any of cadaver’s surviving relatives requesting for the same upon presenting a promissory note from the SSS, GSIS or DSWD, he added. However, Lazatin said patients who stayed in private rooms shall not be covered by the proposed Act.
When God is going to do something wonderful, He often starts it with difficulties.
House body...
Arroyos propose tax relief during calamities In view of the recent calamities that hit the country, a mother and son team at the House of Representatives have proposed the granting of tax relief during times of calamity to ensure the steady and unimpeded flow of donations for the victims. Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and son Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo, authors of House Bill 5104, said the display of heroism and gallantry by Filipinos during calamities also brought into the limelight a few bureaucratic glitches that impeded the flow of donations like, for instance, the donor’s tax. The Arroyos said multi-national corporations and some rich individuals who want to give huge sums to organizations to help aid the calamity victims, were faced with a hefty sum for donor’s tax. “While donors can avail of tax exemption, the stiff accreditation requirements, however, became a deterrent to their donation or aid,” they said. Under the law, donors also have to submit paperwork to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for audit procedures. Compounding the problem is the fact that not all organizations with relief operations are accredited charitable organizations, the Arroyos said. “The objective of the bill is to address all these concerns by allowing tax exemption of donations as long as a state of calamity is declared by the proper Sanggunian and regardless of the nature of business of the donee organization so as not to hamper funds from coming in,” they said. The Arroyos said the measure is similar to the response of the United States Congress in granting similar tax treatments in the wake of Hurricane “Katrina.” HB 5104 provides that the real property tax in the affected area shall not be assessed and collected for two fiscal years, starting from the date of the declaration of a state of calamity by the proper local Sanggunian. The bill also provides that any donation in the name of any organization which declares that the funds donated shall be in favor of the calamity victims shall be exempted from donor’s tax. The exemption shall automatically apply and the BIR shall not require any accreditation requirements, provided, however, that no more than 10 percent of the said gift shall be used by the donee organization for administration purposes.
From page 1
The BIR expects the VAT on toll to generate P2-3 billion in additional revenues. Some 81 lawmakers earlier expressed support to moves that would exclude toll on expressways from VAT coverage. La Union Rep. Victor Ortega, author of House Bill 5185, said the measure would introduce “a very simple amendment” to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by Republic Act 9377, by putting a provision that says that “toll fees are excluded from VAT.” HB 5185 aims to clarify the legislative intent of Congress that toll on expressways are not subject to VAT. “As provided by our Constitution, all taxes must emanate and be approved by Congress. To expand the scope of taxation purely on interpretation upon review of the law, 17 years since it was passed in 1994, is definitely not acceptable to our people,” he said. Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teodoro Casino, author of another bill, said that the Supreme Court decision stated that it is now up to Congress to make the necessary changes in the law. He said the approval of the amendment at the committee level is the “first step in correcting the anomalous tax on tax that the BIR has imposed and which the Supreme Court has upheld.” The High Tribunal earlier junked petitions filed by former Nueva Ecija Rep. Renato Diaz and former Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Aurora Maria Timbol which said that toll fees are not included in the coverage of sale of services subject to VAT. The Supreme Court said that “what the government seeks to tax here are fees collected from tollways that are constructed, maintained, and operated by private tollway operators at their own expense under the build, operate, and transfer (BOT) scheme that the government has adopted for expressways.”
No more tension between Marian, Rhian SENATOR Bong Revilla shared that all is well between his co-stars Rhian Ramos and Marian Rivera. The three are presently shooting the “Panday 2” movie, which will be the official entry of GMA Films and Imus Productions for the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival. In a television interview with the actor-turned-politician, Bong said the reconciliation took place while they were filming the movie and he’s happy with the development between the two. “Nag-usap sila both sides and may hakbang talaga para magkabati sila. Hindi talaga pinilit kong magkabati, I tried, pero sabi sa akin ni Marian ‘Kuya let me do it.” To recall, both actresses had a gap on September of 2009 when it was reported that Marian got jealous over Dingdong Dantes’s then co-star Rhian in the set of “Stairway to Heaven”.
RHIAN
MARIAN (A first movie with Rhian and vice-versa)
According to reports, Dingdong gave Rhian an oatmeal chocolate cake, which the former clarified as a gift from the production staff. Rhian and Marian were never seen together in one event after
the reported misunderstanding, until recently when they were both casted in “Panday 2.” In a separate television interview with Rhian, the actress said things are looking great between them
Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011
and there’s no tension unlike before. “We had a lot of fun. Kahit marami kami eh yung talaga kausap ko sa eksena si Marian. Wala ng dahilan para intrigahin pa.”
Philippine Azkals heartthrob Phil Younghusband said he has no plans to enter the show business. (Maybe, for now. - Ed.) When asked whether he plans to join his rumored girlfriend Angel Locsin in the showbiz industry, he replied, “I’m an athlete. Athlete ako.” On the other hand, Younghusband expressed his excitement for Locsin’s upcoming movie with box office king John Lloyd Cruz. “Her last movie ‘In the Name of Love’ was amazing, and I’m sure her next movie will be just as good. I can’t wait [to see the movie]. I’m excited to see the movie. She’s very masipag. She’s very very talented so I’m sure it will be a great movie,” he said. A few weeks ago, Younghusband’s mother passed away. Amid the tragedy, he has been very thankful for all the love and support extended by the people around them, especially Locsin. “Angel’s been amazing. I feel very blessed and thankful. She has been there every step of the way,” he said. Though still in mourning, Younghusband confirmed that he and his brother James will be playing at the Long Teng Football Cup in Taipei on September 30. He explained that their top priority at the moment is to look after their youngest sibling Keri, so it is important that they get back on the field. “It’s a difficult time at the moment, but we just need to keep working. We have a youngest sister to think about so it’s important we get back to real life and start thinking about our youngest sister,” he said.
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Piolo shrugs off rivalry with Echo
Phil Younghusband says no to showbiz
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Actor Piolo Pascual shrugged off rumors saying there is a brewing rivalry between him and actor Jericho Rosales. This comes on the heels of alleged billing problems between the two actors, as they are set to work together for the first time in the upcoming television series “Padre de Pamilya.” “Hindi naman. We’re just so excited because we really wanted to work together ever since. We came to a point na kami mismo susulat ng pelikula namin. So it’s a blessing to finally do a show with Jericho, talagang malaki yung paghanga ko sa kanya bilang tao,” he said. Pascual, however, admitted this is not the first time they are pitted against each other. “Nag-tie kami one time as Best Actor (during the 23rd PMPC Star Awards for Movies in 2007). Pinaghatian namin yung trophy,” he laughed. “At the end of the day, it’s all about bringing out the best in you and not just about being a better actor.” Meanwhile, Pascual admitted he was elated when “Padre de Pamilya” was offered to him. “When it was presented to me, umiyak ako. I was shocked doon sa twist, which we’re not supposed to tell yet. Sa sobrang napatanga ako sa kuwento, ako mismo nadala. I had sleepless nights kasi sobrang natatakot ako. Hindi birong mag-invest ka sa isang proyekto na alam mong real emotions yung pagdadaanan ng bawat character, so nakaka-stress,” he shared. “That’s the whole point of the soap, to come up with something unique, something that will set us apart. It’s a privilege to do something so big, something na alam naming may matutunan kaming lessons about life in general. Hindi lang siya typical love story or soap na napapanood mo, kundi kami mismo bilang actor dapat handa kami sa gagawin naming roles,” he added.
Did you know that... History •
The world’s youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.
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The Los Angeles Rams were the first U.S. football team to introduce emblems on their helmets.
SAHOD NA HABANG MAY TULO... DENNIS ORCOLLO
FOR the second time in five months, up-and-coming star Carlo Biado has beaten fellow Bugsy Promotions mainstay world No.1 and World 8-Ball champion Dennis Orcollo, serving strong notice on his title aspiration in the 8-Ball event and grand championship of the 2011 BSCP National Pool Championships. Biado defeated Orcollo, 8-5, on Wednesday night at the Star Billiards Center and advanced to the finals of this tournament that serves as a qualifying event for the World Pool Summit. “Carlo (Biado) is the most under rated player today,” said sportsman/businessman Ceferino “Perry” Mariano of Bugsy Promotions, long-time manager, both Biado and Orcollo. A semifinalist in the World Ten Ball Championship and one of the few players who made a big jump in the world rankings, Biado will meet Allan Cuartero, who escaped with an 8-7 win over Ricky Zerna, in the other Semifinal. Biado came to the semifinals oozing with confidence after sweeping Johann Chua, 8-0. The victory gave the young player more confidence in pulling off another stunning win against Orcollo, one of the few world champions he defeated in the WTBC last May. A former caddie-turned-pool player, Biado attributed his victory to the breaks of the game. “He was struggling breaking the balls. In fact, he had three dry breaks, ,” said Biado.
BIADO BEATS ORCOLLO
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Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.
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Hershey’s Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it’s kissing the conveyor belt.
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Chop-suey does not come from China. It was created by Chinese immigrants in California
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Chocolate is the number one food stuff flavor in the world, beating vanilla and banana by 3-to-1.
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Valentine’s Day originates from the ancient Roman festival of fertility, which was held annually on 15 February.
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Americans eat twice as much meat as Europeans, gobbling up some 50kg (110 lb) per capita.
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Every day 200 million couples make love, 400,000 babies are born, and 140,000 people die.
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The word “Checkmate” in chess comes from the Persian phrase “Shah Mat”, which means “the
COMICS
What A.Z. Kal says on “weather, weather”!
NOON Tsibug king benta lugao, siopao, atbp.
A.Z. Kal
No. 06
NGAYON Kingmaker.Sadyang ‘weather. weather laang’
A.Z. Kal
king is dead”.
CARLO BIADO
In reaching the finals, payback will be on the mind of Biado, who lost a tough 8-7 decision to Cuartero earlier in the 8-ball event. “I like my chances against Cuartero, but it’s not a guarantee of a win because he’s a veteran player and I lost to him the last time around,” added Biado. Cuartero escaped Zerna, the same player who couldn’t hit the big one during his game against Orcollo. Zerna came close to reaching the semifinal round trouble free on Tuesday night by nearly shocking Orcollo only to lose in a hill-hill encounter, 8-7, after failing to capitalize on two breaks to clinch the match. Against Cuartero, pressure caught up with Zerna once more as he missed the 8-ball in Rack 15, allowing his rival to escape with the win — and a seat in the finals.MARLON BERNARDINO
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More movies are being produced in India than in Hollywood. About 800 movies are released annually.
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There are more than 600 million telephone lines today, yet almost half the world’s population has never made a phone call.
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MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND SEMINAR Class 38 of Immanuel Series poses with elders, “auxies” and the Ecclesial Team lead by Fr. Jess Fernandez, Team Couples Bro. John & Sis. Nitz Calamiong and Bro. Sonny and Sis. NItz Baquiran for posterity during Immanuel Series’s Marriage Encounter Weekend Seminar last Sept. 9, 10 & 11, 2011 at La Verna Retreat House, Tagaytay City. Immanuel Series is a member of M.E. Tuklasan Sector. Not in photo are series servant leaders Bro. Smack and Sis. Bobitte Amigo. Class 38 includes couples Jon and Enid Matriano, Jose and Rosalyn Aquino, Steven and Michelle Joaquin, Edward and Michelle Lumabi, Rexmelle and Nemalyn Decapia, Edmund and Imee Rivera, William and Rosemary Perea and couples Robert and Clarivel Nagar.
, Marriage Encounter: FAITHH EALTH & MYSTERIES A must for couples It has already been a couple of weeks before we filed our last piece in this corner. Mea culpa. And as such apologies is on the line. The reason is, yours truly has been so preoccupied lately with preparations for our weekend seminar in our Marriage Encounter community, particularly, Immanuel Series Tuklasan Sector.
This entailed fund-raising and everything. The M.E. is an apostolate for married Catholic couples where I and my better half Esperanza serve as Head Servants, punong tagapaglingkod sa paglalapit ng Ating Panginoong Hesukristo sa mga magasawahan. As I write this piece, our series was in the middle of things preparing for our very
first reunion of new graduates in Class 38 at the Technological University of the Philippines in Taguig City last Sunday, September 25, 2011. Expected to attend were the eight newly-minted encountered couples and of course, the elders of our series. Former Tuklasan president couples Bro. John and Nitz Calamiong volunteered to preside over the proceedings of the first
reunion, which normally takes longer than the rest of other reunions as it involves introduction of elders, couple by couple for familiarization purposes for the benefit of the new grads. Without getting into the nittygritty of the M.E., this works almost similar to that of the Couples for Christ but some people say there is something with M.E. that cannot be found
nor experienced at CFC although they do have similar reasons for being. Both have similar focus and introducing our God Almighty, our Creator Jesus Christ, the supreme symbol of divine love for
The Ecclesial Team of Class 38 led by Fr. Jess Fernandez (center) Team Couples Bro. John and Sis. Nitz Calamiong, Sis. Nitz and Bro. Sonny Baquiran.
Immanuel Series: One big happy family in Jesus Christ. Fr. Agot (10th from left) obliges for a photo op with elders of Immanuel Series shortly after giving an inspiring talk on commitment a week before IS’s ME Weekend Seminar. Bro. Fred (extreme right) and Sis. Judith Bugaoisan (fourth from left) hosted the Series’ recollection at their place of abode in Quezon City.
married couples. A good clue for the uninitiated is this: Once you attended a weekend seminar for M.E., everything will not be the same again. Couples have to allow someone in, at the center of their married life: God. Another clue is: the M.E. is non-reformative. Meaning, there are no guarantees. No guarantee that an alcoholic husband or wife will be reformed overnight. No guarantees that a philandering husband will change overnight, etc. But, but, but. There is but one guarantee: God will always make a way. God bless to all !
1st Ms Subic Tourism crowned Ms. Subic Bay Tourism Cherryl Algabre receives her awards from SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business Raul Marcelo and SBMA Tourism Officer Portia Zabala.
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SUBIC BAY, PHILIPPINES
Subic Freeport hosts Rotaract... SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – With elegance and poise, nine candidates sashayed on the runway here, displaying both wit and charm as they vied for the title Ms. Subic Bay Tourism 2011 during the pageant’s awards night on September 24 at the Subic Gym. Nine beautiful candidates from various communities surrounding the Subic Bay Freeport showed their statuesque figures in the long gown, Filipiniana and swimsuit competitions held that night, and then also presented their performing skills in the talent portion of the contest. In the end, the title Ms. Subic Bay Tourism went to Cherryl Algabre, who was also chosen as Best in Talent.
Algabre will serve as Subic’s tourism ambassador for a year as part of her responsibilities in winning the crown. The other winners in the contest were: Eijikana Parba, who was named Miss Lighthouse Marina Resort; Jayde-Ann Gillan, Miss Treetop Adventure; Princess Anne Marie Palileo, Miss Segara Villas and Suites; and Miko Maylene Abrigo, Miss Travelers Hotel and Event Center. Parba as also named Best in Swimwear, while Abrigo won the Long Gown and Filipiniana competitions. The Miss Photogenic award went to Cherry Mae Hernaez. The Ms. Subic Bay Tourism 2011 pageant is part of the Na-
tional Tourism Week celebration here, which ran from September 17 to 27. The celebration was organized by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in cooperation with Treetop Adventure, Segara Villas and Suites, the Lighthouse Marina Resort, and Travelers Hotel & Event Center. This year ’s pageant theme “World Wetlands Day – Forest for Water and Wetlands” was chosen by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in line with the declaration of 2011 as the United Nations International Year of Forests. Activities during the Tourism Week included trade fairs, food fest, photo exhibits, tours, tourism job fairs and a gay boxing contest.
Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011
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Garcia mentioned that he used to be an active member of the Rotary Club of Green Meadows in Quezon City, and then proceeded to welcome the delegates to the “most beautiful freeport in the Philippines.” Garcia also briefed the foreign delegates on the history of Subic Bay and how it became the top economic hub in the Philippines, before inviting them to visit tourist attractions in Subic. “A large part of our work here is to develop Subic into a premier tourist facility and destination. If you have time, please visit our theme parks. These are visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors every year,” Garcia said. “I hope your tight schedule will allow you time to go around and see what Subic has to offer.” Host district governor Digna Ragasa, meanwhile, reiterated the importance of serving others by highlighting the conference theme “Touching Communities, Serving Humanity.” “What the world needs today are young men and women like you, who are able and willing to put the justice and love of the Divine Providence into action,” Ragasa said. “Touch communities, touch lives, and serve humanity. But you can only do that if you are able to commit yourselves, if you will be able to take your part, and see for yourselves what you can do to the world,” she added. The APRRC was founded in 2004 and became an annual event among Rotaractors from all over the region. The conference aims to unite all Rotaractors from the region and equip them with new ideas and knowledge that will be useful in developing their personality and skills as future leaders of the society. The previous conference was held in Singapore. The Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs are either community- or university-based, and they’re sponsored by a local Rotary club. This makes them true “partners in service” and key members of the family of Rotary.
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Subic Bay, PHILIPPINES
Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011
1st Ms Subic Tourism crowned
FULL STORY ON PAGE 7
Ms. Subic Bay Tourism Cherryl Algabre receives her awards from SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business Raul Marcelo and SBMA Tourism Officer Portia Zabala.