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DECEMBER 1- 15, 2010

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RP, known as the Pearl of the Orient, offers wealth of national parks

By Ana Cheza Montana The Philippines, dubbed as the Pearl of the Orient Seas, offers a wealth of national

1st-Apluma will never, ever forget!

In the name of national reconcialiation, let’s set them free -- 1st-APLUMA (On jailed rebel soldiers in the past administration)

parks on many of its over 7,100 islands between the Pacific and the South China Sea. This multi-lingual nation of 90 million people, from Batanes to Tawi Tawi, is also home to 111 cultural –linguistic groups and no understanding of the country would be complete without at least a basic knowledge of these cultures and their characteristics.

It would take weeks, even months, for any traveler to comb the picturesque countryside from the often typhoonlashed Batanes chains of islands in the far north to Tawi Tawi, site of the first Muslim

Mt. Isarog

Mt. Iglit-Baco

Mt. Pulag

Mt. Malindang

mosque, in the deep south.

There are other alternative sites besides those advertised in travel guide – inviting ev-

eryone to have a taste and feast of the sights and scents of what was once known as the land of spices in the Far

East.

These include Mount Pulag National Park, in mountainous Benguet, 348 kms north of

Manila, declared a national park on Feb. 20, 1987.

The place, settled in by the Kalanguya and Ibaloi tribes,

‘And then they’re free’

By Fitzgerald Cecilio IN THE spirit peace and reconciliation, the Aquino government has decided to grant amnesty to more than 300 soldiers and policemen who participated in three mutinies against former President and now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

President Aquino issued Proclamation No. 75 granting amnesty to officers and men who took part in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, the 2006 Marine standoff and the 2007 Manila Peninsula siege.

“The grant of amnesty in favor of the said active and former personnel of the AFP and PNP and their supporters will promote an atmosphere conducive to the attainment of a just, comprehensive and enduring peace and is in line with the Government’s peace and reconciliation initiatives,” President Aquino said in his proclamation.

Among those who will benefit from the amnesty are Sen. Antonio Trillanes, who is currently detained and facing trial for the 2003 and 2007 uprisings, retired Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Col. Ariel Querubin.

Lim and Querubin have been released but they can still avail of the amnesty to restore their retirement benefits.

Recently, the committees on justice and national defense unanimously approved a motion to approve House Concurrent Resolution No. 08 authored by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and co-authored by Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III and Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II. The Senate is also expected to approve the proclamation this month. After the approval, mutineers can now apply for amnesty with the Department of National Defense, which is mandated to create an ad hoc committee.

The ad hoc committee will be in charge of receiving and processing applications as well as opposition to these. Any approved application can be appealed before the Office of the President.

PP 75 specifies that mutineers with ranks up to technical sergeant for the military and senior police officer 3 for the national police are eligible for reinstatement as long their application is approved.

The proclamation also states that mutineers who are not reinstated are entitled to retirement and separation benefits if qualified under the law.

The PP states that concerned AFP and PNP personnel and their supporters may apply for amnesty under it with the ad hoc committee Department of National Defense (DND) which is hereby tasked with receiving and processing applications – including oppositions thereto, if any – for amnesty pursuant to this proclamation and determining whether the applicants are entitled to amnesty pursuant to this proclamation.

The final decisions or determination of the DND shall be appealable to the Office of the President by any party to the application. The decision, however, shall be immediately executory even if appealed.

Applications for the grant of

LIGHTS, GLITZ AND GLAM OF CHRISTMAS

Usec. Romano: Fall guy or not?

VICENTE “Enteng” Romano’s name is now synonymous with delicadeza. But for many, his name can also be put alongside “fall guy”.

He resigned as undersecretary after taking full responsibility for the botched “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” tourism thrust of the Department of Tourism.

HAVE A LOOK Wow Philippines! (top) logo in the past administration simply has the universal touch unlike the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” logo (right) that needs translation outside the Philippines. Extreme right photo shows the possible template where the ad agency accordingly copied.

amnesty under this proclamation shall be filed under oath with the DND within a period of ninety (90) days following the date of the publication of this proclamation in two (2) newspapers of general circulation as concurred in by a majority of all members in Congress. The DND shall forthwith act on the same with dispatch.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a total of 101 officers and 185 enlisted personnel (EPs) were initially charged before courtsmartial in connection with Oak-

ROMANO

wood mutiny.

Of the 185 EPs, one is still AWOL or absent without official leave and 184 pleaded guilty to lesser offense and subsequently sentenced by either demotion, forfeiture of pay and confinement.

The 184 EPs were restored to full-duty status.

Of the 101 officers, six are still facing charges—Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th, Capt Nicanor Faeldon, First Lt. Warren Lee Dagupon, Second Lt. Alquin Canson, Second Lt. Edwin Duetao and Second Lt.

Junibert Tubo.

The cases of 11 others were dropped for lack of evidence and 84 have pleaded guilty and been discharged from the service.

In the 2006 Marines standoff, 29 were initially charged before military court and nine remained accused.

In the 2007 Peninsula Manila hotel siege, 12 officers and 5 EPs were charged in military court and two—retired Brig.

Gen. Danilo Lim and Faeldon— remain on trial.

Malacanang Info

FIRST, they said it didn’t cost a thing. (Source: Facebook)

But many tourism stakeholders and DOT insiders are claiming that Romano was just a fall guy who was asked to take one for the team to save his bosses from embarrassment and criticism.

A DOT official who requested anonymity said “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” were approved by President Aquino and Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim during the initial presentation.

“Why put the blame only on Romano? His proposal was approved and was instructed only to do additional research before the preview,” the official said.

has an area of 11,500 hectares.

The weather is characterized as tropical monsoonal; from December to April it is relatively dry, with heavy rains from June to November.

Frost occurs at the highest elevations from January to February.

The place is home to the dwarf bamboo, cloud rat (endemic to the site), Koch’s pitta and other endemic wildlife.

The forest has types of tree fern, rhododendron, and oak; its pine forest dominated by Benguet pine with varied veg(Continued on page 2)

Expect P5/ kilo chicken, pork price hike Filipino consumers may expect a P5/kilo increase in prices of chicken and pork in the coming days, even as agriculture officials stressed this was not due to a bird flu scare.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup said the price hike is mainly due to increased demand for the Christmas season.

“More of the law of supply and demand, in preparation for the holidays, maraming nagpeprepare ng hamon, manok ...

Hindi ito effect ng bird flu threat. Wala po, gusto ko lang i-correct, wala tayong bird flu sa Pilipinas,” Salacup said.

(This is more due to the law of supply and demand, in preparation for the holidays, as many are preparing hams and chicken-based products. This is definitely not due to the bird flu threat. I want to make clear there is no bird flu case in the Philippines.)

Citing reports reaching him, Salacup said chicken prices may go up to P125 per kilo.

He said the Department of Agriculture considers this P5/ kilo price adjustment to be “within the manageable level,” noting that the acceptable price level for chicken is P110 to 125 per kilo.

“Alam natin isa sa paboritong hinahain ng ating kababayan ang karneng baboy at pumapangalawa ang karneng manok. Both commodities nagkakaroon ng adjustment pataas (We know Filipinos want pork and chicken during the holidays. Both commodities will have a price adjustment),” he said.

On the other hand, he said they expect chicken growers to benefit from this because the farm gate prices will be higher. He said the DA had pegged the suggested reference price to P120 per kilo for chicken to bring the farm gate price up.

“It’s still a good measure, kumikita ang magmamanok at affordable pa ito on the consumer side (This is a good measure, the chicken growers will earn more while chicken will remain affordable to consumers),” he said.

Measures vs bird flu Salacup reassured the public the DA is taking measures against bird flu as far as the importation of chicken is concerned. He said the DA is not giving special importation permits at this time, even as the minimum access volume quota for chicken imports is limited to countries without bird flu cases.

“We want to assure the public ang minimum access volume sa chicken doon lang sa bansa na walang avian influenza, sa US, Canada, karamihan doon galing ang inaangkat na chicken parts,” he said.

(We want to assure the public the minimum access volume for importing chicken will be limited to countries without avian influenza, like the US and Canada where we import most of our chicken parts.)

Salacup said the government will not take risks to jeopardize the P150-billion chicken industry.“We want to assure the public di kami pumapayag sa identified na may avian influenza,” he said.

Nation Quorum

The last flood control plan was prepared in 1952. Most of the ideas included in it may already be superseded because of the changes in land use and in the landscape of the metropolis -- MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino

2

December 1-15, 2010

MMDA updates flood control plan

MARKER FOR CORY President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with Club Filipino president Atty. Roberto de Leon and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima after unveiling a special marker renaming the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City to Cory C. Aquino Kalayaan Hall. Installed by a bloodless people power revolution, former President Corazon C. Aquino took her oath as the 11th and the 1st woman President of the Republic of the Philippines on February 25, 1986 here.

Dwindling water supplies hurt rice yields in Asia, claims IRRI LOS BANOS, LAGUNA -- Dwindling water supplies in Asia are hurting rice production causing widespread food security concerns, according to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Dr. Robert Zeigler, IRRI director general said Rice is a key food source for more than half of the seven billion people in the world. Asia grows 90 percent of the world's rice, although more than 600 million people in the region are malnourished, he said.

Dr. Zeigler said Asian rice farms typically use nearly 400 gallons of water to produce about one pound of rice, less than half of the water, however, is used by the plant.

The IRRI director general said on the sidelines of the recently-concluded rice conference in Hanoi, Vietnam that irrigation problems and water scarcity issues were affecting rice crop yields in Asia.

"The food security of hundreds of millions of people will be adverse-

RP, known as Pearl of the Orient, offers... From page 1 etation of grass, shrubs and trees.

The park is surrounded by rivers and lakes. Mummy caves and ancient burial grounds can also be found at the site.

The residents’ sources of livelihood are: farming, swidden agriculture, piggery and poultry.

Other parks: Mt. Isarog National Park – in Camarines Sur 400 kms. Southeast of Manila.

The site was declared a national park on July 20, 1938 through Presidential Proclamation 293.

The climate is relatively dry from February to September, with rains from October to January.

Mt. Isarog has 18 rivers and five creeks and has a series of waterfalls, crystal caverns, gorges and canyons which is inhabited by more than 45 mammals including different varieties of bats.

Sources of livelihood in the area are: upland farming, harvesting and forest essentials like rattan, medicinal plants and wildlife.

Mount Iglit-Baco National Park – in the center of Mindoro, was declared a national park on Nov. 9, 1970 by virtue of Republic Act 6148.

Mount Baco has an altitude of 2,400 meters while Mount Iglit, also known as Mt. Mangibok, reaches 1,432 meters. The park has an area of 75,455 ha.

Five rivers The park is surrounded by five rivers, which also have four lakes with freshwater fish.

Its climate differs from various locations, on the western side the climate is dry and wet, on the eastern side by more or less even distribution of rainfall all year round.

The eastern areas of the park are adorned by misty dipterocarp forests; the western areas are made up of open, secondary savannah-like grassland.

The park is sanctuary to endangered species of plants like the Mindoro pine and animals like the tamaraw.

The people’s livelihood in the area include: farming, mining, quarrying, forest products like harvesting and charcoal-making.

Coron Island – in the northern island of Palawan is also part of the “Palawan Wildlife Sanctuary.” The island has a land area 7,700 ha. and has a dry and monsoonal climate.

Coron is surrounded by narrow sandy beaches with magnificent vertical limestone cliffs, rolling cliffs with eight brackish and three smaller lakes.

The island has rich endemic flora and its wildlife includes the Philippine macaque, porcupine, anteater, and various parrot species, turtles

ly affected," Dr. Zeigler said, adding as much as 30 percent of the world's fresh water is used to irrigate rice while about two billion people don't have adequate access to fresh drinking water supplies.

Officials said rice yields need to grow at least 1.5 percent per year to keep up with global demand, although yields have increased by only one percent in the last 20 years.

According to IRRI, some three billion people eat rice daily, and 60 percent of world’s one billion poorest and undernourished live in Asia.

Meanwhile, a new study reported that Asia's rice production is in danger from rising temperatures due to climate change, pointing out that rising temperatures during the past 25 years have already slashed the yield growth rate of rice by 10 percent to 20 percent in several areas.

According to IRRI, the study published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

(NAS) said Asia depends on rice as their staple food.

“If we cannot change our rice production methods or develop new rice strains that can withstand higher temperatures, there will be a loss in rice production over the next few decades as days and nights get hotter.

While a rise in daytime temperatures could boost the growth of rice, increases in nighttime temperatures could reduce rice yields by as much as 10 percent, it said.

It added that because rice is grown in low-lying deltas and coastal areas in Asia, it is one of the crops most vulnerable to climate change.

Citing Vietnam as example, more than 50 percent of rice production in Vietnam is grown in the Mekong River delta, all of which would be affected by sea-level rises, said IRRI, saying fooding caused by rising sea levels puts as much as 49 million acres of rice-growing area at risk of being submerged.

To boost rice yields, IRRI scientists are working on enhancing rice's photosynthetic efficiency named the C4 rice project, for its goal to develop the rice so that its photosynthesis would be more efficient like C4 plants -- such as maize and sorghum -- which require 1.5 to three less water for growing. Rice is a C3 plant.

"Fifteen months into the project, things are looking positive," Paul Quick, principal scientist and head of IRRI's C4 rice project said.

If the research is successful, IRRI claims that global yields could rise by as much as 50 percent and so would prevent potential rice shortages or famines, Quick said.

He said the project, which receives funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), is seen as a high-risk scientific venture, "but this is nothing compared with the potential future risks to human health if food supply cannot meet demand."

Boy Abunda could have been a better choice -- 1st-APLUMA WHY fix it when it ain’t broke?

This was the question raised by Tourism Congress, an alliance of tourism private stakeholders, on the shelving of "Wow, Philippines" and the introduction on a new brand that would represent the new thrust of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The Unang Alyansang Pag-asa ng Lahi't Uring MamamahayagManggagawa (1st-APLUMA) also issued a similar statement yesterday assailing the counterproductive mindset of President Aquino's appointees.

"Just because the more universal brand of "Wow Philippines" was a brainchild of the previous administration they would mangle it, change it with another that connotes pornography in the internet," the 1st-APLUMA said.

"With his broad talent on promotions, truly Boy Abunda could have been a better choice as Department of Tourism secretary as we said before," 1st-APLUMA national president El Amigo claimed.

Abunda was being pushed by

1st-APLUMA as Tourism Secretary before President Aquino appointed Alberto Lim to the post.

Now that "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" has been rejected by President Aquino, Tourism Congress asked the government to stick with the original thrust of "Wow, Philippines" as the group believes that up to now, the old slogan continues to wow the market.

"Brands today are increasingly being defined by the consumers and that means that not because we claim it, it becomes ours," the group said.

Tourism Congress is also questioning Lim's effort to seriously review and assess the “Wow! Philippines” brand and determine whether it is, indeed, a mere “clutter” of words and whether it has outlived its usefulness as a national brand.

"Why was that serious technical research and analysis not made accessible to stakeholders for the better education of all the sectors concerned? Was this because the launching was another example of form over substance? If not, where is the substance, and why is it so important to play up the form now?" asked

Tourism Congress.

Tourism Congress said a “new brand” been better appreciated if the audience had had a clearer idea of what the new program is supposed to be.

"Isn’t a brand supposed to sell that program? If there is such a program, where is it?" the group added.

Quoting from Tom Buncle, Tourism Congress offered an advice to Lim that “sometimes it takes courage and humility – otherwise known as customer research – to recognize what you’ve got, why people like it, and what it means to them.”

and the endangered dugong (sea cow).

Coron is settled in by the Tagbanwa.

Livelihood The livelihood of the residents there: collecting and exporting bird’s nests to mainland China for its famous bird soup; crop farming; gathering of minor forest products like medicinal plants and roots and fishing.

Mount Guiting-Guiting Natural Park – in Sibuyan Island, Romblon, declared a natural park on Feb. 20, 1996.

The park has an altitude of 2,058 meters and is the highest peak in the island which is also rich in endemic faunal and floral species.

The island is mostly covered by forest.

The forest density of Mt. Guiting-Guiting is about 1,550 trees per hectare, the densest ever recorded in the Philippines as well as in the world.

The park has the last full spread of forest gradient made up of mangrove and mossy forest.

It is home to several unknown domestic plant and animal species; four rodents and one fruit bat endemic to Sibuyan have been recorded.

Mt. Malindang

Mt. Malindang National Park – in Misamis Occidental , was declared a national park on June 19, 1971.

The park straddles in the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur and has an elevation of 2,402 meters that occupies 53,000 ha.

The place has no pronounced wet and dry seasons, but there are occasional extended drought periods.

It is relatively dry from February to June and wet from July to January and about 60 percent of the area is forested.

Lake Duminagat is at 2,100 meters near the north peak of the park which is inhabited by the very rare Philippine eagle and 16 other threatened bird species, mammals and snakes.

Other wildlife include tarsier, flying lemur, Philippine deer, reticulated python, and monitor lizard; 16 key plant species, and three orchid species at the mossy forest.

Mt. Malindang is home to Subanen whose sources of livelihood are farming, fishing and rattan furniture making.

El Nido Marine Reserve – in Palawan, has a total area of 95,000 ha.

The El Nido has a pronounced dry season from January to April and the wet season from May to December.

The area is rich in limestone forms and marble-forming caves, galleries

and underground passages. It has four types of vegetation, and its dense mangrove forests extend over marine ecosystems.

The province is known for its bear cat, civet cat and the pangolin; crocodile, dugong and three marine turtle sets and is home to the Tagbanwa.

The livelihood of the residents of the area are farming, fishing, charcoal production; harvesting minor forest products, wildlife hunting, localized mining and bird collection. Malampaya Sound – also in Palawan in the northwestern site of the province is in the town of Taytay between the St. Paul’s Subterranean River National Park and El Nido Marine Reserve.

It has a wet and dry season and the southern part has steep mountains with elevations about 1,200 meters.

Malampaya has the most diverse forest area in the province and has several endemic and threatened species like the dugong; old-growth forests host a number of endemic bird species.

Malampaya, considered one of the largest undisturbed mangrove forest areas in the Philippines, with eight mangrove species, is home to the Batak.

The sources of livelihood are fishing, slash-and-burn burning and forest product harvesting.

Tourism Congress is the private sector consultative body in the development, implementation and monitoring of Philippine tourism policies as mandated by the Tourism Act of 2009. It represents 70 national and regional associations from the sectors of accommodation, travel and tours, MICE, land/sea/air transport services and tourism estates development.

METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis N. Tolentino personally handed over to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III at Malacanang Palace a comprehensive integrated flood control plan geared to minimizing and addressing the perennial flood problems besetting Metro Manila.

The four-volume document entitled "Flooding Situation in Metro Manila" provides a detailed assessment of the flooding situation in the metropolis, citing several factors which cause floods based on the evaluation of historical events.

It aims to provide all concerned government agencies, local government units, and other policy-making bodies with comprehensive information on the available flood control programs and projects to address the age-old problem of flooding in the region.

According to Tolentino, the new plan responds to the current needs of Metro Manila as the one currently in use was formulated circa 1952.

"The last flood control plan was prepared in 1952. Most of the ideas included in it may already be superseded because of the changes in land

use and in the landscape of the metropolis," Tolentino said.

However, the MMDA chief stressed that previous plans and studies were cited and considered in the assessment.

The document is a joint undertaking of the MMDA's Office of the Assistant General Manager for Planning and the Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office. It is a result of intensive reviews, data assessment and information gathering done by technical experts for the past two months.

Volume I presents the preliminary assessment of the flooding situation in Metro Manila, with a background on the physical characteristics of the region. It also identifies the eight perennial flood-prone areas.

The second volume details recommended interventions in flood reduction and measures to address flooding.

Volume III incorporates various flood preparedness guidelines including life-saving procedures and protocols.

The last volume compiles legal issuances on flood control management and other relevant information on the matter.

AFP’s new approach against insurgency IF ART of War author Sun Tzu believes that “to have peace, you must go to war”, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is saying otherwise.

The AFP is set to launch a new anti-insurgency campaign to replace the controversial “Oplan Bantay Laya” that will use less fighting and more peaceful tactics to win the peace.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said that the military is almost done crafting its new campaign plan, which will be launched next month and implemented next year.

The new campaign involves “winning the peace, meaning to say getting people on our side and getting those who advocate armed struggle (to) realize the futility of their efforts inasmuch as (the is-

sues that) they are fighting for are all being addressed,” he said.

Mabanta said the military is confident that it will defeat insurgency with this new strategy, which he also said had “involved all stakeholders” in its drafting. ”This is not a military campaign plan. It’s a campaign plan of all stakeholders who want peace,” he said. Details of the new plan, however, were not made available to the media.

In September, the Armed Forces had solicited civilian participation in the crafting of the new plan.

A month earlier, it had decided to extend Oplan Bantay Laya for six months, after the campaign had expired together with the end of the Arroyo administration in June.

(See: AFP extends battle plan linked to extra-judicial killings)

DOE plans to introduce 20,000 e-tricycles in Metro Manila THE Department of Energy (DOE) plans to introduce about 20,000 electric tricycles in Metro Manila, or 10 percent of the total number of registered tricycles in the metropolis.

The USS 70-million will save about 100,000 liters of imported oil everyday with an annual savings of US$ 36.5 million.

The project is expected to develop local capabilities to design and maintain small size electric cars.

This investment will attract private investors to set up local manufacturing facilities that generate employment.

Since the Philippines is taking the lead in this region on electric cars, it may also be able to export locally assembled units to the region in the future.

DOE is working closely with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop a National Electric Vehicle Strategy. While the strategy is being developed, the DOE will start introducing electric tricycles and jeepneys working closely with local entrepreneurs and technical experts.

The agency is currently developing a sustainable model for introducing electric tricycles.

DOE’s overall project will need investment of about US$ 1 billion over the next 5-7 years, which will be mobilized by ADB and other multilateral investors, including the US$ 125 million from the Clean Technology Fund.

The Energy department has turned over two electric tricycles to the Mandaluyong City as part of the government’s program in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the metropolis.

The DOE is currently implementing the Philippine Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP) where the use of

electric vehicles will form part of its strategy.

The turnover was part of Mandaluyong City’s celebration of the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week under Presidential Proclamation 1667. As a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, the celebration aims to raise the awareness of local communities to the issues of climate change and global warming.

“The e-tricycle project is a great opportunity for us to veer away from the use of imported petroleum products and use electricity instead. Since the technology used in this tricycle is from lithium-ion, charging these tricycles will only take three hours and you can use them for a longer time. As an added value, tricycle drivers will only need to pay 50 pesos a day per charging instead of the usual 250 pesos when you refuel,” said Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras in his message.

He also said that “since only the Philippines is the country in the ASEAN which uses a lot of tricycles nationally, the government would prefer that these tricycles be made here. This way, not only are we solving the climate change concern, we are also addressing the issue of job generation.”

The DOE is expected to turn over 20 more e-tricycles by December or January 2011. The units are financed by the ADB on a grant basis and will be handed over to Mandaluyong City in early January.

The turnover ceremony was attended by Mandaluyong City Mayor Ben-Hur Abalos, ADB Director General, Mr. Kunio Senga, Country Director, Mr. Neeral Jain, and Senior Energy Specialist, Mr. Sohail Hasnie.

Lifestyle diseases on rise among Filipinos ONE out of every four Filipino adults (25.3 percent) is suffering from hypertension, a risk factor for the dreaded cardiovascular disease, according to the recent results of a nationwide government nutrition survey.

The results of the National Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHeS II) conducted by the Food and Nutrition and Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) shows that more Filipinos have hypertension, high fasting blood sugar, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

These indicators, according to FNRI-DOST, could raise the chances of the deadly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other lifestylerelated diseases.

The survey likewise showed that 11 in every 100 (10.8 percent) have pre-hypertension or a blood pressure reading at the range of 130-139/85-89 millimeter mercury (mmHg). High blood pressure increases with the age from 40 to 49 years old.

Who wouldn’t be happy about the award? Being such a small company, to be honored by a regional award giving body is such an achievement -- Rommel Juan, CEO of Binalot

Business Quorum

3

December 1-15, 2010

Japan provides $120M boost for Isabela ethanol plant THE country's biggest and only integrated biofuel plant in San Mariano, Isabela has been a big boost through a $120 million investment from Itochu Corp. of Japan.

The project would be undertaken

by Green Future Innovations Inc. (GFII), a joint venture of Itochu, another Japanese firm JGC Corp., the Philippine Bioethanol and Energy Investments Corp., and Taiwanese holding firm GCO. Under the plan, the joint venture will plant sugarcane over an 11,000 hectares in San Mariano. It will employ an estimated 15,000 people in

farm and 500 in the plant.

“We’re just waiting for its proclamation as an economic zone before we can start construction),” said GFII Chief Executive Officer Alexander Uy in an interview at the sidelines of the Philippine Corn Congress in Reina Mercedes, Isabela.

The GFII expects to avail of tax and other incentives as a pioneering biofuel producer from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority’s (PEZA).

The San Mariano ethanol plant will become the country’s biggest ethanol plant with a capacity of 54

million liters per year. Other ethanol producers now are the San Carlos Bioenergy Inc. which has a 37 million-liter annual capacity, and Roxol Bioenergy Inc., 30 million-liter capacity.

On top of the ethanol production, GFII will produce 19 megawatt (MW) of electricity from bagasse, a sugarcane residual, of which 13 MW will be sold to the national grid.

Uy said the GFII plant in San Mariano will be a greenfield plant in that it will have a sugarcane farm whose production will largely be used for ethanol. It will be the only

fully integrated (production-processing) ethanol plant.

“We will be planting, growing sugarcane. We’ll be creating value with new farms developed out of idle lands. That’s from zero to something,” he said.

The company’s 54 million-liter annual displacement of petroleum fuel will translate to foreign exchange savings of $27.5 million. Its sugarcane production of 700,000 metric tons has an estimated value of P1.6 billion.

GFII will be using the expertise on contract growing with farmers of

Filipino affiliate firm controlled by the Uys, the Universal Leaf Phils.

Inc. (ULPI).

“We have been dealing with small farmers,” said Uy. “Right now, we import 100 percent of our fuel needs, and foreign exchange goes to the rich Middle Eastern nations. Through partnerships like this, we procure ethanol domestically and provide added value for the low-income Filipino farmers,” Uy said.

Japanese firms Itochu and JGC Corp. have been attracted to invest in the country’s biofuel industry due

to the incentives given by the Biofuels Act. “Among our other Asian prospects, the Philippines is the most advanced in its implementation of a biofuels law. We are glad to be attuned to the market demand, especially as the mandated five percent blend of ethanol in gasoline mix will climb to 10 percent by next year,” said GFII Marketing Consultant Erwin Co in a statement.

With a 10 percent petroleumbased fuel to biofuel blend, the country’s ethanol demand will rise to 440 million liters.

Pinoy fastfood recognized in Asian CSR awards

INTERACTION President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with the members of the Infrastructure Philippines 2010 investing & financing in public-private Partnership projects after delivering his keynote address at the Marriot Hotel, Newport City Avenue Near NAIA III in Pasay City.

Govt, private groups ink P60-B PPP water project THE government has signed a multiagency partnership with the private sector for a P60-billion water project, involving the construction of three new dams in Isabela province, under the Public-Private Sector Partnership program (PPP) of the Aquino administration.

The departments of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, and Agrarian Reform, as well as the provincial government of Isabela, National Convergence Initiative, Corn Board, SN Aboitiz Power, Uy Gongco Group, and Philippine Maize Federation, last week signed the papers covering the project.

The project aims to develop at least 60,000 hectares of new farmland for

rice production and other commercial crops, said the source who requested anonymity as he was not allowed to discuss the project with the media.

“The government wanted to attain sufficiency status by 2010.

They wanted to arrest the 1.5 million metric tons (MT) shortfall in rice production," the industry source said.

Corn farmers should take advantage of the opportunity to plant corn after the rice fields have been harvested, he said.

The dams will be built in the municipalities of San Agustin, San Mariano and Tumauini, all in the province of Isabela The integrated water system is

expected to generate as much as 50 megawatts of power to be sold to the Luzon grid, which will be handled by SN Aboitiz.

“While the dam releases water for irrigation it will also create electricity that can be exported to other parts of the grid that need additional power," the source said.

Part of the blueprint for the project is the creation of smaller catch basin or watershed that will gather excess water from the major dam.

“It is a flood control mechanism that we included in the blueprint. So, there will be a major dam and another smaller dam to store excess water.

This will render the country more prepared [with] the fast-shift from

climate invariability to climate change," said the source.

The scheme was derived from the watershed technology developed by the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).

Institute director-general William Dar earlier said that a team of water experts from the Philippines’ Agriculture Department visited the campus last year to study the subsequent adoption of the watershed model developed by scientists from the institute.

Part from irrigation, excess water from the dam can also be used for domestic purposes once it has been treated and evaluated as safe for human consumption.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS UPDATES Japanese firms in Vietnam to expand

Stimulus beat target of saving 3.5-M jobs

HANOI -- Around 70 per cent of Japanese businesses operating in Vietnam would continue to expand their operations, according to a survey recently released by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

Vietnam was the fourth most popular country for Japanese firms to conduct business in this year, after Cambodia, India and Bangladesh.

The findings were part of the results of JETRO's latest survey on the business operations of Japanese-affiliated firms in 18 countries/regions in Asia and Oceania.

The survey, conducted between August and September 2010, received valid responses from 3,486 companies, or 47.6 per cent of firms that were sent questionnaires.

WASHINGTON -- The multi-billion dollar fiscal stimulus pumped into the US economy by President Barack Obama at the height of the global economic crisis has exceeded the original goal of creating or saving 3.5 million jobs by the end of 2010, a White House report said on Thursday.

The Council of Economic Advisers, in its latest quarterly report on the economic impact of the fiscal stimulus launched under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, said it played a key role in changing the trajectory of the economy.

"Specifically, the Recovery Act added 2.7 percent to third quarter GDP growth and by some measures has exceeded the original goal of creating or saving 3.5 million jobs by the end of 2010," said the report.

Solar testing facility to boost renewable local energy biz THE Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) is working with First Philec to open a Philippine solar testing facility this month in Batangas.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chair of COMSTE, said that the facility is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) that can test different types of solar modules, arrays, and balance of systems components for optimal output in tropical conditions.

The test facility would ideally be a, "clearinghouse of engineering information on price, performance, reliability of state of the art Photovoltaic (PV) components," noted Angara.

Angara said that the solar testing facility marks the beginning of the proposed Renewable Energy Research and Development Institute (RERDI), which is set to expand the Renewable Energy industry of the country.

"Developing innovative Renewable Energy Systems can aid in achieving the long term goal of energy independence. With RERDI, we can fully utilize Public Private Partnerships and our ties with neighboring countries to stimulate growth in the RE power sector," said Angara.

The Philippine Solar Power Association (PSPA) recently presented data showing their proposed solar installation target up to 2013.

Members of the PSPA have submitted plans to the Renewable Energy Management Bureau of the Department of Energy for service contacts of up to 350 megawatts.

COMSTE was part of a Philippine delegation that went to Taiwan recently to meet with the heads of more than 15 solar companies and encourage them to send their solar cells for testing at the new solar testing facility.

To give government a share in profits...

Local assembly plants for cellphone firms eyed Cellphone companies will soon be required to set-up local assembly and packaging plants to give the government a share in the profits derived from the brisk business by way of appropriate tax schemes.

Rep. Augusto Syjuco (2nd District, Iloilo), principal author of House Bill 1279, said the measure will generate employment opportunities for the people and boost the local and national economies.

“The setting up of local subplants and sub-assemblies includ-

ing packaging will give job opportunities for our people. It is only fitting and proper as these industrial companies rake so much profit for the manufacture and sale of these cellphone units that they should share their profits through taxation,” Syjuco said.

Syjuco said the Philippines earned the moniker as the texting capital of the world and giant telecommunication companies like Globe and Smart have since grown into multi-billion industries.

“This was brought about by a progressively increasing number of subscribers from all social classes who patronize these electronic commodities readily found in the markets,” Syjuco said.

Syjuco said it is the declared policy of the State to promote social justice in all phases of national development.

“Under the social justice provisions enumerated in Article XIII, Section 1 of the Constitution, the State shall regulate the acquisition,

ownership, use and disposition of property and its increments,” Syjuco said.

Under the measure, all cellphone companies are required to set-up local assembly and packaging plants for the manufacture of cellphone units for the purpose of taxation.

It directs the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to implement the rules and regulations of this Act. (Press Statement)

BINALOT Fiesta Foods took home the Intel-Aim Corporate Social Responsibility Award (IACRA) 2010 in the recently concluded 9th annual Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

IACRA was launched as a special award at the AFCSR four years ago to pay tribute to Asian companies that integrate CSR into the way they conduct business. The award aims to promote good corporate citizenship in Asia in keeping with the shared advocacies of premier business and management graduate school AIM, and Intel, an organization with a long-standing commitment to CSR. Binalot CEO Rommel Juan finds it interesting that he was recognized by the same organization who taught him back in 2006 about integrating CSR in business practices.

“My aunt Chit Juan is known for being active in developing CSR projects that value sustainability.

She was then engaged in creating the Figaro Foundation and asked me to attend the Asian Forum for CSR (AFCSR) in Jakarta,” recalls Juan.

“It’s really amazing to be recognized by the institution where you actually acquired a lot of insights on CSR.” Binalot attributes the recognition to DAHON (Dangal at Hanapbuhay Para sa Nayon), a CSR program that adopts banana-farming communities and taps them to supply the Filipino fast food with banana leaves used for packaging. Spurred by a scarce supply of leaves brought about by a typhoon, the DAHON has since grown to become a fullblown CSR program tapping not only farmers in Laguna but also aboriginal Aeta tribes in Zambales.

According to Juan, they weren’t expecting any recognition when they were just starting the CSR program.

All they were thinking of was doing good (societal impact) while doing well (profits). And since their CSR efforts have continuously been honored and recognized, they will continue to be inspired to grow and improve their programs.

“Who wouldn’t be happy about the award? Being such a small company, to be honored by a regional

award giving body is such an achievement. It makes us even more ecstatic that somehow we are able to prove that CSR is not just for the big boys but works for any enterprise, regardless of the size. You can choose to establish a business that does not only profit but also leaves a positive impact on society.”

The trophy wasn’t all that he brought home. “I went to Malaysia just to meet other business leaders and accept the trophy; I came home with US$20000,” Juan laughs, explaining that the cash prize wasn’t mentioned to him when he was invited to the ceremony. “We were just nominated. We weren’t expecting to win.”

The next step, according to Juan, is establishing an actual foundation.

“At present DAHON is integrated into our operations – which is a good thing – but as the program grows we’re seeing a need to separate operations so that we can get people to manage the program fulltime. This will give us more opportunities to develop the project and the communities,” he explains.

According to the law, a million pesos is needed to establish a charitable foundation, which the company has not yet been able to raise.

This is why the $20,000 cash award is more than a pleasant surprise for Binalot. “This is around 80% of what we need to establish the DAHON Foundation,” shares Juan.

Aside from its main CSR effort (the DAHON Program), Binalot has also launched an eco- friendly “Go Green” campaign. From promotion of the use of only bio-degradable packaging materials for its packaging, it is taking things up a notch by building eco-friendly stores using construction materials and equipment that are certified green. “We continue to strive to prove that Binalot is not just a business but an institution that advocates the environment and contributes to nationbuilding,” concludes Juan.

Binalot currently has 37 stores and aggressively promotes its franchise packages in order to expand, which creates a need for more DAHON communities. “The future DAHON Foundation already has its work cut out,” says Juan.

Sen. Loren bats for P1B capital fund for IT SMEs SENATOR Loren Legarda proposes the creation of an IT venture capital fund for small to medium-scale IT start-up companies in order to encourage more Filipinos to venture into the very dynamic industry of information technology. ”There is a need to widen the participation of the poor in the IT sector, particularly through entrepreneurial activities. The proposed fund, which amounts to P1 billion, shall be administered by the Department of Science and Technology.”

Legarda filed Senate Bill No. 1407 - An Act To Accelerate The Development Of Information Technology Start-Up Companies

By Providing An It Venture Capital Fund - to assist entrepreneurs and likewise provide incentives for the proliferation of IT-related businesses through-out the country, thereby increasing connectivity, particularly in underserved areas.

”Such measure will allow the IT industry to penetrate even the grass roots level, thereby making IT services accessible to the marginalized poor,” said Legarda. ”In the year 2009, the Philippines ranked 47th out of 66 countries in the Information Technology (IT) Industry Competitiveness Index in a study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

While the same study notes that the Philippines has a generally favorable business environment, there were weaknesses and inefficiencies in the IT sector that need to be addressed in order to improve its standing.”

“Recognizing that the IT industry is a promising industry in the country, efforts can be further exerted to boost the country’s competitiveness in the global sector.

Such efforts include the expansion and rehabilitation of information and communications technology.”

Major exports of piña cloth, fiber abroad eyed THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Aklan is eyeing major exports of piña cloth and fiber abroad.

DTI – Aklan provincial director Diosdado Cadena said that piña cloth and fiber are rapidly gaining recognition abroad through several national product showcase and fashion events.

Director Cadena said that many foreign companies have already ordered piña cloth from Aklan. Some fashion companies are sending their representatives to buy and ship bulk orders of piña cloth every year, he said. Most of these are from companies in Japan, United States and Europe, added.

The director also said that they are protecting the quality of the piña fiber industry through the Aklan Product seal. He stressed that the seal proves that the piña cloths have passed the quality standards set by the DTI and its stakeholders.

Cadena stressed that the Aklan piña fiber has experienced sudden growth,

and increasing orders from bulk buyers and potential investors for more than 10 years.

DTI- Aklan in partnership with the provincial government of Aklan is currently hosting a weeklong product showcase in SM City Iloilo, November 15 to 21.

The event showcase the province various products including piña cloth and piña-fibers.

Engineer Roger Esto, Aklan provincial planning and development officer representing Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez and Congressman Florencio Miraflores said that they aim to make their piña cloth and products world-class.

He added that Governor Marquez assures that the Aklan provincial government will continue its support to the piña fiber industry especially that it has provided added income and livelihood to several communities in the province.

Features Quorum 4

College dropout turned billionaire

I'm just lucky to be alive." Mark Zuckerberg, the 22-year-old founder and CEO of social-networking site Facebook December 1-15, 2010

SUCCESS STORY: Mark Zuckerberg explains to some students the secret of his enormous success.

It’s no other than your fave Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg!

WHEN Mark Zuckerberg showed up in Palo Alto three years ago, he had no car, no house, and no job.

Today, he's at the helm of a smokin'hot social-networking site, Facebook, and turning down billion-dollar offers. Can this kid be for real?

“I'm just lucky to be alive." Mark Zuckerberg, the 22-year-old founder and CEO of social-networking site Facebook, is talking about the time he came face-to-face with the barrel of a gun. It was the spring of 2005, and he was driving from Palo Alto to Berkeley.

Just a few hours earlier, he had signed documents that secured a heady $12.7 million in venture capital to finance his fledgling business.

It was a coming-of-age moment, and he was on his way to celebrate with friends in the East Bay. But things turned weird when he pulled off the road for gas. As Zuckerberg got out of the car to fill the tank, a man appeared from the shadows, waving a gun and ranting. "He didn't say what he wanted," Zuckerberg says.

"I figured he was on drugs." Keeping his eyes down, Zuckerberg said nothing, got back into his car, and drove off, unscathed.

Today, it is an episode that he talks about only reluctantly. (A former employee spilled the beans.)

But it fits the road he has taken--an adventure with unexpected, sometimes harrowing, moments that has turned out better than anyone might have predicted.

Zuckerberg's life so far is like a movie script. A supersmart kid invents a tech phenomenon while attending an Ivy League school--let's say, Harvard--and launches it to rave reviews. Big shots circle his dorm to make his acquaintance; he drops out of college to grow his baby and Change The World As We Know It. Just three years in, what started as a networking site for college students has become a go-to tool for 19 million registered users, including employees of government agencies and Fortune 500 companies. More than half of the users visit every day.

When a poorly explained new feature brought howls of protests from users--some 700,000--the media old and new jumped to cover the backlash.

But Facebook emerged stronger than ever. According to comScore Media Metrix, which tracks Web activity, it is now the sixth most-trafficked site in the United States--1% of all Internet time is spent on Facebook. ComScore also rates it the number-one photo-sharing site on the Web, with 6 million pictures uploaded daily. And it is starting to compete with Google and other tech titans as a destination for top young engineering talent in Silicon Valley.

Debra Aho Williamson, a senior analyst at eMarketer, says it is on track to bring in $100 million in revenue this year--serious money indeed.

Yet there is an undercurrent of controversy about whether Mark Zuckerberg is making the right decisions about the juggernaut he has created. Late last year, a blog called TechCrunch posted documents said to be a part of an internal valuation of Facebook by Yahoo.

The documents projected that Facebook would generate $969 million in revenue, with 48 million users, by 2010. The New York Times and others reported that Yahoo had made a $1 billion offer to buy Face-

book--and Zuckerberg and his partners had turned it down. This followed an earlier rumor of a $750 million offer from Viacom. Yahoo, Viacom, and Facebook would not comment on the deal talk (and they still won't). But Silicon Valley has been abuzz ever since.

"It's all been very interesting," deadpans Zuckerberg, sitting in a conference room in Facebook's Palo Alto headquarters. He looks every bit the geek in his zippered brown sweatshirt, baggy khakis, and Adidas sandals. He came into the room eating breakfast cereal from a paper bowl with a plastic spoon. He still lives in a rented apartment, with a

Separated from the country’s financial district by the country’s most expensive strip of real estate, the prime location of Fort Bonifacio most certainly assures it of its place in the sun.

Properties within Fort Bonifacio can easily be marketed as providing alternative office spaces to

the already congested and expensive Makati corporate skyline. It can also very easily be positioned as an alternative to the posh and very exclusive residential subdivisions around it.

Condominium living with all its modern conveniences and comforts, within a community of greens, is

certainly quite easy to appreciate and aspire for. Fort Bonifacio has these and more.

Today, Fort Bonifacio is home to several completed high rise projects, prestigious schools, shopping complexes, restaurants, commercial and activity centers, the country’s best hospital, and several planned embassies.

Although the first condominiums to be built in Fort, only two condominiums remain the crème de la crème namely: Pacific Plaza Towers and the Essensa.

Now known as “Bonifacio Global City,” one of the most highlighted locations is the “Millionare’s Row” on the 23rd street, just 500

meters from the McKinley road. The most prime location with a full view of the Manila Golf. Only 1 prime property is left, where an exclusive condominium is being built with all units having breathtaking views, and being offered at an introductory price.

If you missed out on Pacific Pla

THIS is the Top 10 list of the most expensive yachts ever built. It's really an amazing site just to see these luxury yachts out at sea. Imagine how it would be if you were in them.

4. Octopus: $200 million

8. Annaliesse: $103 million 1. Dubai: $350 Million

5. Pelorus: $130 million

2. Lady Moura: $210 million

6. Ecstasea: $129 million

9. Tatoosh: $100 million

3. Rising Sun: $200 million

7. Alysia:$116 million

10. Le Grand Bleu: $90 million

mattress on the floor and only two chairs and a table for furniture. ("I cooked dinner for a girlfriend once," he admits at one point. "It didn't work well.") He walks or bikes to the office every day.

Zuckerberg's college-kid style reinforces the doubts of those who see the decision to keep Facebook independent as a lapse in judgment. In less than two years, the two reigning Web 2.0 titans have sold out to major corporations: MySpace accepted $580 million to join News Corp., and YouTube took $1.5 billion from Google. Surely any smart entrepreneur would jump at a chance to piggyback on those deals.

THE BEAUFORT: Truly an excellence befitting you... za Towers and is looking for the same great view and exclusivity – only IMPROVED, enhanced, and NEW (-Wifi ready; Double glazed heat-resistant glass towers; 100% back-up power; Introductory price offer)...then THIS is the one for you, for end-use or investment: The Beaufort is a 2-tower worldclass condominium development rising atop a 6-level banking podium..

The Beaufort embodies your desire for a living environment befitting your stature. With only 4-6 units to a floor, it fulfills an individual’s need for space, symmetry, harmony and balance.

It has designed first-class amenities and facilities as perfect venues for recreation, rejuvenation and relaxation.

It boasts of world-class building design and structure, with a breathtaking view of the Makati skyline and the Manila Golf Course among others. It is close to your essential daily destinations - from prime business and shopping venues, to premiere medical and learning institutions.

The Beaufort is a 2-tower worldclass condominium development rising atop a 6-level banking podium..

The Beaufort embodies your desire for a living environment befitting your stature. With only 4-6 units to a floor, it fulfills an individual’s need for space, symmetry, harmony and balance.

It has designed first-class amenities and facilities as perfect venues for recreation, rejuvenation and relaxation.

For more information, contact the Property Executive through mobile 0927-7683688 or email franneanyaya.filinvest@yahoo.com.

Congress Quorum

5

Developing innovative Renewable Energy Systems can aid in achieving the long term goal of energy independence -- Sen. Edgardo Angara December 1-15, 2010

Stop illegal activities destroying Sierra Madre Mt. Range -- Sen. Villar SENATOR Manny Villar appealed to put a stop in all illegal activities which continue to destroy the Sierra Madre Mountain Range causing landslides and flash floods in its surrounding areas.

"We are seeing in our midst the effects of the continued destruction of the Sierra Madre. The flooding and landslides in Cagayan and Isabela tells us that if we do not act now to stop this, devastation of greater proportion is coming," Villar said.

In filing Proposed Senate Resolution No. 157, Villar urged the Committee on Environment and Natural resources to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the reported destruction of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range on account of documented developmental aggressions carried against it.

Villar noted that Sierra Madre is classified as a critical conservation priority area in the Philippines because of over-harvesting of resources, mostly by loggers and miners, and other developmental aggressions such as creation of dams, landfills and garbage dump projects.

Logging activities apparently still

VILLAR

abound despite an existing logging ban in the areas of Sierra Madre as seen in recent news reports where truckloads of illegally cut hardwood were seized in the towns of Ilagan and San Mariano, Isabela and the presence of operational saw mills in Agos Riverbank in the mountain village of Magsaysay, he added.

Likewise, he filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 240, which directs the Environment Committee and the Committee on Climate Change to look into the alleged reports of illegal log-

ging and transport of logs from the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Reports say the illegally felled log otherwise known as "hot logs" are being transported through the Umiray River, a waterway between Quezon and Aurora provinces.

Villar cited the benefits given by the mountain range acting as an eastern wall for Luzon protecting the island from an average of 26 storms every year.

"The continued degradation of the remaining forest of the Sierra Madre will only escalate the effects of climate change on its surrounding areas and will bring greater destruction if not prevented," he said.

Sierra Madre is 500 km long, covering 1.4 million hectares of land in Luzon that starts in Cagayan and ends in Quezon Province. It is home to at least 10 million people, which include 11 indigenous groups like Dumagat, Kalinga, Gaddang, and Bugkalot.

The mountain range has the largest remaining old-growth forest cover in the Philippines, representing 50 percent of the remaining forests in the country, and a species diversity accounting for nearly half of the country's natural wealth.

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS: Sen. Manny Villar is embraced by one of the 21 distressed overseas Filipino workers from Malaysia. The OFWs were able to return home after Sen. Villar shouldered the expenses for their trip. They thanked Villar for bringing them home in time for Christmas.

CRU wants access to information on food, other basic commodities

BAE AMOR: Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities receives from the Higaonon Indegenous Community Ritualist, Bae Amor a symbol of protection for her. Also in the photo are: (left to right) -National Comission on Culture and Arts Chair Vilma Labrador, Mrs. Cecille Guidote Alvarez from the International Theatre Institute and Mrs. Sally Zaldivar Perez.

Solon wants BIR to exclusively investigate, prosecute tax cases in court A LAWMAKER is pushing for the granting of exclusive authority to the Bureau of Internal Revenue to conduct preliminary investigations, file complaints and finally prosecute tax cases.

Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao (4th District, Isabela), vice chairman of the House committee on ways and means, said tax laws are indubitably difficult and complex, requiring specialized knowledge, skills and experience.

“Without in any way diminishing the competence of Department of Justice prosecutors, devolving the conduct of preliminary investigation with the BIR and their prosecution of tax cases before the courts would ensure that cases for the government are handled by those eminently qualified,” Aggabao said.

Aggabao said the DOJ is laboring under obvious strain from all sorts of cases referred to it for preliminary investigation.

“Shifting the burden and responsibility of conducting preliminary investigations for tax cases away from the DOJ will definitely expedite the resolution of tax cases. This way, the skullduggery and underhand dealings attendant to the interminable wait for resolutions would be eliminated,” said Aggabao, a lawyer and certified public accountant.

Under the present set-up, exclusive jurisdiction is vested with the DOJ to hold preliminary investigation over all criminal cases arising from violations of the National Internal Revenue Code and other laws administered by the BIR. Aggabao said his proposal, House Bill 3113, seeks to alter and modify this set-up by granting exclusive authority to the BIR first, to probe cases involving violations of the NIRC and related laws; second, to conduct preliminary investigations; third, to file the necessary complaint or information in court where

the evidence warrants; and finally, to prosecute the cases.

Section 1 provides for an amendment of Section 220, Chapter, Title 7 of Republic Act 8424, otherwise known as the Tax Reform Act of 1997.

The amendment provides that in criminal offenses arising from violations of the NIRC and other laws administered by the BIR, the bureau shall exclusive authority to conduct preliminary investigations, file complaints and information with the appropriate courts and prosecute them, provided that no complaint or information may be filed or dismissed by legal officers of the bureau without the prior written authority or approval of the commissioner.

If upon petition by a proper party under such rules as the Department of Finance may prescribe, the DOF Secretary may reverse or modify the resolution of the commissioner according to the bill.

Recto: Use savings on MRT subsidy to buy more coaches Sen. Ralph G. Recto today said that any savings coming from the government subsidy to the Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3) next year should be used to buy more coaches and improve its services for the benefit of hundreds of thousands of commuters.

Recto, chair of the Senate ways and means committee, said increasing the number of the MRT’s rolling stock is just one of the ways of easing the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, particularly along EDSA. “The MRT 3 was envisioned to accommodate more passengers. Why not use any savings on its subsidy to buy more coaches and ferry more commuters on a daily basis. It would not only decongest the traffic in EDSA, but it would also increase its revenues and slash government subsidy in the future,” he said.

The senator explained that the mass rail transit system was envi-

sioned to have a ridership of about 600,000 to 650,000 passengers a day, but is only able to accommodate between 400,000 to 450,000.

Recto issued the statement in light of the possibility that the financial assistance extended to MRT 3 may be bloated by as much as P1.5 billion due to a “very conservative” forecast of the exchange rate between the dollar and the peso next year.

“The subsidy to MRT 3 next year will be paid in dollars and surprisingly, the exchange rate forecast for next year had been pegged at $1:P50 by those who prepared the budgetary requirements for the rail system.

This goes against an emerging consensus among financial institutions that the peso will strengthen in 2011,” he said.

“By my calculations, if forecasts that the peso will strengthen to P42 against the dollar next year, then the subsidy to MRT 3 is bloated by about P1.5 billion.”

Total subsidy to the mass transit system had been pegged at P9.25 billion. Less the projected revenues, total assistance to MRT 3 operations reaches P7.293 billion.

The bulk of this subsidy goes to the payment of Equity Rental Payments (ERPs), which amounts to $150,416,664 or about P7.52 billion at an assumed exchange rate of $1:P50 for next year.

The ERP, according to the BuildLease-Transfer agreement between the government and the Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), is computed based on an agreed 15-percent return on equity for 25 years.

Recto said that an emerging consensus among banks is that the peso will strengthen next year to as high as P42 to the dollar, according to Goldman Sachs.

Other international financial institutions such as Standard Chartered forecast the peso to reach P43 against the US dollar by end of 2011 while

THE government would soon implement a policy of full disclosure of all government transactions involving food and basic commodities.

Rep. Reynaldo Umali (2nd District, Oriental Mindoro) has filed House Bill 1143 known as the “Affordable Food Transparency Act” to ensure transparency and accountability and require all government agencies to issue written requests for information on food and food supply. ”Access to food is a fundamental human right and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure an adequate food supply for the people at affordable costs,” Umali said.

Umali said in order to reinforce and guarantee the right of the people to affordable food and adequate food supply, the government must be transparent in all its transactions involving food and basic commodities.

Umali said this information is necessary in taking necessary actions, whether families budgeting their daily expenses, law enforcers running after hoarders and price-colluders, private enterprises in planning for the medium-term or national agencies and local gov-

UMALI

ernment directing their efforts to solve impending supply problems. ”Government transparency in food information is a step towards reinforcing the right of the people to affordable food and food security. The people have the right to know the factors that influence food supply and prices,” Umali said.

According to Umali, access to official information, records, documents and papers pertaining to official acts, processes, transactions and decisions by the government as

well as government research and data, relative to food and food security, would help ensure transparency and accountability. ”Transparency on all information on food and food security would help prevent collusion and cartel, serve as a check against over-importation of basic commodities such as rice and corn, and aid in collection of tariffs per metric ton,” Umali said.

Under the measure, the government shall adopt and implement a policy of full public disclosure of all government transactions involving food and basic commodities, consistent with the Constitutional right of the people to information by requiring all government bodies specifically the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to grant written requests for information on food and food supply.

The bill also requires the DA to publish all relevant information on the importation of basic food commodities, such as rice and corn, as well as maintain records and a database containing the said information.

Quorum Editorial Staff

Lawmaker eyes severe penalties for cell phone theft and robbery A LAWMAKER is pushing for stiffer penalties for the crimes of robbery and theft of portable telecommunications devices, including cellular phones, laptops and i-pads, among others.

Rep. Rachel Marguerite B. Del Mar (1st District, Cebu City), author of House Bill 373, said the rampant snatching, robbery and theft involving the portable communication gadgets in the streets is a common occurrence.

“As a matter of fact, many victims have died as a result of these crimes,” Del Mar said. “It is now high time that a law be passed to neutralize, if not eradicate, snatching, robbery and theft of portable communication gadgets.”

“There is no doubt that the use of the portable telecommunications devices is an indispensable tool to accelerate the economic development of the country,” Del Mar said as she pushed for the immediate approval of her proposed measure.

Portable telecommunication devices include cellular phones, personal digital assistants, porHSBC predicted the peso to surge to P42.50.

Another subsidy provided by the government to MRT 3 is payment for “Unpaid Rental for Maintenance,” which amounts to $17.2 million or P860 million at P50 to the dollar.

“Again, this is inflated by about P138 million, if we go by an exchange rate of P42 against the greenback,” Recto said.

The senator said that if the peso does appreciate next year and there are savings in the subsidy given to MRT3, then it should go to the improvement of its services to commuters.

“They should buy more coaches.

Any centavo saved on this much-

table computers, two-way very high frequency (VHF) or ultra high frequency (UHF) radios and other portable communication equipment utilized to transmit messages, documents, photo, images, videos or information through air, radio or satellite frequencies Under the bill, any person convicted of the crime of theft and robbery of a portable telecommunication device as defined under Chapters One and Three of Title Ten of the Revised Penal Code shall be punished by the penalty next higher in degree than provided by the present law.

“The additional penalty specified shall no longer be made applicable if the imposable penalty is in its maximum period,” Del Mar said.

The bill also provides that any person charged for the said crimes shall not be allowed to avail of the provisions on plea-bargaining and the privilege granted by the Probation Law.

debated subsidy should work to provide the passengers of the rail system more convenience,” he said.

“The important thing here is that the savings from this subsidy should not go anywhere else but back to those who use the MRT 3.”

The 17-kilometer MRT 3 stretches from Taft Avenue in Pasay City to North Avenue in Quezon City.

In 2009, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) purchased shares of stock, notes and securities representing the MRTC equity and wrested control of the MRTC board in 2009.

DBP and LBP’s combined holdings in MRTC are placed at 75 percent of MRTC, which translates to

13 seats in the 15-man board of the company.

Since then, the DOTC has been operating the MRT3.

Presently, the government is studying how to take ownership of the MRT3 and re-privatize its operations.

Aside from increasing the number of MRT coaches and reducing the number of buses plying the EDSA route, Recto also said that building a “New EDSA” that would connect the north and south Luzon expressways is also one of the ways of easing the traffic situation in the metropolis.

PRAY. IT HELPS.

Rodriguez, Abante-Mindanao seek protection of senior citizens from elder abuse in HB 1071 CHILDREN who spend their old parents’ pension for their own personal needs and expenses should better think twice lest they be accused of elder abuse.

Reps. Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City) and his brother, Maximo Jr. (Party-list, Abante Mindanao) have proposed the protection of the elderly from abuse including those who have always been victims of moderate to severe maltreatment.

RODRIGUEZ

Rodriguez said there is a need to formulate policies that develop, strengthen and implement programs for the prevention of elder abuse.

House Bill 1071 seeks to protect elders and disabled persons from institutional, community and domestic violence and sexual assault as well as to improve outreach efforts and other services available to elders and disabled persons victims of such violence.

Elder abuse, as defined by the

World Health Organization (WHO), is “a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.”

“Elder abuse, which exists not only in developed countries like the United States but in developing countries like the Philippines as well, takes many forms such as physical, psychological/emotional,

sexual assault, neglect and financial exploitation,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said there are many cases of elder abuse happening in the country but not much is heard about them.

“Elder abuse, which includes is severely underreported, with only a fraction of cases reported according to the most recent studies,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said others fail to report abuse because they are depen-

dent on their abusers and they fear of being abandoned.

The measure mandates the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, in cooperation and coordination with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to establish domestic violence programs for older or disabled persons who are victims of elder abuse as well as to make grants to NGOs to support projects in local communities for the intervention and prevention of elder abuse.

Opinion Quorum

Declaring war to the working media wouldn’t help unless you have the guts to wipe them out with a gigantic back hoe killing machine and high-powered automatic rifles. Tha’t we won’t forget. A masterpiece of Satan: Maguindanao Massacre. So macabre. Gory. Inhuman.

6

December 1-15, 2010

The 38th Parallel and the Six-Party Talks

Ismael ‘El’ Amigo

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Fitzgerald Cecilio Executive Editor

Ana Montana Managing Editor

Eugene Labadan / Ram Buendia Base Advertising Managers

Voice of the News

The Quorum is published bi-monthly by EL Amigo Media Solutions with office address at Lot 4 Blk 30 San Antonio Hgts., Phase 4A, Avida Sto. Tomas, Batangas. For press and photo releases as well as adverttising inquiries, text or call hotline 0915-5517486. Email: esns03@yahoo.com.

BENJIE ALEJANDRO

Better change First and foremost, the Quorum shares the prayers of all Filipinos pinning for a better change under the Aquino Administration.

After all, P-Noy’s campaign logo promised to lead us into “matuwid na daan,” “kung walang kurap, walang mahirap.”

Filipinos want change. A better change. A new life not full of promises but promises fulfilled.

The Quorum has nothing against PNoy and his appointed officials. We E D I T O R I A L hope for no less than their success. Yes, success in their newfound assignments, public service missions.

Public administration should not be a work on progress. It’s costly. Its costs millions of pesos just like the now-you-see-them, nowyou-don’t iron fences of Bayani Fernando and many others.

But by the looks of it, unfortunately, experiments remain the same.

Yes, costing us Filipinos millions of pesos.

They are breaking down those iron fences in Metro Manila and slowly replacing them with concrete islands. Again.

Filipinos can only heave a sigh not of relief but dismay: “when can our officials implement right decisions?”

A fact to be told that the public at large cannot be much of a factor on the motherhood statement “kailangan nating magtulong-tulong sa kaunlaran” because of the simple fact the public doesn’t have the hand nor the power to implement projects here and there.

It is our public officials who should do their homework: study, restudy, evaluate, re-evaluate what would be good for the public; what possibly could be the best solution or solutions to certain issues, or public service, before implementing something that is in more ways than one more economical and not experimental.

Perhaps we should make it now as “Kung walang palpak, walang maghihirap.”

Okay, corruption may have been curtailed but when kapalpakans abounds, efforts in trying to arrest corruption would all be in vain and all of these would be of the same equation.

And so it has become a season of fall guys.

P-Noy simply set the tone with his courageous stand “I take all the blame” amid the HK Tourist Bus hostage taking fiasco.

Bloggers, facebookers, tweeters feasted on it and so with Hitler’s version of “Pilipinas Kay Ganda,” promotional logo of the Department of Tourism on YouTube! (Check it out and have a big laugh!)

At first, the DOT leadership claimed it did not cost a thing. But then again, PKP’s payment voucher copy circulated on facebook accounts claiming the DOT paid P3 million plus for the ad agency’s “creativity.”

“Ano ba talaga kuya?”

Cornered, undersecretary Romero took the fall for his boss Berti Lim by resigning.

Lest we be accused as being vain glorious, the Quorum is not and wouldn’t be.

We come in with all modesty, a catalyst of change, a channel of good news.

The Quorum takes by its stand for the success of this administration.

We Filipinos, stand by it.

From the eMail...

INBOX

Simply encouraging ...

Please take the time to read this. This is worth sharing to all.

One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company. He passed all interviews with ease and now reached the very last interview wherein the company’s chairman conducted the interview himself and who would make the final decision.

The chairman realized from the resume that the youth’s academic results were excellent all the way, from secondary school all the way up to postgraduate research.

There was never a year did he not score an award or honors.

The chairman asked, “Did you obtain any scholarship in school?” and the youth answered “none”.

The chairman asked further, “Is it your father who paid for your school fees?”

The youth answered, “My father passed away when I was one year old. It was my mother who paid for my school fees.”

The chairman then asked, “Where did your mother work?”

The young academic answered, “My mother worked as a clothes-cleaner.”

The chairman then asked for the youth’s hands upon which the youth showed a pair of smooth and perfect hands to the chairman.

The chairman continued, “Did you ever help your mother wash clothes before?”

To which the youth responded, “No, never. My mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Besides, my mother washes clothes faster than I. The chairman then concluded, “I have a request. When you go back today, go and help clean your mother’s hands. And then, see me tomorrow morning.”

The youth left feeling confident that he would land the job. When he reached home, he happily and eagerly wanted to complete his task and asked his mother for her hands.

The mother felt very strange, happy, but also felt a mixed emotion of fear.

Nevertheless, she hesitantly showed her hands to the son.

The young academic cleaned his mother’s hands slowly, and as he did, his tears started to slowly drop down his cheeks. It was the first time he realized how wrinkled his mother’s hands were, with so many blisters and bruises on both hands. Some of the wounds incited twinges of pain so sudden that the mother shivered when water washed upon them.

This was the very first time the young, accomplished academician realized and experienced that it was this very pair of hands that washed clothes every day to earn him for him his school fees; his mother’s badly bruised and worn out pair of hands was the price the mother paid for to get him to achieve academic excellence, to graduate, and perhaps prepare him for his future.

After finishing the cleaning of his mother’s hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.

That night, mother and son talked for a very long time.

The next morning, the youth proceeded to the chairman’s office. The chairman noticed the young man’s tear-swollen eyes and asked: “Can you tell me what you have accomplished and learned at home yesterday?”

The youth answered, “I cleaned my mother’s hand and also finished washing all the remaining clothes she left behind.”

The chairman the asked, “Please explain to me what you felt.”

The youth explained, “First, I learned what is appreciation; without my mother, there would not be the successful me today. Second, I learned how to work together with my mom. It was only then did I realize how difficult and tough it is to get her work done. Lastly, I felt the importance and the value of a true family relationship.

The chairman, satisfied with the young man’s new learned knowledge, enlighten him, “This is what I am asking. I want to recruit a person that can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the suffering of others to get thing done, and a person that would not put money as his only goal in life. You are hired.

Later on, this young man worked very hard and in return received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee under him worked diligently as a team and the company’s performance resulted into a tremendous improvement.

A child who has been overly protected and habitually given whatever he has and had to do developed “entitlement mentality” and as a result would always put himself first. He shall be ignorant of his parent’s efforts and hardships. When he starts to work and steps into the real world, he assumes that everyone must listen to him. And when he makes it to the top, he may never realize how much suffering his employees endured and may always blame others for failures. These kind of people, may deliver good results, may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel that sense of achievement. He will grumble at life and may develop hatred within himself and eventually want and fight for even more.

If we ourselves behave as such kind of protective parents to our children, then, do we actually love the child; or are we just simply destroying the child?

You may let your child live in a big house, eat the finest meals, learn the piano, have the latest gadgets, or watch the big screen TV. But when you are gardening and cutting the grass, please let them experience that chore with you.

After a fine meal at home, let them wash their plates and bowls together with their siblings. It is not so much about not having the money to hire a maid, but it is more so much as to wanting to love them in a right way. You would want them to understand that no matter how rich parents are they too will grow gray hair one day and grow old, just as the mother of that young man did. The most important thing is that your child learns how to appreciate the efforts of life experiences the difficulties and learns the ability to work with others to get thing done and to all live in harmony.

ILLUSTRATION BY BYLSON SY

Of official ‘kapalpakans’ and condonation From one kapalpakan to another kapalpakan and yet again to another kapalpakan to another kapalpakan. Whew! We pity P-Noy. Indeed, it’s no bed of roses for the bossing of the Philippines my Philippines.

It’s not of his own undoing but rather, could be on his choice of people or persons to choice positions.

This, seemingly, is what the Aquino Administration has started off this 15th administration which is slowly but surely getting a nasty brand, and above all else, somehwta setting into motion the media outfits into attack mode.

For one, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago cannot help but call PNoy’s appointees as no other than “a bunch of lightweights” even as she admonished they’d all go through the wringer in their respective confirmations processes.

That’s too heavy a word or words.

Had it been in the Martial Law years, that could have sent someone to “thy kingdom come thy will be done” padlocked or calaboosed.

Amen to that? Amen to that.

Talk about starting off on the wrong foot.

Only a few days after P-Noy’s inauguration, or hardly had P-Noy’s handpicked DepEd secretary warmed his seat, the good secretary rattled off unsavory words to the working media claiming that we, media workers do not help a thing but mangle issues. My foot!

Betchabygollywow!

What a way to start in one’s brand new office: Declaring war to the members of the Fourth Estate!

Kung ako n’yan kahit ako’y isang hamak na barangay tanod hindenghindi ko sasabihin kay Mike Enriquez, o sa kanyang mga kapatid sa hanabuhay, na “hindi kayo nakakatulong sa bansa, bagkus pinagugulo lang ninyo ang bansa.”

Oh, well somebody call the marines please…

Heto pa ang kanyang sinabing pamatay: “Hindi kayo kailangan dito!” Good Lord Jesus Christ.

These, I remember watching and hearing on national television coming off from the sweaty face of PNoy’s brand new DepEd Secretary only a few hours after visiting his

new office in Pasig City!

Think of it. What transpired was a series of seminars for P-Noy’s chosen ones and their respective staffs.

The topic? On how to properly handle national media! Whew.

Talk about PR 101. Plain and simple modesty handling newfound cabinet post can do the trick.

Declaring war to the working media wouldn’t help unless you have the guts to wipe them out with a gigantic back hoe killing machine and high-powered automatic rifles.

Tha’t we won’t forget. A masterpiece of Satan: Maguindanao Massacre. So macabre. Gory. Inhuman.

Then again, there was the Malacanang booboo on the alleged“wordings” of P-Noy’s Executive Order No. 1 (again, didn’t we say “talk about starting off on the wrong foot?”).

It’s still so fresh in my memory bank, yes, again on national TV, PNoy’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda exchanging tight and not so kind words on the wordings of that EO1 ordering the agarang recall all of GMA’s midnight appointees.

The SC later questioned its constitutionality.

Past forward.

“So, may kapalpakan. That’s why you (Malacanang) revised the executive order released earlier?,” a reporter asked Lacierda.

With face already reddish the latter retorted: “No, no. Walang kapalpakan. We only revised some phrases.”

Sensing the vain attempt on play of words, the reporter also revised/ rehashed his line. “Ah, ok sir. So, may palpak (from the original kapalpakan word) kaya po ni-revise?”

Now visibly irked, Lacierda tried hard to keep his cool.

That was the long and short tale of EO101, err, EO1. We heard lately Lacierda announce on national media P-Noy will soon release an EO about his administration’s open skies policy?

Sure did. And surely, his DOT secretary in Hon. Berti Lim, who is at present under fire on the raging Pilipinas Kay Ganda flopsina, has a thumbprint in it owing to his known attachment to a group called Freedom to Fly before. Add to it the fact that the OSP is accordingly intend-

Better Late than Never

ISMAEL ‘EL’ AMIGO

ed to boost Philippine Tourism. And it’s no other than BL who’s at the DOT helm.

His undersecretary took the fall guy’s role in the PKG episode.

But the Mother of course, of all these mga Kapalpakans was of course, the hard-to-forget Luneta hostage drama where a score of HK tourists lost their lives while on holiday to our hostage crisis solution flaps.

And of course, heads didn’t roll to the dismay of HK authorities and so with DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima whose recommendation for appropriate legal actions against the main players of the hostage fiasco was only met by kind words “will further study/re-evaluate this.”

This was a police matter and thusly a concern of the DILG but PNoy’s choosen boss chief in there never resigned nor was asked by Malacanang to tender his resignation letter.

Instead, P-Noy played up the Fall Guy part to the max by taking all the blame in DILG secretary Robredo’s behalf. How nice. Indeed, it’s so nice for one public official with the President saving his scalp.

Others say, it could be a bad precedent. No we didn’t say President.

From one kapalpakan to another.

There was also this obnoxious tweet on the Tweeter by P-Noy’s speechwriter who claimed “the wine sucks” and who complained about the absence of handsome men in Vietnam during P-Noy’s official function there recently.

It really sucks.

According to Mike Enriquez in a morning radio program, Aquino is no different from GMA. His surname starts with a letter “A” and ends with a letter “O.” Similarly, Arroyo also starts with a letter “A” and ends in “O.” Would Aquino also suffer the same fate as did Arroyo ended her administration?

You be the judge!

React: esns03@yahoo.com.

Disiplina susi tungo sa pagbabago MARAHIL ay panahon na upang itigil muna natin ang mga bibig sa pagbatikos sa tuwing may ipinatutupad na programa ang ating pamahalaan tulad ng Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) na ang hangad ay sulosyunan ang problema sa paninikip ng daloy ng mga sasakyan sa Metro Manila, at alisin ang mga kolorum sa lansangan.

MAHABANG panahon ng nagtiis sa matinding trapik ang marami sa ating mga kababayan at sa tuwing may ilulunsad na programa ang MMDA ay umaasa ang marami sa atin na magiging epektibo ito subalit may ilang grupo na sa halip ay hayaan muna na maipatupad ang proyekto ay agad nilang pinupulaan na kesyo hindi tama at pagmumulan lamang umano ito ng kurapsyon?

BAKIT hindi muna tayo manahimik at hayaang mailunsad muna ng MMDA ang kanilang proyekto? Bakit hindi natin ipaubaya sa kanila ang paghanap ng sulusyon at kapag walang nangyari at saka natin ipaabot ang ating mga openion at suhistyon kay sa ang gagawin natin ay puna ng puna hindi naman natin napapansin ang ating mga sarili na tayo pala ay bahagi ng problemang dapat ay masolusyunan.

SA TINGIN ko dapat sigurong ituloy ng MMDA ang pag papatupad ng disiplina sa mga motorista at lansagin ang mga illegal terminal sa ibat ibang panig ng Metro Manila isama ang mga kolorom, kabit-kabit at yong tinatawag na buntis na siyang MODUS ng mga tusong operator at ang dapat gawin natin ay suportahan ang gagawin ni MMDA Chairman F. Tolintino.

ALAM kong matatalino ang karamihan sa atin ang kaso di ito ginagamit para sa ikagaganda ng ating pamayanan sa halip ay ginagamit nila ang kanilang talino sa pambabatikos upang ipabatid na mahusay sila kaysa mga nanunungkulan sa gobiyerno, maaring mas matalino nga tayo sa iilang nasa pamahalaan pero kong

hindi naman natin ito ginagamit sa tama ay wala ring kabuluhan.

CONGRESSMAN R. UMALI diterminadong tumulong sa kanyang mga ka Distrito diyan sa Oriental Mindoro…. Malaki ang pag-asa ng ating mga kababayan diyan sa Oriental Mindoro lalo nat ang kanilang kinatawan sa Congresso ay masidhi ang layuning matulungan ang kanyang mga kababayan na umangat ang kabuhayan ng mga ito at mapag aral ang kanilang mga anak.

SA PAMAMAGITAN ng CCT program ng Administrasyong Aquino ay umaasa itong si Rep. Reynaldo Umali na malaki ang ma itutulong nito sa kanyang mga kalalawigan, bukod rin ang farm to market road project na ilulunsad ni Umali upang padaliin ang pagdadala ng mga magsasaka ng kanilang mga aning gulay at prutas sa mga pamilihan at mailuwas rin ng mabilis dito sa metro manila.

GUSTO ring tulungan ni Rep. Umali ang mga Lokal na Pamahalaan sa bawat Municipalidad ng Oriental Mindoro na pasiglahin ang Tusrismo sa kanilang mga bayan upang makalikha rin ito ng maraming trabaho sa ating mga kababayan sa naturang Lalawigan at pati na ang mga kababayan nating mga mangyan ay kabilang sa mabibiyayaan kong magtagumpay ang mga isusulong na proyekto ng kanilang Congressman.

KASABAY ng mga proyektong Pang lokal ay may mga panukalang batas ring isinusulong itong si Congressman Umali upang mapakinabangan ng buong bansa at maka hulagpos na tayo sa tanikala ng kawalang pag asa, marahil ito na ang simula ng pagbabago tungo sa maunlad na bukas.

HINDI imposible ang mga ito at mangyayari ito hindi lamang riyan sa Oriental Mindoro kundi pati na sa buong bansa kong tayong mga mamamayan ay matotong dumisiplina sa ating mga sarili, ang pag babago ay mangyayari lamang kong nagtutulungan ang lahat at hindi nagbabangayan at nag papaligsahan.

Ok Yan Ha? NILDO PABLE

HUDCC….. imbestigahan sana ang ilang NGO’s na sa halip na makatulong upang mabawasan ang bilang ng mga eskuwater nating mga kababayan ay lalo pa nitong pinalabo ang pag-asa ng mga lihitimong mga maralitang taga lungsod na magkaroon ng sarili nilang tahanan, tahanang mura at maayos yon bang hindi sila naka tira sa lugar na ni hayop ay ayaw manirahan dahil sa dumi at panganib sa kanilang kalusugan.

SA ILALIM ng kasalukoyang liderato ng HUDCC sanay masugpo ang mga sindikato na ang ginagawa ay eskuwatan ang mga bakanteng Lupain at kapag may mga nakatayo ng barong barong ilalapit ngayon ng mga contractor na kasapakat ng sindikato sa isang NGO’s para isailalim sa CMP at pupundohan na naman ng WORLD BANK sa pag aakalang tunay ang layunin ng isang NGO’s subalit yon palay raket ito at magandang pagkakakitaan.

GANYAN ang nangyayari sa maraming lugar dito sa metro manila at mga lalawigan, alam kong masidhi ang pagnanais ng ating Mahal na Pangulong AQUINO na ma tulungan ang mga mahihirap na kanyang itinuturing na kanyang mga Boss at pakikinggan ang mga daing ng mga ito.

SA LAYUNING ito ng Pangulong AQUINO ay tiyak na kaisa niya rito ang Pangalawang Pangulo at Chairaman ng HUDCC na si Vice President J. Binay, umaasa ang sambayanang Pilipino na mabibigyang katuparan ni VP. Binay ang Programang Pabahay ng Adiministrasyong AQUINO at upang mag tagumpay kailangang ipakulong muna ang mga sindikato na siyang suma sabutahi sa tunay na Housing Project ng Gobiyerno.

As a Broadcaster and student of history, I am watching very eagerly the developments at the Korean Peninsula, of course, with the help of my friends in the academe and diplomat-friends.

I think what’s going on now in the ‘38th Parallel,’ a zone that separate the two Koreas- North and South - is very much expected.

Months back the issue was hardly touched, neither given an attention.

North Korea - also labeled as a Hermit country did not hide its intention and action to get its message across to the whole world, particularly to the United States, - prominent patron of South Korea - to get the ‘Six-Party Talks’ going.

What is a Six-Party Talks?

The Six-Party Talks is aimed at ending North Korea’s nuclear program through a negotiating process involving the United States, China, Japan, Russia, North and South Korea.

The talks began in August 2003.

The process was not easy. It was a bumpy road among individual member states – particularly between Washington and Pyongyang.

In April of last year, North Korea quit the talks and announced that it would reverse the “ongoing disablement process “ called for under the Six-Party agreements and restart again its Yongbyon nuclear facilities” thus the tension.

For our OFWs sake, Manila being a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should exert extra effort to convince China, Japan and United States, Russia and the two Koreas to sit down and talk again.

The welfare of more or less 60,0000 OFWs in South Korea not to mention Filipinos that might be staying in North Korea including their families is at stake here.

It’s important that the process – Six-Party Talks – to continue. *** Best argument for VFA? If ever the Korean Peninsula’s tension escalate the Filipinos will definitely be affected. It is because of the existing treaty between Manila and Washington.

There’s what we call the “ Mutual Defense Treaty” between the Philippines and the United States that guarantees military assistance …. should Manila or Washington invoke for it. Remember the PEFTOK… Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea in the 1950’s?

The Korean Peninsula crisis is both a bane and boon for the Filipinos. At this very moment report has it that in Subic Bay, the presence of American Naval Ship full of fighter jets and armed-to-the-teeth American soldiers is very much felt. The presence of American soldiers at the former American military base means business.

It’s a bane because if you will ask the militant group, the presence of such ‘armada’ particularly if its equipped with nuclear arms, is violative of the Constitution.

We can cite many pros and cons arising from the Korean Peninsula crisis.

I just hope that the Korean Peninsula crisis will not be the best argument for the retention of the Visiting Forces Agreement currently being reviewed.

Or, is it? *** React: Email to esns03@yahoo.com

Quorum waiver All commentaries and or opinions submitted by our columnists and herein published shall remain as personal opinion of any of Quorum’s column writers.

As such, these cannot and never be construed nor considered as similar to the stand this publication (Quorum) has on certain issues.

Be that as it may, Quorum shall not be held liable to any legal issues related to or any column that may appear herein.

DAPAT ring kumilos at tumulong ang mga Lokal na Pamahalaan gaya ng Mayor ng Quezon City kungsaan may isang kumunidad riyan sa Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon na inasistihan ng FDA na Pinunduhan naman ng World Bank na tila nalilihis ng landas at nag mistulang taga hubog ng mga ganid na Contractor, Contractor na hindi Lisensiyado at di rin nagbabayad ng Income Tax sa BIR. Para sa inyong mga sumbong mag text sa 09187028932.

Entertainment Quorum

7

WHEN Charice opens her mouth, angels fly out -Ryan Murphy, executive music producer of Glee.

December 1-15, 2010

Charice: Girl with a heavenly voice "WHEN Charice opens her mouth, angels fly out."

That statement of Ryan Murphy, executive music producer of the hit US television series Glee, best describes Charice, who is now considered as this generation's best singer that the country produced.

The wonder of it all is that, Charice never received any formal vocal training apart from informal voice lessons from her mother.

Despite the lack of training, Charice is now considered as the hottest Filipina talent ever to hit the United States.

Charice made her biggest impact on US soil when she appeared on the No. 1 US show "Glee" as Sunshine Corazon, an exchange student from the Philippines named Sunshine Corazon who presents serious competition against lead character Rachel Berry played by Lea Michele).

Aside from this, the album version and club remixes of her second single, "Pyramid" , from her international debut album were released on February 23, 2010 and March 2,

2010. The Pyramid Remixes EP debuted at #46 on the Billboard Dance/ Club play songs charts and quickly soared to #1 spot.

Her self-titled international debut album with Reprise Records was released on May 11, 2010.[73] On its first week, the album reached #8 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart, making her the first Asian to enter the Top 10. On the same day as part of her album launching, she again made a guest appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show along with another YouTube-discovered singer Justin Bieber.

Quite an achievement for a teener who was raised by a single mother in Laguna. She helped support the family by joining amateur singing contests at age seven, from town fiestas in various provinces to singing competitions on TV. She is said to have joined almost a hundred singing contests.

In 2005, Pempengco joined Little Big Star, a talent show in the Philippines loosely patterned after American Idol. Eliminated after her first

performance, she was later called back as a wildcard contender and eventually became a finalist. Although she was a consistent top scorer in the final rounds, she only finished in third place based on text voting.

Pempengco made minor appearances on local television shows and commercials, but essentially had fallen off the radar after her stint at Little Big Star. It was not until 2007 that she gained worldwide recognition after an avid supporter started posting a series of her performance videos on YouTube under the username FalseVoice. These videos received over 13 million hits, making Pempengco a "YouTube singing sensation".

In June 2007, Ten Songs/Productions, a music publishing company in Sweden, invited Pempengco to a demo-recording after producers saw her Little Big Star videos. She recorded seven songs - six covers and an original song entitled "Amazing".

For being one of the finalists of Little Big Star, she was invited to

the South Korean talent show Star King. On its October 13, 2007 edition, she sang "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and a duet with Kyuhyun, from Super Junior.

After watching her Star King performance on YouTube, Ellen DeGeneres extended an on-air invitation to Pempengco to guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She flew to the United States for the first time and performed two songs on the December 19, 2007 episode of the show "I Will Always Love You" and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going".

Following her American debut on Ellen, she made a second appearance on Star King as the "Most Requested Foreign Act" of the show. On its December 28 edition, she performed Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and sang a duet with singer Lena Park.

Pempengco appeared on the May 12 edition of The Oprah Winfrey Show in an episode entitled the "World's Smartest Kids", where she performed Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing. After the show, Oprah Winfrey contacted David

Tax break for entertainment industry sought TO BOOST the competitiveness of the local arts and entertainment industry, Rep. Sigfrido Tinga (2nd District, Taguig City) proposed that corporate tax breaks be given to the local movie and film industry, and that venue operators be exempted from paying amusement tax whenever they show locally produced films and music events featuring local artists.

Tinga, chairman of the House committee on information and communications technology, said the uncompetitive local environment brought about by the heavy taxation on the industry is one of the factors why the local arts and entertainment industry is hard pressed to compete in a world of endless entertainment choices.

“There is the amusement tax, the value added tax as well as the corporate income tax. The over taxation on their gross income makes it difficult for the local arts and entertainment industry to compete against better-funded and institutionally supported foreign products,” said Tinga.

He further said that supporting the local film industry through exemption from amusement tax would have very little effect on the government’s financial state since there

TINGA currently is hardly any industry to tax anyway.

“The arts and entertainment industry, particularly film and music, is a hit and miss business. There is currently no room for experimentation and risk taking. The result of this is that most people feel they will lose their shirts if they invest in the entertainment industry. The industry is in dire straits, leading both artists and producers to look elsewhere to exercise their craft or find alternate forms of livelihood,” said Tinga.

The neophyte solon cited the dramatic decrease from over 200 mov-

CROSSWORD

ies produced locally per year to less than 30, quite a telling sign of the state of health of the industry.

“Home entertainment, from video games to home movies to the internet, are also cornering time that we used to spend on watching movies, local cultural event and the like,” he said.

Aggravating the situation is the ease of digital piracy and lack of copyright protection, which have also taken their toll on both the local film and music industry, he added.

“Musicians who have lost opportunities to earn royalties from album sales are now dependent on making a living from live performances. Filmmakers are also wary of making big budget films only to see them hawked on the sidewalks, a day after their theatrical release,” said Tinga.

In House Bill 3200 or the proposed “Local Arts and Entertainment Industry Promotions Act,” Tinga said it is the declared policy of the State to protect the local arts and entertainment industry and raise its competitiveness in the international marketplace, as well as keep the industry afloat despite the threat of digital piracy.

This can be done, by providing the industry with the necessary income tax breaks, and exempting exhibitors from the amusement tax payment thus assisting producers, film companies, and local artists in reducing their costs, improving the quality of their craft, and making their product more competitive in the global marketplace, according to him.

Section 2 provides that any local producer of a film or movie utilizing

all local staff may claim the total expenses incurred in the execution and showing of the film, provided that the claim for exemption shall be allowed as deductions from the company’s gross income for the same taxable year.

It further provides that the total amount of the claimed tax exemption shall be included in the company’s gross income or revenues and shall be subject to proper documentations and to the provisions on allowable deductions covered by Chapter 9 of the National Internal Revenue Code as amended.

Likewise, Section 3 provides that the imposition of the amusement tax shall not apply to locally produced films that feature a predominantly Filipino cast, that have been classified by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) as fit for commercial living.

Furthermore, it provides that the holding of locally produced operas, concerts, dramas, recitals, painting and art exhibitions, flower shows, musical programs, literacy and oratorical presentations featuring Filipino artists shall be exempt from the tax herein imposed.

Meanwhile, Section 4 exempts from the VAT the importation of raw materials and equipment by persons engaged in the business of making films and other cinematographic work, for use in producing such films, including but not limited to digital media, provided that the Bureau of Internal Revenue shall have the exclusive right to determine, after prior consultation with members of the film industry, the raw materials and equipment that shall be VAT exempt.

CHARICE Foster to see what the legendary music producer could do for Pempengco. She performed with Foster for the first time as one of the enter-

tainers on the May 17 opening of the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut.

Quorum Affor’darates: 1. Colored Ads* A. Full-page Ads (Full Color / Size: 11x17 sq. ins.) – P88,000 only (Inclusive of 30% color separation charge) plus 100 free copies B. Half-page Ads (Full Color) – P48,000 only (Inclusive of 30% color separation charge) plus 50 free copies C. ¼ Page Ads (Full Color) – P28,000 only (Inclusive of 30% color separation charge) plus 25 free copies 2. B/W Ads* A. Full-page Ads (B & W)/ Size: 11 x 17 sq. ins.) – P44,000 only plus 50 free copies B. Half-page Ads – P24,000 only plus 25 free copies C. ¼ Page Ads – P14,000 only plus 20 free copies 4. Advertorials (Special Supplement on Founding Anniversaries, etc) A. Full-page Ads (Size: 11 x 17 sq. ins.) – P48,000 only plus 50 free copies B. Half-page Ads (B/W) – P28,000 only plus 25 free copies C. ¼ Page Ads (B/W) – P14,000 only plus 20 free copies *Discounts on: One (1) Year Ads Contract – Less 50% 6 Months Ads Contract – Less 25% 3 Months Ads Contract – Less 15% The QUORUM Circulation (100,000 copies every issue) A. All 87 Provincial Capitol Offices of the Philippines B. All of the 270 Offices of the House of Representatives C. All of the Senate Offices of the Philippines D. Malacanang & other Department Offices E. Newstands To post your ads please contact our hotlines Globe Mobilie 0915-5517486 or email your ad materials to esns03@yahoo.com!

LIFESTYLE

10 wedding blunders to avoid

Across 1 Evert of tennis 6 Author Vonnegut 10 Tory rival 14 Raise aloft 15 On __ with 16 Reckless 17 American Fur Company founder 18 Tear apart 19 Too 20 Style of the Ashcan School 22 Disrespectful 24 Key above G 26 Start 27 Small, pointed beard 30 "Planet of the Apes" planet 32 Stratagem 33 "Desire Under the __" 35 Composer Straus 39 Halloween mo.

40 Songwriter Sondheim 42 Lyricist Gershwin 43 A question of possession 45 Gals' partners 46 Getting __ years 47 Like some keys 49 Go fast 51 "__ Alligator" (Matt Dillon movie) 54 Draw __ on (aim at) 56 Most courageous 58 Have a flair for 62 Sleep like __ 63 Hawkeye State 65 Maine university town 66 Gin-flavoring fruit 67 Greek love-god 68 Substantial 69 Service break?

70 Civil disorder 71 __ Ababa

Down 1 Scorch 2 Air carrier 3 Singer Coolidge 4 Cut off 5 Conflict 6 Fate 7 Wire service inits.

8 Sitarist Shankar 9 Slight quake 10 Apparitions 11 Circles of angels 12 Give out 13 Uncredited author 21 Driving hazard 23 Don 25 Japanese deep-fried dish 27 Increase 28 "That hurts!"

29 Concerning 31 Pale 34 Building block company 36 Cows, old-style 37 Pavarotti piece 38 Status 40 Large fishnet 41 English county near London 44 Little bit 46 Commanded 48 More intrusive 50 Seaport on Puget Sound 51 Shame 52 Money in Manchester 53 Flower 55 Brute 57 Singer Amos 59 Trucker's haul 60 Against 61 Playthings 64 Court SOLUTION NEXT ISSUE

From blowing your budget on your dress to hiring friends instead of pros, here’s a heads up on 10 wedding headaches you can definitely do without.

YOU know not to book your venue before you set a budget. You even know the differences between addressing inner and outer envelopes. But do you know who should get their hair and makeup done first: you or your bridesmaids? Read on for the answer, plus other no-nos you may not know about.

1. Try not to get attached to your flower choices.

When you book your florist a year before your wedding day, he can only guess which blooms will be available for your wedding. If you have to have, say, asters, you could be disappointed. Instead, choose backups to your main blooms and add them to your contract. Think in terms of colors and shapes instead of specific flowers.

2. Think twice before you send save-the-dates to everyone.

Until you mail out invitations, your guest list isn’t final. And it shouldn’t be: Friends you’re close with when you get engaged may be mere acquaintances by the time you get hitched. Reserve save-the-dates only for those guests you know will be invited, like your families.

3. You will regret it if you skip videography.

SUDOKU MASTER

The object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 exactly once.

Photos only take you so far: Videos let you hear your voice tremble as you say your vows and watch your friends tear up the dance floor. With more people documenting your wedding, you’ll see things you may have missed on the day.

4. Be careful not to blow your fashion budget on your dress.

Maybe you have $1,500 set aside for your look. That doesn’t mean you can buy a $1,500 gown! Tack on tax, and if you’re not buying off the rack, you could get charged for shipping. You might need alterations, too. Consider your undergarments, shoes, hair accessories and jewelry when budgeting as well.

5. Avoid micromanaging your vendors.

You’re choosing talented pros who understand your vision, so let them do their jobs! We know it’s tempting to control every detail so you’re guaranteed to love the results, but you won’t have the time, and you certainly don’t have the experience your vendors do. After your initial meetings, trust the pros to get it right. And, you know what? They almost always will.

6. Think hard before you pick your attendants.

Your bridesmaids should be your closest friends. Period. They can also be your sisters, cousins, aunts and even your mom, but they have to be people you’d trust to be there when you most need them. You don’t know new friends well enough yet to be sure they’ll support you in tough situations (every bride encounters one at some point), and picking people because a family member demands it or so you and your man will have an even number of attendants are also decisions you’ll likely regret.

7. Please restrain yourself from telling everyone your plans.

It’s so hard not to talk about your wedding. Try. The more you share, the more opinions you’re going to get about your choices, whether or not you ask for them. Plus, part of wowing your guests is surprising them. If they already know that you’re changing into a different dress for dancing or sending guests home with a batch of your grandma’s cookies, they won’t be quite as impressed on your wedding day. If that’s not enough to deter you, talking about your plans means opening yourself up to copycats, who may actually be marrying before you do. The last thing you want is your friend stealing your idea for your surprise grand finale.

8. Seriously, stop booking your salon appointments last.

We get it: You want as much beauty sleep as possible, and you don’t want your ‘do to fall out or your makeup to fade before you walk down the aisle. But guess what: Busy stylists will likely get to you late if you’re last in the chair. Schedule your appointments in the middle of your attendants’.

It’s not a big deal for a bridesmaid to switch to a less complicated (read: quick) hairstyle if she’s pressed for time. That’s not an option for you.

9. Don’t even think about speeding through photos.

Speaking of not having enough time, any less than an hour isn’t enough for a portrait session; an hour-and-a-half is closer to ideal because you’ll look more relaxed in your pictures (and those first few never come out as well as you hope). Squeezing photos into the first half-hour of your cocktail hour will make you anything but at ease. If you refuse to see your groom before the ceremony, take pictures separately beforehand so the only shots left to take after the ceremony include both of you.

10. Avoid “hiring” a friend instead of a pro.

Sure, your pal was the king of the mix CD back in the day, but that doesn’t mean he’ll make a great wedding DJ. Same goes for your friend who won’t leave home without her Flip — this doesn’t make her a videographer! Even on a tight budget, you’re much better off paying a vendor with experience to take care of the biggies, like the music and the food. Don’t you want your friends to enjoy your wedding instead of having to work through it, anyway?

Customs Quorum

8

Nakakaiyak talaga itong mga ganitong smuggled na sibuyas e. Ito ang nagpapahirap sa mga kababayan nating magsasaka na nagsisikap itaguyod ang industriya natin ng agrikultura -- Sen. Francis Pangilinan December 1-15, 2010

Customs to miss 2010 collection goal -- Alvarez Due to strong peso, zero duties on wheat, oil

CUSTOMS COMMISSIONER LITO ALVAREZ

Major Phl ports post 12% cargo volume growth from Jan. to Aug. THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) announced that all of the country's major ports posted a 12-percent in cargo volume handled for January to August this year.

Data obtained from the port regulator also showed that country’s ports handled about 111.52 million metric tons of cargoes during the first eight months of the year, higher than last year’s 99.63 million metric ton volume.

Of the total volume, some 44 percent or about 49 million metric tons were handled at the government ports, while the rest were accommodated in private docking facilities.

A significant percentage of the total cargoes handled by Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and Manila South Harbor, the country’s top two ports, which are leased to private port operators.

MICT, operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc., handled 12.33 million metric tons or about 11 percent of the total cargo volume for the period in review.

While South Harbor, operated by Asian Terminals Inc., handled about 5.7 million metric tons, or around 5 percent of the total volume.

Of the total volume, domestic cargoes accounted for 48.87 million metric tons, or about 43 percent, while the rest were foreign cargoes at 62.64 million metric tons.

The PPA stated that it saw significant increases in its Port Management Offices in San Fernando in La Union, which grew by 81 percent; Tacloban and Surigao both increased by 33 percent; Iligan, 29 percent; Calapan, 27 percent; Iloilo, 26 percent; Zamboanga, 25 percent; and MICT, 24 percent.

However, said the increases in these areas have been negated by the sharp decline in cargo volume in

SEVEN world boxing titles. And now...only recently, Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao stretched that further to eight that all but immortalized himself as the greatest among greats in sweet science’s history.

We wonder who else can possibly duplicate that.

One thing is for sure: This won’t happen in the near future.

Perhaps, not even in our lifetime.

Take that.

South Harbor, Batangas Port, Pulupandan, Nasipit and Cotabato.

“Overall, domestic cargoes improved by 2.69 percent and foreign cargoes by 20.39 percent,” the PPA emphasized.

In terms of containerized cargoes, most of which are handled at the two major container terminals in Manila, figures show that it grew by 18 percent to three million twenty foot equivalent units (TEU) from last year’s 2.54 million TEUs. The port regulator added that foreign container traffic improved by 25 percent, while local containerized cargoes improved by over seven percent.

Of the total TEUs, MICT and South Harbor handled about 60 percent combined or 1.73 million TEUs, while the rest were handled at other government-owned ports.

Ship calls, on the other hand, improved by 10 percent to 231,747 vessels during the period from last year’s 209,790 ship calls.

Passenger traffic, meanwhile, also improved by 22 percent to 34.67 million, mostly as a result of the resumption of operations of Limay Port in Bataan after the Supercat Fast Ferry Corp. has started its service to the terminal port of Orion.

The PPA said most of its ports also registered an increase in its traffic, but ports in South Harbor in Manila, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Nasipit, Cotabato, Davao and General Santos all registered losses.

Among PPA's goals is to complete the modernization of at least ten (10) ports by 2010 and to improve the delivery of port services. Also, it is eyeing to reduce the clients' costs of transacting business in the ports.

The PPA also wants to integrate port community development and environmental protection measures.

THE Bureau of Customs has admitted it would fail to achieve its P280billion collection goal for the year as the peso continues to appreciate on top of zero duties on oil and motor vehicle imports from Japan.

Customs Commissioner Angelito A. Alvarez said that the bureau may also fall short of its P241-billion cash collection target for the year.

“It’s hard to say if we can hit the P241 billion. We have to wait and see what will happen in November," he said.

Alvarez said the bureau will likely miss its collection target for October, given the impact of the zero duties on oil imports, motor vehicles, and wheat, and the continuing rise of peso against the greenback.

The bureau said it aims to collect P27.14 billion in October, P23.8 billion of which is the cash collection target.

“It’s below target because of the zero duties," Alvarez said.

The Limay port in Bataan and the Batangas port, where most oil and motor vehicle imports go through, have been suffering from zero duties, he pointed out that In September, the bureau also missed its cash collection goal of P23.35 billion, raising only P19.652 billion or a shortfall of P3.706 billion.

Despite the missed collection goals, the bureau could still top last year’s cash collection of P198 billion, Alvarez said.

The Aquino administration is under pressure to fund the P325-billion budget deficit for the year.

As of end-September, the budget deficit has widened to P259.8 billion.

Meanwhile, the BOC has asked importers to organize themselves into groups mainly based on their usage of the Customs selectivity and alert

KIKO AGAINST ONION SMUGGLING -- Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan inspects some of the smuggled onions seized by the Bureau of Customs.

ONION farmers are in tears because smuggling have been depriving them of their livelihood.

“Nakakaiyak talaga itong mga ganitong smuggled na sibuyas e. Ito ang nagpapahirap sa mga kababayan nating magsasaka na nagsisikap itaguyod ang industriya natin ng agrikultura," said Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, who is now personally leading a campaign against smuggled onions.

Pangilinan, who is the Senate Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, says that the country has a surplus of onions as confirmed by the Department of Agriculture's order halting the importation of onions until December 31, 2010.

According to Sibuyas ng Pilipinas Ating Alagaan (SIPAG) Foundation officials, an umbrella group of onion-growers, there is a significant surplus with this year's onion production of 124, 900 metric tons.

Philippine onion demand only

ATI's net income up 88.8% in Q3 ASIAN Terminal Inc. (ATI) said its net income rose by double digits in the third quarter due to one-time gain and the recovery of international trade.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the port operator said its net income went up by 88.84 percent to P753.34 million up from P398.92 million in the same period last year.

From January to September, ATI's net profit rose 110.9 percent to P1.67 billion from P828.8 million in the same period last year.

The company's revenues grew 23.6 percent to P3.41 billion in the first nine months compared to P2.76 billion last year.

Of the total, earnings from ports operations amounted to P3.33 billion, while revenues from non-ports operations amounted to P81.2 million.

In ports operations, revenues from South Harbor international container were higher by 21.6 percent and international non-contain-

er were up by 69.4 percent due to increase in international trade at the Port of Manila.

Earnings from South Harbor domestic terminal operations increased by 24.6 percent and revenues from Port of Batangas Phase 1 operations went up by 16.9 percent.

ATI also posted a gain of P326.55 million from the sale of Mariveles Grain Corp. (MGC).

MGC stopped commercial operations last year.

The grain terminal can accommodate vessels of up to 70,000 deadweight tons, discharge cargo at 10,000 metric tons a day and store 180,000 metric tons of both soybean meal and grain cargoes.

With the sale of MGC, ATI expects to focus on expanding and upgrading its other business and growing its ability to generate revenues from new and existing port operations.

ATI earlier secured an authority from PPA to operate the Batangas

‘My immortal’

Anyways, here we go...

Rags to riches From extreme poverty to boxing riches and glory.

That, in a nutshell, was the long and hard road that eight-division world champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao trekked before he achieved what he is enjoying today.

A high-risk shipment channels through the red lane and is subject to both documentary review and physical inspection prior to its release.

Alvarez said the grouping of importers is in preparation for the eventual shelving of the yellow lane in all ports nationwide by November 15 following reports the lane was being used by smugglers.

A moderate-risk shipment that goes through the yellow lane is subject to documentary review but no physical inspection.

The green lane, which was earlier scrapped by the BOC at the Manila International Container Port, was reimplemented last November 15.

Alvarez, together with a team from the Department of Finance, will fly to Indonesia this week to study that country’s selectivity and alert system which has no yellow lane.

From the wires.

Sen. Kiko steps up fight vs onion smugglers

A Quorum Maiden Issue Tribute For one, the world wide web and the Guiness Book of World Records say never in world boxing’s history has a man so great got to possess eight world titles much more, being a lawmaker at the same time.

Since Manny Pacquiao’s 12-round unanimous victory over Mexican Antonio “Magarito,” err, Margarito still lingers fresh in the minds of proud Filipinos, we deem it worthwhile to backpedal back into his humble beginnings in professional boxing.

And here in Quorum’s maiden issue, we’ll try our best to expound on the man’s travails and trials, peaks and valleys of his career and all that rocks the hearts of Filipinos, rich and poor, may ipin man o nawala sa boxing.

A Filipino immortal. A living legend, larger than life.

Our very own immortal.

Will somebody dial up Evanescence to belt out that song “My Immortal” while we are reading this piece please?

system (super green, green, yellow and red lanes).

“It’s sort of a big boys’ club. It will give you so much pride to be identified with a select group,” Alvarez said, noting that each of the groups may choose to elect their own set of officers. “But you have to undergo a validation process. You have to be accepted by the SGL (super green lane) and green lane importers’ association.”

The super green lane is for qualified importers of extremely low risk to provide immediate clearance. A low-risk shipment, on the other hand, goes through the green lane and is generally subject to no documentary review or physical inspection but is covered by the post-audit review.

Companies in the red lane that have achieved a good reputation over the years can strive to be part of the green lane grouping, Alvarez said.

”Anyone will succeed in whatever field of endeavor in life by acquiring the same virtues and character that boxing world champions do," said Pacquiao when asked about his achievements in boxing.

Born of a typical poverty-stricken Filipino family, Pacquiao left elementary school when his father left

his mother to be with another woman.

As an out of school boy, he helped his mom by selling breads and homemade doughnuts peddling the streets of General Santos City.

As a young boy, Manny already had his interests in boxing. When he’s not wandering the streets to sell his

Port Phase 2, which has a 128-hectare container terminal area, bigger than the 20-hectare first phase operated by the same company for domestic traffic.

The second phase would be a mix operation of bulk, break bulk and international containerized cargo.

The facility could accommodate 7,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

The port operator also runs the passenger terminal of the Batangas Port.

ATI is considered among Asia’s most forward-looking port operators by combining infrastructure, facilities and technology with first class customer service as part of the DP World global port system.

It also adheres to corporate accountability as among the Philippines' top 20 corporations in corporate governance as recognized by the Institute of Corporate Directors, the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission. merchandise, Pacquiao would be seen visiting nearby villages and towns to compete for boxing matches most especially during town fiestas for a reward of just P150 (US$3) for winners and P100 (US$2) for loser.

"The money that I get then would be a great help for my mom to support our living expenses," Pacquiao said.

With his agility and power in boxing, Pacquiao decided to turn professional at the age of 16 at 106 lbs and transfer to Manila to further hone his skills.

In Manila, Manny trained himself with dedication. In his early boxing fights, he kept on winning but unfortunately, just like what other unknown boxers at that time, he earns a little money from his wins which was not enough for him to support his mother To increase his income, he later on employed himself in the gym where he trained as employee, doing gardening and cleaning and occasionally doing construction works while pursuing his career in boxing.

Pacquiao's commitment to boxing bore fruit early after he racked up eleven straight wins before tasting his first professional loss to Rustico Torrecampo on February 9, 1996.

Following the Torrecampo fight, Pacquiao continued undefeated for his next 15 fights before taking on a vastly experienced Chokchai Chockvivat in flyweight division.

With all odds against him, Pacquiao knocked out Chockvivat in the fifth round for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Flyweight title.

After one official defense and two non-title bouts, Pacquiao got his first opportunity to fight for a world title.

Pacquiao captured the World Box-

amounts to 101, 200 metric tons annually.

Pangilinan, together with the BOC also conducted a raid at the Port of Manila last month where large containers with tons of smuggled onions were seized.

“We are following thru with our previous efforts to ensure that the seized onions do not end up in the market as they pose health risks because they have not been subjected to sanitary inspection. It’s bad enough that our local farmers are losing the competition with cheaper smuggled onions.”

“We urge the BOC and other concerned agencies to prosecute these heartless smugglers and traders that are effectively crippling our economy. We have requested the BOC to give us updates regarding the status of these cases, and we will continue with our efforts. We also urge the private sector to join us and be vigilant in our battle against smuggling.”

More X-ray machines SMUGGLERS will now find it harder to slip through their illegal cargoes in two of the busiest ports in the country.

Operators of the Ports of Manila (PoM) and the Manila International Container Port (MICP) have finally relented to allow the use of more x-ray machines that will scan container cargoes passing through the two ports.

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) said the Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), which operates PoM, and the International Container Terminal Services Inc, (ITCSI) which operates MICP, have agreed to allow significant space in their facility to accommodate more x-ray equipment.

The additional machines for the two ports will be sourced from other ports where import volume is low.

BoC head of X-ray Division Lourdes Mangaoang said that ATI would use three more x-rays by end of the year, on top of the five machines already allotted to the port operator.

At the same time, ITCSI has also promised to allot space for 10 BoC x-rays during the first quarter of next year.

ing Council (WBC) Flyweight World Title (his first major boxing world title as well as the flyweight lineal title) over Chatchai Sasakul by way of knockout in the eighth round.

He defended the title successfully against Mexican Gabriel Mira via 4th round technical knockout.

However, Pacquiao lost the title in his second defense against Medgoen Singsurat, also known as Medgoen 3K Battery, via a third round knockout.

Technically, Pacquiao lost the belt at the scales, as he surpassed the weight limit of 112 pounds.

Following his loss to Singsurat, Pacquiao gained weight anew and skipped the super flyweight and bantamweight divisions.

This time, Pacquiao went to super bantamweight or junior featherweight division of 122 pounds, where he picked up the WBC Super Bantamweight International Title.

He defended this title five times before his chance for a world title fight came. Pacquiao's big break came on June 23, 2001, against former IBF World Super Bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba.

Pacquiao stepped into the fight as a late replacement on two weeks' notice but won the fight by technical knockout and won the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Junior Featherweight World Title belt, his second major boxing world title.

The bout was held at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Ne(Continued on page 9)

Immigration Quorum 9

The Bureau of Immigation will save millions of pesos in operating and maintenance expenses if the said offices are shut down -- DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima December 1-15, 2010

Despite travel warnings from several countries...

DFA hails BI drive vs human trafficking

Tourist arrivals up -- BI WHAT travel advisories?

Despite travel advisories from several countries warning their nationals against visiting the Philippines due to alleged terrorist threats, tourist arrivals increased by 17 percent during the first ten months of the year compared to a year ago, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.

Immigration Officer-In-Charge Ronaldo Ledesma said that as of November 8, a total of 2,562,505 foreigners visited the country compared to the 2,190,114 who arrived during the same period in 2009.

Ledesma said the country is on track to hit its target of at least three million visitors in 2010 because traditionally, tourist arrivals spike during the last two months of the year when it is winter in the northern hemisphere and Europeans flock to tropical countries to escape the cold.

The immigration chief noted that the spate of negative travel advisories by foreign governments urging their citizens to avoid the Philippines hardly dented tourist arrivals.

He cited statistics for October when tourist arrivals stood at 239,465, up by almost 19,000 compared to the 220,572 registered visitors in September.

Americans still topped the list of foreign nationals who visited the country from January to October with 679,406; followed by Korean

Foreign tourists such as Americans and Asians take a leisurely stroll around the Rizal Park in Manila, unmindful of the recent travel advisories from some countries cautioning their respective nationals against travelling to the Philippines. nationals with 525,564 and Japanese nationals with 331,156.

Rounding up the top 10 nationalities are Chinese nationals, 229,989; Australian, 140,238; Canadian, 116,175; British, 113,041; Taiwanese, 99,465; Malaysian, 70,107; and Singaporean nationals, 66,336.

“This is a positive sign that de-

spite the negative travel advisories, we are succeeding in our efforts to promote the Philippines as a prime tourist and investment destination,” Ledesma said.

He said the increased tourist arrivals likewise indicate that “the confidence of the international community in the government of President Aqui-

no is as strong as ever.”

Ledesma said the BI will continue to pursue programs to make it easier for foreign tourists and businessmen to enter and do business in the country.

He underscored the bureau’s important role in the government’s tourism efforts since immigration offic-

ers are usually the first Filipinos that foreigners encounter when they enter the country.

“We will continue to train our immigration officers so they will become true models of our vaunted Filipino traits of hospitality, courtesy and friendliness,” he added.

The Information Office

BI cites partnership, friendly ties with Indian community BUREAU of Immigration OfficerIn-Charge Ronaldo Ledesma cited the country’s strong partnership and historical friendship with the Filipino-Indian community as he vowed to ensure the safety of Indian businessmen and investors who have made significant contributions to the Philippine economy.

Speaking before the general membership meeting of the local Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce, Ledesma said the BI will continue to pursue reforms to ensure that legitimate businessmen, inves-

tors and tourists get a warm welcome and enjoy their stay in the Philippines.

“I see the Filipino-Indian community as strategic partners in the Philippines’ march towards economic growth and prosperity. The Filipino-Indian business sector has always played a vital role in creating jobs and providing livelihood opportunities for our countrymen,” he told federation members in a Makati City hotel.

Ledesma said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima herself reiterated that,

beyond policing the country’s entry and exit points, the BI should make sure that legitimate tourists, businessmen and investors feel welcome and safe when passing through immigration, and that they continue to feel safe and comfortable during their stay in the country.

“At the end of the day, our task is not just to guard the ramparts of our nation. Our task is to protect our friends. That means you,” the immigration chief said.

Ledesma cited the reforms being implemented in the bureau, includ-

De Lima drops regionalization scheme; shuts down 16 IAOs The purpose? Read on...

THE Bureau of Immigration recalled to its main office 70 employees who were assigned in the provinces and satellite offices under its regionalization program after the Department of Justice ordered that the scheme be stopped.

Immigration Officer-In-Charge Ronaldo Ledesma said they already complied with the order of Justice Secretary Leila De Lima to shut down the 16 immigration area offices (IAOs) that were established during the previous administration.

De Lima earlier revoked a previous department order that launched the regionalization program, triggering the recall of BI personnel who were assigned to the regions and the termination of the lease contracts for the regional offices.

Ledesma hailed De Lima’s move. He said the regionalization scheme was unnecessary because there are existing field offices in the provinces to serve the immigration requirements of foreigners staying outside of Metro Manila.

He said the BI stands to save million of pesos in personnel salaries, leases and utility bills by scuttling the program.

De Lima herself noted in her directive that the bureau will “save millions of pesos in operating and maintenance expenses if the said offices are shut down.”

She said the regional and satellite offices overlap or duplicate the functions and services already rendered at the main office and its field offices nationwide.

Ledesma directed BI immigration regulation chief

MY IMMORTAL From page 8... vada. Pacquiao went on to defend this title four times under head trainer Freddie Roach, owner of the famous Wild Card Gym in West Hollywood.

On November 15, 2003, Pacquiao faced Marco Antonio Barrera at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, in a fight that many consider to have defined his career.

Pacquiao, who was fighting at featherweight for the first time, knocked out Barrera in the eleventh round and won The Ring Featherweight World Title, making him the first Filipino and Asian to become a three-division world champion. He defended the title twice before relinquishing it in 2005.

And it was all history from there, as he went on to defeat other famous fighters like Oscar dela Hoya, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Joshua Clottey, David Diaz, Miguel Cotto and recently, Antonio Margarito.

Pacquiao’s run netted him eight world titles in as many weight divisions, winning the WBC super welterweight crown, WBC flyweight title, International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight title, Linear featherweight title, WBC junior lightweight title, WBC lightweight title, International Boxing Organization (IBO) junior welterweight title and World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.

Pacquiao’s run also earned him

Alberto Braganza and bay service section head Jose Carandang to supervise the inventory and turnover of the bureau’s properties at the shuttered offices.

Braganza said most of the recalled employees have been reassigned to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other subports.

Meanwhile BI saved around 7,500 kilowatts of electricity last month as a result of management’s directive for all employees to vacate their offices before 6 p.m.

Ledesma said the savings in electric bills showed that his order to enforce a strict work schedule would go a long way in further improving the bureau’s efficiency and help in the country’s energy conservation program.

Aside from cutting costs, Ledesma said he issued the directive to stop the anomalous practice of some employees in the past of transacting business after office hours, which he described as very suspicious.

Ledesma said that based on the BI’s latest electric bill, some 7,500 KW of electricity worth P57,375 was saved compared to the bureau’s power bill when the new work schedule was not yet implemented.

In his directive last August, Ledesma enjoined all BI officials and employees in the main office to leave their work stations before 6 p.m.

Only employees assigned to the BI National Operations Center (BINOC) and the computer section which operate 24-hours a day, including weekends and holidays, are exempted from the order.

DOJ Media Bureau

millions of dollars in prize money, with his latest win over Margarito worth $15 million.

With Floyd Mayweather he could earn $40. Guarranteed.

Greatest southpaw Boxing analysts of Sports Illustrated (SI.com) is considering eightdivision world champion Manny Pacquiao's inclusion among the best southpaw (left handed) fighters of all time.

Chris Mannix, Richard O'Brien and Bryan Armen Graham had a round table discussion about the Pacquiao-Margarito fight and weighed the Filipino's place in the all-time greats of left handed boxers.

"There's some elite talent on that list -- Marvin Hagler, Pernell Whitaker, to name a couple -- but Pacquiao's speed and power coupled with his unprecedented rise through the weight classes gives him the edge on my card," said Mannix.

O'Brien said Pacquiao ranks close to the top because of his unusual fighting style that baffled most of his opponents.

Pacquiao president Newly minted World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight king Manny Pacquiao’s plan to run for president will have to wait until 2022.

At only 31 years of age, Dasmariñas City Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., chairman of the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, said Pacquiao is barred by the Constitution from running for president in 2016, when he will only be 37 on

election day of that year.

Under the 1987 Constitution, Barzaga pointed out that no person may be elected president unless he or she is at least 40 years of age on election day.

Pacquiao announced this possibility in an interview.

Pacquiao solidifies position in BOF AS the only boxer in history to win eight world titles in as many weight categories, it is safe to say that “Pambansang Kamao” Manny Pacquiao is a shoo-in for the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Although it will not happen in the next few years, many boxing experts are talking about Pacquiao joining the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and fellow Filipino Gabriel “Flash” Elorde in the IBHOF. Let’s take a look at Pacquiao’s case for the IBHOF. Titles in boxing *WBC Flyweight World Champion (112 lbs)

ing the termination of some 500 confidential agents as part of the fight against corruption, and the intensified campaign against human trafficking, illegal aliens and transnational crimes.

He mentioned the new S-Line queuing system in the immigration departure and arrival areas of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to prevent crime syndicates from colluding with rogue immigration officers, as well as the training of immigration personnel to instill a culture of professionalism and make them

more service-oriented.

Ledesma was appointed OIC by de Lima in late July. Since then, he has ordered an intensified campaign particularly against human trafficking, one of the top priorities of the Aquino administration.

The BI is one of the members of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) headed by Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, who is also the undersecretary in charge of the immigration bureau.

The Information Office

New A/D card system for int’l visitors mulled THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) is considering a new system to capture and store information from the arrival/departure cards being filled up by international travelers in the country’s ports of entry.

Immigration officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma said he instructed Jollybert Galleon, BI computer section chief, to undertake the study and submit his recommendation as soon as possible. Ledesma said the bureau needs to come up with a more economical and efficient mode of retrieving and encoding the data in the cards without entering into contracts with private companies that only tend to create controversies and problems for the bureau.

Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the cancellation of the BI’s contract with e.Xtend Inc., the company that produces the cards being distributed by the bureau to travelers who enter and leave the country.

The contract was ordered revoked due to the controversies generated by the picture of dermatologist Vicky Belo on the card in an advertisement for the services of the latter’s beauty clinic.

Earlier, President Aquino ordered the BI to remove his picture from *IBF Junior Featherweight World Champion (122 lbs) *The Ring Featherweight World Champion (126 lbs) *WBC Super Featherweight World Champion (130 lbs) *The Ring Junior Lightweight World Champion (130 lbs) *WBC Lightweight World Champion (135 lbs) *The Ring Junior Welterweight World Champion (140 lbs) *WBO Welterweight World Champion (147 lbs) *WBC Super Welterweight World Champion (154 lbs) *IBO Junior Welterweight World Champion (140 lbs) Lineal Championship Titles: *Lineal Flyweight World Champion (112 lbs) *Lineal Featherweight World Champion (126 lbs) *Lineal Super Featherweight World Champion (130 lbs) *Lineal Light Welterweight World Champion (140 lbs) Regional/International Titles: *OPBF Flyweight Champion (112 lbs) *WBC Super Bantamweight International Champion (122 lbs) *WBC Super Featherweight International Champion (130 lbs)

the card when he saw it during his recent trip to the United States.

Under its contract with the BI, e.Xtend, Inc. also provides the equipment that scans and retrieves information written in the cards.

Meanwhile, the agency will re-activate its mobile telephone jammers at the immigration zones of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as part of the government’s intensified campaign against human trafficking.

Ledesma said he directed the bureau’s property section to immediately seek the necessary permit from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to again operate the NAIA cellular phone jammers.

He said similar jammers will be installed in all immigration areas in the country’s international airports as soon as the bureau gets the budget to procure them.

“These cellphone jammers will definitely go a long way in bolstering our fight against human traffickers,” Ledesma said, adding that human trafficking syndicates use mobile phones in communicating with their cohorts and victims at the airport.

Pacquiao’s run netted him eight world titles in as many weight divisions, namely: 1. WBC super welterweight crown, 2. WBC flyweight title, 3. International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight title, 4. Linear featherweight title, 5. WBC junior lightweight title, 6. WBC lightweight title, 7. International Boxing Organization (IBO) junior welterweight title and 8. World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.

Fish spa could possibly heal autistic children ILOILO CITY — People with autism here may benefit from the calming effects of fish nibbling their toes in the Tibiao Fish Spa, the first mall-based fish spa at the SM City Iloilo.

Flord Nicson J. Calawag, general manager of Tibiao Fish Spa, said that there are psychology research which shows that simply looking

THE Philippine embassy in Singapore lauded the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) campaign against human trafficking that prevented the departure of thousands of undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the past weeks, many of them bound for the progressive city-state.

In a letter to Immigration OfficerIn-Charge Ronaldo Ledesma, embassy charge d’ affaires Nathaniel Imperial said the BI’s recent screening procedures for departing Filipinos led to a big drop in the number of human trafficking victims reaching Singapore.

Imperial said Singapore, being a Freeport, is a regular destination and transshipment point of Filipinos who are victims of illegal recruiters and prostitution rings preying on young women.

“The Embassy appreciates this effort of the Bureau in countering the trafficking problem in the Philippines, especially since Singapore is a destination country of many trafficking victims,” the official said.

Imperial said due to the BI’s intensified drive against human trafficking, the embassy now receives frequent queries from Filipinos in Singapore who wish to invite relatives and friends to visit them.

He asked the BI for specific guidelines as to when immigration officers at the airports may require affidavits and other proofs from traveling Filipinos who claim they were invited by relatives and friends abroad.

Lawyer Arvin Santos, BI airport operations division chief, said such affidavits must be authenticated by the Philippine embassy in Singapore, but stressed that such affidavit is not a guarantee that the invitee will be allowed to depart.

He said it is the discretion of the immigration officer to allow or disallow the departure of a passenger depending on the assessment during primary and secondary inspections.

Santos said there were past reports that affidavits were being forged by human trafficking syndicates to facilitate the departure of “tourist workers”, or would-be OFWs disguised as tourists.

Meanwhile, immigration officers at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Pampanga arrested two women on suspicions of being couriers for a human trafficking ring that deploys undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Malaysia.

Ledesma said the suspects were apprehended last Oct. 30 at the DMIA departure area while escorting six apparent victims, all of them women.

The alleged couriers were identified as Ernida Serrano, a resident of Quezon City, and Juliana Mercene of Tondo, Manila. They were turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation and were charged with violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act before the prosecutor’s office in Angeles City.

Ledesma said the suspects and their wards were about to board an Air Asia flight to Kuala Lumpur when they were offloaded.

Lawyer Carlos Capulong, DMIABI head supervisor, reported that the six would-be OFWs were the first to be barred from leaving after they presented fake company identification cards allegedly provided by Serrano.

1st-Apluma Public Serbilis

http://1st-apluma.yolasite.com

at fish can fight stress and fatigue.

We have clients who said that their worries ease when they are in the Fish Spa, he said.

Calawag emphasized the importance of relaxing through communing with nature and by having a good massage. It will also be their way to play and appreciate nature through the spa, and it would be good if we bring autistic kids to see the real effects.

Rex Delsar B. Dianala, the operations manager, said that the spa combines relaxation and health with the fish nibbling on a person’s layer of dead skin. It is designed to make every little child and family happy, he added.

Dianala also said that there are studies wherein interactions with animals can have therapeutic benefits on children with autism.

The research stressed that when autistic children play with animals, including fish, they become calm. It also helps reduce their depression and they develop self-confidence as they soothes patients with their quiet presence.

Although animal-assisted therapy is a controversial treatment, it is associated with a moderate improvement in the mood of autistic children, admitted the spa owners.

The Tibiao Fish Spa project started with the support of the University of the Philippines Marketing Society and their respective families. It is co-owned by Calawag and Dianala with Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols

Motoring Quorum

This achievement by our technicians is just the latest proof that Filipinos are indeed among the very best in the world -- Isuzu Philippines President Ryoji Yamazaki

10

December 1-15, 2010

Filipino Isuzu technicians among world’s best

A TEAM of technicians from Isuzu Alabang has proven once again that there is so much more to the Filipino world-class talent than just boxing and singing. The Philippine delegation finished an impressive fifth in a field of 18 teams in the 5th Isuzu World Technical Competition held on October 27 in Japan.

The Philippine team was made up of Arnold Victorio and Joffry Buniel, both two-year technicians at Isuzu Alabang. They were ably coached by Constancio Bias Jr., an assistant section manager in the service department of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC). The team bested representatives from Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

Only technicians from Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia fared better than the Philippine team.

Victorio and Buniel earned the right to represent the country after topping the last Isuzu Service Skills Olympics organized by IPC. The contest was a twoday event that featured written examination and practical application focusing on vehicle diagnostics and component inspection.

The Isuzu World Technical Competition is a contest designed for Isuzu’s most accomplished service technicians, testing both their techniques and knowledge. It aims to heighten the level of the Japanese carmaker’s service in every country

it is present in. The ultimate goal is to provide Isuzu customers around the world with the best possible after-sales service.

The contest was divided into two parts, the academic and the technical. This year, the technical part involved checking and repairing affected components of an N-Series truck, as well as engine repair and measurement. The academic part, meanwhile, highlighted such aspects as structure, function, actuation and handling.

In the academic competition, the technicians were given 60 minutes to complete the written exam, which included 25 problems. In the technical competition, the technicians were given a problem each for vehicle maintenance, engine repair, and engine measurement. They were given five minutes to strategize and 40 minutes to finish the challenges.

The Philippine team was accompanied to Japan by Rufino Luis Manotok, president of Isuzu Auto-

motive Dealership, Inc. (IADI) which owns and operates Isuzu Alabang dealership; Ryoji Yamazaki, president of IPC; Yuki Kato, execu-

The Philippine team included technicians Arnold Victorio and Joffry Buniel and coach Constancio Bias Jr. (middle).

The Philippine contingent was the fifth best in a field of 18 teams from as many countries. (Left photo below)

tive vice president of IPC; and Toshiyuki Watanabe, parts and service manager of IPC. “This achievement by our techni-

Technician Joffry Buniel works on a technical problem under the watchful eyes of an Isuzu judge. cians is just the latest proof “This success is a significant acthat Filipinos are indeed complishment not just by Isuzu Alamong the very best in the abang but by the entire dealership world,” said IPC President network of IPC,” IADI President Yamazaki. “Isuzu Philip- Manotok humbly pointed out. “We SAFE DRIVING TIPS: pines Corp. is extremely hope this will serve as inspiration to Never ever drive faster proud of this feat, and I am our fellow Isuzu dealers to always confident that this will fur- strive for excellence and to always than your angels could ther spur the men and women of Isu- put to good use the world-class talzu in the Philippines to do their best ents that they have been blessed fly!

-1st-APLUMA and give their all in the service of our with.”

Quorum Motoring valued customers.”

2010 Isuzu Challenge concludes with D-MAX leg ISUZU Philippines Corp. has officially wrapped up its 2010 Isuzu Challenge fuel-economy series with the successful staging of the third and final leg featuring the DMAX pickup. The first two legs had showcased the NHR truck and the Crosswind AUV, respectively. For the final leg, a unit of the

For the D-MAX leg of the Isuzu Challenge, Jennie Lyn Tiongson Villanueva (middle) of Santa Cruz, Manila, submitted first the exact total-mileage figure, thus winning for herself a tax-free, brandnew D-MAX. The turnover ceremony was held last November 8 at IPC headquarters in Biñan, Laguna with IPC president Ryoji Yamazaki (left) and EVP Yuki Kato awarding the unit to the winner.

D-MAX ran a total of 1,844 kilometers for a fuel-economy rating of 24.26 kilometers per liter. The vehicle took off from Matnog, Sorsogon, and passed through the provinces of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte before finally running out of fuel in Barangay San Isidro in Paniqui, Tarlac.

The Isuzu Challenge is part of the “Isuzu Diesel Mission,” a yearlong promotional campaign that aimed to demonstrate the fuel-efficiency and environment-friendliness of Isuzu vehicles. One of the main components of Isuzu Diesel Mission was the ‘Isuzu Farthest Mission,’ a series of events that included 4x4 driving clinics, mall tours, sales-and-service caravans, and the aforementioned Isuzu Challenge.

In each leg of the Isuzu Challenge, a specified Isuzu vehicle was driven using only a single tank of Caltex Diesel w/ Techron D. The public was then challenged to guess the total distance that each vehicle would travel.

The contestant who submitted the right answer (or at least the figure closest to the right answer) won an actual brand-new unit of the Isuzu vehicle featured in the leg.

For the D-MAX leg, Jennie Lyn Tiongson Villanueva of Santa Cruz, Manila, submitted first the exact total-mileage figure, thus winning for herself a tax-free, brand-new DMAX. The second exact guess was

SUZUKI SX4 CROSSOVER

An SUV with hatchback maneuverability

Suzuki SX4 Crossover The new Suzuki SX4 Crossover gives the feeling of heft and bulk of an SUV in a compact body of a hatchback. With high ground clearance, 16inch alloy wheels, and roof rails, it looks like a compact SUV more than a hatchback. With an aggressive design, most competitors look small next to the SX4 Crossover. Its headlights follow the curves of the car, giving it a fierce front fascia, with the honeycomb grille and the chrome Suzuki logo.

It also has black fenders, front and rear bumpers, giving it a more sporty feel, and ready for rough roads.

The SX4 Crossover can accommodate 253 liters of cargo with the rear seats up and up to 992 liters with the rear seats folded down, making it more versatile in cargo space than a sedan. The dashboard is clean, with all the important buttons in easy reach of the driver. The steering wheel also has audio controls for easy access to roadtrip tunes that’s played on an eight-speaker system.

The Suzuki SX4 Crossover has a new 1.6L M16A engine with VVT technology , providing 110hp and 150Nm of torque on tap. This is mated to a four-speed gate-type automatic transmission. It also has a new layout for the instrument cluster on the dashboard, with digital gauges that reads out fuel consumption in real time.

This SUV offers the best of both worlds, the aggressive look of a compact SUV, with the maneuverability, versatile interior and fuel economy of a hatchback. That’s perfect for today’s crowded streets and high priced gasoline.

submitted by Zaldy Titular Caiga of Ibaan, Batangas, who was rewarded with a Sony Bravia 40-inch LED HD TV. The third exact figure came courtesy of Ace Galindo Montecalvo of San Isidro, Northern Samar, who bagged for himself a Canon EOS 550D SLR camera.

“I am confident that after three legs of the Isuzu Challenge, we have been able to convince the commercial-vehicle market that Isuzu vehicles are truly fuel-efficient,” said IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki. “I believe we’ve also shown that our vehicles are very much compatible with Philippine roads. Their legendary durability is what makes them very popular, most especially among overseas Filipino workers, who value their hard-earned money down to the last peso.”

In the first leg of the Isuzu Challenge held in May, an NHR light-duty truck ran a total of 972.4 kilometers from Pagudpud to Naga City, and Amelita Sison Fernandez won a new NHR unit by submitting a close guess of 967.9 kilometers.

In the second leg held in July, a Crosswind XL unit traveled a total of 1,190 kilometers from Cauayan, Isabela, all the way to Quezon province in Southern Luzon. By some stroke of good fortune, Ryan Dexter Pinpin Dizon correctly guessed the exact mileage, and won for himself a

IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki (left) and EVP Yuki Kato (right) pose with the Isuzu Challenge D-MAX leg winner Jennie Lyn Tiongson Villanueva of Santa Cruz, Manila at IPC headquarters in Biñan, Laguna during the turnover ceremony last November 8.

brand-new Crosswind.

In addition to the mentioned prizes, all winners each received a nice-looking Freego polo shirt.

The main sponsors of the Isuzu Challenge were Caltex Diesel with Techron D and Freego Jeans. It was supported by JVC, AVT, Centro Manufacturing Corp., Home Depot, Smartlink, Matabungkay Beach Resort, Monde Nissin Corp., and Magnolia Fruit Drink Health Tea Beverages. The media partners were The Philippine Star, RMN (DZXL 558khz), DWIZ (882 khz), Jam (88.3), Wave

(89.1), Magic (89.9), Mellow Touch (94.7), Crossover (105.1), DWRJ (100.3), Home Radio (97.9), NU Rock (107), DWRT (99.5), and Max (103.5).

A big leap for Nissan Leaf: 99 miles per gallon! OMG! WASHINGTON -– The Nissan Leaf, an electric car aimed at attracting environmentally conscious motorists, will get the equivalent of 99 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, based on government testing.

Nissan Motor Corp. said Monday the Environmental Protection Agency’s fuel efficiency window sticker, which provides information about the car’s energy use, would estimate the electric car will achieve the equivalent of 106 mpg in city driving and 92 mpg on the highway.

EPA’s tests estimate the Leaf can travel 73 miles on a fully charged battery and will cost $561 a year in electricity. Nissan has said the Leaf can travel 100 miles on a full charge, based on tests used by California regulators.

Nissan and General Motors Co. are both releasing electric cars within weeks in the auto industry’s most prominent attempt at mass-producing vehicles that shift away from petroleum. The Leaf does not have a gas engine and must be recharged once its battery is depleted.

GM’s entry, the Chevrolet Volt, uses an electric battery for the first 25 to 50 miles and a small

Nissan’s new LEAF in history gasoline tank to create an additional charge for another 300 miles.

GM has not yet revealed the mileage rating for the Volt.

Mark Perry, Nissan North America’s director of product planning and strategy, said the vehicle’s range would vary based on driving conditions. Tests conducted by the Federal Trade Commission, which regulates advertising claims, had estimated a range of 96 to 110 miles per full charge and the company’s internal tests had found a broader range of 64 to 138 miles, Perry said. The

California Air Resources Board estimated a range of 100 miles.

“As we’ve said all along, your range varies on driving conditions, temperature, terrain and we’ve talked about, very openly, this idea of a range of ranges,” Perry said in an interview. The Leaf’s label will indicate the vehicle is the best in class in fuel efficiency and tailpipe emissions.

Nissan will start selling the Leaf in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Tennessee in December with a sticker price of $32,780. The Leaf will go on sale

Hyundai’s sales in SA surge 28.7 pct SEOUL — Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea’s largest automaker, said its sales in South American nations have surged nearly 29 percent this year, already surpassing the figure for all of 2009.

In the first 10 months of this year, the company sold 186,206 vehicles in the region, up 28.7 percent from the same period last year. The company sold 180,355 units in the entire year of 2009.

Sales in Argentina nearly doubled as they rose 91.9 percent from a year earlier while shipments in the Dominican Republic jumped 78.1 percent on-year and those in Puerto Rico 76 percent, according to company officials.

Hyundai’s market shares in six different countries, including Ecuador, Chile and Panama, have also exceeded 10 percent.

“Recording an over 10 percent market share in so many countries of South America where the company does not have a production facility means it is doing extremely well,” a company official said.

In Panama, Hyundai sold 6,181 vehicles in the January-October period, trailing Toyota with 7,052 units for the spot of the top-selling foreign brand there this year.

“If Hyundai does become the top-selling brand in Panama this year, it would have a significant meaning as it will be the first time for Hyundai to become the top seller in any South American nation,” the company official said.

Currently, South America accounts for only 6.2 percent of Hyundai’s global sales, but the company is planning to build a plant in Brazil, as early as from next month, as it believes the region will soon become one of the largest markets in the world.

in other markets through 2011 and be available nationwide by the end of next year.

The Volt will have a sticker price of $41,000 and GM will sell it first in California, then make it available in New York; New Jersey; Connecticut; Washington, D.C.; Michigan and Texas. The car will be sold nationwide in 12 to 18 months.

Both vehicles qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Some states and communities are offering additional tax breaks that will lower the price further.

GM spokesman Greg Martin said the automaker was working with EPA and expected to announce details of the Volt’s mileage estimates soon.

EPA calculated the Leaf’s fuel economy based on a formula that says 33.7 kilowatts per hour holds the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. The label estimates a charging time of 7 hours on a 240volt charge. Cost estimates were based on 15,000 miles per year at 12 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Motoring Quorum

11

Toyota is working on developing hybrid technology as the core technology of the future -- Toyota Motor Corp. Executive Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamada December 1-15, 2010

Toyota sales soar to new record high in Oct Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) sets the stage for the last quarter of 2010 after selling 5,352 units in October, cornering 37.4% market share.

This is the highest monthly sales record achieved by TMP not only for the year but also since the start of its operations way back in 1988.

Contributing to this milestone is the outstanding success of the Toyota Caravan held last October 3-6, 2010 at the Fort.

In the Passenger Car category, Toyota also reigned supreme after capturing 40.4% share with 2,050 units sold.

This is attributed to the strong sales performance of the Vios, Altis and Camry models, each grabbing the top spot in their respective segments.

Leading the PC line-up is the locally manufactured Vios having achieved 1,489 units sold with an astounding 53.2% share of the Subcompact segment. To date, the Vios remains as the country’s bestselling vehicle in the country.

Toyota also swept the Commercial Vehicle category after selling 3,302 units, garnering 35.7% share of Total CV market.

For the month of October, the Innova was the second bestselling vehicle in the market with total sales of 1,096 units.

Toyota continues to hit new mile

-stones for the year owing to the strong automotive market performance.

In October, Toyota registered the highest Passenger Car Sales since the financial crisis of 1997. Furthermore, it has already surpassed its 2009 sales level of 46,193 units registering the highest Toyota year-todate sales since the start of its operations.

Worldwide Prius sales top 2-million mark L3 and driving performance on a par with that offered by a vehicle with a 2.4-liter conventional engine. Reflecting its name derived from “to go before” in Latin, the Prius, with four selectable driving modes and available advanced features such as a solar powered ventilation system, represents a pioneering, innovative step forward.

Based on sales figures collected up to September 30, 2010, TMC believes that the Prius worldwide has contributed to a reduction in CO2 emissions4 by producing approximately 11 million tons5 less CO2 when compared with gasolinepowered vehicles in the same class and of similar size and driving performance.

As part of its high-priority environment-management policies, Toyota has made a concerted effort to promote and popularize hybrid technology, chiefly through the Prius.

Fastest way to own a Mitsubishi vehicle OWNING a Mitsubishi vehicle is fast and easy this Christmas season with Mitsubishi's Easy Own Plans Fastest Way to Drive promo. Mitsubishi's Easy Own Plans Fastest Way to Drive features affordable and flexible financing plans and guaranteed savings on the purchase of any Mitsubishi vehicle.

For instance, the Lancer 1.6 GLX can be availed for as low as P66,000 downpayment only. With this downpayment, buyer can extend payments up to 72 months and pay monthly installments of P12,598.

True enough this plan provides the best value for your money, as the Lancer GLX features a spirited 1.6 liter engine, 4-wheel disc brakes, driver SRS airbag, 15-inch wheels, single in-dash CD stereo, plus keyless and alarm system.

Accordingly, Adventure models such as the Adventure GLX diesel can be acquired for just P98,000 downpayment while paying only P14,804 monthly installments up to 72 months. Moreover, buyers of Adventure GLX and GLS Sport under the promo period will get an SM Christmas gift card worth P15,000 which can be used at any SM malls nationwide.

Moreover, for the Fuzion GLX sport wagon and Strada GLX 4x2 pickup models, downpayments are only as low as P88,000 and P118,000, respectively.

Mitsubishi's Easy Own Plans Fastest Way to Drive also features a

Wheels, Destinations & Traffic ISMAEL “EL” AMIGO

Suzuki APV Type II: Bring the family

Based on the results of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), total YTD sales reached 141, 218 units, with 33% year-on-year growth.

Toyota continues to lead the automotive arena with YTD sales of 46, 633 units at 33% market share.

CKD models Vios and Innova bested other vehicles as the consumer

choice after bagging the top 2 spots in the market.

In a statement, TMP Executive Vice President Yuji Goto expressed, “While we are absolutely pleased with every sales milestone achieved

by Toyota, we shall continue to pursue our top goal of providing quality, reliable and durable vehicles built with careful consideration of every customer’s needs.”

Fiat returns to US with low-priced 500

TOYOTA Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that worldwide cumulative sales of the Toyota “Prius”—the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle—have passed the 2-million mark, with approximately 2,012,000 units sold as of the end of September1.

Currently, Prius sales are robust in more than 70 countries and regions, particularly in Japan and North America.

The Prius was launched in Japan in 1997 and began selling in Europe, North America and other markets in 2000. The second generation was released in 2003 and the third generation in 2009.

The third-generation Prius employs the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with a motor speed reduction device. More than 90% of the THS II was redesigned for the third generation, which boasts a worldleading2 fuel efficiency of 38.0 km/

On Quorum’s Next Issue

combination of low downpayment and low monthly payment plan.

Under this financing plan, you only have to pay P100,000 downpayment on the Lancer EX GLX and will entail only P16,713 monthly payments for 72 months. Zero interest plans up to 24 months are also available for the Lancer EX. Cash buyers especially on the Montero Sport 4x4 GLS SE and Lancer EX will get huge savings by as much as P75,000 and P155,000 respectively. These savings can be applied to insurance and purchase of Mitsubishi genuine accessories of their choice.

And as a treat to customers this holiday season, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines will raffle-off three brand new Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS 3.2 SE with its Fastest Way to Win Raffle promo. Under this raffle promo, buyers of any Mitsubishi vehicle or Fuso trucks from October 15 to December 31st are entitled to corresponding raffle coupons. Customers get to double their chances of winning by receiving twice as much raffle coupons when they purchase from October 15 to November 15.

The monthly raffle dates for the three Montero Sport 4x4 SEs will be on November 8, December 8, 2010 and January 12, 2011 respectively.

The Mitsubishi Easy Own Plans Fastest Way to Drive and Fastest Way to Win raffle promo is available at all Mitsubishi dealers nationwide until December 31st, 2010.

Mitsubishi’s Monterosport

DETROIT – Italian automaker Fiat is returning to the U.S. market and taking aim at the Mini Cooper, saying Wednesday its peppy Fiat 500 subcompact will cost $15,500 — almost $5,000 less than the Mini _when it arrives here next month.

Fiat also named 130 U.S. dealers who will initially sell the car in 39 states. Fiat, which took over management of Chrysler Group last year, gave Chrysler dealers first dibs on the franchises but required them to set up separate sales and service areas for a more European boutique feel.

The 2012 Fiat 500, a three-door hatchback with rounded styling that evokes the original 500 from 1957, will be Fiat's first vehicle in the U.S. since it pulled out of the market in 1983 because of rust problems and other quality issues. The company unveiled the North American version of the 500 at the Los Angeles Auto Show Wednesday.

A convertible version of the 500 will come to the U.S. next year, with electric and high-performance versions the following year. A four-door version also is planned.

The 500 has been popular in Europe since it went on sale in 2007, and the North American version will have many of its characteristics, including a manual transmission option and a wide variety of colors and accessories for personalization. But it's also tailored for U.S. tastes, with

upgraded heating and cooling systems, a quieter interior, cushier seats and a bigger fuel tank.

The North American 500 also has Fiat's new, 1.4-liter, four-cylinder Multiair engine, which improves fuel economy and emissions by controlling air intake. Fuel economy hasn't been announced but is expected to be higher than 40 miles per gallon.

The 500 arrives at an uncertain time for small-car sales, which were rising in 2008 as gas prices jumped but have fallen this year as gas stabilized under $3. U.S. buyers have been flocking to crossovers and trucks this year.

But Fiat's U.S. chief Laura Soave said last week that the company predicts Americans will eventually downsize, especially as fuel economy rules tighten.

She also said one reason small-car sales have been weak in the U.S. is a lack of good choices. Until now, buyers who wanted a sporty Italian car had to pay $100,000 or more for a Ferrari or Maserati. One way Fiat was able to hold down the price of the 500 was the decision to build it at the Toluca, Mexico, factory where the Chrysler PT Cruiser was made until this year.

Fiat hopes to sell 50,000 Fiat 500s in the U.S. and Canada in 2011, or about the same as Mini sold in those markets last year. As more models are added, the company is targeting 100,000 sales by 2014.

THE holidays are closing in, and it will be a time of family reunions and out-of-town trips. Fitting the family of six into a small sedan is already a challenge, add that with the problem of trunk space for the luggage. With the Suzuki APV Type II, bringing the entire family won’t be a hassle.

Wherever your family decides to go, this versatile vehicle is the ideal wagon to bring.

With a large seating capacity for seven to eight people, a punchy 1.6L engine, and a spacious cabin, the Suzuki APV Type II will bring the family to a destination fast, and with great fuel economy.

Long drives are no problem, with its high ground clearance, wide windshield and ergonomic seats and steering position. Passengers will also be comfortable in reclining seats with passenger assist grip and armrests. The six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player will keep everyone entertained.

The vehicle also has halogen headlamps that provide excellent illumination at night, coupled with two foglamps for those pitch black roads. For the SGX variant, ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), seatbelts, and two airbags round up the safety features. With its compact exteriors, the Suzuki APV Type II is easy to park and maneuver in tight roads. The revamped front fascia of the APV Type II, gives it a more modern and sleek appearance.

Takeshi Uchiyamada, the executive vice president of Toyota, presenting the company’s plug-in version of its popular Prius hybrid.

Toyota to sell plug-in hybrid in US, Europe, Japan TOKYO — Toyota is planning to sell a plug-in hybrid car in the US, Japan and Europe in 2012, targeting sales of 50,000 vehicles a year at 3 million yen ($36,000) each without subsidies, as the automaker strengthens its green lineup to keep up with growing competition.

Toyota Motor Corp. Executive Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamada said Thursday that Toyota is also planning to sell an electric vehicle in 2012 and not just in the US as it had said before, but in Japan and Europe too. Sales in China are also being considered, he told reporters.

But he said electric vehicles will be mainly for short commutes for some time and gasoline-electric hybrids will remain the standard for green cars because drivers won't have to worry about running out of electricity on the road.

His comments show how Toyota is banking on hybrids, which switch between gasoline and electric engines, after the success of its Prius,

the world's top-selling hybrid car.

"Toyota is working on developing hybrid technology as the core technology of the future," he said at a Tokyo Toyota showroom.

Toyota is developing an electric sport-utility vehicle with US luxury electric car maker Tesla. A concept model which is being shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show and being planned for sale in the US in 2012, with a range of 100 miles on a single charge.

Also in the works is Toyota's own in-house electric vehicle, a smaller model, set to go on sale in Japan, the US and Europe in 2012.

Uchiyamada outlined Toyota's green strategy, stressing that concerns were growing about the environment and the world's oil supply.

He said Toyota was working on more futuristic technology as well. It will start selling a fuel cell hybrid vehicle, which runs on hydrogen, in about 2015 and is aiming for a price under 10 million yen ($122,000) or lower.

Two Millionth Mazda6 Comes off the Line MAZDA Motor Corporation has announced that the cumulative global production volume of the Mazda6, also known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan, reached two million units in August 2010. The Mazda6 reached this milestone eight years and

da6 is produced at Mazda's Hofu Plant No. 2 in Japan, at AutoAlliance International Inc. (AAI) in Michigan, USA, and at the FAW Car Co., Ltd. (FCC) facility in Changchun, Jilin province, China. The global production volume of the Mazda6 during the January-August 2010

six months since the first generation Mazda6 rolled off the line in February 2002 at Mazda's Hofu Plant No. 2 in Yamaguchi prefecture. The time with which the Mazda6 hit the 2 million mark is the second fastest– after the Mazda3 – among all nameplates.

The first generation Mazda6 was the leadoff model among the new generation of Mazda products launched in 2002 epitomizing the company's Zoom-Zoom brand message-- a mid-size car which combines sporty styling with exceptional driving performance. This driving experience offered by the first generation Mazda6 received high praise from many customers, and saw the vehicle winning over 130 global motoring prizes, including Japan's prestigious 2003 RJC Car of the Year award, in November 2002.

The Mazda6 was fully redesigned in 2007 in line with Mazda's "ZoomZoom evolution" concept by taking the strengths of the first generation model further with significantly improved environmental and safety performance. By February 2009, the new Mazda6 European specification model was awarded the five-star maximum rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). Currently, the Maz-

period was steady at approximately 164,000 units, almost a 50 percent increase over the same period of the previous year. This steady increase in volume also reflects the exceptional performance of the Mazda6 locally, with a 38 percent increase over last year’s performance.

In the Philippines, the Mazda6 was first launched in 2004, and have delighted close to 500 customers who appreciate the exhilaration of driving an executive sport sedan. The latest Mazda6 version was launched this year at the Manila International Motor Show in April. All Mazda6 in the Philippines are imported from Japan.

“The 2010 Mazda6 is the sportiest and most highly equipped Mazda6 we have ever brought into the Philippines, bringing together a package that includes Adaptive HID headlamps, LED tail lights, Smart Keyless Entry System with Start/Stop Button, 8-speaker BOSE audio system, sunroof, gorgeous 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Sport Appearance Exterior Package,” said Steven Tan, Vice-President for Sales and Marketing of Mazda Philippines. “Of course, the most compelling attribute of the Mazda6 is its Zoom-Zoom driving experience."

Laura J. Soave, head of the Fiat Brand for North America, stands next to a 2011 Fiat 500 in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

FUEL EFFICIENT, FUNCTIONAL

Honda Jazz gains media’s nod in Auto Focus Awards

THE Honda Jazz is the undisputed choice among the motoring media in the area of fuel efficiency and functionality for three years in a row.

During the 2010 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards night held at the Valle Verde Country Club, the Honda Jazz was recognized as the Most Fuel Efficient (under gasoline class) and Most Functional Cabin vehicle under the media’s choice category. The Auto Focus Media’s Choice category gives honor to automotive players with high quality products that provide best amenities, safety features

and ride comfort.

Revolutionizing the concept of small cars, the Honda Jazz has outdone competition in terms of interior space and functionality with its versatile ULTRA seats. Powered by the i-VTEC engine, the Jazz also delivers outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing power output.

Packed with numerous innovative technologies, it is no surprise that the Honda Jazz has gained worldwide popularity that reaches cumulative sales of over 3.5 million units since its debut in 2001.

In 10 years time, the Philippines will be the top flight destination for aviation in the world - Capt. Ben Hur Gomez (OMNI Aviation President & Chairman) December 1-15, 2010

Aviation Quorum Editor: El Amigo

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Unang Alyansang Pag-asa ng Lahi’t Uring Mamamahayag-Mangagawa

Sokor’s Jin Air starts flights at DMIA CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga-South Korea’s budget carrier Jin Air has started its regular flights at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), plying the Incheon-Clark-Incheon route five times weekly.

Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Victor Jose Luciano announced the entry of the newest airline at the

DMIA signals Jin Air’s full operations at the 2,367-hectare Clark Civil Aviation Complex in the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

“We welcome Jin Air’s regular flights at DMIA that would not only bring in more Korean tourists to Clark but also give the people of Northern Luzon the opportunity to visit the beautiful country of Korea,” he added.

Jin Air will operate five flights weekly at Clark utilizing the airlines’ 180-seater Boeing 737-800 aircraft for their Incheon-Clark-Incheon operations.

Jin Air is the sixth and latest addition to the international airlines operating at the DMIA and is the second South Korean commercial airline after Asiana Airlines that started operations in October 2003.

‘It’s up, up, and away for Clark’s OMNI Aviation Corp’ CLARK FREEPORT ZONE -– With its Subic and Clark Field branches all systems running and the backing of a modern fleet, it's all up, up and away for Omni Aviation Corporation, the country's No. 1 flying school.

Omni’s 16 Cessna 152s, five (5) Cessna 172s and one (1) twin engine Piper Seneca is up to the task of handling those who want to earn their wings.

And with two branches in Central Luzon, students can choose where they would want to earntheir flying spurs.

Recently, Omni Aviation opened its Subic branch to augment its Clark branch and is accordingly on verge of finalizing acquisition of a Britishowned aviation company in Clark.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Armand Arreza graced the ribbon-cutting ceremony assisted

by OMNI Aviation Corp. incorporators led by OMNI President and Chairman Captain Ben Hur Gomez.

"Our expansion here in Subic aims to accommodate more foreign and local students and to decongest our main branch at Clarkfield, Pampanga," said Capt. Gomez.

Omni has obtained a five-year renewable lease contract for its expansive Subic base which is strategically located just a stone’s throw away from the Subic International Airport.

A view from the top

As a show of force, a total of fifteen trainer planes were deployed from Clark during the soft opening but only (5) Cessna 152s, one (1) Cessna 172 and one (1) Piper Seneca twin-engine planes are to be commissioned in Subic for initial use of OMNI’s ever growing flight student enrollees.

Capt. Gomez added that Omni’s Subic branch will also serve as back-

up school for its Clarkfield students in case of bad weather and other unexpected events in Clark.

“When the weather is bad in Clark, Omni now have the option to transport flight students to nearby Subic which is less than an hour away from Clark via the breezy Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway,” Capt. Gomez explained.

Aside from regular aero or flight studies, Omni Aviation also offers taxi tours to the caldera lake of famous Mount Pinatubo, special flights to Boracay and elsewhere and rent-aplane service.

Capt. Gomez said Omni also intends to transfer its heavy maintenance to Subic because the hangar there is big enough along with its of-

Singapore Airlines to expand facility in Clark

ARTIST rendition of SIA’s facility THE engineering unit of Singapore Airlines is set to expand its aircraft maintenance facility at the Clark Civil Aviation Complex this month, giving a fresh vote of confidence for the country, in general, and for prospects of the former US base, in particular.

According to the Clark International Airport Corp., aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) firm SIA Engineering Co. (SIAEC) will invest close to P1 billion to put up a second hangar at the facility.

The expansion program will allow SIAEC to service the carrier’s newest Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft. It will also generate an estimated 300 new jobs, while more allied industries may emerge as a result of the investment in the 2,367-hectare Clark air hub.

CIAC president and CEO Victor Jose Luciano revealed that the construction of the second hangar will start sometime this month.

“SIAEC will be building a bigger hangar to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and 777,” he said.

In November 2008, SIAEC, together with joint venture partner Cebu Pacific Air, began construction of the first hangar for the Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft in Clark. This, in turn, paved the way for the further development of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).

The first hangar cost an estimated P800 million. It started operations in July 2009, providing maintenance service for the Airbus A320 aircraft of various foreign and local airlines.

“Starting this month, we will see the development of the second, much larger hangar in Clark,” Luciano said. “This will generate no less than 300 direct jobs and about 200 indirect jobs for our people in Central and Northern Luzon.”

The SIAEC facility is expected to start operations by the end of 2012.

Singapore-based SIAEC is an internationally renowned aircraft MRO company providing total maintenance solutions to wide-bodied aircraft in the service of more than 85 international airlines worldwide. It has 24 joint ventures and subsidiaries across nine countries that form the SIAEC Group.

Its services include airframe, component, engine, and aircraft conversions and modifications.

SIAEC also provides support services at the Changi International Airport in Singapore, as well as line maintenance support services in Australia, the United States, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Laguna Lake needs a more comprehensive development program — LLDA STA CRUZ, Laguna — Laguna Lake Development Authority general manager Rod Cabrera has assured small fishermen that LLDA will soon launch programs to improve their livelihood.

Cabrera, in a forum here, cited a successful program in Cambodia for lake fishermen that could be replicated in Laguna Lake, Asia’s second largest freshwater lake.

Responding to claims the Belgian firm that proposed to undertake the P18.7 billion Laguna Lake Rehabilitation Project was stunned upon learning that Malacanang had canceled the project, Cabrera said President Aquino was right when he said that the proposed Belgian-funded Laguna Lake Rehabilitation Project “in its present form” does not completely address the problems of the country’s biggest freshwater resource.

1st-Apluma will never, ever forget!

Dimitry Detilleux, North Asia manager of Baggerqwerken Decloedt En Zoon (BDZ), said he was stunned by the statement of presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda that President Aquino had canceled the project.

Detilleux, an environmental lawyer, said the briefing last Friday in Malacanang was not the proper venue to announce that a live contract is being rescinded unilaterally.

He said Lacierda’s statement that the project was cancelled and that President Aquino had not changed his mind about it came a day after he wooed foreign investors to plunk in money for his much-touted PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) program before hundreds of participants at a three-day conference on PPP held recently at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

According to Cabrera, improving the welfare of the lake’s marginalized fishermen is a priority of the Aquino administration and that he had ordered a thorough survey of the existing fishpen structures in the lake to ensure that they don’t go beyond the maximum 10 percent of its total

area allowed under LLDA’s ZOMAP. The lake has a total area of 94,900 hectares, and once this is determined, LLDA will start demolishing excess fishpens to allow more fishing activities for small fishermen in the open areas, and right now LLDA has started cleaning the lake up of abandoned aqua structures, he said, adding Lake fish production contributes some 40 percent of total fish supply for Metro Manila.

Cabrera said that while dredging the lake now is absolutely desirable given its shallow depth at an average of 2.5 meters from as deep as nine meters decades ago to increase its water-holding capacity and eventually improve lake water quality, the LLRP leaves much to be desired for it to be acceptable.

In truth and in fact, most of the dredging will just be done in the Napindan Channel, a flood control structure built in 1983 to mitigate flooding in Metro Manila, he said, while admitting that dredging this channel is likewise critical, it is more important to focus the resources first for Laguna Lake.

Cabrera clarified reports that the proposed inclusion of additional components like watershed rehabilitation, relocation of illegal settlements along the lakeshore and mapping the lake, among others, was just a part of the discussions on what the lake really badly needs at present.

The LLDA official emphasized that the President reiterated his concern for transparency on the Belgian contract in his first 100 days report to the nation “to ensure that the funds for the project will not be wasted.”

He added that given its huge project cost, concerned agencies must be afforded an opportunity to make sure that the project will really be more responsive to the requirements of curing the ills that beset the country’s biggest lake.

He said this is quite critical in allowing the lake to realize its multifaceted potentials in fisheries production, potable water supply, hydropower generation, irrigation, industrial cooling, eco-tourism, water transport and flood control.

Detilleux had stressed that the cancellation of the project caused a ruckus at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) since top officials of the department have been ordered by Malacanang to sit with Belgian diplomats to discuss the project.

“This meeting was supposed to be held in preparation for a meeting with President Aquino this week,” he said.

(From the Wires)

fice and shop space.

“We also intend to set up an engine overhaul shop for our own airplane engines and hopefully as our capability progresses we will entertain outside overhauling job orders”, Capt. Gomez added.

Capt. Gomez founded Omni Aviation in 1994, right after his retirement from Philippine Airlines (PAL).

He served with PAL for 38 years and capped his career as Vice President of Safety and Security.

He ended his career as a Captain of a Boeing 747 with more than 33,000 hours of flight experience without a single accident. His experience and reputation has made Omni Aviation what it is today- an honest company committed to customer service.

‘Open skies’ policy beginning of end of PAL’s existence?

THE "open skies" policy that will be implemented by the Aquino administration before the year ends could be the beginning of the end for the country's flag-carrier Philippine Airlines For years now, Asia's first airline is in the red aside from its woes that keeps on piling up after many of its cabin crew are about to go on strike.

With the impending strike and approval of “open skies” policy, PAL’s already dwindling financial status is expected to take a hard hit where recovery is an impossibility.

PAL’s dominance of the local airline industry will surely be affected as the open skies policy allows other airlines to service the routes being flown by PAL and other local carriers such as Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines.

Formerly one of the largest Asian airlines, PAL was severely affected by the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

In what was believed to be one of the Philippines' biggest corporate failures, PAL was forced to downsize its international operations by completely cutting operations to Europe and eventually Southwest Asia, cutting virtually all domestic services excluding routes operated from Manila, reducing the size of its fleet and terminating the jobs of thousands of employees.

The airline was placed under receivership in 1998, gradually restor-

ing operations to many of the destinations it formerly serviced.

PAL exited receivership in 2007 with ambitious plans to further its previously-serviced destinations, as well as diversify its fleet.

At this point, expansion would take a backseat for now as PAL is trying to prevent another financial disaster with the strike of its employees and the implementation of “open skies” policy.

President Aquino announced during the public-private-partnership summit that an executive order to effect an open skies regime will be in place before the year ends.

The government is hell-bent in liberalizing the aviation sector in the country as part of efforts to increase tourism arrivals.

“We welcome the President's vision to promote a competitive international aviation sector anchored on "a strong Philippine-based aviation industry", which we firmly believe is indispensable to the development of Philippine tourism, trade and economic progress," PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista said in a statement.

"As the national flag carrier, we at Philippine Airlines will continue to work in partnership with government to attract more foreign visitors from both existing and new markets overseas," he added.

Gov’t strengthens campaign vs VAW ONE in every five women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence since age 15.

According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), an attached agency of the Office of the President, violence against women (VAW) is a serious concern that should be eradicated in the Philippine society.

PCW added that it is quite alarming that almost one in every 10 women aged 15 to 49 experienced sexual violence, and many of them happened in their own homes.

“Emotional, structural, societal and cultural factors keep women in violent relationships –love and concern for children, lack of resources to escape, lack of education and awareness, and the notion that family preservation should be maintained at all costs,” PCW said in a statement.

The United Nations has earlier said that VAW remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations of our time where it affects women in every part of the world.

In 2009, the number of VAW cases reported to the Philippine National Police rose by 37.4 percent from the 2008 report.

The increase caused the trend to go upward after a six-year downward trend from 2001 to 2006.

However, PCW clarified that the trend is not conclusive of decreasing or increasing VAW incidence in the country because the data are based only from what was reported to the PNP.

Some gender advocates have claimed that many cases of VAW in the Philippines remained unreported due to several reasons.

PCW explained that domestic violence and intimate partner abuse destroy the very foundation on which people build their homes and relationship –love, respect and honor.

Based on Philippine statistics, physical injuries and/or wife battering remains to be the most prevalent case across the 12-year period from 1997 to 2009, accounting nearly half (45.5 percent) of all reported VAW cases nationwide.

PCW data also reveals that almost four out of 100 pregnant women experience physical violence (3.6 percent).

The agency explained that domestic violence and intimate partner abuse do not only happen to poor people. They also happen to women from middle and upper-class levels of society.

Domestic violence and intimate partner abuse are public crimes against persons. It cut across race, religion, age, class and sexuality. ”Domestic violence and intimate partner abuse are not just a private matter. They are concerns of the community because they have reached the point where they have become social and public health issues. They violate a person’s right to life, personal dignity and security,” PCW added.

To eradicate this problem in the society, the PCW annually leads the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW.