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‘GOOD SAMARITAN’ NG ‘GAPO

Bunga ng kanyang kababaang-loob at pagiging matulungin sa kapwa ay nangibabaw ang galing ng isang residente ng lungsod sa isa sa mga programa ng Abs-Cbn channel 2.

Sa programang ‘’Noypi-Ikaw ba Ito? ay nakita ang magandang-asal ni Alfredo Pielago, Jr., 37 taong gulang, residente ng Brgy. Gordon Heights na tumulong sa nagkunwaring may nakakahawang sakit sa balat na si Pinoy Big Brother winner Nene Tamayo.

Gamit ang hidden camera, prosthetics at saklay ay tinungo ng tinaguriang ‘’kasabwat’’ na si Nene ang lansangan upang makita ang level of social consciousness ng ‘Pinoy at kung hanggang sa ngayon ay taglay pa rin ng mga ito ang old Filipino traits na pagiging magalang, matulungin at maawain.

Sa dalawang (2) oras sa lansangan ng Quezon City ng ‘’kasabwat’’, dalawampu (20) ang dumaan sa kanyang harapan, apat (4) lamang ang tumulong sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay ng pamasahe samantalang ang iba naman ay nagbigay ng inumin.

Sa apat na ito, tanging si Alfredo Pielago, Jr. ang umalalay, nagpa-kain at bumili ng gamot sa ‘’kasabwat base sa kaniyang kahilingan. Sa huli ito ay ipina-alam na kay Pielago na dahil sa kanyang ipinakitang kagandahang-asal ay siyang napili bilang ‘’Good Samaritan’’ ng programa.

Sinuklian ng ‘’Noypi’’ ang positibong ipinakita ni Pielago sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay ng pang-kabuhayan showcase at ang pagbati ni City Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. na personal na tumungo sa tahanan ng Good Samaritan.

Upang maging inspirasyon sa marami, ay ipinakilala ni Mayor Gordon si Alfredo Pielago kasama ang kanyang pamilya sa mga opisyales at kawani ng City Hall nitong ika-27 ng Nobyembre 2006 sa Flag Raising Ceremony sa Rizal Triangle Covered Court.

‘’Muli na namang nangibabaw ang kabutihan ng Olongapeño sa katauhan ni Alfredo sana ay maging katulad niya tayo sa lahat ng pagkakataon,’’ pagmamalaki ni Mayor Gordon.

Bilang pagpapahalaga ay nag-abot rin ng cash incentive ang punonglungsod, ‘’Hindi matutumbasan ng halaga ang kabutihang-asal na ipinakita ni Alfredo ngunit makakatulong na rin ang halagang ito bilang pandagdag sa pangkabuhayan showcase na kanyang natanggap sa proramang ‘’Noypi,’’ dagdag pa ni Mayor Bong Gordon.

Si Pielago ay isang massage therapist na tumungo sa ka-Maynilaan dahil sa imbitasyon ng isang kliyente. Siya ay bibigyan rin ng trabaho ng punonglungsod sa pamamagitan ng Public Employment Services Office (PESO). ‘’Hindi ako nagdadalawang-isip na tumulong basta kaya ko. Magagawa rin ito ng marami sa atin,’’ wika ni Pielago.

Nasa larawan (mula sa kaliwa) sina Noypi-Ikaw Ba Ito? host Gabe Mercado, Mayor Bong Gordon, ang tinaguriang Good Samaritan ng programa na si Alfredo Pielago, Jr. kasama ang kanyang pamilya at ang pang-kabuhayan showcase bilang reward sa kanyang ipinakitang magandang-asal sa nangangailangan ng tulong.

Subic joins the 'super regions'

Subic, one of the country's premier destinations, is delineated in one of the "super regions" under the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway.

The others are North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Central Philippines, Mindanao and the Cyber Corridor.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in her 2006 State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA), said Metro Luzon super region, in particular, is envisioned as a globally competitive urban beltway covering most of Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces), Mindoro and Marinduque.

"It must be a globally competitive urban, industrial and services centers, because it produces more than half of the country's GDP (Gross Domestic Products)," the President said, referring to the industrial heartland stretching from Clark and Subic down to Metro Manila and Batangas.

To be world-class, the government must invest in five comprehensive strategies for global competitiveness, namely, make food plentiful and affordable to keep labor cost globally competitive; reduce the cost of electricity to make factories regionally competitive; modernize infrastructure at the least cost to efficiently transport goods and people; mobilize, upgrade and disseminate knowledge and technologies for productivity; and reduce red tape in all agencies to cut business costs.

An estimated P25-billion a year will finance the programs of each super region.

The President believes that grouping the country's 167 provinces into "super regions" will hasten the economic growth of communities within the growth centers.

Armand C. Arreza, Administrator and CEO of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) welcomed the inclusion of Subic as a vital component of the Metro Luzon development scheme.

"Subic Freeport is now having a very exciting tune with the plan of the administration to develop super regions in the country. We are sure that Subic will play a major role in the development of the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway," Arreza said.

The Subic-Clark corridor is on its way to a competitive international logistics center.

To bring the beltway to the west, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway would be connected through Nueva Ecija and the Marikina-Infanta Road to the port of Real in Quezon province.

Also on the drawing board for the beltway are the continuous highway from Clark (Pampanga) to Metro Manila to Batangas Port and the connection of the North Expressway to C-5 (Circumferential Road 5).

To be done is the construction and upgrading of links between the South rail to Lucena and on to Bicol, and the extension of the South Luzon Expressway (SLE) to Batangas.

The Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Bacoor, Cavite, which was put on hold, will be extended under the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway. (PNA)

New race track to rise in Clark

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga—A motoring company will build a P28-million race track at the Clark Special Economic Zone, the Clark Development Corp. announced over the weekend.

Clark Development Corp. president Levy Laus said he signed a memorandum of agreement with Kilton Motor Corp., headed by president Johnny Tan, which owns the racing circuits in Carmona, Cavite, and Rosario, Batangas.

Laus said Kilton plans to host various local and international motorsports events and draw thousands of tourists to the Clark racing circuit once the track is completed.

Tan said his firm will infuse more than P28 million for the development of a 10-hectare international race track which will be used for karting, drag and motorcycle races. The track, which will be called the Clark International Speedway, is expected to initially employ some 35 workers.

Tan said Kilton will ask the Commission Internationale de Karting under the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile to accredit the Clark race track, like the Carmona and Rosario circuits. Another FIA-standard race track will also be constructed near the Clark Picnic Ground.

KMC, established in 1986, is also engaged in selling and distribution of diesel, gasoline and electric-powered equipment in the Philippines. KMC has steadily developed various product lines for its growing clientele and customer needs.

Tan, a former professional race driver, said the race track is set to be completed in July and several local and international motorsports competitions will be immediately held to promote Clark as one of Asia’s top race tracks.

KMC is also among the firms that established motor race tracks at Boomland near the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City and Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The international race track project is in line with the CDC’s thrust of developing Clark into a viable sports-tourism destination.
By Rendy Isip - Manila Standard Today

Court verdict on 4 US marines out on Dec. 4

Pleading for more time, Makati trial judge Benjamin Pozon has reset for December 4 this afternoon's scheduled promulgation of judgment on four U.S. marines accused of raping a Filipino woman on Nov. 1 last year at the Subic Freeport.

The case against L/Cpls Daniel Smith, Keith Silkwood, Dominic Duplants and S/Sgt. Chad Carpentier went on trial from June 2 to October 5 this year before Pozon's Branch 139 of the Makati Regional Trial Court.

The 23-year old alleged victim, named "Nicole," charged the four of conspiring to rape her inside a moving van that was rushing to take the marines back to their embarked ship in Subic Bay before their midnight curfew.

Pozon himself had set November 27 deadline for the sentencing at the final hearing on the case in October 5.

But in a last-minute interim order issued last Friday, Pozon expressed he needed more time, that in order "to render a fair and just decision, the court is constrained, much to its regret, to reset the promulgation of judgment in this case on December 4 at 1 p.m."

The order noted the court's "limited time (just six weeks from October 5) for it to intelligently and judiciously consider the significant and material issues raised by the prosecution and the defense."

A total 23 witnesses were presented by the prosecution and six by the defense in near-daily afternoon hearings of the case.

Both the prosecution and defense did not oppose the Friday action of the court.

The four accused are in custody of the U.S. embassy in Manila, allowed in the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

They were participants in a two-week joint military exercises with Filipino counterparts which are under the umbrella of the VFA when the incident occurred.

The terms of the VFA allowed for Philippine custody of the accused had the proceedings not been completed within one year of the incident.

Pozon, however, had barely seven months to try the case because it dragged as it moved from the jurisdiction of Olongapo City, where it was alleged to have occurred, to supposedly neutral Makati City.

It is not clear yet what possible charges or sanctions the accused could face in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC).

If found innocent, Smith, who insisted he did not rape Nicole but had consensual sex with the woman, said he will go on leave from the military and join his family and friends in the United States. (PNA)

Coseteng wins title, driver of year award

SUBIC BAY — Reigning champ Jody Coseteng of San Mig Coffee gave the best performance of his racing career as he bagged another sweep that put an exclamation point to his impressive title-clinching feat yesterday in the finals of the 2006 San Mig Coffee-Petron Blaze Cup Philippine Touring Car Championships at the Subic International Raceway here.

Winning may seem nothing but ordinary for Coseteng, but there wasn’t any moment that he buckled down in both races as he captured his 10th straight Group 1 Super Saloon title and the coveted 2006 Driver of the Year.

Sharing the limelight with Coseteng was Uly Maninding of Explorer Motorsports who likewise displayed a smooth, near-perfect sweep to capture the Group 3 Production title of this event also supported by Powerade, Hero Energy Drink, Viva Mineral Water, Gold’s Gym, Ray Ban, Valvoline Oils Eagle One, Yehey.com, Nissan Motors Phils. and official media partner Studio 23.

"I wanted to end this season with a bang, that’s because it’s my 10th crown that completed my 10-year domination in the touring car scene," said Coseteng who also bared plans of taking a respite from the local motor sports scene.

"Nothing is definite yet. But I’ve been racing most of my life and next year, I’m planning to take a rest, spend more time with my family and do some reflections whether I’ll move on to another decade of racing or not," he added.

Coseteng was so dominating, the race was reduced to a battle for second place between Kookie Ramirez of Petron Ultron-SRA and Don Pastor of Bioactive Team TEC.

In the morning race, Pastor was running second in the first seven laps until he hit the tire barrier that momentarily washed off his focus on the race and paved the way for Ramirez to overtake and control his post all the way to the finish line.

Ramirez diced several times with Pastor in the final race but continued to preserve his hold of second place until a backmarker Judge Banny Vargas of MP Turbo blocked his path and gave Pastor the chance to pull ahead for the runner-up finish.

Louis Ramirez of Petron Ultron-SRA and Dominic Bon ended fourth and fifth respectively in both races.

Overall, Coseteng wrapped up the title with a total of 159 points, a 37-point lead over Kookie Ramirez who finished with 122 while Pastor settled for overall third place with 110.

The series is sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Petron, Valvoline, TNT, Yokohama, Rota, Rayban, Bendix, Starbright Bodykits, A1 Driving, BRC, SIR, Gadgets, KTC Tools, The Philippine Star, 97.9 Home Radio, 92.3 Joey FM, 99.5 RT, autoindustriya.com, Nissan Philippines and Motolite, the Official Battery.

Taiwan's Far Eastern To Launch Kaohsiung-Philippines Flights

Taiwan's Far Eastern Air Transport Ltd (FAT) is scheduled to launch passenger charter flight services between Kaohsiung and Subic Bay on a trial basis from Dec. 17, an official at the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei said Sunday.

In addition to offering regular flight services to businessmen and tourists from Taiwan, the inauguration of the route is expected to help boost the Philippines' tourist industry, the official said.

According to the official, Subic Bay boasts a wide variety of leisure and tourist spots in addition to a brisk economy and excellent infrastructure.

The official said Taipei and Manila signed an agreement last year to form an economic corridor between Kaohsiung and the Subic-Clark Special Economic Zones, adding that the move will help expand bilateral trade exchanges.

According to official statistics, investment by Taiwanese manufacturers accounts for 85 per cent of Subic Bay's total export value.
(CNA)

14 YEARS OF VOLUNTEERISM!

Muling ginunita ng Lungsod ng Olongapo at Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) ang isang espesyal na araw para sa mahigit walonglibong (8,000) Volunteers ng Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

Ang maramdaming Volunteers’ Day celebration na isinagawa nitong ika- 24 ng Nobyembre 2006 ay ang ikalabing-apat (14) na taong paggunita nang pagkakatatag sa Freeport Zone at pagkilala sa volunteers na pinahalagahan sa Olongapo City Ordinance No. 41 (series of 1995).

Ang Volunteers Day Parade na sinimulan sa Olongapo City Mall papasok sa Seafront sa Freeport ay pinangunahan nina City Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. at SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza kasama ang mga volunteers buhat sa lokal na pamahalaan, barangay, guro ng ibat-ibang mga paaralan, civic organizations at NGO’s.

Nagmartsa ang buong delegasyon bitbit ang malaking bandila ng bansa kasunod ang watawat ng SBMA bilang front liner ng paradang nilahukan ng mahigit limanglibong (5,000) volunteers at supporters na sama-samang tumungo sa Bldg. 229 kung saan nagsagawa ng programa.

Pinangunahan nina Senator Richard Gordon, Mayor Bong Gordon, SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, at Freeport Service Corporation (FSC) President Renato Calimlim kaagapay ang mga volunteers sa madamdaming re-enactment ng makasaysayang flag-raising at pag-awit ng Lupang Hinirang bilang pag-alaala sa mga kaganapan noong Nobyembre 24, 1992.

Ang makasaysayan at di-malilimutang taon para sa mga volunteers kung saan naganap ang paglisan ng huling barko ng mga Amerikano sa Freeport at ang araw na naging hudyat sa pagyabog ng Volunteerism Spirit sa lungsod.

Sa mensahe ni Mayor Bong Gordon ay kanyang inilahad ang territorial background ng Olongapo at Freeport na nag-iwan ng inspirasyon sa mga volunteers na karamihan ay residente ng lungsod. ‘’Magtulungan tayong lahat at higit na palakasin ang damdamin ng voluntarism.’’

‘’Ang Freeport ngayon ay produkto ng sakripisyo ng maraming volunteers,’’ bahagi ng mensahe ni SBMA Admin. Arreza samantalang ‘’Ang mga Volunteers ang Architects of Subic Freeport kaya panatilihin natin ang intensidad ng volunteerism sa bawat isa sa atin,’’ wika naman ni Sen. Gordon na sya ring kauna-unahang chairman at administrador ng Freeport.

Matapos ang programa ay sabay-sabay na nagmartsang muli ang lahat patungong Volunteers’ Shrine, ang simbolikong lugar kung saan nakaukit sa granite wall ang mga pangalan ng bawat isang volunteer na nagkaroon ng ambag na tinagurian ring mga Bayani ng Freeport

Subic regains lost glory, thanks to Asian investors

(First of 2 parts)

SUBIC Bay Freeport—Once envisioned as the new Hong Kong, this former American naval base hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Summit in 1996, making it a banner year for the Freeport and the whole Philippines as well.

This free port, however, lost its luster in the next decade as the government restricted duty-free privileges and zero-tariff importation of vehicles. Then came the news in 2005 that American logistics firm FedEx, the largest foreign operator in the free port, would shift its Asian hub from Subic Bay to China.

This leaves electronics manufacturer Winstron Infocomm (formerly Acer) the largest investor in Subic. This single Taiwanese company accounts for more than half of the freeport’s total exports annually.

So when the new leaders of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority took over in September 2005, with the sudden resignation of chairman Francisco Licuanan, the mood was not exactly upbeat.

Things would miraculously change though, thanks to the tide of giant East Asian investments. When SBMA celebrated its 14th anniversary on Nov. 24, SBMA chairman Feliciano Salonga called 2006 as the banner year for the free port, and for an excellent reason.

As of October 2006, SBMA attracted $1.6 billion in foreign direct investments, representing about 80 percent of total FDI commitments in the country this year. This was nearly 100 times more than the $16 million worth of FDIs committed to Subic in the whole of 2005.

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said new investments include the $1-billion shipyard being built by Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction, the $312-million investment by Chinese glass manufacturer Hebei Xintai Jingniu, and the $300-million investment by Taiwan Cogeneration Corp., a subsidiary of Taiwan Power Corp.
By Roderick T. dela Cruz - Manila Standard Today

I leave everything to God, says ‘Nicole’

By Julie Alipala - Inquirer
A LITTLE OVER a week before the judgment comes, Nicole says she has come to terms with herself and she is putting all in God’s hands.

“I leave everything to God. Whatever the outcome is, our Lord has His own purpose. He knows why and He has reasons why I am in this situation,” Nicole (not her real name) said yesterday as she awaited the outcome of the rape case she had filed against four US Marines.

For the United States, one legal case won’t shake the ties between two close allies, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney said.

“We have to keep moving forward together regardless of the outcome of the legal case,” Kenney told the Inquirer in Zamboanga City.

The Makati City judge handling the case, Benjamin Pozon, has said he would hand down his decision on Dec. 4.

Search for justice

“I didn’t ask for it,” Nicole said. “It was part of God’s plan and He has reasons why these things happened to me.”

Nicole, who comes from Zamboanga City, spoke to this Zamboanga-based reporter by phone. She said she had just received communion and that she was spending her time in La Union province with some close friends and supporters.

She also said she was “already at peace” with herself.

“But still I am seeking justice. Everything that I am doing here is all for justice, not for myself or for my family but for every Filipino,” she said.

A journey of discovery

Nicole said she was ready to accept the verdict.

She said learning to trust God in everything had made her stronger.

“At first, yes, it was so painful, embarrassing, so traumatic, but now I came to realize that it has a purpose, and I am on a journey discovering what this purpose is God has set for me,” she said.

Nicole’s mother, who was with her, said Nicole had become more religious after the incident.

Alliance untarnished

“Her deep spirituality turned her into a stronger young woman. Her experience made her a strong person,” the mother said.

The mother likened their pursuit of justice to fighting a giant.

“We are fighting a Goliath here. Our enemy is very powerful, very strong and the only thing we can do is to pray because we know that God is the truth. We all put our trust to our Lord,” she said.

Interviewed on Thursday when she visited Zamboanga City, Kenney said the outcome of the controversial case should not tarnish the relationship between her country and the Philippines.

An emotional case

Kenney said that the case presented a difficult situation because it was “absolutely emotional for everyone involved.”

“We have been able to handle this case. As a legal case, it doesn’t have any effect on anything else,” she said.

Kenney, who has been regularly visiting Zamboanga, Nicole’s birthplace, said that despite the controversy, the relationship between the United States and the Philippines remained firm.

“It is becoming stronger and one legal case doesn’t change that (relationship),” she said.

A year ago

On trial for rape are Lance Corporals Daniel Smith, Keith Silkwood and Dominic Duplantis, and their superior officer Staff Sgt. Chad Carpentier.

Nicole accused Smith of raping her on board a van at the Subic Bay Freeport before midnight on Nov. 1, 2005, while his three comrades allegedly cheered him on.

Smith denied forcing himself on Nicole, then 22, and told the court that he and the complainant had consensual sex.

The prosecution presented witnesses to support its case that Nicole was too drunk to have consented to sex that night.

Clark builds memorial for American war hero

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga — Officials have laid the groundwork for a memorial for the US military’s first hero in the second world war here. The memorial will be located past two Japanese war shrines.

The life size statue of US Air force Capt. Colin Kelly Jr. was installed this week on the grounds of a former theatre and cafeteria complex in the former US military that was named after him.

US military retirees from the Veterans of War office, officials from the 600th air base wing of the Philippine Air Force and the neighboring Municipality of Mabalacat, which initiated the memorial project, led the groundbreaking ceremonies.

US military history records Kelly as "America’s first hero of World War II." Soon after the Japanese imperial forces attacked Pearl Harbor and bombed Clark, Kelly, flying on his B-17 aircraft, bombed the Japanese battleship Ashigara off the coast of Aparri on Dec. 10, 1941.

Kelly had radioed Clark for permission to attack a Japanese landing force, which was supported by several destroyers and a large cruiser, which was bombarding the coast of Aparri from several miles offshore. Eventually, Kelly told the crew to go ahead with the attack.

Guy Hilbero, Mabalacat tourism officer who was one among those who initiated the memorial project, said that on his way back to Clark which was already heavily destroyed by the Japanese, Kelly was pursued by Japanese fighter aircraft, setting his bomber on fire.

Hilbero said Kelly asked members of his crew to bail out, although one of his gunners was already fatally hit. His bomber crashed in Barangay Mabiga in Mabalacat on the same day.

Details of Kelly’s heroism was later recounted by Robert Altman, one of the members of his crew whom Kelly had asked to bail out, who testified that Kelly gave up his life to save his crew. Altman was captured by the Japanese after he landed with his parachute at Clark and was held prisoner of war in Japan for 40 months.

US President Franklin Roosevelt posthumously conferred the Distinguished Service Cross upon Kelly for his sacrifice. Kelly, a 1937 graduate of the US Military Academy and a former B-17 instructor, was one of the most experienced and respected pilots of the 19th Bomb Group of the US Air Force. By Ding Cervantes - The Philippine Star

Job prospects in Subic, Clark for ex-OFWs from Taiwan

AFTER a worrisome slowdown in the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to Taiwan due to falsified travel and work documents, Labor Secretary Arturo Brion said plans are underway to establish a pool of displaced OFWs from Taiwan for possible local jobs in Taiwan companies to be put up in Subic and Clark economic zones.

Faked papers abound among OFWs who have exhausted their six-year maximum period of stay in Taiwan and who cannot go back in accordance with Taiwan labor policy.

Brion said this plan was discussed with Taiwanese businessmen during his recent trip to Taipei. He said he welcomes the idea as it underscores the reputation of OFWs as highly dependable and proficient workers.

“Our workers’ exemplary attitude and dedication to their craft has become our global trademark. It has not only propelled us to be one of the most preferred workers overseas but more significantly, it has enticed multinational companies to put up businesses here,” he stressed.

“It demonstrates too the ‘brain gain’ that we derive from overseas employment as these workers will use the experience they secured from working in Taiwan,” he added.

Brion said the department and its attached agencies and bureaus are expected to set up a system for the registration of former Taiwan OFWs within the first quarter of 2007. He said this database may be used by Taiwanese firms in facilitating the hiring of their employees.

Labor statistics show that OFWs in Taiwan easily outnumber other foreign workers in the manufacturing sector, which includes industries such as telecommunications, electronics, audio-visual products, electronic spare parts and peripherals, and electrical manufacturing.

Veronica Uy - INQ7.net

Korean developer to build new hotel in Subic

Subic Bay Freeport Zone -- The upsurge of Korean tour junkets to the Philippines has prompted Korean firm MGfnd Subic Inc. to embark on the construction of a P495 million condominium type hotel, dubbed as MG Dream Village to be situated at 2.5 hectare lot along premiter road inside the Subic Bay Industrial Park.

The village will comprise of 150 room hotel along with amenities like that of health and wellness spa, a golf driving range, a 25-meter swimming pool, gift shops, medical clinics, and a fusion restaurant-bar. It will be operational by November of 2007.

Chang Young Ryu, chairman of MGfnd Inc., said that this venture will cater to the growing Korean tour junkets visiting the Philippines particularly Subic Bay Freepost, as well as tour groups from the United States of America, Japan and other foreign countries. (By Recto Mangosing Adamos - PIA Zambales)

P442-M outlay for Bataan ecozone okayed

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – Rep. Albert S. Garcia of the second district of Bataan announced yesterday the approval of a P442-million capital outlay for the upgrading of the infrastructure facilities of the country’s first export processing zone located in the historic town of Mariveles, this province.

Garcia said during an open forum with local mediamen on the occasion of the formal signing of notice to proceed for projects worth P13 million in the City of Balanga, Bagac, Mariveles, Pilar, Orion, and Limay towns that the amount would be used for the construction of warehouses, factory buildings, road network, sewerage and other improvements to make Bataan Economic Zone (BEZ) more competitive with other industrial zones in the country.

The young solon, deputy majority floor leader and regional chairman of KAMPI in Central Luzon, told The STAR that the director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) had notified him that the P153.65-million development project for the last quarter of the year is now open for bidding while the sum of P288.2 million for the expansion of road network and rehabilitation of standard factory buildings has been allocated under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) budget for year 2007.

Of the four listed ecozones in the country – Bataan, Mactan, Baguio and Cavite – the province has the bigger allocation for capital outlay in line with PEZA management’s continuous effort to really upgrade BEZ to make it at par with others, PEZA Director General Lilia De Lima said.

While other ecozones in southern Luzon have achieved fantastic improvement in terms of business export volumes and employment, the pioneer export processing zone performance decline for lack of sufficient infrastructure facilities and other amenities to attract locators despite the provincial government strong campaign, Garcia said.

A team of economic and health experts from the Office of Rep. Garcia and Department of Health (DOH) is studying the potential of the huge Bataan Economic Zone (BEZ) complex as future of medical and retirement tourism site because of its historical significance, scenery and availability of manpower resources to manage such dollar-earning industry.

Garcia added that the construction of world-class hospital and retirement village at the BEZ would also benefit thousands of workers and residents in Mariveles and neighboring town of Limay, Orion and Pilar.
By Raffy C. Viray - The Philippine Star

Gordon leads reunion of Subic volunteers

By Bebot Sison Jr. - The Philippine Star

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Sen. Richard Gordon expressed confidence yesterday that officials and employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) would continue the spirit of volunteerism that has moved Subic to greater heights after the US military pulled out 14 years ago.

Reuniting with thousands of volunteers in commemorating Volunteers Day here, Gordon led the unfurling of the Philippine flag — and the first SBMA flag — in yesterday’s ceremonies.

"Today is a very important day for us and I have come here to show my trust and confidence in the present leaders of Subic," said Gordon, who served as the first SBMA chairman from 1992 to 1998.

"I know they would continue the good deeds we have started and I am very happy," he added.

Gordon reminded SBMA officials of the need to make the Subic Bay Freeport more competitive as an investment and industrial center.

He recalled that the Singaporean trade minister told him that they are taking a keen interest in developments in Subic Bay because it is the only place in the Philippines that could compete with Singapore.

"We need to push our country forward," Gordon said. "With the help of Administrator Armand Arreza, Chairman Feliciano Salonga and the employees of SBMA, with the spirit of volunteerism, we could regain the glory of what was Subic."

For his part, Salonga thanked Gordon and the volunteers "who have established the bedrock of unselfish and courageous labor" in Subic.

"I can see in your faces the exultation as we collectively renew our commitment to make the Subic Bay Freeport Asia’s best in service and logistics, and industry and tourism," he said.

"The volunteers’ dreams still live on in the heart of the present-day workers of SBMA, inspiring them as deeply as the time when the battle cry to protect and preserve to prosper was first sounded," he added.

As part of its 14th anniversary celebration, the SBMA has lined up a wide array of events that kicked off yesterday.

Aside from the grand reunion of former volunteers, there were parades and an evening concert featuring some of the country’s top bands, said Arreza, who also served as an SBMA volunteer during the Gordon administration.

Arreza said, "There is a lot to be thankful for in this year’s anniversary celebration." He cited over $1.3 billion in fresh capital from foreign direct investments which the Subic Bay Freeport had generated from January to September this year.

"It’s a banner year for the SBMA. We have accounted for 81 percent of the total investments generated in the whole country and with the good flow of business we are expecting to generate $1.8 billion by the end of the year," he said.

"In a year of my stay here in Subic, I am happy to note that the Freeport is starting to regain its strength and investors are beginning to trust us again, like what the Koreans and Chinese did," he added.

After a brief program and speeches from former SBMA officials yesterday, Gordon and the former volunteers visited the Volunteers Shrine to offer prayers of commitment, flowers and koi fish, after which they proceeded to Tappan Park to unveil a commemorative marker.

A grand parade around the Freeport Zone and Olongapo City was also held starting at 3 p.m. to signal SBMA’s 14th anniversary celebration.

Biggest tourism event in 2006 begins

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- SM City Clark will host starting Friday until Sunday the biggest tourism event of the year --- the first ever North Philippines International Tourism Fair.

Led by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the event would showcase the wide array of attractive destinations and tourism services of the four regions in the northern part of the country, namely, Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.

DOT Regional Director Ronaldo Tiotuico said the department has forged an agreement with the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies Phils., Inc. (Naitas) led by its president Angel Bognot for them to handle the preparations and management of the three-day event.

The same organization is fully supported by tourism department, the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the City Government of Angeles, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The North Philippines ITF is a new marketing strategy in tourism and travel that combines the strengths and potentials of contiguous regions of Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon for the purpose of setting the pace of the north's tourism development.

It is meant to showcase in one single activity all that each of these regions have to offer while at the same time providing an opportunity for a business exchange meeting between destination buyers and sellers. The same event gives visitors a chance to discover the four regions through eye-catching visual aids, colorful cultural events and interactive exhibitions.

The event consists of a travel mart where all four regions exhibit their favorite destinations in vivid multimedia platforms, a travel market exchange or Tramex where actual buying and selling of tour packages will take place, a regional trade fair where local products that are indigenous to the provinces are made available, street dancing performances from selected provinces on a daily basis, interactive marketing using state-of-the art technology, workshops and lecture on best tourism practices, sale of tour packages, fashion and entertainment and many more. The colorful presentations are expected to attract more than 150,000 visitors.

The travel fair is open to major players and stakeholders in the travel industry including travel agencies, tour operators, hotels and resorts, airlines, tourist transport operators, national and local governments, spa and wellness centers, retirement villages, time-share properties, travel guides and magazines.

The event is held in cooperation with the Philippine Travel Mart Foundation; Central Luzon Tourism Council, Inc.; Provincial Governments of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Aurora; Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC); Greater Clark Visitors Bureau (GCVB); Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Pampanga (Harp); Association of Travel Agencies of Pampanga (Atap); Manila Japan Travel Agents & Hoteliers Association (Mjtaha); Skal International Makati; Spa Association of the Philippines (SAP); and Rotary Club of Manila.

For further details, please contact the Naitas at tel. nos. (632) 524-4768 / 253-8375 email: naitas@skyinet.net Website: www.naitas.org.ph or visit the DOT regional office 3, Paskuhan Village, City of San Fernando, Pampanga at tel. nos. (6345) 961-2665 / 2612 or email: dot3@wowluzoncentral.com Website: www.visitmyphilippines.com. (ABL)

PHILIPPINES TO FINISH SUBIC-CLARK-TARLAC HIGHWAY IN NEXT 12 MTHS

Asia Pulse - The construction of the 94 kilometre Subic-Clark-Tarlac Highway in Central Luzon will be completed within the next 12 months, it was disclosed today.

Sec. Eduardo Pamintuan, chair of the Subic Clark Alliance for Development Council, made this forecast, saying that the P21 billion project (US$422 million) will put in place all enabling components of the so-called logistics hub.

"We expect to inaugurate the project by December 2007," Pamintuan said.

He stressed that Subic and Clark field, both former US military bases, have high-quality infrastructure and can offer opportunity to logistical synergy.

As designed, the expressway shall link a deep water port in Subic, with Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, one of the Philippines' finest airports, which is located at Clark field.

The project has two phases: Package 1 is the stretch of highway from Subic to Clark via Dinalupihan, Bataan; Lubao, Floridablanca, Porac and Angeles City in Pampanga, while Package 2 would link Subic to Tarlac City by way of Mabalacat, Pampanga; and Bamban and Concepcion towns in Tarlac.

Pamintuan said construction of Package 1, which was started on April 21, 2005, will be completed by August 2007 while Package 2 will be completed 3 months later.

He added that in spite of the frequent stormy weather, the road projects are progressing at a fast pace, due to the cooperation being shown by local officials and the residents along the road-right-of-way.

As this develop, the emergence of small businesses have been noticed along the lines of construction, indicating that the victims of Mt. Pinatubo have recovered from the adverse effects of the eruption.

"These projects are seen to create a new corridor, which could become a modern and efficient marketing venue for our products. In time, we will have the best logistics hub in the country, where intermodal means of doing commerce come together in our quest for progress," Pamintuan said.

"Once the new facilties are completed, we can start expecting to attract massive investments in all areas of commerce. This will include new investments in the manufacturing, exploration and services sectors. The emergence of new industries and their downstream components could, then, generate massive employment and other opportunities in the area. And these new facilities shall be at par with other logistics hub[s] in the world," he added.
(PNA)

Palace exec sees success of 'super regions'

THE government is more aggressive in the promotion of the super regions because of the country's improving economy and the rising confidence of investors, said Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo.

Speaking before City Hall employees, line agencies and barangay officials, Saludo said subdividing the country into economic regions instead of territorial divisions could help lead the country as an economic tiger in Asia -- the first for a democratic country like the Philippines.

"We will take off from where former President Fidel Ramos started," said Saludo, recalling that if not for the Asian economic crisis, the country would have been one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia.

The super regions economic program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo aims to gain a stable, responsive, and fiscally sound government by having a competitive economy driven by empowered, educated and productive people.

Among the strategies to achieve the plan is to make the cost of goods reasonably priced and competitive at the same time, reduce the cost of electricity, modernize existing infrastructure, upgrade existing technology and reduce red tape in all government agencies to reduce transaction costs.

Saludo said the economy has to grow by at least eight percent every year and the country's capital stocks have to increase by 10 percent from the current three percent.

At present, the country's financial standing, infrastructure, education, corruption and instability remain as obstacles to good investment as shown in the competitiveness ranking among 61 countries.

Instead of the three major regions, the four super regions include the North Luzon super region, Luzon urban beltway, Central Philippines super region and the Mindanao super region.

Investments in the North Luzon super region include the P6-billion Agno and Banaoang projects, P2.4 billion per year allocation for farm-to-market roads, P2.4 billion per year allocation for irrigation, development of the 30 megawatt and 46 megawatt wind power projects in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, construction of airports in Lallo, Poro, and Itbayat in Cagayan and construction of a seaport in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Investments in the Luzon urban beltway include the development of the Subic-Clark expressway and container port, Ro-ro port linking Quezon to Marinduque, a north rail to Clark and a 300-million liters per day water supply project for the National Capital Region (NCR).

For the Central Philippines super region is the construction of a south rail to Bicol, upgrading of 14 airports in Palawan, Visayas and Bicol, construction of a Cebu convention center and the development of geothermal plants in Negros.

For Mindanao, dam projects, P2.4 billion per year allocation for irrigation projects, P2.4 billion per year allocation for farm-to-market roads, road improvements, upgrading of airports and building of a nautical highway. (RO - SUNEX)

Subic rape case judge postpones promulgation

A MAKATI City court on Friday rescheduled the promulgation on the controversial rape case filed by a 23-year-old Filipino woman against four US servicemen from November 27 to December 4, citing "time constraints".

In an order, Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 139 Judge Benjamin Pozon said he needed more time to study the voluminous records of the landmark case before coming up with a decision.

"Considering the voluminous records of the case, the number of witnesses and the length of their respective testimonies and the unusual number of documentary, not to mention the object evidences presented by the parties that need to be pored over by the court and the limited time for it to intelligently and judiciously consider the significant and material issues raised by the prosecution and the defense and to render a fair and just decision, the court is constrained much to reset the promulgation of judgment in this case on December 4 at 1 p.m.," Pozon said of his decision to postpone the promulgation.

Sun.Star Network Exchange (Sunnex) had reported last November that Pozon might not be able to issue a ruling on Monday because of lack of time to finishing studying the papers of the case.

During the last hearing of the landmark case last September 28, the court set November 27 as its "self-imposed" date to come up with a ruling.

Pozon earlier manifested his desire to issue a ruling on the case before the one-year deadline sets in as provided in the 1998 RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that governs the conduct of US military personnel when conducting joint military exercises in the country. The treaty prescribed limited immunity for US military personnel while on official duty during exercises.

The complainant, given the pseudonym Nicole to hide her identity, said though her legal counsel that they have no problem with the postponement. "We understand the reason behind the postponement. We acknowledge that the court needs more time to study the records of the case," said Attorney Evalyn Ursua.

She added that they were even surprised that the court has come up with the November 27 date for the ruling considering the voluminous records and the testimonies of the witnesses during the four-month long trial, which started last June 2.

The legal team of the accused said they have no quarrel with the rescheduling adding that it is normal for the court to postpone the promulgation of a case if it deems it needs more time.

"It is the discretion of the court and we understand that. Maybe they need more time to study the case," said Attorney Ricardo Diaz, one of the counsels of accused Lance Corporal Daniel Smith.

The prosecution presented 23 witnesses, including the complainant and her step-sister, while all the accused took the witness stand along with a forensic gynecologist who testified for them as an expert witness and a US Marine, formerly a friend of Nicole, who later testified with the defense.

The trial was marred by several incidents such as when Nicole hit Smith with her bag claiming he tried to trip her while entering the courtroom and her subsequent walkout when the accused took the witness stand.

A public spat also erupted between the Nicole with her mother and the government prosecutors whom they accused of being "incompetent" and working for an amicable settlement of the case with the lead prosecutor as having allegedly said it was a "trade-off" for the case of former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante who was detained by American authorities for immigration problems last July.

The prosecutors denied knowledge of any settlement and refused to withdraw from the case and were backed up by the justice secretary in their position.

The four accused - Smith; Staff Sergeant Chad Carpentier; and Lance Corporals Keith Silkwood and Dominic Duplantis of the US 31st Marine Expeditionary Force based in the southern Japanese island of Okinawa has just finished counter-terrorism maneuvers with their Filipino counterparts and were on temporary liberty when the alleged incident took place inside a former US naval base November 1 last year.

The four did not enter a plea during their April 28 arraignment prompting the court to enter a not guilty plea on their behalf.

Smith has admitted having sexual intercourse with the complainant but insisted it was consensual in nature. The complainant said she was raped inside a moving van by Smith while the other accused cheered him on.

During the trial, the prosecution, citing the testimony of a chemist at the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory and the testimony of the complainant, argued that she was too drunk at the time of the incident to give her consent to the act.

If convicted, the accused faces up to 40 years in prison.

The incident triggered protests by militant groups and calls from several lawmakers for the abrogation of the military treaty.

It has also blackened an otherwise positive reviews gained by the counter-terror training exercises, which was credited with helping the ill-equipped Philippine military crush an al-Qaeda linked militant group in Mindanao. (AH/Sunnex)

Mag-inang ZAMBALES trader kinidnap, tinodas

Nina Fred Lovino At Joy Cantos
Ang Pilipino STAR Ngayon

ZAMBALES – Pinaniniwalaang pinagnakawan muna bago kidnapin at patayin ang mag-inang negosyante ng anim na maskaradong kalalakihan na natagpuan ang mga bangkay sa bahagi ng Sitio Tambac, Barangay Palanginan, Zambales kamakalawa ng gabi.

Kinilala ng pulisya ang mag-inang pinatay na sina Judith Afable y, Medina, 74 at anak nitong si Isidore Afable 40, ng #24 Cecellie Ville St. White Plain, Quezon City at may bahay din sa Barangay Beneg, Botolan, Zambales.

Nauna nang iniulat ni SPO1 Ramon Supe kay P/Senior Supt. Arrazard Subong na pinagnakawan muna bago kinidnap ang mag-ina mula sa Barangay Beneg, Botolan, Zambales noon pang Miyerkules (Nov. 22) ng madaling-araw at ang ginamit ng mga kidnaper ay ang Toyota Corolla (XAP 860) na pag-aari ng pamilya Afable.

Napag-alamang pinasok ng mga kidnaper ang bahay ng mag-ina sa nabanggit na barangay bago iginapos ang drayber na si Angelo Garcis at ang katiwala na si Jesus Alejo.

Kinulimbat muna ng mga kawatan ang P75,000 cash at dalawang celfone na nasa kuwarto ng pamilya Afable bago tuluyang tumakas tangay ang mag-ina na sakay ng nasabing kotse.

Ayon naman kay Supt. Limpi Cayda, police chief ng Iba PNP, ang mga biktima na pinaniniwalaang pinahirapan muna ay may tama ng mga bala ng baril sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng katawan na nasa loob ng pag-aaring kotse.

Kasalukuyang nangangalap na ng impormasyon ang pulisya sa pagkikilanlan ng mga kidnaper na posibleng hindi pa nakakalayo sa nabanggit na lalawigan.

RP won’t press custody of GIs in case of conviction -- DoJ

Separate cell with amenities if sentenced

By Tetch Torres - INQ7.net

THE Philippine government will not insist on taking the custody of the four US servicemen accused of raping a Filipina in 2005 in case of a conviction and they decide to file an appeal, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said Friday.

And in case of a final conviction, Gonzalez also said the government will allow the construction of a separate cell with amenities such as air conditioning, a television and a refrigerator inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

"But everything has to be shouldered by the US government," he added.

Assuming conviction, Gonzalez said Marine Lance Corporals Daniel Smith, Keith Silkwood, Dominic Duplantis and Staff Sergeant Chad Carpentier will be allowed to remain under US custody while the case is on appeal.

But he added: "If they lose the appeal, they have to be turned over to us."

The four Americans are accused of raping a 23-year old Filipina at the Subic Bay Freeport on November 1 last year. The verdict in the case is expected to be handed down on December 4 after Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Benjamin Pozon pushed back the original schedule by a week saying he needed more time to study the evidence and make a decision.

The complainant, known publicly as "Nicole," accused Smith of raping her inside a moving van as his three comrades cheered him on.

The prosecution presented 23 witnesses who testified Nicole was too drunk to have consented to sex, and that she was later unloaded from the van and dumped "like a pig" at a pier near the Marines' ship, the USS Essex, which was docked at Subic.

Smith said he and Nicole had consensual sex, a claim backed by the three other Marines.

Pozon held four-hour hearings four times a week from June to October to be able to deliver a verdict within 12 months from the start of the trail, which is required by the Visiting Forces Agreement, or else the Philippines loses jurisdiction over the accused.

With a report from Tarra V. Quismundo, Inquirer

Mga Koreano magnenegosyo sa Gapo

Ang Pilipino STAR Ngayon

OLONGAPO CITY – Interesadong magtayo ng negosyo ang 32 Koreano na bumisita sa Olongapo City makaraang hikayatin ni Mayor James "Bong" Gordon ang mga dayuhan sa ginanap na pagtitipon sa Subic Bay Freeport Zone noong nakalipas na linggo. Dahil sa ipinamalas ni Mayor Gordon ang inihandang slide presentation tungkol sa progresibo ng Olongapo City sa pamamagitan ng mga proyektong ipinatupad sa ilalim ng kanyang pamunuan ay pinag-aaralan na ng mga Koreanong trader ang pagtatayo ng negosyo na maaring umangkop sa pangangailangan ng mga residente at mga lokal na turista sa mga karatig pook ng nabanggit na lungsod.

Ipinakilala naman sina Norie Gomez, head ng Olongapo Business Permit Office; Architect Tony-kar Balde, head ng City Planning and Development Office; at Evelyn delos Santos, head ng Public Employment and Service Office (PESO) na maaring lapitan ng mga Koreano sakaling magsimula ang kanilang negosyo.

Sa mga interesadong Koreano na mag-aral ng English ay ipinakilala rin ni Mayor Gordon, ang presidente ng Gordon College na si Arlinda Pame. Ipinahayag din ni Mayor Gordon na lalo pa niyang pasisiglahin ang negosyo at turismo bilang bahagi ng 10-point agenda na mabigyan ng mas maraming job opportunities ang mga residente at magkaroon ng mataas na revenue collection na inilalaan sa mga proyektong pangkabuhayan, pangkalusugan at social services para sa lahat.

SBMA investments up $ 1 B in 9 months

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) posted investment pledges worth $ 1.36 billion from January to September 2006.

The figure is up by 6,851 percent from last year’s investment pledges of $ 19.6 million.

SBMA Chairman Feliciano G. Salonga said that the amount accounted for 89 projects that were approved by the board of directors during the period. Of this amount some $ 1.354 billion were derived from foreign direct investments (FDIs) while $ 12 million came from local investments.

Salonga added that during the third quarter alone, 21 projects worth $ 9.6 million were approved to add to the growing number of locators and investors, which totaled to 727 as of September.

Topping the list is Korean estate developer KT Global Subic Inc., which will invest million, and American caterer and general services provider Hacorphil Corporation with $ 2.7 million.

Meanwhile, the cumulative investment pledges of projects that were approved from 1992 to September 2006 by the SBMA Board have already reached $ 3.706 billion.

"The SBMA is seriously into attracting more FDIs into the freeport. We already have Hanjin shipbuilding as an anchor industry in the freeport and we will still attract more investments, particularly FDIs, to really drive Subic Freeport towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals," SBMA Administrator Armand C. Arreza said.

"This, more than anything else, will create job opportunities for the Filipinos and help the government reduce unemployment rate from 13 percent to about five to six percent, which is much lower than the national average of eight to nine percent," he added.

He further said that to achieve this, the SBMA and Clark will have to create 100,000 jobs each in five years, or 30,000 jobs a year to successfully reduce the unemployment rate in the country.

These approved projects from January to September are projected to create 13,154 jobs for residents of Olongapo City, Zambales, and Bataan.
By JONAS REYES - Manila Bulletin

Taiwan investments in RP may top $ 1.4-billion mark

With Taiwan’s total foreign reserves already at over $ 260 billion, her investments are expected to top the $ 1.4-billion total investments in the Philippines with more Taiwanese investors being encouraged by its government to invest here.

This was the projection of Filas Chen, director of economic affairs of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Manila, at yesterday’s press conference for the launch of the 14th Taiwan Food & Machinery exhibition to be held here starting November 23 to 26.

"Taiwan has accumulated a total of $ 260 billion in foreign reserves over the past 10 years, a country of only 23 million people. This is definitely too much so, we are encouraging companies to invest in the Philippines," Chen.

Last year, total bilateral trade between the Philippines and Taiwan in 2005 was about $ 7 billion and Taiwanese investments here reaching about $ 1.3 billion or $ 1.4 billion Taiwan.

This makes the Taiwanese the country’s sixth biggest investor and the country’s 5th biggest trading partner. The Philippines, on the other hand, is Taiwan’s 11th biggest trading partner.

Chen said that with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the RP-Taiwan Economic Cooridor linking Subic/Clark and Kaoshiung in December last year, more Taiwanese investments are expected to pour into the country.

"We hope that this will be implemented well," he said.

According to Chen, once the economic corridor has proven to be successful, then Taiwanese companies will realize that the Subic and Clark ecozones are really very suitable for investments.

The Taiwanese Food and Food Machinery exhibition is one way to forge tie-ups between Filipinos and Taiwenese businessmen.

"We are not only here to export our products but we are also exploring investment opportunities," Chen said.

There are a total of 160 Taiwanese food and food machinery producers that are going to participate in this year’s fair.

These companies are grouped into agriculture food, packaging machinery, mixed products and invention products.

Products of particular interests are the top quality champion rice that smells like a taro when cooked. The rice when auctioned in Taiwan was sold at P150,000 per kilo setting the highest record price paid for rice in history. Another product is the rare square-shaped watermelon propagated at Urlan county.
By BERNIE CAHILES–MAGKILAT - Manila Bulletin

Smith insists on innocence as Nov. 27 nears

As judgment day on November 27 draws near, US marine Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, the principal accused in the Subic rape case, maintained his defense that he and complainant "Nicole" had consensual sex contrary to allegations.

"It was consensual for the entire night...we were both adults talking with one another...enjoying our night...we both agreed to have sex in my mind...that was consensual," said Smith in an interview aired over ANC's "Talkback."

He added that the complainant was not drunk when she walked into their the van. This, Smith, added, was contrary to her claims that she was "dumped like a pig" after the alleged rape on a pier near the US servicemen's ship, the USS Essex.

"That's another false accusation...she walked out on her own...stepping into the van on her own will," he said.

Staff Sergeant Chad Carpentier, who is also among the accused, denied claims that he and fellow US marines Keith Silkwood and Dominic Duplantis had "cheered" on Smith.

"As far as a cheerleader role, I didn't witness anything to cheer-lead on...or if I witnessed [something], I wouldn't endorse that kind of behavior," said Carpentier.

The accused believe that people around Nicole might have been manipulated her. They added that these people might not have the best interest in mind for the woman.

"As a person, I feel sorry for her in that sense, all of these accusations were not by herself...[these] branched out from there," said Smith.

Carpentier, however, admitted that some actions that took place on Nov. 1, 2005 violated some of the moral standards of the US Marine Corps.

"Some actions that night that go against those very warnings & standards. But at the same time, there was nothing criminally done...that there were some thing against high moral standards of [the] Marine Corps...but nothing near the extent of rape," he said.

Under the custody of the US embassy for over a year now, Smith and Carpentier said they get by with the help of their spiritual counselors and support of their families and friends.

They said that in the end they will be able to overcome.

Smith firmly believes that justice will be served and that the judge handling the case will look their way.

"The strongest defense is truth...I'm pretty sure the judge can see I was telling the truth," he said.

Judge Benjamin Pozon of Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 139 is set to issue the verdict on November 27, exactly a month away from December 27, which marks a year since Nicole’s complaint was elevated to the Olongapo Regional Trial Court.

As stipulated in the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement, Philippine courts must render a decision on cases against American soldiers within a year after court proceedings begin, or lose the authority to compel the accused to appear in court. ABS CBN NEWS

Gordon reunites with Lola Juana

She is a 93-year old grandmother who happened to be walking around the old church in Infanta, Quezon when Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) chairman Richard J. Gordon led a relief operation there two years ago after a super typhoon struck the province.

Juana Gloria may not remember the details of that first meeting, but it was captured in a picture that Gordon eventually put in his calling card. She, submerged in flood waters that reached up to her knee, holding on to Gordon for balance; and he, in a Red Cross shirt and black boots, inquiring how her family is holding up after the disaster.

Lola Juana later came to be known as “the old lady” among Red Cross staff, since nobody was able to get her name or contact details. And early this year, the search for the old lady began.

Gordon has a penchant for visiting people whom he had rescued or given assistance to – years after the encounter. For example, he reunited with one of the 9,000 aetas he evacuated from the foot of an exploding Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. She was just a baby at the time is now a teenager in Tarlac.

To expedite the search for Lola Juana, Gordon’s volunteers published newspaper ads and gave away his calling cards around Infanta. Upon getting hold of the calling card, Lola Juana rushed to Manila – she even had to borrow money from a meat vendor to pay for the bus fare. She then showed the calling card to the bus conductor who immediately sent a text message to Gordon. Later, several volunteers fetched her from the bus station and brought her to the hospital for a general check up.

The reunion finally took place yesterday at the Philippine General Hospital. It was a tearful occasion for both of them, with Lola Juana profusely thanking Gordon for remembering her after all these years and taking the time to take care of her needs.

“Nahihiya na po ako sa dami ng ginawa ninyo sa akin, Senator Gordon (You have already done so much for me, Senator Gordon.),” she told him, clutching his arm. “Maraming salamat po sa naitulong ng Red Cross sa akin (Thank you very much for all the help the Red Cross has extended to me.).”

Gordon stood right there comforting her. “Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin (You don’t have to thank me.),” he said. “Masaya ako na natulungan ko kayo (I am glad to help you.).”

According to her doctors, Lola Juana only has mild hypertension to worry about. She returned to Infanta earlier today in a Red Cross ambulance.

PROBLEMA NG MGA FIL-AM SA ‘GAPO, SOSOLUSYUNAN!

Isang outreach program laan para sa mga lehitimong anak at asawa ng isang American Citizen ang isasagawa sa Lungsod ng Olongapo sa pakikipag-tulungan ng isang American Non-Government Organization (NGO).

Sa inisyatiba ni City Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. ay nakipag-ugnayan ang lungsod sa American Association of the Philippines (AAP) upang gabayan at tulungan ang mga Americans at Filipino-Americans o mas kilala sa tawag na Amerasians na residente ng Olongapo.

Pangunahing bibigyan ng assistance ng AAP ang mga American Registered Citizens na hindi makabalik sa kanilang bansa bunga ng kahirapan, karamdaman o problemang legal at detalyadong aalamin ang kalagayan ng mga Amerikanong naka-base ngayon sa lungsod.

Maging ang mga anak na naghahangad na makita o magkaroon ng komunikasyon sa kanilang mga magulang na American Citizen ay bibigyang pagkakataon na makilala at mabigyan ng mga benipisyong nababatay sa batas.

At ang asawang iniwan o naputol ang ugnayan sa kanyang American Citizen husband or wife ay maaaring maging daan ang isasagawang outreach program upang magampanan nito ang kanyang naiwang responsibilidad sa bansa.

Sa pangunguna ni Mayor Bong Gordon at mga kinatawan ng AAP ay libreng tutugunan ang mga suliraning ihahain sa ika-25 ng Nobyembre 2006, simula alas-9 ng umaga hanggang ika-5 ng hapon sa FMA Hall, 2nd Floor ng City Hall at mahalagang dalhin ang mga sumusunod na dokumento:

I. Para sa mga American Registered Citizen
• American Passport
• Identification (ID) card with photo

II. Para sa mga anak ng isang American Citizen
• Consular report of birth abroad/birth certificate
• Identification (ID) card with photo
• Photos with the American father
• Letters of the parents
• Barangay Certificate
• Latest photo (whole body or 2x2)
• Other documents that would established relationship with the American father

III. Para sa mga asawa ng isang American Citizen
• Marriage Contract
• Letters and photos (with the husband or wife)
• Latest photo (whole body or 2x2 picture)

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) sa 2nd Floor, City Hall Annex at hanapin si CSWDO Head Gene Eclarino o tumawag sa 222-2206/222-3301 local 4303.

Koreano dinukot, dinedo sa Subic Bay

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Pinaniniwalaang pinahirapan muna bago brutal na pinaslang ang isang Koreanong opisyal ng malaking kompanya matapos na matagpuan ang bangkay nito na nakasako sa liblib na bahagi ng Naval Magazine sa Subic Bay Freeport Zone kamakalawa ng hapon.

Sinasabing ang biktima na may dalang USD10,000 bago mawala ay opisyal ng Hanjin Heavy Equipment and Industries (HHEI) na Korean shipping company sa loob ng Freeport Zone.

Habang isinusulat ang balitang ito ay wala pang opisyal na pahayag ang pamunuan ng Law Enforcement Department (LED) at Intelligence and Investigation Office (IIO) ng Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) kaugnay sa pagkakakilanlan ng Koreano na nasa edad 35 hanggang 40-anyos

Sa nakalap na impormasyon ng PSN, bandang alas-3:15 ng hapon kamakalawa nang matagpuan ng mga awtoridad ang bangkay ng biktima sa mataas at matalahib na lugar ng Hill 394, Naval Magazine ng nabanggit na lugar.

Kasalukuyang inaalam ng mga mamamahayag kung may katotohanan na dalawang Koreano ang natagpuang patay na magkayakap sa loob ng sako sa nabanggit na lugar.

Napag-alamang bago madiskubre ang bangkay ng biktima ay unang napaulat na nawawala ang biktima may tatlong linggo na ang nakalipas at hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay nananatiling blangko pa rin ang pamunuan ng LED at IIO kaugnay sa nangyaring karahasang naganap sa loob ng Subic Freeport. (Jeff Tombado - Ang Pilipino STAR Ngayon )

All systems go for NorthRail project to Clark

By Fred Roxas - Countryside Pulse, SunStar

IT'S all systems go for the NorthRail project, Phase I of which was divided into two sections, one from Caloocan City to Malolos City and the other section up to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark.

With the groundbreaking rites last April 5, all is set for the construction of the ambitious project.

As envisioned, the 80-kilometer project costing at least US$503 million estimated to be completed in three years is expected by the government to enhance the development and growth potentials of Central and Northern Luzon, according to Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president and CEO Levy Laus.

The other phases will involve the construction later on of extension rail lines to Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales, Bonifacio Global City and of Poro Point Special Economic Zone in La Union.

The first phase of the project involves the clearing of informal settlers and illegal structures along the existing 32.2-kilometer former Philippine National Railways (PNR) tracks between Caloocan City and Malolos City and eventually up to Clark zone.

Records at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) showed that separate tracks would be constructed for north and southbound trains to allow simultaneous operation.

It will also require, according to BCDA, right-of-way acquisition with a width of at least 30 meters or l5 meters per track.

Impartial observers said that proponents of the NorthRail project would encounter difficulty driving out squatters, including big commercial establishments and concrete residential houses along the former PNR tracks, which has not been used for more than 25 years now.

In Malolos City, at least three big supermarkets and other apartments are constructed by influential and professional squatters right on top of the former railroad tracks. These squatters claimed that they cannot be ejected from their places.

Thousands of commuters and vehicle owners from Central and Northern Luzon have been anticipating the construction of the NorthRail project, saying that they would be economizing in traveling between these places and Metro Manila.

The initial fare rate once the diesel- powered NorthRail starts operation will be P10 boarding fare plus P1 for every kilometer for a total fare of P42 from Caloocan City to Malolos City. Other land-based transportation firms charge an average of P70 between the two cities.

Travel time, once the rail project is realized, would be approximately 32 minutes between Caloocan City and Malolos City.

The Chinese Government through the Export Import Bank of China will fund US$421 million of the project cost, with a repayment period of 20 years inclusive of a five-year grace period at three percent interest per annum.

The remaining US$82 million will be funded by the Philippine Government as counterpart fund, which would already incorporate expenses for squatter relocation.

If the NorthRail project is pushed through and becomes operational, it would be very advantageous to the people of Central and Northern Luzon, according to Mayor Boking Morales of Mabalacat, former president of the Pampanga Mayors' League (PML) and co-chairman of the Metro Clark Advisory Council (Mcac) and Tarlac Governor Jose Yap.

*****

When majority of the Pampanga mayors defected recently to the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), their spokesman Mayor Jerry Pelayo of Candaba explained that their action "has no conflict (with their loyalty and support?) to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo" and that "it has no blessing by the President and Presidential son and Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo."

What could be the real purpose of the defection especially when they announced that they would soon hold a convention to select their candidates whom they will support in the 2007 elections? Will these defectors campaign and support their own candidates even with the possibility that their cabalen President Arroyo might endorse or support her preferred candidates in the province? One possibility is that the President might support or pledge support to the reelection bid of Governor Mark Lapid and his preferred running mate in conflict with the desire of most of the defectors who have voiced their plan to select their own candidates.

Senate to okay Clark bills: official

CLARK ECOZONE -- Clark stakeholders expressed elation over the assurance made by some senators that the Senate would approve Clark bills before the end of the year to restore duty free privileges, including tax amnesty for locators inside Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ).

During the budget hearing of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) under the Senate finance committee chaired by Senator Franklin Drilon, Senator Sergio Osmeña III said that Senate Bills (SBs) 2259 and 2260 have been scheduled for deliberations and could be passed before the year ends.

"We join locators and other Clark stakeholders in expressing gratitude to our legislators, especially the members of the Senate, as they expedite deliberations on tax perks. We are happy that the Senate has responded positively as we continue to honor government commitments to foreign and local investors," said Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Levy Laus.

Laus has been leading an unprecedented lobby work at the Senate, including "door-to-door" meetings with the senators. He and other CDC officials were present during the hearing on BCDA's proposed budget for 2007.

During the meeting, Osmeña assured that the pending bills will be immediately deliberated upon on Senate floors as he noted that the legislative remedy on tax and duty free would also improve BCDA's financial standing.

Other BCDA subsidiaries that were present during the hearing included CDC and other management arms for Poro Point Economic Zone, John Hay Economic Zone, and Bataan Economic Zone, who are all affected by the Supreme Court (SC) decision scrapping the tax perks and duty free privileges due to the lack of expressed provision in Republic Act (RA) 7227 (also known as Bases Conversion Act) on the ecozones.

The SC has voided the granting of duty free privileges and tax incentives to locators and investors based on Section 5 of Executive Order (EO) 80 as well as Section 4 of the BCDA Board Resolution No. 93-05-032, which had allowed CSEZ to grant the same privileges available at the Subic Bay Freeport Economic Zone (SBFEZ).

The ruling puts in grave peril the standing of CSEZ as a major investment and employment center, around which the economy of Central Luzon is anchored. CDC executive vice president Philip JB Panlilio said the approval of Osmeña is crucial to CDC because this will lessen the apprehensions of majority of investors in Clark.

Panlilio said the Osmeña has included some amendments in RA 7227 that will protect the development of Clark airport complex as the lawmaker from Cebu has even considered the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) as the "primary gateway in the future."

He said the senator would like the 2,500-airport area in Clark not to be compromised so as not to incur the same fate of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) and Mactan International Airport (MIA) in Cebu, which are no longer expandable due to limited land area and unforeseen development near the country's two premier airports.

Earlier, Laus, with some Clark stakeholders and Mayors Carmelo Lazatin of Angeles City, Marino Morales of Mabalacat town and Oscar Rodriguez of the City of San Fernando, and Clark Investors and Locators Association (Cila) president Francisco Villanueva Jr., led meetings with some senators in getting SBs 2259 and 2260 approved.

Laus, assisted by Senator Manuel "Lito" Lapid, led a "door-to-door" meeting where the lobby group urged some of the senators to pass legislative measures on Clark tax and duty free incentives. They discussed the predicament of the investors and the threat of eventual pullout from Clark.

SB 2260 calls for amendments in RA 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, particularly Section 12 which provides tax and duty free privileges only to Subic Freeport; while SB 2259 calls for the declaration of a one-time amnesty on taxes and duties, including fines, penalties and interests incurred by locators inside special economic zones and freeports.

Once the amendments in RA 7227 passed, it will cure once and for all the infirmities of the law by providing the same fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, under RA 7916 or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 to duly- registered business enterprises located at the Clark, John Hay, Morong and Poro Point Special Economic Zones. By Dante M. Fabian - SunStar

PAPUTOK SANHI NG SUNOG!

Kaugnay ng pagsunod sa City Ordinance no. 5 Series of 1959 (An Ordinance Prohibiting the Firing, Explosion or Discharge of Firecrakers) na na-amyendahan noong 1996 (Ordinance no. 55), ipagbabawal sa Olongapo ang pagtitinda at paggamit ng papaputok sa lungsod .

Ayon sa ordinansa, ang sino mang lalabag sa mga provisyon ng nasabing batas ay magbabayad ng hindi bababa sa P500.00 hanggang sa P1,000 o ikukulong ng hindi bababa sa 5 araw hanggang 30 araw o kaya naman ay parehong ipapataw ang naturang kaparusahan batay sa pag-uutos ng korte.

Ipatutupad sa lungsod ang pagbabawal sa paggamit ng firecrackers dahil na rin sa malaking pinsalang dulot nito sa kalusugan at ari-arian katulad ng sunog.

“Bukod sa malaking perang ginagastos ng ating mga kababayan sa pagbili ng mga paputok, inilalagay din nila sa panganib ang kanilang sarili, pamilya at ibang tao dahil sa pinsalang maaaring idulot ng firecrackers kapag nagkaroon ng aksidente,” wika ni Mayor James Bong Gordon.

Hanjin, Philippine Academy to Set up Naval Architecture Course

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT - As part of its continuing effort to become one of the leading naval educational institutions, the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) recently met with officials of South Korean giant Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) (KSE:003480) for the inclusion of Naval Architecture and related disciplines to its roster of courses.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Feliciano G. Salonga, who accompanied HHIC-Philippines Managing Director Myung Goo Kwon to meet with PMMA President Rear Admiral Fidel Dinoso, said the SBMA has been working closely with the PMMA to provide actual on-board experience to its naval cadets.

Salonga disclosed the SBMA acquired this year a total of seven vessels as part of the port modernization project, and PMMA is providing the necessary training required in manning the said vessels.

An honourary alumnus of PMMA himself, Salonga also shared that he is more than happy to assist Korean shipbuilder HHIC, which is the biggest investment in the Subic Freeport, in trying to meet with the PMMA and bring up the need to establish a course in Naval Architecture.

"The Hanjin Shipbuilding plant in the Subic Freeport is by far one of the biggest shipbuilding plant in the region and their presence means more job opportunities. A Naval Architecture course can help make world-class ship planners and builders who can work for Hanjin," he said.

At present, construction is underway for the 2.3 million square metre shipyard located in Sitio Agusuhin, which is adjacent to the Subic Bay Freeport.

The project, which is seen as a fitting statement showing the strong relationship between the Philippines and South Korea, complements the ongoing construction of the new container port under the Subic Port Development Project, as well as the Subic-Clark Toll Road Project that are both being funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

Meanwhile, Dinoso said that they are pleased with the HHIC's proposal and is in line with their thrust to add more naval related courses at the PMMA.

"We will soon be signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the HHIC. This proposal to add more courses will give our naval cadets a competitive edge in their training as Maritime officers," he said. (PNA)

Archive

LIBRENG KURSO NG DOMESTIC HELPERS SA GORDON COLLEGE
LABANANG PACQUIAO VS MORALES III SA ‘GAPO!
‘Torotot, wag paputok sa Bagong Taon’
Recto assures passage of Clark tax perks bills
BIR offers new amnesty plan for taxpayers
The victims of torture and abuse win compensation
Dick for president?
Local politics and dirty tricks
MAYOR BONG GORDON, SINUYO ANG MGA KOREANONG TOURISTS AT BUSINESSMEN
Job Opportunities in Olongapo Subic Bay
Gov’t pressed to take custody of 4 US soldiers in Subic rape
P500-m Korean condotel to rise in Subic Freeport
SBMA opens Subic Christmas Bazaar
Women's group condemns porn video of rape victim
Poll registration centers open today
What went wrong with its reform agenda?
PHILIPPINES TO CONSTRUCT US$12M ACCESS ROAD IN SUBIC
Libreng Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Sinimulan Na!
MGA BAGONG OPISYALES NG OLONGAPO
Paputok, Produkto ng Child Labor
BARANGAY OFFICAIL DEFY POLICE ORDER VS 'TUPADA'
Pena: Export, import of hazardous waste
RP handa sa Subic rape case ruling
Paper trail a safeguard for automated polls
Job Opportunities in Olongapo Subic Bay
New airport, casino hub rising in Cagayan
SC prohibits lower courts from delaying govt projects
On a mission to help Filipino children
Open Letter to Zambales Officials
White rock Subic conquerors

LIBRENG KURSO NG DOMESTIC HELPERS SA GORDON COLLEGE

Nagsimula ng matuto ang mga housekeepers ng lungsod na kabilang sa ‘’Free Training for Housekeeping Course’’ ni City Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. bilang isa sa mga community service program ng lungsod.

Ang training na inilunsad nitong ika-6 ng Nobyembre 2006 sa Gordon College ay hinati sa tatlong (3) batches na may tig-25 studyante upang higit na maraming bilang ng mga residente ng lungsod ang makapag-enroll.

Ang bawat batches ay gugugol ng 288-hour lectures in modular type at kasama sa kanilang magiging activities ay ang pag-iikot sa ibat-ibang hotels & restaurants sa Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) at Olongapo bilang bahagi ng On-the-Job Training (OJT) ng mga housekeeping students.

Target ng programa na pinondohan ng pamahalaan ang mga residente ng lungsod na walang trabaho partikular na ang mga out-of-school-youth na nais matuto ng housekeeping.

Nakahanda na rin ang placement service sa mga makakatapos sa pamamagitan ng Public Employment Services Office (PESO). ‘’Layunin ng Free Training for Housekeeping Course na makapag-produced tayo ng mga magagaling, masisipag at maaasahang housekeepers o kaya’y domestic helpers,’’ wika ni Mayor Bong Gordon.

Ang programa ay bukas para sa mga lalaki at babaeng nasa 18-40 years old samantalang binigyan ng pagkakataon ni Mayor Gordon ang mga nasa 41 years old and above na ‘’Huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, maaari kayong tumungo sa Livelihood Cooperative Development Office (LCDO) para sa self-employment o livelihood.

Ang lahat ng magtatapos ay makakatanggap ng certificate mula sa Gordon College at ang lahat ng makakapasa sa examination na ibibigay ng TESDA ay makakatanggap ng TESDA Certificate na kanilang magagamit sa pagpasok sa local at foreign job opportunities.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa Gordon College o tumawag sa 224-2089/224-6929 at dalhin ang High School Diploma o Transcript of Records para sa mga College Undergraduates, Voter’s ID o Residence Certificate at Barangay Clearance

LABANANG PACQUIAO VS MORALES III SA ‘GAPO!

Matutunghayan ng mga boxing enthusiasts ng lungsod ang inaantabayanang laban ng pambato ng Pilipinas na si Manny ‘’Pac Man’’ Pacquiao at Eric ‘’El Terrible’’ Morales ng Tijuana, Mexico.

Ang 12-round super featherweight bout na magaganap sa Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ay libreng mapapanuod sa ika-19 ng Nobyembre 2006, alas-8 ng umaga sa Rizal Triangle Covered Court.

Sa inisyatiba ni City Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. ay maglalagay ng dalawang (2) 56’’ at dalawang (2) 42’’ television sa stage ng covered court at monoblock chairs para sa maayos at komportableng panonood.

Ang labanang Pacquiao-Morales III ay hatid ni Mayor Bong Gordon sa mga residente ng Olongapo na walang telebisyon sa tahanan o kaya’y nais maramdaman ang excitement in big screen kasama ang malaking crowd.

‘’Ang laban ni Pacman ay hindi lamang laban ng iisang Pilipino. Suportahan natin si Manny Pacquiao dahil ang kanyang tagumpay ay tagumpay ng sanbayanan,’’ wika ni Mayor Bong Gordon.

Sa ngayon ay puspusan na rin ang paghahanda ng lokal na pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ni Dr. Donald Vigo na syang coordinator sa pagse-set-up ng naglalakihang television set sa pakikipag-tulungan ng Ocampo’s Olongapo at COLORVIEW CATV, Inc.

‘Torotot, wag paputok sa Bagong Taon’

Pinayuhan kahapon ng Department of Health (DOH) ang publiko na huwag gumamit ng paputok at sa halip ay mga torotot na lamang at iba pang gamit na magpapaingay sa pagsalubong ng taong 2007.

Ayon kay Health Sec. Francisco Duque III, kailangan na ring bantayan ng mga magulang ang kanilang mga anak lalo na sa mga maliliit na paputok o laruan na nabibili sa mga tindahan dahil maaari itong sumabog o makadisgrasya.

Sa rekord ng DOH, mayroong 582 fireworks-related injuries sa buong bansa simula Dis. 21, 2005 hanggang Enero 1, 2006, mas mataas ng 6% kumpara sa bilang noong 2005 na karamihan ay mga bata na edad 9 pababa ang biktima.

Sa nasabing ulat,385 kaso ay naganap sa mga kalsada; 151 ay mga nanonood; 140 mga dumadaan; 350 ay nagtamo ng blast injuries without amputation; 99 eye injuries at 97 ay dahil nasa impluwensiya ng alak.Karaniwan namang nasusugatan ay dahil sa kuwitis at whistle bomb, illegal firecrackers tulad ng five-star, pla-pla at super lolo at 9 ang nakakain ng watusi, 2 dito ay namatay. (Gemma Garcia - Ang Pilipino STAR Ngayon )

Recto assures passage of Clark tax perks bills

By Ding Cervantes - The Philippine Star

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga — It’s likely to be a merry Christmas for some 350 investors of the Clark special economic zone, along with their more than 47,000 employees.

This, as Sen. Ralph Recto told The STAR yesterday that there is now a consensus among his colleagues in the Senate to pass "as soon as possible" two bills he sponsored last August to remedy the problems created by the decision of the Supreme Court declaring that the Clark ecozone was not entitled to tax exemption privileges.

"I am confident that the bills will be passed this December, with late January being the worst scenario," he said.

Earlier, reports that the bills would be passed triggered a festive atmosphere among the 47,727 workers of various firms here.

Despite the lack of confirmation from the Clark Development Corp. which runs the ecozone, they passed on text messages telling each other that it was going to be a merry Christmas for them after all.

Senate Bill No. 2259 grants a "one-time tax amnesty" to all Clark investors who, by virtue of the Supreme Court decision, would otherwise be required to pay the usual national and local taxes instead of merely five percent of their gross income earned (GIE).

On the other hand, Senate Bill No. 2260 amends Republic Act No. 7227, or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, so as to maintain the tax exemption privileges of Clark firms, similarly enjoyed by investors at the Subic Freeport.

The Supreme Court, in its decision on July 29, 2005, ruled that Clark was not specifically mentioned in RA 7227 as being entitled to tax privileges, thus former President Fidel Ramos erred in issuing Executive Order No. 80 granting such perks to Clark investors.

Recto said the two bills have passed the Senate ways and means committee and are up for second reading.

"At this point, I am even willing to entertain individual amendments from my colleagues before the bills are tackled for second reading," he said.

Recto also belied reports that Sen. Sergio Osmeña has been blocking the passage of the bills, which Clark stakeholders said would "put at stake not only the plight of investors but also the livelihood of 45,727 workers they employ."

"He merely wants to scrutinize what happened so that we can avoid cases of erring executive fiats being later corrected by the legislative (branch)," he said.

While the proposed bill on tax amnesty does not cover duty free shops, Recto said he is willing to accept amendments from his colleagues to include them. There are 14 duty free shops operating here.

"But there are two issues that have to be settled on the proposed tax exemptions. One is to limit the privileges only to exporters, exempting those which manufacture for domestic markets or provide domestic services. The other is to classify Clark as a freeport," he said. As freeport, all Clark investors would be entitled to tax perks.

Recto said he is inclined toward the latter, noting that Subic "is a small area" and that once space there becomes scarce, investors would likely shift to Clark.

"I expect the bills to be tackled on the floor this month soon after more amendments are entertained before the second reading," he said.

Last June, the Lower House passed its counterpart bills sponsored by Tarlac Rep. Jesli Lapus, now the education secretary.

The House passed Bills 4901 and 5064 amid threats from Clark investors that they would consider moving to overseas locations due to the Supreme Court decision, which has not been enforced pending an appeal filed by the Clark Development Corp.

Lapus furnished Recto copies of the House bills soon after they were passed, as he expressed hope that the Senate "could accept (them) as they were so we could do away with the bicameral committee hearings."

BIR offers new amnesty plan for taxpayers

The Bureau of Internal Revenue yesterday launched another program allowing delinquent individual and corporate taxpayers to settle or pay all their tax obligations for 2005 as part of efforts to boost collections to meet its full-year target.

Internal Revenue Commissioner Jose Mario Buñag said the tax agency would implement the Improved Voluntary Assessment Program to give taxpayers the opportunity to avail of the privileges of last priority in audit and give the government revenue collections with least administration costs.

Buñag said Finance Secretary Margarito Teves had approved Revenue Regulation 18-2006, which set the guidelines for the implementation of the program until Nov. 29. It covers all taxes for taxable years ending Dec. 31, 2005 and fiscal year ending on any day not later than June 30, 2006 as well as all prior years.

The program includes one-time transaction taxes such as estate, donor, capital gains, final withholding tax, expanded withholding and documentary stamp on the transfer, sale, exchange, or disposition of assets.

The program also covers taxpayers registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority who are enjoying preferential tax treatment.

He said the program also sought to maintain harmonious relation with taxpayers by minimizing inconvenience relative to investigation.

“The program gives an opportune time for taxpayers to settle their tax liabilities and enjoy a worry-free holiday season,” he said.

Buñag said taxpayers, who participated in the program, would not be audited while the ongoing audit and investigation on those who join would be cancelled.

“The suspension of audit or investigation and the cancellation of the authority to audit/investigate shall be on a per taxable year/period and on a per tax type basis or only on the kind of tax covered by the IVAP availment,” the agency said.

The bureau has launched several programs including the No Audit Program, the Enhanced Voluntary Assessment Program, and recently the One-Time Administrative Abatement Program to boost collections.

It expects to collect P675.4 billion this year or 25 percent higher than the collection of P542 billion in 2004.

The agency’s tax take rose 20.7 percent to P480.75 billion in the first nine months of the year from P398.44 billion a year ago.

To qualify in the new program, taxpayers, who inadvertently or erroneously paid their tax liabilities or failed to file income tax returns and pay taxes, must increase their payment for income tax; accumulated earnings tax; value-added tax; and percentage tax by at least 30 percent from the previous year.
By Lawrence Agcaoili - Manila Standard Today