Lighthouse

NEW BARANGAY OFFICIALS

By: Johnny R. Reblando - People's Journal

Macario Sahagun, principal of Matain Elementary School in Subic, Zambales, proclaims the winners in Monday’s barangay and Sangguniang Barangay elections.

Barangay Captain - Marvin Chua

Barangay Kagawad: Ricardo Dagang,
Leonardo Dillar
Elpidio Del Amith,Jr.,
Eugene Delos Santos,
Paul Atienza,
Jorge Castillo
Henry Vizcocho

NEWS ARCHIVE October 2007

Lighthouse
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
SBMA: Tax ruling doesn’t cover Philip Morris proje...
Lighthouse to be opened to public
Lighthouse in a lighthouse
BARANGAY AT SK ELECTION SA ‘GAPO, MAPAYAPA!
Olongapo Barangay Officials
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Zambales, ’Gapo polls peaceful – cops
RP, US sign accord to boost Subic, Maryland ecozon...
NBI seizes P5-M worth of fake Lacoste in Subic
PAGASA receives P3 billion worth of grants-in-aid
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
PARADEZA, BAGONG RTC JUDGE SA GAPO
CITY GOV’T AT BIR, TUNGO SA MAUNLAD NA GAPO
Mga Batang ‘Gapo, Hataw sa Children’s Congress ‘07...
NGO’s, binigyang akreditasyon ng city council
6 Customs execs get 6-month suspension for smuggli...
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Signs of a bungled relocation project
Flash Gordon to the rescue
TAPATANG OLONGAPO AT ANGELES PART - II
West Tapinac, Nanguna sa 1st Canvassing
‘Gapo Rescue Team sa ARDEX-07
P 5k Para sa Magpapahuli sa Magnanakaw ng Kuryent...
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Unawaang Pamahalaan – Mamamayan hinggil sa Pagbubu...
NiHAO, BHP ink deal to explore nickel in Zambales...

Subic Freeport exec faces extort raps
Clark firm prexy welcomes Mikey's call
C. Luzon media to declare police chief persona non...
Synergizing local tourism through the Subik Grand ...
Govt allows excise tax collection at free ports
Gunmen kill Zambales village exec
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Olongapo rescue team off to Singapore tilt
Solons ask GMA to allot P150 M for gov’t center in...
Excise tax on alcohol and tobacco upheld inside Su...
New controversy hounds Garci
BCDA tells MCAC: SCTEx Clark-Tarlac 95% complete
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Olongapo police seize smuggled Porsche
Olongapo cops rebuff LTO guard’s bribe try for smu...
Subic Customs officials charged
Land markers to be removed
Times’ language institute, Hopkins sign agreement
Finance implicates 2 officials in smuggling
Bullish on next generation Pinoys
RP-US to start military exercises Monday
Olongapo Trader yields gun
COSCO To Build $5 Billion Logistics Hub
Week's Headlines
SCHOLARSHIP PARA SA MGA YOUNG GOV’T EMPLOYEES
Husay ni Jane Gordon, Kinilala sa US
Bakuna Kontra Tigdas
Children’s Month, Ginunita sa ‘Gapo
KAPAKANAN NG INMATES ISA SA PRAYORIDAD NG LUNGSOD
Subic to be featured as RP’s ‘Harbor City of Charm...
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
City Gov’t Taps Barangays to Brace Livelihood Pro...
Kampanya Kontra-Prostitusyon,PInagiibayo
Gapo Resto sa US
AIDS HOTLINE SA GAPO, AKTIBO NA!
Taiwanese group to build Subic science park
Anti-smuggling czar may ‘death threat’
Halloween Invitation
Olongapo's Martin won gold, Abarra Silver
Olongapo sluggers in 2007 National boxing finals
Zambales NIHAO mine area shows promise
Taiwan firm to establish software park in Subic
Subic-bound yacht missing
Korean plans $103-M Subic condo-hotel complex
President orders all gov't agencies to support Cla...
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
SUBIC DRAGON BOAT RACE
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Task Force Hanjin Holds Medical Mission
Bernabe, Bagong GSO Head
Drug Runner, Nasakote ng OCPO
US envoy says Smith not a media circus
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Jobs in Subic up 11%
LTO, PASG declare war vs smuggling
Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay
Subic to auction off navy supply depot
Gang dealing fake gold bars arrested
The antismuggling czar of the Philippines
Mayor Bong, Nagdiwang ng ika-60 Kaarawan
Bonggo, Pinarangalan ng BSP
Job Fair ng E-telecare, Dinumog
Elderly Week, Ginunita sa Gapo
MALA-KONSIYERTONG PA-BDAY KAY BONGGO
BONGGO SA PAGIGING SENIOR CITIZEN
ATLETA NG ‘GAPO SA 2007 PALARONG PAMBANSA, PINARAN...

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

WAITER / WAITRESS
MACHINIST
PRODUCTION PLANNER
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
PIPEFITTER
FABRICATOR
TAEKWONDO INSTRUCTOR
BILLING CLERK
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
BARTENDER
SERVICE HOST

SBMA: Tax ruling doesn’t cover Philip Morris project

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authory (SBMA) said a $20-million tobacco leaf warehouse project of Philip Morris International in the Subic Bay Freeport, northwest of Manila, would not be covered by a Supreme Court decision allowing collection of tobacco and alcohol taxes in the free port area.

The tax will not apply to the Philip Morris facility because the warehouse will be used only to store tobacco leaf for use in the company’s cigarette factory in Batangas province or for export to Philip Morris plants abroad, the SBMA said in a statement.

Under Republic Act No. 9334, which increased excise tax rates on alcohol and tobacco products, importation of these products -- even if destined for duty-free shops -- is subject to all applicable taxes, duties and charges.

The SBMA said the law also provides that tobacco products may be exempt from prepayment of excise tax “if the same are to be exported, or used in the manufacture of other tobacco products on which the excise tax will eventually be paid.”

The SBMA expressed concern for about 30 SMBA-registered companies engaged in importation, warehousing and retailing of tobacco and alcohol products, saying these would be directly affected by imposition of the excise tax.

The SBMA described the Supreme Court ruling -- which voided a local trial court’s suspension of the excise tax’s collection in Subic -- as a “big blow” to the free port regime in Subic and to government efforts to promote Subic as an investment center and a premier logistics hub in Southeast Asia.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza had said the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992 gave SMBA-registered establishments tax exemption on the goods brought into the free port.

“If we were to slap excise taxes on the merchandise imported by Subic-registered companies, it would be like changing the rules in the middle of the game,” Arreza said. “If we would reverse our policy of giving tax-free benefits to investors in Philippine free ports, then we would risk losing entire industries in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.” Ronnel W. Domingo; with INQUIRER.net

Lighthouse to be opened to public

Newly refurbished Olongapo Lighthouse in Kalaklan will be opened to the public for the first time since the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority had it refurbished.

The two-day event will be from 12 noon of October 31 up to 12 midnight of November 1, in time for the All Saints Day celebration. Those who will visit the grave of their loveones at Olongapo Public Cemetery in Kalaklan will have another attraction prepared by the City Government of Olongapo and the Olongapo Business Club.

A twenty-peso (PhP20) Environmental Protection Fee will be collected at entrance of the walkway leading to the lighthouse to fund the projects to maintain and further improve this tourist attraction.

The view from the lighthouse is breathtaking, a rare opportunity for Olongapo residents and visitors alike.

See you at the lighthouse!!

Lighthouse in a lighthouse

Lighthouse in a lighthouse:

The VistaMarina lighthouse of Subic Freeport viewed from Olongapo lighthouse in Kalaklan

BARANGAY AT SK ELECTION SA ‘GAPO, MAPAYAPA!

Generally Peaceful ang katatapos na Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Election nitong ika-29 ng Oktubre 2007 sa Lungsod ng Olongapo.

Maaga pa lamang ay dumagsa na ang maraming bilang ng mga botante sa labing-pitong (17) barangay na ayon sa talaan ng Commission on Election (COMELEC) ay mahigit 110,469 ang registered barangay voters at 4,253 naman ang registered SK voters.

Umabot rin sa 557 clustered precincts o pinagsama-samang presinto ang binuksan ng COMELEC para sa mga bumotong Olongapeño.

Samantala, masayang sinalubong ng mga kapwa botante, residente at guro si City Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. ng mag-tala ng boto sa Nellie E. Brown Elementary School sa West Bajac-Bajac at sa Pamatawan Elementary School, Pamatawan, Subic, Zambales naman tumungo si Vice-Governor at Olongapo First Lady Anne Marie Gordon upang bomoto.

Matatandaan na nauna nang nanawagan si Mayor Bong Gordon sa mga botante at tumatakbong lider-barangay at SK na panatilihin ang katahimihan, ‘’Iwasan ang init ng ulo bagkus ay maging kalmado. Isumbong sa COMELEC at Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) ang anumang makikitang kaguluhan.’’

Bunga ng maayos at tahimik na halalan ay binigyang komendasyon ni Mayor Gordon ang lahat ng mga Olongapeño na walang naitalang anumang uri ng election related violence, ‘’Napatunayan na naman na ang Olongapo ay karapat-dapat na hirangin bilang Peace and Order Awardee ng bansa,’’ wika ni Mayor Gordon.

Pao/rem

Olongapo Barangay Officials

WINNERS OF BARANGAY ELECTIONS
HELD 29 OCTOBER 2007
for OLONGAPO CITY

NE-Newly Elected
RE-Re elected (incumbent)

ASINAN = CONRADO C. VIRAY SR. = NE

BANICAIN = ERNELIZAR P. BATAPA = NE

BARRETTO = CARLITO A. BALOY = RE

EAST BAJAC-BAJAC = FILIPINO E. TABLAN =NE

EAST TAPINAC = BENJAMIN A. FRANCO = RE

GORDON HEIGHTS = EDGARDO R. GINGCO = NE

KALAKLAN = JESUS RICARDO N. FEDERICO = NE

MABAYUAN = EDGARDO C. DANUGRAO JR. =NE

NEW CABALAN = AUDIE S. SUNDIAM = NE

NEW ILALIM = MANUEL D. ARCE = NE

NEW KABABAE = AMALIA N. CORUM = RE

NEW KALALAKE = EDUARDO P. GLORIA = NE

OLD CABALAN = BASILIO D. PALO = NE

PAG-ASA= JIMMY B. PASAG = RE

STA. RITA = JEROME BACAY = NE

WEST BAJAC-BAJAC= RAFAEL R. SANTULAN JR = NE

WEST TAPINAC = RODRIGO B. DEL ROSARIO = RE

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

ACCOUNTING CLERK
PERSONAL DRIVER
ACCOUNTING CLERK
TRAINEE SEWERS
SKILLED SEWERS
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER
HUMAN RESOURCE ASSISTANT
QUALITY CONTROL STAFF
ACCOUNTING STAFF
KITCHEN HELPER
COOK
WAITER
ACCOUNTING AND ADMIN CLERK
ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT
COMPANY DRIVER
TRANSLATOR
OFFICE ENGINEER
ACCOUNTING STAFF
SECRETARY
BOOKKEEPER

Zambales, ’Gapo polls peaceful – cops

By: Johnny R. Reblando - Journal

IBA, Zambales – The Zambales and the Olongapo City police offices confirmed yesterday that the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataang elections were generally peaceful.

Gov. Amor D. Deloso said that except for an incident where Kagawad Gimo Sison of Tabalong, Sta. Cruz, was allegedly manhandled by an unidentified Army soldier during the campaign period, no one was reported killed.

The various voting places in Olongapo City and Zambales opened at 7 a.m. The usual confusion in locating voter’s names and candidates’ supporters distributing campaign materials at the school gates were the common problems that cropped up.

Concerned residents complained that assistors or writers for illiterate Aeta voters in Iba and Botolan towns were not properly screened by the Commission on Elections since many of them were found to be bets’ supporters.

Information gathered showed there are 3,000 illiterate voters in the area.

RP, US sign accord to boost Subic, Maryland ecozone trade

By Ronnel Domingo - Inquirer

OFFICIALS from the Philippine embassy in the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding with a US local government aimed at expanding merchandise traffic and investment flows between Subic and a Maryland economic zone.

Armand C. Arreza, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority administrator, said in a statement that the MOU signed last Oct. 22 was meant to enhance bonds of cooperation between Subic and Prince George's County, Maryland's foreign trade zone.

"This opens up a huge window of opportunity for Subic, and we would like to explore all the possibilities that this new partnership offers," Arreza said.

The official added that the agreement was a significant inroad for the Subic freeport as the SBMA widened its cooperation links in global trade and sought more foreign direct investment.

He said the signatories of the MOU included Philippine Ambassador Willy C. Gaa, Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson and David M. Valderrama, president of the International Council of Asian-American Business Executives.

"This is aimed at facilitating the sharing of experiences and best practices between the two trade zones, improve the quality of operations and logistical efficiency of companies located in both zones, and link the Port of Subic with Maryland's Port of Baltimore," Arreza said.

He added that the exchange of trade information and best practices would be invaluable to Subic because Maryland hosts four trade zones and the Baltimore port, a major center of maritime commerce in the United States.

"Subic has been a military port for over a century and it is only now that its potentials for trade are being realized," Arreza said. "As a commercial port, Subic could learn a lot from Baltimore, which has over 300 years of experience in cargo-handling."

In an effort to develop Subic into a regional logistics and service hub, SBMA has ramped up the freeport's cargo-handling capacity to 600,000 twenty-foot equivalent units and has been wooing investments in terminal operation, drydocking and ship repair, shipbuilding and warehousing.

For its part, the Port of Baltimore--with six public terminals and 30 private terminals stretched over a 45-mile shoreline--is considered the top-ranking port on the US East Coast in terms of roll-on/roll-off cargo operations

NBI seizes P5-M worth of fake Lacoste in Subic

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seized 1,357 pieces of counterfeit Lacoste T-shirts and other clothing products worth P5 million during raids in Zambales.

Raided were Puregold Duty Free (Subic) Inc. at Building 1109 Palm St., Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, Zambales and Freeport Exchange and International Freeport Traders at Building 640 Sampson Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, Zambales.

Regional Director Elfren L. Meneses Jr., chief of the NBI –Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD), said the raids stemmed from complaints of Lacoste S.A. for unfair competition and trademark infringement.

Surveillance and test buys were conducted that confirmed the complaints of the Lacoste S.A.

Armed with search warrants issued by Judge Reynaldo G. Ros, of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 33, the NBI conducted raids on the firms last Tuesday.

The raids resulted in the seizure of 1,357 pieces of T-shirts, 12 pcs. of jogging pants, nine pieces of jackets and 39 pairs of shoes all bearing the counterfeit trademark of Lacoste.

PAGASA receives P3 billion worth of grants-in-aid

It can predict rainfall intensity in specific areas. Doppler radars are to be installed in Mindanao, Subic, Zambales . . .

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has received around P3 billion worth of foreign grants for the rehabilitation of its equipment in the provinces in the past two years, officials said Saturday.


Dr. Prisco Nilo, PAGASA deputy director for operations and services, said the funds were used mainly in upgrading radars, basic observation equipment, flood forecasting and agro-meteorological stations.


Nilo said the financial assistance came from the governments of Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia and the United States. He said the projects are currently on-going and will be completed by next year. The official said these projects are all endorsed by its mother agency, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).


Additionally, Nilo said aside from foreign grants the weather bureau has also received around P500 million worth of grants from the national government.


He said this include the P200 million earmarked for two Doppler radars to be installed in Mindanao.


Nilo said the agency likewise received P150 to P200 million from the DOST grants-in-aid since last year. He said PAGASA is already finalizing the acquisition of some of these Doppler radars. PAGASA earlier said it aims to install 10 Doppler radars by 2010.


The Doppler radars are capable of generating short-term but highly accurate weather forecasts.


It can also predict rainfall intensity in specific areas. Doppler radars are to be installed in Mindanao, Subic, Zambales; Tagaytay City; Baguio City; Baler, Quezon; Aparri, Cagayan; Virac, Catanduanes; Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and Cebu City. Helen Flore - The Philippine Star

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

MACHINE OPERATOR
FEMALE ASSEMBLER
IT PERSONNEL
SCIENCE LAB ASSISTANT
TECHNICIAN

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

SOFTWARE ENGINEER
ENGINEERING STAFF
PURCHASING STAFF
CORPORATE PLANNING STAFF
STAFF TRAINING COORDINATOR
BARISTA
SERVER
ACCOUNTING STAFF
WAREHOUSE AND IMPEX CLERK DRIVER / OPERATOR
FACILITY / MAINTENANCE ENGINEER
COMPUTER PROGRAMMER
WEB DESIGNER
ACCOUNTING STAFF
ADMIN SUPERVISOR
ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT
NIGHT AUDITOR
AD AND PROMO ASSISTANT
AD AND PROMO ASSISTANT
COOK
CASHIER
WAITER
FRONT DESK OFFICER
SAFETY TRAINING TECHNICIAN
MESSMAN

PARADEZA, BAGONG RTC JUDGE SA GAPO

Ikinatuwa ni Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. ang pagkakatalaga kay Honorable Richard Paradeza bilang bagong tagahatol ng Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 72.

“I am certain that Judge Paradeza, being a native of Olongapo City, will discharge his duties with utmost responsibility and manifest commitment,’’ pahayag ni Mayor Gordon.

Ipinanganak si Paradeza noong ika-16 ng Hulyo, 1967 sa Lungsod ng Olongapo kung kaya’t bagaman naninirahan sa Libaba, Palaguig, Zambales ay maituturing pa rin na katutubo ng Lungsod.

Nanilbihang kagawad ng Sangguniang Bayan si Paradeza mula 1985 hanggang 1988 bilang boses ng Kabataang Barangay Federation.

Matapos manilbihan bilang “elected official” ay ipinagpatuloy pa rin ni Paradeza ang pagiging “public servant” sa pamamagitan ng paglilingkod sa iba’t ibang tanggapan ng pamahalaan; limang (5) taon sa Bureau of Local Government Finance mula 1990 hanggang 1995, pitong (7) taon bilang Special Prosecutor Officer sa Office of the Ombudsman mula 1995 hanggang 1992, limang (5) taon bilang Prosecutor II ng Manila Office of the City Prosecutor at noong ika-21 ng Agosto siya ay naitalaga bilang bagong hukom ng RTC Branch 72 sa Olongapo City.

Nagtapos si Paradeza ng Bachelor of Laws sa University of the East noong 1993 at naging ganap na abogado sa parehong taon. Gayundin, nagkamit siya ng degree sa pagiging Master of Jusrisprudence noong 2000 sa University of Sydney, Australia.

Maituturing si Paradeza na pinakabatang RTC judge sa Olongapo City at isa naman sa mga pinakabata sa buong Pilipinas.

Magugunita na kamakailan lamang ay ilang bagong opisyales ang naitalaga sa Olongapo City Hall of Justice; si Judge Tomas Eduardo Maddela III sa MTCC Branch 5, si Judge Raymond Viray sa RTC Branch 75, Prosecutor Emilie Fe De Los Santos sa Office of the City Prosecutor at ngayon nga ay si Judge Paradeza sa RTC Branch 72.




Pao/jms

CITY GOV’T AT BIR, TUNGO SA MAUNLAD NA GAPO

Ipinakilala ni Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong Gordon, Jr. sa flag raising ceremony kamakailan ang bagong Revenue District Officer sa lungsod na si Edgar B. Tolentino.

Naniniwala si Mayor Gordon na magiging katuwang ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ang tanggapan ng Rentas Internas (Bureau of Internal Revenue) sa pamumuno ni Tolentino kaugnay sa mga programa nito sa pagpapalakas ng “revenue system” sa lungsod. “The City Government looks forward on the alliance with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for notable development in our community,’’ pahayag ni Mayor Gordon.

Kasalukuyang pinag-uusapan ang kasunduan kaugnay sa ipagkakaloob ng City Government na permanenteng espasyo para sa tanggapan ng BIR. Ang nasabing hakbang ay tiyak na magiging daan tungo sa mas maayos pang koleksyon ng buwis sa lungsod.

Magugunita na sa inisyatibo ni Mayor Gordon ay ipinatayo at malapit nang buksan sa publiko ang Taxpayer’s Lounge na “airconditioned” at may “entertainment set” pa upang komportableng makapagbayad ang mga mamamayan ng kani-kanilang mga “tax obligations.”

Inaasahan na ang lalo pang gumagandang relasyon sa pagitan ng City Government at BIR ay magdudulot ng mabuting epekto sa ekonomiya. Gayun pa man, hindi magtatagumpay ang dalawang ahensiya sa kanilang adhikaing paunlarin ang ekonomiya kung hindi makikipagtulungan ang mga mamamayan kung kaya’t hinihikayat ang bawat isa na magbayad ng tamang buwis sa tamang oras.


Pao/jms

Mga Batang ‘Gapo, Hataw sa Children’s Congress ‘07

Isinagawa ng City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) ang taunang Children’s Congress nitong ika-22 hanggang 24 ng Oktubre 2007 sa Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center.

Sa pangunguna ni CSWDO Head Gene Eclarino at suporta ni City Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. matagumpay na idinaos ang taunang Children’s Congress sa Olongapo. Kaugnay ng pagdiriwang ng National Children’s Month para sa taong ito, ang dalawang araw na Children’s Congress ay nilahukan ng mga bata mula sa limampu’t apat (54) na Day Care Centers sa buong lungsod.

Humataw ang mga batang kinatawan ng mga Day Care Centers sa iba’t ibang aktibidad sa Children’s Congress. Dito ay ipinakita ng mga batang Olongapeño ang kanilang angking talento sa pagsasayaw, pagkanta, pagguhit at pagbigkas ng tula.

‘Wagi ang pambato ng Johnson East Bajac-Bajac Day Care Center ng unang pwesto para sa singing competition habang tinanghal ring 1st placer ang Purok 2 New Cabalan Day Care Center sa Folk Dancing.

Nagpasikat naman sa Poem Recital ang kinatawan ng Block 12 Gordon Heights Day Care Center na nakakuha ng unang pwesto habang 1st place winner din ang pambato ng Mabayuan Day Care Center sa Drawing Contest.

Samantala, magiging kinatawan naman ng Olongapo ang mga first place winners sa regional competition na gaganapin sa San Fernando Pampanga Convention Center.

Si Mayor Bong Gordon habang nagbibigay ng mensahe para sa mga batang kalahok sa Children’s Congress 2007 na ginanap sa Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center nitong ika-22 hanggang 23 ng Oktubre 2007.

NGO’s, binigyang akreditasyon ng city council

Binigyang akreditasyon ng Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Olongapo ang iba’t ibang Non-Government Offices (NGO’s) sa lungsod upang maging bahagi ng mga special bodies nito.

Sa bisa ng Resolution Numbers 138, 139, 140, 141, 142 at 143, pormal na kinilala ng city council ang ilang NGO’s sa Olongapo upang maging miyembro ng mga special bodies ng lungsod sang-ayon sa Republic Act 7160 o mas kilala sa Local Government Code of 1991.

Kabilang sa mga accredited NGO’s ng konseho ang Ulo ng Apo Amateur Radio Club, Inc., Boy Scouts of the Philippines, James L. Gordon Council, Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSAP) Olongapo City Chapter, Olongapo Business Club, Inc., Katipunan ng mga Bantay Bayan ng Pilipinas, Inc. (KABAYAN) at Tayo ang Tinig at Gabay (TATAG) Inc.

Layunin ng akreditasyon ng mga nabanggit na NGO’s na maging katuwang ang mga ito ng pamahalaang lokal sa pagsusulong ng mga programang laan para sa mamamayang Olongapeño.

Inaasahan rin na makikiisa ang mga accredited NGO’s sa pagtataguyod ng matatag at progresibong Olongapo tulad ng slogan nitong “Fighting for Excellence”.

PAO/jpb

6 Customs execs get 6-month suspension for smuggling

By Tetch Torres - INQUIRER.net


MANILA, Philippines -- Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has meted a six-month preventive suspension against six officials of the Bureau of Customs allegedly involved in the smuggling of 14 luxury vehicles in February.

Ordered suspended were Jocelyn Dullas, acting chief of the Certificate of Payment Unit; Orlando Ronquillo, Rustico Mallari, and Enrico Cruz, examiners; Ebrahim Pankatan and Rodolfo Casis, principal appraisers; all from the BoC, Port of Subic.

"The presence of their names and signatures in the documents brings forth the prima facie presumption that they deliberately participated in its execution and had admitted the veracity of the written items contained therein," Gutierrez said as she ordered Finance Secretary Margarito Teves to immediately implement the order.

Based on the complaint filed by the Department of Finance-Revenue Integrity Protection Service (DoF-RIPS), Customs Commissioner Napolen Morales was informed of the alleged smuggling of high-end luxury vehicles consigned to Hidemitsu Trading Corp: four BMW passenger cars; two SUV Acura MDX passenger cars; a Cadillac Escalade Ext pick up truck 2007; a Cadillac Escalade Utility vehicle 2007; three Audi A8L passenger cars 2006; a Corvette Convertible passenger car 2006; an SUV Infinity FX45 2005; an SUV Nissan Armada 2006; a Mercedes Benz S550 passenger car 2006; and a Mercedes Benz S350 car 2006.

The vehicles were allegedly taken out of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone without the required taxes and duties.

Further investigation by the BoC’s Task Force Anti-Smuggling-Special Operation Group showed that the Mercedes Benz S550 and S350 were still inside the SBMA while the remaining 14 were seen in Angeles City and Quezon City.

In June 15, 2007 the BoC issued a consolidated decision ordering the forfeiture of the vehicles in favor of the government. That same decision was used as basis in the filing of the complaint with the Ombudsman.

The respondents denied the allegations against them by saying that their signatures had been faked.

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

ACCOUNTING STAFF
HUMAN RESOURCE ASSISTANT
WELDER / FOREMAN
PAINTER
COMPANY HOUSEKEEPER
MACHINE OPERATOR
FEMALE ASSEMBLER
SUB-LINE OPERATOR
INVENTORY CONTROLLER
PRODUCTION OPERATOR
CIVIL ENGINEER
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Signs of a bungled relocation project

INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON
Signs of a bungled relocation project

By Tonette Orejas - Inquirer

SUBIC, Zambales – As the rains poured over the Redondo Peninsula in Subic, Zambales, one afternoon in August, Romeo Altares went up and down the hill, checking for signs of another landslide.

Inside their house, his wife Julieta made sure that their three children and a grandson were all within arm’s reach, in case of a disaster.

The house next door, their daughter’s, had been vacant for over two weeks, although Romeo had shoveled the debris of rocks and soil out of the yard.

“The landslides happened at around midnight. I told my daughter to leave her house and move in with us. We haven’t had a good sleep since then,” Romeo said.

With three families or 13 people taking refuge under one roof, the Altares’ three-by-five meters house is crowded.

Living in the relocation site in Sitio Agusuhin, where they and some 470 other families have been transferred, Altares has reasons to be nervous and vigilant.

Hazards

Their house sits only five meters below the right side of the peak of Agusuhin. The first school building that was built there was torn down after it collapsed two days after the opening of classes in August last year.

The second crumbled in July, with thin steel bars jutting out of walls that have cracked. Abandoned, the structure tilts downhill toward some 50 houses lining the steep, rocky road.

“Quarry is beautiful than this place. Quarry is like a paradise. It’s flat and there are no rocks. It’s safe there,” Julieta said, missing her old village that got its name from the activity of the US Navy there and which the South Korean shipbuilder, Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co., has occupied since May last year.

On another hill, two more school buildings show signs of a looming disaster. One is built below the other, like steps on a staircase, and only three meters apart. Both stand on clayish soil, slippery and soft on rainy days.

The walls show cracks and portions of the walkway are detaching from the concrete columns. If anything bad happens, the lives of 430 students are imperiled.

For the 221 high school students who come from the sitios of Nagbayuhan, Nagyantoc, Agusuhin, Nagtulong and Kinabuksan, traveling by boat for 45 minutes to get to the school is already dangerous.

“Local officials did not consult with us students when they transferred our school (from Quarry) to Agusuhin,” said Roxanne Amorin, the student council’s president.

Nightmarish

Aside from the unsafe structures, the place is nightmarish for many other reasons, according to mothers like Nida Marcial and Filda Manangan.

Water comes from a concrete, open impounding tank linked to a stream. The Inquirer has not seen any of the three elevated tanks worth P585,500 each in Hanjin’s P18-million purchase order to North Bound Hardware & General Merchandise in Castillejos, Zambales.

The health center is unfinished; so are the two toilets in the elementary school building. Teachers have given up their two sleeping quarters to accommodate more classrooms. Two chapels await completion.

Hanjin’s purchase order did not include materials for the installation of electricity, construction of roads, and drainage systems.

Unlike in Quarry where they had enough food from the farms, the residents now have to buy everything in Agusuhin. They were not given farm lots to till here. Jeepney fare is P30 for a one-way ride to town.

The people rebuilt their homes from money Hanjin paid them for damages. Most, however, used old materials and tents, scrimping their cash for harder times.

“Talaga pong sising-sisi kami (We regret it very much that we agreed to transfer),” Marcial said.

They had “no choice,” they said, because their houses in Quarry were demolished ahead of the relocation project.

The promises of Subic Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun during a meeting in April 2006 seemed empty now, Marcial and Manangan said.

The residents still remember Khonghun’s promises: “We will relocate you to a beautiful place … we will ensure your safety … the site will have power and water supplies, and a school … you’ll get individual titles).”

“He hasn’t visited us here,” Manangan said.

Neither has President Macapagal-Arroyo. The President, however, has visited Hanjin’s shipyard since the opening rites on May 26, 2006. Agusuhin is some 800 meters from the facility.

“She has not bothered to visit Agusuhin,” said former Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II, chair of the Task Force Hanjin. The task force was formed by Gov. Amor Deloso to correct the situation at the relocation.

Graft?

Has Hanjin failed to meet its social responsibility even as its $1.684-billion project was the single biggest foreign direct investment in the Philippines in 2006?

Jong Yu Pyeong, Hanjin administrative manager, declined to answer the Inquirer’s questions when reached through his mobile phone in Korea. He said he was on “vacation.”

Deloso considered Hanjin a “victim of pressures of politicians.” He said former Gov. Vicente Magsaysay took care of the negotiations for the compensation of damages to settlers, using armed men to force the people out of Agusuhin.

Reports reaching Deloso said Hanjin released P500 million for the compensation.

But Magsaysay said it was not him but the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) that had negotiated with the residents to move out of Quarry.

“I just handed the money to the people,” he said. Families whose houses were demolished were given a total P24 million, he added.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said “negotiations were done by Hanjin through [one of its consultants].”

“Hanjin just furnished us with waivers,” he said, referring to documents stating that the residents have agreed to leave the former US military reservation, which is within the Subic Bay Freeport.

As for the relocation project, Magsaysay said: “I didn’t have any role there. I just helped transfer the people.”

He said he was not privy to the P18-million purchase order by Hanjin for construction materials.

Khonghun, Deloso said, handled the P18 million for the construction of public utilities. The mayor, however, denied having a direct hand in the project, saying he only recommended the contractors when Hanjin asked him to refer qualified ones.

Deloso said two contractors admitted receiving P3 million each, while the last one got P1 million.

Losing control

How Hanjin lost control was surprising. It set the following “conditions” on its purchase order: “Work must be completed based on the approved plan and discussion of Hanjin Subic representatives” and “materials must strictly conform to the given (specifications), otherwise it will be rejected and returned without additional cost to the buyer.”

Deloso said it was Khonghun who was on top of the relocation project and thus should account for the P18 million.

“Technically, the money belongs to the [SBMA]. It will be deducted by Hanjin from its rental to [the] SBMA,” said Deloso.

Another P8.5 million for 60 people with claims over a reforestation site occupied by Hanjin is said to be missing.

In this bungled relocation project, Deloso said the problem was not how to repair or complete the structures which Hanjin would not pay for.

“Agusuhin appeared prone to landslides and we may have to find another place for the settlers there,” the governor said.

Where the next site would be and how much it would cost to develop a safe, humane relocation would be the sole burden of the provincial government, he said.

“This is a social ill [of investments],” he said.

Flash Gordon to the rescue

FROM THE STANDS By Domini M. Torrevillas

The Glorietta bombing last Friday, October 19, showed us that in times of disaster and crisis, Dick Gordon of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) is someone you can rely on to always be there for you.

It was just like Gordon rushing to the scene like the MV Asuncion sinking in 1987, the earthquake in Central Colleges in Cabanatuan in 1990, and the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991.

Dick and PNRC volunteers were the first response teams to arrive at the Glorietta shortly after the blast at 1:20 p.m. Deployed were six ambulances with 20 staff and volunteers of medical and rescue teams from different PNRC chapters to provide search, rescue and medical assistance to the victims. While the law enforcement authorities had to secure and collect evidence from the carnage site, Gordon and the PNRC teams, amidst the ensuing chaos and confusion, immediately addressed the concerns of both the victims and their loved ones by coordinating information bulletins with the hospitals and funeral homes.

Ten of the injured were treated by the PNRC team on-site while Welfare Desks were installed immediately near Ground Zero and at the Makati Medical Center and Ospital ng Makati to assist those trying to locate their loved ones who might have been inside the mall at the time of the explosion. A good number of those missing or unaccounted for were successfully located by the teams.

When the rest gave up hope and called it a day that early evening, Dick Gordon returned and stayed behind to comfort relatives still waiting at the blast site for news about their missing relatives. The scene was like that of the Zambales fishermen in 2005 who were lost at sea for 19 days and given up for dead until Sen. Gordon tapped the US Navy to track via an Orion plane the whereabouts of the men to be picked up the Philippine Navy along the coast of Palawan.

At the Glorietta 4 Friday evening, Norlita Tan, looking distraught, approached the PNRC Welfare Desk to seek help in locating her husband, Renier, who had been with her inside the mall shortly before the explosion. She just had her eyeglasses repaired at an optical shop at Glorietta 4, leaving her husband to pass time by himself strolling around the area. Little did she know that that would be the last time she would see him alive.

Gordon sought clearance from law enforcement agencies and the mall management who had secured the area and were now on clearing operations before he deployed the PNRC search-and-rescue team back to the site to search for Norlita's husband.

Utilizing search cameras and an audio probe, the team found a wallet belonging to the reported missing Maureen De Leon among the debris, near where the bodies of her companions, Gee-Ann de Gracia and Carlo Niño Vigamo, were found earlier that afternoon.

Gordon inspected the wallet and found the telephone number of Gerardo De Leon, father of Maureen. On the phone, De Leon told Dick that Maureen was not home. Dick advised him to proceed to the site since Maureen was not on the list of victims taken to hospitals and funeral homes. Dick also tried to track Maureen through her employer, Tots Romualdez, who was his classmate and who also joined in the vigil for news.

At that time Norlita was waiting at the site for word about her husband, with Dick and PNRC people never leaving her side, offering comfort and encouragement in that time of uncertainty. Gerardo and his wife Mercedes also received the same kind of support and comfort while they were at the site for hours on end waiting for their daughter, Maureen, to be found. Both Norlita and the De Leons believed that Renier and Maureen were still inside the building.

Dick once again deployed the PNRC search-and-rescue team back on site this time, armed with hooligan tools, a portable chain saw, K7 circular cutters and hydraulic rescue rams, a spreader, and cutters to break through piles of concrete and steel at the pinpointed target area.

Barely an hour later, at around 2 a.m., of Saturday, October 20, the PNRC team found the lifeless body of Reinier Tan buried in debris at the foot of the escalator at the atrium of Glorietta 2. With some difficulty, Dick told Norlita that Renier had been found.

Maureen's body was found at 10:30 that evening — 33 hours after the explosion — by the joint search and rescue teams of PNRC and Makati City. Upon being informed of the discovery, Dick excused himself and returned to the blast scene, leaving his wife Kate with their friends to watch the New Minstrels show.

"Even if we can't provide relief to the family members by finding their missing relatives alive, at least we provide closure to their search. This is all part of the efforts of the Red Cross to alleviate human suffering," Dick said. "We are relentless in our search. We don't give up until we find them simply because their respective families do not have plans of giving up themselves."

Those still seeking missing relatives may contact the Social Services Group of PNRC though 5270000

Freeport consignee suspended for 3 mos.

By: Johnny R. Reblando – Journal

SUBIC Bay Freeport - The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has suspended for three months the importer of the Porsche luxury car that was smuggled out of the Subic Bay Freeport two weeks ago and froze the company’s shipments following the public outcry.

At the same time, SBMA officials formally requested Subic Customs district collector Marietta Zamoranos to inhibit herself in the investigation of the case because of her brother’s alleged involvement in the smuggling attempt.

The two measures were unanimously approved by the SBMA board of directors last Friday to protect the image of Subic as an investment site, said SBMA director Mario Garcia.

The SBMA board decided to suspend the certificate of registration of Global International (Subic) Phils. Corp. (GIPC), a company registered in the Subic Freeport, after finding that it was the consignee of the luxury vehicle.

Garcia said GIPC’s suspension could be extended indefinitely once a case is filed against it. The SBMA board denied GIPC’s request to process and release allits pending shipments, Garcia added.

The SBMA board also resolved to request the Olongapo City police to turn over the Porshe Boxster to Task Force Subic, the anti-smuggling unit which has jurisdiction over smuggling cases in the Subic Bay area.

The Olongapo City police office seized the smuggled car after it was flagged down by agents of the Land Transportation Office at a checkpoint in Barangay New Cabalan on Oct.11.

Police reports said the Porshe sports car – a black 1999 model with plate number ZHA 798 – formed a convoy with two other luxury vehicles.
-- a Hummer and a Porsche Carrera which however managed to speed away.

Louie Moloa of GIPC said the luxury vehicle was supposed to be transferred to another yard. He claimed innocence on how it got out of the Freeport.

TAPATANG OLONGAPO AT ANGELES PART - II

Muli na namang pinaluhod ng mga pambatong boksingero ng Olongapo ang mga katunggaling boksingero sa isinagawang Invitational Amateur Boxing Tournament- The Olongapo vs Angeles Fiesta Fight II nitong ika-20 ng Oktubre 2007. Sinaksihan ng mahigit isanlibong (1,000) manunuod sa Nepo Quadrangle, Angeles City ang sagupaan.

Inalay kay City Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. nitong ika-22 ng Oktubre 2007 sa Flag Raising Ceremony sa Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center ang trophy na napagwagian ng Olongapo Boxing Team sa limang (5) non-title fights na pinaglabanan kung saan tatlong (3) bouts ang napanalunan ng Olongapo.

Masayang tinanggap ni Mayor Bong Gordon ang pasalubong na trophy buhat sa mga ‘waging boksingero na pinangunahan ni Olongapo Boxing Team Head Coach Arsenio A. Perez, Jr.

Isa-isang ipinagmalaki ni Mayor Gordon ang mga matitikas na kabataang boksingerong nag-uwi ng karangalan sa lungsod kabilang na sina Larry Abarra (Bantamweight), Melchor Perez (Pinweight) at Ricardo Rivero (Flyweight).

Matatandaan na ang sumisikat ngayon sa boxing arena na si Artis Martin, Jr. ay nagsimula at sinanay sa ‘’Inter-barangay Boxing Tournament’’ na isa sa mga Sports Program ni Mayor Gordon at patuloy na nagsasanay sa Baguio City upang isabak sa susunod na ASEAN Games.

Samantala, patuloy pa ring naghahanap ang lungsod ng mga kabataang nais na lumahok sa mga susunod pang boxing competitions. Maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa City Disaster Management Office (DMO) o tumawag sa 224-7846 o kaya’y sa inyong mga sariling barangay halls.

Pao/rem

West Tapinac, Nanguna sa 1st Canvassing

Nanguna si Ms. West Tapinac Michelle Grace Antonio sa makulay na First Canvassing ng Search for the City Fiesta Queen 2007 sa temang Carnival Night nitong ika-19 ng Oktubre sa Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Covered Court.

Matapos rumampa ang mga City Fiesta Queen candidates suot ang kanilang makukulay na kasuotan na angkop sa temang Carnival Night, nangibabaw ang pangalan ni Ms. West Tapinac Michelle Grace Antonio matapos ang bilangan.

First Counting pa lang ay lamang na si Ms. West Tapinac sa ibang kandidata. Higit itong lumamang sa 2nd Counting na umabot sa P20,000 kabuuan ng una at pangalawang bilangan.

Pumangalawa naman si Ms. Kababae Marie Graciela Cura at sinundan ni Ms. Gordon Heights Avirose De Aro.

Dinaluhan ni Mayor Bong Gordon ang naturang Canvassing upang ipakita ang kanyang pagsuporta sa mga kandidata. Pinapurihan din niya si Kgd. Gie Baloy, Chairman ng City Fiesta Executive Committee, dahil sa matagumpay na pagdaraos ng 1st Canvassing.

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Samantala, umabot sa P82,128.75 ang kabuuang halaga ng pera ng labing pitong (17) kandidata mula sa iba’t ibang barangay ng Olongapo para sa unang canvassing.

Ang Search for the City Fiesta Queen 2007 ay isang fund-raising upang makalikom ng pondong pantulong tulad ng scholarships at livelihood sa mga mamamayan ng Olongapo.

PAO/jpb

‘Gapo Rescue Team sa ARDEX-07

Makikipagsabayan ang Olongapo Rescue Team sa galing ng mga kalahok mula sa iba’t ibang bansa sa Asya sa 3rd ASEAN Regional Disaster Simulation Exercise (ARDEX-07) nitong ika-20 hanggang 24 ng Oktubre 2007.

Matapos maiuwi ang first place title sa nakaraang First Aid Olympics na ginanap sa Tarlac City kamakailan, tumulak naman ang Olongapo City Rescue Team sa Singapore upang maging kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa isang Disaster Simulation Exercise.

Buo ang suporta ni Mayor Bong Gordon para sa team. Aniya, ang pakikilahok nito sa ARDEX-07 ay magiging kapaki-pakinabang upang higit na maiangat ang kaalaman at husay ng team pag dating sa mga emergency situations.

Ang ARDEX ‘07 ay bahagi ng ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response na sumesentro sa disaster rescue and relief operations na isinasagawa ng mga ASEAN member countries.

Si Mayor Bong Gordon at Olongapo First Lady at Zambales Vice Governor Anne Gordon (gitna) kasama ang Olongapo Rescue Team mula sa Disaster Management Office (DMO) na lalahok sa 3rd ASEAN Regional Disaster Simulation Exercise (ARDEX-o7) sa Singapore nitong ika-20 hanggang 24 ng Oktubre 2007.

P 5k Para sa Magpapahuli sa Magnanakaw ng Kuryente

Magbibigay ng pabuya si Mayor Bong Gordon para sa mga makapagtuturo o makahuhuli ng mga di–otorisadong indibidwal at kumpanya na gumagawa ng tampering ng mga kable ng kuryente.

Sa ginanap na flag raising ceremony ng mga city officials and employees nitong ika-22 ng Oktubre, sinabi ni Mayor Gordon na magbibigay ng limang libong pisong (P5,000) reward ang Olongapo City Government sa mga makapagtuturo o makahuhuli sa mga gumagawa ng illegal na koneksyon sa mga linya ng kuryente.

Kabilang sa tinutukoy na illegal connection o tampering ng mga kable ng kuryente ang intensyunal na pagkakabit ng di-otorisadong koneksyon, di-otorisadong pag-extend ng linya ng kuryente ng mga subscribers at pag-install ng mga putol na linya.

Limang libong piso rin ang ibibigay na pabuya ng lungsod sa sinumang makapagtuturo sa mga gumagawa ng bandalismo (vandalism) na isa sa nakasisira sa kalinisan at mga ari-arian ng lungsod. Samantala, may sampung libong piso (P10,000) pabuya naman para sa makapagtuturo sa kinaroroonan ng nawawalang accordion door sa Onse Fraterity Compound sa may Marikit Complex.

Para sa mga sumbong hinggil sa tampering o illegal connections ng mga linya ng kuryente, bandalismo at iba pang violations, makipag-ugnayan lamang sa inyong mga barangay o kaya’y sa Public Utilities Department (PUD), numero 222-3015/222-2659/222-3022 at Public Affairs Office, numero 224-8390 locals 4211/4241. Para naman sa makapagbibigay ng impormasyon patungkol sa nawawalang accordion door sa Onse Fraternity Compund, maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa Mayor’s Office, numero 222-2565.

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

COMPANY NURSE - LICENSED
SALES ASSISTANT
CASHIER
INTERNAL SECURITY
ADMIN STAFF
DATA ENCODER
MERCHANDISER
INTERNAL SECURITY
AUTO MECHANIC
PURCHASING STAFF
BUS DISPATCHER
IMPORT / EXPORT PROCESSOR
DRIVER
BULK OPERATOR
LINE LEADER
WAREHOUSE STAFF
OPERATION EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

CADDIES
INTERNAL SECURITY
TEACHERS
HR SPECIALIST
ACCOUNTING STAFF
ACCOUNTANT ( C.P.A. )

Unawaang Pamahalaan – Mamamayan hinggil sa Pagbubuwis

Ang buwis ay dugo’t buhay ng pamahalaan. Ito ang nagsisilbing langis na nagpapatakbo sa mga prosesong pampamahalaan upang mapaglingkuran ang mamamayan.

Ayon sa Social Contract Theory ni Thomas Hobbes, “Kailangang isuko ng tao ang kanyang karapatan at kalayaan kapalit ng proteksyong ihahatid sa kanya ng estado.” Ang teoryang ito ay mababanaag sa konsepto ng pangongolekta ng buwis. Hinahayaan natin ang pamahalaan na kaltasan ang ating mga kinikita sapagkat ang salaping makokolekta mula dito ay siya namang gagamitin tungo sa matagumpay na relasyon sa pagitan ng namumuno at pinamumunuan. Ang relasyon na tinutukoy ay ang pagbibigay serbisyo ng mga namumuno sa kanilang nasasakupan.

Isa sa mga pangunahing pinagkukunan ng kita (revenue) ng pamahalaan ay ang buwis sa mga ari-ariang di natitinag o Real Property Tax (RPT). Ang mga mamamayang nagmamay-ari ng lupa, gusali o bahay, mga sementadong bakod, tangke ng tubig, makinarya at kagamitan na kasalukuyan o tuwirang ginagamit para sa isang partikular na industriya o kalakalan ay sakop ng batas patungkol sa pangongolekta ng RPT.

Sa oras na mapasakamay ang isang ari-ariang di natitinag, marapat na maglahad ng sinumpaang pahayag hinggil sa tunay na halaga nito sa Tanggapan ng Taga-tasa (City or Municipal Assesor) sa loob ng animnapong araw mula nang maangkin ang naturang ari-arian. Ang paglalahad ng sinumpaang pahayag ay minsan lamang sa loob ng tatlong taon sa panahon mula Enero hanggang Hunyo. Subalit kung hindi tumalima o nakaligtaang maglahad ng sinumpaang pahayag ay maaaring pagmultahin ng P1,000 hanggang P5,000 o pagkabilanggo ng di-hihigit sa anim na buwan o parehong multa at pagkabilanggo. Muli, ang karapatan sa pagpapataw ng multa ng pamahalaan ay sang-ayon sa unawaan ng pamahalaan at mamamayan upang parehong makinabang ang mga ito sa isa’t isa – ang pamahalaan sa buwis mula sa mamamayan; ang mamamayan sa proteksyon at serbisyong ihinahatid ng pamahalaan.


Pagkwenta ng Bayaring Buwis
sa mga Ari-ariang di-natitinag:

Kung paanong kinukwenta ang bayaring buwis ng angking ari-arian ay sang-ayon sa tasadong halaga (assessed value) ng mga ito. Ang ibinubuwis sa mga ari-ariang di-natitinag ay tinatasahan ayon sa antas ng Tasasiyon (Assessment Level) o Porsiyento ng kabuuang halaga ng bilihan (Market Value) na itinakda ng batas ukol sa bawat uri ng ari-arian.

Ang mga antas ng tasasiyon ukol sa mga uri ng lupa ay ang sumusunod:

Tirahan (Residential) 20%
Taniman (Agricultural) 40%
Pangkalakal (Commercial) 50%
Industriyal (Industrial) 50%
Minahan (Mineral) 50%
Kahuyan (Timbered) 20%

Kaya kung nagmamay-ari ng Lupang Tirahan na nagkakahalaga ng P10,000, ang basehan ng babayaran na buwis ay 20% ng P10,000.

Ang mga antas ng tasasiyon (Assessment Level) ukol sa mga gusali, ibang ari-arian at makinarya ay nagsasaad sa Pangalawang Aklat (Book II) ng Kodigo ukol sa Lokal na Pamahalaan ng 1991.

Maaaring bayaran sa Tanggapan ng Ingat Yaman ngungsod ang kabuuang halaga ng buwis ng ari-ariang di natitinag o kaya ay pantay-pantay na hulugan sa loob ng isang taon. Ang taning sa pagbabayad ng buwis ay ang mga sumusunod:

a. Buong pagbabayad - hanggang ika-31 ng Marso
b. Apat na pantay-pantay na hulugan:

Enero 3 - Marso 31
Abril 1 - Hunyo 30
Hulyo 1 - Setyembre 30
Oktubre 1 - Disyembre 31

Ang mga hindi makapagbabayad ng buwis ng mga ari-arian sa loob ng taning na panahon ay kagyat na magiging delingkwenteng magbubuwis at maaaring patawan ng karagdagang bayad. Pagbabayarin ang mga ito ng dalawang porsiyentong dagdag sa kabuuang bayad sa buwis ng ari-arian. Sakaling hindi mabayaran ang buwis ng ar-arian pagkalipas ng isang taon, ang lokal na Ingat-Yaman ay maaaring gawin ang isa o lahat ng mga sumusunod na hakbang:

· Ilitin(confiscate) ang ari-arian;
· Ipagbili (sell) ang ari-arian sa pamamagitan ng subasta (Public Auction Sale)
· Magdemanda (file a legal suit) sa hukuman

Bigyang-diin muli natin na ang karapatan ng pamahalaan na magpataw ng kaukulang penalty sa mga delingkwenteng mambubuwis ay mula sa unawaan ng

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pamahalaan at mamamayan hinggil sa pangongolekta ng buwis. Kung umaaasa ang mamamayan sa mga serbisyong mula sa pamahalaan, ang pamahalaan naman ay umaasa at nabubuhay sa pamamagitan ng suportang ibinibigay ng mamamayan dito. Ang wastong pagtupad sa obligasyon sa pagbubuwis ay pagtugon sa matiwasay na ugnayan ng pamahalaan at ng mamamayan.

NiHAO, BHP ink deal to explore nickel in Zambales

NiHAO, BHP Billiton unit ink mining deal

By Amy R. Remo - Inquirer

LISTED firm NiHAO Mineral Resources International Inc. has forged an agreement last week with QNI Phils. Inc., the local subsidiary of BHP Billiton Ltd., to explore for nickel in Zambales.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, NiHAO said the memorandum of agreement covers its Botolan nickel prospect in Zambales.

NiHao's Botolan asset covers two parcels of land--both of which lie between the Botolan and Iba towns of Zambales.

Zambales, traditionally known for its chromite mines, also hosts abundant nickel laterite resources.

Nickel is very much in demand in the world market as it is a vital ingredient in steel manufacturing.

Under the agreement, NiHAO will conduct a preliminary exploration and drilling program on the property, while BHP Billiton will provide technical expertise and advice through a joint exploration management committee.

According to the disclosure, NiHAO will shoulder "all exploration expenses during this period and will be responsible for all legal and regulatory aspects covering the property."

The disclosure also stated that the MOA contains the commercial terms for the offtake agreement, at BHP's option, between NiHAO and BHP's Yabulu nickel refinery in Queensland, Australia.

BHP Billiton is the world's largest diversified resources company. Its Yabulu refinery in Queensland is one of the world's biggest nickel processing facilities.

The offtake agreement for NiHAO's nickel property, the disclosure said, "will take effect once the exploration and drilling program is concluded and will extend for a period of five years."

Under this agreement, NiHAO will deliver 500,000 wet metric tones of nickel ore annually, and will be sold based on London Metal Exchange prices.

Also, NiHAO and BHP signed on the same day a confidentiality agreement, which provides that both parties are not allowed to disclose any privileged information to third parties

Subic Freeport exec faces extort raps

By: Johnny R. Reblando - People's Journal

SUBIC Bay Freeport – The National Bureau of Investigation arrested a top ranking employee of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority during an entrapment Friday morning.

Lawyer Joel Curammeng, agent-in-charge of the NBI-Olongapo City district, identified the suspect as Gregorio Royol, head of Port Operation Division of the Seaport department located at Seaport Building 244, Waterfront Road, this Freeport.

The suspect was arrested by a team led by executive officer Magno Britaqnico and special investigators Agni Fontanilla, Paulo Calip and Lemuel Garcia based on the complaint of Arthur Padilla, president of Samahan ng mga Mahihirap Bantay ng Bayan, an accredited Ships Line Handler.

Padilla said Royol has been extorting money from him since 2006 by threatening to have his business closed.

Padilla claimed he had already given the suspect a total of P147,000 and $100. He said the suspect would threaten him by wielding a gun. He added the suspect’s latest demand was P155,000 and a brand new vehicle.

“Pine-pressure na niya ako at kailangan na daw niya ng pera para pambili ng Armalite na kanyang gagamitin sa rantso niya sa Cagayan,” Padilla said.

Examination made by NBI forensic chemist showed that Royol was positive for fluorescent powder.

People’s Journal tried to reach Royol for comment but he declined.

The NBI agents recovered from the suspect five pieces of P1,000 tied to several strips of paper.

The suspect was detained at the NBI District Office.

Clark firm prexy welcomes Mikey's call

By Raymond C. Garcia - SunStar

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Levy Laus said he welcomed the call of Pampanga second district Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo for calm and sobriety in connection with issue of the proposed interchanges for Subic- Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

"Everybody should respect Congressman Mikey's appeal because it will ultimately be good for everyone," said Laus, who is also the chairman of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Join forum on Sandiganbayan's guilty verdict on Estrada plunder case. Post comments here.

Arroyo on Wednesday asked all concerned to avoid making any more statements "that may exacerbate the current situation."

He was apparently referring to the conflicting statements issued by Pampanga officials on which of the three proposed interchanges had been approved by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

"I wish to make clear my position on the issue of the proposed SCTEx interchanges in Pampanga," said the lawmaker.

Congressman Arroyo said the controversy must not be allowed to divide the province's leaders and people.

Laus said he agreed with Mikey's view that the final report on the proposals will focus on technical soundness and least cost to the government.

C. Luzon media to declare police chief persona non grata?

C. Luzon media to declare police chief persona non grata?

By Marna H. Dagumboy - SunStar

CAMP OLIVAS – An official of the Camp Olivas Press Society (Cops) said Friday the group is contemplating on filing a resolution Monday declaring Police Regional Director Errol T. Pan as "persona non grata".

This came in the heels of reports that the general – who failed to attend a fellowship night with the media which he himself had scheduled last Tuesday – had indeed arrived that same night, but went straight to his quarters and slept.

Media personalities from the six provinces in Central Luzon were dismayed upon hearing the report.

As of Saturday, members of the Cops are still collating information from other sources inside the camp to verify if the police general indeed took a rest after arriving that night.

"We're wondering if he did it on purpose. There were media people waiting in front of the Officer's Club House who saw his entourage arrive. The regional director's quarters is just located at the back of the club house," Ric Sapnu of the Philippine Star said.

This was in contrast to the statement of Pan's public information officer, who told members of the media that the police general could not make it to the fellowship because he was still in Zambales.

Sapnu said many generals have been assigned to Camp Olivas but all of them were friendly, especially to media people.

Mar Supnad of Manila Bulletin said the police general had no respect for the media. "Dapat may isang salita siya ma dapat panghawakan ng isang heneral ng pulisiya. First of all, we did not ask for the said fellowship. It was
him who scheduled it," he said.

Synergizing local tourism through the Subik Grand Festival

With a new spelling, Subik will be bursting with color, pageantry and excitement for three full days when the Subik! Subik! Festival unfolds from November 2 to 4.

The grand event will feature endless fun activities for all types of visitors. Originally conceptualized to formally launch the new name “Subik,” which collectively refers to all provinces under the Greater Subic Bay—the celebration will gather various festivals and events regularly held in the old Subic to drum up both local and foreign travelers’ interests on the region’s vast tourist destinations. Aside from the panoramic sceneries and plethora of historical insights, nonstop entertainment, unique shopping experiences, tempting food promotions, and adrenalin-pumping water sports also await the visitors.

Basking on a more unified stance in fortifying Central Luzon’s dominant role in revitalizing domestic tourism, the Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (GSBTB), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the local governments of Olongapo, Bataan and Zambales, will spearhead another major contribution to the region’s continued dynamism.

“Everyone is invited to join the Subik! Subik! Festival as it is bound to thrill everyone with its diverse activities. Guests not only get to explore Subik’s famed beauty, they are sure to have a wonderful time from being part of the street-style merrymaking up to the amazing display of rich cultural heritage that can only be found in Subik,” explained George Lorenzana, GSBTB chairman.

GSBTB, a private organization composed of proactive hotel and resort industry prime movers in Central Luzon, aspires to transform the provinces under Subik—namely SBMA, Olongapo City, Bataan and Zambales—into “sustainable, ecologically sound tourism and vacation havens in the Asia Pacific region.”

The festival’s program starts with an exhilarating 2.5-km and 5-km Fun Run competition, followed by the MOA signing by the officials of SBMA, Olongapo City, Bataan and Zambales, committing to continue the development of Subik into a major tourism destination. The event will also formally open the SUBIK! Trade Fair, which will showcase Bataan-Olongapo-Subic-Zambales (BOSZ) products and various presentations of tourism activities, products and attractions.

Visitors can get a kaleidoscope view of ultimate street celebration with the Best of Subik Parade, a lively march from Magsaysay Boulevard to Boardwalk that will feature the synchronized exhibition of the Philippine Merchant Marines, a poignant historical reenactment of the Battle of Bataan, an original Ita-Itahan (Aetas), and a parade of pageant beauties, among others. And to capture the explosive initial phase of the festival, a stunning 30-minute fireworks display at the Boardwalk is set to delight evening spectators, with the runway competition of Miss Gay Subik and band explosions.

Action-packed activities are aplenty for Subik’s sport buffs, starting off with an Open Water Swim event (1-mile and 100-meters) at White Rock Beach. TRACMA Martial Arts Exhibition at the Boardwalk, will give karate fans a rare chance to meet Trovador Ramos, the country’s martial arts icon who is the only man to beat Bruce Lee. Divers can have free training on Wreck and Reef Check Training Program at the Scuba Shack.

GSBTB is closely working with the SBMA and the NPVB as it passionately strives in broadening Subik’s revenue-generating power by attracting more inbound tourists. Besides local balikbayan, also among Subik’s ardent foreign visitors are tourists from South Korea, Taiwan, the United States and Europe.

“With DOT studies noting that 2007 is a significant year for Philippines tourism, we are positive that through our efforts in the Subik! Subik! ’07 Festival, our fellow stakeholders in the various regions will also collectively and aggressively pitch in their vital share in further elevating the country’s tourism to a higher level,” said Armand C. Arreza, SBMA Administrator.

For more information on the Subik! Subik! ’07 Festival, call (047) 252-5212 or log on to www.greatersubik.com.

Govt allows excise tax collection at free ports

THE Supreme Court nullified an Olongapo City court order suspending the collection of excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco imported through the Subic special economic zone, effectively allowing the government to collect taxes on such products imported through the free port.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales, the high court nullified the May 4, 2005 order, issued by Judge Ramon Caguioa of the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court’s Branch 74, granting the petition of the locators and importers in the Subic Bay Freeport to stop the government from imposing excise taxes on the importations of sin products via free ports.

“The petition is partly granted. The writ of certiorari to nullify and set aside the order of May 4, 2005 as well as the writ of preliminary injunction issued by Judge Caguiao on May 11, 2005 is granted. The assailed order and writ of preliminary injunction are hereby declared null and void and accordingly set aside,” the SC ruled.

The high court granted the petition filed by the government through the Department of Finance, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs and the Collector of Customs of Subic Port seeking to nullify the preliminary injunction Caguiao issued stopping the implementation of Republic Act 9334, or the law increasing excise taxes.

The court stopped the implementation of the law after alcohol and tobacco importers inside the Subic Freeport filed a suit seeking to declare certain provisions of RA 9344 unconstitutional.

Among those assailing the excise tax law were Indigo Distribution Corp, W Star Trading and Warehousing Corp., Freedom Brands Philippines Corp., Branded Warehouse, Inc., Altasia Inc., Tainan Trade (Taiwan) Inc., Subic Park N’ Shop, Trading Gateways International Philippines, Duty Free Superstore, Chimes Trading Inc., Premier Freeport Inc., Future Trade Subic Freeport Inc., Grand Comtrade International Corp. and First Platinum International.

In nullifying the trial court’s orders, the high court stressed that by enacting RA 9334, it expressed intention to withdraw the tax exemptions granted to the respondents on their importations of cigars, cigarettes, distilled spirits, fermented liquors, and wines.

The SC also cited that the National Internal Revenue Code requiring excises taxes on the importation of such products.

The SC also declared that tax exemptions may be modified or withdrawn since it is not considered a vested right but merely a statutory privilege.

It also held that the rights granted under the certificates of registration and tax exemption of the locators or investors are not absolute and unconditional as to constitute rights.

“The feared injurious effects of the imposition of duties, charges and taxes on imported cigars, cigarettes, distilled spirits, fermented liquors and wines on private respondents’ businesses cannot possibly outweigh the dire consequences that the non-collection of taxes, not to mention the unabated smuggling inside the SBF, would wreak on the government. Whatever damage would befall private respondents must perforce take a back seat to the pressing need to curb smuggling and raise revenues for governmental functions,” the court ruled. Rey E. Requejo - Manila Standard Today

Gunmen kill Zambales village exec

A group of gunmen shot dead 44-year-old village councilman Wednesday night in Zambales, the latest act of violence against local politicians eyeing a seat in the October 29 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Armando Jimenez, an incumbent official of Purok 1, Barangay Naugsol, sustained multiple bullet wounds to the body.

Police said the victim was resting inside his convenience store when three gunmen shot him at 10:30 p.m.

The assailants casually walked away from the crime scene after the shooting.

Investigators recovered 45 spent shells from .45 pistols at the crime scene.

Jimenez was said to be among the supporters of the New People’s Army in Zambales.

Prior to the incident Wednesday night, Jimenez filed his certificate of candidacy on October 15 to run for a second term as councilman.

An investigation is underway to determine if the murder was related to Jimenez's political plans. ABS-CBN NEWS With a report from Jeff Tombado

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

SHIPYARD PROJECT ENGINEER
PLANNER AND ESTIMATOR
DRIVER OPERATOR
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR
CNC MACHINIST
INTERNATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
WEB DESIGNER
SOFTWARE DESIGNER / PROGRAMMER
COST ACCOUNTING CLERK
ACCOUNTING CLERK
SERVICE CREW
ACCOUNT OFFICER
ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE HEAD / SAFETY OFFICER
HOUSEKEEPING ATTENDANT
SERVICE HOST
BARTENDER
HR STAFF
FRONT OFFICE SUPERVISOR
OPERATION EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Job Opportunities in Olongapo-Subic Bay

NURSE - LICENSED
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST- LICENSED
RADIOLOGIC TECHNICIAN (RAD TECH) - LICENSED
SERVICE CREW - KITCHEN,DINING (PARTIME / WEEKENDER...
DOCUMENT CONTROLLER
MACHINE OPERATOR
FEMALE ASSEMBLER
QUALITY CONTROLLER (QC)
IT PERSONNEL
KITCHEN STAFF
SERVICE STAFF
SERVER / HOST
GENERAL AFFAIRS STAFF
MAINTENANCE STAFF
LINE LEADER
ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER
PRODUCTION OPERATORS
MAINTENANCE STAFF
WAREHOUSEMAN
ACCOUNTING STAFF
OFFICE ENGINEER
ACCOUNTANT
SECRETARY
SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER
SR. ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
JR. ARCHITECT
SR. ARCHITECT

Olongapo rescue team off to Singapore tilt

After bagging the first place title for the second time in a row in the First Aid Regional Olympics held in Tarlac recently, the Olongapo City Rescue Team is gearing up to represent the Philippines in a disaster simulation exercise in Singapore on October 20 to 24.

The Olongapo Team goes against participants in the 3rd ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise (ARDEX-07).

ARDEX 07 is part of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response and focuses on disaster rescue and relief operations performed jointly by ASEAN member countries.

Solons ask GMA to allot P150 M for gov’t center in Central Luzon

Fred M. Roxas - Manila Bulletin

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga -- All the 20 Central Luzon congressmen have signed a resolution asking President Arroyo to allot P150 million for the establishment of a regional government center here.

House of Representatives Resolution No. 275, introduced by Pampanga (3rd District) Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr., was co-authored by all the congressmen of seven provinces in Central Luzon. It seeks the establishment of a regional government center at an 18-hectare area in Barangay Maimpis here.

The amount of P150 million is needed to make the regional facility operational as a "one-stop shop" government center, Gonzales said.

The fund will cover expenses for infrastructure interventions, drainage and sewerage system, a commercial arcade, a pedestrian overpass and covered walk, and relocation of informal settlers, most of them victims of the 1992 Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

Many of these displaced families have squatted in the area and have to be relocated with the assistance of the government, Gonzales said.

"The operation of the regional center will ultimately contribute to the efforts to attain the President’s vision of bringing the government closer to the people," the resolution stated.

The signatories led by Presidential son and Pampanga (2nd District) Congressman Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo were Representatives Juan Edgardo M. Angara of Aurora; Herminia B. Roman and Albert S. Garcia of Bataan; Ma. Victoria R. Sy-Alvarado, Pedro M. Pancho, Lorna Silverio, Reylina "Neneng" Nicolas and Arturo Robles of Bulacan; Eduardo Nonato N. Joson, Joseph Gilbert Violago, Czarina Umali and Rodolfo W. Antonino of Nueva Ecija; Carmelo Lazatin and Anna York Bondoc of Pampanga; Monica Lousie Prieto-Teodoro, Jose V. Yap, and Jeci A. Lapuz of Tarlac; and Ma. Milagros "Mitos" H. Magsaysay and Antonio M. Diaz of Zambales.

Gonzales said he is thankful to his fellow Central Luzon lawmakers for their show of unity and support for the project which, he also said, will spur development and improve public service in the region.

"It is an investment that will benefit the transacting public, send a positive signal to investors and boost the morale of our public servants," he said.

Presidential Proclamation No. 343 declares an 18-hectare government property in Barangay Maimpis here as the site of the government center and authorizes the Regional Development Council (RDC) to administer its use.

The RDC III, in a previous resolution, activated a plan for all national government agencies to relocate to the center for the benefit of the public. About half of the regional offices have so far transferred to the site.

The regional office here of the National Economic Development Authority, which chairs the regional government center management committee, has prepared a master plan for the development of the area.