COMELEC ASSURED ZAMBALENOS OF NEW CONGRESSMAN TODAY

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez said that so far, the special elections in Zambales have proceeded peacefully and smoothly, and the winning candidate should be proclaimed today.

The special manual elections was conducted to find a replacement for the late congressman Antonio Diaz who died on August 3, 2011, due to complications from a lingering illness.

His daughter, Rica Victoria Villanueva Diaz-Arambulo of the Nacionalista Party, is one of the five candidates.

The other candidates are: Jun Omar Cabanayan Ebdane of the Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka and son of Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane; former Zambales vice governor Cheryl Poynter Deloso-Montalla of the Liberal Party, and daughter of former governor Amor Deloso.

Two are independent candidates: Wilfredo Paul Dantes Pangan and Alfred Sebarrotin.

COMELEC Resolutions pertaining to the said elections are listed below.

Resolution No. 9341 IN THE MATTER OF AUTHORIZING THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION SUPERVISOR OF ZAMBALES TO TAKE CUSTODY AND SAFEKEEPING OF THE CONTINGENCY ENVELOPES FOR THE ELECTION RETURNS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FEBRUARY 04, 2012 SPECIAL ELECTIONS FOR MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SECOND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT OF ZAMBALES.

Resolution No. 9340 IN THE MATTER OF AUTHORIZING COMMISSIONER CHRISTIAN ROBERT S. LIM, COMMISSIONER-IN-CHARGE TO APPROVE CERTAIN REQUESTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FEBRUARY 04, 2012 SPECIAL ELECTION FOR MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SECOND DISTRICT, ZAMBALES

Resolution No. 9331 IN THE MATTER OF REQUESTING HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON C. AQUINO, III TO DECLARE FEBRUARY 04, 2012 AS A SPECIAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF ZAMBALES IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONDUCT OF THE FEBRUARY 04, 2012 SPECIAL ELECTIONS FOR MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SECOND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT, ZAMBALES.

Resolution No. 9330 SUPPLEMENTAL GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BOARD OF ELECTION INSPECTORS (BEI) ON THE CASTING AND COUNTING OF VOTES IN CONNECTION WITH THE FEBRUARY 04, 2012 SPECIAL ELECTION FOR MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, IN THE SECOND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT OF THE PROVINCE OF ZAMBALES.

Resolution 9328 RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING ELECTORAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES IN CONNECTION WITH THE FEBRUARY 04, 2012 SPECIAL ELECTIONS FOR MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SECOND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT, ZAMBALES.

Resolution No. 9326 Authority of the Commission on Elections to Appoint, Fill-up Positions and Transfer or Reassign its Personnel in Connection with the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District, Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9322 General Instructions for the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) on the Casting and Counting of Votes in Connection with the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, in the Second Legislative District of the Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9321 General Instructions for the Municipal and Provincial Boards of Canvassers in Connection with the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, in the Second Legislative District of the Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9320 Guidelines on the Establishment and Operation of COMELEC Checkpoints in Connection with the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District, Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9319 Rules on the Liquor Ban on Connection with the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District of the Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9318 Rules Delegating to COMELEC Field Officials the Authority to Hear and Receive Evidence in Disqualification Cases Filed in Connection with the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District of the Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9317 Deputation of Certain Departments Under the Executive Branch, Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations and Financial Institutions in Connection With the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District of the Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9316 Rules and Regulations Governing Public Works Ban and Release, Disbursement and Expenditures of Public Funds in Connection With the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District, Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9315 Enforcement of the Prohibition Against Appointment or Hiring of New Employees; Creation or Filling Up of New Positions; Giving Salary Increases; Transferring/ Detailing of Civil Service Employees; and Suspension of Elective Local Officials in Connection With the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District, Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9314 Deputation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Including the National Police Commission and the Philippine National Police, and Other Law Enforcement Agencies for the Purpose of Enduring Free, Orderly, Honest, Peaceful and Credible Conduct of the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District of the Province of Zambales

Resolution No. 9313 Rules and Regulations on the: (1) Bearing, Carrying or Transporting of Firearms or Other Deadly Weapons; and (2) Employment, Availment or Engagement of the Services of Security Personnel or Bodyguards in Connection with the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, in the Second Legislative District of the Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9312 Request for the Concurrence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines in the Deputation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Connection With the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District of the Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9311 Deputation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the Purpose of Ensuring Free, Orderly, Honest, Peaceful and Credible Conduct of the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District of the Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9310 Guidelines on the Filing of Certificates of Candidacy and Nomination of Official Candidates of Registered Political Parties in Connection With the February 04, 2012 Special Elections, for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District, Province of Zambales.

Resolution No. 9309 Rules and Regulations Governing Election Campaign, Propaganda, Contributions and Expenditures in Connection With the February 04, 2012 Special Elections for Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District of the Province of Zambales.

Mt. Tapulao Eco-Tourism park

IBA, Zambales — Local government here is optimistic to boost the tourism industry once Mt. Tupulao facilities are developed into a tourism park which four foreign investors pledged to invest $1 million for the tourism park in the province.

Earlier, Iba, Zambales Mayor Herbert Deloso and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Luzon Director Ricardo Calderon signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the protection and development of the 5,000-hectare Mt. Tapulao. Mt.Tapulao is one of the highest peaks in the province of Zambales that has the potential premier eco-tourism destination not only in the province but also in Central Luzon.

Ebdane shakes tradition in Zambales politics

CANDELARIA, Zambales—Former Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. of Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka has changed the political landscape of this province, shaking traditional alliances and forging new political affiliations.

Various parties adopted Ebdane as the gubernatorial candidate in Zambales after he forged an alliance with former Zambales Governor Vicente Magsaysay, who is running for mayor of Olongapo City under the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD in the May 10 elections.

This gave Ebdane the support of eight incumbent mayors under Magsaysay’s local group, Team Magsaysay, setting off a breach of party lines as many other candidates in the province decided to ally themselves with the former Cabinet secretary of President Gloria Arroyo.

Ebdane was able to elicit the support even of bitter rivals in the mayoralty elections, Zambales board member Jun Pangan said. Although his elder brother Hilary of Ang Kaptiran is also gunning for governor’s seat, Pangan joined Ebane’s camp.

Here in Ebdane’s hometown, Mayor Jean Moraña-Misa and her chief rival for the mayoralty sear, Vice Mayor Pedro Ecunar of PMM, are both rooting for Ebane’s candidacy.

“It’s a matter of pride for us residents of Candelaria, so we have both pledged our support to Secretary Ebdane,” Misa said.

Jury Deloso, running vice governor’s race under Ebdane’s party, is a nephew of incumbent Governor Amor Deloso, Ebdane’s strongest rival.

Former Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain, the Nacionalista Party candidate for the vice-governor’s seat, is also supporting the Ebdane’s candidacy.

In the second district of Zambales, two of the three aspirants for Congress are supporting Ebdane including incumbent Representative Antonio Diaz of PMM and Alfred Mendoza of Lakas. Deloso’s daughter, Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, is also in the race for the same seat. Cecille Garcia- manilastandardtoday.com

Zambales governor challenges DENR order

IBA, Zambales – Governor Amor Deloso charged environment Secretary Jose Atienza Jr. for usurpation of powers of the local government units in formulating its own policies in government its own mining industries, and for the unconstitutionality of the DENR Administrative Order No. 2008-20 pertaining to issuance of mineral ore export permit.

Deloso made his charge in a petition for prohibition, with application for restraining order, filed with the Court of Appeals, saying the order was an unlawful usurpation of legislative power vested by the Constitution.

“We have filed a case and asked the Court of Appeals to stop the DENR from implementing the Administrative Order 2008-20 which was issued by Secretary Atienza in September, 2008, because it is unconstitutional and therefore, void,” Deloso said.

According to Atienza, the DAO 2008-20 aims to eradicate the under-evaluation, misdeclaration and red tape in the exportation of mineral ores and the improvement of tax collection. It also covers the guidelines for filing, processing and issuance of Mineral Ore Export Permit (MOEP) for transport or shipment of mineral ore outside of the country, including tailings by permit holders and other mining rights holders, including small scale mining permits.

But Deloso said that under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942), any mined ores to be exported should have an Ore Transport Permit (OTP); and that all mineral ores to be transported shall be accompanied by an OTP issued by the DENR regional director.

“The law also states that in case of mineral ores being transported from small scale mining areas, the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board shall formulate its own policies to govern such transport of ores produced,” Deloso said.

“The DAO 2008-20 which is expanding the law is already an amendment of RA 7942,but any administrative order cannot supersede a Republic Act which was enacted by the Congress. Therefore, Atienza’s order is unconstitutional,” he added.

Deloso also mentioned that in addition to the requirement of OTP, the entity engaged in the trading of mineral products has to be registered with the Department of Trade and Industry.

“Atienza’s law will make our people who rely on small mining industry more miserable for the loss of millions of pesos in extraction fees and other local taxes due to additional and unreasonable burden of applying for MOEP in the Office of Secretary,” Deloso said.

By. Randy Datu - Manila Bulletin

Atienza vs Zambales gov

A RIFT between Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso is brewing after the latter filed a case questioning the authority of Atienza to implement a memorandum on the issuance of mineral ore export permit.

Atienza maintained that he issued Memorandum Order 2008-04 in November 2008 to reaffirm his commitment to responsible mining and sustainable development.

Deloso ahs questioned the order before the Court of Appeals.

Atienza said he welcomed the governor’s move so that all issues will be cleared in the proper forum.

“Governor Deloso’s move to question our actions pertaining to the MOEP is welcome since this would give us an opportunity to make our position on the issue clearer and enlighten all sectors, particularly the public at large. Our overriding concern is to make sure that smuggling of mineral resources is addressed effectively. We would like to make sure that each and every mining company, big or small, understands the need to be transparent in their operations,” Atienza said.

Deloso claimed that Atienza’s memorandum in “unconstitutional” since it was not contained in the Philippine Mining Act that regulates the mining industry.

He said that because of the MOEP order, the income of the Zambales government from mining operations dropped.

But Atienza said that his office is empowered by the Constitution with the authority to protect the environment and natural resources.

--By Joel dela Torre – People’s Journal

MOEP order unlawful – gov

ZAMBALES Gov. Amor Deloso has asked the Court of Appeals to stop the Department of Environment and natural resources from implementing Administrative Order No. 2008-20 or the issuance of Mineral Ore Export Permit.

In his petition with the appellate court, Deloso said the issuance of MOEP is unlawful because it is an administrative order which is not sanctioned by the Mining Act of 1995.

“By requiring an MOEP, the DENR only duplicates the job of the Bureau of Internal Revenue which is the only agency authorized to issue export permits and tax clearances which will be submitted to the Bureau of Customs when applying for Export Declaration, Boarding Permit and Permit to Shipside,” the governor said.

The petitioner added that the OA surpasses Republic Act 7942 otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Law.

Deloso said the MOEP is also inconsistent with President Macapagal-Arroyo’s Executive Order No. 270 or the National Policy Agenda on Revitalizing Mining in the Philippines, which mandated the agency to prepare guidelines and procedures on the stream-lining of mining companies.

Environment Secretary Lito Atienza clarified that AO-2008-20 was meant to eradicate undervalued misdeclaration and red tape in the exportation of mineral ore and the improvement of the collection of taxes by the government.

But the governor stressed the issuance of the order may cause “direct injury to the province of Zambales, loss of income in the mining sector due to the additional and unreasonable burden of applying for an MOEP in the DENR office in Manila.”

--PEOPLE’S JOURNAL

Zameco II

PINANUMPA ni Zambales Governor Amor Deloso ang mga bagong representante sa Zambales Electric Cooperative II interim board batay na rin sa pag-eendorso ng National Electrification Administrtation na pagpapalit sa pamunuan ng naturang electric cooperative. Ginanap ang oathtaking sa gitna ng rally ng mga consumer na may isang lingo nang ginanap sa tanggapan ng Zameco II sa Castillejos, Zambales.

--Rey Dungog

Investors wanted for $2-b project

By Cecille Garcia - Manila Standard

A KOREAN developer has vowed to campaign to entice Korean and Filipino investors to build a $2-billion tourism complex on Mt. Tapulao in Zambales, Central Luzon’s highest mountain, and transform it into one of Asia’s top tourist destinations. Dongho Co. has also promised to invite the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to build a road network to connect the proposed 450-hectare complex to the outside world.

“The Mt. Tapulao eco-tourism project should be integrated and made part of the new economic corridor to uplift the tourism industry in Central Luzon,” said Sang-Hyun Park, vice chairman of Dongho’s Overseas Projects division. Dongho made a study of the 17,809-hectare Mt. Tapulao and its potential as a top tourist destination in April at the invitation of Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso. On July 24, it presented the results saying it’s possible to build five-star hotels, casinos and spas, sports facilities, condominiums and villas in the area.

The same study says the provincial government could lease the area to investors for 25 years, with an option to renew the lease for another 25. Deloso says the project has the full backing of his province and the governors of Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija—provinces that will be given 10 hectares each at the complex to build pavilions showcasing their products. But provincial officials say Mt. Tapulao must first be declared a protected area and a mining-free zone through a presidential proclamation to ensure the environment is preserved. The mayor of Palauig town, Generoso Amog, says mining is destroying parts of the mountain, which should be preserved for nature lovers including trekkers and campers.

Looking for financing to develop the area can start once the place is declared protected and closed to destructive exploitation, he says. Amog, the same official who invited Dongho to do a study on Mt. Tapulao’s potential, says financing is critical to transforming the mountain into a tourist haven and boosting the economy of the towns surrounding it.

“Despite the beauty and biodiversity [of Mt. Tapulao], the local government unit concerned cannot fully develop the place because of the insufficiency of public funds,” he said in his letter to the Korean developer.

Zambales gov urged to stop illegal mining, ‘terror’ drive

LEGITIMATE mining firms in Zambales have urged Gov. Amor Deloso to step up campaign to stop illegal small scale miners and their alleged protector from their illegal activities.

This urgent call came following reports that illegal mining’s are not only taking their toll on the environment, but are ‘sowing terror” in the community with the full-blacking of influential officials.

In particular, the sources cried harassment against Bueno Coady International Trading Corp. (BCITC), an alleged illegal-mining company in Santa Cruz town.

Despite the cease-and-desist order issued on June 10, by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Region 3, BCITC continues to operate.

Documents showed that BCITC was ordered to cease operation for lack of mining permit and for illegally extracting on two sites within the Mineral Processing Sharing Agreement area of Zambales Chromite Mining Corp, Inc.

Instead of following the order BCITC is citing the full backing of influential officials in the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board in Zambales.

A number of goons and armed security men were also reportedly deployed in the extraction site, causing tension among legitimate mining firms.

Earlier, a security guard named Efren Agayan of JBFI Security was killed when a Molotov bomb allegedly thrown by un identified motorcycle-riding men in the mining site exploded.

Fearing for worse things to happen, Zambales Chromite thus appealed to Governor Deloso to use the “full force of the law” to stop violence and crackdown the illegal activities of small-scale illegal miners, including their protectors.

In June illegal miners were also blamed for the “reddening” of Zambales coast, endangering the environment and marine life in the area.

The “discoloration” was believed to have been caused by a run-off of the unprotected stockpile from an illegal port facility.

8,000 workers receive bonus for building 1st cargo ship

Acknowledging the efforts of its 8,000 Filipino workers, a Korean shipbuilding company gave them cash bonuses hours before the MV Argolikos, the first container vessel built at the firm’s shipyard in Zambales, sailed out for the Xiamen port in China on Friday night.

The bonus, amounting to P15 million, was distributed by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines Inc. after President Macapagal-Arroyo left the shipyard at past noon Friday.

Ms Arroyo was given the honor of naming the $60-million, 41,000-ton ship that the Greek company Dioryx Maritime Corp. commissioned. The vessel was hailed as the largest container ship ever built in the Philippines.

“It’s true,” Jong Sup Shim, HHIC Philippines president, told the Inquirer when reached through his mobile phone on Monday to confirm the bonuses given to the firm’s employees.

Jong begged off from giving details, saying the “internal reward system” need not be given so much media attention.

Five workers reached separately through text messages said the bonus amounted to P1,000, P2,000 and P5,000, depending on their tasks in building the 258.9-meter long vessel.

“It was Hanjin’s way of expressing gratitude because that was the first ship ever made by Filipinos in the Philippines,” said a company official who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak on the matter.

He said the bonus amounted to between P1,000 and P4,000.

In the ship-naming ceremony, Ms Arroyo praised Filipino workers thrice, earning the loudest applause from them when she said, “It is a display of our countrymen’s skills and work ethics. You are not only good, you’re also hard working and caring.”

She did not tackle safety concerns – a matter that Filipino workers have raised to local officials following a string of deaths and injuries at the shipyard and at a nearby area where the second dock is being built.

Many of the deaths, tallied by Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso at not less than 27 since early 2006, had happened at the construction site where 6,000 workers from 43 Korean and Filipino subcontractors are hired.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Armand Arreza said the work of at least 19 subcontractors had been suspended until these pass the safety tests being done by the SBMA and the Department of Labor and Employment.

In a statement last week, Akbayan Rep. Ana Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel said Ms Arroyo’s visit “betrayed the memory of Filipino workers who died in the shipyard because of dangerous working conditions.” By Tonette Orejas - Inquirer Central Luzon Desk

Zambales governor asks Hanjin to allow inspectors

By Randy Datu – Manila Bulletin

IBA - Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso urged yesterday the Korean construction firm Hanjin to open its facilities to regular inspection to be conducted by an authorized team composed of competent representatives from Subic Freeport and the provincial government.

“The problem will remain for as long as Hanjin continues to refuse the conduct of regular inspection on safety compliance,” Deloso said.

He said the work suspension order should have been issued long before which could have prevented more accidents. “The suspension should be lifted only after all safety measures are completed,” Deloso saod.

Among the measures required by the Subic bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are the conduct of a third-party quality audit of all shipyard equipment and safety performance, creation of an inter-agency occupational health and safety team at the shipyard, and weekly submission of job safety and occupational health reports to the SBMA.

Hanjin Corporation Corp. Ltd, (HHCL), a Korean firm undertaking the construction of shipbuilding facilities, has appealed for the immediate lifting of the work suspension order issued by authorities here.

HHCL business manager Pyeong Jong YU said the company would make an appeal to the SBMA to re-call the work suspension order as it stands to lose millions of dollars for the delay of the project.

A worker who died last Friday brought to 12 the number of deaths recorded at the shipyard since Hanjin began its operations in 2006, with most of the accidents involving workers hired by Hanjin subcontractors. The SBMA has cast doubts on the “force majeure” alibi regarding the latest fatality.

“The safety situation at the shipyard has become alarming,” SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said. The SBMA ordered on Friday the immediate suspension of all construction activities that killed one worker and injured four others.

Arreza said the SBMA has issued a notice to Hanjin for the company to complete all the occupational health and safety requirements within 30 days.

“Otherwise we will suspend their operations – not just construction activities, but also shipyard operations,” Arreza said.

Mr. Arreza issued a cease and desist order against Hanjin minutes after learning of Friday’s deadly accident.

The fatality was identified as Mario Atrero, 52, employee of HHCL from Candelaria, Zambales. HE died when a formwork at a dry dock construction site collapsed due to strong winds.

The four other workers who were injured were identified as Joel Alido, of Palauig, Zambales; Darvin Silva, of San Antonio, Zambales; and Leody Abad, also of Palauig.

HHCL undertakes the construction of facilities for the $1.6-billion shipyard project here of Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. Philippines (HHICPhil.).

Yu also denied allegations that Hanjin was defying the suspension order and that construction works were continuing inside the shipyard project.

Jueteng operation continues in Zambales

IBA, Zambales: Despite an executive order from Gov. Amor Deloso for a full scale crackdown on the illegal numbers games, and a newly appointed Police Provincial Director to implement the order, jueteng has reportedly persisted in the province, said sources of The Manila Times.

Whilw Zambales police operatives arrested several kubradors in January in an effort to implement the supposed intensified campaign, the illegal numbers game resumed a few days later.

Sources said the supposed arrest was all for show, adding that jueteng draws were twice a day as soon as jueteng operations were resumed.

The executive order “declaring the six months moratorium on aggressive operation against illegal activities in the province is now over.” The undated but signed order was addressed to police authorities and all the 13 municipal mayors.

Zambales police authorities headed by the newly installed Provincial Director Roland Felix who assumed his post in January are said to have shied away from the issue.

The Manila Times tried to call Felix but he did not answer, and had left text messages unanswered.

The source added that kurbradors would only use a piece of paper without the PCSO when they collected bets even as Small Town Lottery office had public place for the official lottery draws.
--Anthony Bayarong - Manila Times

Hanjin Relocation Site groundbreaking greeted with protesters

GK-Hanjin Relocation Site groundbreaking greeted with protesters

GK-HANJIN VILLAGE PROTESTED. Residents from Agusuhin and Nagyantok protests the groundbreaking of Gawad Kalinga-GK- SBMA-Hanjin relocation site groundbreaking last monday.

Communities displaced by Hanjin protest the groundbreaking of GK-Hanjin Relocation Site

SUBIC, Zambales – Some 200 residents of Sitio Agusuhin, Nagyantok, barangay Cawag in Subic, Zambales, staged protest during the groundbreaking of the Nagyantok Relocation Site funded by Hanjin Heavy Industries Inc.-HHIC with the help of Gawad Kalinga (GK)Foundation last Monday.

Communities from Sitio Agusuhin were displace of their homes to give way to the P1.7 billion shipbuilding project of Korean HHIC about two years from now, some 115 families have not received the promised compensation for their demolished homes, trees and other improvements in their land now occupied by the giant shipbuilding facility.

About 400 families on the other hand were relocated to a relocation site on top of the mountain prepared by the local government of Subic which received P18M funds from Hanjin to replace the needed facilities that was also demolish at the land occupied by Hanjint. But the needed facilities like schools, church, health centers, water facilities and others were not properly built at the site.

“Itinaboy kami sa aming mga tahanan 2 taon na ang naraan.. walang tamang relokasyon, walang tamang kompensasyon… at ngayon nagpapasikat sila sa paggawa ng bagong relokasyon sa Nagyantok bago nila idemolish? Bakit kami hinayaan nilang mawalan ng tahanan at pinabayaan kami SA AMING KARAINGAN! Dahil ba nakuha na nila ang lupa sa amin kaya wala na kaming halaga?” uttered angrily in tagalog by Ludivico Salcedo, President of the Concerned Citizen of Agusuhin.

The protesters also expressed their anger to SBMA Administrator Arreza and SBMA Ecology Chair Ameth De Llana-Koval for the delay of their compensation which they believe was pending on their office and not in the Office of the Governor.

“ Wag nilang ipasa sa bagong Gobernador ang trabaho nila dahil sila lang at si Mayor Khonghun ang kasabwat ng Hanjin noong inalisan nila kami ng tahanan.. bago ngayon ang obligasyon ng relokasyon ay ipinpasa nila sa bagong Gobernador? Wala silang mga puso! Nasaan ang kanilang konsensya!” uttered by Salcedo.

The group keep on expressing their plight as the groundbreaking program continues, chants like “Bagong relokasyon sa nagyantok, nasaan ang para sa Agusuhin?”, “Ameth De Llana, Arreza Sinungaling!”, “Hanjin salot!” dominated the supposedly smooth flow of the groundbreaking program.

Nagyantok, which sits next to the US$1.7-billion shipbuilding project of South Korea’s Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. (HHIC-Phil), has to be converted into an industrial zone because of the need for more spaces to build Hanjin’s inland dry docks.

Hanjin, Subic bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)and officials of Gawad Kalinga inaugurated the new village where 360 houses for Nagyantok relocates will be built in 30 days.

Zambales Governor Amor Deloso, who was guest of honor in the inauguration, after delivering his opening message went up to the site of the protesters and talk to them to be patient and assured them that he will never allow that their plight would not be properly addressed by SBMA and Hanjin.

He does not blame the protester for interfering the groundbreaking program because according to him, he understands their side. He asks the protester to remain peaceful and be calm.

“Zambales faces huge problems and some cannot be solved overnight. You might be wondering why only Nagyantok residents are getting this kind of housing,but I tell you that all will eventually get their due,” Deloso said

Some of the protesters who came from Nagyantok community and recepients of the new nagyantok relocation site also expressed dissatisfaction with the kind of relocation GK,SBMA and Hanjin is giving to them.

“Ayaw po naming ng relokasyon, maliit ang sukat ng bahay at lupa, malaki po ang bahay naming sa Nagyantok at hindi po naming kailangan ng relokasyon kung walang tamang kompensasyon sa aming mga ari-arian” said one of the protesters from Nagyantok to the Governor while talking to the protesters.

“A ganon ba? Ang pagkakaalam ko walang problema sa inyo.. kung may problema ayusin natin.. wala namang lumalapit sa akin pero pag may ganyang problema pumunta kayo sa akin at pag-uusapan natin” answered by Deloso.

The new village — dubbed as SBMA-Hanjn-GK Village — promises to be different as it came about as a result of a series of dialogues between residents, Hanjin, the SBMA, and, later on, the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, which has been tapped to supervise the building of the new community.

The office of the Governor according to Deloso was not directly involved with this project since SBMA Administrator Arreza request that the issue of Nagyantok be the responsibility of SBMA and Hanjin during the Redondo Shipyard Coordinating Council (RSCC) meeting that was held at the capitol last year.

Unlike previous cases of relocation that were marred by demolition, according to him, I was assured that Nagyantok residents had forged an agreement with Hanjin and the SBMA for an orderly transfer to the new site.

“ If there are cases of dissatisfaction among the relocatees.. of course I will definitely interfere.. and I will never allow my people to be relocated on the site that was against their will.. what happens in the past.. like in the case of Agusuhin will never happen again in my term as a Governor”, Deloso assured the protesters from Nagyantok. By Belen Figueras

Alliance for Zambales infra, tourism projects

The Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) and Zambales Governor Amor Deloso recently announced a joint commitment to advocate vital infrastructure and tourism projects in Zambales to boost economic opportunities in the province.

Guv, group forge alliance for Zambales infra, tourism projects

Officers of ADCL, led by Rene Romero, visited the Zambales provincial capitol in Iba on Friday.

Deloso welcomed the group's concern on the over-all economic development of Zambales, specifically its potential to be directly linked to the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ).

ADCL has been advocating for the construction of Clark-Botolan Expressway.

With the construction of the expressway, the travel time from Clark to Botolan and Iba -- three to four hours via Gapan-San-Fernando Olongapo Road (GSO) -- will be cut down to 30 minutes.

The proposed Clark-Botolan Expressway will be connected to the Tarlac-Iba Road, which is still under construction.

According to Deloso, Tarlac-Iba Road construction was stopped due to alleged shortage of funds.

During the meeting, ADCL also committed to discuss with Bases Conversion and Development Authority President Narciso Abaya the needed completion of the Tarlac-Iba Road.

"If Tarlac-Iba Road and Clark-Botolan Expressway will be completed, Zambales will have a direct access to Clark Freeport. The province will eventually be linked to the Luisita Industrial Park via SCtex," Romero said.

"This is important for Zambales because most of the tourists and investors use Clark as a jump-off point to explore other areas in Luzon," he added.

These vital road networks will also enhance the province's capability to accommodate economic spillovers from the major industrial and economic zones in Central Luzon, according to Romero.

Romero also presented to Deloso the infrastructure and economic development plans for Zambales including Mount Tapulao (Palauig town) and Potipot Island (Candelaria town) eco-tourism promotions.

Mount Tapulao is a place in Palauig, Zambales with an altitude of 2,037 meters or about 6,500 feet above sea level.

It has a "secret garden" at its peak with natural bonsai trees, wild strawberries, endemic orchids, rare flora and carpets of moss.

"We want to help Governor Deloso promote Mount Tapulao as the next summer capital of the Philippines. It is the highest peak in Central Luzon and even higher than Baguio City. If I am not mistaken, Baguio City has only an elevation of about 4,500 feet," Romero said.

Sonny Dobles, ADCL vice president, said Mount Tapulao could be developed like the Genting Island in Kuala Lumpur.

"Genting Island has theme parks, hotels, cable car and other amenities that attract tourists. Like Mount Tapulao it is also about 6,000 feet above sea level and has the same temperature. But Mount Tapulao has an edge because it is already a haven to hundreds of pine trees while Malaysians are only starting to plant pine trees at Genting Island," Dobles said.

"But for short term development, Mount Tapulao can already serve nature lovers and mountaineers with its natural environ," he said.

Dobles said ADCL could help the Zambales Provincial Government with the needed linkages with travel agencies, business organizations, the national government agencies concerned, off-road enthusiasts, and prospective trekkers.

"We will help them promote the area so the local residents would benefit as soon as the number of tourists grow," he said.

The Potipot Island is another eco-tourism destination that is expected to generate income for Zambales' tourism industry.

The island is surrounded by pure white sand coral beaches and is easily accessible by a boat.

"The fact that you can walk around the whole island in less than 30 minutes makes the place even more magical. Zambales is indeed a haven for nature lovers, environmentalists, retirement communities and even for medical tourism," Romero said.

"It has a lot to offer, not mentioning its marine sanctuary in Masinloc. ADCL is very happy to have established an alliance withGovernor Deloso. We look forward to these projects for the people of Zambales," he added. SunStar

ZAMBALES TOURISM COUNCIL REVIVED

Zambales Governor Amor Deloso revitalized the Zambales Tourism Council which consists of stakeholders in the local tourism industry. Tourism is among the flagship projects of the new provincial administration to harness the natural beauty of the province.

Zambales boast of kilometers of fine sand beaches, wildlife parks, century-old churches, surfing circuits, Spanish-era lighthouses, mountain camps, and marine protected areas. Officers of the tourism council are Benjamin Farin, Jr (Chairman), Dr. Tess Yap (EX-O), Roger Bound (Vice-Chair for North Zamb), Oscar Foronda (Vice-Chair for South Zamb), Evangilen Eclanir (Sec-Gen), Fr. Orlando Correa (Treasurer)

Appointment of 23-year-old to SBMA board hit

Appointment of 23-year-old to SBMA board hit


By Tonette Orejas - Inquirer Central Luzon Desk

Sen. Richard Gordon and Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso are protesting the appointment of a 23-year-old scion of the Magsaysay family by President Macapagal-Arroyo to the board of the state-owned Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

In separate interviews recently, Gordon and Deloso said Jesus Vicente "Jobo" Magsaysay II, 23, never held a job prior to his appointment as SBMA director.

But Magsaysay said in a phone interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer that his SBMA stint has so far been the second job he held in his life. The first was as political affairs officer in his mother's congressional office. "I ran the office and I took that job seriously," he said.

Gordon said in a Dec. 15 interview that Republic Act 7227, or the Bases Conversion Law that also created the SBMA, was not followed again in Magsaysay’s appointment.

"The workers of the (former Subic Naval Base) have been totally excluded," said Gordon, the first chair of the SBMA and former mayor of Olongapo City, where much of the former base workers live.

He said former employees of the United States military in the base's ship repair, public works and naval centers should have representatives in the SBMA board to ensure the "continuity of the vision."

The law gave bases conversion agencies, chiefly the Bases Conversion Development Authority, the task of managing programs and projects to convert Subic, Clark, Camp John Hay and several former American baselands into productive uses and make the former workers of the US bases as well as other sectors part of the progress in these new economic zones.

"I was really disturbed by it," he said of Magsaysay's appointment, adding that he learned about this from Deloso.

Governor Deloso said in a Dec. 19 interview that he was "upset" by Magsaysay’s appointment.

"I don't know what the boy would contribute to the SBMA when he has not done any job in his life," Deloso said.

SBMA Chair Feliciano Salonga on Wednesday confirmed that Magsaysay joined the 14-member board as private sector representative of Zambales.

Magsaysay replaced his father, Jesus Vicente Magsaysay, husband of Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay.

Magsaysay's father and grandfather, former Gov. Vicente Magsaysay, lost in their gubernatorial and senatorial bids, respectively, in the May 14 elections.

"[Magsaysay] was appointed by our President. She wrote us a letter for Jobo to join the board," Salonga said in a phone interview.

He said the young Magsaysay attended two board meetings this December.

Magsaysay said he finished AB Political Science at the Ateneo de Manila University, where he is also taking his master in public management.

"I'm young but I'm capable of doing the job. As a director, I think I can do moral decision-making. Wala akong bahid na anything na marumi (I have not been smeared by any wrongdoing)," he told the INQUIRER.

"I am really a hard worker. Ang learning curve ko mabilis na matuto (I have a fast learning curve). I have been observing how (other directors) are answering. Inaaral ko talaga (I'm really trying to learn)," he said.

Magsaysay said he should not be perceived as someone riding on the name of his family.

"I want to excel. I will ask my elders for advice but the decision-making will be mine," he said.

Age, according to him, should "never be an issue" because "there are many young people in government agencies and in Congress."

"My grandfather became governor when he was 26," he said.

His mother, Representative Magsaysay said the opinions of her son's detractors should "not be the yardstick by which to measure my son's capability."

"Who are they to judge him?" she asked.

"He's sobrang level-headed. Marunong siyang sumabay ke nasa mataas ka o mababa. Nenerbiyosin sila sa kanya because he's qualified (My son is extremely level-headed. He knows how to deal with people from all walks of life. They’re scared of him because he's qualified]," the congresswoman said of her son, the eldest in a brood of six.

Her son, she added, was "not bobo (dumb)."

Salonga called Magsaysay "our young David." "He's in a learning mode, absorbing much of the issues. I'm guiding him in the issues because his parents are friends to me," the SBMA chair said.

As director, Magsaysay gets P10,000 in honorarium per meeting (two or three are held monthly), free housing within the freeport and gas allowance.

"I'm bias in favor of Ateneo graduates because they turn out to be useful to us," Salonga said.

The position of the late Jose Calimlim as senior deputy administrator has not been filled up yet. Calimlim, 62, died on Nov. 30 after a lingering illness.

= = = = =

Readers' Comments

Tinatawagan ko ang lahat ng mamayan ng lalawigan ng Zamables at ng Lunsod ng olongapoupang mapawalang bisa ang appointment ng isang napaka batang board member sa SBMA, dahil sobra na ang paghahangad ng kapangyarihan ng mga Magsaysay sa loob ng SBMA, Reader Comments, at 12/27/2007 7:54 PM

"I worked for my mother's congressional election", that was my very first job. "An Ateneo graduate of Potical Science".Huh? Who would ever appoint a person with limited knowledge? An ordinary person will never be appointed as a member. 10,000 pesos per meeting, free housing, and many more that we ordinary does'nt know. Why dont we give this spot to a person who has the experience and knowledge about the real worker issues?This person appointment is very disturbing. A mother will always tell you that their son is a hard worker and capable of doing things. Selecting a young member is not a problem. A person name and school name should'nt be associated with the process.
By Zambales dude, at 12/28/2007 2:49 AM

My personal issue here is qualification. I have no doubt that this person's (Magsaysay) relatives and friends will attest to everyone that he is qualified. I am also not in a position to question his qualifications. My only concern or issue is "Is this the only person qualified to do this job?" Let's be fair! Either way, I'm sure nothing will happen. It's just how politics is run in our country. Very sad!
By Anonymous, at 12/28/2007 6:03 AM

Give this young man a chance.. kung batang Gordon siguro yan di kayo magre react. Me pinag aralan naman pala eh.. mahirap naman kung sa kanto kanto lang hinugot yan. Hirap sa inyo gusto niyo isang lahi lang ang mag hahari sa Olongapo eh. Wag na tayong maging ipokrito.. bagong taon na .. magbago na tayo.
By Badong, at 12/28/2007 11:57 AM

" Ang appointmet ng isang batang Magsaysay sa board ng SBMA ay lantarang pagpapatunay ng koneksyon ni GMA sa pamilyang Magsaysay... ipinakikita lang nito na gustong pangalagaan ni GMA ang interes at negosyo ng mga Magsaysay sa loob ng SBMA.. kung talagang sincero siyang linisin ang isyu ng smuggling sa SBMA bakit hindi niya alam ito... ang taong bayan dito sa Zambales at Olongapo ay alam ang lantarang negosyong ito ng Magsaysay.. bakit kung sino-sino pa ang itinuturo nila? malinaw na personal na interes ni GMA ag pinoprotektahan niya at galamay niya dito ang mga Magsaysay.Isang Mulat na mamayan ng Olongapo
By Anonymous, at 12/28/2007 12:55 PM

Dapat naman po kasi yong mga former base workers na binabangit ni gordon ay magsalita kung okay nga ba sa kanila ang desisyon ng presidente... baka naman wala na talagang former base workers kaya walang kumikibo, mayron ba ngayong representative na galing sa sektor ng manggagawa?
By olongapo observer po, at 12/28/2007 1:35 PM

"Give this young man a chance". this typical reaction is really unimpressive. Would you ever see a Juan de la cruz a having such kind of position at his age? Would they ever pick a guy from Columban,RMTU,Virgen or Gordon college who understand the real issues of the region? Hundreds of hungry job hunter from this institutions are trying their luck to find a job...
By zambales dude, at 12/28/2007 10:52 PM

MENSAHE PARA SA MGA KABABAYAN SA ZAMBALESMga Kalalawigan at kababayan, nais kong ipaabot sa inyo ang aking pagbati ng MALIBAGONG BAGONG TAON SA INYONG LAHAT!!!Una sa lahat, kinagagalak kong Batiin ang Pamunuuan ni Governor Atty. Amor D. Deloso at Vice Gov. Anne Gordon sa matagumpay na pagkapanalo nitong nakaraang halalan,minsan pa'y muling ipinakita ng zambalenos ang tapang at talino ,upang labanan ang mga mapaghari at mapag samantalang mga pamilya "M". Tunay ang suporta ng mahihirap upang linisin ang salot at dumi ng kapitolyo na syang nag nanakaw sa KABANGYARIHAN para bayan, lalo na ang panloloko sa mga proyekto, na kung saan panay espalto sa kalsada, ngunit walang progreso sa kabuhay ng masang zambaleno.Ilan taon na ba ? na walang kaunlaran ang zambales, o isang pamilya lang ang uumuunlad?nakaka awa ang isang pobreng gustong mabago ang kabuhayan, mabuti na lang at nariyan ang DELOSO, ang DELOSO na nagmula sa wala( Mahirap na pamilya), nag aral at lumaban sa mga "M"ayayamang politiko, ina ngat ng mahihirap.Naalaala ko pa nga, ng MT.Pinatubo, sya rin ang Governor noon, kung wala sya, marahil ay walang Zambales, pagkatapos ng mga sakunang yun, 'kinasuhan pa sya AT ikinulong ng "M"ayayamang politiko. Salamat sa mga kababayan ko, nagising tayo sa isang pangungut.Sanay suportahan natin ang Ama ng ZAmbaleno, ngayun wala pang isang taon, napaka laki na ng nagagawa nya, kasama ang mga bokal,nariyan ang dating Bise Gov.Ramon Lacbain II, lumalaban sa kahirapan ng zamb.at sa nawawalang 18 Milyon na para sa mga taga subic. Sana'y lalong lumiwanag ang nagdilim na lalawigan,kung tayo'y kapit bisig sa pag tulong at pasamasama,lalo na ang mga nasa America, Europa, at iba pang nasa ibang bansa, tumulong tayo sa ating mga kababayan,pag tatayo ng mga negosyo upang lalong magkaroong ng hanap buhay ang masang zambaleno.MABUHAY PO TAYO. AGYAM TAY KEN APO DIOS!.....---SOUTH KOREA WITH LOVE
By Anonymous, at 12/28/2007 11:09 PM

Political Pro.. The sitting leaders should formally act on this matter for Malacanang and SBMA to have on its records the point of view of the local leaders, this discussion is good for the leaders to know the pulse of its constituency and its now up for the leaders . . . the Provincial Board, Sangguniang Pambayan and the City Council to have their positions clearly stated on the matter. It this discussion is not suffecient for them to react, then the stake-holders (NGOs, POs - Business Groups, Worker's Groups, ABC, etc) should prompt them to by writing their own resolutions and have it submitted to their respective sanggunians. Now if ever there will be no reaction from stake holders, then its either the appointment if okay with the constituency or the people have turned into the "Idon't care attitude"
By Political Pro, at 12/29/2007 7:26 AM

This is how blatant show of abuse of authority by GMA and the callousness of the Magsaysays. They are making a big joke of SBMA. Ginagawang gatasan at hanapbuhay ng mga Magsaysay ang gobyerno.

Libre Bahay,40K a month plus reps, free kuryente,gasolina plus mga gagawing katarantaduhan sa customs ng tatay at lolo nya. Wala na talagang hiya itong mga Magsaysay. Gordon should howl. Binababoy yung pinagtiyagaan nyang buuin. Otro itong si Salonga, SIPSIP.

By Anonymous, at

12/30/2007 12:31 AM

Totoy", inupo sa SBMA ni GMA

Tinuligsa ni Sen. Richard Gordon ang pagtalaga ni Pangulong Arroyo ng isang "Totoy" para maupo bilang board member ng Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).Ayon kay Gordon, labag sa charter ng SBMA ang pag-upo ng isang bata at walang karanasan sa trabaho para maging board member ng tanggapang ito.

"Tambay lang yata yung bata, mapapahiya tayo niyan sa dayuhang businessman," wika ng senador.Sa impormasyong nakuha ni Gordon, itinalaga ni Pangulong Arroyo sa board ng SBMA ang 23-anyos na si Victor Magsaysay noon pang Hulyo subalit ngayong Disyembre lamang nakaupo."Itinago yung appointment at saka lang lumabas nung magkagipitan na sa impeachment ni Mrs. Arroyo," kuwento pa ng senador.

Si Victor ay apo umano ni Vicente Magsaysay, natalong senatorial candidate ng Team Unity at dating gobernador ng Zambales.

By Totoy", inupo sa SBMA ni GMA, at

12/30/2007 12:59 AM

LETS BE CONSTRUCTIVE ABOUT THIS ISSUE LETS DO AWAY WITH POLITICAL AFFILIATONS AND GIVE THE KIDDO A CHANCE TO PROVE HIMSELF AND HAVE HIS PERFORMANCE PROPERLY EVALUATED WITHOUT BIASED IF HE DID GOOD LET IT BE! AND IF NOT THEN LET THE AXE FALL AND KICK THE TODDLER OUT OF HIS CRIB! AND BRING HER BACK UNDER HER MOTHERS SKIRT!!!
By Anonymous, at 12/30/2007 12:52 PM

Let me comment on the comments of this Boy Director:1. "...learning curve ko mabilis na matuto..." - Yeah, that's the way to do it, there's nothing like a PAID TRAINING (at 30 thou a month). Nasa Board para matuto at pag-aralan: "learning mode, absorbing much of the issues"...2. "...They’re scared of him because he's qualified." - Coming from an elected congresswoman. So that means those people ("detractors") must be less qualified than this dude. Hmmmm...3. "...Magsaysay said he should not be perceived as someone riding on the name of his family." - Duh, taking up PolSci and adding SBMA Director to his biodata with a surname like yours, tell me dude, who are you kidding?:)
By Louie of Riyadh, KSA, at 12/30/2007 3:58 PM

Case filed vs Subic mayor over relocation plan

By Tonette Orejas - Philippine Daily Inquirer

SUBIC, ZAMBALES—The provincial government’s Task Force Hanjin has filed a complaint against the mayor of this town for his alleged refusal to release documents related to the relocation project for 470 families displaced by a Korean shipbuilding firm.

The complaint, filed at the Ombudsman for Luzon on Dec. 18, said Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun violated Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

In a three-page complaint, Ramon Lacbain II, Carlos Castillo Jr., Belen Figueras, David Maceda, Andres Sazon and Ruben Gaduang said Khonghun failed to answer the task force’s requests to release the documents on the Agusuhin relocation project.

The requests, contained in letters dated Sept. 3 and Oct. 18, went unanswered despite the lapse of almost two months, they said.

The law requires public officials and employees to “act promptly on letters and requests” by the public within 15 working days from the date those were received.”

It also “obliges public officials and employees to “make documents accessible to the public.”

In a phone interview, Khonghun said he could not comment on the complaint because he had not received a copy of it. “I will make a statement once I receive a copy,” he told the Inquirer.

He confirmed receiving “some letter-requests” from the task force but did not say why his office failed to release the papers.

Lacbain, chair of the task force formed by Gov. Amor Deloso in July, said the documents could clarify and answer the issues and concerns raised by residents.

They include certified copies of the program of work, building permits, change order, certificate of acceptance, lists of actions undertaken, subdivision plan of the relocation site, environmental compliance certificates, and certificate of titles or awards.

The task force reported that four structures were unfinished, 23 others were labeled “none,” three were considered finished while two school buildings were marked “collapsed.”

A Malacañang source said a DPWH team estimated the costs of the existing structures at only P3 million.

Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Ltd. purchased P18 million worth of construction materials in May 2006 to build the relocation site. It had earlier spent P24 million more for compensation to the settlers.

Khonghun, as mayor, oversaw the project while former Gov. Vicente Magsaysay admitted to supervising the payment for damages. Both tasks were supposed to be done by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority

Zambales gov cries foul at Korean shipyard’s security rules

By Tonette Orejas - Inquirer

Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso on Friday decried what he called “rude” treatment he received from officials of Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Ltd. a few hours before Vice President Noli de Castro led the inauguration rite of the firm’s shipyard in Subic town on Dec. 5.

“They were very disrespectful toward me considering I was the governor of the province hosting their project. Diskumpyado pa sila sa kin (They distrusted me). It was demeaning,” Deloso told the Inquirer by phone.

He was referring to the 10 a.m. incident where, according to him, he was required to enter the main gate, join the long queue of visitors and pass the X-ray screen before he finally got a visitor’s pass.

“I have no problem undergoing those if I went uninvited or I did a surprise visit but I was invited three weeks ago and I was excited to come. An invitation given in advance meant that you were expected so you don’t necessarily have to go through all that process anymore,” he said.

“Instead of pinning a lei on me, they gave me a visitor’s pass,” he rued.

All Philippine dignitaries, including De Castro, were required to go through the same process, he said.

“I was the only one who complained because I think, as public officials and being guests of a foreign investor doing business in the Philippines, we should all be accorded respect,” Deloso, a lawyer, said.

“Indirectly, these Koreans are saying they are superior to us when they are on our land,” he added.

Jong Pyeong Yu, HHIC-Philippines general manager, considered the incident “my personal fault.”

“It happened because of the hectic schedule of our event and certain kind of miscommunication and misunderstanding. It is true that we were not able to assign respective Koreans for all those VIPs (because they were many and they arrived in several batches),” Yu said in a text message on Friday.

“I was supposed to be at the main gate when [Deloso] came but unfortunately [I] was escorting [Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority] personnel to the helipad where [De Castro] was about to land so only safety officers were at the main gate,” he said.

Yu said Deloso had not been singled out. The company had put in place a standard protection and security protocol.

Yu said he was meeting Deloso to “express my sincere apology.”

REDONDO SHIPYARD COORDINATING COUNCIL FORMED IN SUBIC

REDONDO SHIPYARD COORDINATING COUNCIL FORMED IN SUBIC

Council Formed To Support Hanjin Shipbuilding Project in Subic

Zambales Governor Calls for Unity of Local Government Officials on Shipbuilding Project

Iba, Zambales- In response to the growing issues and social concerns about the Multi-Billion Shipbuilding project in Subic, a consultative body was formed as Zambales Governor Amor Deloso's administration successfully called for the "First Consultative Meeting" last Saturday at the Provincial Capitol.

The meeting was attended by SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation (HHIC) President Jeong Sup Shim, Zambales Governor Amor Deloso, Task Force Chairman Ramon Lacbain II and heads of concerned government agencies like DENR, DPWH, PNP, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Provincial Engineer's Office .

The group decided to form the "Redondo Shipyard Coordinating Council (RSCC)" to ensure proper coordination in addressing critical issues and concerns as well as take appropriate actions for the benefit of the people and for the smooth operations of HHIC- Phils. Inc.

Redondo Shipyard Coordinating Council will be composed of SBMA Chairman, SBMA Administrator, the Municipal Mayor of Subic, the President of Hanjin and the Governor of Zambales as its head.

The Chairman of Task Force Hanjin and former Zambales Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain II will act as the Executive Director of RSCC and the other members of the Task Force on Hanjin will provide secretariat support. The heads of concerned government agencies like the DENR-PENRO, DPWH, PNP, PSWDO, PEO will provide technical support and facilitate the implementation of all agreements tackled by the council.

Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun of Subic was not able to attend the meeting but expresses his support through a phone call to the governor.

The said first consultative meeting tackles issues like relocation and compensation of residents at Sitio Nagyantok (part of the expansion area to be taken by HHIC-Phil. Inc.), compensation of the remaining unpaid residents of Sitio Agusuhin (the area presently occupied by Hanjin), clearing of the proposed Hanjin Village (housing project for Filipino workers), expansion of Hanjin perimeter fence and the transfer of affected families, livelihood fund for the 32 members of Agusuhin Community Reforestation (ACRA) and construction of the infrastructure projects at Agusuhin Relocation Site ( the anomalous 18M infrastructures at relocation).

Deloso is hopeful that this council will strengthen ties between the local government and the business sector and eventually be "partners in development" of the Redondo Peninsula in Brgy. Cawag, Subic and the entire province of Zambales.

RSCC will convene regularly at the request of any member whenever urgent and critical issues and concerns must be addresses to ensure proper coordination and create workable business development plan for Zambales.

Task Force Hanjin Holds Medical Mission

for Residents of Relocation Site

Subic Zambales- Around 250 residents from Agusuhin Relocation Site showed up during a medical mission held last weekend by the Office of Governor Amor Deloso - Task Force Hanjin (TFH), the Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation (ZWAP) and the Rotary Club of Downtown Olongapo that gave medical and dental services to the displaced residents of Agusuhin, Subic Town.

The joint medical mission headed by Zambales Governor Amor Deloso and Task Force Hanjin Chairman and ZWAP President Ramon Lacbain II gave free medical check-ups, medicines, tooth extraction and dental prophylaxis.
Residents of the relocation site express their utmost gratitude since according to them this is the first medical mission that reaches out to their place. " wala pong pumupunta dito, kasi napakataas ng lugar namin at mahirap akyatin, kayo lang ang nagtiyaga na makarating dito para tulungan kami" (no medical mission was held here since our place is so high and the roads are too steep that it is hard to climb, you were the only medical team who came to help us) says Gloria Calig, one of the residents at the relocation Site.

About 400 residents of sitio Agusuhin in barangay Cawag, Subic were transferred to Agusuhin Relocation Site to give way to the more than 1.6 billion dollar shipbuilding project of Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. (HHIC). Task Force Hanjin uncovers the anomalous P18 Million infrastructure fund given by the HHIC to the contractors for the construction of the needed facilities needed by the residents, like the schools, church and health centers. But unfortunately, the health center that would cater to the medical needs of the residents was left unfinished by the contractors.

" We (TFH) feel the urgent need of the residents here for medical attention, so we find means to attend to their needs. There are lots of problems here, and medical attention is but a small part of it, but we will try to attend to all their needs and perhaps alleviate them from their present misery here in the relocation site" Lacbain said.

According to TFH chairman Lacbain, Governor Deloso already approved the construction of the needed facilities in the relocation site, like the footbridge, school canteen, comfort rooms, water tank and the slope protection for the foundation of the two elementary school builidngs. "Construction of these facilities might start next week" Lacbain aptly says.

The medical mission he added is part of the Zambales government and Task Force Hanjin's mission to ensure that every resident of Zambales is healthy and being given proper medical attention regardless of financial status.
The attending doctors during the medical mission were Dr. Reynaldo Valencia, Dr. Johny Castor, Dr. Leah Labampa, Dr. Emily Camus, Dr. Lekky Gabaga and Dr. Tess Yabut