SSS to condone penalties

BusinessWorld
Posted at 12/27/2010 1:18 AM | Updated as of 12/27/2010 1:25 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Social Security System (SSS) will implement a loan condonation program next year that will allow members with delinquent loan amortization accounts to settle their obligation with the state-pension fund.

“We will launch the ‘Penalty Condonation Program for Unremitted or Delinquent Loan Amortizations of Employees by Employers’ for member with unsettled short-term loans on January 3 and will run it until the end of June,” SSS Member Loans Program Management Department Head Marie Ada T. de Silva told BusinessWorld in a phone interview last Friday.

“Applicants of the program will be able to pay their overdue amortization either in full or through installment,” adding “[the program] would restore the loan privileges of members to apply for loans, renew salary loans, and lift the ‘delinquent’ tag in their account.”

The program covers all members with unsettled salary loans, calamity loans, emergency loans, education loans, privatization fund loan and stock-investment loan program.

Unlike the previous condonation program for loans in 2009, which were directly availed by SSS members, this program will be coursed through the employers. This is similar to the condonation program for contributions implemented this year.

The program can be availed by employers who were not able to remit their employees’ loan amortization and employers of employees with delinquent loans or arrears.

Meanwhile, employers who were delinquent in the payment of their SSS contributions must first settle their delinquent contributions in full or through the submission of an installment payment proposal under the SSS Condonation Law of 2009.

Ms. de Silva stressed that “SSS members who are delinquent can avail of the program, but only penalties which have accrued as of April 1, 2010 will be waived.

“Anything that has accrued after April 1 will have to be settled together with the overdue principal and interest.”

Employers may avail for the program at any SSS branch. Their mode of payment shall be approved by head of the SSS branch where they would avail of the program.

In case the employer choose to settle their obligation in an installment basis, the employer must submit an “instrument” as his guarantee to the state-pension fund to pay in “equal monthly installment in a period not exceeding 24 months” from the date of the proposal’s approval.

Ms. de Silva said “in choosing the installment mode of payment, the amount to be settled will bear an annual interest of 3%.”

“If an employer commits a violation in the terms and conditions of settling his employees’ accounts, penalties will be restored,” she added.

The condonation program was approved by the Office of the President last June.

Collections up

Meanwhile, SSS, in a statement yesterday said its collection from member contributions in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Rizal province surpassed its annual target of P45.85 billion.

The state-pension fund collected P48.57 billion worth of member contributions from the NCR and Rizal province group.

The NCR group posted an estimated P79 billion worth of national and overseas contributions, up from last year’s P45.36 billion. Of which, P12.36 billion was collected from SSS’ three branches in Makati City, the country’s business district. Collections from Quezon City was at P11.69 billion.

“The NCR Group collected P585.27 million unpaid contributions from employers after sending demand letters and filing cases against them, adding that it was 33% higher than the P439.34 million collected through [filing of cases] in 2009,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr. was quoted as saying in the statement.

“The SSS will put legal pressure against employers who neglect their duties under the Social Security Law,” he added.

Under the Social Security Law, the non-remittance of contributions is punishable by imprisonment of six to 12 years. -- Ann Rozainne R. Gregorio

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to ALL: from Alevars @ family

Manny Pacquiao Boxing Record

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao
Reigning WBC Junior Middleweight Champion
Reigning WBO Welterweight Champion
IBO, RING Junior Welterweight Champion, 2009
WBC Lightweight Champion, 2008-2009
WBC, RING Super Featherweight Champion, 2008
RING Featherweight Champion, 2003 - 2005
IBF Super Bantamweight Champion, 2001 - 2004
WBC Flyweight Champion, 1998 - 1999
57 Fights
52 Wins (38 by way of Knockout), 3 Loses, 2 Draws

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/record/

Pacquiao to help government

Pacquiao to help government on 'Save the Industry Act'

MANILA, Philippines - World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will appear on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter appealing to members of the US Congress to pass the Save the Industries Act bill to help save the ailing Philippine garments industry.

“I was just in GenSan (General Santos) last week. We recorded a video. We are just editing it and it will be ready for airing next week,” Board of Investments (BOI) executive director Lucita P. Reyes said in an interview.

The Philippine government has been asking the US to pass thebill because it will revive the dying garments industry by allowing tariff free export of garments to the US.

Reyes said they will be using the Internet to disseminate the video. She said Pacquiao agreed to appear on the video for free. “We are getting Manny Pacquiao to endorse this. We need somebody who can champion it. We have asked his help to have this bill pass into law,” BOI managing head Cristino L. Panlilio said in an interview.

In an earlier interview, Panlilio said that Pacquiao would be a big help because he can raise awareness for the bill. If the Save Act is not passed during the session it will be re-filed next year.

Aside from the Pacquiao endorsement, Panlilio said they will be using the social media. “We will use Facebook and Twitter. Filipino Americans can help convince their congressmen and senators to pass the bill.”

SOURCE:
By  Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star) Updated December 09, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (2)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=637380&publicationSubCategoryId=66

TUCP Workers’ College Training Program

Posted December 20, 2010

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DOLE rescues 52 minors, padlocks 3 suspected prostitution dens in NCR

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has rescued 52 minors from abuse and exploitation, including 21 young people who were allegedly forced to work in suspected prostitution dens.

"It was a result of an entrapment and rescue operations," Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in an article posted on the DOLE website.

She said 21 of the minors were rescued from a massage center in Quezon City, a KTV bar in Parañaque City and a restaurant also in Quezon City.

Baldoz said the three prostitution dens were padlocked following the rescue.

The investigation showed that the minors rescued from prostitution dens were asked to dance in flimsy attire or in the nude.

One of the rescued minors said the patrons can touch their sensitive parts or can engage in sexual acts with them for a fee.

The 31 other minors were rescued from an embroidery firm in Valenzuela, a garments factory in Pasay City, a printing press in Quezon City and a cafe in Manila.

“We have to step up and intervene on behalf of these minors when their parents and guardians fail to protect them. The government is here to ensure that our youth are free from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination or any condition detrimental to their development," Metro Manila regional director Raymundo Agravante said.

Agravante added that 16 alleged perpetrators were formally charged for violating Republic Act 9231.

The law allows the Labor Secretary or his or her duly authorized representatives to order after due notice and hearing, the closure of any business firm found to have violated any of its provisions three times.

Immediate closure can also be ordered if the violation resulted in the death, insanity, or serious physical injury of the employed minor, or if the establishment is engaged in prostitution or lewd shows.

“Our efforts do not end at rescue and closure operations. The DSWD provides after care assistance to rescued minors while criminal charges are filed at the Department of Justice. The DOLE-NCR handles the administrative cases, which involves issuing orders for the payment of back wages and other benefits," Agravante said.

"DOLE also provides parents of rescued minors with livelihood assistance so they can start earning for their family. Providing these parents with the means to support the needs of their children is one of the viable solutions the DOLE considers in our pursuit to keep these kids off the hook from the perpetrator’s bait," Agravante added.

The DOLE worked with the following in rescuing the minors:
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);
the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI);
the Philippine National Police (PNP), and
the International Justice Mission (IJM), a non-government organization.

Former child laborers

Meanwhile, the DOLE Cavite Provincial Office, through the support of JAE Philippines, Inc., distributed school supplies to 26 former child laborers who worked as scavengers and “namumukot" in Cavite City and Noveleta, Cavite.

The assistance provided to the children was part of the "Sagip Kabataan: Balik Paaralan," a corporate social responsibility program of JAE Philippines, Inc. – VVP, GMANews.TV

President Aquino congratulates football team

http://www.affsuzukicup.com/_webapp_740122/President_Aquino_joins_Philippines'_fan_club

The Philippines have won presidential approval for their performances so far in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Simon McMenemy's side are on the brink of qualifying for the semi-finals after a glorious 2-0 victory over defending champions Vietnam and a 1-1 draw with Singapore in Group B.

Philippine President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III hailed the exploits of the team in an official statement.

"President Aquino conveys his congratulations to the Philippine team's victory (over Vietnam) at the AFF Suzuki Cup in Vietnam," said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

He added that sport in the Philippines was better known for its achievements in boxing, including the successes of Manny Pacquiao, but football was now pushing for recognition.

"These victories (in boxing and the recent Asian Games) affirm yet again the Filipino's drive to excel, noting further that the Philippine team's triumph in the AFF Suzuki Cup signifies an enthusiasm to join the community of nations in the international arena of football," said the presidential spokesman.

"The President has expressed his support for sports endeavors where Filipinos excel and bring pride to our country."

A draw against Myanmar in their final Group B game on Wednesday will see the Philippines progress to the last four for the first time in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

http://bayan-natin.blogspot.com/2010/12/metro-manila-one-of-global-best.html

Metro Manila: One of the global best

John Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
Business Mirror
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/opinion/4605-metro-manila-one-of-the-global-best-

What do Los Angeles, London, Tokyo and Berlin have in common with Manila? Nothing. Those cities are not good enough to be ranked in the same category as Manila.

The Metropolitan Policy Program of the Brookings Institute just released a study entitled “Global MetroMonitor.” This is a report detailing an economic overview of 150 global metropolitan areas and their economies during the “Great Recession.”

The purpose of the study was to analyze and compare the 150 global metropolitan areas, including our own National Capital Region (NCR), in terms of their positive impact on their citizens.

GVA looks at income growth and employment growth. How much is employment growing in the metro areas and how much is personal income growing.

For the pre-recession period of 1993 to 2007, the No.1 metro area was Shenzhen, China. Manila was ranked No.34. At the time, Greater Manila had an income-growth rate of 3.4 percent and an employment-growth rate of 2.6 percent. As a comparison, Bangkok, Thailand, was ranked No. 150 with an income-growth rate of negative 1.2 percent and an employment-growth rate of 0.2 percent.

Jump ahead to 2010, and Manila is ranked No. 9, sharing the top rankings with Istanbul, Turkey; Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing in China; Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile; and Singapore. Manila’s GVA is now 5.3 percent for income growth and 4 percent for employment growth. Bangkok is ranked No. 35 with 3.3-percent income increase and 1.2-percent jobs growth.

Metropolitan areas are responsible for a major portion of a nation’s economic activity. Although only 12 percent of the world’s population lives in these 150 metropolitan areas, these areas account for 46 percent of global gross domestic product. What Brookings measures is what they call economic “Gross Value Added” (GVA). “Metro areas, which are economically integrated collections of cities, suburbs, and often surrounding rural areas, are centers of high-value economic activity in their respective nations and worldwide. Metros form the fundamental bases for national and international economies.”

This is interesting. “Their per-capita measures of Gross Value Added range widely, from under $1,000 in Hyderabad and Kolkata, India, to roughly $70,000 in San Jose, US; and Zurich, Switzerland. What is consistent about these metropolitan areas, however, is their function as locations for high-value economic activity in their respective nations and world regions.” Ultimately, the economic performances of the metro areas determine the economic health and potential future of the country. More important, it does not matter how comparatively poor a metro area is in comparison to others, the metro areas are a nation’s economic driver.

The Global MetroMonitor report makes this conclusion: “The Global MetroMonitor thus portrays a world economy whose continued transition will be driven in large part by the distinct experiences of its powerful network of major metropolitan economies. As metropolitan leaders worldwide confront the challenges and opportunities that accompany continued global economic integration, and many seek new growth models to replace old ones, the shifting metro map points toward an emerging array of productive metro-based economic relationships that could drive regional and national prosperity in the decades to come.”

The Philippines has struggled with two economic questions over the years; how to bring economic growth to the more provincial areas and how to insure that economic growth reaches all sectors of society.

The government as well as private policymakers have faced challenges as to what and where the allocation of resources should be made. For example, should a new branch sales outlet be established in the NCR with its large population or push to an outlying area and hope to build market share. Should infrastructure projects be placed in Metro Manila or be built in the province? Naturally there must be a balance between spending money in the metro areas and spending money in the more rural areas. However, there must eventually be a determination made where the biggest economic bang can be achieved.

The government probably should take its cue from the private sector that in many cases has successfully built its metro and provincial model. The successes that private enterprise has in the metro areas easily can translate to the non-metro areas. Look at Shoemart as the best example. The numerous successful malls in the NCR created its ability and capability to expand to the outlying areas. Only one- third of the SM department stores are in the NCR.

The cost to government for projects in the NCR is much higher than projects in the province. Yet if the economic impact on the country is higher from NCR projects, then that is where the money should be spent until such time that those projects have created excess funds to be used for more rural development.

This study does not address the concerns of metro areas, particularly in Asia, such as congestion and crowding. However, infrastructure projects that help mitigate these two issues also fall within the scope of being economically beneficial. Perhaps solving one problem—crowding—solves another, unemployment.

A balance must be sought and achieved. But to ignore the metro or place it as a lower priority than the provinces is to risk making wrong choices. As the Brookings report states, “National policies must invest in fundamental drivers of metropolitan economies; innovative institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.” But at least for the money, the NCR is one of the global leaders in these two important areas, income and employment, of economic activity.

Source: http://bayan-natin.blogspot.com/2010/12/metro-manila-one-of-global-best.html

P-Noy sympathizes with Vizconde

P-Noy sympathizes with Vizconde but won't comment any further
By Aurea Calica (philstar.com) Updated December 14, 2010 04:27 PM Comments (15)

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino today said he sympathized with Lauro Vizconde after the Supreme Court reversed the conviction of Hubert Webb and the other accused in the Vizconde massacre.

But the President and the Palace refused to comment any further, saying it would be up to the SC to explain its decision to the public.

"Initially of course we sympathize with Mr. Lauro Vizconde. I asked for a briefer to be prepared," the President said in a text message.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said it was not for Malacanang to comment on why the case took 19 years to be decided on with finality and why the accused were convicted.

“How they came up with the decision is entirely up to the Supreme Court to explain and let their spokesperson explain it,” Lacierda said.

“The Palace has no position one way or the other on the Vizconde case. We leave it entirely to the parties to comment on that,” he added.

Lacierda said it was irrelevant that the final ruling on the case was done under the Aquino administration.

“The case was decided based on the assessment of the justices on the appeal. So we can’t comment any further than that. Again, it’s a decision made entirely by a separate branch of government so we leave it up to them. Why it took 19 years? That’s for them to decide and not for us to comment on,” Lacierda said.



“It has no impact (on the Aquino administration) because it is, with all due respect, no relevance to the Aquino administration. It was a case that was pending even prior to the Aquino administration, even prior to the Arroyo administration. So it’s a decision of the Supreme Court based on the assessment of the facts and the evidence presented and why it took that long is for them to answer that,” he added..

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=639187&publicationSubCategoryId=200

MRT Supports Unending Innovations for Modern Technology in Mass Transport Systems

MRT Supports Unending Innovations for Modern Technology in Mass Transport Systems

We all know that one solution to avoid traffic and reduce fuel cost is to ride the Metro Rail Transit or MRT. MRT is the most practical and economical mass transport system in our country today. It is also the fastest and most convenient way to travel from North Avenue to Taft Avenue or vice versa.

The government, through the MRT management, is continuously looking for ways to adopt modern technologies for mass transport use. It all started when MRT publicly launched its alternative payment system using G-Pass/mCash which became the first mobile integrated payment platform in the country. With this technology, a passenger may not need to buy the usual ticket to ride the MRT.

Recently, more alternatives in paying for MRT rides were launched through the AXS Contactless Card, mCash Blue Contactless Card— and by November 17 to 19, 2008— the AXS Contactless Card KIT KAT Edition.

Similar to Hongkong’s Octopus Card, the ‘AXS Card KIT KAT Edition’ can be repeatedly used by passengers in riding MRT and can be conveniently reloaded like an ‘e-Wallet’.

The AXS Card KIT KAT Edition is available for 50 pesos with 35 pesos pre-loaded amount and FREE 17 gram KIT KAT wafers coated with milk chocolate— starting November 17, 2008, inside the MRT stations. The AXS Card KIT KAT Edition can be used immediately upon purchase by tapping the card to any mCash readers found on top of the turnstiles. By tapping the card to the “Free Balance Inquiry” machines within the stations, users would be able to retrieve the balance information inside the card.

The launching of the AXS Card KIT KAT Edition for use in MRT is part of the Sustainable Alternative Ticketing System or SATS Program of DOTC-MRT3.

The objective of the program is to look for alternative ways in paying for transport fares so that the government can provide fast, economical, and convenient service to MRT passengers.

AXS Card KIT KAT Edition is powered by mCash and reloadable thru VMobile LoadXtreme

GOKONGWEI-LED Cebu Pacific will be hiring 300 flight attendants

GOKONGWEI-LED Cebu Pacific will be hiring 300 flight attendants to augment the airline’s workforce in time for the arrival of four new Airbus A320 aircraft, an executive said.

Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific's vice president for marketing and distribution, said in a statement the new batch of aircraft would be delivered from October this year until January next year.

“We are scheduled to add more flights to Kota Kinabalu, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Seoul in time with our Airbus A320 aircraft deliveries, and we need more cabin crew to handle our additional capacity,” she said.

The airline has scheduled a recruitment campaign in Cebu on Sept. 16 at the Cebu Midtown Hotel, and initial screenings on Sept. 20 and 27 at the CEB Training and Development Center on Domestic Airport Road in Parañaque and Oct. 6 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Ortigas. -- A. M. P. Dagcutan

Article:
http://bayan-natin.blogspot.com/2010/09/cebupac-hiring-300-more-attendants.html

Charice is Best Singer in Oprah’s online poll

Filipino singing sensation Charice Pempengco was voted by an online poll of TV entertainment host Oprah Winfrey as the Best Singer of 2009.

Pempengco’s rendition of “Note to God” on the Oprah show, was voted Best Oprah Show Musical Performance, as thousands of viewers cast their vote on via the website oprah.com.

The 17 year old beat seven other big-name nominees: The rock band Journey (with another Filipino, Arnel Pineda, as front man), the Black-Eyed Peas (with a Fil-Am member, apl.de.ap), Michael Buble, Rascal Flatts, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson and James Taylor.

The website launched the Best of 2009 poll that asked viewers to choose their favorites in 13 categories spanning the lifestyle and entertainment fields.

Pempengco garnered 70 percent of total votes, according to the website, with The Black Eyed Peas a far second, collecting 9 percent.

“It’s a very big deal for me,” Pempengco said proudly.

The website noted: “Charice had a big year in 2009, recording her first [US] album, performing on tour with David Foster and Friends, and appearing in her first film, ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.’”

Her debut US album is ready for release in February or March, with the carrier single, “Pyramid.”

The Chipmunks movie, in which Pempengco appears as herself, premieres in the United States on Dec. 23 and starts its Philippine theater run on Jan. 8.

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=9661

Palawan River tops latest New 7 Wonders Poll

The Puerto Princesa Underground River has topped the latest poll of the New 7 Wonders of the World Campaign.

In its latest rankings, the Palawan subterranean river was chosen by 58.38 percent of females who joined the online poll, with 41.62 percent of the voters comprised of males.

The underground river is battling 27 other natural wonders worldwide, many of them in Europe and Latin America.

Apprised of the latest results, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn said the support of the people of Palawan and many Filipinos worldwide was essential in copping the top place in the latest online poll, which has already reached millions of people globally.

Among the other contestants are the Dead Sea, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Maldives, Grand Canyon, Jeju Island, Bay of Fundy, Black Forest, Iguazu Falls, Angel Falls, Yushan, Uluru, Galapagos, Milford Sound, Bu Tinah Island, Great Barrier Reef, Halong Bay, Komodo, Amazon, Vesuvius, Table Mountain, Masurian Lake District and Mud Volcano.

Hagedorn urged all Filipinos here and abroad to continue supporting the campaign of the Puerto Princesa Underground River to win the top slot in the contest for the New 7 Wonders of the World.

(Story courtesy of Marvyn Benaning of Manila Bulletin)

Pinoy tribal Olympians strike Gold in Malaysia

Aeta, Mangyan and Dumagat athletes from the Philippines dominated the first Southeast Asian Tribal Olympics in Malaysia with three golds, a silver, and four bronzes.

The tribal folk were the country’s representatives to the first ASEAN Tribal Olympics held from Sept. 14 to 16 in the mountains of Nanuk Ragang in Ranao, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia.
The athletes sported their traditional G-strings and brought their own bows and arrows, as well as spears and blowpipes for the games.“It was smooth sailing for us. We could have readily beat them in all the games if we really wanted to,” Aeta Jun Ablong, who won two golds in tree top archery and blow pipe competitions and a silver in archery assault, said in Kapampangan upon arrival at the airport.

Guy Hilbero, founder of the Mabalacat Aeta Tribal Association (MATA), said that aside from Ablong the other gold medalist was Naval Dumlao who excelled in the field of archery assault.In archery assault, the competitor runs to hit successively four targets as fast as possible.“The other competitors were of no match. Naval hit all four targets bull’s eye,” Hilbero said.

The other Filipino victors in the tribal games were Mangyan Arnulfo Bernardo with a bronze in tree top archery, Mangyan Reynaldo Panagsayan with bronze in blow pipe competition, Aeta Jimmy Ablong, brother of the gold medalist, who ended up tied for bronze with Dumagat Ricardo Turgo in archery assault.Murot and Luzon tribal folk from Malaysia got all the medals in the kneeling and standing archery competitions.Hilbero said the competitions in spear throwing and running were cancelled because bad weather persisted in the mountainous venue, a four-hour ride from the airport of Kota Kinabalu.

The tribal folk who represented the Philippines in the Malaysian games were the winners in the national tribal Olympics held here and in other parts of the country last year under the sponsorship of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) and the Philippine Soft Tennis Association (PSTA) with the support of other groups.Last week’s Tribal Olympics was initiated also by the same group, which plans to hold the games yearly to pave the way for international level competitions in 2015.

It was arranged as a partnership project with Malaysian sports officials.The first Asian competition in Sabah was formally opened by top Malaysian sports officials led by Johnson Koh and PSTA president Jeff Antonio Tamayo Jr.

Some 12 other tribal groups from other ASEAN countries participated.Tamayo said that the games were meant not only to promote the welfare and dignity of tribal folk, but also to promote environmental concerns reflected in the lifestyles of indigenous peoples.“Next year, we hope to hold the Asian games in Laos in our bid to have more official participation from more countries in Asia,” Hilbero said.Except for Aeta Danilo Tecson who had once worked in Saudi Arabia and attended a seminar in South Korea, the trip to the Tribal Olympics was the first time for the other Aetas to go abroad.Tecson, who helped arrange for their passports, said that special arrangements were made for their documents as most Aetas do not have birth certificates and could not even read and write.“It was enlightening to realize that there are other tribal folk in other countries.

We are not alone, after all,” said Jun Ablong.The Aetas said they were proud to represent the country, although they expressed hope that there would be more support from the national government and the private sector in the next games so that they could have some cash allowance for pasalubongs for their families.Hilbero said available funds were enough only for the trip and accommodation expenses of the delegates.While the Filipino tribal folk did not have time to tour other parts of Malaysia, Ablong said he was impressed by what he saw in Kota Kinabalu.

“Everybody seemed to have their own cars there. There was no jeepney, no tricycle of any kind,” he noted.

(Story and photo courtesy of Ding Cervantes of the Philippine Star)

LRT 2 extension, Laiban Dam eyed in initial PPPs

Economy
Written by Cai U. Ordinario
Business Mirror
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28162:lrt-2-extension-laiban-dam-eyed-in-initial-ppps&catid=33:economy&Itemid=60

THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) has indicated that the extension of the Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT2) to the Marcos Highway and the previously proposed road linking the South Luzon Expressway (Slex) to the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) were among the “strongest contenders” for the public-private partnerships (PPP) being pushed by the Aquino administration.

Rolando Tungpalan, Neda deputy director-general for investment programming also mentioned Laiban Dam as a “good candidate” for PPP. In this connection, the Abacus Consolidated Resources & Holdings Inc. yesterday disclosed to the local bourse its proposal to undertake the Laiban Dam project through a P60-billion joint venture with the government.

The extension of the LRT2-to-Marcos-Highway line will start from the Santolan Station where the line now ends, to the Masinag Market. The previously proposed connector road that would link Slex with Nlex was initially proposed to be funded through a loan from the Chinese government.

Tungpalan said PPP projects could also be derived from the Comprehensive Infrastructure Investment Program, which already identified “ready to go” projects. The only thing lacking in these projects is funding.

“I think the marching orders are we want the PPP processing time reduced to six months. This now puts the onus on the implementing agencies to have better quality proposals so that implementation bottlenecks are addressed,” Tungpalan said.

He also said that if the government was bent on changing some provisions in the joint venture guidelines and the build-operate-transfer (BOT) implementing rules and regulations, the President only needed to issue an Executive Order (EO) to adopt and implement the changes.

If an EO would be used, the changes in the joint-venture guidelines or BOT rules will not hamper the government’s plan to increase PPPs to spur economic growth, Tungpalan said.

Joint ventures and BOT projects would reduce government expenses in public undertakings like infrastructure projects.

The joint-venture guidelines and the BOT rules are currently being reviewed by the interagency Infrastructure Committee in preparation for the government’s plans for more PPPs to help finance big-ticket infrastructure projects.

In his first State of the Nation Address (Sona), the President said undertaking PPPs can boost the economy and address the country’s development constraints, considering that of the P1.54-trillion 2010 budget, only P100 billion or 6.5 percent can be used for the remaining six months of the year. This means that only around 1 percent of the total budget can be used for each month until the end of 2010.

Tungpalan said that because of this, Neda wanted to be more proactive in seeking PPPs. He noted that in the past, the government merely waited for proposals to come in. Now, given the need to significantly push for PPPs, Neda will have to start telling agencies which projects can have the most economic benefits, in line with the priorities of the Aquino administration.

Earlier, the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) Inc. urged the Aquino administration to revise the joint-venture guidelines created by the Arroyo administration to increase transparency and accountability in these kinds of PPPs.

PCA executive director Manolito Madrasto said the PCA is seeking the extension of the Swiss Challenge to at least 180 days from the current 30 calendar days and the inclusion of the Neda Investment Coordination Committee oversight on all joint-venture projects.

A Swiss challenge is a process by which other private groups could still come forward to make an offer to match the bid of the proponent.

Under the guidelines, only the head of the government entity concerned is given the authority to approve the proposed joint- venture agreement, regardless of amount. Clearance from the departments of Finance and Budget and Management would be required only when the joint-venture agreement requires national government undertakings, subsidies or guarantees.

http://bayan-natin.blogspot.com/search/label/LRT%202%20extension

Japan nursing exam won’t be in English – POEA

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has clarified that the Japanese licensure examination for nurses will not entirely be translated into English.

The clarification came from a representative of the Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW), according to the POEA, even as foreign applicants are struggling to pass the difficult exam.

According to the POEA, the MHLW is still studying recommendations from focus group discussions (FGD) that it conducted among stakeholders.

Participants in the FGDs include hospital presidents, officials and professors of nursing schools, and other interest groups in the field of nursing, along with the Institute of Human Language.

“Among the suggestions from the said FGDs were to paraphrase certain difficult words or expressions into easier terms, provide Japanese hiragana characters for certain difficult kanji characters, include the subject and object in the Japanese sentence construction, and annotate special nursing terms and names of diseases in English including internationally recognized abbreviations," the POEA said.

Hiragana and kanji are Japanese writing systems, with the former being used for traditional Japanese words and the latter being ideographs borrowed from Chinese characters.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) earlier pushed for intensified language training for Japan-bound nurses and caregivers to give them a better chance of passing the difficult examinations there. (See: DOLE wants intensified Japanese language training for caregivers, nurses)

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz cited recent reports that no foreign applicant passed last year’s exams and only 1.2 percent of foreign applicants passed the most recent exams.

She said this was due to the difficulty of the examinees in understanding kanji and technical terms written in Japanese.

Maria Luz Talento, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tokyo officer-in-charge and welfare officer, meanwhile said the language program should focus on communication skills more than simply language skills.

Talento said that while candidate nurses and caregivers are able to speak Japanese, they have problems with oral and written communication with their co-workers and immediate superiors in their place of work.

Filipinos have been hired as nurses and caregivers in Japan under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement or JPEPA, which critics fear will result in further abuse of Filipino nurses in addition to trampling on the country’s sovereignty. (See: Jpepa to legalize abuses vs Pinoy nurses – CBCP)—Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV

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37,679 pass nursing board; Ateneo de Naga student tops exam

MANILA, Philippines – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Friday said a total of 37,679 out of 91, 008 examinees passed the Nurse Licensure Examination that was given last July.

The exam was conducted in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, La Union, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga last July 2010.

The members of the Board of Nursing are Carmencita M. Abaquin, Chairman; Leonila A. Faire, Betty F. Merritt, Perla G. Po, Marco Antonio C. Sto.Tomas (inhibited), Yolanda C. Arugay and Amelia B. Rosales (inhibited), Members.

The results of examination with respect to five (5) examinees were withheld pending final determination of their liabilities under the rules and regulations governing licensure examination.

Those who will register are required to bring the following
Duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal
Current Community Tax Certificate (cedula)
2 pieces passport size picture (colored with white background and complete name tag)
1 piece 1” x 1” picture (colored with white background and complete name tag)
2 sets of metered documentary stamps, and
1 short brown envelope with name and profession;

and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2010-2013.

Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The oathtaking ceremony of the successful examinees in the said examination in Manila as well as the previous ones who have not taken their Oath of Professional will be held before the Board on Monday and Tuesday, September 20 and 21, 2010, with morning (8:00 A.M.) and afternoon (1:00 P.M.) sessions at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

All must come in their white gala uniform, nurse’s cap, white duty shoes, without earrings, hair not touching the collar and without corsage.

Oathtaking tickets for the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby regions will be available at the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) at 1663 F.T. Benitez Street, Malate, Manila, from September 1 - 20, 2010 on a “first come first serve” basis.

All regional oathtaking schedules will be posted in the BON website: www.bonphilippines.org.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/27/10/37679-pass-nursing-board-ateneo-de-naga-student-tops-exam

41 killed in Benguet bus mishap

By Artemio Dumlao Jr. (The Philippine Star) Updated Aug 19, 2010 12:00 AM | Comments (32)

Forty-one passengers of a La Union-bound bus were killed when it fell into a ravine yesterday morning in what could be the worst highway disaster here.
› Neri out as SSS head; new sugar regulatory chief named

SABLAN, Benguet, Philippines – Forty-one passengers of a La Union-bound bus were killed when it fell into a ravine yesterday morning in what could be the worst highway disaster here.

Initial reports showed that the ill-fated ESO-Nice bus (AYB-549) lost its brakes before falling into a 30-meter ravine along sitio Guiwing, Banangan, Sablan at around 9:20 a.m.

Police identified some of the fatalities as Johnson Dimalanta, Frederick and Rose Quinos and their children Nicole and Michael, Berio Almasen, Carlos Angeles, Amethyst Calado, Enrique Hao, Renato Limid, Rex Arsichu, Constantino Casugay, Glen Lustica, Octavio Polon, Francisco Sales, Jon Laigo, Joy Combis, Pastora Daweg, Marlon Paleg, Gabino Pilay, Pablito Diocenes, Roger Torida and Karen Mae Piluden.

Romeo Subang Jr., driver of the bus, died while being treated in a hospital.

Thirteen others, four of them Filipino-Americans, were unidentified as of press time.

Seven people survived the mishap and were rushed to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

They were identified as Sonny Ayaten, Desiree Jura, Arnel Paras, Juantri Gutcha, Jay Angelo, bus conductor John Patrick Flores and an unidentified man.

Flores said Subang was negotiating a sharp curve while trying to shift to second gear but lost control of the bus. He said the driver tried to prevent the disaster by ramming the bus on concrete barriers along the roadside to slow down its descent but failed.

Sensing danger, Flores said he jumped out of the vehicle before it fell into the ravine.

“The area where the bus fell is a sharp curve and the ravine was so deep,” said Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, Benguet Police Provincial Office, who went to the area to supervise and assist in the rescue and retrieval operations.

Mayor said one of the victims was pinned down in the wreckage of the bus, making it hard for operatives to retrieve the remains.

The police official said the bus could have avoided falling into the ravine if it hit the tree or a nipa hut on the edge of the road.

He said the skid mark of the vehicle showed the bus passed between the house and the tree.

Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan immediately formed the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council and personally supervised the rescue and retrieval operations in the area that lasted for over six hours.
Mayor said over 50 people from the Provincial Government, local police and Philippine Army took part in the operations. “The victims were taken out of the wreckage through stretchers and most of them suffered severe bone fractures,” he said.

He said the incident will be investigated thoroughly to determine if it was an accident or caused by human error.

In recent years, barangay Banangan has been the site of numerous vehicular mishaps claiming scores of lives.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=604071&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Philippines still text messaging champ -US study

US-based technology and social media news blog Mashable.com today released an infographic detailing text messaging trends in the US and around the world, aggregated from various news sources. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Philippines continues to be the text messaging capital of the world.

Citing collated data from Reuters, the New York Times, CTIA.org, UPI.com, Pew Research, Kvue.com, Matzav.com, and Portio Research, the infographic showed that, in 2009, the average Filipino mobile subscriber sent an average of 600 text messages per month, or 43 percent more than their US counterparts.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/198832/philippines-still-text-messaging-champ-us-study

Malacañang to enforce cap on GOCC salaries

Malacañang will issue an executive order enforcing a cap on the salaries of those in government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III said Wednesday.

Aquino said in a press conference at the Palace that his administration would issue a new EO on the matter even though former President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo had issued a similar directive in 2001 that was not enforced.

"It's only a question of enforcing the cap, but if need be we will reiterate the same in a new EO and perhaps modify as necessary to ensure that there is compliance," the president said.

The departments of Finance and Budget and Management worked on guidelines for the salaries and benefits of GOCC officials after Aquino revealed in his SONA that board members of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System received excessive benefits under the Arroyo administration.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima suggested that the new EO provide for new appointees in GOCCs to sign "a waiver of various rights due members of the board," Aquino said.

Aquino so far issued four EOs, three of which have been questioned before the Supreme Court. Aquino's EO No. 1 created the Truth Commission, to be led by retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., which will investigate unresolved corruption controversies in the Arroyo administration. Allies of Mrs. Arroyo led by House Minority Leader and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman questioned its constitutionality before the Supreme Court.

Justice assistant secretary Jose Arturo de Castro and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority director Eddie Tamondong also asked the Supreme Court to nullify EO No. 2, which revoked Mrs. Arroyo's so-called midnight appointments.

De Castro is also seeking to nullify EO No. 3, which revoked Arroyo's EO No. 883 that grants lawyers "occupying legal positions in the government executive service who have obtained graduate degrees in law and successfully passed their bar examinations" with the rank of Career Executive Service Officer III.

Malacañang earlier said it is ready to defend its controversial EOs before the court. The Supreme Court said Tuesday that it sees no pressing need to restrain Aquino from implementing the EOs. —VS, GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/198833/malacantildeang-to-enforce-cap-on-gocc-salaries

PPCRV warns vs SK being used by political dynasties

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK),or youth council, is fast turning from a vehicle for developing leadership skills among Filipino youths into a tool for extending political dynasties.

On Thursday, the Church-based poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) said this trend is another reason to abolish the SK and instead have youth representatives in the barangay (village) council.

"Pinapasok na ng political dynasties ang kanilang [mga] apo, ang bata nilalagay doon para lalong lumawak ang political control sa grassroots level. 'Di magandang simula yan para sa ating future leaders. Natututo ng maling practice ng politics," PPCRV chairwoman Henrietta de Villa said in an interview on dwIZ radio.

(Political dynasties have infiltrated the youth councils. They place their children or grandchildren there to ensure their control at the grassroots level. And the youths are taught a warped sense of politics).

"Ang nangyayari masyadong politicized ang involvement ng kabataan sa SK (The involvement of youths in the SK has become too politicized)," she added.

She also noted that in many cases, SK members in the province have little time to look after their their duties because they attend schools in Metro Manila.

De Villa said the abuse of the SK is similar to some instances of misuse of the party-list system of representation, which had been turned from a vehicle for marginalized sectors into one for political families.

"Nakalulungkot, sa party-list ganyan din ang nangyari, maganda ang intention (It is sad that like the party-list system, the SK started with good intentions)," she said.

De Villa also reiterated her suggestion that youths still have a voice in the local level, but as elected youth representatives in the village council.

In the village council, she said youth representatives will be pressed to perform well.

"[Mabuti] magkasama sila sa barangay council para ang kabataan kasali sa policy-building ma-mainstream at di sila nakabukod. Walang mabisang nangyayari sa SK (It will be better if the youths learn about policy-building in the mainstream instead of in a council just for them)," she said. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/198892/ppcrv-warns-vs-sk-being-used-by-political-dynasties

7 Pinoy prisoners in Maldives pardoned, come home

MANILA, Philippines - Seven overseas Filipinos imprisoned in the Maldives for credit card theft have returned to the country after being granted a presidential pardon, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported Thursday.

The DFA said the 7 were found guilty of credit card theft and using the stolen cards to purchase goods worth US$60,000 in February 2009. They were meted the maximum penalty of 63 years and 11 months but the court later reduced the penalty to 25 years imprisonment.

The DFA said it sought avenues for the release and deportation of the 7 Filipinos through the recently-approved “Clemency Law,” which empowers the President to grant pardons to prisoners.

Philippine Ambassador to Dhaka Bahnarim Guinomla said the 7 Filipinos were released on condition that they do not return to Maldives during the initial sentence period of 25 years.

They arrived in Manila on August 13, and were met at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by representatives of the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (DFA-OUMWA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The wife of one of the repatriates sent a letter to the Philippine Embassy thanking them for their efforts to secure the pardon for her husband.

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you for all the help you have done for them [repatriates]. And also to the good Ambassador Rabago for being an instrument for their early repatriation,” she said.

“It was a painful experience, but great lessons would be learned from this. We are looking forward and putting this bad experience behind us. We are thankful for a second chance and grateful for a new beginning,” the wife added.

Thursday. Article:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/08/19/10/7-pinoy-prisoners-maldives-pardoned-come-home

89 workers were killed and 48 workers were injured in 40 fatal workplace incidents in the Philippines in January – August 2010

89 workers were killed and 47 workers were injured in 40 fatal workplace incidents in the Philippines in January – August 2010 – a TUCP compilation of newspaper reports show.

Luisita farmers wake up early, set march to SC

After holding a peaceful vigil in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) office in Quezon City Tuesday night, farmers from Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac woke up early Wednesday to prepare for their march to the Supreme Court in Manila.

Radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported the farmers woke up past 5 a.m. and prepared to march from the DAR office to the high court's premises.

The farmers are opposing the 1989 stock distribution option (SDO) and a compromise agreement reached earlier this month between some farmers and the hacienda management.

Also, the farmers were scheduled to attend a mass at the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) along Taft Avenue in Manila Wednesday morning.

Wednesday's Mass aims to give the farmers strength as the Supreme Court tackles oral arguments on the validity of the SDO agreement farmer-beneficiaries entered into with Hacienda Luisita, Inc. and the Tarlac Development Co. in May 1989. [See: Luisita case in SC to focus on 1989 farmers' stock option]

On Tuesday night, the United Luisita Workers' Union (ULWU) and Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid ng Asyenda Luisita (Ambala) attended a solidarity Mass at Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City. — LBG, GMANews.TV

Celebrity surgeon Frank Ryan killed in car crash

LOS ANGELES – Celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Frank Ryan, who made headlines for performing multiple surgeries on reality TV star Heidi Montag, has died. He was 50 years old.

The California Highway Patrol says Ryan's 1995 Jeep Wrangler went off the side of Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu and landed on its roof Monday afternoon.

Besides Montag, Ryan's celebrity clientele included musician Vince Neil, actor Lorenzo Lamas, reality stars Lisa Gastineau and Adrianne Curry and several models and beauty queens.

Montag, who underwent 10 procedures in one day with Ryan late last year, took to Twitter to share her reaction to his death.

"I am devastated," the 23-year-old wrote on the micro-blogging site Tuesday. "He was the most amazing person I have ever known. He was an angel and changed my life and the lives of everyone he met. He was the most brilliant talented surgeon who will ever exist. Dr. Frank Ryan changed the world."

The Ventura County medical examiner's office said an autopsy would be performed Tuesday. He said no cause of death has been established.

Ryan's friend and client, model and reality star Janice Dickinson, was "deeply, deeply anguished" after hearing of the doctor's death, her publicist said.

"She is stunned and wants the world to know what a genius Dr. Ryan was," publicist Brad Taylor said Tuesday. "Her love goes out to his mother and the rest of the family."

Curry said in a statement Tuesday that she and Ryan shared "in-depth conversations about him wanting to start a family of his own, now that he had a very successful career."

Ryan operated on her twice, she said, adding, "I considered him a friend."

Ryan was a close friend of boxer Oscar De La Hoya, and attended all his fights from 2002 until De La Hoya's retirement last year.

"After any fight in which I was cut or suffered an injury, Dr. Ryan was always there for me from the time I left the ring until I was fully healed, even going so far as to accompany me to the hospital following a fight if necessary," De La Hoya said in a statement.

As a promoter, De La Hoya requested that Ryan be ringside whenever possible so boxers fighting as part of Golden Boy events were under his immediate care should they get injured.

"He was an outstanding physician, a wonderful and charitable person as well as a good friend," the boxer said.

According to his website, Ryan graduated from the University of Michigan in 1982 and from the Ohio State University College of Medicine four years later.

Ryan opened his private practice in 1994, the same year he established his namesake charitable foundation that provides free removal of gang-related tattoos and hosts day and overnight camps for children at Malibu's Bony Pony Ranch.

Ryan is survived by his mother, Mary Kate Ryan, and by many cousins, aunts and uncles, according to estate representative Melanie Sims Frank.

His family is grieving and asks for privacy, she said, adding that a candlelight vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Malibu's Zuma Beach. — AP
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/198775/celebrity-surgeon-frank-ryan-killed-in-car-crash

Lawsuits over proposed Bruce Willis film dismissed

LOS ANGELES – Court records show dueling lawsuits between Bruce Willis and three film companies over a failed film project have been dismissed.

The companies sued Willis for $4 million in March 2009, alleging he broke a contract to direct a film titled "Three Stories About Joan." Willis countersued for nearly $9 million a few days later, claiming the companies failed to show they had the money for the project on time.

Court filings in Los Angeles show the cases were dismissed Monday. No additional details were provided, and attorneys for Willis and the companies, Foresight Unlimited, Signature Entertainment Group and Three Stories Productions, did not immediately return phone messages seeking comment. — AP
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/198782/lawsuits-over-proposed-bruce-willis-film-dismissed

CPJ to govt: Nail Maguindanao massacre suspects this time

Encouraged by the relatively quick-paced handling of the case, an international media watchdog urged Philippine authorities Wednesday to ensure the conviction of the masterminds of the Maguindanao massacre on Nov. 23, last year.

But New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said the "breakthrough" Tuesday, where the judge handling the case set a September 1 trial date, will still be the start of a long process for justice for victims and their families.

"It is encouraging to see the trial for the Maguindanao massacre move ahead quickly. Because of the scope of the killings and the complexity of the case authorities must work hard to maintain the momentum," Bob Dietz, CPJ's Asia program coordinator, who attended the pre-trial hearing, said in an article on the CPJ website.

"President Aquino's government must make sure that all sides stay focused on a fast but fair trial, and strive to bring the people who plotted these killings — not just the triggermen — to justice," he added.

Dietz said the Sept. 1 trial date for several defendants in the Maguindanao massacre highlights a "positive development in what has been a very ugly story." (See: 'Litmus test' begins in Maguindanao prosecution)

He said Quezon City Regional Trial Court Justice Jocelyn Solis-Reyes appeared determined to move the case forward and, for now, seemed able to keep the large legal teams in line.

Likewise, he said that President Benigno Aquino III and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had made it clear they grasp the importance of building a dynamic legal system to match their aspirations for national growth.

Still, the CPJ noted that in 66 journalist murders since 1992, Philippine prosecutors have won only five convictions, with most of those convicted mere hitmen or "guns for hire who didn’t know their victims beyond recognizing their faces, skilled at carrying off drive-by killings, often while mounted on motorcycles."

"None of the plotters – the powerful people with the money to pay someone to do their dirty work – has been brought to justice. The most glaring example is the March 2005 murder of Marlene Garcia-Esperat, in which two prominent public officials accused of masterminding the crime have remained free. Only the gunmen have been tried and convicted in the Garcia-Esperat killing, which also occurred in Mindanao," Dietz noted.

On the other hand, CPJ’s Impunity Index, an annual assessment that calculates unsolved journalist murders as a percentage of each country’s population, ranks the Philippines as the third worst country in the world in bringing the killers of journalists to justice.

It said only Iraq and Somalia, two war-torn nations, are worse.

"The problem in the Philippines is not unique to journalist killings; the country’s judicial system has an abysmal overall conviction rate in murder cases. Detlev Mehlis, who heads the European Union’s Philippine Justice Support Program, puts the Philippines murder conviction rate at 10 percent," the CPJ said. — RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV