PH Navy prepares for acquisition of submarines

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) is now conducting market research and doctrine studies on how to fully utilize the submarines it is planning to acquire as part of the efforts to modernize its fleet.

The former refers to costing of an affordable submersible vessel while the latter refers to specific mission use of the submarine in Philippine naval service.

"Now the Navy (is) studying doctrines (on submarine usage and deployment) and planning its procurement. 

This has never been done before and I think that is significant (as it provides a direction for the PN's future acquisition)," Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in an interview with reporters Monday.

Earlier, the DND spokesperson said the acquisition of the country's first submarines will be brought forward to Horizon Two of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP), which was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte last May.

The procurement of the above-mentioned naval craft was earlier scheduled for Horizon Three, which is expected to run from 2023 to 2028, while Horizon Two is scheduled from 2018 to 2022.

The budget for the program is roughly placed at PHP300 billion. Horizon One lasted from 2013 to 2017 and resulted in the acquisition of the three Del Pilar-class frigates, 12 FA-50PH light-lift interim jet fighters, two strategic sealift vessels, to name a few.

"

Hindi na (when asked on whether submarines will be acquire on Horizon Three), pinush na dito (Horizon Two), ngayon (now), how will this come to be, yan ang kailangan pag-aralan (that is what needs to be studied)," Andolong said.

The DND spokesperson said submarines are a great equalizer for the country's naval arsenal once acquired.

He added that incumbent Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad can be credited for pushing the inclusion of diesel-electric submarines in Horizon Two.

Earlier, the PN chief said that he fully supports all proposals that would allow the country to acquire its first diesel-electric submarines at the soonest possible time. This is because undersea or submarine warfare is now the trend in naval warfare as it is very difficult to fight an opponent you cannot see or detect due to its ability to go underwater.

In line with this project, Empedrad said the PN has already created a Submarine Group, which is now sending Navy personnel for study and training on submarine operations in preparation for the country's eventual acquisition of submarines.

He added that this is necessary as the submarine acquisition, including training, support facilities, and the vessel, often takes seven to 10 years.

T

he PN chief added that the decision to acquire submarines for the Philippine military was further bolstered by a recent conference he attended in London, United Kingdom, where more and more modern navies are shown building up their submarine fleet and anti-submarine capabilities. (PNA/By Priam Nepomuceno)

MUNTREAL welcomes new BLGF XII director

COTABATO CITY --- The Municipal Treasurers League (MUNTREAL) of Maguindanao warmly welcomed the new acting regional director of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) XII during his courtesy visit last July 24 to the MUNTREAL office.

Engr. Tokan Brahim, president of MUNTREAL, said BLGF XII acting regional director, Mr. Jeany F. Tedera was received by the officers where he was formally introduced before the members of the organization during their visit.

"We are indeed lucky since Dir. Tedera is not new in the field. He was a former municipal treasurer of the local government of Surallah in the province of South Cotabato," Engr. Brahim said.

In his message, Dir. Tedera lauded the active participation of MUNTREAL in the various pograms and activities implemented by the BLGF  he encouraged all  municipal treasurers to maintain good practices of their respective LGUs.

"Allow me to reiterate the vision of the bureau and the depatment of finance, to increase the local revenues of every LGU and reduce dependency on government assistance, this is a challenge to all of us," he stressed.

Engr. Brahim added the municipal treasurers currently strengthen the use of Electronic Statement of Receipts and Expenditures or eSRE in the submission of reports through the LGU Integrated Financial Tool (LIFT) system.

"Ever since the implementation of eSRE, we commend the determination of our members just to deliver accurate and on time quarterly reports. 

 The recent additional program, aside from the treasurers, the BLGF also included the budget officers and assessors," Engr. Brahim added. (Gil Acosta Lao/The Redline News)

Indonesia evacuates tourists as quake death toll rises to 14

JAKARTA -- The death toll in Indonesia's 6.4-magnitude quake rose to 14 people on Sunday, while 162 others wounded and evacuation for hundreds of foreign and local holidaymakers climbing Mount Rinjani has been under way amid fear for landslides, officials said.

The earthquake jolted West Nusa Tenggara province of central Indonesia earlier on Sunday at 5:47 a.m. local time and the epicenter, with a depth of 10 kilometers under-land, was located 28 kilometers northwest of Lombok Timur, an official of the agency Widyamotko told Xinhua via telephone.

One Malaysian national was among the fatalities, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the spokesman of Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency told Xinhua in a text message. Around 1,000 houses and other buildings were damaged in the province, said the official.

The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals and health clinics, Sutopo said.

The spokesman said food, medical personnel and equipment, and other aids are among those urgently required.

Meanwhile, evacuation for more than 700 foreign and local holidaymakers who climbed Mount Rinjani volcano, a national park situated in the province, has been under way, according to the Mount Rinjani national park office.

A total of 115 out of 826 tourists have been evacuated by far, it said in a text message. 

The authorities shut down the tourist destination after finding dangerous clues signaling the possibility of landslides, the office said.

The jolt did not disturb the operation of airports in Lombok and nearby Bali island, authorities said. Indonesia is prone to quakes as it lies on vulnerable quake-affected areas called the Pacific Ring of Fire. (Xinhuanet)

PH breaching US sanctions on Moscow firm 'illogical': Russian envoy

Russia Ambassador to Manila Igor Khovaev 

(Photo courtesy of Russian Embassy in PH)

MANILA -- The Russian Embassy in Manila on Sunday said it is "illogical" to say that the Philippines could breach sanctions imposed by the United States against blacklisted Rosoboronexport if it finalized an arms deal with the state-run firm.

In a statement, Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev said the restrictions against Rosoboronexport were introduced in accordance with the US internal legislation, and not the international law.

On July 18, Reuters published a report that the Philippines could breach US sanctions if its arms deal with Russia proceeds.

"If we follow their line of reasoning, it would appear that the very same American laws should work in the Philippines. In legal terms this is called 'exterritoriality' -- a principle from the colonial times according to which the laws of the parent state would also apply in its colonies," the envoy said.

Khoavev also explained the agreement is a matter of trade relations between two independent nations and does not involve a third country in any way.

"Russia advances itself only through a high quality and reasonable price policy. It is called fair competition," he said.

"One more thing Russia does not have is a practice of making our trade partners hostages of that partnership, forcing them to twist their domestic and foreign policy to our liking. The only way we can pave is to persuade the countries buying from us that they are making the right choice," he added.

Apart from the Philippines, Khovaev said 100 other nations around the world "successfully cooperate" with the Rosoboronexport "with no harm to their foreign policy."

The envoy shared that in 2017, Russia signed agreements worth more than USD16 billion for export of its arms and military equipment, including with new partners like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Turkey.

"Not a single one of these deals has been canceled," he said.

Khovaev is optimistic the partnership will push through, saying the deal will basically contribute to regional peace and stability since it is aimed at fighting terrorism.

"Russia considers the Government of the Philippines a reliable partner with whom we are firmly set on building a long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation," he noted.

Citing an anonymous Philippine defense official, the report said US has not officially notified the Philippines about the restrictions on Rosoboronexport, blacklisted by America in April.

“It’s still a go until we are informed,” the official was quoted as saying.

But in response, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said Malacañang will study the issue. He initially expressed doubts the Philippines will violate US sanctions on the state-run firm since the sale would be in Russia.

Roque, a professor of international and constitutional law, also questioned the legal basis of US to impose sanctions on countries like the Philippines that has “absolute immunity as a sovereign state”.

He said he has no idea if the arms deal will proceed but “the official stand is, we will study the matter." (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora /PNA)

Lanao Sur town inaugurates new health facilities

CALANOGAS, Lanao del Sur --- The local government of Calanogas is determined to improve the health aspect of its constituents following the inauguration of various facilities last July 27 which will enhance the delivery of basic medical services in the 'once forgotten and troubled' town.

Mayor Macapado Benito, Sr. said these facilities include the newly rehabilitated rural health center (RHU), TB Dots building, birthing clinic and the second level of municipal hall building.

"The local government's newest accomplishment is indeed a testament of our leadership and commitment to public service for the people of Calanogas", Mayor Benito said.

Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding,Jr., secretary of health department in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and honored guest during the program, lauded the achievements and continuing efforts of the local leadership benefited by the town residents.

"I'll be honest with you. In the past, whenever I pass by at Calanogas I would hit the speed of my vehicle into a very high level since somewhow I am afraid I might encounter lawless elements while on the road. But luckily, that was before. I am truly happy that Calanogas is on its way to become a more developed community," Sec. Sinolinding said.

Accordingly, the birthing clinic is considered one of the biggest facilities in the region.

Dr. Raquelina A. Benito, municipal health officer and the town's first lady, said the birthing clinic costs roughly Php 3 million, while the rehabilitation of the RHU which include the TB Dots center was around Php 1.5 million.

"The municipal government of Calanogas had 40 percent counterpart in the implementation of the projects," Dr. Benito said.

Further, Dr. Benito stressed that with the new facilities, they have listed an improved 50 percent on the number of patients coming in and were being served by the LGU.

"It includes deliveries of mothers at the birthing clinic. In addition, we would also be willing to accommodate patients from nearby towns," she added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Benito revealed the town listed zero maternal death.

"We ensure to deliver basic medical services to our people through the conduct of regular weekly barangay visitations. The common case we mostly encounter is respiratory track infection. Aside from that, we are also strengthening our campaign on pre-natal as well as the advocacy on safe motherhood," she said.

The facility is Philhealth accredited.

Amongst the attendees in the program were Lanao del Sur vice-governor Mamintal "Bombit" Alonto Adiong, Acting Provincial Police Office Director PSSupt. Ronald T. Briones, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division's 103rd Brigade Commanding General BGen Generoso M. Ponio, IPHO chief Dr. Alinader Minalang, Philhealth representative and other guests. (Gil Acosta Lao/The Redline News)

Death toll in wildfires near Athens rises to 74

ATHENS -- The number of killed in the devastating fires near Athens was revised upward to 74 on Tuesday afternoon, while the search for more victims continued in Attica's eastern coast, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

The number of injured stood at 187, according to the latest official announcement by the fire brigade press spokesperson Stavroula Mallidi.

A still unclear number of persons was missing.

Earlier, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called for three days of national mourning, pledging that the victims will not be forgotten and fire-stricken survivors will not be left without help.

The country faces since Monday one of the deadliest blazes in more than a decade.

Most casualties were reported at the seaside resorts of Neos Voutzas and Mati, some 35 kilometers east of the Greek capital, as people got trapped in the flames or drowned while trying to escape by swimming at the sea.

At least 715 persons were transferred to safety to the nearby port of Rafina by dozens of Greek Coast Guard vessels and private boats, authorities said.

Some 1,000 houses and 300 cars have been destroyed, according to initial estimates by local authorities.

Eastern Attica has been declared in state of emergency as well as western Attica, where a large fire also burnt a pine forest and dozens of homes near the resort town of Kineta, 50 kilometers west of Athens.

A third blaze at Kalamos resort town to the north which broke seven hours after the first fire at Kineta, also forced hundreds of people to flee their homes.

All blazes were partially put under control by Tuesday, but firefighters were still battling flare ups, according to the Fire Service.

At least 47 fires broke out across Greece on Monday and Tuesday, the Fire Service said.

The Greek government has raised questions about arson, as fires started in many sites in parallel as winds reaching up to 9 on the Beaufort scale were blowing in the area.

Greece has received messages of condolences and offers of support to address the crisis from across the globe, the government said.

Meanwhile Greek citizens were responding to the pleas of authorities to donate blood for the injured and collect emergency supplies, such as medicines, baby milk, packaged food products and bottled water. (Xinhua)

Wanted person arrested in Tambulig, Zambo Sur

Zamboanga City - Police elements from this station headed bvy Police Senior Inspector Augustus A. Rosendo  conducted manhunt operation against some wanted persons in his area of responsibility which resulted the arrest  of Hansel Malicay Pagalan, 41 years old, single, solar pannel installer and resident of Purok 3, lower Lodiong, Tambulig, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The suspect was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest with criminal case number 2004-10-1441 issued by Honorable Judge Jaime P. Caberte at RTC 9th Judicial Region Branch 23, Molave of the said province.

The suspect is temporarily detaines at Tambulig Police station cell for proper disposition. (By: Becky D. de Asis)

Comelec-Cotabato urged to monitor 'multiple registrants'

COTABATO CITY -- Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani–Sayadi has urged the city’s Commission on Elections (Comelec) to closely monitor its early voters’ registration procedure following the reported sudden influx of new registrants.

“My request is for Comelec office to watch on people registering as city voters well. In fact, they are not from here,” Sayadi said during a press conference held Tuesday at the city hall.

Sayadi said she made the request following reports that there are people from neighboring Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces registering as new voters in the city.

Comelec has set the early voters registration from July 2-Sept. 29 this year based on Comelec Resolution 10392 or the “Resumption of the System of Continuing Registration of Voters Pursuant to Resolution No. 10166 and Republic Act No. 8189 for the May 13, 2019 National and Local Elections.”

In a meeting on Monday, the mayor said City Election Officer Michael Igne has assured her of “safety nets” against multiple registrants in the voters’ master list.

“One of the safety nets according to Atty. Ignes is the biometric fingerprint registration system to which every voter must undergo, and I believe him on that. But I insisted that continuous monitoring is a must” she said.

Based on existing election records, this city has 103,530 registered voters out of 299,000 population.

Meanwhile, the election office in Maguindanao has reported a gradual turnout of registrants in the ongoing early voters’ registration across the province.

Lawyer Udtog Tago, Maguindanao provincial election supervisor, said they have required new voter registrants to produce a National Statistics Office-accredited birth certificate upon registration.

“This is to prevent future flying voters or multiple registrants from entering our voters’ list based on our past experience,” Tago said.

He said they are also relying much on the much-improved Comelec biometrics system to determine spurious registrants.

“The biometric results are forwarded to our Comelec head office in Manila to further determine double registrants,” Tago stressed.

During the recently concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls, the Comelec-Maguindanao office has delisted more than 3,000 residents for having multiple voters' registration.

Tago said the province has a total of 634,323 registered voters. (PNA)

High demand for residential condo in Davao continues

DAVAO CITY -- Martial law has not dampened the prospects for residential condominium market, a real estate consulting firm said noting the prevailing high occupancy rates.

In a report on Tuesday dubbed "Davao City's Property Market Highlights 2018 H1," Prime Philippines chief executive officer Jet Yu said the implementation of martial law in Mindanao bears no significant impact on the property sector's growth because the sales are driven mostly by local buyers and investors.

Yu noted the skepticism of investors in other sectors due to martial law, but said the property market continues to see improvements because of Mindanaoans' "low aversion" towards martial law as compared to Luzon and Visayas residents.

In addition, he said the increase in Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) arrivals in Davao City has supported the increase in condominium property uptake. Currently, the city's residential condominium market has an occupancy rate of 83 percent, he added.

Condominiums in the city have largely concentrated along downtown J. P. Laurel Avenue, though areas like Matina and Poblacion are also being eyed as potential areas for further condo developments because of high occupancy rates and low supply relative to other districts.

Yu said rates are also within acceptable ranges making them an opportunistic investment for developers and investors since these prices are still at par with the rates of Metro Manila condominiums.

Among Davao City's condominiums are Camella North Point, One Oasis Davao, Aeon Towers, Avida Towers Davao, Abreeza Place, Palmetto Place, Verdon Parc, Seawind Condominium Davao.

The upcoming condominium projects in Davao City as of 2018 are the Dusit Thani Residences of Dusit International, Mesatierra Garden Residences, Ivory Residences, Amani Grand Citygate, and the The Residences at Azuela Cove.

SM Development Corp announced in June the building of its first real property project, the Lane Residences, which is adjacent to the SM Lanang Premier Mall, while homegrown retail store NCCC will build a condominium in Maa.

Yu said the value of properties here has also gone up compared to last year.

In 2017, he said, the selling price was at PHP60,000 to PHP80,000 per square meter but it is now pegged at PHP100,000 per square meter. But these prices, Yu said, are still lower than in Cebu and Manila.

Chamber of Real Estate and Builders' Associations (CREBA) national president Dr. Malou Monteverde said the land value in the city has since multiplied at a minimum of 500 percent.

Monteverde attributed this largely to the interest in President Rodrigo Duterte, currently the city's most famous resident.

Monteverde said the real property industry in Mindanao remains "very robust" whether for land banking or active development. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA

2,500 houses damaged, 8 hurts due to 9 hours of fire hits in Jolo yesterday

Governor Mujiv Hataman together with ARMM officials and District Engineer Munir Hasjirul arrive Jolo airport today. The group immediately proceeded to the affected families in some designated evacuation center.

Zamboanga City - More than 2,500 houses mostly made of light materials were razed to the ground after the  fire hits in two barangay's of Jolo, Sulu  yesterday afternoon.

Jolo Mayor Kerkhar Tan said the fire broke out at 3 p.m. near Busbus area and immediately spread towards barangay Waled that leaved thousands of residents and  lost their  homes said the mayor.

It took Nine hours after firemen declared fire out which started past 2 p.m. on Tuesday, the mayor said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) still continue to investigate the cause of the fire and to assess the properties that were damaged.

Meanwhile, the Regional Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Mujiv Hataman (ARMM) and other officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways headed by Secretary Mustapha "Don" Loong and District Engineer Munir I. Hadjirul, and ARMM Heart personnel immediately proceeded to the affected families today in order to deliver the relief goods and to assess the fire incident. (By Becky D. de Asis - The Redline News)

MUNTREAL targets upgrade on revenue collection

: IMPROVED REVENUE --- Members of the Municipal Treasures League (MUNTREAL) of Maguindanao led by President Engr. Tokan Brahim (2nd from right) gathered during their recent monthly meeting with the aim to improve revenue collection within the localities. (GILMHAR A. LAO)

COTABATO CITY --- The Municipal Treasures League (MUNTREAL) of Maguindanao is determined to push through with its advocacy to further improve revenue collection during a recent monthly meeting of the organization. 

Engr. Tokan Brahim, president of MUNTREAL, said the highlight of their meeting was the presentation of the revenue growth of each municipality. “As reflected during the presentation, there were some municipalities which marked good percentage when it comes to their revenue collection. 

"The reason why we are doing this is to make our members aware about the status of the revenue collection in their respective municipalities,” Brahim said. Brahim  said.  

He stressed that  their target is to “upgrade revenue collection”. “MUNTREAL focuses now in improving its revenue collection "we would want them to come up with good strategies in collecting revenues within their localities". With this endeavour, we expect that our revenue collections shall improve,” said Brahim.

Tthey were optimistic on the positive responses of the business sector during the conduct of "One Stop Shop" program in the province's 36 towns on the first quarter of the year Bhahim added.

The "One Stop Shop" is a convergence effort of different government agencies involved with business registration and renewal process.These agencies are the Municipal Treasurer’s Office, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office, Municipal Engineer’s Office, Municipal Health Office, Municipal Administrator’s Office, Office of the Environment and Natural Resources, Municipal Agriculture Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Municipal Police Office. 

“We are happy with the program's positive feedback from business communities spearheaded by various local government units Brahim added.

The annual activity provided the  local businessmen better and faster government processes, most especially in the renewal of their business permits.  

Last October 2017, MUNTREAL has also spearheaded the conduct of a three-day capacity building and revenue generation seminar workshop for municipal treasurers and collectors. 

Among included in the topics were Basic of Taxation (Legal Basis and its limitations, Administrative and Technical Supervision by the Bureau of Local Government Finance, Bond for Local Treasurers and other Accountable Officers of the Local Government Unit), Local Revenue Sources (Collection of revenues and other receipts, recording of receipts/ reporting of collection, types of local income and resources collected by LGUs, real property, business taxes, fees and charges, economic enterprise, and other taxes), Procedures in Collection and Remittance, and Accountable Forms and Reporting System.

 “The capacity building and seminar workshop is significant to our municipal treasurers and tax collectors would be more equipped with the proper information and additional knowledge imparted by our resource persons,” Brahim said. 

Members of the MUNTREAL Maguindanao are as follows: Sadia Amolan (Ampatuan municipality), Mabang Mael (Barira), Esmael R. Macarangkat (Buldon), Judge A. Mamasalanang (Buluan), Abdulkadir Pasandalan, Sr. (Datu Abdullah Sangki), Ulama K. Salik (Datu Anggal Midtimbang), Arlene B Lidasan (Datu Blah Sinsuat), Samra T. Dimaukom (Datu Hoffer Ampatuan), Carmen M. Escritor (Datu Montawal), Datu Eden A. Ala (Datu Odin Sinsuat), Hamida A. Adzal (Datu Paglas), Enting Kamensa (Datu Piang), Ali A. Mamoribid (DatuSalibo); Mama M. San Diego (Datu Saudi Ampatuan), Catherine Delgado (Datu Unsay), Sambrano Mantawel (Gen. S.K. Pendatun), Misuari S. Guiludin (Guindulungan), Sailani K. Pendong (Kabuntalan), Tokan M. Brahim (Mamasapano), Saira T. Pendatun (Mangudadatu), Masrifa M. Abedin (Matanog), Jocelyn T. Banas (Northan Kabuntalan), Juliet V. Mariscal (Pagalungan), Antonio R. Ruslin (Paglat), Stefelaine Mae A. Estandarte (Pandag), Raga Mamalimping (Parang); Farida T. Samama (Rajah Buayan), Nadine G. Bayhon (Shariff Aguak), Teresita T. Sararana (Shariff Saydona Mustapha), Clara C. Tolitel (South Upi), Elizabeth G. Estrella (Sultan Kudarat), Lorlene Nepomuceno (Sultan Mastura), Nawawi P. Esmael (Sultan Sa Barongis), Roxas G. Adza (Talayan), Norodin K. Samaon (Talitay), and Nicanor A. Garrigues (Upi). (GILMHAR A. LAO) 

World's largest annual music festival kicks off in London

LONDON -- The world's largest music festival started its annual season on Friday evening at London's Royal Albert Hall (RAH), heralding a series of daily concerts of classical, jazz, choral and live music that runs until September.

The BBC Proms 2018 season runs from Friday to September 8, with eight weeks of concerts, culminating in the famous Last Night of the Proms at the RAH.

"We run over an eight-week period, we have over 90 concerts and during the course of the summer and we play to more than 300,000 people," David Pickard, the director of the BBC Proms told Xinhua on Friday afternoon in an interview.

The proms are named after the unusual and relaxed custom of promenade concerts where the best positions in the hall are sold on the day for an audience which stands for the entire concert.

This year's season features 42 premieres, nine late night proms, and besides the RAH where there will be at least one concert each day, there will be two new venues in at a converted railway depot in north London and a former military drill hall in the English Midlands city of Lincoln.

Pickard pointed to Beijing-born pianist Wang Yujia, who will perform Prokofiev's third piano concerto, as one of the highlights of the season who is one of the stars of the season along with orchestras which have a global reputation.

"This year we also have both the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, two of the greatest orchestras in the world," said Pickard.

 "We also have newish orchestras, like the Estonian Festival Orchestra which was only formed a few years ago and the Russian Orchestra MusicAeterna and their conductor Teodor Currentzis; those two orchestras are at the Proms for the very first time."

This year's season also commemorates a range of events that occurred 100 years ago, including the birth of 

Leonard Bernstein, who was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, and his work as conductor, composer, pianist, and educationalist are explored with performances of his musicals West Side Story and On the Town.

In addition, the season takes inspiration from the end of the First World War in 1918 with new works commissioned to mark the anniversary.

The centenary of French composer Claude Debussy's death in 1918 will also be the launch pad for an exploration of French music. (Xinhuanet)

'Build, Build, Build’ lightyears ahead, economist says

MANILA - - The Philippines’ journey towards becoming a first world country is further gaining ground as the Duterte administration pushes through with its ambitious infrastructure program, a noted economist said.

University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) co-founder and economist Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas said the current administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program is “lightyears ahead” compared to the past governments in terms of implementation of infrastructure program.

“This administration has a great deal of absorptive capacity so that’s one thing that is very positive that you can say on the Duterte administration,” he said during the First Metro Investment Corporation’s (FMIC) midyear economic and capital markets briefing in Taguig City Monday.

The current government plans to invest around Php8 trillion until the end of its term in 2022 in its infrastructure program to ensure that necessary infrastructure such as roads, bridges and airports are built not only in major areas but most especially in the countryside like in Mindanao where it is greatly needed.

It has prioritized the hybrid type of funding wherein the government will use its own funds and tap official development assistance (ODA) to boost financing.

It also welcomes unsolicited proposals from the private sector to ensure financing not only for its 75 flagship projects but for others that are seen to provide job opportunities nationwide.

Villegas said it is more prudent for the government to focus on financing infrastructure project that does not have rate of return for itself per se like farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems and post-harvest facilities to uplift the lives of the farmers.

“Let the private sector build those projects that can give a decent return and those are airports, toll roads, LRTs and so on and so forth,” he said, citing that allowing private companies to finance these projects would allow the government to implement more.

With the resolve of the current administration to implement its massive infrastructure program Filipinos can expect to see positive outputs in the next few years, he said.

Villegas, however, stressed that this determination to put up the necessary infrastructure should be continued by future administrations.

“What (President) Duterte is doing is just the tip of the iceberg. We need the next 20 years, all our future presidents, to implement “Build, Build, Build” program for us to catch up with our neighbors,” he said.

“To become First World country we need world class infrastructure, world class universities and other educational institutions, and good governance,” he added. (PNA/By Joann Villanueva )

2 Japanese men nabbed for possessing fake US dollars

MANILA -- Makati police arrested two Japanese nationals for possessing counterfeit American currency on Monday.

In a report to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the police said Noa Shimegi, 27, was arrested at the Imelda Money Exchange located at Hidalgo Tower, Rockwell Center, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City.

While he was undergoing initial investigation around 7:30 p.m., authorities arrested Shimegi's compatriot for offering a bribe.

Yoshitaka Yamamoto, 48, a Japanese national, was also arrested for bribery after he offered the amount of PHP50,000 in exchange for the release of Shimegi.

Recovered from Shimegi were 10 pieces of counterfeit USD100 bills while confiscated from Yoshitaka were the 50 pieces of PHP1,000 bills. (PNA/By Benjamin Pulta )

Cebu Pacific clarifies '1 hand-carry baggage' policy

ONE HAND-CARRY POLICY. Cebu Pacific will be strict in implementing its one hand-carry baggage policy starting July 19. The airline advises its passengers to check what is allowed to bring inside the aircraft to streamline check-in operations and give them more convenience when checking in. (File Photo by Ma. Cristina C. Arayata)

MANILA -- Cebu Pacific (CEB) clarified on Saturday morning its reiteration of the "one hand-carry baggage" policy, and also extended the policy's strict implementation from July 17 to July 19.

The airline previously announced this policy and gave guidelines Friday afternoon.

CEB spokesperson Charo Lagamon earlier told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that while it is an existing policy, there are passengers who don't follow this rule.

Following this rule would streamline the check-in operations and help them have a more efficient experience during check-in, the carrier highlighted.

Lagamon cited more specific and additional items allowed under the "one hand-carry baggage" policy.

She clarified that passengers are allowed to bring a hand-carry baggage with a maximum weight of 7 kg. and a dimension of up to 56 cm. x 36 cm. x 23 cm., and noted that this must also fit in the overhead bin.

Earlier, the airline announced that passengers could also bring a laptop placed inside a laptop case or bag, or a handbag. CEB clarified on Saturday that this laptop bag is among the "one (additional) small bag" allowed for every passenger. Small bags should not exceed 35 cm. x 20 cm. x 20 cm. and must fit under the seat.

CEB further clarified that it will also allow items purchased inside the airport, walking sticks or canes, and foldable walkers.

The guideline for those traveling with infants remains the same. They are allowed to bring a baby bag aside from their own hand-carry baggage. (PNA/By Ma. Cristina Arayata )

Solon files 'unsafe hour's for children's bill' to address "tambay" situation

Lanao del Norte -Bagong Henerasyon Party-list and Chair, Committee on Women & Gender Equality  Rep. Bernadette Herrera Dy file House Bill 7513 or the proposed Unsafe Hours for Children Act as part of the solution being worked on to address the "tambay" situation.

"Palagay ko ang mas dapat bantayan ng PNP ay mga nagpaplanong magnakaw sa mga kabahayan at mga kriminal na naghahanap o nag-aabang ng mabibiktima. Huwag po nating idamay ang mga kabataan".Rep.Herrera Dy said.

She said that Children and youth are the most vulnerable segment of the population and it is incumbent upon us who are parents and elders to keep them safe from harm and high risk.

The HB 7513 seeks to protect children below the age of 18 because they are vulnerable to abuse leading to exploitation, drug addiction, and the commission of criminal acts also being at the risk of committing criminal offenses themselves.

"We see nearly every day and night on television news the CCTV footages of children and teenagers figuring in gang wars, petty theft, street crimes, and violent skirmishes.

The legal bases of this bill is solid. It drew lessons from the Quezon City Ordinance which the Supreme Court upheld as constitutional on August 8, 2017" Rep.Herrera Dy said.

House Bill 7513 seeks to mandate and strictly implement a set of hours during night time (10pm to 5am) within which minors are prohibited from remaining outside of their home.

It is one way to maintain public order and safety and preventing the further rise in criminality. It is a way to protect minors from potential threats at unsafe hours at night.

The Solon also said that they worked on this bill because of the increasingly alarming number of children who have gone missing for over 24 hours, children that are abused by syndicates and unscrupulous individuals, as well as have been involved in crimes concerning abduction, rape, abuse, and theft, murder, among others.

She also thank and appreciate PNP NCRPO Director Guillermo Eleazar for pointing out the wrongful arrest of a Quezon City resident reported by CNN Philippines. This is one clear example and reason for the necessity of clear protocols on implementing local ordinances on criminality.

Herrera Dy said "I am not against the tambay ops of the PNP, but for better implementation of it, so I ask PNP headquarters, NCRPO, and QCPD to come up with a clear set of protocols and bases for its implementation of arrests and rounding up of "tambay" or loiterers on our streets.

On my part, I have instructed my office personnel and field staff to share the very informative PNP mobile apps and anti-crime information materials to the general public"

"The PNP protocols should not just clearly state the situations of probable cause, but also the specific provisions of national laws and local ordinances authorizing the police to conduct roundups or make arrests without warrants.

The PNP can also make use of its newly-acquired drones to monitor the streets and street crimes"solon continued.(By:Mike Navarro/with reports from staff of BH Partylist)

DepEd-ARMM employee shot dead in Cotabato, police heighten alert

COTABATO CITY -- Police foot patrols have been doubled following the shooting of a teacher-employee of the Department of Education – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) here by a lone gunman late Friday. 

“It is to note that police visibility is of utmost importance for the safety of the people around the city,” Senior Supt. Rolly Octavio, city police director, told reporters here Saturday. 

At about 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dr. Nasser Gayak, 40, a staff teacher of DepEd-ARMM from Pagalungan, North Cotabato, was walking along the corner of Japal Guiani and Jose Lim Sr. streets here when approached from behind by a lone gunman, who shot him three times in the head and body. 

After the shooting, witnesses said the gunman, who was wearing a baseball cap, tucked his .45-caliber pistol on his waist and disappeared amid the panicking crowd. 

Responding cops brought the victim to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians. 

Octavio said investigation is still ongoing but hinted that the case could be work-related. (PNA/By Noel Punzalan)

NYC lauds enactment of anti hazing law

 A better image of fraternities and sororities is expected to emerge with the passage of the amended Anti-Hazing Law or Republic Act 11053.

In a position paper submitted by the National Youth Commission prior to the signing by President Rodrigo Duterte, it stated: the Commission believes that brotherhood or sisterhood, or one’s dedication to an organization should be measured not by how many paddles one can take, but by his commitment to the mission and vision of the organization. A member’s commitment can be built not just on the day of initiation but through the course of their participation to the activities of the organization.

Fraternities and sororities should serve as inspiration to deepen the sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among young people and not as platforms to make submission to barbaric acts of physical violence as a requirement for membership.

With the enactment of the amended Anti-Hazing Law that provides for stricter penalties and legal parameters against the perpetrators of physical abuse during hazing or initiation rites, the NYC is hopeful that the cycle of violence among fraternities will stop.

In addition, the NYC also expressed support to the amended law that prohibits all forms of hazing inside and outside of schools, regulate the conduct of initiation rites by organizations and ensure more proactive involvement of academic institutions in preventing hazing or similar activities in the future.

“The youth as the future leaders of this country must thrive in a peaceful and a secure environment where their physical and mental well-being are not compromised,” NYC OIC ASec Ronald Cardema emphasized.

Hence, the NYC calls on youth leaders to study and adhere to the provisions of the law.

“The passage of RA 11053 is very timely as we commemorate this year’s International Youth Day with the theme that calls for Safe Spaces for the Youth”, ASec Cardema added.

ASec Cardema said further that fraternities and sororities should become hubs for more youth development strategies by transforming into centers of leadership excellence, alliance building and networking, and as harbingers of peace and hope for a better future.                                 

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RONDA: Instilling discipline and responsibility - Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi

INTERVIEW --- Freelance Journalist Gil Acosta Lao during one on one interview with Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi. (Photo courtesy of Datu Omar B. Patadon)

COTABATO CITY --- Two years ago, 01 July 2016 to be exact when this city government started to implement the nightly “RONDA” or Revitalized Operation and Neutralization of Drug Addiction and its Anomalies along with the PNP, Task Force Kutawato and the barangay force multipliers. The team roams around the different corners of the city daily and has been successful in aiding the law enforcers in apprehending criminal elements.

It was initiated by the then Vice-Mayor and now City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi. She assumed the mayoral post based on the rule of succession stipulated in the Local Government Code following the demise of Mayor Japal Guiani, Jr. due to lingering illness in September 2016.

Humble beginnings 

It was on July 01, 2016 when Mayor Guiani-Sayadi assumed office as the Vice-Mayor of Cotabato City and they started with the RONDA.

“I took oath June 27, and on June 30 I assumed office. I asked my brother, Mayor Jo, where do we begin? What is our ultimate goal? He told me we cannot push investors to come in when peace and order is not stable,” she said.

In this regard, Mayor Guiani-Sayadi stressed she checked on the ordinances when she was then a Vice-Mayor, and presto there was ordinance about ‘curfew’. 

“I studied laws which could be effectively implemented in the city. During my inaugural address in South Seas, I told the Media and the people do not ask me to enact laws if we cannot even implement simple laws formed before I assumed office. Let’s see how the existing laws work,” she emphasized.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said she will never forget one problem at that time when we observed the Holy Month of Ramadan. 

“I cannot forget it was around fasting time and we have been receiving complaints about ‘takbir’. That was one thing we’ve worked on. If we recall, it was the first time we celebrated an orderly takbir.  We guarded Quirino and Tamontaka bridges and with the help of the community, we ended the fasting peacefully. That was the first accomplishment of the RONDA team,” she said. 

Further, Mayor Guiani-Sayadi admitted that at first she felt some policemen were doubtful that they can make it. 

“Yung sinabi noon ng mga kapulisan na hindi kaya, kinaya natin. I could still remember the expression on the face of then City police director Senior Superintendent Danny Reyes when I met them at my office for the first time. Sabi ko sa kanya, gagawin natin. Let’s implement kung ano ang mga batas.  Our barangay captains were there. Nakatingin sa akin si Col. Reyes, and told me ‘mahirap Ma’am’. I told him we can and I asked the barangay captains if they are willing to give a hand on this. When they felt I am indeed determined to push through with it they said, ‘yes’! I replied, okay step 1 we implement this, ‘curfew’ so nag-ikot kami that very night. Wala pang martial law, we have been implementing the curfew na. Nag-ikot kami sa gabi pinapauwi ang mga bata and we told them we are now implementing the curfew. That was a 1996 ordinance revised by Councilor Japal Guiani III,” the mayor said.

Struggles

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said in the first two weeks of its implementation, it was a hard time for everyone involved.

“Nakikipaghabulan kami and then I used social media as a platform to inform the public it is what we want to happen in Cotabato City. It was a tough implementation sapagkat nagagalit pa ang mga tao. Unang problema, ang daming pasaway. Ikalawa, konti lang ang volunteers,” she said.

The mayor claimed during early weeks of implementing RONDA, combining the PNP and Brgy. Captains there were only around 50 volunteers. 

“Today, we are glad to announce that we now have 400 volunteers securing the city every night. Aside from the 400 volunteers, we still have volunteers in every corner of the city. I maximized community participation and I made them feel that it is not for me, but for them,” she stressed.

Challenge

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said there are some people telling them, ‘Hey, your ronda would only be good for two weeks’.

“Sabi ko I hope nagkamali ka and I hope we would be able to sustain it. From then on, I saw what active community participation means. It’s just hard because you also need to establish your credibility as a leader. Hindi ka paniniwalaan kung bias ka. Hindi rin sila maniniwala sa’yo when you take sides.  Yung paano mo haharapin ang challenge lalo na kapag ang kaharap mong violator ay kamag-anak mo. That was the biggest challenge. Some would even call me, auntie, lola,” she said.

How does she handle the pressure? 

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi stressed once more, ‘I am a lawyer and I don’t take sides’. 

“My work and responsibility should come first. That’s why I would tell my family most especially to my children that when they violate the curfew that I am imposing, I cannot do anything. They have to face the consequences. There were instances that even my first cousins and kasambahay, they get caught. There was even a time na ang hinuli ko kaapelyido ko pa. One was Juanday and the other one was Guiani. You know that feeling when police force would look at you waiting how you will respond to the situation. When I said, ‘bring them to the police station’ parang nagugulat . That was the time I was able to establish my credibility,” Mayor Guani-Sayadi said.

Triumphs

Fast forward, the lady mayor is extremely happy because the RONDA initiative is now replicated in other areas of the country.

“I was told in General Santos City, they already started and some areas too in region 12. Even PNP Regional Director PCSupt Marcelo C. Morales was asking me a template of the RONDA and in several instances, we are also overwhelmed because representatives coming from no less than the Office of the President came here to Cotabato just to observe how we implement RONDA,” she claimed.

Following the success of RONDA, the Philippine National Police (PNP) declared recently Cotabato City as the second safest city in the country during the first quarter of 2018 based on local police records of crime incidences in their jurisdiction. Ormoc City with 134 crimes reported January to March, was declared the safest city; Cotabato City with 220 came in second and Puerto Princesa with 227 crimes came in third.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi, said this is a big leap for Cotabato City.

“All our efforts and hard work to maintain peace and order in the city paid off and RONDA is a big part of it. With the new record, it is now number one in Mindanao,” she said.

The lady mayor assured that all is well with the city’s peace and order and that they are doing their best in ensuring the people’s safety.   

Moving onward

Asked about how the RONDA team would operate in the coming months, the lady mayor replied: "Very challenging. Yung mga magnanakaw at masasamang loob andiyan yan eh dahil hindi naman tayo perpektong lugar. The challenge there is, yung sustainability. Kung paano mo isu-sustain ang daily na pag-iikot and preserving and maintaining good relationship between and among your team.”

“To our fellow Cotabatenos, let us continue to instill discipline within ourselves. Kung wala po tayong disiplina, mahihirapan ang leader. Kahit yung pag-usad ng progreso mahirap. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat dahil maliban sa suportang ibinigay nyo sa akin, nakita nyo rin na kaya pala nating disiplinahin ang ating mga sarili. This is one thing that we should be proud of. In the next few years, I envision Cotabato City to be the next tourist destination at sasabihin ng tao I’ve been to Cotabato and really it’s a safe city!” --- Gil Acosta Lao