View source for Parañaque City News November 2011

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==Parañaque told to hold ordinance on land values==
*Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2011/november/28/metro2.isx&d=2011/november/28
*By: Rey E. Requejo
*''November 28, 2011''

THE Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order stopping the Parañaque city government from implementing its newly-approved ordinance prescribing the schedule of values for land, building, and improvements in the city.

In a two-page resolution, the high court’s Third Division granted the plea of leaders of several homeowners associations seeking to stop the enforcement of Parañaque City Ordinance 11-11, which they say would result to an excessive increase in land tax.

“Acting on the application for issuance of a temporary restraining order, the Court further resolves to issue a [TRO] enjoining the implementation of said Ordinance No. 11-11, Series of 2011, dated October 13, 2011 of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, City of Parañaque, effective immediately and continuing until further orders from the Court,” the high court’s November 14 resolution stated.

Homeowners associations in several subdivisions in the city such as BF Parañaque, Better Living Switzerland, United BF Homeowners Association, and 4th Estate have filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to declare null and void the disputed ordinance.

The high court also ordered respondents Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr., City Assessor Soledad Samonte, and city council Way and Means Committee chairman Councilor Jason Webb, to file their comment within 10 days on the petition for certiorari, mandamus and prohibition filed by the petitioners last Sept. 28, 2011.

Last October 13, the Sanggunian Panlungsod passed Ordinance 11-11, which prescribes the schedule of values for land, building and improvements for the City of Parañaque.

The approval of the ordinance is in compliance with the Joint Memorandum Circular 2010-01 of the Department of Finance and the Department of the Interior and Local Government which enjoins all cities in Metro Manila, including the municipality of Pateros, to conduct the general revision of property assessments in their respective jurisdiction.

==Mexico's first lady tours Philippines==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=751241&publicationSubCategoryId=200
*By: Jlyne Ubiña
*''November 23, 2011''

Mexican First Lady Margarita Calderon arrived in the country this morning for a two-day special visit.

First on Calderon's agenda was to visit the grave of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino at the Manila Memorial Park in '''Parañaque City'''.

It will be followed by a lunch reception hosted by President Benigno Aquino III and an evening gathering to be hosted by Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines Tomas Calvillo. The event will also be attended by other Philippine officials.

Calderon will tour Fort Santiago, Nayong Kabataan and meet with Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, Health Secretary Enrique Ona and Education Secretary Armin Luistro.

She will also discuss Mexico’s programs for children’s welfare, prevention of drug addiction, and a national census for People with Disabilities with the three officials.

Caldern's visit will be capped by a cultural gala hosted by Senator Edgardo Angara which will showcase the launching of the “Dia del Galeon” commemorative stamps, “Dia del Galeon” will be celebrated by the Philippines and Mexico on October 8.

Soliman and Luistro went to Mexico last May 30 until June 3, where they led a 17-member delegation to study Mexico’s “Oportunidades”, a poverty-allevating program for the benchmarking of the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.”

Secretary Ona also went to Mexico and led a delegation of PhilHealth officials to study Mexico’s “Seguro Popular” (public health insurance) program in the thrust to attain 100 percent health insurance for all Filipinos.

Both “Oportunidades” and “Seguro Popular” are successful models for social service programs for their high positive impact and effective results in their goals, the government said.

==‘Kotong’ in Parañaque uncovered==
*Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2011/november/22/metro1.isx&d=2011/november/22
*By: Rio N. Araja
*''November 22, 2011''

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government on Monday said it was digging deeper into the alleged involvement of some police officers, traffic enforcers, and local officials in Paranaque City in an organized extortion or “kotong” operation allegedly run by jeepney drivers and operators.

Secretary Jesse Robredo said the DILG anti-kotong task force arrested and filed charges against a civilian kotong collector working for a Southern Metro Manila-based jeepney drivers and operators organization.

The group allegedly “spreads” the protection money to some local police officers, traffic enforcers belonging to the Metro Manila Development Authority, and barangay officials in the city.

He identified the arrested suspect as Moden Amerol, 29, alias Waray, of 24-A Cadena de Amor, Nichols, Pasay City.

He said Amerol admitted to arresting officers that he was a member of the Federation of Jeepney Drivers and Operations Association plying the Baclaran-Zapote-Alabang route, and that he turns over his daily kotong collections allegedly to a certain Arturo “Dong” Banzon, the head of the association.

Amerol, however, could not ascertain on how much extortion money the head of the association allegedly distributed to police, traffic, and barangay personnel.

“We are still determining further the veracity of the information we obtained from Amerol. If true, the situation appears to have gone from bad to worse. The leading transport organizations kept on complaining to us about kotong by traffic enforcers. And we have acted swiftly on their complaint. Yet, if this is true, they are also a big part of the problem,” he noted.

Amerol said the daily kotong collection activity involved jeepney drivers passing through Quirino Avenue corner Redemptorist Street in Paranaque City.

He was nabbed at about 5:30 p.m. on November 11 along Redemptorist Street corner Quirino Avenue on a text complaint sent to the inter-agency anti-kotong hotline 0918-8882749.

A undercover DILG agent posed as a jeepney driver and engaged Amerol.

A case of robbery-extortion under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code was filed against Amerol with the Paranaque City Prosecutor’s Office.

==DILG intensifies Parañaque anti-'kotong' drive==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/342087/dilg-intensifies-para-aque-antikotong-drive
*By: CZARINA NICOLE O. ONG
*''November 21, 2011''

The Anti-Kotong Task Force of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is intensifying its campaign against an organized "kotong" group in Parañaque City, with the arrest and the filing of charges against a civilian “kotong” collector who works for a Southern Metro Manila-based jeepney drivers and operators’ association.

Reports obtained by DILG said the organization allegedly “spreads” the protection money to certain officials of the local Philippine National Police (PNP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and barangay officials in Parañaque City.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said that initial investigation on the arrested suspect, identified as Moden G. Amerol, 29, alias "Waray," indicated that there exists an organized “kotong” collection and distribution among and between drivers and operators organization and the local police officers, traffic enforcers and barangay officials in the area.

Amerol claimed before arresting officers that he is a member of the Federation of Jeepney Drivers and Operations Association plying the Baclaran-Zapote-Alabang route and alleged that he turns in his daily “kotong” collections to a certain Arturo “Dong” Banzon, the head of the association. However, Amerol claimed he could not verify how much “kotong” money the head of the association allegedly distributes to the concerned local MMDA, PNP, and barangay officials.

“We are still determining further the veracity of the information we obtained from Amerol. If true, the situation appears it has gone from bad to worse.

The leading transport organizations kept on complaining to us about “kotong” by traffic enforcers. We have acted swiftly on their complaint. Yet, if this is true, they are also a big part of the problem,” said Robredo.

Amerol, a resident of 24-A Cadena de Amor, Nichols, Pasay City, claimed he conducts his daily “kotong” collection from jeepney drivers passing through Quirino Avenue corner Redemptorist St. in Parañaque City.

The suspect was nabbed at 5:30 p.m. on November 11 along Redemptorist St. corner Quirino Avenue in Parañaque City based on the text complaint sent to the Inter-Agency Anti-Kotong Hotline 0918-8882749 that a man was forcibly collecting “tong” (at P20 per jeepney driver), alleging threat and intimidation among drivers plying the Baclaran-Zapote- Alabang route.

Upon receipt of the text complaint, a DILG agent acted as poseur-driver, drove in the route and encountered Amerol who said to him, “Magbigay ka na kung ayaw mong may masamang mangyari sa jeep mo o kung ayaw mo, wag ka nang dadaan sa rotang ito. (Give money if you don't want anything bad to happen to your jeep. If you refuse to pay up, don't ply this route anymore.)"

Unknown to Amerol, the DILG agent-driver prepared a P20 “marked money” and gave it to the former. At this instance, the agent-driver and another operative who was on board the jeep immediately nabbed Amerol.

Supt. Wally Pornillos, chief of the DILG task force, said the marked money and Amerol’s collected “tong” in the amount of P278 were seized from the suspect by his men. The PNP Crime Laboratory gave positive result on the presence of ultraviolet fluorescent powder on the suspect’s hands.

He said a case of robbery/extortion under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code had been filed against Amerol and his other at-large companion, known only as Oscar Mata, at the Parañaque City Prosecutors Office.

==DPWH completes 8 road projects==
*Source: hhttp://www.mb.com.ph/articles/341865/dpwh-completes-8-road-projects
*By: RAYMUND F. ANTONIO
*''November 19, 2011''

Ahead of the Christmas frenzy and the expected monstrous traffic jams, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed eight road projects in Metro Manila as it tries to projectsbeat a self-imposed deadline for other public works.

Among these road projects are portions of Commonwealth and Katipunan Avenues, Southbound, EDSA in Quezon City; C-5 Road, Southbound, Taguig City; Muntinlupa Viaduct Section, Alabang City; and West Service Road, '''Parañaque City'''.

It also included Caloocan City, where the lane going to Monumento, northbound, underwent repair and improvement works and the southbound, San Juan City.

DPWH Undersecretary for Regional Operations Romeo Momo said the public can expect smooth travel and lighter traffic with the completion of eight road concrete reblocking projects last week. The eight road projects were initiated last Nov. 10.

==Bong Revilla turns over P500K reward to DILG's Robredo==
*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=748425
*By: www.philstar.com
*''November 15, 2011''

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo announced today that Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla has turned over to him the P500,000 bounty for informants who could lead help the police solve the October 28 murder of Ramgen "Ram" Bautista in his home in Parañaque City.

Robredo assured Sen. Revilla that the department will make sure that the amount will be given to "reliable and credible" informatns, who whose information will help solve the case.

“I’m grateful and thankful to Sen. Bong Revilla for his trust and confidence in our office to handle the reward money. I assure him that the amount would be disposed and released to the right person entitled to it,” Robredo said.

Robredo said that Sen. Revilla's spokesman -- Jeffrey John Zarate -- sent a letter asking him to act as caretaker of the reward money.

The DILG said that the senator believes that "Robredo will exercise sound and lawful discretion in turning over the cash reward to the rightful tipster.

Charges of frustrated murder and murder have been filed against Ram's siblings -- Maria Ramona and Ramon Joseph. Five more suspects have been tagged in the killing, identified as Roy Francis Tolisora, Michael Nartea, Glaiza Vista and Norwin dela Cruz and a certain Bryan.

Senior Superintendent Billy Beltran, chief of the Parañaque City police, had said that the reward would be most likely awarded to Ruel Puzon, who is being considered by the police as its star witness in the case.

Beltran said that Puzon help the police uncover the identities of the people involved in the crime.

Puzon's information led to the arrest of Ram's sibling, Ramon Joseph. The witness also tagged Maria Ramona in the killing.

Ramona has left the country and is reportedly staying with her boyfriend in Turkey.

==Patrol 117’s role cited for timely rescue of Ramgen’s GF==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=63745
*By: PIA
*''November 13, 2011''

The Patrol 117 emergency call center has been cited for its role in the quick response and rescue of Janelle Manahan, girlfriend of slain actor Ramgen Bautista, after both were shot and stabbed by an unidentified man on the eve of October 28 inside their home in Paranaque City.

Reports reaching the office of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo said the Patrol 117 NCR Call Center received a call around 11:44 pm of October 28 from a certain Wendell Cunanan stating that her friend Manahan was shot by an unidentified person at the Bautista’ residence at No. 4 President Avenue, Phase 6 A, BF Homes, Paranaque City.

Although badly wounded, Manahan managed to dial up her cellular phone and informed Cunanan of what had happened to her and Ramgen. After receiving Manahan’s call, Cunanan quickly called up Patrol 117 NCR Call Center which promptly relayed the call for assistance to the Paranaque City Police Station.

A certain SPOI Maaba from the Paranaque PNP Station who received the information immediately dispatched a responding team composed of PO2 Bukid, PO2 Locsin and POI Marcos, accompanied by an ambulance from Barangay BF Homes.

Manahan, who was reportedly shot in the head and bleeding profusely, was rushed to the Asian Hospital for treatment. She is presently in stable condition. Ramgen, on the other hand, was declared dead on arrival at the Paranaque Medical Center due to gunshot and stab wounds.

Ramgen is one of the nine children of Genalyn Magsaysay and actor and former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. He is also a half-brother of actor and Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

“The gruesome incident involving Ramgen Bautista and Janelle Manahan, which was initially reported to Patrol 117, led to the quick response and rescue of Manahan by the Paranaque City Police,” Marcos Cabauatan, Patrol 117 acting director, said in his report to Robredo.

==Parañaque supports Marikina shoe industry==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/340558/para-aque-supports-marikina-shoe-industry
*By: Jean Fernando
*''November 08, 2011''

In support to the Marikina City shoe festival to invigorate its shoe industry, the Parañaque City government Tuesday conducted shoe caravan of which the city residents have the chance to buy quality shoes and other footwear at low, low prices.

Mayor Florencio Bernabe said that the one-day stop shoe caravan of the in the city of the Marikina City government was held at the San Antonio Gym adjacent to the Parañaque City Hall which starts from 7:30 a.m. and will finish at 8 a.m.

Bernanbe said that apart from good buys of “Tatak Marikina Shoes” that are known for their outstanding quality, excellent craftsmanship, distinctive style and superb pricing, consumers can also meet up with friends and relatives and enjoy the day with entertainment numbers by the Vegas Girls (Club Mwah! Artists), shoe festival mascots, “Round Girls,” Marikina Shoe Shine Boys and other performers.

He said that the audience can also get the chance to view a video of Marikina City’s Sapatos Festival.

“We fully support Marikina City’s Shoe Caravan which is geared towards the revitalization of its shoe industry. Like our own “Proudly made in Parañaque” products, we will patronize “Tatak Marikina Shoes,” Bernabe said.

The one-day shoe caravan was also conducted before the long break of Undas in Pasay City.

Mayor Antonino Calixto supported Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman and pledged that the city will import shoes made of Markina and urged the city residents to support the locally made shoes.

Calixto said that the caravan made by the Marikina City government in the city with a theme of “The Shoe Must Go On: It aims of promoting local shoe products and revive the dying shoe industry in the country.

“There are only 124 registered shoe manufacturers in Marikina but sad to say there are only few left to continue the business. I am hoping that through the shoe caravan to be conducted in the 16 local government units in Metro Manila we bring back the glory of shoe industry in our city, de Guzman said.

==Parañaque wins 'livable communities' award==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/340275/para-aque-wins-livable-communities-award
*By: Jean Fernando
*''November 06, 2011''

The Parañaque City government was awarded the “Bursary Award” in the recently concluded 2011 International Awards for Liveable Cities (LivCom Awards) in Sonpa-Gu, Seoul, South Korea for promoting community health.

The LivCom Awards is a global competition for local communities and focuses on environmental management and liveable communities to encourage best practices, innovations and leadership in providing a vibrant, environmentally sustainable community aiming to improve the Filipinos’ quality of life. Awards are in three categories - Whole City; Sustainable Projects; and Bursary Award which gives £10,000 to the winning project. This year, 77 cities from 26 countries participated in the prestigious competition.

Mayor Florencio Bernabe announced that the city won the Bursary Award for its project, dubbed “Making Food Go Further: Mitigating Hunger and Ensuring Future Resilience and Stronger Households” (Project FRESH), which judges pinpointed as one of the key challenges for regional and local governments.

Bernabe said that in January 2010, the city government with the Department of Education-Parañaque Division of City Schools, in partnership with Save the Children and Kraft Foods Philippines, initiated the project aiming to address the issues of hunger and malnutrition among families by giving citizens the tools, training and supplies such as seeds and soil im-provement materials to grow organic vegetables.

He said that by growing their own food, families realize savings to buy other foods they need and with surplus harvest, barangay project beneficiaries are able to contribute to community supplemental feeding. The mayor said the integrated community approach to address the nutrition needs of malnourished children will receive a grant from LivCom Awards which will be delivered by the award-giving body upon the completion of the project.

Bernabe said the Bursary award will be used to extend Project FRESH to the private subdivisions and the business sector. “After twelve months into the program, we monitored that hunger incidence among families practicing urban vegetable gardening went down from 29 percent to 20 percent. Families are also trained on nutrition, recycling, composting, and livelihood opportunities through their gardens,” Bernabe said.

==Parañaque’s BJMP==
*Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2011/paranaques-bjmp/#.TrPmyfTnPv8
*By: Jean Fernando
*''November 04, 2011''

The Paranaque city government showed its concern to the inmates confined at the city’s Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) adding that they are still part of the community during the celebration of the 17th National Correctional Consciousness week.

Mayor Florencio Bernabe said that the city’s BJMP led by Supt. Paulino Moreno and Chief Insp. Catherine LopezAbueva help make the inmates feel that even though they are behind bars, necessary help and care were given to them.


==Tagalog News: Shoe caravan sa P’que sa Nob. 8 na==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=ncr&id=62230
*By: PIA
*''November 03, 2011''

PARAÑAQUE CITY- Magandang balita para sa lahat! Narito na ang inyong pagkakataong makabili ng magaganda, matitibay, de-kalidad,at sunod sa modang sapatos sa mas mababang halaga.

Sa darating na Nobyembre 8, Martes, ay gaganapin ang isang ‘Shoe Caravan’ mula 7:30 a.m. hanggang 6:00 p.m. sa San Antonio Gym, Parañaque City.

Sinabi ni Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe na lubos na sinusuportahan ng lungsod ang naturang shoe caravan ng Marikina City na naglalayong pasiglahin at palakasin ang industriya ng sapatos sa bansa.

“Tulad ng mga produktong, “Proudly Made in Parañaque,” tatangkilikin ng mga Parañaqueño ang “Tatak Marikina Shoes!” pahayag ni Bernabe.

Idinagdag pa ni Bernabe na isang magandang pagkakataon ito upang malaman ang kasaysayan ng industriya ng sapatos sa bansa.

Samantala, sinabi naman nina Marilou Fontejon ng Parañaque Cultural, Historical, and Tourism Office at Dean Calleja ng Special Services Office, maliban sa tiyak na panalong pamimili ay tiyak ding magandang pagkakataon ito upang magsama-sama ang mga mag-anak at magkakaibigan.

Bilang bahagi ng programa, magtatanghal ang Marikina Shoe Shine Boys, Vegas Girls mula sa Club Mwah!, shoe festival mascots, at iba pang mga magtatanghal para sa kasiyahan ng shoe fair.