Difference between revisions of "Parañaque City News"

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==‘Asenso P’que Job Fair 2012’ set on February 7==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=ncr&id=74348
*By: PIA
*''January 31, 2012''
PARAÑAQUE CITY- The Parañaque City Government will hold a job fair on February 07, Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Event Center of SM City Sucat in Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City.
Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe said improving the livelihood of the residents is a priority in the city.
“We continue to make gains in this area by providing skills training; generating jobs; organizing cooperatives; and creating community-based income generating projects,” Bernabe said.
Dubbed ‘Asenso Parañaque Job Fair 2012,’ the said activity is organized by the Parañaque Livelihood Resource Management Office (PLRMO).
Meanwhile, job applicants are advised to come in appropriate attire with their resumé and other necessary documents such as copies of transcript of records and diploma; clearances from past employer/s; local police and NBI clearances; and recent ID pictures.
==Police round up Ramgen slay suspects==
==Police round up Ramgen slay suspects==
*Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2012/january/19/metro1.isx&d=2012/january/19
*Source: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2012/january/19/metro1.isx&d=2012/january/19

Revision as of 16:08, 31 January 2012

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Parañaque City - Archived News

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
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Parañaque City

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

‘Asenso P’que Job Fair 2012’ set on February 7

PARAÑAQUE CITY- The Parañaque City Government will hold a job fair on February 07, Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Event Center of SM City Sucat in Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe said improving the livelihood of the residents is a priority in the city.

“We continue to make gains in this area by providing skills training; generating jobs; organizing cooperatives; and creating community-based income generating projects,” Bernabe said.

Dubbed ‘Asenso Parañaque Job Fair 2012,’ the said activity is organized by the Parañaque Livelihood Resource Management Office (PLRMO).

Meanwhile, job applicants are advised to come in appropriate attire with their resumé and other necessary documents such as copies of transcript of records and diploma; clearances from past employer/s; local police and NBI clearances; and recent ID pictures.

Police round up Ramgen slay suspects

PARAÑAQUE City police said it has taken custody of all but two suspects in the murder of actor Ramgen Revilla.

Chief of police Senior Supt. Billy Beltran said only Ryan Pastera and Revilla’s sister, Ramona Bautista, have yet to be accounted after the Parañaque regional trial court issued on Tuesday arrest warrants against them.

“We are conducting manhunt operations and we’re hoping we could get to them soonest,” Beltran said.

Seven suspects have been formally charged with murder and frustrated murder for the killing of Revilla, half-brother of Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., at the family residence in BF Resort Village last October.

The victim’s girlfriend, Janelle Manahan, survived the attack and is now a prosecution witness.

Beltran said a police team went to Pastera’s house in Las Piñas but he was no longer there.

Chief Insp. Ferjen Torres, intelligence unit chief of the Parañaque police, said Pastera was last seen leaving his house last Thursday aboard a vehicle owned by Genelyn Magsaysay, Revilla’s mother.

He said they will be talking to Magsaysay to confirm the information.

Pastera, 19, is a Hotel and Restaurant Management student and reportedly a friend of Hiro Furuyama, husband of another Revilla sibling, Gail, who was also implicated in the case.

Pastera was supposed to be the “middleman” asked to contract alleged hired killers Francis Tolisora and Michael Nartea to kill Revilla.

Torres said they will give Pastera one week to surrender or he will be added in the city police’s list of 10 most wanted criminals.

Pastera surrendered to the Office of the City Prosecutor last December to file his counter-affidavit and because he has yet to be formally charged, he was allowed to remain in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.

Manahan’s legal counsel, Argee Guevarra, said the court should press the NBI to divulge the whereabouts of the suspect.

“They were the ones who escorted Mr. Pastera and naturally they should explain to the court why the suspect can no longer be found,” Guevarra said.

Ramona, on the other hand, had gone abroad a few days after the killing.

Prosecutors said they would ask the assistance of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the national police and the International Criminal Police Organization in locating Ramona abroad, who first fled to Turkey before formal charges were filed against her.

Guevarra said they will also work for the cancellation of Ramona’s passport now that an arrest warrant has been issued against her.

BJMP vows erring officer's arrest

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Chief Jail Director Rosendo Dial said the jail officer who allegedly helped three foreign inmates escape from Parañaque City Jail will be arrested soon.

Dial revealed that they already have "good leads" on the whereabouts of JO1 Richard Sillatoc who went into hiding after his alleged involvement in the inmates' jailbreak last Dec. 11.

“We are just waiting for the court to issue a warrant of arrest before we get him,” said Dial.

Without the warrant of arrest, authorities could not implement Sillatoc's arrest, for fear of making a "technical" mistake.

Further, according to Dial, a suspect can be apprehended even without a warrant of arrest only within a period of three days, the required time under the hot-pursuit prescription, and Sillatoc's arrest can soon be expected.

PUP P’que campus now offers baccalaureate courses

PARAÑAQUE CITY- Good news to Parañaque residents! The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)-Parañaque campus is now offering baccalaureate courses.

Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe said that education is a priority program of the city government,

“We continue to build schools especially in barangays where there used to be none so that even students from poor families will have the necessary preparation for a brighter future,” said Bernabe.

He added that barely a year after its opening, the PUP Parañaque branch now offers courses that lead to bachelor’s degrees.

“With this, Parañaque students need not go far in search of good courses and quality education. We have it here in the city,” the local chief executive added.

Among the courses now being offered include: Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management; B.S. Information Technology; B.S. Office Administration; and B.S. Business Administration, Major in Marketing Management and Human Resources Development.

The PUP-Parañaque branch was established under the partnership of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the City Government of Parañaque, pursuant to local legislations particularly Ordinances 91-107 and 11-03 and Resolutions 04-35 at 07-39.

Meanwhile, application for SY 2012-2013 is now ongoing - registration period is from January 4 to March 7 ; while entrance exam is scheduled on March 10, 2012.

To qualify for the entrance test, an applicant must be a high school graduate from any Parañaque-based high school who has not enrolled in any technical, diploma, or degree program after graduation; a graduating high school student of the current school year from any Parañaque school who is a Phil. Education Placement Test (PEPT) passer, eligible for admission to college with an average rating of 82 percent or higher in its five subject areas: Mathematics, English, Science, Filipino, and “Araling Panlipunan”; or an Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) passer, eligible for college admission and has 100 or higher standard score (SS) and an essay-writing proficiency Level 2 or higher.

The requirements for PUPCET Registration are the following: Valid school ID for student applicants who are graduating in current school year; original or certified true copy (if lost) of F138 for those who graduated high school in previous years; certificate of ratings if PEPT/ALS qualifier; and proof of Parañaque residency (voter’s registration certificate or barangay certificate of residency).

However, applicants are only allowed to apply and take the PUPCET in one campus, and only once in any school year. Double application will render an applicant’s PUPCET result null and void.

Interested applicants are advised to proceed to the PUP-Parañaque Campus located on Col. E. De Leon, in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Parañaque City.

Aquino couple’s grave attacker nabbed

Parañaque police arrested the suspect who defaced the graves of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino II and President Corazon Aquino at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City last December.

Parañaque City Police chief Senior Supt. Billy Beltran identified the suspect as Mariano Peralta Alganion who was arrested on Wednesday at his residence in Cavite after police received tips regarding his whereabouts.

P’que Red Cross receives $43K training grant

PARAŇAQUE CITY- The Paranaque Red Cross Chapter recently received a grant worth $43,892 from logistics giant UPS.

The grant, amounting to almost P2 million, will be used for training 143 Red Cross volunteers in 16 barangays and 31 public elementary and high schools in the city.

Red Cross Parañaque branch chairman Anson Ong thanked the UPS Foundation led by Ken Stenard.

“PRC is really glad about the grant, this is a big help in the realization of our organization’s thrust to be always first, always ready, and always there when the need arises,” said Ong.

He added that the grant will focus on Red Cross campaigns to build a nation of disaster response volunteers to promote the spirit of volunteerism.

The grant covers the training on Disaster Preparedness and First Aid trainings of over 2,000 Red Cross volunteers. It also includes provision of first aid kit for each organized and trained RC 143 team.

Meanwhile, Stenard said UPS Foundation is committed to support meaningful programs that make a meaningful difference in communities.

“We are proud to support Philippine Red Cross’ efforts to build a nation of disaster response volunteers in order to promote volunteerism to serve humanitarian interest,” added Stenard.

Established in 1951, the UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues.

In support of this strategic approach, the foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: non-profit effectiveness, economic & global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.

Church warns vs fake priest operating in Parañaque

Catholic Church officials warned the public against a man claiming to be a priest and was said to be operating in the Parañaque diocese.

Parañaque diocese vice chancellor Msgr. Benedicto Aquino said the fraudulent priest introduces himself as “Fr. Noel Ormenita” and had celebrated Mass in a condominium in the city.

“Noel Ormenita is not a Roman Catholic priest and has no faculties to exercise the priestly ministry in the Diocese of Parañaque and everywhere else for that matter,” Aquino said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news site.

Aquino also relayed another warning from the Diocese of Cabanatuan about the suspension order it imposed on Fr. Eliezer Navarro.

Navarro was earlier assigned as “priest-on-loan” to the Diocese of Cubao but was suspended “indefinitely” by Cabanatuan Bishop Sofronio Bancud.

Because of his suspension, Navarro has no faculties to exercise his priestly ministry in any diocese.

“Fr. Navarro and Mr. Ormenita are prohibited from celebrating Mass and/or performing priestly functions in any school, chapel, funeral home, or private houses within the Diocese of Parañaque,” said Aquino.

He said those who doubt the status of priests from other dioceses should demand a celebret.

A “celebret” is a testimonial given to a priest that he is in good standing, with an accompanying request that he be permitted to say Mass.

59 senior citizens receive pensions

Fifty nine senior citizens in Paranaque City received their pension from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region this month.

Forty five citizens out of 104 qualified beneficiaries are expected to appear at the Paranaque City Hall to avail of the pension. The senior citizens received P500 monthly pension as per DSWD pension program under Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

Extended on a quarterly basis, the earlier payouts were made in March and October 2011.

To avail of the pension, the 104 beneficiaries were required to register at the Paranaque Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs. In order to qualify, the elderly must not be a recipient of other pension benefits such as GSIS, SSS, AFPMBAI, among others. In addition, senior citizens who qualify to the program are not supported by their families.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the DSWD-NCR and Parañaque City Social Welfare and Development Office for arranging the conduct of the payout in the city, making it more convenient and economical for them in terms of travel time and transportation fares.

“We laud the national government for caring for the country’s elderly. We, in Parañaque do the same, regarding them with high esteem; recognizing their invaluable contributions to community development and nation-building; and repaying the debt of gratitude by giving them special privileges, among them local legislations requiring private enterprises and public institutions in the city to set up express lanes and amenities for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and pregnant women; donations of wheel chairs for the elderly, like PWDs; free blood chemistry and H1N1/seasonal flu immunization under a special program. We will continue to introduce more measures to help our senior citizens," said Paranaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr.

P15 M taken from Parañaque pawnshop

A group of suspects broke into a pawnshop in Parañaque City early this week and carted away a total of P15 million worth of cash, jewelry and other valuables, said the Parañaque City Police.

The robbery happened inside Megatrend Pawnshop in 82 Quirino Avenue corner Rivera Street, Barangay Baclaran. Police claimed that the culprits behind the robbery was the "Acetylene Gang." The incident was discovered only on Monday at 8:00 p.m. by the branch manager and employees of the pawnshop.

According to branch manager Gemma Hawthore, the suspects were able to open two vaults containing a big amount of cash, cellphones, laptop computer and machine pistols with the use of acetylene.

A tunnel coming from a manhole in Rivera Street was discovered inside the establishment. Police said that it was made by the suspects as their entry and exit point. The culprits left the tools they used to dig underground and the gas tank and acetylene torch that they used to open the vaults.

Meanwhile, Parañaque City State Prosecutor Lamberto Fabros will now be in charge of the case against spouses Gail and Hiro Furuyama for their alleged involvement in the killing of Ramgen Revilla Bautista last October 28 in BF Homes Paranaque.

Assistant City Prosecutor Leah Roma formally inhibited from the proceedings against the spouses. Lawyers of Janelle Manahan, girlfriend of Ramgen who was wounded on that fateful night, expressed disappointment over the news as the inhibition will cause a delay to the resolution of the case.

Resty Mendoza, lawyer of Manahan, said that they should have been given an opportunity to comment and oppose the prayer for inhibition filed by the lawyers of the Furuyama couple.

"Fiscal Roma was the first to investigate the case and in fact, she already asked clarificatory questions to all the accused and respondents in this case. It is only appropriate for her to continue handling the case because she knows the whole story," said Mendoza.

He said that they will have to abide by the rules but they stick to their position that Roma should not have been inhibited.

The inhibition happened after Hiro Furuyama's lawyer, Gerry Alberto, filed a motion to quash subpoena and motion to dismiss with an alternative prayer for inhibition during the previous hearing. Alberto said the prosecutor should not interfere with the proceedings as the case has already been elevated to the court. He added that Roma voluntarily inhibited herself on the next day.

However, Mendoza said that what was filed in court is only the case against Ramon Joseph Bautista, brother of Ramgen and alleged mastermind behind the slay, because he waived his right to preliminary investigation. "They cannot claim that the case is already in court because technically, the case against Gail and Hiro is separate from the one in court," explained Mendoza.

Meanwhile, Gail Bautista-Furuyama denied the allegations that they are behind the spread of the sex video of her brother and Manahan. "It's impossible because we respect Ramgen and Janelle. We wouldn't do such thing. I was shocked when I saw the video. We saw the video when someone sent the link to my brother," she said.

She added that her sister Ramlyn got sick and was rushed to the hospital after learning that a complaint might be filed against her. "She is really afraid that something like that will happen to her at a very young age. We had to bring her to the hospital because she got sick due to fear," disclosed Gail Furuyama.

P’que City sets deadline for business permit renewal on January 20

PARAÑAQUE CITY- As the city government of Parañaque started early the processing of applications for renewal of business and individual working permits as well as health certificates last January 2, Mayor Jun Bernabe urges establishments and employees to file their applications to avoid the rush.

“As we urge establishments and employees to file their applications early to avoid the rush, we offer them the comfort and convenience in our fully air-conditioned service lounges where taxpayers are treated with utmost courtesy and given a treat to a free snack, reading materials and their favorite cable TV programs,” said Bernabe.

The local chief executive also assured them of the city’s fully computerized and networked system for speedy and more accurate assessments and computations.

The annual processing of business permits is led by the Business Permits and Licensing Office; City Treasurer’s Office; and the Electronic Data Processing Office, with the support of the City Planning Office; City Assessor’s Office; Tourism Office; Office of the Building Official; and the City Health Office.

Also in the city’s “one-stop-shop system” in business permits processing are the Parañaque Bureau of Fire Protection; Parañaque Chamber of Commerce and Industry; local units of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Social Security System.

According to the City Information Office, the requisites for business permits renewal include: 1)Barangay Clearance (original copy); 2)Real Property Tax (land and building, if owned) or Contract of Lease and Lessor’s Permit (if rented); 3)Fire Clearance; 4)ITR or Audited Financial Statement for 2011; 5)VAT Returns 2550/2551 M/Q (current) for 2011; 6)Sales Breakdown with branches; 7)Social Security System (SSS) registration; 8)Authorization letter, ID of applicant and authorized representative.

For new businesses, owner or representative must secure location, building, fire and tourism (if applicable) clearances and sanitary permit in addition to the basic requirements.

While for individual working permits, applicants must secure the following requirements: 1) Police Clearance; 2) Residence Certificate (Cedula); 3) Two ID pictures; and 4) Health Certificate.

Bernabe also thanked the business community and residents of Parañaque for again supporting the city’s tax campaign.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry also opened a office in the city to facilitate business name registration.

PRC-Parañaque receives $43,892 UPS grant

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Rizal Chapter Parañaque City Branch received a $43,892 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS. The almost P2 million grant will be used for the training of Red Cross (RC) 143 volunteers among 16 barangays and 31 public elementary and high schools in Parañaque City. The grant covers the training on disaster preparedness and first aid train-ings of over 2,000 Red Cross volunteers from barangays and schools. The grant also includes provision of first aid kit for each organized and trained RC 143 team.

UPS grant will assist the PRC in funding the training for RC 143 volunteers throughout Parañaque City (1 leader + 43 members in every barangay and public Elementary and high schools). Through UPS’ as-sistance, the PRC will equip them with the tools necessary in disaster preparedness, health and welfare. The RC 143 volunteers represent the organization’s walking blood bank. These volunteers will be the first to prepare, first to know, first to report, first to respond, and first to provide relief, recovery, and rehabilitation in the event of any disaster that will strike in the city or anywhere they may be.

The PRC as a premier international humanitarian organization has been known for its thrust in saving lives and alleviating human sufferings. Through its dynamic services and committed volunteers, the organization continuously embarks on activities which highlight safety and resiliency during disasters.

“PRC is really glad about the grant, this is a big help in the realization of our organization’ thrust to be always first, always ready and always there when the need arises particularly now, that climate-related disasters has once truck the Philippines which caused hundreds of lives. Typhoon Sendong just like other super tyhoons which struck the country in the past should be an eye opener to everybody and every sector. Red Cross is grateful with the help of UPS Foundation. This grant indeed shall focus on campaigns to build a nation of disaster response volunteers, in order to promote volunteerism to serve humanitarian interest,” said Director Anson Ong Chairman of Red Cross Paranaque Branch.

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: non-profit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.

In 2010, The UPS Foundation distributed nearly $44.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organiza-tions or programs and provide support for building stronger communities.

“The UPS Foundation is committed to funding impactful programs that make a meaningful difference in our communities – so we are proud to support Philippine Red Cross’ efforts to build a nation of disaster response volunteers, in order to promote volunteerism to serve humanitarian interest,”said Ken Stenard, president of The UPS Foundation.

Students settle for temporary classroom

After a long Christmas break, the 3,726 students at the F. Serrano Elementary School in Parañaque City will have to hold their classes at a parish church.

They have no classrooms to return to. Last December 10, a small plane crashed near the school igniting a fire that gutted the building.

The crash and fire killed 14 people, including a pupil of the school.

Temporary classrooms for Kinder to Grade VI have been set up at covered gym of the Mary Help of Christian National Shrine in Don Bosco, Better Living Subdivision. The school principal, Rosalia Morit, said the students may have to hold classes at the gym until August, when a new school is built.

Morit said classes were divided into two shifts: from 6 a.m. to 12 noon and 12 noon to 6 p.m.

Some classes are held at a covered area of the churchyard where village residents hold a “tiange” bazaar every Sunday. Others are located at the function room located at second floor of the church.

Morit said Grade I and II pupils holding classes at the covered court only have blackboards as partitions.

“The heat (in the gym) is the number one problem and we fear that some students might get sick because of the poor ventilation where we are holding our classes,” Morit said.

She said the three industrial fans in the court are not enough.

Morit said they have requested from the Office of the Mayor for additional industrial fans.

The city government through Mayor Florencio Bernabe provided chairs and tables as well as school materials for the students, she said.

The principal said the national government will be providing P128-million to rebuild the school.

She also said four F. Serrano students were among the 11 people injured in the crash.

One of the students, Rodelyn Molina, a Grade IV pupil, remained at the Makati Medical Center while the rest were recuperating at home.

Morit identified the student who was killed as Kinder student James Bayan, 5.

Ramgen's sis says Janelle was killer's target

Gail Bautista Furuyama and her husband, Hiro, underwent a preliminary investigation at the Paranaque Regional Trial Court Tuesday after being accused of masterminding the killing of Gail's brother, Ramgen Revilla.

In her counter-affidavit on the statement of primary witness Janelle Manahan, Bautista-Furuyama insisted that the killing was meant for Janelle, and that Ramgen was killed when he tried to intervene.

"This is a frustrated murder of Janelle Manahan that gave occasion to the killing of my beloved brother, Ramgen, by the same masked gunman using the same weapon," she said in her counter-affidavit.

"The killer shot her first although my Kuya Ramgen was already in the line of fire of the killer. My Kuya Ramgen came to her aid where he was shot in the process. Very clearly this is not a premeditated murder of my Kuya Ramgen, as the target of the killer was Janelle. These are facts based on the evidence in the records and my sister Ramona happens to be there at the wrong time but it did not make her a part of the crime."

She also said it is unbelievable for Janelle to overhear the conversation between her and sister Ramona after being shot in the head.

"The impact of the bullet on her head is traumatic and her consciousness is definitely affected. She even allegedly heard my voice from the other end of a cellphone in that condition, and this is simply preposterous and merely a concocted statement," she said.

Atty. Luke Espiritu, Manahan's lawyer, said the counter affidavit was full of mere denials. He said: "May positive identification kay Gail (Bautista-Furuyama) in terms of planning. May mga witness na sya ang tinuturo kaya sya hinabla."

Manahan will be submitting her reply to the counter-affidavit on January 10. Her lawyers will also submit their reply to the motion filed today by the Bautista-Furuyama lawyers to dismiss the case with alternative prayer to inhibit Assistant City Prosecutor Leah Roma.

The Bautista-Furuyama couple is the third batch of suspects on the controversial Ramgen Revilla Killing.

The first set of suspects, Ramon Joseph Bautista, Francis Tolisora and Michael Nartea, is scheduled to be arraigned on January 17, while the second set of suspects, Ramona Bautista, Glaiza Visda, and Norwyn Dela Cruz, are already set for resolution at the Paranaque City prosecutors office anytime from today.

Metro Manila and prov'l business districts will continue to grow

New business centers in Metro Manila and key provincial centers will continue to grow up to 2015 as a result of the rapid and sustained growth of the outsourcing and call center industry, according to reports by Jones Lang LaSalle Leechiu (JLLL), the largest international property services firm in the Philippines.

Phillip Anonuevo, JLLL associate director, said that from two dominant business districts at the end of the 20th century, there are now at least 10 in Metro Manila and 10 more emerging in key Philippine cities – most of them fuelled by the outsourcing and call center industry which was valued as a US$ 9-billion industry in 2010.

JLLL represents 10 of the 12 top outsourcing and call center companies operating in the Philippines. It has also handled 90 percent of outsourcing and call center lease transactions in key provincial cities from Baguio to Davao City.

Anonuevo said that over 50 percent of all office space leased in the Philippines since 2006 has been taken up by key players of this bourgeoning industry which generates demand for an average 300,000 to 360,000 sqm of office space annually.

In Metro Manila, the fastest growing business district is Bonifacio Global City where JLLL was actively involved in 92 percent of leasing transactions.

“Its proximity to Makati and accessibility to most of the labor pools of Metro Manila has fuelled the rapid growth of BGC,” said Anonuevo.

The company was appointed sole leasing agent by nine building owners in Bonifacio Global City who expect their developments to be completed within the years 2012 and 2013. These developments include the NAC Building to be completed in the third quarter of 2012; and in the fourth quarter, Ecotower, W Fifth Avenue, and W Global Center. In the second quarter of 2013, RSB Corporate Center is set to be finished.

The attractions of Bonifacio Global City are also shared by the adjoining McKinley Hill development with Megaworld boosting development in the area.

Being the largest business district, Makati remains an attractive location. At least two prominent office buildings including the SLC Building along Ayala Avenue are set to open in the last two quarters of 2012 and to be leased out by JLLL.

Also filling up quickly with tenants related to the BPO sector are Ecoplaza and Southgate Tower in the Chino Roces Avenue area and which were completed earlier and are also represented by the company.

In the last few years, the Bay City area anchored by the Mall of Asia development has likewise emerged as a business destination.

Anonuevo said the success of the E-com center dispelled all misconceptions about the area.

“Bay City has become accessible to public transportation and call centers and other firms located there easily attract employees from Paranaque and Las Pinas and even parts of Cavite.”

JLLL is leasing out Aseana One on Bradco Avenue which is set for completion in the second quarter of 2012.

Pockets of Quezon City – like the UP Ayala Technohub developed by Ayala Land, Eton’s Centris development, and The Gateway Tower in Cubao – likewise continue to evolve as their respective skylines change with the addition of new office towers occupied by employees of outsourcing and call center firms.

The same is true with pockets of Muntinlupa including the Madrigal Business Park where Kingston Tower is located. Meanwhile, Anonuevo disclosed that the company continues to actively network with its offices in a number of locations in the US and Europe to attract companies to do business in Metro Manila as well as provincial capitals.

“Many top BPO corporations have expanded beyond Metro Manila to cities like Baguio, Sta. Rosa in Laguna, Lipa in Batangas, Iloilo, Dumaguete and Davao seeking to tap the services of fresh labor pools. As far as we can see, the industry will continue to provide impetus to the office sector and other related sectors up to 2015,” he said.

DBM: P128m released for school destroyed in Parañaque plane crash

The Department of Budget and Management has fast-tracked the release of P128 million for the reconstruction of a school destroyed in a plane crash in Parañaque City last December 10.

A news release posted on the Official Gazette website said the amount will cover the reconstruction of 80 classrooms in the F. Serrano Elementary School.

“A thorough evaluation by the DepEd found irreparable damage to the building, which then had to be completely demolished. Given that, we need to quickly allocate funding toward the reconstruction of the whole school. We are now fast-tracking the release of funds to begin the construction as soon as possible,” DBM Secretary Florencio Abad said.

He said the program will be charged against the 2011 Calamity Fund, since the Quick Response Fund of the Department of Education is already programmed for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of other projects.

The entire school building burned down after a "Queen Air" light cargo plane crashed into a crowded residential area.

At least 13 people were killed in the incident.

Once the reconstruction is completed, Abad said the school should accommodate the school’s 2,652 grade school pupils.

“We will build enough rooms so the school administration can conduct a single-shift program for its students, instead of putting them on the usual double shift. Once the reconstruction is finished, classes will be back to normal and students can have a school environment more conducive to learning,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abad announced that the DepEd is closing in on its classroom construction target for this year.

"We are serious in our bid to have a zero backlog of classrooms by 2013. To be able to do this, the Aquino government has been tapping different approaches in constructing school buildings, including an important collaboration with the League of Cities to fast-track the construction of classrooms,” he said.

He added classroom-construction projects will be included in the Aquino administration’s Public-Private Partnership program to build the required number of classrooms in one year.

P’que fire department on alert status

PARAÑAQUE CITY- The Parañaque Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is on heightened alert status during the holiday season especially on New Year’s Eve.

Parañaque City Fire Marshal Supt. Manuel M. Manuel said that the local BFP continues its fire safety inspections of all business establishments as part of the implementation of R.A. 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines.

In line with this, the bureau is continuously promoting the national government’s ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign.

The said campaign also encourages the public to use alternative ways to celebrate New Year in place of pyrotechnics and firecrackers.

Parañaque City Mayor Jun Bernabe is encouraging residents to continue to promote and support a safe community.

“The Parañaque local government is one with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police in keeping our locale a safe community,” said Bernabe.

He also instructed the City Health Office to intensify the information drive on the use of pyrotechnics in merry-making in line with the Department of Health’s (DOH) “APIR Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction” campaign.

The local chief also readied the Parañaque Emergency Response Unit (P.E.R.U.), as well as the Bernabe Memorial Hospital for expected pyrotechnic and other firecracker-related injuries.

Fund OK’d for school rehab

THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P128 million for the immediate reconstruction of a school in Parañaque City gutted by an air crash this month.

The budget will fund the construction of 80 classrooms in the F. Serrano Elementary School after the building burned down early this month when a five-seater Beechcraft Queen Air cargo plane crashed, Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad said in a statement yesterday.

The money will be granted to the Department of Education (DepEd), sourced from the 2011 Calamity Fund, since the Quick Response Fund of the department has been programmed for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of other projects, he explained.

“A thorough evaluation by the DepEd found irreparable damage to the building, which then had to be completely demolished. Given that, we need to quickly allocate funding toward the reconstruction of the whole school. We are now fast-tracking the release of funds to begin the construction as soon as possible,” Mr. Abad said.

Once the reconstruction is completed, the school will have enough space to accommodate its 2,652 grade school students.

“We will build enough rooms so the school administration can conduct a single-shift program for its students, instead of putting them on the usual double shift. Once the reconstruction is finished, classes will be back to normal and students can have a school environment more conducive to learning,” Mr. Abad said.

CAAP findings on Parañaque crash

Human error coupled with mechanical failure are the two most probable causes of the Beechcraft Queen Air crash in Paranaque City last December 10 that resulted in the death of 14 people, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board announced on Thursday.

In a briefing held at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) head quarters in Pasay City on Thursday, Director General Ramon Gutierrez disclosed that the twin-engine cargo plane still had one engine running at the time of the incident and that it was very probable that the pilot was not able to perform the proper emergency maneuvers which resulted in its deathly plunge to a heavily populated shanty town in Baranagay Don Bosco, Paranaque.

According to Gutierrez, their investigation revealed that shortly after the aircraft took off from Runway 13-31 of the airport, the left engine suffered what seemed to be fuel starvation that later caused it to feather and stop spinning. Gutierrez added that several witnesses recounted that they heard one of the engines sputtering before it banked steeply to the left then plunged to the ground.

The AAIB investigation showed that the pilots of the aircraft, Capt. Timothy Albo and Capt. Jesse Kim Lustica, encountered problems with the left engine upon reaching 200 feet forcing them to radio the Manila Control Tower and request for emergency landing status.

Mayor to provide home building kits to plane crash victims

The Paranaque City government said that it will distribute a “starting kit” of construction materials to residents of the shanty community displaced by last Saturday’s plane crash which burned their homes.

Mayor Florencio Bernabe said the starter kit to be distributed includes basic construction materials such as pots, galvanized sheet and plywood.

Bernabe said that the city government is working to distribute the construction materials anytime this week so those displaced by the fire would not be homeless during Christmas.

The mayor said the families who lost their homes in the fire caused by the plane crash were evacuated to the Annex 35 covered gym on John St., Better Living Subdivision, Don Bosco, Paranaque City.

Bernabe said the city government is looking for an “interim budget” to shoulder the cost of medical treatment of those injured, but they may ask the owner of the ill-fated plane, Innovators Technology, Inc., to eventually pay for the hospitalization costs.

He said the Paranaque government’s legal department is looking into the liabilities of the owner of plane for the crash and the damage it caused.

The mayor said that the government plans to summon the owners of the aircraft and discuss payment for the damages.

The light cargo plane crashed in a populated area in Paranaque, causing a fire that damaged a public elementary school and several shanties in the area.

Meanwhile, Island Transvoyager, Inc., Monday clarified that it was not the owner of the plane that crashed in Paranaque.

The mayor said that classes at F. Serrano Elementary School have been suspended and will resume on January 3. But classes for some of the 3,700 students of the school could be held at the Mary Help Christian Church covered court in Barangay Don Bosco.

The school may have to be demolished and totally rebuilt at a cost of P60-million.

14 people killed in plane crash in Parañaque

A four-seater aircraft crashed in Parañaque City on Saturday afternoon, killing at least 14 people, including children.

Ten others were reportedly injured and were rushed to the Parañaque Doctors Hospital. One of the injured victims is in critical condition.

Authorities said the plane crashed in a depressed area in Better Living Subdivision, Taiwan St., Barangay Don Bosco at around 2 p.m.

Ramon Gutierrez, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, said 2 pilots and a civilian onboard the aircraft were killed. The pilots were identified as Timoteo Aldo and Jessie Kim Lustica.

The other fatalities have yet to be identified.

Gutierrez earlier told dzMM that the plane with tail no. RPC 824 encountered a technical problem shortly after taking off from the Manila domestic airport.

He said the plane, owned by Innovators Technology Inc., was bound for San Jose, Mindoro to pick up cargo.

Gutierrez said one of the pilots had requested the Manila airport control tower for relanding, but the plane did not make it.

“Pag-take off niya dito sa ating domestic runway 1331, nagkaroon ng aberya at tumawag sa tower nagre-request uli ng emergency landing pero hindi na inabot kaya bumagsak siya,” he said.

Affected families

Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. arrived on the crash site and reported that the crash damaged at least 50 homes of informal settlers along the subdivision's easement.

Around 70 families have been evacuated and are temporarily taking shelter at the Annex 35 covered court.

The mayor said the plane crash also set fire to the F. Serrano Elementary School.

He said about 90% of the school was burned down. Around 2,000 students will be affected by the incident.

“We will be advising the students on Monday that classes will be suspended until further notice. We will have to distribute the students to nearby schools,” Bernabe told ANC on Saturday.

The owners of the plane may also be held accountable for the fatalities.

“We will start looking for the owners of the plane because they have a responsibility to those people that they have injured,” Bernabe said.

Bernabe also appealed to the public to donate used clothes, food and groceries for the affected families.

Authorities are now investigating the cause of the crash.

Tagalog News: NBI mobile service sa P’que, Disyembre 14

PARAÑAQUE CITY- Ang National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), sa pakikipagtulungan ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Parañaque ay magsasagawa ng NBI clearance mobile service sa Miyerkules, Disyembre 14 sa San Antonio Gym, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Ayon kay Parañaque City Mayor Jun Bernabe, ang NBI clearance ay isang mahalagang dokumento na hinihingi ng mga kumpanya mula sa mga aplikante.

“Sa pamamagitan ng espesyal na serbisyong ito, hindi na maabala ang aplikante at makatitipid pa ng pamasahe,” pahayag ni Bernabe.

Ang aktibidad ay pangungunahan ng Tourism Office at ng Special Services Office ng lungsod.

Ayon sa City Information Office, ang gaganaping NBI mobile service ay eksklusibo sa mga ‘new applications’ at hindi tatanggap ng mga ‘renewal applications.’

Nilinaw din na 300 applications lamang ang maaaring tanggapan at ito'y ‘First Come, First Served.’ Tanging mga aplikanteng nasa hustong edad na may valid ID lamang ang maaring mag-aplay.

Makakakuha ng application form mula sa City Tourism Office sa pangalawang palapag ng Parañaque City Hall. Maari ding tawagan ang nasabing tanggapan sa pamamagitan ng mga telepono bilang 829-0691 at 478-8606.

Ang NBI clearance ay magkakahalaga ng P115. Magbibigay ng opisyal na resibo (NBI official receipt) sa mga magbabayad.

“Lubos kaming nagpapasalamat sa National Bureau of Investigation sa pagpapaunlak sa aming hiling na magsagawa ng NBI clearance mobile service sa siyudad. Malaking tulong ito sa aming mga konstituwente,” dagdag pa ni Mayor Bernabe.

Parañaque cop killer nabbed

The suspect in the murder of a Parañaque policeman early this year was arrested by police Sunday night.

Musa Absamin, also known as James Jamal Dimalutang, was arrested along Harrison Street in Baclaran, according to Parañaque City police chief Senior Superintendent Billy Beltran.

Absamin was allegedly behind the killing of Police Officer 3 Maphilindo Prades last May 12, 2011.

Absamin was also included in Parañaque’s list of most wanted criminals.

Parañaque told to hold ordinance on land values

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Senator's half-brother shot, stabbed

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.'s half-brother died after he was shot and stabbed by unidentified men who barged inside his residence in Parañaque City last Friday night.

Police identified the victim as Ram Revilla, 22, of Phase 6-A, President Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City.

Probers said that unidentified suspects wore bonnets when they entered the victim's house past 11 p.m. Friday and shot Revilla with a .45 caliber pistol and stabbed him several times. His girlfriend, Janelle Manahan, was also attacked and shot in the jaw. The suspects fled.

The victims were taken to the Parañaque Medical Center. However, Revilla was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician due to a bullet wound and stab wounds in different parts of the body.

Manahan was transferred to the Asian Hospital and the Medical Center in Muntinlupa City.

PO2 Francisco Bukid said that they received a call from Manahan at 11:55 p.m. She reported that two men barged into the house and attacked them. Bukid said that the victim's sister, Ramona, was also inside the house when the incident happened.

The suspects took her when they escaped and dropped her off near a mall in Las Piñas City after an hour.

Ramona has yet to give a full account of what happened that night. Police said that the victim's personal assistant and three maids were also in the house when the crime occurred.

Probers said they are looking into the love triangle angle.

Investigators were not able to find the weapons used and found an empty shell of a .45 caliber pistol. A task force composed of seven policemen and a chief inspector was formed by Parañaque City police chief Senior Superintendent Billy Beltran to dig deeper into the case.

Nino Tabada, security guard of BF Homes, has been questioned by the police.

Authorities said that they are looking into the guard's logbook to check the vehicles and people who entered the subdivision.

Police ruled out robbery as motive as the victim's belongings were still intact. Meanwhile, the victim’s body was taken to the Sapinoso Funeral Homes in Imus, Cavite.

Revilla is also a contract star of GMA Artist Center. He was last seen in the GMA-7 hit teleserye “Koreana’’ opposite Kris Bernal.

Tagalog News: ‘Oktoberfest 2011’ sa Parañaque, mamayang gabi na!

PARAÑAQUE CITY- Magandang balita para sa mga taga-Parañaque!

Gaganapin sa patyo ng Parañaque City Hall mamayang gabi, Oktubre 28, simula ng 6:00 p.m. ang “Oktoberfest 2011” handog ng San Miguel Corporation at ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Parañaque.

“Inaanyayahan ko ang lahat na dumalo sa okasyong ito para sa kanilang kasiyahan,” pahayag ni Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe.

Nagpasalamat din ang alkalde sa San Miguel Corporation sa handog nitong ‘Oktoberfest’ sa lungsod.

Ayon sa Parañaque City Information Office, ang naturang ‘beer festival’ ay bukas sa publiko na may edad 18 taong gulang, pataas.

Tampok sa nasabing pagtitipon ang iba’t ibang mga banda, palaro, at mga papremyo. Mayroon ding mga itatayong ‘food stalls’ sa pagdarausan ng okasyon.

P’que City to reroute traffic for All Saints’ Day

PARAÑAQUE CITY- As the city that holds a number of major cemeteries in the country, the celebration of All Saints' and All Souls' Days had become a major undertaking for city and national officials. Parañaque is all set to reroute traffic to pre-empt congestion in observance of the All Saints’ Day.

Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe said they want to ensure smooth flow of traffic during this solemn occasion.

“All Saints’ Day is an important day for us Filipinos. It is the time when we remember our loved ones who have passed away and reflect on the memories that we shared with them,” added Bernabe.

Parañaque Traffic Management Office Chief Mario Bautista disclosed that from October 30 to November 1 traffic lane assignments will be implemented along Dr. A. Santos Avenue (DASA), which is adjacent to two memorial parks in the city.

Traffic lane assignments are as follows: From DASA-Lopez junction, public utility jeepneys (PUJ) bound for Sucat Highway shall take the inner lane, while those intending to go to the Manila Memorial Park shall take the middle and outer lanes.

Other vehicles bound for Loyola Memorial Park and Sucat Highway may turn right at DASA-Lopez, taking El Grande, turn left at Aguirre then another left at President’s Avenue where motorists may opt to go straight ahead or turn right at Jackielouville and Doña Irenea Avenues exiting (turn right) at DASA-Irineville/Caltex junction.

Meanwhile, from Sucat Highway, all vehicles bound to Manila Memorial Park may take the inner and middle lanes while other vehicles and PUJs bound for Baclaran can use the outer lane or turn left at DASA-President’s Ave. junction; taking a right at Aguirre and another right at El Grande then exiting (turn left) at the DASA-Lopez intersection.

The local chief executive also said that in addition to traffic enforcers who will be manning main thoroughfares, policemen and barangay tanods will also conduct mobile and foot patrols.

Likewise, Parañaque’s Emergency Response Unit (P.E.R.U.) and Philippine Red Cross Parañaque Branch will set up first aid stations in various areas.

MIAA to cover Nayong Pilipino

President Benigno S. Aquino III has authorized the transfer of the huge Nayong Pilipino property in Pasay City to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) for the planned expansion of airport and cargo facilities.

In Executive Order No. 58, the President said the 22.3-hectare land of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation Inc. (NPF) will be used for the expansion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2. This expansion to the north will include the development of the New International Cargo Terminal Facility to support the operation of NAIA Terminal 3 and “accommodate growth in the passenger and aircraft movement.”

“I, Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order the Nayong Pilipino Foundation, Inc. to transfer its remaining land with an area of 22.3 hectares in Pasay City to the Manila International Airport Authority,” the order read.

“It is the declared policy of the State to promote and maintain a viable, efficient, dependable and safe air transportation system as an effective instrument for national recovery and economic progress,” the order stated further.

In 1972, the NPF was given a 45.9-has property in Pasay City on a portion of which the Nayong Pilipino Cultural Park (NPFPark) was built.

In 2002, then President Arroyo allowed the transfer of 8.6 hectares of the NPF property to the MIAA and the closure of the NPF Park pending its redevelopment.

Five years later, the old NPF Park was moved to the 15-has property of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) in Parañaque City and the transfer of 15 hectares of NPF’s Pasay property to the PRA.

Presidential Decree No. 37 issued in 1972 provides that the parcel of land given to the NPF shall revert to the National Government if the NPF is dissolved or ceases.

The same decree states that the land occupied by the NPF shall not be transferred to another person or entity without previous authorization by the President of the Philippines.

P’que City marks med tech month this September

PARAÑAQUE CITY- Joining the nation in celebrating Medical Technology Month this September, the Parañaque City government has lined-up activities in recognition to one of the most important branches in health service.

In line with this, the Laboratory Services Division of the City Health Office held free blood chemistry (FBS, Cholesterol, BUA, BUN, Creatinine, Trigylcerides, HDL, LDL, ALT, AST) services to city hall employees.

Likewise, the city government will also host the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET) organized advocacy program for the National Capital Region.

Career orientation with free blood typing will be held at the Parañaque Science High School campus in Brgy. Sto. Niño on Wednesday, September 21.

Meanwhile, the 30th PAMET-PASMETH Inter-School Quiz Show which will be held Thursday, September 22 at the Centro Escolar University in Mendiola, Manila will be participated in by Medical Technology colleges and universities from all over the country.

Parañaque City’s Laboratory Services Division chief Joycelynn Aman, RMT, MBA has been chosen by the organizing committee as one of the judges in the said competition.

Manila joins 26th International Coastal Cleanup celeb Saturday

More than 5,000 volunteers will be joining hundreds of thousands other volunteers across the globe in today’s celebration of the 26th International Coastal Cleanup Day dubbed “Trash Free Seas.”

This year’s theme highlights the pollution problem caused by ocean trash, and the threat of marine debris to human health, wildlife, communities, and even economies worldwide.

Environment and Natural Resources Sec. Ramon Paje said the celebration gives Filipinos a feeling of unity with the rest of the world in cleaning up our oceans and other bodies of water.

Volunteers from government and private sectors, academe, civic organizations, and civil society will bring sacks, rakes and gloves to collect marine debris at the Freedom and Long Islands in Brgy. San Dionisio in Parañaque City.

According to Paje, the cleanup site is a portion of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat Tourism Area.

Local chief executives Mayor Florencio Bernabe of Parañaque and Mayor Vergel Aguilar of Las Piñas will be joining Secretary Paje, and Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino in the coastal cleanup.

“Many of our partner agencies will also offer for free their services and equipment such as dump trucks, fire trucks, medical personnel, portalets, and other logistic support for the volunteers,” said Paje.

He added that last year’s volunteers picked up some 240,360 kilograms of debris from both land and sea in one day.

“How much more trash is her that make their way into our seas for the rest of the year,” lamented the DENR chief.

The International Coastal Cleanup Day is an annual global effort organized by Washington-based Ocean Conservancy to remove trash and debris from beaches and waterways, and aims to change human behaviors.

For over 25 years, Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup has become the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean health. Nearly nine million volunteers from 152 countries and locations have cleaned 145 million pounds of trash from the shores of lakes, streams, rivers, and the ocean in just one day each year.

Based on Ocean Conservancy’s 2011 Report, the Philippines ranked second to the United States in its “25-Year Top Ten Participating Countries” with 2,907,608 volunteers.

In the Philippines, ICC Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of September as declared through Presidential Proclamation No. 470.

Meanwhile, Presidential Proclamation No. 244 was also declared the month of September as National Cleanup Month.

Parañaque City to host fun run against hunger

The city government of Parañaque will host the “1st TAKBOlayan,” a fun run against hunger on Saturday, September 10, 2011.

Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe said the city is pleased to host this undertaking.

The local chief executive also said the special event for children and adults supports the city’s vegetable gardening project in cooperation with Save the Children, Kraft Foods, and the Department of Education.

Future Resilience and Stronger Households in the Philippines (FRESH) Program manager Norma Chan-Pongan cited that in the Philippines, one in three children under five years old, and one in five schoolchildren are underweight.

“As a response, we teach families to use their own backyards to plant vegetable and fruits. We also make menus to help overcome children’s dislike for vegetable dishes. Now, all they need to do is to go to their garden to pick healthy and nutritious food,” said Pongan.

Since January 2010, Project FRESH has taught mothers and children urban vegetable gardening as an effective way to fight hunger and malnutrition.

Meanwhile, Bernabe cited the project’s favorable results to the city.

“After 12 months into the program, we monitored that hunger incidence among families practicing urban vegetable gardening went down from 29 percent to 20 percent,” noted Bernabe.

Likewise, families are trained on nutrition, recycling, composting, and livelihood opportunities through their gardens.

Proceeds from the Fun Run will be used to train more families from all 16 barangays of the city. Project FRESH is also implemented in Antique and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.

This event also supports the “GulayanSaPaaralan” program of the Department of Education. At the end of the run, seeds and soil will be available for those who want to help the project.

Registration is ongoing. Fees are P100 for government and non-government organization employees; P300 for 3K run and P600 for 6K run for private groups and corporations.

The fun run will start at the Parañaque City Hall at 5:30 a.m.

Interested participants may also help by sponsoring a student-runner who is part of the families in the project.

For more details please contact Elizabeth Diokno of the City Health Office at 826-8195 or 0922-8516681.

Making Parañaque proud.

Fresh from her victories in Skate Asia 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand on August 11 -18, 2011, Jem Aizen Guhit made a courtesy call to Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr., Councilor Benjo Bernabe and Youth & Sports Dev’t. Officer Louie Perez. Jem Aizen Guhit is a member of the renowned SM International Skating Rink that represented the country in the said prestigious competition. The 15 year old figure skater hails from Greenheights Subdivision in Brgy. San Isidro, this city.

She is a third year high school student at the International Christian Academy, also in the city. Jem Aizen Guhit won 6 gold medals, 1 silver and 1 bronze in Skate Asia 2011.

Hundreds more learn of RH bill’s failure as proposed solution

As news reports on inconsistencies in statistical numbers and in the agenda of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill and its proponents continue to come out, hundreds of parishioners in Paranaque City got the lowdown on the controversial bill through informative talks delivered by members of Filipinos for Life (F4L).

Following a multi-media presentation on pro-life issues, Anthony James Perez, Anna Cosio and Atty. Marwil Llasos tackled different aspects of House Bill 4244 at an afternoon activity organized by Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Parish and attended by some 300 parishioners, most of them students.

Perez, F4L founder, discussed the reasons for the group’s opposition to the bill, explaining why the legislative measure was not the solution to the country’s problems.

Citing incontestable statistics, Perez debunked the overpopulation myth on which population control advocates have based their claims.

Nurse instructor Cosio tackled the medical and health-related issues surrounding the bill. Armed with science-based research and findings, she proved that human life starts at fertilization–or the meeting of the egg and sperm cells. As part of the RH bill is the taxpayer-funded procurement and distribution of artificial contraceptives, Cosio also went into a discussion of the harmful–and sometimes fatal–effects of birth control drugs and devices on women.

Tackling the moral, constitutional and legal aspects was Llasos, who declared that the bill was anti-God, anti-human and anti-Filipino. Included in the lawyer’s presentation were explanations as to the constitutional infirmities of portions of the bill.

As the talks concluded, a woman among the participants brought up the situation of an unmarried friend who had considered getting rid of her unborn baby, given that the child’s father refused to acknowledge his responsibility to the mother and child.

Llasos’ advice to the woman was to tell her friend to inform her parents about the situation. Abortion is not an option, he added, and there are government, private and religious institutions that can help women in such situations.

The lawyer also offered F4L’s help in facilitating adoption placement for the baby.

Meanwhile, members of the Speakers’ Bureau of the Vicariate of Real Infanta and General Nakar, Prelature of Infanta, Quezon province boosted their understanding of the issues pertaining to the culture of life through a recent seminar about the RH bill.

As part of the family and life ministry’s series of trainors’ training seminars, Buhay Partylist pro-life advocacy staff Jose Descallar delivered a day-long talk on issues pertaining to the legislative measure to 45 participants–including school principals, teachers and city councilors–upon the invitation of the prelature’s Vicar-General Fr. Mario Establecida.

According to Descallar, the open forum was quite interesting due to questions about the “fine-tuned” version of the bill, supposedly an initiative of Malacanang.

“Hindi pa din okey sa inyo ‘yung amendments na ginagawa dun sa bill?” queried one of the participants.

Descallar explained that such amendments changed nothing because “it’s the bill’s framework that’s the problem. Even if you amend it and all that’s left are four sections–declaration of policy, guiding principles, appropriations, and the penal provisions–hindi pa din okey ‘yan. It is still within the same framework.”

H.B. 4244, authored by Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, continues to face a growing opposition due to its mandate of taxpayer-funded procurement and distribution of a “full range” of birth control drugs and devices including abortifacients, six-year sex education program from Grade 5 to 4th year high school in all schools as well as among out-of-school youth, provision of birth control drugs, devices and services by employers to their employees, and punitive measures for those who speak out against the bill.

Street sweeper nabulaga ng putol na paa

HINDI akalain ng isang street sweeper na isang putol na paa ang bubulaga sa kanya habang ito ay naglilinis ng bangketa sa ilalim ng LRT stations sa Taft Avenue, lungsod ng Parañaque kahapon.

Ayon kay Gaudecio Valencia, street sweeper at empleyado ng Parañaque City Hall, nadiskubre niya ang putol na paa bandang 6:30 ng umaga habang siya ay naglilinis malapit sa Baclaran LRT Station, ilang metro lamang ang layo mula sa police station.

Sinalaysay ni Valencia sa harap ni PO3 Rudy Cruzata, ng Parañaque police, na habang siya ay nagwawalis sa bangketa ay napuna niya ang isang dilaw na plastic bag na nilalangaw na nakalagay sa kumpol ng mga basura na nasa gitna ng bangketa.

Inusisa ni Valencia kung ano ang nasa loob ng plastic bag at laking gulat n’ya nang “bumulaga” ang putol na paa na masangsang na ang amoy.

Samantala, patuloy namang iniimbestigahan ng pulisya kung pag-aari ng babae o lalake ang natagpuang paa na naging sentro din ng atraksiyon sa mga commuter ng LRT station.

Inaalam din ng mga otoridad kung sino ang nasa likod ng krimeng ito.

P’que upgrades biometric registry

PARAÑAQUE CITY- As part of its modernization program, the Parañaque City government recently replaced its old biometric machines with new and advanced features biometric attendance registry system.

Parañaque City Mayor Jun Bernabe said that with the new attendance machines in place, long queue and long waits to time and out, as well as employee complaints can be effectively addressed, and they can immediately go back work.

According to the city government, the new time registry biometrics can read finger impression, typical of a fingerprint. It is also more user-friendly and a more efficient recognition system compared to the old set.

A total of 40 Model 628 Double Engine ZK Finger Print Stand Alone Time Recorders were purchased. Fifteen units were installed at the city hall while the rest of the biometric machines were placed in barangay halls and other local government facilities.

The upgrade was jointly run by this city government’s Human Resource Management Office and the Electronic Data Processing (EDP) Office.

“Aside from cutting manpower downtime, it makes timekeeping and payroll preparation simpler, systematic and more accurate. It also provides an additional way to identify, discipline and fire habitual later-comers, absentees and ghost employees,” added Mayor Bernabe.

“Parañaque Ko, Love Ko!” to launch Friday

PARAÑAQUE CITY- The Parañaque city government, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Mayors’ Spouses Foundation (MMMSFI), will launch its “Parañaque Ko, Love Ko!” program Friday, August 12 at the Executive Lounge of the Parañaque City Hall.

The “Parañaque Ko, Love Ko!” program aims to make the city litter-free and smoke-free.

City Mayor Jun Bernabe said Parañaque is one with the MMDA and the MMMSFI in its commitment to maintain clean surroundings, clean air and restored environs to improve community livability; promote good health, and protect the environment.

MMDA deputy chairman Alex Ramon Cabanilla and general manager Corazon Gimenez will join Mayor Bernabe, other city officials, and spouses of Metro Manila mayors in the launching ceremony.

The program will highlight the signing of the “Panata sa Kalikasan” (Pledge of Commitment to the Environment) and the turnover of pushcarts to homeowners associations for their cleanliness, beautification, and garbage recycling drive.

P’que rescue unit truimphs

Parañaque Emergency Response Unit (P.E.R.U.) did the city proud by winning First Place in the 20th National Inter-City First Aid/Basic Life Support Skills and Benchmarking Olympics which was held on July 28, 2011 at the Marikina Sports Complex. P.ER.U. EMTs Gian Carlo Mahusay, Mary Jo Matullano, Juanito De Leon, Levi De Loyola, Mike Allan Teodoro and Mark Alvin Zerrudo did well in the splinting and bandaging; lifting and moving; extrication; situational analysis/BLS; triage and mass casualty incident (MCI) events to win top honors. Photo shows Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr. congratulating P.E.R.U. Chief Dr. Ted Gonzalez (center) as (L-R, backrow) City Health Office head Dr. Olga Virtusio, Vice-Mayor Gustavo Tambunting and Councilors Benjo Bernabe, Jason Webb, Eric Olivarez and John Ryan Yllanna and P.E.R.U. EMTs look on. (Public Information Office)

P’que rescue unit truimphs

The Parañaque Emergency Response Unit (P.E.R.U.) did the city proud by winning First Place in the 20th National Inter-City First Aid/Basic Life Support Skills and Benchmarking Olympics which was held on July 28, 2011 at the Marikina Sports Complex.

Organized by the Department of Health through the Center for Health Development, the annual competition aims to hone skills of emergency medical technician-rescuers of LGUs and public hospitals; enhance teamwork; provide technical updates; and strengthen network ties among the various rescue units.

The P.ER.U. EMTs who compose the Parañaque team were Gian Carlo Mahusay, Mary Jo Matullano, Juanito De Leon, Levi De Loyola, Mike Allan Teodoro and Mark Alvin Zerrudo. They did well in the splinting and bandaging; lifting and moving; extrication; situational analysis/BLS; triage and mass casualty incident (MCI) events to win top honors.

Formed in 2007 on orders of Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr., the Parañaque Emergency Response Unit has since become the frontline medical emergency service unit of the Parañaque City Health Office and the Parañaque Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. In service 24/7, its TESDA EMC II-accredited EMTs have staged numerous rescue sorties, many of them medical emergencies, road accidents and flooding incidents and in the course saved many lives.

P.E.R.U. is headed by P’que Medical Officer Dr. Ted Gonzalez under the supervision of City Health Officer Dr. Olga Virtusio (Public Information Office)

Parañaque sees increased tourism revenue

MANILA, Philippines — The Parañaque City government announced that tourism-related/oriented business in the city continued to grow as they post higher revenue collection from January to July this year.

Mayor Florencio Bernabe was happy upon learning that the city government was able to collect from its revenue collection from tourism-related/oriented business from P1,713,400 from January to July this year compared last year for the same period with only P658,200.

Bernabe explained that the said tax collection is in consonance with Republic Act No. 9503 (Tourism Act of 2009) and Parañaque Ordinance No. 95-28, Series of 1995 which is also known as the Parañaque Tourism Code.

He said that the former mandates that all tourism oriented/related enterprises must be accredited with the Dept. of Tourism while the latter requires all business establishments in the city to register with the Parañaque Tourism Office/SSO as a requisite for securing new and renewal business permits.

The Mayor said that apart from its regulatory and tourism development functions, the Parañaque Tourism Office/SSO organizes activities that celebrate the city and the nation’s historical and cultural heritage for the old generation to reminisce and the new generation to treasure.

Bernabe said that as aid to citizens, it arranges with the Dept. of Foreign Affairs the conduct of Mobile Passport Service in the city.

He said that the service innovation makes it more convenient for residents to apply for new and renewal passports. The project benefits families with approved petitions for immigration; exporters, importers and other businessmen; seamen and OFWs; student-beneficiaries of foreign scholarship grants; company technical personnel scheduled for specialized training abroad and the like.

The city will also participate in DoT-sponsored expositions and trade fairs where it showcases “Proudly Made in Parañaque” – products crafted by beneficiaries of Parañaque community-based income generating projects, hoping to expand their market here and abroad.

DBP official laid to rest

MANILA, Philippines - Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) lawyer Benjamin Pinpin was buried at the Loyola Memorial Park in Parañaque City yesterday.

Pinpin, 43, was found dead in a Las Piñas hotel Tuesday. Police ruled his death as suicide. In a suicide note he left in his vehicle, he asked forgiveness for taking his life and said he was made to sign an affidavit that was far from the truth.

“Benjie must have been overwhelmed by a darkened situation that he decided to end his life,” Fr. Dennis Batacando said.

House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman has asked DBP officials to disclose the affidavits signed by Pinpin to determine if DBP investigators “went overboard” in obtaining statements from the lawyer.

According to reports, Pinpin became upset after he was about to be investigated for a P510-million loan granted to a businessman during the past administration.

In his homily during the Mass at the Holy Trinity chapel, Batacando said he knew Pinpin as a devout Catholic and a God-fearing person who regularly attended Mass at the Five Wounds of Jesus parish in Talon, Las Piñas.

The priest refused to mention the word suicide, saying it is not how a person died but how he lived his life that determines if he is worthy to enter heaven.

He said Pinpin will be welcomed in heaven because he is sure that before his last breath, the lawyer may have uttered the words, “My Lord forgive me.”

Batacando said each time he saw Pinpin, the lawyer would raise his hand and smile. He added that this was the way Pinpin interacted with people close to him. “He mastered the art of silent conversation,” he said.

Pinpin’s widow, Amy; mother, Evelynd; and two children refused to be interviewed but his relatives said the deceased was a dedicated lawyer and family man who neither drank nor smoked.

An uncle said Pinpin was a consistent honor student in grade school and loved to play basketball and badminton.

Top DBP officials and Pinpin’s officemates attended the burial. DBP lawyers from all regions were also there, according to a division chief who requested anonymity. “The rank and file employees of DBP mourn the death of (Attorney) Pinpin,” he said.

4 suspected robbers held

Four suspected robbers were arrested while scouting for their victims Tuesday night in Parañaque City.

The suspects, who were also tagged in carjacking incidents, were identified as Lamberto Cunanan, 42, a barangay kagawad; Nomer Sanqui, 39; and Franklin Hizon, 27, all from Sta Rosa, Nueva Ecija and Oscar Villar, 26, a security guard from Malabon City.

Ronald Estilles, chief of the Anti-Organized Crime Division (AOCD), in his report to Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Samuel Pagdilao, said AOCD operatives arrested the suspects when they noticed that one of them was carrying a pistol as they alighted from their vehicle and strategically positioned themselves near an establishment.

He said they also confiscated a hand grenade, and two caliber 38 pistol each with six live ammunitions from the suspects.

Village official, 3 others nabbed over foiled robbery

Four suspected robbers, including a village official , were arrested as they were about to pull off a heist in Parañaque City, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said Wednesday.

Lamberto Cunanan, 42, a village councillor in Barangay Gomez, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, was arrested along with security guard Osmar Villar, 26; Nomer Sanqui, 39; and Franklin Hizon, 27, at the parking lot of a fastfood establishment in Sucat, Parañaque City at around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

The suspects were caught after police received information that a certain Jun and his group from Nueva Ecija were planning to rob an establishment in Parañaque City, said CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr.

Senior Superintendent Ronald Estilles, chief of the Anti-organized Crime Division of the CIDG, said they waited for the robbery group at the parking area and saw them as they arrived on board a red Isuzu Fuego (WDC-781).

Police immediately arrested the four, said Estilles.

Seized from the suspects were a hand grenade, two caliber 38, one caliber 45 pistol, amulets and bladed weapons, said Pagdilao.

Police were looking into the group’s possible link to a series of carjacking and robbery incidents in Quezon City and Metro Manila.

The suspects are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Experts to evaluate anti-terror unit

ANTI-TERRORISM experts from the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore are in the country to evaluate a Philippine National Police unit formed to handle highly-sensitive crisis situations similar to the Quirino Grandstand hostage-taking incident in August last year that left seven Hong Kong tourists dead.

Officials said the foreign anti-terrorism experts flew to Manila to join top officials of the PNP and other government agencies in evaluating the over-all tactical and operational crisis response readiness and capability of the PNP Crisis Action Force which was activated in the wake of the botched hostage-rescue operation largely blamed on police incompetence.

PNP chief Director General Raul M. Bacalzo directed Director for Operations head Director Leocadio Santiago to plan and implement an “honest to goodness” evaluation of the special unit intended as the primary responder during crisis situations.

“This is the first ever and the most serious evaluation being conducted by the PNP on any of its operating unit for an ‘honest to goodness’ assessment of its operational preparedness and capability,” said Santiago of the five-day activity dubbed “Crisis Action Force Evaluation Exercise.”

Santiago, whose office has supervisory function over all the national police’s operating units, explained that the activity is “crisis-scenario”-driven exercises which are not known by the participating CAF personnel before the start of a particular exercise. He said that this is a departure from the usual practice of presenting “a well-rehearsed and scripted” simulated operation for photo-op purposes.

“The foreign and local anti-terrorism experts were invited not to watch a scripted show, but to assess, rate and critique the CAF’s performance,” Santiago added.

The CAF Evaluation Exercise yesterday involved different scenarios in any given hostage-taking incident that occurs in an airport or inside a commercial airline parked on the tarmac. The exercise was held at the AirPhil hangar in Andrews Avenue, Pasay City.

Today and tomorrow, the CAF personnel will tackle tactical and operational problems during a hostage-taking incident taking place on a ship at sea and also in a mass transit system like the Light Railway Transit or the Metro Railway Transit.

Today’s exercises include a sea-borne terror scenario at the Pagcor Entertainment City in Parañaque City. Tomorrow’s exercises will be held at the MRT Cubao station in Quezon City.

Personnel from the PNP Special Action Force, the Maritime Group and the Aviation Security Group must satisfactorily complete the CAF Specialized Unit Inter-Operability Training designed to enhance unit cohesiveness especially during critical police operations.

Manila declares Aug. 1 Corazon Aquino Day as people flock to Cory's grave

People have not forgotten the late President Corazon Aquino on the second anniversary of her death.

In Manila, confetti rained on the brass monument of the late president as the city government declared August 1 Corazon C. Aquino Day.

The ceremony, at Roxas Boulevard and Padre Burgos Drive, was led by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and attended by former members of Cory's cabinet.

And in Paranaque City, people have started flocking to her grave at the Manila Memorial Park, where she is buried beside her husband, Benigno Aquino Jr., whose murder in 1983 sparked the broad anti-dictatorship movement that ousted strongman Ferdinand Marcos in February 1986 and installed Cory as the country's first woman president.

Paranaque police have gone on alert in expectation of the crowds who will pay tribute to the 11th president of the Republic of the Phiippines.

In a related development, her son, President Benigno Aquino III, is expected to visit her grave at 4 p.m. today.


Driver dies as bus falls from Skyway

A bus driver died and two passengers were critically injured after a passenger bus fell from the Skyway along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) this morning.

A report by radio dzMM said a bus unit of Dimple Star Transport with body number 7511 had just entered the Skyway when it suddenly went wayward and fell.

The incident happened past 11 a.m. today.

Ed Nepomuceno, an official in-charge of the Skyway operations, said during the radio interview that at least six people, including the driver and conductor, were inside the bus when the incident happened.

The driver was declared dead around 1 p.m. at the Parañaque Medical Center. Two of the four passengers were in critical condition while the conduct escaped the accident with minor wounds.

A report by ABS-CBN News Channel said that based on the account of the conductor, the bus was struck by a very strong wind before they fell off the Skyway.

The accident caused heavy traffic along SLEx as rescuers and Skyway personnel remove the bus.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has suspended the franchise of the bus company, pending investigations on the incident.


Fire hits Parañaque City Hall

A fire believed caused by an overheating computer unit hit a part of the Parañaque City Hall early Saturday morning.

No one was initially reported injured in the fire, which started at 7:05 a.m. and reached the first alarm at 7:30 a.m., radio dzBB’s Mao dela Cruz reported.

An initial investigation showed the fire damaged the Office of the Clerk of Court, although the nearby Office of the City Mayor was not affected.

The fire was put out around 7:45 a.m. even as arson investigators are still assessing the damage to property, the report said.

Saturday’s fire came a day after a fire of undetermined origin hit the Land Registration Authority office in Quezon City.

Friday’s fire at the LRA disrupted its operations although no one was initially reported hurt. — LBG, GMA News

Parañaque eyes total ban on laser pointers

MANILA, Philippines - The local government of Parañaque City is eyeing a total ban on sale and possession of laser pointers after receiving complaints that the gadgets could pose a danger to aircraft pilots.

Parañaque City Councilo Benjo Bernabe said he recently attended a safety briefing held by Capt. Amado Soliman, officer-in-charge of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

In the briefing, Soliman warned that laser pointers can temporarily blind a pilot while he is landing a plane. At least 3 commercial pilots have complained of being temporarily blinded while landing a plane in the country's airports in Parañaque City.

Soliman warned laser pointers could cause more life-threatening incidents if left unchecked. Bernabe said he plans to pass a resolution in the city council to ban possession and sale of laser pointers. He said he will coordinate with barangay officials to advise residents of the danger of using laser pointers on commercial aircraft.

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