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Angeles City News October 2012

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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.

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Angeles City Catholic Church
Angeles city crucifixion of the faithfuls.jpg
Sacrifice of the faithfuls by crucifying themselves.

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.





Nepomuceno: Clark workers to get more jobs

By Rey Navales


ANGELES CITY –- Congressman-wannabe Francis Nepomuceno said he is in talks with union leaders of the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) in a bid to give more jobs to some 70,000 CFZ workers of the city.

Nepomuceno said he will provide livelihood opportunities, which will come in the form of cooperatives, to the Clark workers through their respective unions such as the Samahang Manggagawa ng DMIA (SMD), Association of Concerned CDC Employees (ACCES), and Association of CDC Supervisory Personel (ACSP).

“Nais po nating pangalagaan ang karapatan ng mga manggagawa sa Clark Freeport Zone dahil sila po ang mga bayani na nagtataguyod sa ekonomiya hindi lamang dito sa Pampanga kundi sa buong bansa,” Nepomuceno said.

The Clark Development Corporation (CDC), earlier, reported that the number of CFZ workers reached more than 70,000, an all-time high employment record.

The CDC-Customer Service Department added there are now 70,097 workers, an increase of 3,874 from June to July of 2012.

Nepomuceno said more workers will be needed as more business firms are to be located in the Clark Freeport Zone. Tourism-related projects in Clark are also expected to increase employment opportunities, not only for the residents of the Metro Clark area, but also in the provinces of Tarlac and Pampanga.

He said several business process outsourcing (BPO) and industrial firms have plans to expand their operations in Clark and this will generate more jobs.

Clark gets 1M passengers in 10 months

By Tonette Orejas


CLARK FREEPORT—The Clark International Airport (CIA) marked a milestone last Wednesday when it served its one millionth passenger in just 10 months. Eddierose Navarro, 28, was identified as the airport’s one millionth passenger and received a free roundtrip fare to Singapore via Philippines’ Air Asia, said Victor Jose Luciano, president and chief executive officer of the Clark International Airport Corp. Navarro, a resident of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, also received a free overnight stay at Resorts World in Pasay City and Holiday Inn here and would be exempted from paying the terminal fee at CIA for a year. Navarro, who is married to an Australian, arrived from Hong Kong via an AirAsia flight that arrived at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. With the rapid increase in the departure of international and domestic travelers through the CIA, airport authorities now expect to serve five million passengers by November since 2003, Luciano said. He said serving a million passengers in less than 10 months is “one of the signs of very bright prospects not only for the CIA but for the market it serves in central and northern Luzon as link to international markets as well as spur domestic activity.” The year 2011 closed with 767,109 passengers, he said, estimating that Clark would serve 1.4 million travelers by end of 2012. The government rehabilitated the CIA after the United States Air Force in 1991 left the 2,500-hectare facility now known as the Clark Freeport. The first million mark was reached in June 2007, after over four years of operations by airlines led by Asiana Airlines beginning 2003, Luciano said in a separate statement. But passenger volumes have been breaching the 500,000 mark yearly as low-cost carriers AirAsia Berhad, Cebu Pacific, Seair, AirAsia Philippines, AirPhil Express and Jin Air serve Southeast Asian destinations through Clark. Dragonair, a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, also operates through Clark.






Clark workers union to stage prayer rally

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- Employees unions of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) will stage a prayer rally and noise barrage on Monday in protest of the implementation collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).

The workers will stage their protest actions during lunchtime in front of the CDC President's Office at the parade ground.

The groups have come up with a joint manifesto of solidarity in urging the government commission to uphold the Constitutional and labor rights of government employees inside the former US military facility.

The groups manifesto stemmed from the letter of Government Commission on GOCC (GCG) Chair Cesar Villanueva to CDC Chair and OIC Eduardo Oban Jr. stating that “the Commission formally informs CDC that with the Issuance of EO7 (executive order no. 7) and pursuant to the enactment of Republic Act 10149, CBAs between employees and GOCC employers may no longer be negotiated.”

In their manifesto, government workers at Clark Freeport led by the Association of CDC Supervisory Personnel (ACSP), Samahan ng mga Manggagawa DMIA (SMD) and the Association of Concerned CDC Employees (ACCES) stated that they are pursuing five common issues.

The manifesto stated that CDC should: respect the right of self-organization and freedom of association and the existence of unions in GOCCs; implement signed CBA agreements of unions with their respective government agency as prescribed by the Philippine Constitution and Labor Code of the Philippines; uphold the rights of the GOCC workers on the issue on Personal Economic Relief Assistance; resolve the issue of wages and benefits of GOCC workers; and implement the judicious use of government funds coming from the GOCCs.

The letter of Villanueva stemmed following the agreement of ACSP and CDC Management to seek for a voluntary arbitration following the non-implementation of concluded CBA negotiations on March 2012.

The agreement for voluntary arbitration after the ACSP, supervisory union of CDC, filed unfair labor practice case against CDC for the non-implementation of the CBA despite the approval of the CDC Board of Directors, wherein Villanueva was then the presiding CDC Chairman.

The union groups in Clark said the GCG should respect the right of workers to organize as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.

They claimed that Villanueva should also uphold the rights of labor groups as specified in the Labor Code of the Philippines.

RA 10149 (GOCC Governance Act of 2011) has become more powerful than the Labor Code (Articles 242, 244, and 246) which enshrined in the employees right to collective bargaining, adding that “it effectively abolished this right as all salaries, incentives, and benefits of GOCC employees are now to be dictated by a single super power commission,” the employees claimed.

Villanueva also said in his letter to Oban that “it should be clear that under the regime set under RA 10149, GOCCs, whether chartered or non-chartered, are without authority to set their own compensation frameworks, nor are their Governing Boards are authorized to enter into collective bargaining negotiations or be bound to arbitration proceedings that would set the compensation framework outside of the Compensation an Position Classification System (CPCS) that is being developed by the Commission for final approval of the President.”

Presently, there are two CBA that have yet to be implemented -- the agreement between the rank and file union of CIAC which have yet to be implemented despite the signing last 2010 and CBA of the supervisory group of CDC, which was the subject of Villanueva’s letter, the worker unions stated.

Early next year, ACCES are set to negotiate with the CDC management the new life of their CBA after its five year contract ends.

But with the present situation with CIAC’s SMD and CDC’s ACSP, CDC’s rank and file union might suffer the same fate because of the prohibition being stated by Villanueva as stated in RA 10149 and EO7, the workers lamented.

DILG Seal of Good Housekeeping confers to all provincial gov'ts and HUCs in Central Luzon

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Muslim tribal chief


CLARK FREEPORT, Oct. 26 (PIA) - Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday conferred the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) marker to the Provincial Governments of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales and highly urbanized cities of Angeles and Olongapo. Secretary Manuel Roxas II bestowed the recognition in a ceremony in Clark Freeport. "SGH is given to local government units (LGUs) that have excelled in the areas of planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, financial management and budget execution , procurement, and resource mobilization, "DILG Regional Director Florida Dijan explained. LGU recipients have also obtained a "no adverse report" from the Commission on Audit, Which Means that They have complied with all the requirements of the government's auditing agency. All seven provinces, 13 cities, and 117 municipalities in Central Luzon have been awarded with the SGH-the first region to Achieve Such feat. SGH honorees automatically vie for the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) Each Receive wherein LGUs chosen P7 million (for provinces), P3 million (for cities) and P1 million (for municipalities) from the national government Which will be utilized for projects supportive to the attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals Such as extreme poverty and eradicate hunger, Achieve universal primary education, reduce child mortality and promote gender equality. For 2012, grantees PCF are the towns of Dinalupihan, Mariveles, Bataan and Orani in: Angat, Balagtas, Baliuag, Bulacan, Calumpit, Guiguinto, Hagonoy, Plaridel, Pulilan, San Rafael, and Sta. Maria in Bulacan : Sta. Rosa in Nueva Ecija; Apalit, Arayat, Guagua, Macabebe, respectfully, Mexico, and Mabalacat (was a municipality PCF During the time of application) in Pampanga; Camiling, Moncada, and Paniqui in Tarlac; and Botolan and San Marcelino in Zambales. (WLB / CLJD-PIA 3)

In Gov. Pineda’s face, Roxas orders stop to ‘jueteng’

By Tonette Orejas


CLARK FREEPORT—Before police and local officials, including the wife of alleged “jueteng” lord Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II ordered the police on Wednesday to stop the illegal numbers racket in Pampanga. Roxas gave the order during the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting that was attended by Gov. Lilia “Baby” Pineda. Bong Pineda had been investigated by the Senate for allegedly running jueteng in Pampanga and other Luzon provinces. “My ‘mystery shoppers,’ who are civilians, placed bets on jueteng and I have the pieces of paper [where the number pairs that they bet on were written], to show that jueteng is still being played here,” Roxas said. He raised the matter after Pineda reported that the cooperation of the police and local and provincial governments had brought down the number of crime incidents in Pampanga. Pineda spoke after Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali reported on the provincial peace and order situation. Former Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio, a candidate of the administration’s Liberal Party (LP) who will face Pineda in the 2013 election for governor, accompanied Roxas to the RPOC meeting. Panlilio, a priest, was quiet during the meeting and was a seat away from Roxas. Senior Supt. R’Win Pagkalinawan, Pampanga police director, denied reports that jueteng continued to be played in the province. When Chief Supt. Edgardo Ladao, Central Luzon police director, tried to explain the status of the government-sanctioned Small Town Lottery (STL) and its difference from jueteng, Roxas cut him short and said: “It is not for you to say what is legal or not.” Roxas then turned to Pagkalinawan and said: “I’m giving you a chance to review your data.” Silence filled the room where all governors of Central Luzon, except for Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., were present. “I can show you the papelitos …. I’m not joking about this,” Roxas said. Pineda did not dispute Roxas’ information. She stayed in her seat, quiet during the entire discussion. She left when Roxas adjourned the meeting. Pineda did not attend the awarding of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s seal of governance and cash incentives to local and provincial governments. Interviewed after the RPOC meeting, Pagkalinawan showed a copy of a letter of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which owns the STL franchise, to Eder Dizon, president of Suncove, the STL agent-corporation in Pampanga. Signed by PCSO general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II, the Sept. 14, 2012 letter informed Dizon that the police had been deputized to arrest jueteng employees and financiers. Pagkalinawan said the illegal numbers game discovered in Pampanga was the card game sakla in Porac town. He could not say if Roxas’ informants placed bets with STL employees. “But we can verify if they are legitimate STL employees because we have a list of those,” he said. Later at a press briefing, Roxas said he had “independently verified” the existence of jueteng in Pampanga. “I expect this to be stopped,” he said. Asked why Panlilio, LP candidate for governor, was with him at the RPOC meeting, Roxas said the priest was one of his friends in Pampanga. “I am one of those who believe in the leadership of Among Ed,” said Roxas, LP president on leave.





AirAsia offers P1,499 fare for Clark-Singapore

By Marna Del Rosario


CLARK FREEPORT—Philippines AirAsia on Friday opened its newest travel service center named as the AirAsia Travel Service Center (ATSC) in Angeles City offering P1,499 Clark-Singapore all-in promo fare which started its booking period from October 22-28 this year. Guests who will avail of this promo will be able to travel from December 15, 2012 to March 31, 2013. “We are opening more and more travel service centers so that everyone can have an easy, hassle-free access to our super low fares and promos. We have ATSCs in Metro Manila and Davao City malls, but today is extra special because we are opening our doors to the community where we base our operations,” AirAsia Inc. CEO Maan Hontiveros said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Philippines’ AirAsia set up its hub in Clark, Pampanga in 2011 in an effort to develop tourism and transportation outside Metro Manila. “Travel and tourism have never been this exciting for us here in Central and Northern Luzon since Philippines’ AirAsia started its operation in Clark airport this year. Aside from low fares, AirAsia flights are usually punctual, checking in via kiosk and mobile apps is easy and their cabin crew are fun and friendly,” Gilda Padua, Managing Director of ATSC Pampanga, said. For his part, Tourism regional director for Central Luzon Ronnie Tiotuico said, “Tourism in our region is growing largely because of AirAsia in Clark and we have marching orders to push for more foreign tourist to come to our region for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibits or MICE.” ATSC Pampanga is the fourth travel service center that exclusively offers AirAsia seats and services. Aside from ATSCs, guests may also purchase AirAsia seats and avail of promos through its website www.airasia.com or via accredited travel agents nationwide. Philippines’ AirAsia call center also accepts booking of regular fares via +632 588 9999 from Monday to Sunday at 0800hrs to 2100hrs (GMT +8). Guests from Metro Manila may also purchase seats through AirAsia Travel & Service Centers (ATSC) located in SM North EDSA in Quezon City and in Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Davao guests may visit ATSC in Gaisano Mall in Davao City. “We are here to provide our guests with safe, reliable flights at very affordable prices. Low cost or low fare need not be equated with cheap, uncomfortable or inferior flying experience. We aim to give our guests premium quality service the AirAsia way,” Hontiveros said.






Pampanga capitol spends P1.2B in infra projects

By (PNA)

SCS/ZST/HPM/PS/RSM


CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Oct. 23 (PNA) — The provincial government has spent at least P1.2 billion pesos for various infrastructure projects in the province in a span of three years. The infrastructure projects include the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals, roads and schools in the province. Gov. Lilia Pineda said that despite huge spending on infrastructure projects, the provincial government still has enough money to provide other equally important services needed by the Kapampangans. Pineda said that since she assumed office as provincial chief executive, she started the general renovation and improvement of all existing district hospital buildings in the province, including facilities and medical equipment. The renovation and improvement of the hospitals in the province is 85 percent completed, she said. She said the provincial government also funded the establishment of dialysis centers in some selected hospitals to provide cheaper treatment for patients. In some instances, other interested groups, stakeholders and individuals also help in the construction of these centers, she said. The governor also said the provincial government has already constructed at least 182 new classrooms and several covered courts in various public schools in the province with an estimated amount of P176 million. For 2011 alone, records from the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) show that the provincial government released P50,083,216 for the construction of 45 new classrooms; repair and improvement of 32 classrooms and building of five covered courts. This year, P54,149,836 has been allocated to finance the construction of 28 new classrooms, repair and improvements of 77 classrooms and one covered court. Engineer Olimpio Pangan of the PEO earlier said that P62.5 million has been allocated for the ongoing construction of at least 35 more classrooms and another P9.7 million for the construction of boys and girls’ comfort rooms for 26 public schools. The PEO has also facilitated the rehabilitation of some provincial roads which were damaged by recent calamities. Other infrastructure projects finished included the improvement of dikes, particularly in Mandili, Candaba, and San Sebastian, San Luis town. Recently, the provincial government gave all local government units (LGUs) in the province some P100 million to finance various priority development projects. Each municipality received at least P5 million to ensure the continuity of infrastructure development down to the barangay level Last year, the provincial government provided at least P80 million for the priority development projects of each of the 20 municipalities in the province.

Clark Airport Expects 1 Millionth Passenger

By ibemarshall


CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport is expecting its one millionth passenger for 2012 this week, said airport corporation (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Jose Luciano on Sunday.

“This is another milestone for the Clark International Airport as we have achieved for the first time an unprecedented one million passengers in one year. In fact, with the arrival of the millionth passenger, the figure is achieved in just 10 months, even before the year ends,” said Luciano.

It is the first time the Clark International Airport will post an annual passenger volume of one million, according to the airport official. The first one million-passenger mark was achieved in June 2007 after four years of operations by commercial airlines, led by South Korea’s Asiana Airlines that started in 2003.

On June 29, 2007, the Clark airport received its one-millionth passenger, who was identified as Korean national Lee Eun Hee, a 35-year-old computer programmer who arrived at the airport aboard an Asiana Airlines flight from Incheon, South Korea.

The entry of more airlines, particularly low-cost carriers AirAsia Berhad, Cebu Pacific, Seair, Philippines AirAsia, AirPhil Express and Jin Air, increased the volume of local and international passengers. Last year, CIAC recorded an overall passenger volume of 767,109.

Luciano said the airport is on its way to attaining close to 1.4 million passengers by the end of 2012 due to the increase in the number of both international and domestic flights. “At the rate we’re going, we expect to reach close to 1.4 million passengers by the end of this year,” Luciano said. He said seven budget carriers currently operate on a 24-hour basis. Clark has the most number of budget carriers compared to other airports in the country, he added.

Full-service carriers operating in Clark include Asiana Airlines of South Korea and Hong Kong-based Dragonair. The airport has 296 aircraft movements per week and the figure is expected to increase as Zest Airways is set to launch daily international flights to Incheon, South Korea later this month.

Luciano earlier proposed to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) the setting up of a budget terminal that would initially accommodate close to 10 million passengers annually. The proposed terminal is similar to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia. The existing passenger terminal can only accommodate 2.5 million passengers annually.

The CIAC management is evaluating procedures to expand the terminal, which will eventually have a capacity of four million passengers yearly. The project will cost around P360 million, Luciano said.






Clark airport expects 1 millionth passenger

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport is expecting its one millionth passenger for 2012 this week, said airport corporation (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Jose Luciano on Sunday.

“This is another milestone for the Clark International Airport as we have achieved for the first time an unprecedented one million passengers in one year. In fact, with the arrival of the millionth passenger, the figure is achieved in just 10 months, even before the year ends,” said Luciano.

It is the first time the Clark International Airport will post an annual passenger volume of one million, according to the airport official.

The first one million-passenger mark was achieved in June 2007 after four years of operations by commercial airlines, led by South Korea’s Asiana Airlines that started in 2003.

On June 29, 2007, the Clark airport received its one-millionth passenger, who was identified as Korean national Lee Eun Hee, a 35-year-old computer programmer who arrived at the airport aboard an Asiana Airlines flight from Incheon, South Korea.

The entry of more airlines, particularly low-cost carriers AirAsia Berhad, Cebu Pacific, Seair, Philippines AirAsia, AirPhil Express and Jin Air, increased the volume of local and international passengers.

Last year, CIAC recorded an overall passenger volume of 767,109.

Luciano said the airport is on its way to attaining close to 1.4 million passengers by the end of 2012 due to the increase in the number of both international and domestic flights.

“At the rate we’re going, we expect to reach close to 1.4 million passengers by the end of this year,” Luciano said.

He said seven budget carriers currently operate on a 24-hour basis.

Clark has the most number of budget carriers compared to other airports in the country, he added.

Full-service carriers operating in Clark include Asiana Airlines of South Korea and Hong Kong-based Dragonair.

The airport has 296 aircraft movements per week and the figure is expected to increase as Zest Airways is set to launch daily international flights to Incheon, South Korea later this month.

Luciano earlier proposed to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) the setting up of a budget terminal that would initially accommodate close to 10 million passengers annually.

The proposed terminal is similar to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia.

The existing passenger terminal can only accommodate 2.5 million passengers annually.

The CIAC management is evaluating procedures to expand the terminal, which will eventually have a capacity of four million passengers yearly.

The project will cost around P360 million, Luciano said.






Austrian found dead in Angeles City

By Report from Kimberly Recto, ABS-CBN News Pampanga


MANILA, Philippines – The decomposing body of an Austrian national was discovered inside his home in Angeles City.

The foul smell coming from the home of Karl Horner Hedwig at No. 101 Dawes Street, Sunset Valley Homes, prompted Rosalina Carbonel to report it to authorities.

Police immediately responded and found Hedwig’s body when they peered through the window.

Authorities found no sign of foul play and believe that the foreigner died a natural death.

Hedwig’s body was brought to the Funeraria Pangilinan in Angeles City.

City gov’t owes P2.5-M gas, oil

By clarkphilippines.com


ANGELES CITY–Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin revealed that the city government led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has more than P2.5 million debts in gasoline and oil supply. Irish Calaguas, Lazatin’s Chief of Staff, said reports from Magtoto Petron Station located along McArthur Highway say that the city government owes it more than P2.5 million worth of gas and oil. Calaguas said government vehicles have not been able to acquire gasoline because of the city government’s inability to pay their obligations to the gasoline station. “The only reason that the mayor’s office can still load gasoline is because they are using petty cash,” Calaguas said. According to the Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No.97-002 dated February 10, 1997, all payments must be made by check. Only payments in small amounts may be made by cash through the petty cash fund in the amount not exceeding P1, 000. ‘Exaggerated’ In a statement, Pamintuan said the amount of gas and oil debts claimed by the Lazatin camp is “exaggerated.” “I’m sure the amount is exaggerated as usual. But, as far as Magtoto is concerned, all vouchers are being processed and checks are being prepared. The supplier will be paid. There’s no problem in that,” Pamintuan said. Moreover, Pamintuan added that Magtoto gas station is not their only supplier. He said all local government units in the country have accommodations and credit line from gasoline stations for easy service everyday but “the Angeles City government do pay at the end of the day.” “Payments to our suppliers undergo due process. We’re even paying the debts of past administrations,” Pamintuan said. The mayor branded Lazatin’s claim as “another malicious deed and black propaganda of Tarzan’s (Calaguas) aide.” COA violation Lazatin’s Chief of Staff, Calaguas, said the use of petty cash for gasoline expenses is a violation of Commission on Audit (COA) Corcular No. 97-002. The COA Annual Audit Report for the year 2011, dated June 18, 2012, show that for the year 2011, the Pamintuan administration reimbursed a total of P1,417,740.77 in gasoline expenses. Part II, Section 7.6 of the COA Audit Report states that “personnel of different offices had purchased goods and services in cash although the amounts and nature thereof were not petty.” Reports also say that aside from millions of gasoline debts, the city government also owes local newspaper Central Luzon Businessweek about P124,000 in advertisement debts. “The city government has not been able to pay for the numerous advertisements they commissioned on our paper since October 2011,” said Mina Navarro-Cabiles, Businessweek’s Marketing Officer. The commissioned advertisements mentioned by Cabiles include calendar of activities for Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan published from October 5 to 11, 2011 amounting to P10,000; congratulatory message for Businessweek’s sixth anniversary published from November 16 to 22, 2011 amounting to P6,000; a six-page publication of City Ordinance No. 302 from March 7 to 13, 2012 amounting to P90,000; publication of birthday greetings for Congressman Lazatin from June 27 to July 3, 2012 amounting to P12,000; and the publication of a congratulatory message for the 98th anniversary of Iglesia Ni Cristo from July 25 to 30, 2012, amounting to P6,000. The Lazatin camp also revealed that they received insider reports saying that the salaries of the controversial Job Order Employees from September 16 to 30, amounting to P8 million, were only paid on October 5, after SM Prime Holdings paid their taxes worth P9,189,775.98 the day before (October 4). “The administration keeps on denying the city’s bankruptcy and calling Congressman Lazatin a liar, but the evidence are everywhere,” Calaguas said.






City owes P2.5M in fuel products

By Rey Navales


ANGELES CITY – Angeles City owes more than P2.5 million in gasoline and fuel products from Magtoto Petron Station, the reason why some city owned vehicles are disallowed from getting fuel from the gas station.

IC Calaguas, chief of staff of Representative Carmelo Lazatin (1st district, Pampanga) claimed the City Government is stuck in debt.

Calaguas revealed government vehicles were not able to acquire gasoline because of the City Government’s inability to pay their obligations to the gasoline station.

“The only reason that the Mayor’s Office can still load gasoline is because they are using petty cash,” Calaguas said.

According to Commission on Audit (CoA) Circular No. 97-002 dated February 10, 1997, all payments must be made by check. Only payments in small amounts may be made by cash through the petty cash fund in the amount not exceeding P1,000.

The lawmaker alleged earlier this week that aside from the unpaid fuel liabilities the city also has unpaid obligations amounting to P600 million and is even banned from the Shanghai Restaurant because of their failure to pay for obligations incurred through the holding of Partido Abe Kapampangan events in the restaurant.

As of September 3, 2012, official records from the Office of the City Treasurer show that the city had an income of P16,084,424.08 but had expenditures amounting to P28,030,000, resulting in the city having a budget deficit of P11,945,575.92.

Meanwhile, Angeles City Administrator Dennis Albert Pamintuan reacted to Lazatin's use of a patient to hit Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

The city administrator said Lazatin need not fret and politically exploit the case of a certain Ronalyn Dayrit, the patient he referred to the Ospital Ning Angeles (ONA).

“Congressman Lazatin need not exploit the sick. There is no need for a guarantee letter from him. The City Government took care of Ms. Dayrit. Because she is classified as an indigent, we gave her a hefty discount,” Pamintuan said.

According to records of ONA, Dayrit only paid P500 out of her total bill of P4,877.

“For us, the important thing is, the patient was given all the assistance she needed whether it came from this administration or from Lazatin's camp,” Pamintuan said.

“We did not touch the P500,000 allocations from Lazatin’s pork barrel supposedly for ONA because there was no memorandum of agreement (MOA) between him and city hall for the disposition of the funds. Technically, we can use the funds without Lazatin’s go signal, but we wanted clear-cut guidelines for its use,” he said.

He admitted Lazatin wrote the City Government on July 24, 2012 informing of the issuance of a notice of cash allocation (NCA) in the name of the City Government.

“I personally informed Lazatin’s staff that they should prepare a MoA covering the use of the allocation,” Pamintuan recalled.

“No one pursued it on their part,” he said. “Now they are making a big issue out of it,” he added.

According to him, the city accountant also raised the need of a MOA for the liquidation of the funds.

“It is quite clear that Lazatin and his ilk are exploiting every opportunity to score political points. However, this is again a cheap shot, as most of their accusations against the administration of Mayor Pamintuan are,” he said.






AirAsia guarantees on time service

By Marna D. Del Rosario


CLARK FREEPORT–Philippines’ AirAsia is now offering passengers on-time guarantee service wherein eligible passengers, whose flights are delayed for more than two hours from the scheduled time of flight departure will be entitled to an appropriate compensation through AirAsia Insurance Travel Protection. According to Philippines AirAsia CEO Maan Hontiveros, the travel insurance is available from as low as P202.11 which includes coverage for medical expenses, travel delays, trip cancellation, loss of baggage and personal effects. “AirAsia On Time Guarantee aims to create a positive experience for our guest and at the same time motivate us to maintain our designated levels of punctuality and reliability. It is noteworthy to highlight that AirAsia’s on-time performance is ahead of the industry’s standard and occasionally, our planes arrive earlier than the scheduled expected time of arrival. It also helps that Clark International Airport is not as congested as NAIA,” AirAsia Inc. CEO Maan Hontiveros said. Philippines’ AirAsia posted an average on time performance of 90.83% as of September since it started operation in March this year. “We value our passenger’s time. ‘On Time, All the Time’ is not just a slogan but we live by it, if we fall short of this promise, we will compensate eligible passengers through our travel insurance. We are here to provide our guests with safe, reliable flights at very affordable prices. Low cost or low fare need not be equated with cheap, uncomfortable or inferior flying experience. We aim to give our guests premium quality service the AirAsia way,” Hontiveros said. During the two-day kick-off ceremony of the AirAsia’s Awesome Roadshow in SM North Edsa in Quezon City, the low cost carrier also offered awesome promo fares which started last October 14 until October 21. Fly from Clark International Airport to Hong Kong and Kota Kinabalu from as low as P999 and to Davao and Kalibo from as low as P699. Guests who will avail of this promo via www.airasia.com will be able to travel from 3 January 2013 to 31 March 2013.

Lazatin aide a black propagandist – Aguilar

By clarkphilippines.com


ANGELES CITY – The Partido Abe Kapampangan scored the aide of Congressman Carmelo Lazatin for “spreading lies and black propaganda” against Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan. “She is a black propagandist,” said Party Deputy Secretary General William Aguilar, referring to Irish Calaguas. Calaguas is Lazatin’s chief of staff and spokesperson, who allegedly tried to deceive the people by issuing press releases which were proven as lies, according to the party. In her media releases, Calaguas said the City Government is bankrupt and the real property tax (RPT) shares of barangays for August have not been released. “Those are all lies. The City Government has proven in numerous statements its financial stability. Also, our own checking with employees indicated that they are receiving their salaries and benefits on time and the RPTs for August have been released as proven by barangay chairmen themselves,” Aguilar explained. In a radio interview, Balibago barangay captain Rodelio Mamac said they received their RPTs for the months of July and August. “I never issued any statement complaining about our RPT share. There may be some delays, but the City Government does not fail to remit our barangay shares,” Mamac said. Aguilar said it is ridiculous for Calaguas to demand that the Pamintuan administration should present proof and documents to show that the city coffers are stable. Instead of coming up with “baseless and malicious press releases,” Pamintuan’s Abe party said they dare Calaguas to present the platform of government of Lazatin.

Angeles City bags 3 major DILG awards

By Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY—Three more prestigious awards are forthcoming for the Angeles City local government. In a letter to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, Regional Director Florida Dijan of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that three awards will be given to Angeles City. The awards will be presented on the first week of November by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas in ceremonies at the Holiday Inn, Clark Freeport Zone. These are the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) Certificate – Top 10 for 2 years in a row; Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) for 2nd straight year; and, the very prestigious Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award—Highly-Urbanized City category. The SGH and Gawad Pamana ng Lahi come with cash awards amounting to millions of pesos. “These awards are a great honor to Angeles City. I would like to thank my colleagues at city hall for their very good work, and also the DILG for recognizing our efforts at promoting good governance, transparency and efficiency of service,” said Pamintuan. Last year, Pamintuan also received the Seal of Good Housekeeping and the LGPMS Top 10 Certificate also from the DILG. The late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo personally handed the awards. The DILG also awarded the city government with P30 million last year. Angeles City was voted fourth among the top highly-urbanized cities in the country. These are on top of Pamintuan’s inclusion as a top finalist in the 2012 World Mayor contest, one of only five Asians who made the list. “I think we need not brag about these awards. They come if we just do our jobs properly and efficiently,” Pamintuan said. “There is no politics involved in these awards, as they were given on the basis of strict criteria and by people who are very objective,” the mayor added. Pamintuan’s Chief of Staff Alexander Cauguiran said the numerous awards, most of which are pertaining to good governance and transparency, are the best defense against tirades of politicians trying to vie to lead the city again, “but only succeeded in getting the city to the dumps during their long terms.” SGH is given to local government units (LGUs) that have excelled in the areas of planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, financial management and budget execution, procurement, and resource mobilization; The LTIA, meanwhile, grants economic and other incentives to Lupong Tagapamayapa for their outstanding contributions to attain the objectives of the Katarungang Pambarangay; And, the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi is given to a province, city or municipality that accords government recognition to exemplary performance.

Clark ConEx 2012 vital to ICT growth

By (PNA)

PDS/ZST/FEM/SSC


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Oct. 14 (PNA) –Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo on Wednesday cited the vital contribution of the Clark ConEx 2012 in the growth and development of information communications technology (ICT)industry in this Freeport zone. In his keynote address during the two-day conference and expo held at the Holiday Inn Clark, Montejo said Clark ConEx 2012 “is a testament that the ICT industry inside the Clark Freeport is rapidly growing.” The same statement was also expressed by Dr. George Sorio, chair of the Metro Clark ICT Council, saying that ICT industry remains as one of the Clark Freeport’s leading employers. Metro Clark ICT Council president Frankie Villanueva, for his part, said his organization is in constant communication with colleges and universities in Pampanga as well as nearby provinces in Central Luzon to address issues in job mismatch and sustain the manpower needs of IT, business process outsourcing (BPO), and semiconductor industries inside the Clark Freeport. Clark Development Corporation (CDC chair and officer-in-charge Eduardo Oban, Jr., meanwhile, said “ConEx 2012 will solidify Clark’s niche as a credible technology and e-Expo destination in Asia, capable of hosting the top players and investors in this multi-billion dollar industry.” “I firmly believe that the Clark ConEx 2012 would institutionalize Clark’s reputation as the most viable investment and development destination in the global ICT and BPO,” Oban said. “At the same time, this event also highlights the Metro Clark area’s global tourist appeal because of its convenient business-meets-leisure-environment, its rich culture, wide array of entertainment and recreational getaways, and world-famous Filipino hospitality, which many foreign investors truly appreciate,” he added. Spearheaded by the Metro Clark ICT Council, the 2012 ConEx is one of the council’s flagship projects geared to make the Clark Freeport as the country’s foremost IT and BPO destination. This year’s conferences tackled various issues affecting stakeholders in the ICT and BPO industries.

ClarCFO to conduct advocacy training on anti-human trafficking

By pna.gov.ph


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Oct. 13 (PNA) -- The Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO) will conduct an advocacy training for media practitioners on anti- human trafficking at the Lohas Hotel here on Oct. 17-18.

With a core message, “Laban Kontra Human Trafficking, Laban Nating Lahat,” the training aims to foster advocates in various fields who can help in addressing the issues of human trafficking, CFO chairperson Imelda Nicolas said.

CFO is a government agency under the Office of the President which tasked to promote and uphold the interest of all overseas Filipinos.

The commission, which became an ex-officio member of the Inter-Agency council against Trafficking in Persons (IACAT), was delegated to head the Advocacy and Communications Committee (ADVOCOM) in December 2010.

Since the creation of IACAT-ADVOCOM, it has implemented several projects relevant to the anti-trafficking campaign which includes the operations of the 1343 action line information, the first dedicated hot line on anti-trafficking and other related cases, Nicolas said.

The 1343 action line, she said, is operating on a 24/7 basis and it has conducted national and regional trainors’ trainings in six different areas and Community Education Program (CEP) in 20 provinces.

The CFO’s government partners in this project are the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Philippine Information Agency(PIA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration(POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Council for the Welfare of Children .

The CFO’s non-government partners are the Blas Ople Policy Center, International Justice Mission and the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc.(PNA) GHG/ZST/FEM/PS/PJN

Clark workers dismayed over CBA delay

By (Reynaldo G. Navales)


CLARK FREEPORT -- Employees of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) are dismayed over a directive issued to the union to defer talks on collective bargaining agreement.

Governance Commission on Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation (GCG) chairman Cesar Villanueva in a letter to CDC officer in charge Eduardo Oban Jr. stated "the Commission formally informs CDC that with the Issuance of EO7 and pursuant to the enactment of Republic Act 10149, CBAs between employees and GOCC employers may no longer be negotiated.”

Villanueva issued the letter following an agreement between the Association of CDC Supervisory Personnel (ACSP) and the CDC Management to seek for voluntary arbitration following the non-implementation of the concluded CBA negotiations on March 2012.

The agreement came after ACSP filed an unfair labor practice case against CDC for the non-implementation of the CBA despite the approval of the CDC Board of Directors, where Villanueva was still acting as CDC presiding chairman.

ACSP president Victor Barbieto said RA 10149 or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011 became more powerful than the Labor Code (Articles 242, 244, and 246) which enshrined in the employees right to collective bargaining.

Barbieto added “it effectively abolished this right as all salaries, incentives, and benefits of GOCC employees are now to be dictated by a single superpower commission.”

Villanueva in the same letter to Oban also stated “it should be clear that under the regime set under RA 10149, GOCCs, whether chartered or non-chartered, are without authority to set their own compensation frameworks, nor are their Governing Boards are authorized to enter into collective bargaining negotiations or be bound to arbitration proceedings that would set the compensation framework outside of the Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS) that is being developed by the Commission for final approval of the President.”

Other workers’ association affected by Villanueva’s letter includes the Association of Concerned CDC Employees (ACCES), Mimosa Employees Union, and Clark International Airport Corporation union.

Aside from ACCES, CBA that has yet to be implemented from the CDC, CIAC’s rank and file union, and Mimosa Leisure employees union. ACCES new CBA negotiation is scheduled early next year.

“Meanwhile, all GOCC employees' salaries are being ordered to be put in status quo, no movement, no increase, and no progress. By the way, Malacañang has prescribed the salaries of all Board of Directors of all GOCCs through EO 24. So the BODs, can now enjoy their salaries or allowances, while the employees' salaries are frozen. To think that RA10149 was primarily created to curb the abuses of GOCC BODs, (of MWSS) but in the end the lowly common employees suffered,” Barbieto added.

Government employees who are dependent on the DBM for salaries will already be enjoying the increased salaries given by the Joint Resolution No. 4, Series of 2009, and implementation of EO 811 dated June 17, 2009; salaries which are definitely much higher than those enjoyed by CDC employees of the same level (Salary Grade 22 -24 equivalent to Job Level10), Barbieto said.

Clark, Cebu ideal to decongest NCR of BPO, IT firms

By Joey Pavia


CLARK FREEPORT — Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Sec. Mario Montejo on Wednesday named this Freeport as “ideal” site for the growing business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology (IT) industries in the country with the national government aiming to decongest Metro Manila of the same businesses.

Montejo, who was among the guests at the Clark ConEx 2012 International ICT Conference and Expo from October 10 to 11, said at least 75 percent of the total BPO and IT firms are in the National Capital Region (NCR). The 25 percent, he added, are mostly in Cebu and Clark.

He said they aimed to put at least 40 percent of the total industry outside of the NCR.

Montejo cited the tremendous growth of the BPO and IT businesses in Clark over the past two years. He said this Freeport is one of the “best sites” outside of the capital region for the same industry.

Montejo said they launched programs to help the host province of Pampanga to produce the workers needed by the BPO and IT Industries numbering at least 61.

He said the trainings are concentrated on “English proficiency and analytics.”

Dr. Francisco Villanueva, president of the Metro Clark ICT Council, said they have started meeting with schools and training centers in Angeles City, Clark and Pampanga to help them promote job-matching for the growing IT and BPO-related industries at Clark.

Villanueva said there were at least 4,000 direct BPO and IT workers at Clark in 2010, jumping to some 11,300 as of September 2012.

As of latest data from the Clark Development Corp. (CDC), there are more than 70,000 workers here.

George D. Sorio, chairman of the Metro Clark ICT Council, said the August 7 torrential rains that paralyzed the BPO operations in Metro Manila had shown the advantages of Clark.

Sorio of the Cyber City Teleservices, pioneer BPO firm at Clark, said that since the recent flooding in Metro Manila this year, there had been “large additional inquiries” on affected and potential investors wanting to locate at this Freeport.

The two-day conference and expo is one of the projects of Sorio and other groups, including the CDC and MCICT, in promoting Clark as haven for the BPO and IT industry.






NAIA flights diverted to Clark

By Joelyn G. Baluyut


CLARK FREEPORT, Oct 10 (PIA) -- A total of 11 domestic and international flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were diverted to Clark International Airport (CIA) Tuesday after the former’s VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Navigation system cut off.

These flights include two Philippine Airlines flights coming from Tuguegarao and Kalibo; two AirPhil Express from Iloilo and Incheon, South Korea; three Cebu Pacific flights which came from Tagbiliran, Caticlan and Naga City; Thai Airway’s Bangkok flight; King Air’s flights that came from Quezon, Davao and Kalibo.

“Passengers of all flights safely arrived inside Clark which is located 80 kilometers away from NAIA. CIA is always ready to accommodate diverted flights in which the airport is bustling with more than 316 aircraft movements per week,” CIA Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Victor Jose Luciano said.

CIA is one of the biggest aviation complexes in Asia with two runways in parallel configuration that can be easily extended to four kilometers to accommodate new generation wide-bodied aircrafts.

Its website said it is located at the heart of Central Luzon, making it the most viable and convenient airport of choice for travelers from North-Central Luzon and the northern Metro Manila area who wants to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city streets.

It is easily accessible by shuttle bus from various points of Metro Manila and North Luzon. (CLJD/JGB-PIA3)

Industrial gas firm to invest $30M in Clark

By Joelyn G. Baluyut


CLARK FREEPORT, Oct 9 (PIA) -- Philippine liquid and cylinder air products manufacturer and distributor Ingasco Inc is set to build a $30-million plant inside Clark.

“The plant consists of an air separation facility for the existing and future industrial, medical and specialty gases that will provide the requirements of several firms which include semiconductor facilities in the Freeport,” said Eduardo Oban, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) chairman and officer-in-charge, in a statement.

The 17,816-square meter plant will be established along Panday Pira Avenue.

“Based on our agreement with Ingasco, they will be hiring 20 workers for its initial operations,” Oban said.

Ingasco is primarily engaged in the production, marketing, and distribution of oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, acetylene, carbon dioxide and other allied gasses. It is also a manufacturer of on-site-plant and sale of gas equipment.

Its primary stockholders are Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC)-Japan’s top specialty distributor of industrial gas and manufacturer of air separation plants and the Caloocan Gas Corporation (CGC), which is considered as one of the biggest manufacturer and distributor of industrial gases in the country. (CLJD/JGB-PIA3)






DTI Central Luzon hosts 1st forum on Phl rubber industry

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, Oct 8 (PIA) -- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Central Luzon recently hosted the first nationwide forum on rubber industry at Holiday Inn inside Clark Freeport.

The two-day event, dubbed “Philippine Rubber Investment and Market Encounter (PRIME),” had become a platform for business networking, exhibits, and exchange of information among stakeholders of Philippine rubber industry said Blesila Lantayona, DTI regional director.


Participants consisted of market experts, policy makers, rubber producers, processors, traders and exporters, and manufacturers such as Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc. and members of the Philippine Rubber Industries Association, Inc.

"Anchored on the theme of Bridging opportunities for inclusive growth,” we have organize Prime 2012 as a first business event to provide access to opportunities in the rubber industry, expand domestic trade for natural rubber, and help create jobs in the countryside” Lantayona said.


For her part, DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations and Development Group (RODG) Merly Cruz said “Prime 2012 served as an access to investment and marketing opportunities and also provide updates on the latest developments in the industry, prospects and marketing opportunities.”

Cruz added, “The event likewise served as a venue to address current challenges confronting the industry by focusing in key issues in production efficiency and sustainability including compliance to industry-wide standards.” (CLJD with reports from DTI)

Clark airport reduces terminal fee to P450

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has announced the reduction of the terminal fee from P600 to P450 for international passengers effective October 2012.

CIAC president Victor Jose Luciano said the price is the lowest in all airports in the country today.

Luciano said the CIAC board, during a special board meeting on September 20, approved the adjustment of fee charged to outbound passengers using the Clark International Airport.

He said the new rate, P350 for terminal fee and P100 for security fee, will take effect this October.

“This is a good news to our passengers were we had lowered the current P600 terminal fee to only P450, it will attract more travelers and tourists to utilized the Clark International Airport,” Luciano added.

The current P150 terminal fee for domestic passengers will remain.

“Clark International Airport collects the lowest terminal fee than any other international airports in the country that includes the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila which collects P500,” Luciano said.

Clark International Airport is home to six budget carriers operating 24 hours a day. These include Air Asia Philippines and Air Asia Berhad which flies to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, Macau and Singapore.

Cebu Pacific Air flies to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Macau and Singapore, Airphil Express to Hong Kong and Singapore, South East Asian Airlines (Seair) to Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Kota Kinabalu, and Jin Air to Incheon in South Korea.

Air Asia Philippine also flies to Davao, Kalibo, Cebu and Puerto Princesa; Airphil Express to Cebu, Davao, Kalibo and Puerto Princesa; Seair to Kalibo and Cebu Pacific to Cebu.

Other carriers are Asiana Airlines that flies Clark-Incheon with connecting flights to the United States, and Dragonair Clark-Hong Kong.

COA: Review Clark Locators’ Revenues

By ROLLY T. CARANDANG


MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) on Friday asked the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to review the reported gross revenues of 26 locators in the freeport zone, claiming that the government could be collecting less than what is due on lease rentals over the years.

In its 2011 yearend report, COA noted that CDC has 34 locators with which it has signed revenue-sharing agreements but it has only audited eight of them, leaving 26 others paying only the minimum guaranteed rental rates.

The team of government auditors noted that based on CDC lease agreements with its locators, the former has the option to charge a percentage of gross revenues if it is higher than the pre-agreed minimum guaranteed lease (MGL).

The report pointed out that the bulk of CDC income came from lease payments of its locators, amounting to P595.6 million or 60 percent of its earnings in 2011.

“Our audit and review of the billings and lease agreements revealed that CDC failed to perform its obligations in monitoring and auditing the financial statements of a number of locators contrary to the aforementioned provisions in the (lease agreement),” COA reported.

Locators whose books are commended for review are Arjan Trading Corp, Australian International Training and Management, BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corp., CFZ Regency Clark, Clark Electric Distribution Corp., Clark Liberty Warehouse, Clark Trading Corp., CPR Palm Resort Corp., Demagus Trading Corp.

Donggwang Clark Corp. (T-304 Area), Donggwang Clark Corp (GCAC-assigned area), Durban Realty Corp. (GCAC-assigned area), Eight Integrated Development Corp (Oxford Hotel), Community Game and Amusement Corp., Fontana Development Corp., FV-Clark Corp., Global Clark Assets Corp. (GCAC), Hollywood Park Development Corp., JM Star Clark Inc., Metro Clark International Development Corp.

New Well Being Spa City, Northwalk Clark Inc. (Pilipinas Shell), Premier Central Inc. (SM Mall), Puregold Duty Free Inc., Pure Gold Duty Free Inc.-SLA, Ritz Ville Corp., Stotsenberg Leisure Park and Hotel Corp, Value City Sales Inc., Wachovia Realty and Development Inc., and Yumi Clark Agro Inc.

COA said there is the likelihood that CDC will realize bigger earnings once it has completed the review as shown by its assessment of eight locators which has yielded additional rent collections of P3.4 million.

CDC management assured COA that a special committee has been created to handle issues on locators’ accounts, particularly on the submission of Gross Revenue Reports.

The committee meetings started last February 21, 2012 and will be held on a weekly basis to ensure that CDC percentage share in the gross revenues of locators are properly monitored and accurately billed.

To further facilitate collection, Point of Sales system has also been installed to monitor the sales of certain locators as of the start of 2012.

LP designates village chief as party’s city chair

By Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY -- The national headquarters of the Liberal Party has designated Balibago chairman Rodelio “Tony” Mamac as local chairman of the administration party.

On September 28, LP President Manuel “Mar” Roxas issued a certification designating Mamac as city chair with authority to nominate and issue certificates of nomination for local candidates.

“By virtue of the powers and authority vested in me by the Constitution of the Liberal Party, I hereby authorize Rodelio H. Mamac Sr. to nominate and issue certificates of nomination for all official local candidates of the party in the 2013 national and local elections for the City of Angeles,” Roxas stated.

Roxas clarified, however, that the power to nominate and issue certificates of nomination for the positions of governor, representatives, and city mayor shall be retained and exercised solely by the president of the Liberal Party, unless otherwise delegated in accordance with the constitution and by-laws of the party.

Mamac is required to furnish on or before October 10, 2012 the LP NHQ copies of all the certificates of nominations that he has issued by virtue of the authority granted to him by the political party.

In a recent convention, the local party nominated Mamac to be the officials candidate for vice mayor in this city.

The party also nominated as guest candidates incumbent councillors Bryan Nepomuceno, Edu Pamintuan, Arvin Suller; former councillors Rudy Simeon and Ruben Maniago; Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr; and Danica Lacson.

Roxas signed Mamac’s certificate of nomination and acceptance.

Mamac formally introduced the LP guest candidates at Shanghai Restaurant on Tuesday. All of the candidates accepted the party nomination.

AirAsia to start daily Clark-Singapore flights

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT ---– Philippines’ AirAsia, the country’s newest low cost carrier, will begin its daily Clark-Singapore flights on December 15 with booking period which will last until October 7.

To celebrate the new route, the Filipino carrier offers an all-in, one way promo fare from only P999 from Clark International Airport to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 starting October 1 until 7 October 2012 via airasia.com.

Guests who will avail of this promo will be able to travel from 15 December 2012 to 30 September 2013.

“It’s an exciting time to travel from Clark International Airport, as AirAsia has been launching more and more exciting destinations almost every month allowing our guests to connect and benefit from our extensive network covering 77 destinations across 18 countries in Asia and Australia,” AirAsia Inc. CEO Maan Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros added that Clark International Airport has a world-class runway and is one of the safest in the country.

Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President Victor Jose Luciano is also set to announce the reduction of the passenger terminal fee from P600 to P450 for departing passengers on international flights, making air travel from Clark airport more affordable and reliable.

“Air transport connectivity between the Philippines and the rest of the region is expected to benefit from AirAsia’s extensive network. We are also here to provide our guests with safe, reliable flights at very affordable prices,” she said.

AirAsia will operate the new Clark-Singapore route with brand new Airbus A320 departing daily at 6:10 a.m. and arriving at 9:40 a.m.

“We will begin our daily flights to Singapore in December to cater to the growing demand for both business and leisure travel, and equally important, this new route will provide low cost, high value service to our OFWs in Singapore so they can come home and reunite with their families as often as possible,” Hontiveros added.

According to the latest data from the Philippine Embassy, there are 177,600 Filipinos in Singapore composed of 106,600 working as professionals, while the remaining 71,000 are domestic helpers.

More than 11 million tourists visited Singapore in 2011 based on the latest ASEAN Community Figures report with themed shopping centers, island resorts, sports and leisure adventure activities as its major tourist attractions.

“We continuously strive to promote air travel and tourism in the country by keeping our fares low while ensuring the best, quality service for our guests,” she said.

Aside from Singapore, AirAsia also flies daily to Hong Kong, Macau and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

AirAsia’s all-in fare includes base fare, fuel surcharge, processing fee and aviation security fee.

As part of its commitment to develop tourism and transportation outside Metro Manila, AirAsia Inc. set up its hub in Clark, Pampanga in 2011. In the same year, Filipinos welcomed the airline’s brand new Airbus A320s operated by an all-Filipino crew, signifying greater opportunities for travel, leisure and tourism industries in the country.

AirAsia Inc. began its domestic operations via Clark International Airport on March 28, 2012 by servicing daily flights to Davao and twice daily to Kalibo (Boracay).

It launched its first international destination last June 9 with afternoon flights to Kuala Lumpur that complements Malaysia’s AirAsia which has been servicing the same route since 2005. Hong Kong and Macau flights commenced last July 19.

Never miss out on updates about upcoming bargain deals by following AirAsia via Facebook (facebook/airasiaphilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/airasiaph).

Philippines’ AirAsia call center also accepts booking of regular fares via +632 588 9999 from Monday to Sunday at 0800hrs to 2100hrs (GMT +8).

Guests from Metro Manila may also purchase seats through AirAsia Travel & Service Centers (ATSC) located in SM North EDSA in Quezon City, in Mall of Asia in Pasay City and in Gaisano Mall in Davao City.

For information on transportation services and bus schedules from Manila to Clark airport and vice versa please visit: philtranco.com.ph and victoryliner.com.






Baldoz leads in signing aviation industry’s Voluntary Code Good Practices

By (PNA)

FPV/PR/RSM


MANILA, Oct. 2 (PNA) — The Philippines’s aviation industry–with Clark International Airport as the main hub–is on the rebound and drawing more investments, a perfect boost to collective efforts to generate employment in Central Luzon. And this, according to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, is also a perfect time to promote harmonious labor-management relations and sustainable industrial peace through tripartism, as well as promoting self-regulation. Baldoz made the observation Monday as she led aviation industry players in Central Luzon in signing the Aviation-Industry Tripartite Council’s voluntary code of good practices (VCGP) at a ceremony held at the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) offices at the Clark Freeport Zone, in Clark, Pampanga. The Aviation-ITC is the first in the country, while the freshly-inked VCGP is the 47th industry code forged and signed during the two-year tenure of Baldoz as DOLE Secretary. The DOLE has facilitated the formulation of VCGPs in the country’s 16 regions, with the NCR having six VCGPs; Region 1 with three VCGPs; Region 2 with one; Region 3 with seven; Region 4-A with two; Region 4-B with three; Region 5 with one; Region 6 with one;Region 7 with three; Region 8 with five; Region 9 with two; Region 10, four; Region 11 with three; Region 12 with two; Caraga with three; and NCMB with one VCGPs. There are now VCGPs in the following industries: banking, fishing, fish canning, construction, banana, electronics, BPO, pineapple, sugar, academe, fishing, allied services, mining, wood-based, eco-tourism, education, power, hospital, security and janitorial, broadcast, bus transport, hotel and restaurant, and cargo handling. After the signing, Baldoz urged the Aviation-ITC to led in the fight against child labor and work to transform their enterprises into child labor-free enterprises. “We have an on-going child labor-free barangay campaign. I believe we ought to expand that and work for child labor-free enterprises and child labor-free economic zones,” Baldoz said, saying that Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Administrator Lilia de Lima has pledged her help to the DOLE for the realization of child labor-free economic zones in the country. Jose Victor Luciano, president and chief executive officer of the CIAC, welcomed Secretary Baldoz to Clark. He is also a signatory to the Aviation-ITC’s VCGP. John Barrientos of the Civil Aeronautics Board, DOLE Regional Office No. 3 Director Raymundo G. Agravante, Assistant Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio, DOLE Pampanga Field Office Head Maria Rima Hernandez, and the duly-elected officers and members of the Council signed the voluntary code. During her Clark visit, Baldoz also formally administered the oath-taking of the duly-elected officers of the Aviation–ITC who are as follows: Chairman, DOLE Regional Director; Vice Chairmen, Victor Edgar Carillo III (Management, Asean Aeronautics); Jonas Cortez (Labor, Lubwell Corporation); Secretariat, DOLE Pampanga Field Office; Treasurer, Gala Castro (Clark Airport Support Service Corporation); Auditor, Marie-Tessiebeth Cordova (Manager, Human Resource Manager, CIAC); Board of Directors, Glenn Zamora (Lubwell Corporation); Jeffrey Lacsina (OMNI Aviation Corporation); and Grenil Castrence (Winning Touch International Marketing). The companies which comprise the Aviation-ITC are Clark Development Corporation, CIAC, UPS International, Inc., Aerotech Industrial Philippines, Inc., Air Asia, Inc., OMNI Aviation Corporation, Asian Aeronautical Services, Inc., Philippine Aviation Security Services Corporation, Dornier Technology, Inc., Clark Airport Support Service Corporation, Lubwell Corporation, Winning Touch International Marketing, and Miascor Clark Catering. Inside the Clark Freeport Zone, the aviation industry has 34 company-stakeholders covering 1,900 workers, excluding CIAC, Clark Development Corporation, and their agencies and contractors which cover close to 2,000 workers. The Aviation’s VCGP aims to foster a proactive approach in ensuring voluntary compliance with the general labor standards (GLS) and occupational safety and health standards (OSHS). It aims to encourage ITC members and stakeholders in the aviation industry in the region to exercise good corporate social responsibility (CSR) in promoting good neighbor communication, healthy competition in the field of labor relations, provision of employee welfare benefits, and human resource productivity and competitiveness in aviation. In her message during the signing, Baldoz emphasized the Aviation-ITC’s vital role in promoting and sustaining industrial peace in the aviation industry. “Your industry is a key employment generator. I commend you for your foresight and initiative to address the problems and concerns of your industry through the Aviation-ITC. You are the experts in aviation. You know your problems; you know your weaknesses and your strengths. So through the ITC and the VCGP which we have just signed, you will have a mechanism that encourages self-regulation and minimizes government intervention,” said Baldoz. Stressing the importance of having a voluntary code of good practices and what benefits it may bring to the industry, Baldoz said: “This voluntary code of good practices that you signed with the DOLE is a living document and a tool you can use to raise and lobby your issues and concerns and find better solutions to your problems. The DOLE is here to help you facilitate solutions through better and responsive policies and programs.” Baldoz said the Aviation-ITC can also recommend companies which are already voluntarily compliant with labor standards and occupational safety and health standards to be recognized by the DOLE through its Incentivizing Compliance Program. “We want to incentivize compliance, based on tripartite assessment, by issuing companies a certificate of compliance. You are already recognized globally, hailed as among three of the “World’s Best Freeport Zone Airports”. You have no choice but to be No. 1. We at the DOLE will support you in this endeavor,” said Baldoz. ITC vice chairmen Carillo and Cortez also took turns in expressing their commitment to make the VCGP and the Council work for the good of the aviation industry. Carillo, saying “yes to industrial peace”, thanked the DOLE for its support to the aviation industry. “This partnership in the ITC is very timely. In my 44 years in this industry, I have seen its ups and downs. However, today, we are bouncing back with the help of the government. As a result, many investors are flying in. If we have industrial peace, we will be the No. 1 aviation hub here in Asia,” said Carillo. Cortez also lauded the leadership of the DOLE and the CIAC in creating an avenue that would strengthen employer-employee relationship in aviation. President Luciano also pledged support to the VCGP. “We are a notch higher because of the creation of this Aviation-ITC. Our partnership with the DOLE, through this VCGP, is part of our commitment to foster and sustain industrial peace. This year alone, the aviation industry has already grown by an astonishing 80 percent of our target in terms of passenger and cargo volume. Secretary Baldoz, we are assuring you of our full commitment,” he said.





DOLE signs Voluntary Code of Good Practices with Clark Aviation Tripartite Council

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, Oct 1 (PIA) -- Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz led on Thursday the signing of the Voluntary Code of Good Practices (VCGP) with Clark Aviation Tripartite Council to maintain industrial peace in the country’s emerging international aero polis.

In her keynote address, Baldoz said, “The collaborative signing of this VCGP aims to foster a proactive approach in ensuring voluntary compliance with the general labor standards (GLS) and occupational safety and health standards (OSHS). Accordingly, the code carries with it a sense of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the promotion of good neighbor communication principles allowing healthy competition in the field of labor relations, employee welfare benefits, productivity and competitiveness of manpower in the concerned industry.”

The Labor chief said, “Our partnership will ensure that the terms and conditions of employment will be adhered. Because of this, we will be able to increase productivity, therefore encourage more investors here in Clark which in turn would generate more employment opportunities.”

Baldoz added that companies which are voluntarily compliant with the labor standards will be recognized by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Others present in the signing were Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President Jose Victor Luciano, Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) representative John Barrientos, DOLE Regional Director Raymundo Agravante, DOLE Assistant Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio, DOLE Pampanga Field Office head Rima Hernandez, and officers and members of the tripartite council.


In a message, Barrientos said “CAB, as the principal economic regulator, is one with DOLE and the council in its objective of having an aviation industry free from irreconcilable labor-management disputes and the establishment of a community enjoying harmonious industrial peace. The desire to serve the public, whether it is labor-related or purely aero-economic concern is CAB’s paramount concern. We are with you in this endeavor.”

Speaking in behalf of the council, Luciano said, “Our partnership with DOLE, through this VCGP, is part of our commitment to foster and sustain industrial peace. This year alone, the aviation industry here has already grown by an astonishing 80 percent of our target in terms of passenger and cargo volume.”

Apart from CIAC, other members of the group include UPS International Inc., Aerotech Industrial Philippines, Inc., Air Asia Incorporated, Omni Aviation Group, Asian Aeronautics Services, Inc., Philippine Aviation Security Services Corporation, Dornier Technology, Clark Airport Support Services Corporation, Lubewell Corporation, Winning Touch International Marketing, and Miascor Clark Catering. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)

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