Angeles City News January 2014

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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.

DLSU Alumni Association-Pampanga Chapter invites CL residents to its run-for-a-cause in Clark

By Joelyn G. Baluyut


CLARK FREEPORT, January 31 (PIA) -- De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA) Pampanga Chapter calls on Central Luzon residents to join its run-for-a-cause slated on March 9 inside Clark Freeport.

“Clark Animo Run, which we are holding for the fifth consecutive time, consists of varying distances at 42, 21, 10, 5 and 2 kilometers with registration fee pegged at P1,600, P950, P700, P550, and P450 respectively,” DLSAA said in a statement.

Payment is inclusive of a shirt, finisher’s medal, race bib and timing chip.

Those who are interested are advised to visit www.onelasallepampanga.org for more details or contact 0917-897-7470, 0915-646-2728, and 0932-869-2728. (CLJD/JGB-PIA3)







Guiao: Clark's fate in PNoy's hands

By ABS-CBNnews.com


MANILA -- Pampanga First District Rep. Joseller "Yeng" Guiao, in his first-ever privilege speech during the House plenary, appealed to President Aquino to make a stand on the fate of the Clark Freeport Zone and the Clark International Airport.

“Now is the time for President Benigno Aquino III to make a statement concerning Clark’s role in our country’s development. A policy statement from Pres. Aquino is needed on what the role of Clark will be in our national development and to be supported by appropriate actions within a clear time table,” Guiao said in his speech.

Guiao also said President Aquino's directive for the full development of Clark will send a strong signal about the government's intentions on the freeport.

President Aquino's statement, he said, will stimulate private initiatives in the tourism and business sector, as well as open up partnerships between the private sector and government on large-scale development projects, including infrastructure and transportation systems.

"Clark's strategic location in Luzon Island is an advantage that cannot be overlooked. The airport lies at the center of the country's main island -- a catch basin for 23 million potential passengers north of Manila," Guiao added.

The P7.2 -billion fund for the construction of Clark's budget terminal building as committed earlier by DOTC should be released as soon as possible, according to Guiao. The expansion, he said, will increase the airport's capacity to 10 to 15 million passengers annually.

"The additional volume will strengthen the airport's viability as an international gateway even with the continued expansion of the NAIA," he noted.

He also urged Aquino for the inclusion of Clark in the Airport Express Railway destination that the government has prepared for 2015. The commuter train system, which will ferry passengers and cargo from Malolos to Manila, via Caloocan and Taguig cities, will be a big boost to the economic development of Central Luzon, he said.

"As I have already stated, such a delay would constitute a big setback for Clark. To remedy this, the Regional Development Council (RDC) III officials spearheaded by Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, have petitioned the DOTC not only to include Malolos in the first phase of the system but also to extend the railway tracks all the way up to Clark," he said.

"We appeal to the government to act quickly along these three recommended avenues. The ball is now in your hands, Mr. President. As a professional basketball coach, I would compare Clark to a basketball player who has very limited playing time, as if warming the bench but is ready to play. That player has been practicing daily, has developed the physique and stamina required to play, and has greatly improved his skills. He is of course eager to contribute to the team's success. All he needs now is the chance to prove his worth and the chance to shine. I hope that chance is given to Clark," Guiao said.

Make a stand on Clark’s fate, Palace urged

By Kristine Venet Q. Andal


PAMPANGA First District Representative Joseller "Yeng" Guiao on Tuesday called on Malacañang and enjoined colleagues in Congress to make a stand regarding the future of Clark Freeport and Clark International Airport.

Delivering his first ever privilege speech during the House’s plenary, Guiao said: “Now is the time for President Benigno Aquino III to make a statement concerning Clark’s role in our country’s development. A policy statement from Pres. Aquino is needed on what the role of Clark will be in our national development and to be supported by appropriate actions within a clear time table.”

Guiao stressed that Clark has contributed to the economic growth of Central and North Luzon, while emphasizing that “there’s a lot to be done for Clark’s potential to be unleashed.”

“President Aquino’s word will send a strong signal about the government’s intention on Clark that in the past has been obscured by competing political and business interest. The President’s statement will stimulate initiatives in tourism, business sector, also including infrastructure and transportation,” he said.

Guiao pointed out that another important concern is the release of P7.2 billion which have been committed by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the construction of an airport terminal.

“I hope that the terminal will be completed before the term of President Aquino ends,” said Guiao, adding DOTC Sec. Joseph Emilio Abaya has confirmed the budget needed for the terminal’s construction.

Furthered Guiao: “Clark must be included in the first phase of government’s projected mass railway system as a replacement to the North Rail project which is supposed to commence construction in 2015. Clark stakeholders were disappointed to learn from the DOTC that the project will only be included in year 2030, a delay they can’t afford.”

In can be recalled that Guiao hosted the “Clark Challenge: Stakeholders’ Summit” at the Freeport recently, where government and civic leaders, including businessmen and the private sector, converged to come up with a roadmap for Clark’s development.

“The ball is now in your hands, Mr. President. As a professional basketball coach, I would compare Clark to a basketball player who has very limited playing time. That player has been practicing daily and developed the stamina to play. He is eager to contribute to the team’s success. The only thing now is the chance to prove his worth. And I hope that chance is given to Clark,” Guiao said.






Clark to host biggest travel conference

By Charlene A. Cayabyab


CLARK FREEPORT — This freeport is set to host the biggest travel conference in the Philippines this June. Philippine MICE Conference, the biggest gathering of meetings, incentive travel, conventions, exhibitions/events professionals in the Philippines, will be held at the Fontana Convention Center here on June 4 to 7. The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) will spearhead the event in partnership with two major Philippine organizations including MICE Philippines and the Philippine Association of Convention and Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS). The official participating hotels of the conference include Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Park, Widus Resort, Holiday Inn Clark and MontevistaVillas – Mimosa Golf & Country Club. Organizers of the event chose Clark because of its strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region. The zone’s modern infrastructure facilities, generous fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, professional support services, amenities, pool of highly trainable and English-proficient skilled labor and other advantages make it an ideal place for investment, business and leisure. MICE conference (Micecon) is the highly anticipated annual educational event for travel, tourism and MICE practitioners because of its range of topics, quality speakers and themed events. This year’s conference will carry the theme, “MICE in 4D” (defining passions, developing minds, defying limits, designing the future). It will serve as a platform where tourism stakeholders will learn from experts new trends, approaches, methods and insights as well as draw inspiration and energy from their message to reach and fulfill new heights for the Philippine MICE and tourism Industry. The Micecon 2014 program will focus on plenary discussions and lectures about industry-specific topics on meetings, incentive travel, and exhibitions marketing as well as leadership, innovation, business and technology, association management, food, creativity, communication, personal/organizational development and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration and its effect on the region’s economy. About 600 participants representing airlines, hotels, resorts, convention centers, destination management companies, incentive planners, event organizers / planners, professional congress/ exhibitor organizers, MICE venues, local government units and media are expected to join the event. Micecon 2014 will also bring about 40 select international MICE buyers from Australia, China, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, United Kingdom, Germany, Poland and Russia and another 10 local corporate buyers primarily for a one-day buyer/seller business exchange (MICE Mart).

Clark airport earns P563M in 2013

By Rudy J. Abular


CLARK Freeport, Pampanga -- For the first time in 19 years, Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) has earned P563 million in 2013, posting a nine percent increase in the company’s funds.

This was announced over the weekend by CIAC president and Chief Executive Officer Victor Jose Luciano, who also noted an increase of the corporations’ net income of P44 million or a 656-percent increase as compared to the net loss of P7 million in the previous year.

Luciano said the operating expenses of CIAC also increased by 6 percent or P363 million as compared to the P343 million in 2012.

“We had a very good 2013 for CIAC, wherein the corporation turned positive in its revenues, mainly because of the government’s support in the development of the Clark airport as well as the entry of the Middle East Legacy carriers Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways,” he said.

Emirates and Qatar last year started their daily non-stop flights via Dubai and Doha to Clark airport.

The corporation’s 2013 revenues rose to P563 million as compared to the P516 million in 2012 based on the financial records provided by the CIAC finance department.

Finance department manager Nancy Paglinawan explained that 51 percent of the total revenues of the corporation came from the aeronautical fees such as the terminal and security fees, landing, parking and take-off fees.

Pagkalinawan said revenues from non-aeronautical fees that include income from rent and other business income rose by 63 percent from P169 million in 2012 to P277 million in 2013.

CIAC is the operating arm of the Clark International Airport bustling with international and local flights. Among the airlines operating are Asiana Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cebu Pacific Air, Jin Air, Tiger Air Philippines, and Dragonair.







Clark to host MiceCon 2014

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- The Freeport will be the venue of the Philippine Meeting Incentive Travel, Conventions, Exhibitions/Events Philippines Incorporated (MICE) Conference or MiceCon 2014 set on June 4 to 7 June at the Fontana Convention Center here.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is the lead agency spearheading MICECON in partnership with MICE Philippines and the Philippine Association of Convention and Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS).

Participating hotels include Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Park, Widus Resort, Holiday Inn Clark and MontevistaVillas - Mimosa Golf & Country Club.

Clark’s strategic location at the heart of growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region is a given advantage in today’s global economy, particularly for the MICE and tourism industry, the organizers stated.

The zone’s modern infrastructure facilities, generous fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, professional support services, amenities, pool of highly trainable and English-proficient skilled labor and other advantages make it an ideal place for investment, business and leisure, they added.

The conference is the biggest gathering of MICE professionals in the Philippines.

It is a highly anticipated annual educational event for travel, tourism and MICE practitioners because of its range of topics, quality speakers and themed events.

With the theme MICE in 4D (defining passions, developing minds, defying limits, designing the future), MICECON serves as a platform in which stakeholders learn from experts new trends and methods, the Department of Tourism (DOT) stated.

Some 600 participants representing airlines, hotels, resorts, convention centers, destination management companies, incentive planners, event organizers and others are expected to attend the conference.

MICECON 2014 will bring approximately 40 select international MICE buyers from Australia, China, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, United Kingdom, Germany, Poland and Russia and another 10 local corporate buyers primarily for a one-day Buyer / Seller Business Exchange (MICE Mart).






CIAC revenues reach P563M in 2013

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT --- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) earned P563 million last year.

This was learned from CIAC President Victor Jose I. Luciano, who said that this is an indication that the Clark airport is growing.

“For the first time in the 19 year history of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), total revenues turned positive in 2013 raking in P563 million or an increase of 9 percent in the company’s funds,” Luciano said.

Luciano also noted an increase of the corporations’ net income of P44 million or a 656 percent increase compared to the net loss of P7 million in the previous year.

The operating expense of CIAC also increased by 6 percent or a total of P363 million compared to the P343 million in 2012.

“We had a very good 2013 for CIAC, wherein the corporation turned positive in its revenues, mainly because of the support of the Aquino administration in the development of the Clark Airport as well as the entry of the Middle East Legacy carriers Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways,” Luciano said.

Emirates and Qatar started in Clark airport their respective daily flights to Dubai and Doha respectively.

Finance Department Manager Nancy Paglinawan explained that 51 percent of the total revenues came from fees on terminal, security landing, parking and take-off.

Revenues from non-aeronautical fees, which include income from rent and other business income, rose by 63 percent from P169 million in 2012 to P277 million in 2013.

CIAC is the operating arm of the Clark International Airport, which is now the country’s secondary gatgeway.

Among the airlines operating in Clark are Asiana Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cebu Pacific Air, Jin Air, Tiger Air Philippines, and Dragonair. The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) had tapped the services of the French firm Aeroports De Paris, which is currently undertaking a three-month feasibility study and master plan for a budget terminal.

Luciano said the estimated cost of the facility is about P7.2 billion which will be funded by the DOTC.

The low-cost terminal can accommodate 15 million passengers annually.

The government also approved the P600 million for the development of facilities and emergency equipment including the Navigational Aid Systems of the Clark Airport.

The new International Passenger Terminal was completed in December last year. Luciano said the rehabilitation of the existing passenger terminal is expected to be finished by February this year.

AUF to celebrate Spring Festival

By Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY -- The Confucius Institute of Angeles University Foundation (CI-AUF) is set to celebrate the year of the wood horse with a week of activities at SM City Clark.

AUF president Joseph Emmanuel Angeles said the CI-AUF will commence the Spring Festival, commonly known as the Chinese New Year, with the formal opening of the Experience China Exhibit.

Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and wife Herminia are expected to grace the event as guests of honor at 3 p.m. on January 27 at the mall's main entrance.

The weeklong exhibit will showcase Chinese paintings, interactive teaching resources, audio posters, live calligraphy and tea-making, and Chinese elements and ornaments.

The AUF Center for Culture and the Arts will stage the Spring Festival Cultural Extravaganza on January 30, 5 p.m. at the SM City Clark Event Centre with a repertoire of Filipino and Chinese favorites.

Chinese teachers from the Fujian Normal University in China will perform traditional songs and dances, and martial arts exhibition numbers.

CI-AUF was recently cited again as one of the 30 Most Outstanding Confucius Institutes in the world during the 8th Global Confucius Institute Conference held in Bejing, China last December.

This year, 440 Confucius Institutes and 646 Confucius Classrooms have been established in 120 countries and regions, with a total enrollment of over 850,000 students.






Need for a new urban area outside Manila seen

By news.yahoo.com


Clark Freeport, Pampanga – The Philippines needs a new metropolitan area outside Metro Manila to sustain the projected annual economic growth of 7.8 percent, the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) disclosed Wednesday. The BCDA said the shortage of areas for business expansion in Metro Manila and in Region 4-A might hamper the national development – if the country would not look for a new business and economic center. “Since cities serve as the main engine of growth of countries worldwide, there is a need for a new metropolitan area to sustain annual economic growth of 7.8 percent,” it said. BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano Casanova said that Clark here is the best option for a central business district that the country would need in the future. “Clark is the next inevitable catchment area for new investments in manufacturing. The Philippine Export Processing Authority (PEZA) has reported that almost 90 percent of its administered special economic zones in the Calabarzon are fully leased out and running out of expansion area,” Casanova said. He said the need for a new metropolis is brought about by the urbanization trend in the Philippines. He added that as of the moment, Clark is the best area for business expansions in the Philippines because of the strong economic performance of the Central Luzon Region where Clark is located. He explained that the Central Luzon gross national product (GDP) of $39.2-billion or 0.1 percent of the national $431-billion is expected to surpass Region-4 in the next 10 years. Casanova projected that by 2030, Central Luzon would have a population of about 19 million. The number would represent 14 percent of the national population in the next 16 years to create the second biggest metropolis in the Philippines. “Today, more than 49 percent or one out of two Filipinos are living in urban areas. By 2030, three out of four Filipinos will be urban dwellers,” he said.

Prosecutor recommends libel cases vs newsman

By Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY -- The Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has recommended in court the filing of six counts of libel charges against broadcaster Medardo "Med" David for his alleged malicious statements against Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

Malabanias barangay chairman Reynaldo Gueco, one of David’s former co-host in his radio program “Golpe de Gulat,” was also charged with the same offense.

The complaint against Fred Cortez, David’s third co-host, was dropped due to insufficiency of evidence.

The complaint was filed after David and Gueco allegedly issued defamatory remarks against the mayor over their radio program aired from September to October 2012 over GV99.1 FM and 792 AM.

Assistant City Prosecutor Christopher Dela Cruz recommended the filing of charges after finding “probable cause” in Pamintuan’s complaint.

“The subject imputations are defamatory especially considering the stature of the complainant who was being depicted as corrupt,” Dela Cruz said on his two separate resolutions dated December 23, 2013.

The prosecutor added that the imputations are malicious since the defamatory statements by its very nature and wordings are malicious.

"There was publication considering that imputations were made on-air in a public radio and the same were obviously heard by third persons," he added.

For an imputation to be considered libelous, it must be defamatory, malicious, published and the victim is identifiable, said Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz has elevated the libel complaint to court for a full-blown trial.

Under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, libel is a criminal offense.

Violators are penalized with imprisonment of six months to four years or a fine of up to P6,000 or both, in addition to any damages awarded by the court to the offended party.

In July last year, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) has reprimanded David for serious violation of the broadcasting guidelines.

David was found to have violated Article 4, Section 2 of the organization’s radio code which provides that “programs intended to malign, unfairly criticize or attack a person, natural or juridical are prohibited.”

The KBP said that David was unabated in his tirades against personalities and parties he is critical of, showing complete bias against them and using language that borders on libel.

David was ordered to pay KBP a fine of P15,000 and was also required to renew his broadcaster’s accreditation with the KBP, which expired in 2011.

Fast train a ‘key’ in priming Clark

By Ian Ocampo Flora


CLARK FREEPORT -- The proposed North-South Railway System that is expected to connect the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to Clark in Angeles City is seen to boost Clark International Airport (CIA) as North Luzon’s the prime airport.

This as stakeholders, during the Clark Challenge Stakeholders Summit 2014 spearheaded by Pampanga 1st District Representative Joseller “Yeng” Guiao which was attended by influential businessmen and political figures in Central Luzon, highlighted the impotance of the project.

Guiao said the railway system will also connect Manila to other main cities in Central Luzon, and emphasized that there is no need for the stakeholders to justify the potentials of CIA and Clark Freeport Zone as a whole.

He said the idea of decongesting NAIA through the realization of twin airport system connecting NAIA to CIA is a good proposal that should be given utmost attention by Congress and the national leadership.

Aviation expert Captain Ben Solis cited that the “operation of the NAIA is already saturated since 2009 based on the studies conducted.”

Solis said NAIA was designed for small aircrafts five decades ago. “But now, the international airport caters also to planes weighing up to 400 tons,” he said.

“What if calamity like Yolanda strikes Manila and damages NAIA? It is like putting all our eggs in one basket and adding more as time passes. We are putting the economy of this country in danger,” he added.

Solis stressed that the decongestion of NAIA and transfer of international flights to CIA is the key and will make a huge impact on both international airports.

However, Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Oscar Rodriguez mentioned the inconvenience of the proposed Clark flight transfers to those living south of Central Luzon especially Manila dwellers.

He disclosed that during a lunch meeting with business tycoon and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and Guiao, Pangilinan really wanted the high-speed railway project to push through.

Rodriguez added that the proposal will soon be taken to the national leadership to get initiative action.

“This is the time to unite and be heard as one voice. We should set aside crab-mentality and work on the realization of this,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the project will open more job opportunities and will someday make Central Luzon the number one region.

Clark International Airport Corporation President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano also revealed in the summit that feasibility studies are being made by the French firm Aeroports De Paris commissioned by the Department of Transportation and Communications for the master plan and development of the budget terminal building.







Clark Challenge gets ‘ball rolling’

By sunstar.com.ph


CLARK FREEPORT -- Former Clark Development Corporation president and current Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. chairman emeritus Levy Laus expressed optimism that the Clark Challenge: 2014 Stakeholders’ Summit has started the ball rolling for the Freeport’s development.

“This is the most opportune time to push for the development of Clark -- its Freeport and airport. The convergence of key decision makers in this forum, I am optimistic, is the beginning of hurdling that challenge and much needed push,” noted Laus.

He said that with the consolidation of inputs from the whole-day forum, the “challengers” can hopefully draw the attention of national government policy makers on the future of Clark Freeport and Clark International Airport.

“There has been a lag on policies and decisions regarding this Freeport and as a whole, Central Luzon. We are wondering why it seemed to have left in limbo. In fact, we at PamCham are also pushing for the decongestion of Metro Manila to avert a national crisis if a catastrophe strikes. Developing Clark is the next viable option,” he added.

Laus stressed that the “good news” relayed by high ranking government officials during the summit is an indication of better things to come for Clark.

“The recent developments in Central and North Luzon could be the silent handiwork of the President himself. And this summit could be the start of the real deal for Clark,” he said. (JTD)







Aquino asked to support Clark development

By Franco G. Regala


CLARK FREEPORT–A group of businessmen, academicians and public officials are all calling on President Benigno Aquino to support the full development of Clark specifically its international airport, which is being promoted as an international gateway for tourists and investors.

The group which participated in the recent Clark Challenge Summit signed an appeal for the government to adopt a dual airport system with a number of flights transferred to Clark to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The group also asks for a high-speed railway service that would link the two terminals.

“Clark is like an athlete, a basketball player for that matter, sitting at the far end of the bench. He knows he has worked hard to polish his skills. He is physically and mentally prepared to compete in the battle. All he wants is a break to show what he can do. Clark deserves the break,” their statement read.

The stakeholders added that CLark can now “lead its team to victory against unemployment, victory against poverty.”

Joseller Guiao, Pampanga 1st district representative and summit convener said that the team is “eager, committed and excited” to transform Clark into a highly-developed metropolis north of Metro Manila.

“We look forward to a well-planned, safe, peaceful, environment-friendly community where we can raise our kids and grandchildren and earn a decent living,” he added.

According to Guiao, Clark and Subic, being a logistics hub in Central Luzon can readily provide a multiplier factor in the development of the country in general.

He said that some $8 billion worth of goods and 160,000 new jobs were created in the freeports since the Americans left them more than two decades ago.







Italic text==Airport workers bonuses defended==

By tempo.com.ph


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – An official of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) clarified yesterday that the 2012 bonuses of the CIAC executives, department heads and workers are all above board. CIAC President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano in a press statement said that this year all bonuses of CIAC employees here are in compliance with Governance Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GCG)rules.

Luciano issued the statement after a report allegedly released by the Commission on Audit (CoA) stated that CIAC’s executives and employees received unauthorized bonuses last year. He stressed that the CIAC bonuses and other benefits were authorized by the GCG. “CIAC followed all the auditing rules and regulations of the COA in their 2012 COA Report,” said Luciano. The corporation released a total P23.9 million in bonuses and other benefits to executives and employees in 2012. (Franco G, Regala)

De Lima: NBI going after cybersex trade in PHL before foreign authorities stepped in

By MARK D. MERUEÑAS


Philippine authorities were already advancing its effort to stamp out the suspected cybersex industry in the Philippines long before a multinational authorities stepped in.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Friday also said the gains by international group against sex syndicate might actually benefit local authorities in conducting their own investigation.

"This is not something we address only now dahil sa naka-banner na effort ang foreign authorities. We have been doing this all along pero nakatutulong... [ang] intensified effort [nila]," De Lima admitted.

Also she told reporters the Department of Justice and the national Bureau of Investigation have been doing its work through the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).

De Lima assured the public that there had been a number of operations and raids done in coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies.

"Nagkaroon na kami ng requests sa foreign counterparts and authorities with respect to these problems. We are in complete support of these operations," she said.

She issued the statement after a report about a probe by the United Kingdon with the help of US and Australian authorities on a Philippine pedophile ring behind cybersex operations.

Seventeen British nationals have already been arrested, five of them convicted, after an inquiry by Britain's National Crime Agency into the cybersex incidents.

The agency discovered that 15 minors aged between six and 15 have been rescued in a raid in Angeles City in the Philippines. Several parents were also arrested.

De Lima said she has already requested from NBI, which is under the DOJ, a "briefer" on the various steps the bureau has taken to combat cybersex crimes in the Philippines.

De Lima acknowledged that certain countries, like the UK, are interested in investigating the matter.

"Take note, it is not only the Philippines ang kasama diyan sa intensified efforts. Kasama diyan ang Britain because it involves their own nationals as alleged perpetrators, so they are very interested to go after their own nationals who prey on our own... the vulnerable, especially minors," De Lima said.

She admitted that government resources for law enforcement have always been lacking, but stressed that there has "always been continuous support logistically," adding that IACAT's budget has consistently gone up every year.

Apart from the NBI, the DOJ had also created an office to probe online-related crimes.

"Athough hindi pa maka-full blast ang Office for Cybercrime dahil hinihintay natin ang decision ng Supreme Court sa Cybercrime Prevention Act," said De Lima.

The high court has yet to decide on a plea seeking to strike down the controversial law, which would give additional authority to the DOJ in tracking down criminal activities online.

"But with or without the ruling on the Cybercrime Act, the office has already been workinfg on these offenders," De Lima added. — LBG, GMA News

Thief caught for trying to steal from cop's house

By Trisha Mostoles, ABS-CBN News Pampanga


MANILA -- An alleged thief was arrested after he tried to steal from the house of a policeman in Pulung Maragul, Angeles City.

The suspect, identified as Brian Timbreza, a call center agent, used a hammer to break into a house, not knowing that a policeman lives inside it, authorities said.

The owner of the house turned him over to Angeles City Police Station 3, where he was interrogated.

Timbreza was also identified as the man who robbed a dorm using a toy gun.

The students living in the dorm positively identified him as the thief.

When asked about the incident, Timbreza said that he has to watch the video first.

However, authorities say that they have strong evidence that Timbreza is the same man on the video.

The suspect has been charged with robbery.

He might also be charged with robbery with intimidation because he threatened the students with a toy gun.

Clark has lowest water rates: CWC

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Water Corporation (CWC) claimed that the Freeport has the lowest water rates among economic zones.

Jesus Laigo, chief operating officer of CWC, said the water facility is able to provide world-class service to hundreds of locators in Clark.

During the Capampangan in Media Inc. (Cami) Balitaan at the Bale Balita, Laigo said CWC maintains its programs in support of CDC’s thrust to provide sound business policies to Clark investors.

The CWC official added that tariff comparison with other economic zones show that water rates in Clark is lower than that in Baguio Water District, Metro Cebu Water District on their charges on residential, commercial, and industrial.

Water rate in Clark is only P11.71 per cubic meter for residential while in Baguio is P41.23 and Metro Cebu is P15.42.

Commercial rate for Clark is P27.25 while Baguio is P89.35n and Metro Cebu is P46.67.

Industrial rate for Clark is P26.98, Baguio P120.09, Metro Cebu P48.38.

Clark is also lower than water utilities in surrounding areas.

For residential rates, Angeles Water District charges P21.07 per cubic meter, Balibago Waterworks System, Inc. P24.13, Mabalacat Water District P22.17, and San Fernando Water District is P20.92.

For commercial rates, Angeles charges P58.57, Balibago P46.38, Mabalacat P62.70 and San Fernando P67.50.

For Industrial rates, Angeles is P54.04, Mabalacat P63.10 and San Fernando P68.79. Balibago however has no industrial rates.

Laigo said that waste water charges in Clark are lower than Subic Bay Freeport. Clark Residential rate is P16.40 per cubic meter while Subic is P35.61. Rates of Commercial in Clark are P38.15 while Subic is P43.15 and Industrial for Clark is P37.78 while Subic is P48.22, Laigo said.

“The Clark Freeport Zone is seen to be a major business hub in the Philippines and we would like to support the realization of this objective through our company’s efficient provision of water and environmental services,” said Laigo.

CWC signed a contract with CDC in 2011. It initially infused P1.4 billion in Clark.

As of 2014, the Ayala-owned firm has already invested more than P300 million.

Laigo disclosed that the water firm has improved its services providing sufficient and potable water supply.

The firm also doubled its treatment capacity for wastewater improving its effluent quality to satisfy its customers, Laigo said.

“For the coming years, we are forecasting an upsurge in our locators’ water supply requirement. By the year 2017, we are anticipating that water consumption will grow by about 75 percent in the Freeport Zone, and that’s within the said area only” said Laigo.

“Our development of project comes with the responsibility to strategically improve our water sources, with priority on viable areas where rapid expansion and development are experienced, he added.







Anti-prostitution task force formed

By Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY - The barangay council of Balibago has formed its anti-prostitution task force to protect the public against sexually-transmitted diseases like Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV).

Balibago chairman Tony Mamac said the move is in line with Barangay Council Ordinance, “An ordinance addressing the system of prostitution, imposing penalties on its pepetrators, providing protective measures and support services for the prostituted persons, and for other purposes.”

Mamac said the ordinance will be strictly enforced by the task force. The village chief added that women and children should be protected from sexually-transmitted diseases.

Aside from this, the local government is finding ways to improve the image of Fields Avenue and other parts of the village as a prostitution area.

The official also warned individuals and establishments engaged in human trafficking. The Anti-Traficking Pesons Act of 2003 or Republic Act Number 9208 expressly prohibits the trafficking of persons by any means for the purpose of prostitution, pornography and sexual exploitation.







Girl files rape charges vs step-dad, 2 brothers

By Bernard Galang


ANGELES City -- A stepfather and his two brothers are facing charges of multiple counts of rape after a 16-year-old girl filed a complaint with the police that the three had been abusing her since she was 12.

“Lorna,” not her real name, said her ordeal started a few years after her mother and real father got separated.

She identified her alleged abusers as her father-in-law Louie Maraya, 27, and his brothers Arturo, 32, and Rogelio, 35.

“Inaabuso po nila ako. Nire-rape po nila ako. Nu’ng una po noong 2009, 12 years old po ako noon,” she said in her sworn statement to the Women and Chidren Protection Desk in Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando.

A man identified as Renato Ramirez was accosted by Pampanga Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT) in a supposedly entrapment operation last Jan. 8 at Bayanihan Park here after the mother and stepfather of Lorna complained of consented abduction.

But it turned out that Ramirez was just helping Lorna in filing charges against her alleged abusers.

A day before the entrapment operation, Ramirez accompanied Lorna to the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of Police Regional Office 3 in Camp Olivas to file charges against the Maraya brothers.

Pampanga CIDT head Chief Insp. Bienvenido Reydado said the girl had complained that she was sexually abused by the three suspects for several times from 2009 to 2013.

In her sworn statement, Lorna said she was first abused by Arturo in 2009, then by her stepfather Louie and Rogelio from 2012 to 2013.

“Noon pong nakatira kami sa Xevera, Mabalacat, kapag po nasa work ang nanay ko ay palagi po akong nire-rape ni Daddy Louie,” she said.

Appropriate charges are set to be filed against the suspects who are still at large.

Councilor asked: Where did part of tax collections go?

By sunstar.com.p


ANGELES CITY -- City Administrator Dennis Albert Pamintuan expressed concern over the repeated statements of Councilor Carmelo Lazatin that then mayor Carmelo Lazatin, the latter's father, was able to collect P1 billion in revenues and local taxes in 2007 without increasing real estate property taxes (RPT).

"We should seriously look into Councilor Lazatin's statement, and in fact, we have instructed our legal department to conduct a formal investigation to do so. Because if true, we should ask the councilor and his father where some P700 million in tax collections went - because official records, including those of the Commission on Audit (COA), say that total revenues of the city in 2007 only amounted to P307.5 million," Pamintuan said in a radio interview on Thursday.

In the same program last Tuesday, Councilor Lazatin expressed his opposition on the increased RPT that was approved by the City Council late December last year, saying his father collected P1 billion in taxes in 2007 without increasing the RPT.

Lazatin made the same statement last year when he tried to derail the approval of the measure, which, according to Pamintuan, has been overdue for 18 years.

"Various national government agencies, including the Department of Finance, the Department of Interior and Local Government and the COA have written us to update our RPT, which according to law should be done every three years. In the case of Angeles City, this has not been done since 1995," he said.

From 1995 till 2010, the RPT rates in Angeles City remained in post-Pinatubo eruption levels under the leadership of Lazatin and Francis Nepomuceno, both coming from landed families. Pundits say any increase in land and property taxes would require larger tax payments from them because of the large real estate properties of the two families.

"We assure our people that any increase in taxes would accrue back to them in the form of increased social services and better infrastructure," Pamintuan said.

He enumerated many planned projects of the city that will now be implemented because of the expected increase in revenues.

In a related development, Lito Ganzon, president of the League of Barangay Chairmen, supported Pamintuan's position and vowed to deliver a privilege speech next week to formally ask for a City Council’s probe over Councilor Lazatin's statements.

"I agree that we should give opportunity to Councilor Lazatin, and perhaps even his father, to clarify the issue once and for all. City Administrator Pamintuan raised a valid point - where is the P700 million in collections when only P307 million was reflected in the books?" he said.

"While we should give Councilor Lazatin the benefit of the doubt over his statements, I think he should be given the opportunity to correct his figures if he made a mistake, so as not to mislead our people," he added.

According to official city records, revenue collections of the city never went beyond the P1-billion mark, starting from P307.5 million during the last year of the Lazatin administration of three terms in 2007 to P435.9 million at the end of Nepomuceno's term in 2010, and P504.5 in 2011, the first full year of the administration of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan. (PR)

4 firms to invest P648M in Clark

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said that four new firms signed lease agreements with the state-owned firm in 2013.

The companies will pour in at least P648 million fresh investments this year.

CDC President Arthur P. Tugade said the new investors are expected to employ about 2,254 once the firms are fully operational.

The firms include Pishon Clark Phils. Inc., Preferred & Proven Therapies, Inc. (PPTI) (former Jade Duty Free), Sambon P&E Phils. Corporation, and Hubble Multisport Inc. (HMI).

HMI is a tourism-related project and the three are industrial firms in nature.

The CDC’s Corporate Planning Department (CPD) stated that Pishon, which will invest P72 million, committed to hire 1,500 workers.

The CPD added that PPTI will invest about P346.5 million and hire 150 workers.

Sambon is expected to initially invest P129 million for its manufacturing plant.

The Korean firm is a manufacturer of electronic components, such as speakers, earphones and headphones. It is a supplier for companies manufacturing electronic equipment, such as JVC of Japan.

HMI is expected to infuse fresh capital of P1 million for its project.

It will initially employ four workers.

Tugade said CDC is now targeting more investors to generate more employment opportunities in Pampanga and other neighboring provinces in Central Luzon.





Suspect in coed killing arrested

By Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY --- The city police recently arrested one of the three suspects in the killing of a nursing student in Barangay Salapungan here on September 3, 2009.

Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, city police director, said the Investigation and Detection Unit arrested Eduard Macatangay, 28, by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Irene Zenaida Buan of the Regional Trial Court branch 56 on January 8, 2013.

Macatangay, one of the principal suspects in the killing of Keith Ballesteros, 16, a freshman nursing student of Angeles University Foundation, is the number one most wanted person of Angeles City, Ugale said.

Ballesteros, a resident of 64 San Jose, Mesulo, Arayat, town, was found dead at No. 590 Apt. B, Diego Silang Street in said village.

"Consistent and diligent pursuit operations by SITG 'Keith' were conducted for the possible apprehension of the suspects at their known and given addresses," said Ugale.

An informant then relayed to the city police that Eduard Macatangay, who also uses the name Gilbert Alvaran, was spotted in Barangay Amihan, Project 3, Quezon City.

On November 6, 2013, Angeles City policemen, in coordination with the Station 9 QCPD, launched a manhunt operation against Macatangay.

The cops, however, failed to arrest Macatangay.

“Macatangay was so elusive and he doesn’t stay long in one place. He always transfers from one residence to another,” Ugale said.

The Angeles City police provided the QCPD a copy of the case folder with documents and description of Macatangay.

Last December 29, 2013, Station 8, QCPD personnel chanced and arrested one Gilbert Flores Marilao, 30, married, construction worker, for violation of City Ordinance (alarm nuisance and drinking liquor along the sidewalks).

It turned out that Marilao and Macatangay is one and the same person, Ugale said.

Ugale said the suspect is now detained at the Angeles City District Jail.







City dad reiterates opposition to RPT increase

By centralluzondaily.net


ANGELES CITY – Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. yesterday repeated his opposition on the recently approved increase in the assessment of Real Property Taxes (RPT) here during an interview over the local radio program “Good Morning Pampanga.” “I understand that the city government needs to generate more funds to implement more programs and projects for its citizens,” Lazatin said, “However, I still maintain that we can achieve the same through efficient tax collection.” “Hindi natin kailangan bigyan ng dagdag na pahirap ang taongbayan in the form of a tax increase if we can improve tax collection by strictly enforcing the law and closely monitoring where these funds go,” added Lazatin. During the interview, Lazatin also said that during the administration of his father, three-time Angeles City mayor and former Pampanga first district representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, the city government was able to increase tax revenues from a mere P250 million in 1998 to P1 billion in 2007, all due to efficient tax collection. “The increase of taxes should only be considered as a last resort,” added Lazatin, “In which case, the increase should be staggered and not a one-time monumental increase like what was proposed by the Pamintuan administration.” Approved during the City Council’s regular session last November 26, 2013, the ordinance in question has been the subject of much controversy and opposition as it increases the assessment of RPT in the city by as much as 200%. Lazatin, along with the two other minority councilors, Max Sangil and Bryan Nepomuceno, voted against the passage of the ordinance but were outvoted by the majority, nine to three.

PHL embassy in DC blessed after ‘surge of paranormal’

By Ding Cervantes


CLARK FREEPORT - The Philippine embassy in Washington D.C. has finally been blessed by a priest after “a surge in paranormal occurrences” in the building.

Embassy First Secretary and Consul Elmer Cato told Punto, however, that the hauntings have persisted at least in his office on Basement Level II of the embassy. Cato, who is also embassy spokesperson, initially posted in his Facebook account about the account of a Latina cleaning lady he identifi ed only as Lupe in the embassy.

“A few weeks after the surge in paranormal occurrences at 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., our cleaning lady, Lupe, encountered her for the first time at Basement Level II,” Cato wrote in his post, referring to a “white lady” frequently seen by embassy staff over the years.

Cato quoted Lupe as actually having talked to one of the embassy ghosts whom she had initially thought to be a living member of the embassy staff. “She (white lady) was Filipina and introduced herself (to Lupe) as Corazon Alvarado. She told Lupe not to be afraid. She said she meant no harm and was actually sent down from heaven to guard the building and its occupants,” Cato said.

He said the white lady “told Lupe she and several others stay most of the time at Basement Levels I and II but venture to the upper floors when the occupants have left for the day.” Cato said that “at one point, she (white lady) spoke in Tagalog but later apologized and with a laugh said she forgot that Lupe was from Latin America.”

Lupe claimed that Corazon had asked that the embassy building be blessed by a priest, as the building had never been blessed yet. Cato said the embassy building was indeed blessed recently. “The priest said Mass and blessed the entire building.

He went from office to office, floor by floor. However, there was one room that the priest was not able to bless because the officer occupying it was away and his room was locked. It was my room,” he noted.

Cato said the hauntings seemed to have dissipated in the embassy since the blessing, except in his room. “I don’t know whether it’s still Corazon manifesting herself there,” he said.

In the history of Catholicism, some holy persons are known to have conversed with ghosts during their earthly lives. These include St. Padre Pio and Maria Simma of Austria who died in 2004. The ghosts they encountered often sought for Masses and prayers for their deliverance from Purgatory.

TPLEX starts collecting toll fees Monday

By pna.gov.ph


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Jan. 6 (PNA) -- The San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through its subsidiary and toll road concessionaire Private Infra Development Corporation, Inc. (PIDC), will start collecting toll fees today (January 6) in the newly-opened 88.85-kilometer stretch of Tarlac City-Gerona-Paniqui of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

The PIDC, in a statement, said that the toll fees in Tarlac City to Victoria part (8.66 km) are P30 for Class 1, P76 for Class 2 and P91 for Class 3 vehicles.

Toll fees from Victoria to Gerona (8.017 km) are P28 for Class 1, P70 for Class 2 and P84 for Class 3.

For Tarlac City to Gerona (16.777 km), P58 for Class 1, P145 for Class 2 and P175 for Class 3.

President Benigno Aquino III formally opened TPLEX in an inaugural drive-through at the Paniqui exit in Tarlac last December 23.

The TPLEX portion, which is now operational, totaled to 23 kilometers in length following the opening of the 17-kilometer Phase 1A from Tarlac City to Victoria, Pura, then Gerona initially for free to the public.

The PIDC also said that they are now working on the 27-kilometer stretch from Paniqui to Moncada in Tarlac then Carmen in Pangasinan, including the construction of the 950-meter Agno viaduct.

The PIDC is eyeing the completion of this section on April this year, ahead of its December 2014 estimate.

By then, the two-hour travel time from Tarlac to Carmen will be cut to only 30 minutes.

The remaining 25.83-kilometer part from Urdaneta, Pangasinan to Rosario, La Union, on the other hand, will be completed by 2015.

TPLEX will traverse 17 towns and two cities in the provinces of Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union and Nueva Ecija.

It connects the Northern and Central provinces of Luzon to Metro Manila via the North Luzon and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressways (SCTEX).

Originally, TPLEX was designed as a two-lane road, but the SMC decided to upgrade the infrastructure to four lanes to ensure road safety, particularly during the influx of tourists going to Baguio City this summer.

The completion of the project will cut the three and half hours travel time from Tarlac to La Union to only an hour. (PNA) JBP/ZST/MDDR/PS

2 kids in carnival accident recovering

By Reynaldo G. Navales


NGELES CITY -- The two children who were seriously injured in an accident at a carnival inside the Clark Freeport more than a week ago are now recuperating at the Angeles University Foundation Medical Center.

Shandei Lingat, 12, was already released from the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after undergoing several operations on her internal organs.

Len Lingat, grandmother of the victim, said the girl is set to undergo surgery on her fractured leg.

Shandei’s younger sister Jayriz, 11, is still under the watch of physician-specialists inside the AUFMC-ICU as of Sunday.

Shandei, Jayriz, and their 10-year-old cousin Thajay Macam, who are all from LNS Subdivision in nearby Angeles City and grade school pupils at Holy Family Academy, fell from a ferris wheel at the Fiesta Carnival on December 29.

Macam, who sustained only minor injuries, was released from the hospital earlier.

The management of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) immediately closed down the amusement center, operated by businessman Louie Lopez.

Lopez, who vowed to shoulder the medical expenses of two kids, expressed apprehension over the closure order CDC management.

“Tinutulungan naman namin yung mga bata. Ala naman silang responsibilidad sa mga biktima ng aksidente [base sa aming kontrata],” Lopez said.

Frank Madlangbayan, CDC vice president for Operations, earlier said that it is written in the contract between the CDC management and Fiesta Carnival that the amusement center’s operator shall be responsible for any loss of property, injuries, and death of persons going inside the park.

Lopez said that he spent P250,000 for his permit to operate inside the Freeport. “Biro mo pinagbayad nila akong P250,000 pero 11 days lang nila akong pinag-operate.”

The CDC management reportedly lifted the suspension of the rides on Sunday but Lopez said he already dismantled some of machines inside the carnival.

“Wala kaming choice kundi mag-pull out kasi luging-lugi na kami dito,” Lopez said.

Lopez’s amusement center was given by CDC a permit to operate until January 15.

14 Clark firms have 3,255 job openings

By cloudlogin.co


CLARK FREEPORT , Philippines – The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) announced that at least 14 firms based here have a total of 3,255 job openings, which they intend to fill up within the next three months.

In a report to CDC president Benigno Ricafort, assistant vice president for business development group Bernardo Angeles Jr. said most of the job positions that are available here are for customer service representatives and call center agents.

Angeles said officials of the Clark firms have announced that they have scheduled a job fair at the SM City Clark event center on Sept. 30 in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Pampanga Employment Services Federation, and SM City Clark.

He said NCO Phils. and Sutherland Phils. are hiring 1,000 customer representatives each.

Other firms looking for applicants are Cyber City Teleservices, 500 customer service agents; Texas Instrument Phils., 320 apprentices and 300 engineers and production staffers (regular positions); UPS Clark Phils., 50 customer service agents; Apex Intec Phils. Co. Ltd. Inc., 41 production staff positions; Hotel Stotsenberg, 25 casino managers, supervisors and staff; and O&G Leather Manufacturing Inc., 10 administrative staffers and engineers, nine cutters and other positions.

The Clark Freeport now has a total of 55,500 workers compared to only about 20,000 during the time of the US Air Force up to 2001.

Assisting in the job fair are Jhoy Santiago, SMK Electronics Philippines; Sharon Ray Sagansay, WALLEM Innovative Solutions Phils. Inc.; Raides Garcia and Timothy de la Cruz, Yokohama Tires Phils.; Glenda Cerdenola, Fontana Development Corp.; and Christian Mesina, Global Standard Learning Center Inc.

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