Makati City News July 2014

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

Suspected pyramiding scam head preying on cops fall in Makati mall

Mike Frialde (philstar.com)


MANILA, Philippines - The suspected head of a pyramiding operation that preys mostly on police officers was arrested on Wednesday afternoon by the Makati City Police in a sting operation inside a shopping mall in the city.

The Makati City police said suspect Peter James Abarico, 26, a resident of San Juan City, was nabbed at about 3:00 pm inside a mall along Ayala Avenue.

Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban, Makati City police chief, said Abarico would convince his unsuspecting victims into lending money with him with the promise of doubling their investments.

“He would tell his victims that he is a middle man for a government department which is in need of borrowing funds for some projects. He would promise them that their investments would double after five days,” said Lukban.

Lukban said one of Abarico’s investors gave him P50,000 which was doubled when returned. In addition to the doubled amount, Abarico also gave the investor a large LCD television.

“He would return the money he would borrow from his victims exactly after five days,” said Lukban.

Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The biggest “loan” Abarico got from his victims was P7 million which he returned to the “investor” as P11 million and a 2014 Mitsubishi Pajero.

“The victims never suspected there was wrong with the operation as their money were returned after five days and the suspect would usually drop the names of his other past high-profile investors,” said Lukban.

Lukban said they would not divulge the name of the government department which Abarico claims to have connections with.

“We do not believe him. He has no other partners working with him. We are not considering his statements,” said Lukban.

Lukban said the victims, mostly police officers and police officials from the Quezon City Police and the Taguig City Police, got suspicious when Abarico had failed to return their “investments” and suddenly disappeared.

Lukban said prior to the entrapment, four of Abarico’s past victims attempted to make contact with him and again offered to invest. They sought the help of the Makati police after Abarico agreed to meet them at the shopping mall.

During the entrapment, police also seized from Abarico two .40 pistols and a 9mm pistol. One of the .40 pistols has an expired license while the other .40 pistol and the 9 mm pistol are unlicensed, said Lukban.

Abarico is now detained at the Makati City Police headquarters as charges for illegal possession of firearms and large-scale estafa are being readied against him.






City social welfare agency rescues 622 street dwellers in Makati

Mike Frialde (philstar.com)


MANILA, Philippines - The Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD) in coordination with the Makati Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) has rescued 622 street dwellers, mostly minors, in operations that started last month.

According to the city government, the joint task force was formed to curb the presence of street dwellers in Makati, particularly along major roads. It consists of police officers from the Women and Children Protection Desk and Police Community Precincts of the Makati Police Department, city social workers and MADAC personnel

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay earlier directed the city’s concerned agencies to intensify efforts to curb petty crimes often blamed on street children and to minimize accidents involving minors.

Based on post-operation reports endorsed by the MADAC to Mayor Binay, the task force was able to rescue 296 street dwellers last month and 326 so far this month as a result of continuous rescue operations in critical areas throughout the city.

The report said many of the apprehended individuals were children ages 14 to 17 years who were loitering in Makati and Gil Puyat avenues (formerly Buendia) at night. The rest are adults ages 26 to 55 years old, who were seen sleeping in the side streets and sidewalks.

MADAC chief Jaime Santos said minors rescued for the first time and tested negative for drugs were reunited with their parents, while repeat offenders were referred to the MSWD for turnover to its Social Development Center or Makati Youth Homes.

The adults - both men and women - were turned over to their respective barangays for disposition. Those found positive for drugs use were subjected to counselling from MSWD social workers, before they were referred to the proper agencies, including government rehabilitation centers. Drug-free non-residents, meanwhile, were endorsed to the Jose Fabella Homes.

Over the two-month period, the joint task force carried out rescue operations in Barangay Poblacion, particularly on P. Burgos Street, Tigris Street, Polaris Street, Makati Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue. In Barangay Bangkal, street dwellers were rescued in Linera St. corner EDSA, Rodriguez St., A. Mabini St. corner EDSA, A. Bonifacio St. corner Evangelista St., and A. Belarmino St. corner Evangelista St. Also covered were Arnaiz St. and Medina St. corner Dela Rosa St. in Barangay Pio del Pilar.

Meanwhile, the joint task force last July 15 successfully retrieved and moved to safety some 21 people, consisting of 10 children and 11 adults, from the stretch of J.P. Rizal Extension leading to the Pasig River Ferry-Guadalupe Station, and from the Makati Park and Garden in Brgy. Cembo before the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda.

CA denies appeal of PEP coalition

Rey E. Requejo


The Court of Appeals has dismissed the appeal of the Parents Enabling Parents Coalition Party (PEP) over the complaint for damages filed against them before a Makati City court.

In a two-page resolution, the CA denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Philip Piccio and several other members of the PEP Coatlion for lack of merit.

The appellate court sustained its September 6, 2013 decision penned by Associate Justice Agnes Reyes-Carpio, citing lack of reversible error.

Associate Justices Melchor Quirino Sadang and Eduardo Peralta Jr. concurred with the ruling.

“It does not escape our attention that while the motion was captioned as motion for partial reconsideration, petitioners are in fact praying for the reversal and setting aside of the entire Decision based on arguments and points which we have sufficiently threshed out in our decision. Petitioners have not advanced compelling reasons or substantial arguments which would justify a reconsideration of our decision,” the resolution stated.

In its Sept. 6, 2013 ruling, the CA’s Special Former Eight Division affirmed several orders of the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC).

A complaint for damages for malicious prosecution was instituted by private respondents alleging that defendants Piccio, others, and PEP officers Virginia Lasiste, Christina Salvador, John Joseph Gutierrez and Ricardo Loyares conspired in filing at least six criminal complaints for syndicated estafa in different courts, which they supposedly for no cogent reason.

After mediation failed, the counsel for private respondents verbally moved to declare Lasiste and Salvador in default due to their non-appearance and failure to authorize their counsel to represent them.

In November 2011, the Makati City court partially granted the motion for reconsideration prompting the petitioners to question the same before the CA.

The CA ruling concurred by said Lasiste and Salvador were able to answer within the period as “the trial court correctly applied Rule 18 over Rule 9 of the Rules of Court.”

Makati moves to stop city hall time theft

(Anna Liza Villas-Alavaren)

To thwart attempts of time theft, the Makati City hall has adopted the use of the Automated Biometrics Timekeeping System in monitoring the daily attendance of employees.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the move was in keeping with the commitment of the city government to harness technology to promote transparency and efficiency in its operations and services.

“Aside from ensuring the accuracy of daily time records and thwarting attempts of time theft, the new timekeeping system also promotes fast and efficient payroll calculations,” Binay said.

Vissia Marie Aldon, city personnel officer, said using the system has eliminated the possibility of employees making “proxy” time-in or time-out for other employees working in its offices at the City Hall complex in Barangay Poblacion.

95 new graduates of Makati skills training program pass TESDA certification

(PNA), SCS/PR/PJN

MANILA, July 27 (PNA) -- Ninety-five out of the 238 Makati City residents who recently graduated from various courses under the Makati Training and Livelihood Consortia (MTPLC) have passed the National Certification Level 2 (NC2) assessment of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

In a report to Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay, MTPLC president Vissia Marie Aldon stated that the 95 newly certified graduates are now licensed to work in any TESDA-accredited company here and abroad. One of them, welding graduate Lawrence Lerias, took and passed the Trainors Methodology training that gives him license to teach technology courses.

For his part, Binay congratulated the TESDA passers and the rest of the 238 MTPLC graduates who have yet to take the TESDA test for successfully completing their respective courses.

“Congratulations to the new batch of MTPLC graduates who have availed themselves of our skills training program. You are now equipped with skills that make you highly employable here and abroad,” Binay said.

The mayor said he was proud of all those who made good use of the opportunity offered by the MTPLC for residents to acquire skills that they could use to land gainful employment or become successful entrepreneurs. He challenged the graduates to put to good use the skills and knowledge they learned, and come back to share their success stories on how the program has changed their lives.

Napoles' transfer to regular jail deferred

By Mike Frialde (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines — Plunder respondent Janet Lim Napoles will remain in detention at Fort Sto. Domingo in the meantime despite Sandiganbayan's order to transfer her to a Taguig jail.

The Philippine National Police said it is awaiting clarification from the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 on whether Napoles should be placed under the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) at Camp Bagong Diwa.

Napoles was expected to be transferred on Friday night but the PNP aborted the transfer pending clearance from the Makati court, which earlier placed the suspected pork barrel scam mastermind in Fort Sto. Domingo for a serious illegal detention case.

"We will seek a clarification from the court first," said PNP spokesman, Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac.

"Tinitingnan natin kung ano 'yung nangingibabaw na jurisprudence dito. Wala po sa PNP na mag-interpret, nasa hukuman po 'yan. Kahit na may mga dati nang sitwasyon, lagi naman binabalik pa rin sa korte ang mga ganitong pangyayari. Yun ang SOP (standard operating procedure)," added Sindac.

On Friday, the Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered Napoles' transfer to the BJMP female dormitory inside Camp Bagong Diwa. Lawyer Jessica "Gigi" Reyes is also being detained in isolation at the same facility.

The Sandiganbayan, in ordering Napoles' transfer, noted that persons on trial are supposed to be placed in the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), which has jurisdiction over Camp Bagong Diwa.

A special team from the BJMP arrived at Fort Sto. Domingo at about 9 p.m. on Friday and was ready to escort Napoles to Camp Bagong Diwa. The convoy, however, was ordered to stand down as final say from the "higher-ups" was needed, BJMP National Capital Region spokesman Inspectot Aries Villaester said.

The Makati City RTC Branch 150 said, however, it would not cite the PNP for contempt if the latter carries out the Sandiganbayan order.

"The court will not object to the order of the Sandiganbayan. The PNP is just following the order of the Sandiganbayan. Any change in the place of her detention will not affect the illegal detention case," Makati clerk of court Diosfa Valencia said.

Still, Valencia insisted that the PNP and the Sandiganbayan would need to formally inform the Makati court of Napoles' transfer for record purposes even after the actual transfer.

Sandiganbayan First Division, which is handling another plunder case against Napoles, has asked the Makati court to comment on the motion of government prosecutors to transfer Napoles to the Taguig facility.

Valencia explained, however, that the First Division's request for comment has become moot after the earlier transfer order

NBI arrests 4 Koreans linked to cyber-fraud in Makati

By Joel Locsin

National Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Thursday night four Koreans suspected of involvement in cyber-fraud activities, following a raid on their condominium unit in Makati City.

The NBI served search warrants on the two condo units at a building at P. Burgos Street in Barangay Poblacion in Makati, radio dzBB's James Agustin reported Friday.

Citing initial information, the report said the NBI seized eight to 10 computers, laptops, 100 SIM cards, and credit card readers.

The NBI also seized photos of nude women along with files believed to contain their biodata.

Notes on the SIM cards indicated that they can be used only once.

The NBI said it will verify with the Bureau of Immigration the status of the arrested Koreans. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

Makati allots P3.6-M for city scholars in UP and PNU

By Mike Frialde (philstar.com)


MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City Council has approved a total budget of P3.6 million for the benefit of city scholars enrolled in the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Philippine Normal University (PNU) this school year.

Under City Ordinance No. 2014-005, P2.5 million has been allocated to the UP College Scholarship Program, while the PNU College Scholarship Program was granted P1.1 million.

The Makati City government said four more graduates, three of them with honors, have graduated from UP and the PNU.

In a report to Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, the Makati Education Department cited scholars Roochie Mico Cosico who graduated magna cum laude for Civil Engineering, and Jeffrey Losañes, cum laude for Industrial Engineering, both from UP Diliman. Meanwhile, the two scholars who graduated from PNU last April were Mary Delle Gomez, cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and Kimberly Cantos, BSE major in General Science.

Binay congratulated the new graduates and thanked them for giving honor to the city by excelling in their studies.

“We are thankful to our scholars for valuing the opportunity to achieve their dreams as scholars of our college scholarship programs in two premier state universities. We have high hopes that they are now ready to take on the challenges and succeed in their chosen fields,” Binay said

According to Makati Education Department head Norma Tumambing, scholars receive a monthly stipend of P4,000 each for five months per semester, aside from their tuition fees and other school fees shouldered by the city government. Scholars at UP receive a P5,000-book allowance every semester, and for PNU scholars, P4,000 per semester.

For the first semester of school year 2014-2015, Tumambing reported 17 scholars at UP and 21 scholars at PNU taking up various courses.

The two scholarship programs award full scholarship to qualified, deserving Makati public high school graduates. In order to retain their scholarship, scholars in UP must maintain the required average grade of 2.0 or its equivalent, for a load of at least 15 units with no failing grade. PNU scholars, on the other hand, are required to maintain the required average grade of 85 percent for a load of at least 15 units with no failing grade.

Free access to quality education, especially of those from indigent families in the city, is a continuing commitment of the city government of Makati, Binay said.

Used car dealer slain in Makati

By Mike Frialde


MANILA, Philippines - A 24-year-old used car dealer was shot dead at a gasoline station’s parking lot in Barangay Magallanes, Makati City Monday night.

Rodante Argie Mahinay, of Dimasalang street in Pasay City, had just left a hamburger outlet at the gasoline station at around 8:20 p.m. and was walking to the parking lot, as seen on closed-circuit television footage, city police chief Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban said.

He was met by three men, described to be between 20 and 25 years old, who shot him and fled toward Osmeña Highway going to Pasay City.

Mahinay died while being treated for gunshot wounds at the Makati Medical Center.

Investigators recovered six spent .45 caliber bullet shells and Mahinay’s 9mm Taurus pistol.

Police said they are still identifying the assailants as well as determining the motive for the shooting.

Last May 23, Mark Felizardo Baggang, alias “Dodong Bagang,” a 27-year-old “buy and sell” businessman was shot dead at a station in Barangay Pio del Pilar in Makati.

According to the Makati police, Baggang was in the driver’s seat of his black Toyota Vios (without license plates) and was preparing to gas up when at least three unidentified assailants appeared and surrounded his car at about 8:30 a.m.

Police said the assailants opened fire with a 9mm pistol, a .45 caliber pistol and an M16 rifle.

Police said Baggang died on the spot after being hit in the head and body. Investigators said at least 100 empty shells and slugs were recovered at the scene located at the corner of Evangelista and Arguilles streets.

The assailants fled in a maroon car, police said. Witnesses failed to jot down the license plate number of the getaway car, police added.

Lukban told reporters that prior to the shooting, the victim received death threats.

Lukban earlier said they are looking at a possible drug angle in the shooting. Investigators found suspected shabu and drug-sniffing paraphernalia in the victim’s car along with a .22 caliber revolver.

Plunder complaint filed vs VP Binay

By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com)


MANILA, Philippines - Two former barangay chairmen in Makati City have filed plunder complaints against Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son Mayor Junjun Binay before the Office of the Ombudsman against for the alleged overpriced construction of a new parking building.

Lawyer Renato Bondal, former barangay chairman of Palanan and Nicolas Enciso VI, ex-barangay chief of Olimpia, claimed in their complaint that the New Makati City parking building was overpriced by P1.3 billion.

The construction of the 11-storey building located along F. Zobel Street, Poblacion, Makati City, started in 2007, funded through the first appropriation ordinance which was proposed and approved by the Vice president.

The complainants claimed that the actual cost of the building according to the National Statistics Office data should have be only at P245.5 million. The final contract price for the building was pegged at P1.56 billion.

They said that the initial appropriation of P400 million approved by the older Binay was overpriced by P154 million.

Binay's son, along with the members of the city council, approved six more appropriation ordinances for the construction of the building, amounting to P1.160 billion.

"The overpricing of the building project could not have been committed without a deliberate, systematic, and unconscionable raid of public funds designed by the Binays and the other respondents to defraud the people of Makati and gain personal profit in the process.

"This parking building has become the most expensive parking building in the country, if not the entire world, and the Binays and the other respondents, should be held responsible for this act of wanton misuse and plunder of public funds," the complainants said.

The project was turned over to the city government of Makati last 2013.

Aside from the Binays, the charge sheet also include all of the former and incumbent city councilors and Commission on Audit resident Auditor Cecile Cag-anan for "failing to exercise her sworn mandate to protect the city treasury of Makati from abuses."

Makati Business Club throws support for Bangsamoro

By pia.gov.ph

MAKATI CITY, 21 July (PIA)--The Philippine business community affirmed its strong support for the establishment of the Bangsamoro, which will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“I assure you that we are very enthusiastic partners in the pursuit of lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro,” said Ramon Del Rosario, Jr., Chairman of the Makati Business Club (MBC), during an executive briefing on the Bangsamoro attended by the heads of the Philippine Business Groups and the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (PBG-JFC) on Monday, July 14, 2014.

“We know what the stakes are and we know what the benefits will be if this (Bangsamoro) is achieved successfully, so we are rooting for you and we will accompany you in this process,” del Rosario added.

The vote of confidence echoes an earlier gesture made by the PBG-JFC during a dialogue with the Philippine Senate in February 2014. There, the coalition of business leaders included the Bangsamoro Basic Law in its list of recommended pieces of legislation to be prioritized for enactment in the 16th Congress.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, and panel member Senen Bacani, spoke during the forum of business leaders on behalf of the government.

Deles encouraged the business sector’s support in helping generate and promote public understanding and faith in the peace process, despite the prevalence and persistence of detractors and naysayers.

She also called for boldness and bravery on the part of the enterprise leaders to stand by their government as the Bangsamoro peace process moves into its most critical phase: The implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the passage and ratification of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

On her part, Coronel-Ferrer discussed the salient provisions of the CAB, such as the establishment of a ministerial form of government, greater fiscal autonomy, and normalization process, which includes the component of transitional justice and reconciliation. She further explained that the government aims to establish the Bangsamoro as an effective vehicle for improved participation, not only for the Moro, but for all constituents of Mindanao.

Bacani, meanwhile, spoke about the investment opportunities and challenges that the new Bangsamoro will present. He urged the enterprise leaders to harness their partnership and invest in various opportunities to catalyze economic momentum in the new political entity.

As Deles expressed the government’s gratitude for the invaluable support of the business sector at the end of the briefing, she assured the group that their active interest and involvement will ultimately serve the interest of the entire nation.

“This process is not just for the Bangsamoro, it’s not just for Mindanao,” said Deles. “It’s really for the entire country and for every Filipino.” (OPPAP/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)






POEA padlocks agency linked to illegal recruitment

By Joel Locsin

An agency that was involved in illegal recruitment has been padlocked, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said over the weekend.

Padlocked was Bright 3 Manpower Agency at Room 246, Cityland 8, 98 Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, for unauthorized recruitment of workers to Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

"During the implementation of the closure order, the POEA agents discovered that Bright 3 Manpower Agency was accepting applicants for jobs such as salesman, saleslady, laundry man/woman, housekeepers, janitors, waiters/waitresses and construction workers for Dubai, and service crew for Malaysia," POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said.

Yet, the company was reported recruiting applicants for overseas jobs without proper authorization from the POEA and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Cacdac said the agency's operations manager, one Rosalinda Natama, admitted recruiting workers for overseas employment.

"Natama also confessed that Bright 3 was recruiting workers for local employment even without the appropriate license from the DOLE," he said.

Criminal complaints

Cacdac said the POEA will file criminal complaints for illegal recruitment against Natama and employees Lorelyn Corona, Janette Togado, and Maribie Zafra.

Also, the names of the four will be included in the POEA List of Persons with Derogatory Record.

Meanwhile, the POEA will also endorse the case to DOLE Metro Manila, and to the city of Makati for possible revocation of license to operate or business permit. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

Disaster management module ready

By Carlos Ardosa

With the full-scale operation of the government’s disaster risk reduction centers mandated by law, Condoza Software Solutions Corp. will launch a new module on Monday at the Ascott Hotel in Makati City.

Established in in 2009 by Teresita Conroy and Michael Conroy, the company introduced Hazard Management Centre, covering protective services, safety, health, environment and disaster management or PSSHED.

The software provides central connectivity for government agencies, cities/municipalities and large businesses with multiple sites.

The firm will launch on July 21 the Structural Health Monitoring System, which is required in buildings over 10 stories as implemented by Department of Public Works and Highways–National Building Code Development Office.

Those benefitting from Condoza’s technology are the town of Teresa, Rizal (automated municipal operations) Sto. Tomas City in Batangas (PSSHEED), Bacoor, Cavite (incident mapping/manager), Metro Manila Development Authority (PSSHED data and Web systems), GMA 7 Media Merge Systems (data mining); Quiapo Church (incident and disaster management, face detection and recognition); and the Anuva Condominium project in Muntinlupa City under Soc Land Development among other clients.

The structural heal module supports DPWH-NBCDO Memo Circular 03 series of 2011 which states that “every building in Seismic Zone 4 over 10 stories (or 6000 sq m in area) shall be provided with not less than three (3) approved recording accelerographs for the data acquisition on ground movement due to earthquakes and the building’s response due to typhoons shall be strictly enforced”.

These accelerographs are part of the patented Structural Monitoring System being implemented by CSSC in partnership with Guralp Systems Ltd (UK).

The Earthquake Early Warning systems and Geo-technical monitoring of building foundations will be covered with Tilt meters, slope indicators (inclinometers), and the P Alert system provided by Romano Paladio of Drilling Advisory and Logistics Corp.

The resource persons include Michael Conroy, CSSC executive vice president and Nathan Pearce, Guralp executive vice president-Director of Sales.

For details, contact Eric Juan, EVP-Operations, 09179013204 or Dominic Da Silva, EVP Sales and Marketing, 09279189980.

Makati posts P8.33-B revenue

By Mike Frialde

MANILA, Philippines - Makati City reaped a total of P8.33 billion in revenue for the first five months of the year, 6 percent higher than its revenue collection for the same period in 2013, the city government reported on Friday.

Based on the report of the Office of the City Treasurer to Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, the highest collection of P4.2 billion came from business tax, followed by real property tax amounting to P3.23 billion. Compared to collections in the same period last year, business tax increased by 6 percent while real property tax increased by 8 percent.

Binay said the city’s income has continued on an upward trend despite the fact that its tax rates have remained the same since 2006, when its new Revenue Code took effect.

“We have so far sustained the city’s annual revenue growth even without increasing tax rates for the past seven years. We attribute our success largely to our ability to maintain a healthy investment climate that continues to draw new investors and stimulate business growth,” Binay said.

Binay also noted that the city’s efficient tax collection system has ensured that local revenue sources continue to make up the bulk of its annual revenue collection, with its internal revenue allotment accounting for barely 6 percent.

“Based on a report published recently by the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Local Government Finance, Makati has the highest share of locally sourced income among 144 cities in the country,” Binay said.

In the said report, local sources contributed 92.6 percent of the city’s estimated annual regular income, exceeding those of Quezon City and Manila, computed at 77.2 percent and 75.7 percent, respectively.

Binay said the city’s technology-driven initiatives have helped improve collection efficiency primarily by facilitating transactions with City Hall, such as the computerized barangay realty tax payment program.

For around 10 years now, Makati landowners have enjoyed access to satellite realty tax payment centers in barangay halls electronically linked to City Hall and capable of issuing electronic official receipts, with each transaction completed within five minutes. Taxpayers only need to submit relevant information, such as their Tax Declaration Number, or present their latest official receipt.

To date, there are 17 satellite payment centers that operate on scheduled dates every quarter in barangays Bel-Air, Urdaneta, Dasmariñas, Forbes Park, Magallanes, San Lorenzo, Pio del Pilar, Bangkal, Palanan, San Antonio, Tejeros, Kasilawan, West Rembo, East Rembo, Comembo, Pembo and Guadalupe Nuevo.

The city government has also made available through the city’s website, www.makati.gov.ph, downloadable application forms for Business Permit, Individual Mayor’s Permit, and Locational Clearance for easy access to clients, who need not line up at the corresponding City Hall offices to get the forms.

Meanwhile, other locally sourced revenue for the city also increased as of May, with miscellaneous fees up by three percent at P430 million, while economic enterprises grew by 19 percent with over P100.9 million income.

Classes, gov’t work in Makati resume Thursday

By Maila Ager |INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Classes in all school levels in Makati City will resume on Thursday, the city mayor said late Wednesday. Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Jun-Jun” Binay, through his spokesman, Joey Salgado, also announced the resumption of work on Thursday at the Makati City Hall. The local government suspended Wednesday classes in all levels as well as work in government offices except those involved in relief and rescue operations due to the onslaught of Typhoon “Glenda.”

Tax Watch targets Makati doctors

By Bettina Faye V. Roc

DOCTORS IN MAKATI were the latest to be put in the spotlight as part of a government campaign against tax evasion, with compliance examined based on their income tax returns. After six weeks of focusing on the revenue shortcomings of local governments, the Finance department turned its sights once more on the professional sector in yesterday’s Tax Watch advertisement.

Using Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) data, it noted that less than two-fifths of taxpayer doctors in Makati filed income tax returns in 2012 -- with some even declaring very low dues.

According to the Tax Watch ad, a total of 1,798 doctors are registered with the BIR’s Makati revenue district offices. Of this, just 647 or 36% filed their tax returns in 2012.

The ad also pointed out that 209 of the 647 taxpayer doctors even declared income tax dues less than the tax to be withheld from the gross income of a public school teacher earning P18,549 a month -- pegged at some P27,360.

For instance, a doctor who earned P3.72 million in 2012 only declared a tax due of P2,000, the ad declared.

“When you don’t pay your taxes, you’re a burden to those who do,” the Finance department declared.

Tax Watch is an ongoing campaign by the Finance department where weekly advertisements containing tax collection statistics are released, with the goal of encouraging people to comply with laws and raise government revenues.

The BIR is the government’s main revenue agency, accounting for about 70% of collections. It is tasked to collect a total of P1.456 trillion in taxes this year.

The agency has collected P549.085 billion as of May, up 8.74% from P504.95 billion recorded a year earlier but over P50 billion short of the period’s P603.871-billion target.

It shored up P1.217 trillion last year, up 15.03% from the P1.058 trillion recorded in 2012 but missing the P1.253-trillion goal.

No classes in Makati Wednesday

By Maila Ager (INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines – The Makati City government on Tuesday announced the cancellation of classes in all levels in public and private schools in the city for Wednesday.

Joey Salgado said the number coding scheme in the city was also lifted this Tuesday.

Afternoon classes at the University of Makati were also suspended on Tuesday, Salgado said.

For private colleges, he said, the decision whether to suspend their classes would be left at the discretion of the school officials.

39 honor graduates from Makati's public schools receive tablet computers

pia.gov.ph

MAKATI CITY, July 14 (PIA) -- Thirty-nine honor graduates from Makati’s public elementary and high schools recently received a brand new tablet computer each as part of their incentive package from the city government.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay personally handed the tablets in his office at City Hall to the lucky winners of the annual raffle draw among the top five graduates of the city’s 37 public primary and secondary schools.

Binay congratulated the recipients and encouraged them to sustain their passion for excellence, asking them to “make full use of their new tablets to increase their knowledge and be empowered to achieve their dreams.”

Earlier, all top five graduates of the city’s public schools received cash gifts from the city government.

The valedictorians received P10,000 each, the salutatorians got P8,000 each, and the first to third honorable mentions each received P6,000.

DepEd-Makati officer-in-charge Dr. Dominicio Idanan said two schools, Pitogo High School and Benigno Aquino High School, have two sets of honor graduates – one from the regular school program and the other from the specialized curriculum program. Thus, two tablets are allocated to each of them in the yearly raffle draw.

Pitogo High School was among public secondary schools nationwide chosen to implement the Science, Technology and Engineering (STE) specialized curriculum of the Department of Education.

Benigno Aquino High School, on the other hand, has implemented the Regional ICT Tech-Voc High School Program of the DepEd that took effect in school year 2009-2010.

The 27 winners from the elementary level were as follows: Alyssa Mae Salas, West Rembo ES; Princess Kiana Susarno, Makati ES; Madelaine Kadile, Guadalupe Viejo ES; Samantha Tuppal, Fort Bonifacio ES; Ken Daniel Acosta, Pembo ES; Rafael Lava, East Rembo ES; Kate Regine Cunanan, Tibagan ES; John Maynard Tamaca, Comembo ES; Gwyneth Santonia, Rizal ES; Cris Ann S. Malacad, Hen. Pio del Pilar ES Main; Lou Darren San Diego, Hen. Pio del Pilar ES I; John Kevin Villarva, Bangkal ES Main; Trisha Denise Castillo, Bangkal ES I; Stephany Corpuz, Bangkal ES II; Ayessa Cassandra Saguinsin, F. Benitez ES Main; Krishmi Beatrice Medel, Jose Magsaysay ES; Voltaire John Lumangaya, Maximo Estrella ES; Arabela Fisher, Nicanor Garcia ES; Reagan Jay Melendez, Cembo ES; Rudcherigor Flores, Nemesio Yabut ES; Elijah Rona Quizmorio, Pitogo ES; John Clyford Araquil, San Jose ES; Mico Francis Priol, South Cembo ES; Shane Aubbrey San Pedro, F. Benitez ES III; Abijah Golez, La Paz ES; Ayen Nicole Zapanta, Palanan ES; and John Ramon Gadia, San Antonio Village ES.

From the high school level, the 12 winners were Christian Jorge Aguilar, Makati HS; Marielle Louise Santos, Gen. Pio del Pilar HS; Crizel Ruth Ghelmae Ricaro, Makati Science HS; Diana Ty, San Antonio National HS; Francis Abalgar, Bangkal HS; Rosabel Guiang, Fort Bonifacio HS; Irene Diate, Pitogo HS (BEC); Heidi Rose Del Rosario, Pitogo HS (STE); Charivie Basquiñas, Tibagan HS; Claire Macarubbo, Benigno Aquino HS (TVE); Leeanne Guillemer, Benigno Aquino HS (BEC); and Judy Ann Victoria, San Isidro National HS.

For this year, the city government has allocated P2 billion for education services out of its P11.7-billion 2014 executive budget. Of this, P1.3 billion has been earmarked for expenditures in the preschool to junior high school levels, including school supplies and uniforms provided for free to enrollees in the city’s public schools.

At the tertiary level, P22.3 million has been allotted for the University of Makati’s various programs and activities. Almost P8.9 million is being spent for youth and sports development, while P3.6 million has funded the city’s college scholarship programs at the University of the Philippines and the Philippine Normal University.

A separate allocation of P23 million under the Special Projects of the Office of the Mayor has been earmarked for the K to 12 Senior High School Program at UMak, where Grades 11 and 12 students are provided free school supplies and uniforms. Last April, the HSU program produced the largest first batch of K to 12 senior high graduates in the country, producing 3,246 graduates. (ICRD/RJB/JCP/PIA-NCR)

Enrile heading back to Makati eye clinic for checkup

Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile is on his way back to an eye clinic in Makati City Sunday for a checkup.

Like last weekend, Enrile was brought to the Asian Eye Institute from the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, radio dzBB's Manny Vargas reported.

A tightly secured convoy left Camp Crame at 8:31 a.m. and cruised along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue in bringing Enrile to the clinic.

On Saturday, Enrile was brought to the clinic for a procedure. He has been suffering from macular degeneration, a condition that can lead to blindness if not treated properly.

Enrile, 90, has been detained at the PNP General Hospital on charges of graft and plunder stemming from the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA New

Enrile undergoes another eye check-up in Makati

abs-cbnnews.com

Enrile's camp explained that the 90-year-old senator needs to regularly see an eye doctor or he may go blind.

Enrile is being treated for macular degeneration, a condition wherein the eyes weaken due to old age.

The check-up lasted for only about 30 minutes. He was brought back to Camp Crame shortly before 8 a.m.

The senator did not grant any media interviews.

Last weekend, he was also brought to the same eye medical facility twice.

Enrile, who is accused of pocketing about P172 million in pork barrel funds, is facing one count of plunder and 15 counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan.

The anti-graft court's Third Division on Friday entered a not guilty plea for Enrile after he refused to plead during his arraignment for plunder.

His lawyer, Estelito Mendoza, said merits of the case remain unclear because the prosecution cannot present any evidence that will prove the senator benefited from the pork barrel scam. -- Report from Dennis Datu, dzMM

Criminal raps set vs hazing suspects

Rey E. Requejo

Twenty people, including four females, will be charged before the Makati City Prosecutors Office under the Anti-Hazing Law over the death of Guillo Servando after initiation rites held by Tau Ganma Phi Fraternity.

The National Bureau of Investigation and Makati City Police will file a complaint against Cody Errol Morales, who is the Lord Grand Triskelion of the Tau Gamma Phi; Daniel Paul Martin “Pope” Bautista, who is the secretary of the fraternity group; Esmerson Nathaniel “Emeng” Calupas, master initiator of the fraternity group; Kurt Michael Almazan; Luis Solomon “Louie” Arevalo; Carl Francis Loresca; Hans Killian Tatlonghari, alias Hans Tamaring and alias Hans Tumaneng; Eleazar “Trex” Pablico; John Kevin Navoa; Vic Angelo Dy; Mark Ramos; and Mike Castaneda.

Two of the four females who were implicated in the hazing-slay of Servando, a De La Salle-College of St. Benilde student, were Tessa Dayanghirang and Yssa Valbuena.

Jomar Pajarito, lone witness of the Makati police, was included in the complaint-transmittal to be filed before the Makati Prosecutors Office.

Investigators said that the three remaining respondents of the case were only identified in the charge sheet as John and Jane Does.

“This is just the start of the long legal process, but even then, I thank the NBI and the PNP (Philippine National Police),” Aurelio Servando, father of the neophyte, told reporters after the case conference on Thursday.

The younger Servando died after sustaining multiple injuries after he had undergone initiation at a house in Palanan, Makati City on June 28.

Schoolmates John Paul Raval, Lorenze Agustin and a 17-year-old student whose name is withheld for being a minor, also sustained injuries.






Makati to inaugurate 2 community complex buildings on Friday

(PNA), SCS/CLTC

MANILA, July 10 (PNA) -- The city government of Makati will inaugurate on Friday two new community complex buildings in the city's first district, including one which has been built on a lot formerly occupied by over 200 informal settler families along Guatemala St. in Barangay San Isidro.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the city government has made good on its promise to the residents of Barangay San Isidro in 2012 that it will prioritize the construction of a modern community complex after it succeeded in "reclaiming the property" from the informal settlers.

“I am glad that the formerly idle lot in Guatemala is now home to a functional community complex, while the informal settlers that earlier occupied the area have been provided with better living conditions in the relocation site in Calauan, Laguna,” Binay said in a statement.

The mayor will lead the inauguration of the San Isidro Community Complex and Carmona Community Complex as part of a day-long series of activities prepared to celebrate his birthday, which is on July 12.

“As part of our commitment to disaster resiliency, the hazards present in each area have been considered in the design and construction of both structures,” Binay said.

The three-story San Isidro Community Complex will accommodate the barangay hall and health center on the second floor, a basketball court on the third floor, and a parking area with 30 slots at the ground floor.

The three-story Carmona Community Complex will house two day care rooms and a large multipurpose room at the second floor, a basketball court at the third floor, and the administrative office, five commercial spaces and parking area for 10 slots at the ground floor.

In September 2012, at least 27 persons were injured, including policemen and city government personnel, and government vehicles and equipment were damaged when some informal settlers assaulted the demolition team with Molotov bombs, rocks, broken glasses and fecal matter.

Subsequently, the settlers yielded to a peaceful resolution and availed themselves of options offered by the city government.

Of the 232 households of informal settlers relocated from Guatemala St., 41 opted to be relocated to Calauan, Laguna, one household availed of the Balik-Probinsya program, 122 households were disqualified (they were already given assistance before, or availed of National Housing Authority assistance) but still received P3,000 each, while others chose the P24,240 financial assistance (relocated somewhere else). All the relocatees were given financial and transportation assistance, and food.

The Makati Home Ville in Calauan occupies an area of 40 hectares and can accommodate 6,140 families. It has a community center, a church, elementary and high school buildings, concretized road network, a drainage system, sewer system, health center, a covered court, and a multi-purpose hall. A cash-for-work program has also been put in place by the city government to help residents earn a living.

Makati PNP urges suspects to volunteer info

By tempo.com.ph

HAZING victim Guillo Caesar Servando’s remains was cremated last week and the Makati City PNP will be conducting their own investigation of the case since it was found that the hazing took place in a house in Makati City.

According to Makati City PNP Chief Senior Supt. Manuel Lucban whom I interviewed over my morning radio program in DWIZ 882 AM, investigation is ongoing and they are waiting for the affidavits of other victims/witnesses who, though out of danger, have not yet fully recovered. Makati police have conducted an ocular inspection of the crime scene in Brgy. Palanan. The information about the crime scene surfaced after the caretaker of the house, a certain Jomar Paharito came forward and surrendered to authorities and is now under police custody. Five of the 14 suspects have also surfaced and expressed willingness to cooperate in the investigation. Senior Supt. Lucban said that Paharito, the informant, can be considered as a suspect in the case since he was the one who let the other suspects in and would conceivably have had full knowledge of the hazing activities. Paharito had earlier denied this but Senior Supt. Lucban said that his mere presence in the scene is prima facie evidence and thus makes him a suspect, according to the provisions of the Anti-Hazing Law. He further stated that they will be checking if Paharito’s statements can be corroborated by the other victims before being accepted. I asked Senior Supt. Lucban about the criminal liability of the owner of the house and he said that as long as the owner has no prior knowledge of the activities that will take place in the property, he or she will not be held accountable. Paharito himself confirmed that the owner, Merly Venus, did not know that her house would be the site of the hazing. Authorities from the ocular inspection of the crime scene found drink bottles but no liquor or traces of blood. I asked Senior Supt. Lucban if he thinks there had been a cleanup and he said that by leaving the drink bottles behind, the perpetrators committed an error. Fingerprints and DNA from traces of their saliva in the bottles would help identify the suspects, Senior Supt. Lucban said. Their initial list of suspects involved in the fatal initiation rites will be finalized pending the statements of the survivors. He called on anyone with information to come forward to the police and cooperate with the investigation.

Makati renews call to combat floods

By pia.gov.ph

MAKATI CITY, July 8 (PIA) -- Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay has reiterated his appeal to national government agencies to step up declogging operations and drainage improvement along national roads, after major intersections around the city were rendered impassable by deep floods caused by a downpour last Thursday.

Binay called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to immediately implement flood-mitigating measures especially in high-traffic national roads.

“The floods were even worse yesterday, and many commuters had to wade through waist-deep floods when traffic came to a standstill in many parts of Makati and the metropolis. The national government must take drastic measures to spare long-suffering motorists from the bane of traffic gridlock often occurring during heavy rains,” Binay said.

The mayor said the flood mitigation efforts of the city government are being rendered futile when national roads, such as Osmeña, Buendia, EDSA-Magallanes, and EDSA-Chino Roces Extension, become heavily flooded.

The engineering and public works department of Makati earlier reported that it had completed the repair and improvement of the city’s drainage system, including the installation of new concrete pipes in the barangays, particularly those that are low-lying and prone to floods.

Completed were drainage improvement, concreting and concrete reblocking works in 16 barangays in both districts. City engineers had also completed improvement and dredging of a portion of Makati Diversion Channel spanning the barangays of San Lorenzo, Bel-Air and San Antonio.

For the first five months of the year, the DEPW had collected over 14,000 cubic meters of silt and waste matters during its desilting and declogging operations.

In 2013, the DEPW improved a total of 631.94 kilometers of drainage in 1,127 streets. Improvement of the remaining open canal in 33 streets in district 2, with a total length of 2.588 kilometers, is scheduled for completion this year.

Meanwhile, parallel efforts being done by the Makati Task Force Waterways have also resulted in the collection of over 100,000 kilograms of solid waste during bi-monthly cleanup operations in the city’s waterways for the first five months of the year.

Normally during heavy rains, streets in Makati’s low-lying barangays would come under 0.30 meter-deep floods and it would take about an hour for the floodwater to recede. But with the use of modern equipment and efficient monitoring system, the city government has effectively reduced the average receding time of floods in most low-lying areas to around 10 to 15 minutes. (ICRD/RJB/JCP/PIA-NCR)

Lawmaker seeks tax-free overtime, night shift pay

By Paolo Romero

MANILA, Philippines - Makati City Rep. Abigail Binay pushed yesterday for the passage of a measure that will free all night-shift differential and overtime pay received by salaried employees from income taxes.

Binay filed House Bills 2836 and 4682 where all overtime and graveyard shift wages shall be excluded from the computation of the gross taxable income of all workers, regardless of their hourly pay rate.

She said “the extra cash we put in the pockets of workers on account of the reprieve will simply be spent by them on taxable consumption anyway – whether they buy goods or services invariably subject to sales levies.”

Binay said at present, the overtime and third shift premiums of workers receiving more than the statutory minimum wage are slapped up to 32 percent in withholding taxes, depending on the employee’s tax bracket.

She said the country’s growing number of business process outsourcing staff, who provide high-value services to global firms without interruption regardless of time or day, stand to gain from the bills once enacted into law.

Tax-free graveyard shift, over time pay pushed for all workers

By Perseus Echeminada (Mindanao Examiner)

MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / July 6, 2014) - House Deputy Majority Leader and Makati City Rep. Mar-Len Abigail Binay has proposed a new legislation that will free all night shift differential and overtime pay received by salaried employees from income taxes.

Binay's proposal contained in House Bills 2836 and 4682 said all overtime and graveyard shift wages shall be expressly excluded from the computation of the gross taxable income of all workers, regardless of their hourly pay rate.

“Our measure intends to give greater meaning to the dictates of the Constitution for the State to push for a living wage, a rising standard of living, and improved quality of life for all,” Binay said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

She also played down potential unfavorable impact of the proposed labor benefit on national government coffers. “The extra cash we put in the pockets of workers on account of the reprieve will simply be spent by them on taxable consumption anyway, whether they buy goods or services invariably subject to sales levies,” Binay said.

“Exempting all night differential and overtime pay from taxes will also put in check the rapid erosion of real wages, and build up the purchasing power of workers amid rising consumer prices,” she added.

At present, the overtime and third shift premiums of workers receiving more than the statutory minimum wage are slapped up to 32% in withholding taxes, depending on the employee’s tax bracket.

Binay said the growing number of business process outsourcing workers who provide high-value services to global firms without interruption regardless of time or day, stand to gain from her proposal.

“Right now, many BPO employees are being paid above-minimum wages, so their overtime and third shift premiums are sadly still subject to withholding income taxes,” Binay said.

Under the Labor Code, if the overtime work falls inside the graveyard shift, the extra reward for overtime labor is first added to the employee’s regular hourly rate before computing the night differential pay.

The country’s highly labor-intensive BPO and information technology-enabled services industry includes contact centers, back offices, data transcription, animation, software development, engineering design, and digital content.

The sector’s 904,000-strong labor force at the end of 2013 is projected to hit 1,028,000 by year end. Women comprise more than half, or 54.9% of all BPO workers, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s latest annual survey of business and industry.

The IT and Business Processing Association of the Philippines sees the sector generating up to $26 billion in annual revenues and directly employing some 1.3 million Filipinos by 2016. Of the 40 BPO firms in the country’s Top 1,000 corporations by gross revenue, 21 have established their head offices in Makati.

Makati blames floods on DPWH, MMDA

By Perseus Echeminada (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) should immediately implement flood-mitigating measures especially on high-traffic national roads, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said yesterday.

Binay made the call after major intersections in the city were rendered impassable by flash floods following a downpour on Thursday.

“Many commuters had to wade through floods (at least two feet deep) when traffic came to a standstill in many parts of Makati and the metropolis. The national government must take drastic measures to spare long-suffering motorists from the bane of traffic gridlocks often occurring during heavy rains,” he said.

The mayor said the flood mitigation efforts of the city government are rendered futile when Osmeña Highway, Gil Puyat Avenue, and the EDSA-Magallanes and EDSA-Chino Roces Extension intersections become heavily flooded.

The engineering and public works department of Makati earlier reported that it had completed the repair and improvement of the city’s drainage system, including the installation of new concrete pipes in the barangays, particularly those that are low-lying and prone to floods.

PDIC raises P118.01-M from sale of assets

(PNA), SCS/JS/PR/UTB

MANILA, July 4 (PNA) -- The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) successfully raised a total of P118.01 million from the sale of closed banks and corporate assets during a public bidding on July 1 held at the PDIC office in Makati City.

The total amount raised for the 21 properties sold had a premium of P11.31 million as against the properties’ aggregate minimum disposal price of P106.70 million. Of the total properties sold, 16 were owned by closed banks, while five were corporate assets.

A total of 186 properties was bid out during the public bidding. The properties sold were located in the cities of Caloocan, Parañaque and Pasay; Calamba, Laguna; Tuguegarao, Cagayan; and in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Cavite, Cebu, Ilocos Norte, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Romblon and Sorsogon.

Proceeds from the sale of closed banks' properties are automatically credited to the funds held in trust for the closed banks concerned and are used to settle claims of creditors and uninsured depositors.

In accordance with the law, payment to these parties is subject to the rules on concurrence and preference of credits.

Meanwhile, proceeds from the sale of corporate assets are added to the Deposit Insurance Fund, PDIC’s main fund source for payment of insured deposits.

The PDIC, as Liquidator of closed banks, conducts public biddings in accordance with its strategic direction of expeditious disposal of non-financial assets.

Properties not sold during the bidding are available for negotiated sale or may be bid out again. Interested buyers are encouraged to visit the PDIC website at www.pdic.gov.ph and use the PDIC’s Property Finder for information on available inventory of assets for sale. Prospective buyers may also call the Asset Management and Disposal Group at (02) 841-4650 for inquiries on available assets.

Makati ordinance regulates billboard locations, sizes

By Joel Locsin (JDS, GMA News )

There is no longer any room for oversized billboards and signs in Makati City after a new ordinance set limits on their location and sizes.

In a news release posted on its website Thursday, the city government said the "Billboard and Signage Ordinance of Makati" took effect Monday, June 30.

City Ordinance No. 2013-A-044 provides the legal basis to order the removal of billboards and signage that may endanger city residents and the public, it added.

“The new Billboard and Signage Ordinance of Makati will be strictly enforced by the city government primarily to ensure public safety. It is also intended to address concerns about visual blight and clutter and improve the city skyline and its environment,” Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. said.

Now that the ordinance has taken effect, the city government said it will evaluate existing and proposed non-mobile billboards and signs in the city.

The mayor also said a moratorium on the construction and installation of new billboards in the city will be in effect unless lifted by a separate ordinance.

Limits on billboards

The new ordinance sets dimensions and spacing between billboards at designated locations identified a "Billboard Location Map."

The map is divided into:

• Area 1 (along major roads such as EDSA, South Superhighway, Magallanes Avenue, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Ayala Avenue)
• Area 2 (along secondary roads)
• Area 3 (special development zones).


Billboards along roads more than 45 meters wide should be no bigger than 162 square meters.

Those along roads 20 to 45 meters wide should not be bigger than 81 square meters while those along roads less than 20 meters wide should not be bigger than 40 square meters.

In Area 1, a freestanding billboard or electronic display must not exceed 22.5 meters (73.8 feet) in height, which is to be measured from the average elevation of the surface of the natural ground or existing sidewalk or carriageway level (whichever is higher), up to the highest point of the billboard or any of its components.

Spacing between billboards in Area 1 are also pegged against road width:

• 150 meters spacing for road width of 45 meters
• 100 meters for road width from 20 to 45 meters
• 50 meters for road width of less than 20 meters

The maximum height of a building-mounted billboard in Area 1 must conform with the building height limit (BHL) requirements, non-obstruction of doors and windows, building code and zoning ordinance requirements, the city government said.

The city government said inspection teams are being deployed inspect billboards and see if they follow the new guidelines.

Inspection teams will start with major thoroughfares like EDSA and South Superhighway.

"The results of the evaluations will be the basis for the preparation of notifications to concerned billboard owners and advertisers," it said.

On the other hand, it said billboard owners and advertisers may volunteer for evaluation and submit pertinent documents to the city's Zoning Administration Division.

It said they may submit the current building permit, approved plan, picture of the billboard, and complete address to the ZAD office at 2/F, old City Hall building along J.P. Rizal St., Poblacion, Makati.


==Makati ordinance regulates billboard locations, sizes

By Joel Locsin (JDS, GMA News )

There is no longer any room for oversized billboards and signs in Makati City after a new ordinance set limits on their location and sizes.

In a news release posted on its website Thursday, the city government said the "Billboard and Signage Ordinance of Makati" took effect Monday, June 30.

City Ordinance No. 2013-A-044 provides the legal basis to order the removal of billboards and signage that may endanger city residents and the public, it added.

“The new Billboard and Signage Ordinance of Makati will be strictly enforced by the city government primarily to ensure public safety. It is also intended to address concerns about visual blight and clutter and improve the city skyline and its environment,” Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. said.

Now that the ordinance has taken effect, the city government said it will evaluate existing and proposed non-mobile billboards and signs in the city.

The mayor also said a moratorium on the construction and installation of new billboards in the city will be in effect unless lifted by a separate ordinance.

Limits on billboards

The new ordinance sets dimensions and spacing between billboards at designated locations identified a "Billboard Location Map."

The map is divided into:

• Area 1 (along major roads such as EDSA, South Superhighway, Magallanes Avenue, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Ayala Avenue)
• Area 2 (along secondary roads)
• Area 3 (special development zones).


Billboards along roads more than 45 meters wide should be no bigger than 162 square meters.

Those along roads 20 to 45 meters wide should not be bigger than 81 square meters while those along roads less than 20 meters wide should not be bigger than 40 square meters.

In Area 1, a freestanding billboard or electronic display must not exceed 22.5 meters (73.8 feet) in height, which is to be measured from the average elevation of the surface of the natural ground or existing sidewalk or carriageway level (whichever is higher), up to the highest point of the billboard or any of its components.

Spacing between billboards in Area 1 are also pegged against road width:

• 150 meters spacing for road width of 45 meters
• 100 meters for road width from 20 to 45 meters
• 50 meters for road width of less than 20 meters

The maximum height of a building-mounted billboard in Area 1 must conform with the building height limit (BHL) requirements, non-obstruction of doors and windows, building code and zoning ordinance requirements, the city government said.

The city government said inspection teams are being deployed inspect billboards and see if they follow the new guidelines.

Inspection teams will start with major thoroughfares like EDSA and South Superhighway.

"The results of the evaluations will be the basis for the preparation of notifications to concerned billboard owners and advertisers," it said.

On the other hand, it said billboard owners and advertisers may volunteer for evaluation and submit pertinent documents to the city's Zoning Administration Division.

It said they may submit the current building permit, approved plan, picture of the billboard, and complete address to the ZAD office at 2/F, old City Hall building along J.P. Rizal St., Poblacion, Makati.

DTI releases statements on prices of basic necessities, prime commodities

(RJB/AKG-PIA-NCR/DTI)

MAKATI CITY, 2 July (PIA)--The Department of Trade and Industry-Consumer Protection Group (DTI-CPG) has issued statements on the prices of some basic necessities and prime commodities, including processed milk, bread, and agricultural products. CPG has also tackled other requests for SRP adjustments as well as the Malacañang Meeting with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Office of Food Security and Agricultural Modernization.

A. Processed Milk

The suggested retail price (SRP) adjustment for processed milk of several brands (and sizes/ volumes) – evaporated, condensed and powdered – takes effect today (Annex A). The increases have a price range of P0.40-P4.30 or a percentage range of 0.55%-7.99%. The manufacturers of the certain brands requested for SRP adjustments because of the increasing world prices of skimmed milk and whole milk powder, which are main ingredients for evaporated, condensed and powdered milk. The request of SRP adjustments from manufacturers ranged from 9% to 12%. But DTI only allowed increases within 0.55%-7.99% based on its review and evaluation of data gathered. DTI issues a new set of SRPs for basic necessities as of 01 July 2014 (Annex B).

B. Bread

Flour prices are stable. Flour millers have assured DTI that there’s no increase on the prices of their flour bags. There were news reports during the weekend that with price increases on egg and sugar, bread prices will increase. DTI emphasizes that these ingredients (egg, sugar and milk) on bread have minimal effect on bread prices. Milk and sugar only comprise 10-12% production cost of bread. The Department expects no increase on Pinoy pandesal and Pinoy tasty since milk and egg are not their ingredients for the production of said breads. Pinoy pandesal stays at P22.50 per pack and Pinoy Tasty is still at P37. DTI received messages from the community bakers this morning and they said that there are no price increases for their breads. Bakers stressed that there are no decreases on the sizes of Pinoy pandesal and Pinoy tasty, which are 200 grams and 450 grams, respectively.

C. Other requests for SRP adjustments

DTI declined the request for increase of SRP for canned meat because prices of raw materials of these products are decreasing. DTI also declined the request for increase of SRP for bottled water because the reasons are not justified. But there is another request from a manufacturer for an increase on SRP since the prices of the bottle cap and resin have increased. DTI is evaluating this request. DTI further declines the request for increase of SRP for toilet soap because it needs more justification. For the meantime, the SRPs for Palmolive and Tender Care remain.

D. Agricultural products

DTI mentioned the prevailing prices of some agricultural products based on the price report of Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Statistical Authority (DA-PSA) as of 28 June 2014 (Annex C). DTI read: a. Egg is still at P4.50. b. Sugar’s SRP is still P50. Its prevailing price is also at P50 with a low of P47 and a high of P53. c. Whole chicken is at P140. d. Liempo is at P220 per kilo. e. NFA regular rice is P27 per kilo and at NFA well-milled is at P32 per kilo Cooking oil’s prevailing price in lapad is at P26.

E. Malacañang Meeting with DA, DTI, PNP, NBI, and Office of Food Security and Agricultural Modernization

In a meeting last 26 June 2014, Thursday, President Aquino ordered the DA, DTI, and other departments responsible in monitoring the price and supply of products under the basic necessities and prime commodities to strictly implement the provisions of the Price Act. He instructed PNP and NBI to assist the Departments in fully implementing the Price Act. Particularly, he ordered against profiteering, an illegal act of price manipulation based on the Price Act. PNoy reminded that the monitoring teams can charge traders/ retailers criminally when found violating the Price Act. PNoy requested DTI to assist DA in proposing an SRP for garlic. PNoy also requested DTI to assist DA in monitoring the market in the provinces on the prices of garlic, rice and other agricultural products.

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