Inumaga si Neneng LoloEug! T’yak homeless angkabayang natin toits LoloEug. Madami talagangkawawa sa ating mgakababayan ‘no? P’roteka, may programangpabahay si Pres. Noy

ah... ‘di ba la?

Omni Aviation Corp. is located inside the Clark SpecialEconomic Zone Angeles City, Pampanga

Contact Information: Tel/Fax : (045) 892-6664 (045) 599-5524Email: omniavia@omniaviation.com.ph

Website: www.omniaviation.com.ph

*Pilot School1. Private Pilot License Course

2. Commercial Pilot License Course3. Instrument Rating Course4. Instructor License Course

5. License Revalidation6. License Conversion

Other services:*Air Taxi / Charter*Aircraft Parking

*Property Leasing*Aviation Consultancy

Conquer the skies with.....

‘People power 3?’ISSUE OF THE WEEK

Metro-SubicMetro-SubicExpressExpress

(See page 8 (Backpage) / Metro-Subic Express)

PAGE 6Entertainment

Fire trucks make an artistic arc over a new AirAsia Philippines A320-200aircraft (main photo) as it arrives from Toulouse, France at DMIA at the formerUS military air base in Angeles City, Pampanga that all but launched theMalaysian budget carrier’s new hub in the Philippines. Right photo showsAirAsia’s cabin crew and ground crew (above) welcoming their new “baby.”

The sun is already up but this unidentified woman, who may have fallen asleepon a concrete bench somewhere in the Metropolis from the rigors of travel, isstill at it, unmindful of passersby and the risks from bad urban elements.

DUE to the risingprices of basic needs,Senator Ramon‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. hasfiled Senate Bill No.2928 that would granta P6,000 increase inthe minimum pay ofgovernment workers.

In his bill, Revillaproposed the P6,000wage hike for the min-imum wage earnersfrom all the nationalgovernment agencies, govern-ment-owned and controlled corpo-rations, government financial insti-

Revilla seeks P6,000 raisein min pay of state workers

tutions, local govern-ment units, state uni-versities and collegesand “other govern-ment instrumentali-ties.”

”Due to inflationand other presenteconomic realities,such as continuouslyrising prices of basicneeds, the real valueof government work-ers’ salaries has signif-

icantly decreased. Salaries re-ceived by public sector employeesare way behind the government’sconservative estimate of the cost-of-living a family needs in order tosurvive,” Revilla said in the explan-atory note of the measure filed onAugust 8.

Revilla noted that the passageof the Salary Standardization Law3 “has not been enough to sub-stantially address the situation.”

”An employee with the compen-sation of Salary Grade I, Step 1 cur-rently receives P6,861.00 permonth, far from the government’sestimated cost-of-living of P28,710per month,” he said.

Revilla clarified that the pro-posed pay increase should not “beconstrued to reduce any existingallowances and benefits” now be-ing enjoyed by the ordinary gov-ernment workers.

SEN. REVILLA

PHILIPPINE Overseas Employment Administration head CarlosCao Jr. has clarified that the agency has no lending facility foroverseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Cao made the clarification after a man was nabbed for allegedlycollecting fees from applicants for a cash loan from the POEA.

Cao said a couple from Zamboanga City sought help from mem-bers of the POEA security officers when the alleged fixer failed togive them the amount they were borrowing.

The couple named the suspect as Ronnie Soner a.k.a. RonnieMontillano and identified him from a surveillance video recorded atthe POEA building.

Soner allegedly collected from the couple P8,750 as processingfee for a P30,000 loan to be released on July 20, 2011.

The victims narrated to the security officers that they were ap-plying for a loan at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

POEA not offering loans to OFWs

Cont’d on page 2

xpressE Aug 22-Aug 29, 2011Vol. 1. No.11 Manila, PHILIPPINES P12.00

Expressemail: 2011metroexpress@gmail.com www.metroexpressnews.yolasite.com

MetroMetroProject 1st-APLUMA (Unang Alyansang Makabayang Mamamahayag)

Saranggani Cong. and 8 world boxing championManny Pacquiao gives American socialite ParisHilton some inputs on Filipino culture as they emergefrom a hotel in Manila’s Makati financial district lastweek. Hilton’s five-day visit in the capital involves acourtesy call with President Noy and allegedly togive design inputs on Azure Residences. A fan ofthe boxing icon, Paris first made her intention to visitthe country when she met Pacquiao at ringsideshortly after the latter’s victory over “Sugar” ShaneMosley last May.

OMNI Aviation launches top of line Redbird flight sims in Subic.

BUSINESS & LEISURE:Two faces of Subic Freeport

Lung Center to accomodate PCSOcharity clinic, fund allocation dept

The PhilippineCharity Sweep-stakes Office hassuccessfully ne-gotiated with theLung Center ofthe Philippines toaccommodate PC-SO's Charity Clin-ic and Fund Allo-cation Depart-ments PCSO Gen-eral Manager JoseFedinand M. Ro-jas II said.

Rojas explainedthe Lung Centerof the Philippineswill provide ade-quate space forPCSO's two de-partments for theconvenience ofindigent patientsand their repre-sentatives seek-ing dental, medi-cal and financialassistance fromPCSO.

The PCSO has choosen to ne-gotiate with the Lung Center of thePhilippines as it recognizes bothparties' kinship in dispensing ap-propriate assistance to our lessfortunate brethren. PCSO and theLung Center share a common vi-sion of upgrading the country's ca-

pability to provide health, medicaland allied services.

As soon as it becomes fully op-erational by June 2011, patientsseeking PCSO assistance will haveeasier access not only to the Cen-ter but to other government hos-pitals, such as NKTI, East AvenueMedical Center and the PhilippineHeart Center, that are all within thevicinity. PCSO assures the publicthat it continues to strengthen itscapability to deliver timely, ade-quate and appropriate assistancewithin easy reach.

“We hope to duplicate this inthe provinces and we count on ourloyal patrons to continue to sup-port PCSO's games as we acknowl-edge and thank them. Your sup-port for our sweepstakes and lot-tery games are what make all thesecharitable projects possible,” Ro-jas said.

GM Jose Fedinand M. Rojas II

Join!

CITYHOODor whatever

SUPPLEMENTSneed not be

too expensive!LEAVE IT toUs and we’llpublish them

for FREEvia a high

quality 4-pagePULL-OUT!

TEXT OR CALL0915-5517486 NOW!

(in-house Ad)The issue on the Reproductive

Health Bill has yet again taken avicious upswing last week with aranking official of the localchurch hierarchy admonishingmass action of “People Power”proportions if the Aquino Admin-istration pushes hard for the ap-proval soon of the controversialmeasure into law.

BY ISMAEL A. AMIGO

It may be recalled that only lastTuesday (August 16) PresidentBenigno Aquino III urged lawmak-ers to fastidiously work on 13 pri-ority measures including the RHBill.

For all intents and purposes, the

Cont’d on page 4

President Benigno Aquino III

r e p r o d u c t i v ehealth (RH) bill ormeasure recentlyunderwent a ma-jor overhaul andhas taken a newname for it since

to be more acceptable to the Cath-olic Church.

The Bill has accordingly beenfine tuned and it now goes by thename of Responsible Parenthood(RP) but seemingly Church lead-ers sense it as nothing but the“same-dog-with-a-different collar”thing and with it Manila AuxiliaryBishop Broderick Pabillo told theworking media that “it’s no morethan President Aquino who is mak-ing necessary steps for the peo-ple to rise up against his deplor-

able decisions.”On top of this, Bishop Pabillo

says, is President Aquino’s un-blinking stand on the issue andhis desire for the RH Bill to be-coming a law, which according tohim will not help solve widespreadpoverty rather, it will only benefitmultinational pharmaceutical com-panies in the end.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palmaalso aired his disappointment onPresident Aquino when the Chief

NEWS2Aug 22-Aug 29, 2011

Metro Express

(OWWA) main office when Sonerapproached and befriended them.

They said Soner convinced themthey can get a loan faster from thePOEA than from OWWA.

Their conversation was alsotaped by a surveillance camera.

Joint POEA-OWWA securityforces arrested the suspect whowas eyeing probable victims at theOWWA main office and broughthim to Mandaluyong police for fil-ing of appropriate charges.

In a related development, Caoalso advised job applicants to becautious of recruitment agenciesbased in some ASEAN (Associa-tion of Southeast Asian Nations)countries that offer employment atMacau’s hotels and casinos evenwithout authorization from theemployers.

There were reports that a hun-dred OFWs are now stranded inChina without the promised em-ployment.

Cao advised jobseekers to ap-ply only with licensed recruitmentagencies that have job orders ap-proved by POEA.

POEA...From page 1

REP. Winston “Winnie” Castelo(LP, Quezon City) on Sunday de-scribed as “worth taking” MetroPacific Investment Corp.’s pro-posal to acquire MRT-3, but askedthe Aquino administration to rene-gotiate MRT-3’s contract with itsbuilders and contractors for im-proved terms to prevent furtherfare hikes.

In a press statement, Castelourged the Department of Trans-portation and Communications(DoTC) to explore three other op-tions, other than their privatization,to determine the future of the threerail systems in Metro Manila andavoid any unwarranted fare hikesthat could burden their commut-

Renegotiate MRT-3 contract to prevent fare hikes -- Castelo

1. government buyout;2. contract revisions and renegotia-tions with their builders and opera-tors for improvedconditions;3. their sale to pri-vate operators; and4. state subsidy

ers.Aside from the MRT-3

privatization, Castelo said theDoTC could revisit and conduct athorough review of the contractsof the three rail systems, especiallyMRT-3, for renegotiation and ex-plore options like their governmentbuyouts or the continued flow ofstate subsidy to prevent commut-ers from paying excessive trans-port fees.

“The primordial considerationfor exploring any of those optionsis to assure lower and stable farerates,” Castelo said, adding thatthe retention of the current levelof fares in the three rail systemshas been a tremendous help to the

people.Revisiting the contracts for the

construction and operations ofLRT Lines 1 and 2 and MRT Line 3could determine the reasons be-hind what could be regarded theircostly operations and identify op-tions other than paying huge statesubsidy to continue their opera-tions or selling them to the privatesector.

Castelo made the statement af-ter the MPRIC renewed its bid toacquire MRT-3 and the DoTC wasreported to have been consideringMPIC’s proposal for a negotiatedsale of Metro Manila’s largest railsystem and disregarding the usualbidding process on the disposal

of government assets.Castelo, meanwhile, has filed a

recent House Resolution callingthe House Committee on Trans-portation and the Committee onPoverty Alleviation to work jointlywith the line agency counterparts,specifically the Department ofTransportation and Communica-tions and Department of Welfareand Social Development, on theissue.

“In effect, we want joint delib-erations by concerned HouseCommittees on the part of Con-gress and line departments on thepart of the Executive to sit downto assess and propose a desiredrate of government subsidy to LRTand MRT consequent to risingcosts of operations of these threemass rail transit systems”, Castelosaid.

According to Castelo, the gov-ernment has four basic options tostop the huge financial hemorrhagebesetting the three rail systems:

— government buyout;— contract revisions and rene-

gotiations with their builders andoperators for improved condi-tions;

— their sale to private operators;and

— state subsidy.In MRT-3’s case, the biggest and

most extensive among the three railsystems, the government can lookinto a government buyout, whichprivate consulting firms said, is the“easiest and fastest” way to cutthe billions of pesos of state sub-sidy for their operations, Castelosaid.

Also, the DoTC could look intothe possible acquisition of the eq-uity share or assets of the MetroRail Transit Corporation, the con-sortium running the MRT, and theunsecured shares of the Develop-ment Bank of the Philippines (DBP)and Land Bank of the Philippines(LBP) in the transit system.

The DoTC spends more than P5billion, or a third of its annual bud-get to subsidize MRT-3 operationsalone.

The DoTC can also look into thepossible sale of three train systemsto private parties, but the condi-

tions have to be studied carefullyto preclude any contract provi-sions that would put the govern-ment at a disadvantage, Castelosaid.

Or the government could rene-gotiate their contracts with theiroperators and builders to obtainbetter terms, but this would requirea serious revisit and study of thecontract provisions and even liti-gation, when court cases arise,Castelo said.

Castelo conceded that provid-ing state subsidy appeared the in-termediate solution, but said theDSWD could look into possiblechannelling a portion of the pro-posed 2012 budget of P40 billionin CCT to subsidize the operationsof the three rail systems, whichserve the poor in Metro Manila.

The neophyte QC solon alsounderscored the fact that the cur-rent rates that commuters or usersof these rails systems pay waybelow the subsidy that govern-ment absorbs on a per passengerbasis.

“Considering the fact that thisheavy government subsidy forthese rail systems have gone forconsiderable number of years atthe rate of approximately P7 billiona year which translates to a P60per passenger subsidy, it be-

hooves upon policy makers tocome up with a more thorough va-lidity assessment if this schemeshould continue or be modified ac-cordingly”, Castelo said.

Castelo added: “Perhaps thelawmakers should be given theopportunity to look over the over-all project plan in terms of suchstuff as benefits, impacts, assump-tions, and risks since it is impor-tant to understand the matter oftheir continued viability”.

In Castelo’s resolution, he citedthe ridership of these individualrail lines which reaches over750,000 commuters or riders daily.

“More importantly, let it be de-fined what perspective is govern-ment coming from with regard tothis instant problem of sustainingsubsidy to these mass transit sys-tems so the desired policy outcomewill have to be based on said ori-entation, be it as a guardian (whosees benefits on constituents ascosts) or as a spender (who seescosts on constituents as benefits)which precisely justifies the needfor a somewhat joint legislative-ex-ecutive agenda between Houseand the concerned line depart-ments over a societal concern ofmuch consequence to the generalpublic”, Castelo said.

Press Release

THE Department of Interior andLocal Government (DILG) askedlocal government units (LGUs) inMetro Manila to go after streetbeggars and children begging foralms endlessly.

Interior and Local GovernmentSecretary Jesse Robredo said thishad been a long-running problemof street children and even wholefamilies, including indigenouspeople, begging for alms.

There even beggars who are af-

DILG asks Metro mayorsto clear streets of beggars

flicted with elephantiasis andthroat cancer who were spotted bythe Philippines News Agency(PNA) asking for alms on EDSA inDiliman and Cubao, Quezon City.

Robredo said that based onrecords from the Department ofSocial Welfare and Development(DSWD), there were 4,000 “highlyvisible” street children in Manila,Cities of Quezon, Caloocan, Pasay,Paranaque, Mandaluyong andMuntinlupa.

Robredo reminded local execu-tives to ensure that there are or-dinances to protect the rights andprovide for the basic needs ofstreet children and other mendi-cants.

He stressed that the existenceof a functional local council forthe protection of children (LCPC)would contribute to the success-ful implementation of the Compre-hensive Program on Street Chil-dren.

(Photo courtesy: Elson Trinidad)

BICYCLE lanes that were pio-neered in Marikina City and arenow being initiated through localordinances in Pasig City and DavaoCity, may soon be a common fea-ture in major thoroughfares andstreets nationwide.

Establishing bicycle lanes andencouraging public and privateestablishments to put up bike racksand parking areas are among theobjectives of Senate Bill No. 2936,the ‘Sustainable TransportationAct of 2011,’ recently filed by Sena-tor Pia S. Cayetano, an avid bikerherself.

“SBN 2396 seeks to promote bik-ing, walking as well as other sus-tainable and alternative modes oftransportation that will not onlyreduce air pollution and traffic con-gestion, but will also encouragepeople to adopt a healthylifestyle,” said the senator, who isalso known for leading bike toursacross the country to promote her

Bill for bike lanes, earth-friendly transpo pushedadvocacies on health, environmentand women empowerment.

“The fuel used to run cars andmotor vehicles is costing the Phil-ippines more than P1 billion a day.Our dependency on imported fos-sil fuels has a multiplier effect onthe prices of or basic commodities,goods and services,” she stressed.

Cayetano’s measure mandatesthe Department of Transportationand Communication (DOTC) tocome up with a ‘Sustainable Trans-port Action Plan’ which will en-courage a ‘mode shift’ and pro-mote programs and infrastructuretowards developing sustainableand alternative modes of transport.

SBN 2936 seeks to designate aportion of the roadway or highwayas “bike lanes” by local govern-ment units (LGUs) having jurisdic-tion over such roadway or high-way, in coordination with the De-partment of Public Works andHighways.

The designated bike lanes willbe for the preferential or exclusiveuse of bicycles and made identifi-able with signage and pavementmarkings.

Another program is the estab-lishment of adequate sidewalksand walkways to allow safe pedes-trian passage and for the safe andconvenient use of wheelchairs,strollers and similar instruments.

SBN 2936 likewise envisions thecreation of a ‘Bus Rapid TransitSystem’ which will organize busesinto one efficient long-distancetransportation system with coor-dinated schedules, rates, routes,and pick-up and drop-off points.

LGUs and the private sector willbe tapped to use existing facilitiessuch as parks, parking lots and busdepots to serve as large collectivetransportation terminals wherepeople can park their cars and bikesand take the buses to their desti-nations.

VALENZUELA Mayor Sherwin“Win” Gatchalian said that the lo-cal government is committed inhelping the Department of SocialWelfare and Development(DSWD) in its ongoing efforts toclear the major thoroughfares inMetro Manila of street children.

Gatchalian said that Valenzuelawas bent on strengthening exist-ing city programs to free its thor-oughfares of street children.

The city government will alsocooperate with other agencies andnon-government organizations inaddressing street dwelling in keyurban areas within its jurisdiction.

Gatchalian also signed a mani-festo declaring commitment tosafeguard the welfare of street chil-dren and street families, togetherwith the Department of Interior andLocal Government Secretary, JesseRobredo, and Metro Manila Devel-opment Authority Chairman, Atty.Francis Tolentino, DSWD Secre-tary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman, representatives fromother local government units(LGUs), the Council for the Wel-fare of Children, an attachedagency of the DSWD composed

V’zuela to clear off street kidsof a network of children’s rightsadvocates, and the United NationsChildren’s Fund.

The alliance hopes to achieve“zero street children, street fami-lies and the Bajaus in 38 listed ar-eas with high incidence of streetchildren and families in MetroManila.”

Out of the 38, are 10 priority ar-eas targeted to be free of streetdwellers by the end of 2011. Theyare the stretch of Roxas Boulevardand Quirino Avenue to Pedro GilStreet in Manila; Cubao, East Av-enue to P. Tuazon, Kalayan Road,Barangay E. Rodriguez andQuezon Avenue in Quezon City;Roxas Boulevard in CCP and NinoyAquino International Airport(NAIA) in Pasay City; andBalintawak area in Caloocan City.

Soliman said her office led inNovember 2010 a multi-agencyrapid appraisal of the situation ofstreet children, infants and streetfamilies and tallied an actualheadcount of 3,072 street childrenand infants in Metro Manila, 55 ofwhich were recorded in ValenzuelaCity.

The rapid appraisal also showed

657 families are living in the Metrostreets. None, however, could befound in the city.

In Valenzuela City, the City So-cial Welfare and Development Of-fice (CSWDO), headed by DorothyEvangelista, is the key agency ex-erting all efforts in rectifying the“recurring problem” of street dwell-ing.

This thrust is pursued throughintensified rescue operations, theestablishment of Bahay Kalinga inBarangay Veinte Reales that servesas a hub for those in need for im-mediate care and counseling; anda host of after-care services to res-cued and reached-out street chil-dren such as livelihood programs,and alternative learning system(ALS) and other education assis-tance programs.

However, Evangelista noted inan earlier interview that not allstreet children rescued in differentparts of Valenzuela City are actuallocal residents.

The CSWDO receives reports,either by call or by e-mail, fromconcerned citizens of the presenceof street children coming from vari-ous areas outside the city.

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) was directed to hire more personnelto man the three-shift duty at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport(NAIA).

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima told reporters Thursday that theadditional personnel would augment additional manning requirementfor the morning, evening and graveyard shifts.

He said that personnel augmentation would address “for good” theneed for overtime duty in the three terminals of NAIA.

More customs personnel needed for NAIAM’torium on demolitions amid calamities airedSENATOR Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. has urged Malacanang to declare

a moratorium on demolitions of informal settlers nationwide, includingthose in the areas affected by the recent series of storms and typhoons.

Revilla stressed that under Section 28 of Republic Act (RA) 7279 orthe Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, eviction or demoli-tion involving underprivileged and homeless citizens must be only car-ried out during good weather, “unless there is consent from the affectedfamilies.”

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) re-ported more than 100 motorists were caught violating the 60-kilome-ter per hour (kph) speed limit it imposed along the entire stretch ofthe Diosdado Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said they apprehended 136violators as of 10:30 a.m. Friday.

They face P2,000 fine, confiscation of driver’s license and half-day seminar on road discipline, Tolentino added.

The MMDA chairman said they will also use speed guns to moni-tor overspeeding vehicles along Diosdado Macapagal Avenue evenat night, as part of the agency’s no-contact policy.

Under the no–contact policy, enforced to prevent bribery whichrendered previous traffic measures futile, erring motorists caught ontape will receive a notice from the MMDA containing the following:the time, date and place where the alleged traffic violation is commit-ted, the corresponding fine and a still photo taken from the videoshowing the driver in the act of violating traffic rules.

Violators are given a week to pay the fine. If they fail, they willreceive a second notice. Should they again fail to settle the matter,their names will be placed on the alarm list of the Land Transporta-tion Office (LTO) and will not be able to renew their driver’s licensesor their vehicle registration papers.

Tolentino said a speed limit will minimize the high rate of vehicularaccidents caused by illegal drag racing in the area.

The speed limit covers all types of vehicles, including motorcycles,similar to the scheme earlier implemented along the 12.5-kilometerlong Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, earlier dubbed as thecountry’s “killer highway.”

MMDA nabs 60kph violators along Macapagal Ave

4 GOV’T OPTIONS

TO STOP THE HUGE FINANCIAL

HEMORRHAGE BESETTING THE 3RAIL SYSTEMS:

BUSINESS3

Aug 22-Aug 29, 2011

Metro Express

A worker counts U.S. dollar bills at a money changer in Manila. The Philippines expects more money inflows after the Fed promised near zero rates up to2013, potentially muddling monetary policy looking to bolster local demand, the central bank said Wednesday. Policymakers would also continue a reviewof current rules to dampen volatilities in the foreign exchange market, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco said.

SUPREME Court (SC) ChiefRenato C. Corona on Thursday ex-pressed his support for the Aquinoadministration’s policy of public-private partnership (PPP) during amulti-sectoral seminar-workshoporganized by the SC’s PhilippineJudicial Academy (PhilJA) in part-nership with the Action EconomicReforms (AER).

In a speech delivered for him bySC Spokesman and Court Admin-istrator Atty. Jose Midas P.Marquez before PhilJA officials,AER members, law professors,judges, and other law practitioners,Corona said, “We in the judiciarywholeheartedly welcome any gov-ernment strategy geared towardsgreater and more equitable eco-nomic development, and fully sup-port economic reform policieswhich are in consonance with theConstitution and relevant stat-utes.”

During the seminar-workshopwhere both legal and non-legal is-sues were tackled, Corona alsogave an overview on PPP andnoted that, in the past, “the gov-ernment has entered into contractswith private sector entities con-cerning public works and high-ways, transportation, water supplyand sewerage, electric power ca-

Chief Justice Corona supports Pres Aquino’s PPP policypacity and other areas previouslyreserved for direct government in-tervention only.”

At present, Corona said, “prepa-rations are underway for concret-izing more PPP deals concerningthe NAIA Expressway Phase II,

the NLEX-SLEX Connector, theOperation and Maintenance of theLRT 1 and MRT 3, the Daang Hari-SLEX Link Road, the LRT Line 2East Extension, the MRT/LRT Ex-pansion Program for the LRT 1South Extension, the CALA Ex-

pressway-Cavite Side Section, theNew Bohol Airport Development,the Puerto Princesa Airport Devel-opment, the New Legaspi AirportDevelopment, the Operation andMaintenance of the LaguindinganAirport, and many others.”

As head of the Judiciary, Coronahas set the tone for judges in deal-ing with cases involving executivepolicies, saying that, “in the fieldof economic policy formulation andimplementation, the Court hasadopted a hands-off stance, such

tasks pertaining to executive pre-rogative and discretion.”

However, Corona reminded themthat “this hands-off policy appliesonly to the extent that constitu-tional and statutory parameters arenot transgressed or violated.”

Corona assured the seminar-workshop participants that “theCourt is a dependable ally of thebusiness sector, striving to do itspart in facilitating over-all eco-nomic growth and a more equaldistribution of wealth through abetter administration of justice.”

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC)on Thursday filed before the De-partment of Justice (DOJ) a P26.89-million smuggling case against amajor supplier of telecommunica-tion products.

Charged were Darren E. Abcede,general manager of Interlite Cor-poration and customs brokerRonan R. Raymundo.

Also charged as John Does andJane Does were BOC employeesand other individuals who partici-pated, directly or indirectly, in therelease of the fraudulent optical fi-ber cable shipments.

In a press conference, BOC Com-missioner Angelito Alvarez saidthat Interlite, which is a major playerin the construction, design, engi-neering and distribution of varioustelecom products, was charged forgrossly undervaluating its opticalfiber importation by as much as81.66 percent.

Records of the case showed thatbetween March and July 2011,Interlite imported a total of 59,000kilograms of optical fiber cableswith a declared per kilogram valueranging from US$ 1.00 and US$2.35.

Broken down in 12 import entrieswhich were unloaded at the Portof Manila, Interlite’s shipmentswere assessed a value added tax(VAT) totalling a measly P603,979since the company falsely declareda total dutiable value of onlyP4,929,811.

However, Alvarez said that “in-vestigations conducted by theRun-After-The-Smugglers (RATS)Group of the Bureau of Customsrevealed that other importers of thesame product declared a per kilovalue of US$ 9.46.”

If recomputed based on the cor-rect value of US$ 9.46 a kilo,Interlite’s total importation valuewould increase to P26.89 million forwhich the company should havepaid P3.24 million.

BOC Deputy Commissioner andconcurrent RATS executive direc-tor Gregorio Chavez said that forcommitting various fraudulentpractices in violation of thecountry’s Customs and TariffCode, it was not enough to requireInterlite to pay an additional P2.64million in VAT plus penalties andsurcharges.

“The proper restitution shouldbe equivalent to the sum of the du-tiable values of the entire 12 im-port entries totaling P26.89 mil-lion,” Chavez said.

Alvarez said that for trying tosave P2.64 million, “Interlite nowstands to lose the more than P26million they spent on their opticalfiber cable importations.”

Alvarez instructed Chavez tosubject to post-entry audit all pre-vious importations made byInterlite.

He said that Interlite’s liabilitycould increase by several millionpesos more if it could be estab-lished that it had used the samemodus operandi in the past.

Alvarez also ordered Chavez tofile as soon as possible an amendedcharge sheet that would includethe names of customs employeeswho aided and abeted the fraudu-lent importations of Interlite.

P26.89M smugglingraps vs. telecomsproducts supplierfiled by BoC

PHILIPPINE-based port opera-tor and developer InternationalContainer Terminal Services Inc.(ICTSI) has said its foreign portoperations and improving globaleconomy have combined to boostits first semester cargo volume,revenues and net income.

ICTSI reported consolidated un-audited financial results for the sixmonths ended June 30, 2011, post-ing revenues from port operations

CEBU CITY –- The Philippineshas the potential to grab a large-share of the $ 52-billion Meetings,Incentives, Conference and Exhi-bitions/Events (Mice) market withhard work by the government andprivate stakeholders, speakers ofthe Mice Conference 2011 said.

Bill LaViolette, managing direc-tor of I&MI Media in France, saidthe Philippines can competeagainst other leading Mice desti-nations such as United States,Germany and other countries inEurope and China if it continues“being visible” in the market.

”It is a little difficult to achievebut once you get a nice piece ofthe market, it is something that youshould continue attracting,”

ICTSI saysforeignoperationsgiving ita big boost

of US$ 319.1 million, 29 percenthigher than the US$ 246.9 millionreported last year; and earningsbefore interest, taxes, depreciationand amortization (EBITDA) of US$143.3 million, up 21 percent fromthe US$ 118.7 million generated in2010.

EBITDA growth was temperedby the higher consolidated cashoperating expenses, which in-creased 45 percent to US$ 134.2million, from US4 92.6 million in the

same period in 2010.First-half net income attributable

to equity holders was US$ 60.0million, up 42 percent over the US$42.4 million earned last year.

The higher net income attribut-able to equity holders was mainlydue to the upsurge in foreign vol-umes and stronger revenues fromstorage and ancillary services fromthe company’s foreign operations.

For the quarter ending June 30,2011, revenue from port operations

increased 30 percent, from US4126.3 million to US$ 164.2 million.

ICTSI handled consolidatedvolume of 2,483,977 twenty-footequivalent units (TEUs) in the firsthalf of 2011, or 24 percent morethan the 2,009,605 TEUs handledin the same period in 2010.

The increase in volume wasmainly due to the continued up-turn in international trade, particu-larly in markets where ICTSI’sports are located and the consoli-

dation of the company’s new portsin Portland, Oregon, USA, andRijeka, Croatia.

Excluding the volume from thetwo latest port acquisitions, or-ganic volume growth was at im-pressive 18 percent.

Gross revenues from port opera-tions for the first six months of 2011increased 29 percent to US$ 319.1million, from the US$ 246.9 millionreported in the same period in 2010.

Press Release

Phl can grab bigger share of $ 52B Mice marketLaViolette said in a press confer-ence held at the Marco Polo PlazaCebu.

He said the incentive market isvery lucrative because those in thismarket normally spend four timeshigher than a normal visitor.

LaVioolette is one of the speak-ers of this year’s Mice Conferencein Cebu. The conference openedWednesday and will run until Aug.13.

Stanie Soriano of the TourismBoard Promotions of the Depart-ment of Tourism (DOT) said the roleof associations and corporationsis commonly ignored in the driveto get a bigger share of the Micemarket.

She encouraged associations

and corporations to bid for events.Corbin Ball, owner of Corbin Ball

Associates in the United States,said the Philippines should take ad-vantage of the latest technologysuch as social networking tools inmarketing products and servicesand in forging linkages with po-tential partners.

Richard Holmes, internationaldirector of Meeting, InternationalLeague Against Epilepsy/Interna-tional Bureau of Epilepsy, praisedthe country’s warmth and hospi-tality as well as its eagerness inadvancing tourism.

He said the Philippines has thepotential to attract more medicalconferences.

Press Release

By MARYA SALAMATBulatlat.com

MANILA – Progressive trans-port and labor groups in the coun-try are gearing up for a nationwideday of protest against the oil com-panies’ overpricing. This Monday,oil companies announced its long-awaited price rollbacks amid thedownward trend in prices of oilproducts in the world market. Butits rollbacks were less than theamount estimated by the energydepartment officials of P2 ($0.047),and far less than the “overpricingof P9” ($0.21)which independentanalysts and various peoples’ or-ganizations have previouslyasked the oil companies to slash.

In the budget hearing in Con-gress last week, the energy offi-cials led by Energy Secretary JoseRene Almendras estimated theneeded roll back at P2. They toldlawmakers they would investigatewith the Department of Justice theoil companies who would not rollback their prices by P2.

But last Monday when most oilcompanies at last announcedsome price rollbacks, only theFrench newcomer Total Philip-pines rolled back their price bymore than P2, bringing down theirdiesel by P2.35 ($0.055) per liter,while the price of their gasolinewas lowered by just P1.50($0.035)per liter.

Of the Big Three, only Petronslashed by P2.50 ($0.059) the priceper liter of their gasoline. Citingother “variables” affecting theirprices, the Big Three includingPetron lowered the prices of mostof their products by less than P2,or just by P1.70 per liter of dieseland kerosene. Shell and Caltexlowered by P1.50 ($0.04) the priceper liter of gasoline.

In the past, when the oppositeis happening and prices of oil inthe world market are rising insteadof falling while more pesos areneeded to purchase a dollar, an

immediate and steep increase in oilprices in the Philippines usuallyensues, noted George San Mateo,secretary-general of the transportgroup Piston.

“Immediate and steep increas-es when the world prices of oil in-crease and snail-paced and mea-ger decreases when the world pric-es of oil decrease — this is wherewe can see the overpricing beingimplemented by the Big Three,”Elmer “Bong” Labog, chairman ofprogressive labor center KMU.

Investigate oil companies or risklooking like liars and inutile

Bayan Muna RepresentativeTeddy Casiño challenged the en-ergy department to make goodtheir threat against the oil compa-nies. “They (DoE) should file acase against the oil companies atthe justice department, or the De-partment of Energy would look likea liar or inutile,” said Casiño.

“It is clear that the Big Three oilcompanies do not fear or respectthe Department of Energy to im-plement the meager rollback de-manded by the agency,” said La-bog. “The problem,” he said, “isthat the DOE and the entire gov-ernment do not have coercivepowers over the Big Three.”

The labor group seriouslydoubts whether the DOE will makereally investigate the Big Three’sprofits. But even if the DOE does

investigate, the labor group alsodoubts whether that will be pro-ductive. They said the Big Three“knows many magic tricks when itcomes to declaring their profits.”

For the progressive labor andtransport sector, the more justifiedamount of price rollback is fourtimes higher than the amount an-nounced by the energy depart-

ment (and ignored by the BigThree). A consensus among dif-ferent groups who had beenstudying oil prices is that the cur-rent oil prices are overpriced byP9.

Overpricing also explains whydata from the Department of Ener-gy show that the profits of the BigThree oil companies have in-creased by more than six timessince 2001 as the per liter prices ofpetroleum products almost tripledduring the same period, said theKMU.

Back in September 2009, then-socioeconomic planning adviserand now-Senator Ralph Recto saidthat petroleum products are over-priced by as much as P8.00 ($0.19).

When asked by Casiño duringthe budget hearing last week, Al-mendras said that every $3 dropin the price of oil per barrel in theworld market should see a corre-sponding P1 decrease in prices perliter of petroleum products being

sold locally. As crude prices havedropped by $7 a barrel since theweek before the budget hearing,Almendras said the correspond-ing rollback should be at least P2per liter.

It did not happen though, whenthe oil companies responded thisMonday with their price cuts.Worse, the crude prices have re-portedly dropped $16 by this time,and the value of the dollar has alsodropped.

Quick to increase but slow torollback

George San Mateo of Pistonsaid even mere cents of overpric-ing would translate to billions ofsuper-profits for the Big Threewhile for the working people andthe transport workers, it means somuch of needed but foregone earn-ings.

Piston, KMU, Bayan and otherprogressive organizations in thecountry reiterated their demand fora “one-time big-time” P9 rollback.

Progressive groups gear up for P9 oil price rollback

7 Castles, Inc., one of the country’s leading exporters of handcrafted, sterling silverjewelry, said that Philippine preferential trade agreements have helped them becomemore globally competitive.“We started to get our accreditation for the FTAs because one of our major clients wasexpanding to China and Japan,” said Ma. Asuncion S. Faustmann, Chief ExecutiveOfficer of 7 Castles Inc. and former president of the Guild of Philippine Jewelers Inc.,during the recent Doing Business in Free Trade Areas (DBFTA) information sessionorganized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Jewelry exporter taps trade agreementsDomingo to champion SMEs in ASEAN meetTrade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo will push for a package of policymeasures for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the 43rd ASEAN EconomicMinisters Meeting and Related Meetings this week.“We will be championing SMEs as a primary consideration in our international tradeengagements, particularly on measures that will ease processes and procedures whenavailing tariff treatment,” said Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo.He said that the DTI is “actively exploring all avenues to make it easier for SMEs tobecome successful exporters.”

OPINIONVIEWS, COMMENTARIES, OPEN FORUM

4 Aug 22-Aug 29, 2011

Ismael ‘El’ AmigoEditor

Fitzgerald CecilioAsst . Ed i tor

Racquel MendozaAdvertising Manager

Eugene LabadanPR, Marketing & Circulation Manager

Benjie Alejandro, Ana Cheza Montana, Noel DolorEditorial Contributors

EDITOR’S NOTE: All commentaries and or opinions submitted by columnists and hereinpublished shall remain as personal opinion of any of Metro Express’ column writers. Assuch, these cannot and never be construed nor considered as similar to that of thispublication (Metro Express)’s stand on issues discussed. Be that as it may, MetroExpress shall not be held liable on any legal issues related/pertaining to, or any column/commentaries that may appear herein.

el amigo media solutionsPublisher

EDITORIAL

The Metro Express is published and distributed weekly at Philippine Economic Zones, LRTLines 1 & 2, MRT, Congress, the Senate and other government offices by el amigo mediasolutions. For press, photo releases and advertising inquiries, text or call Hotlines Globe0915-5517486 and Smart 0949-1661022. Emails: 2011metroexpress@gmail.com andesns03@yahoo.com.

Metro Express ‘Nakaka-Kulo kayo ng dugo!’Talagang nakakaKulo ng dugo ang ginawang pa-Kulo nitong

mga taga-Kulo!Yes, true. Art imitates life and life imitates art but there are

limits to what we call “poetic license” and freedom of our ex-pressions.

Freedom of expression ends when/where itstarts to encroach the freedom of others ofthe same.

The kumu-Kulo team of artists from no-where sprang from nowhere and came up with that now infa-mous, blasphemous art exhibit at the, lo and behold, CulturalCenter of the Philippines. They are now planning to resign enmasse. Thank you Lord! ‘Wag naman muna kayong kunin.

Its main man was a no-show at a Senate hearing last week.‘Wag naman sana siyang magpakamatay sa kahihiyan.

Indeed, how could artists, Filipinos at that, came up with Jesuswith a penis, Jesus with bleeding eyes and anything that wouldstir up the sensibilities of us Roman Catholics and all believers.

Don’t they know that “believing” in something like the exist-ence of Jesus, Mama Mary, the Holy Trinity, the Pope is al-ready an ultimate form or expression of one’s freedom?

And that all of us, Catholics or not, should respect. Even sus-pects of heinous crimes are given their fare shake in court inreverence to their personal rights.

Of so many subjects out there, why did they choose to dese-crate Jesus Christ? They could have chosen themselves!

Is it for art’s sake or for selfish ends “para sumikat lamang” atthe expense of us TRUE BELIEVERS?

A pity.

NICE IDEA, but a single misstep may cause harm to these schoolchildren crossing a flooded area in their school using juxtaposedschool chairs. Paging DepEd.

But Team Kulo could yet be considered swerte.Catholics could have demanded for them be declared perso-

na non grata and be banished in a land that Jesus/God theFather never made.

The ‘nakaka-Kulo Team’ of artists arethemselves mga Katoliko kaya lang mukhangnasobrahan ang liko ng mga ito at naging ba-liko na nga ang kanilang pananaw sa buhay.

I died twice when I was at a young age, atan age long before the emergence of colored television, cell-phones and all the hi-tech gadgets we now have.

More than half of the Globe’s population of 6 billion believesin God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit (Trinity) so do I,firmly, that is, for my departed soul saw, in that instance, whitebearded men in white robes along with the spirit of my deadgrandfather and cherubs with cute little feathered wings on theirbacks singing melodies as they joyously jump from a clump ofcloud to another.I never had a glimpse of colored television thenbut I witnessed all these in four colors (CMYK) right after thedarkest color of a black curtain rolled right side way.

It was only then when I heard from one of the white men in“Tide” white robes say “he is too young to die” did I came back,or my body that lay sprawled on the ground after a hard fall,sprang back to life.And they were gone and my strong belief inGod and Angels is done, not to question them, of their exist-ence, again. Never.

This, I believe, as my personal belief like many people (Cath-olics) out there, needs a measure of respect as we do to themnon-believers as they are. Amen.

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the Filipino youth to alwaysaim for excellence as he urged them to join his administration in achiev-ing the country’s progress and development.

The Chief Executive issued the call in his speech during the celebra-tion of the International Youth Day dubbed as “KA-JAM, KabataanJobs and Alternatives to Migration” at the 2nd floor, Function Room 5,SMX Convention Center of the SMA Mall of Asia on Friday in PasayCity.

“As President of the Philip-pines, I’m calling on all of youto contribute to make the mostof your opportunities, to con-stantly strive for excellence, togo beyond yourselves… topush yourselves and to alwaysraise the bar,” the Presidentsaid.

“Perhaps, more importantly,I’m calling on you not only toharness the positive energythat is prevalent in our countryagain but also to contribute toit by extending to others com-passion and gratitude and byalways being responsible forthe effects your actions haveon others,” he stressed.

The President assured theyouth of his continued supportin programs that will preparethem for much bigger responsi-bilities in the future.

“Rest assured, I will followthrough on my own commit-ments as well, so that my gen-eration can bequeath to ouryoung citizens a Philippineswhose progress they can buildupon,” he said.

The President also remindedthem the importance of unityand cooperation in bringing thecountry towards sustainableprogress.

“Together, as one team, let usdo what we can in our individualcapacities to bring our belovedcountry back to its rightfulplace in the sun,” the Presidentnoted as he expressed confi-dence in the youth of todaywho will become the leaders oftomorrow.

“May I just stress, we are confident that when the time comes thatyou will pass on the mantle of responsibilities to the next generationyou will undoubtedly build upon the successes that we are now achiev-ing,” he added.

The event was highlighted by a video presentation on the YouthEmployment and Migration Strategy Framework which is the core in thecrafting of a development and national action plan for the youth.

Among those present during the ceremonies include Labor and Em-ployment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, United Nations (UN) CountryTeam agencies officials led by UN Resident Coordinator Jacqui Badcock,International Labor Organization Manila Director Jeff Johnson andSpain’s Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq Fernandezde Bobadilla.

Also in attendance were officials of the National Youth Commission,Department of Education, Department of Trade and Industry, PhilippineCommission on Women, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,Provincial governments of Agusan del Sur, Antique, Masbate andMaguindanao, private sector employers organizations, chambers ofcommerce, business associations, non-government associations, work-ers’ organizations and youth organizations.

“As Presidentof the Philip-pines, I’m call-ing on all ofyou to contrib-ute to make themost of youropportunities,to constantlystrive for excel-lence, to go be-yond your-selves… topush your-selves and toalways raise thebar,” the Presi-dent said.

Pres Noy to youth: Aimfor excellence; jointowards progress, dev’t

People power...(From page 1)

Executive included the RH Bill on the list of his 13 Priority Bills.Meanwhile, reports have it that President Aquino will not back down

from threats of certain groups opposed to the Reproductive Health Billwhich will carry out civil disobedience by not paying taxes unless thePresident drops his support for the Bill.

The President dismissed their threats with a warning saying that“Kapag nagmungkahi kang huwag magbayad ng buwis, ang pagkaintin-di ko, very serious offense. Hindi ko maalala kung sedition ang papa-sok diyan o baka doon sa rebellion, pero malamang sedition.”

On the Upper House front, Senators questioned Negros OccidentalRep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo’s statement on the secondhand helicop-ters which were allegedly sold and passed on as brand new to thePhilippine National Police.

Iggy Arroyo claimed the said helicopters were only “leased” to LTAInc., a family company of the Arroyos, and not personally owned by hisbrother, Jose Miguel Arroyo, husband of then PGMA and former firstgentleman.

Blue Ribbon Committee chair Sen. Teofisto Guingona III said hiscommittee sent last Thursday a formal invitation for the congressmanto show up at the hearing today, Monday (Aug. 22).

And this could be the much-awaited story to unfold by mediamencovering the Senate beat this week.

It was also reported last week, the Supreme Court, Commission onAudit and the Ombudsman’s office are complaining with the House

committee on appropriations on reductions of their respective 2012budget drafted DBM.

Supreme Court (SC) administrator Midas Marquez said the DBMreduced the judiciary’s funds by P1.9 billion to a little over P13 billion.

In other fronts, President Aquino reiterated that Constitutional amend-ments is not on top of his administration’s agenda saying “is not yetprime time” even amid mounting calls from both heads of the legislativebranches on the necessity to change the economic provisions of theCharter.

President Aquino also ordered a team or a technical working group tofine-tune the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill so as to balance theright of both the state and the public.

Led by Communications Group Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III,the TWG would meet and discuss with leaders of both Houses alongwith civil society groups and stakeholders to review the measure (FOI).

Talk is also ripe on the new Peace Process over the weekend that itwill take a downturn with the “sub-state” phrase instead of an indepen-dent Islamic homeland in Mindanao in southern Philippines.

Issues on the United States dipping its finger in the peace processalso came afloat but the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front(MILF) was quick the attack of the Communist Party of the Philippines(CPP) saying the latter should understand the Muslim insurgents’ per-spective on the peace talks.

MILF chair Murad Ebrahim said “nothing wrong with the US beinginvolved in the peace process” because, “indeed the United States hasthe moral responsibility to help solve this unfinished Moro question.They must rectify the errors of their past misdeeds.”

Eight out of 10 Filipinos are hopeful that the ongoing peace talksbetween the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)will succeed the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said.

Away from the hustle and bustle of political manoeuvrings,crucifixion and what have you, is the concern of the long-linger-ing FAA downgrading of Philippine aviation from Category 1 toCategory 2.

It’s now more than a couple of years since and it’s costing thecountry too much in terms of quantifiable aviation and tourismrevenues.

Mind you, a group of travel agents last Tuesday said that thePhilippines has been losing more than P66.30 billion in tourismrevenues just because of that.

And that’s from the United States market alone because ofour dear Philippines’s Category 2 status!

According to the same group, US’s AA+ credit downgradingmay not help either.

It claims that instead of a positive outlook, this could spelldoom, a slowdown of the tourism industry because of a strongerpeso.

According to Aileen Clemente, president of the Philippine TravelAgencies Association (PTAA), PH’s Category 2 status is delay-ing expansion of routes by local airlines to the US.

This, she says, denies in turn the country of additional touristarrivals from North America.

And this, 1st-Apluma says, should be studied, reviewed by theAquino Administration, set in motion a task force that will revisit,investigate what went wrong before to regain the country’s Cate-gory 1 status.

1st-Apluma recently had a talk with a German national privy tothe technological workings of the Civil Aviation Authority of thePhilippines (CAAP).

The German national who is long been living in the country andis based in Ortigas Center, said that for the Philippines to gainback its Category 1 Aviation Status, it should be willing to shellout good amount of cash.

This, he said, will be spent on upgrades: computers, necessarygadgets and all that aviation implements.

The previous administration, he said, has been working hard onit through the DOTC.

A new DOTC Secretary and close P-Noy ally Mar Roxas shouldlook fast into this.

And never look back spending billions of pesos to that effect,anyhow, billions of pesos may, or would also get back into thecountry’s coffers once PH’s Category 1 Status is regained.

1st-APLUMA Says…Aviation downgrade costing PH billions

LEGIS/EXEC NEWSHOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE SENATE & EXECUTIVE BEATS

5

OBEYTRAFFICRULES!

So that others may live.

Aug 22-Aug 29, 2011

ExpressMetro

PRESIDENT Noy has assuredthe members of the police and themilitary for the continued supportof the government for their needs,particularly modern equipment andarms to do their jobs more effec-tively.

In a speech during the 48th foun-dation anniversary and alumnihomecoming of the National De-fense College of the Philippines(NDCP) in Makati City Fridaynight, he made a commitment togive law enforcers and securitypersonnel the equipment theyneed from battle ship to helicop-ters as well as sophisticated fire-arms.

For instance, the President men-tioned the Hamilton Class Cutterfrom the US, which is set to arrivein the country within a week. Withthe arrival of the new ship, the gov-ernment expects to boost its mari-time patrol capability.

There will also be capability up-grades and modernization of theequipment of the Philippine Na-tional Police (PNP) and ArmedForces of the Philippines (AFP)like the delivery of brand new chop-pers, patrol craft, and arms that thePresident said symbolizes the gov-ernment’s recognition of the po-lice and the military’s dedicationto service.

“Wala ring kuwenta ang mgateorya at estratehiyang itinuturong NDCP kung pumupugak namanang mga armas, sasakyan, at ibanggamit ng ating mga pulis—parabang nagmistulang kawawangcowboy na butas ang bota ng mgasundalo, at walang gana ang atingmga kawal. Kaya naman habangitinataguyod nila ang seguridad atbuong tapang na nilalabanan angkarahasan at kriminalidad, tinatap-atan natin ito ng pagtutok sa ka-nilang mga pangangailangan,” thePresident said.

Aquino vows continuingsupport to police, military

Aside from giving the police andmilitary equipment, the Presidentsaid his administration also re-leased 4,000 certificate of entitle-ment to lot allocation to the mem-bers of the police and military lastmonth.

The government will expand thecoverage of the housing programto Visayas and Mindanao, he said.The program will also includemembers of the Bureau of JailManagement and Penology andBureau of Fire Protection, the chiefexecutive said.

At the same time, the President

expressed optimism about thecountry’s condition saying there’sa better future that lies ahead forFilipinos with the reforms that hisadministration has initiated.

“Sa tulong ng NDCP, walangduda na magagawa natin ito.Harinawa’y sa sama-sama ninyongpagbabalik-tanaw ngayong gabi,higit pang tumibay ang inyongpagkakaisa at tiwala sa isa’t isaupang sa lalong madaling pana-hon, tuluyan na nating salubun-gin ang bukang-liwayway kungsaan mas maaliwalas ang pamumu-hay ng lahat ng Pilipino,” he said.

The National Defense College ofthe Philippines, the country’s lead-ing institution on defense and se-curity education, training and re-search, celebrated its 48th founda-tion anniversary on Aug. 12, 2011with the theme “Security Leadersat the Forefront of National Con-vergence and Development.”

The defense institution was es-tablished by virtue of ExecutiveOrder No. 44 signed by PresidentDiosdado Macapagal on August12, 1963 aimed at enhancing thecompetence of military and civil-ian leaders.

THE fiscal gap left by the de-crease in the allocation of the in-ternal revenue allotment (IRA) tolocal government units (LGUs)should be subsidized by the cen-tral government in light of the hun-dreds of billions in savings thePalace has accumulated in the pastmonths, according to SenatorFrancis ‘Chiz’ Escudero.

Escudero said the projected de-cline in the IRA release for 2012should be cushioned by the gov-ernment in order to avoid disrup-tion in the delivery of social andbasic services to the people.

The proposed IRA for fiscal year2012 is P273 billion, down fromP287 billion in 2011. The slash, ac-cording to Budget SecretaryFlorencio Abad, is due to the“sharp decrease in revenues in2009 as a result of the global eco-nomic crisis and revenue-erodingmeasures passed at that time.”

Escudero said the P13-billiongap should be subsidized by thegovernment and source the sub-sidy from savings and allocatedbudget for unprogrammed fundsfor 2012.

In the budget hearing at the Sen-ate this week, the government’seconomic managers admitted thatthe state has an unspent P1.12 tril-lion in the national budget for thecurrent fiscal year.

“The government coffer is stillhalf-full for 2011. In the hearing,we also found out that there lies acool P161 billion for unprogrammedfunds for the next fiscal year. Thereis so much public money lying idleand this can be put into better uselike filling the IRA gap so that stan-dards in service delivery of theLGUs can be fulfilled.” Escuderoexplained.

Escudero wants gov’tto subsidize gap in IRA

The senator said that an IRA cutcould compromise the powers andresources of LGUS in terms of de-livering social services.

“Local governments are the frontliners in basic social services.When you cut their IRA share,there follows the disruption ofhealth services, food security, in-frastructure and public works likeschool buildings and barangayroads,” Escudero said.

In subsidizing the gap, the gov-ernment remains consistent in up-holding the devolution law, whichmandates that “LGUs be givenmore powers, authorities, respon-sibilities and resources.”

”While it is true that we want ourlocal government units to be self-sufficient and reliant, to enhanceand develop their own economicprograms, not all LGUs are on thesame page,” Escudero said. “Someor only a few would not feel thecrunch of a reduced financial infu-sion from the government.

But for those LGUs who are juststarting to build their own sourcesof fiscal revenues and for thosewho have been besieged by onecalamity after the other, the IRA isa vital equalizer.”

Sen. Chiz Escudero

THE Social Security System(SSS) posted an eight percent in-crease in the number of registeredusers of the SSS website after theagency started accepting onlineapplications and collection reportson June 6, a top official said.

SSS President and Chief Execu-tive Officer Emilio de Quiros Jr. saidthe pension fund now has a totalof 1.2 million website users afternearly 90,500 employers and mem-bers enrolled in its online portal(www.sss.gov.ph) within a span oftwo months.

“Recent website enhancements,such as allowing members andemployers to submit online appli-cations and collection reports,helped boost the number of regis-tered users in the past few weeks,”he said.

Upon registration, members andemployers gain exclusive access towebsite features such as onlineviewing of records, electronic sub-mission of applications and collec-tion reports and an appointmentsystem with SSS branches.

Members key-in basic informa-tion during online registration suchas SSS number, name and birthdate. The SSS website makes on-the-spot validation and immediate-ly alerts the member of errors suchas incorrect SSS number or spell-ing.

“We implemented a two-phaseregistration process that makes it

SSS website enrollmentsjump 8% in 2 months

easier for members to create theironline accounts. It also cuts downthe chances of registration failurecaused by incorrect informationprovided by the member,” DeQuiros said.

“After completing the firstphase, the SSS sends to the mem-ber’s email address a link that isneeded to finalize the registrationprocess. The member will then beinformed through email if the on-line registration is successful,” hesaid.

De Quiros called on employersto register at the SSS website andreminded those with existing ac-counts to log in daily to certifytheir employees’ salary loan appli-cations.

“Nearly nine out of every tenloan applications filed by employ-ees at the website expire becauseemployers fail to certify them withinthree days,” said De Quiros, whoalso urged members to inform em-ployers immediately about theironline loan application.

Employees comprise 86 percentof the 1.2 million members regis-tered at the SSS website. For in-quiries, members and employerscan call 920-6446 to 55, send anemail tomember_relations@sss.gov.ph, goto the nearest SSS branch or visitthe SSS Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/sssonlineser-vice.

AMENDING the economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution is animportant factor to fully implement the Public-Private Partnership (PPP),the centerpiece program for its economic agenda of the Aquino admin-istration.

PPP is a partnership between the public sector and the private sectorfor the purpose of delivering a project or a service traditionally providedby the government. It describes a government service or private busi-ness venture which is funded and operated through a partnership ofgovernment and one or more private sector companies.

PPP Center (PPPC) director for policy formulation Al Vitangcol III, atthe recent hearing by the committee on Constitutional Amendments ofthe House of Representatives, said that the Constitution’s protectionisteconomic provisions have hindered the influx of foreign investmentsfor the PPP projects.

In a typical PPP project, he said the private party provides a publicservice or project and assumes substantial financial, technical and op-erational risk in the project.

One of the principal roles of the private sector is to provide additionalcapital in order to accelerate infrastructure development. The privateparty recovers its investment through tolls, fees, rentals, and/or other

Charter change needed for PPP’s full implementationcharges, among others.

Under Article 12 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is the policy ofthe State to protect Filipino enterprises against unfair foreign competi-tions and trade practices.

One of these protections is the prohibition of foreign corporations toown more than 40 percent of a public utility business. The 60-40 Consti-tutional prohibition was likewise cascaded down to various specificforeign investment related laws.

Vitangcol, however, said the PPPC observed that there were foreigninvestors who were willing to invest in the Philippines, who were unwill-ing, or unable, to take local partners to conform to the Constitutionalprohibition.

“There are even cases that this Constitutional prohibition preventsthe leveling of the playing field for local investors. The 60 percent localcomponent can be addressed only by a select few local firms,” he said.

Thus, to level the playing field, Vitangcol said, “the 60 percent Fili-pino ownership requirement (in the Constitution) must be relaxed.”

“Contract agreements cannot be signed because of the 60-40 equityrule in favor of Filipinos. Many foreign firms wanted to invest in publicutilities. Many wanted to build resorts and roads leading to these areas.The private sector wants more than that. The protectionist provisionshave become a hindrance to PPP projects,” he said.

Vitangcol said there were many roads and other infrastructure projectsthat were supposed to be built “at no cost to government” under thePPP formula but that the economic provisions failed “to entice foreigninvestments.”

He said that PPP projects would easily take off if protectionist provi-sions in the Constitution were lifted.

“Filipino investments were indeed protected but jobs were hardlycreated. We need big capital,” he noted.

Vitangcol said the PPP projects would generate jobs, particularly oninfrastructure projects that have been lined up by the government.

He said economic adjustments have been geared towards openingthe economy to competition and leveling the playing field of enterprise.

A clear policy and institutional framework has also been put in placeto permit unencumbered flow of private resources into the government’sdevelopment program, especially for the infrastructure sector.

Vitangcol said the PPPC is not pushing for the total lifting of theprohibition (100 percent foreign ownership) “but only for the relaxationof the same (e.g. 30 percent Filipino, 70 percent Foreign).”

As such, he said the PPPC fully supports the House’s proposal toamend the economic provisions of the Constitution.

Lawyer Demosthenes Donato of the Round Table Discussion on Struc-tural Reforms said the “side effects” of the protectionist economic pro-visions of the Constitution proved to have been favorable only to Fili-pino investors.

“The protectionist provisions simply protected Filipino investments.They did not redound to the benefits of the workers and consumers.The provisions put captive the Filipino businessmen but hindered thecreation of jobs and reduction of prices,” he said.

Donato said the lifting of the protectionist provisions “would worklike the principle of supply and demand. The more companies coming in,the more jobs. The impact would be on the middle class. The countrywill create more middle class and many poor people would be helped

and alleviated from poverty.”As to “unfair competition,” Donato said even if the protectionist eco-

nomic provisions of the 1987 Constitution were lifted, there were 64 lawsthat would continue to protect Filipino workers from being displacedwhen foreign workers would be imported by foreign companies.

“The 64 laws that would protect Filipino workers would not be touched.Allowing foreign investors tocome in does not follow that theirworkers would already be givenFilipino citizenship. The immigra-tion visa laws remain. The workpermits would still be required ofthem. The priority still is Filipinos,”he said.

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Cus-toms (BoC), the two main collecting agencies of the government,will be needing around P2 billion in their fight against fraud, taxevasion, among others, and generate more revenues for the gov-ernment.

The BIR, the biggest revenue earner, during the budget hearingof the agency at the committee on appropriations of the House ofRepresentatives, has a proposed P1.1 billion allocation to imple-ment the agency’s Tax Administration Computerization Project(TACP).

The amount is 95 percent higher than the P564 million anti-corruption drive allocation for the year.

With a complete taxpayer database and expanded third partyinformation, the BIR aims to improve tax collection efforts whileenhancing its taxpayer service.

The BoC, for its part, has asked P740 million for its campaign toraise more revenues and deter customs fraud and smuggling.

Of this amount, some P500 million will fund the agency’s “On-Line X-ray Imaging System” and the “Petroleum Inventory Sys-tem.”

The On-Line X-ray imaging system will distribute and sharecaptured images and information from two pilot sites — the Portof Manila and the Manila International Container Port.

The Petroleum Inventory System project, on the other hand,aims to accurately and efficiently monitor the movement and in-ventory of petroleum imports, which is the source of about 17percent of BoC’s revenues.

The BIR’s total proposed budget for 2012 is P6.696 billion, upfrom this year’s budget of P5.713 billion.

BIR, BoC need P2-B funding

Philippine marines boarding a military ship in this file photo.

SHOWBIZ6Aug. 22-Aug. 29, 2011

Metro Express

fun & Sports Page

Solenn Heussaff deniesromance with Echo

Solenn Heussaff

Echo

Model-actress Solenn Heus-saff vehemently denied that sheis currently in a relationship withactor Jericho Rosales.

Heussaff said she already metRosales several times, butmaintained that they are “noteven friends.”

The Filipino-French model-actress added that she is nowdating a man who is not fromshow business.

“Hindi [nanliligaw si Echo]. Weare not even friends. I met himseveral times. Gwapo siya but no,I don’t know him. Gwapo siyabut he’s not my crush,” she saidin an interview during a pressconference for her self-titledalbum at Redbox Eastwood Mallin Quezon City on Wednesday.

“I like kalbo, kasi wala masya-dong kalbo sa showbiz. I like thefeeling kasi kapag kalbo.”

Recording artistHeussaff has ventured into

singing with her first self-titledalbum.

She said her album under MCA

Music is a “dream come true” forher.

“I’m so excited, this is a dreamof mine since I was small, pleasebuy it,” she said.

Meanwhile, Heussaff said shewill stage her first solo concertsoon.

Press Release

AS FOLLOW-UP to thesuccess of their first film, actorGerald Anderson and PopPrincess Sarah Geronimo are setto be paired once again for a

Sa-rald to doanother movie

movie this year.Both celebrities hoped to make

viewers fall in love with theirtandem even if they are not acouple in real life.

Anderson, in particular, saidthat people should not preempttheir blossoming friendship.

“Dapat hayaan na lang,mangyayari angmangyayari...step by step,” hesaid.

Asked if it is possible for herto fall in love with Anderson,Geronimo sang, “Bakit di na langtotohanin ang lahat?”

“Kilala niyo naman ako sapagiging joker ko. But I hope thistime, wala naman akong ma-offend na kahit sino.”

Anderson and Geronimo werefirst paired in the movie “CatchMe...I’m In Love,” which wasshown last March.

Sarah

Gerald

Lauren YoungToo young to go sexy?

LAUREN Young, starof “Mula sa Puso,” saidshe is not yet ready tobare skin, saying she is“still very young and Ihave a long way to go.”

“I’d like to stick todrama roles. I’m opensa lahat ng roles. Peroas of now, ayokomagpa-sexy. Hindibagay sa age ko. ButI’m not closing mydoors,” said the 17-year-old actress.

Young portrays thecharacter originallyplayed by actressClaudine Barretto in theremake of ABS-CBN’s“Mula sa Puso.”

However, people seeBarretto more in “MaraClara” star Julia Montes

than in her.Instead of comparing herself to Montes, Young praised the latter’s

acting skills. “[Si] Julia, napakagaling niya, hangang-hanga ako sabatang ‘yan.”

She added that she just wants to make a name for herself instead ofwalking in someone else’s shadow.

“I want to make a name for myself...Ayoko ma-compare kahit kanino.I just want to do my job,” she said.

As “Mula sa Puso” airs its final episode on Friday, Young said shewill miss working with her co-stars.

“Ang dami kong natutunan dahil sa kanila. Direk Wenn (Deramas)taught me the value of humility and hard work. Natuto akong umiyakat mag-memorize ng lines on the spot. I owe it to him kung ano manang narating ko ngayon sa showbiz,” she said.

Young added that she hopes to work with them again in the future.

Lauren

The nursery rhyme Ring Around the Rosey is arhyme about the plague. Infected people with theplague would get red circular sores (“Ring aroundthe rosey...”), these sores would smell very badly socommon folks would put flowers on their bodiessomewhere (inconspicuously), so that it wouldcover the smell of the sores (“...a pocket full ofposies...”), People who died from the plague wouldbe burned so as to reduce the possible spread ofthe disease (“...ashes, ashes, we all fall down!”)

Did you know that...

Filipinos were introduced to the English language

in 1762 by British invaders, not Americans.

#1

#2

Whether Democrat or RepublicanI think you’ll get a kick out of this!

A little boy goes to hisdad and asks, ‘What is Politics?’

Dad says, ‘Well son, letme try to explain it this way:

I am the head of the family, so call meThe President. Your mother is theadministrator of the money, so we callher the Government.

FROM THE e-MAIL

We are here to take careof your needs, so we will call you thePeople.

The nanny, we will consider her theWorkingClass.And your baby brother, we will call himthe Future.

Now think about that and see if it makessense.’So the little boy goes off to bed thinkingabout what Dad has said.

LESSON IN GOVERNMENT:

Later that night, he hears his babybrother crying, so he gets up to check onhim.

He finds that the baby has severelysoiled his nappy.

So the little boy goes to his parent’s roomand finds his mother asleep..

Not wanting to wake her,he goes to the nanny’s room.

Finding the door locked, he peeks in thekeyhole and sees his father in bed with

the nanny..He gives up and goes back to bed.The next morning, thelittle boy say’s to his father, ‘Dad, I thinkI understand the concept of politics now.‘The father says, ‘Good, son, tell me inyour own words what you think politics isall about.’

The little boy replies, ‘The President isscrewing the Working Class while theGovernment is sound asleep. The Peopleare being ignored and the Future is indeep shit..’

By NM Marlon Bernardino

Young PH woodpushers to compete anew in ChinaYoung Filipino woodpushers will once again showcase their mettle

on the ASIAN stage as Team ASEAN competes in the first edition of theChina versus ASEAN chess match starting this week.

Dubbed as the "China-ASEAN Youth Chess Classic Tournament2011," the tourney is slated August 23 through 28 at the Lanice HotelInn, New Asia Athletics Park, Guangfu Road in Kunming City, YunnanProvince, China.

National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/presi-dent Prospero "Butch" Pichay Jr. said the team who will carry anew thePhilippine flag in the tough and prestigious event are Dennis GutierrezIII of Bulacan/Pangasinan, Ronald Canino of Cagayan de Oro City, Ju-lius Gonzales of Marikina City, Daryl Unix Samantila of Tonsuya, Mala-bon, Irish Yngayo of Davao City, Samantha Glo Revita of Rosales, Pan-gasinan and Jerlyn Mae and Marie Antoinette San Diego of Dasmari-nas, Cavite.

Gutierrez III and Canino are seeing action in the open 8 years old andunder, Gonzales will compete in the open under 10 while Samantila willshow his talent in the open under 12. Jerlyn and Yngayo will compete inthe girls under 8, Marie Antoinette and Samantha Glo will play in thegilrs under 12.

Three age groups-U8, 10 and 12 will be played in the Double-RoundScheveningen System. Medals will be awarded to the best 3 individualresults in each category. The winning team will receive the ChallengeCup.

Pichay said the PH age group chess team will be leaving for China onAugust 22 which backed up by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)thru it's chairman Ricardo Garcia and the Philippine Olympic Committee(POC).

“We’re sending our top players in the different age-group categoriesand we’re confident of doing well here in China,” said Pichay.

Pichay said the player earned the right to represent the country fol-lowing their strong showing in 12th ASEAN age-group chess competi-tion held in Tarakan, Indonesia last June.

“Most of our players are in good shape right now. They are all well-

prepared and better-trained,” added NCFP Executive Director and formerolympian GM Jayson Gonzales, who was also appointed by Pichay asNCFP director for grassroots youth development program.

The China-ASEAN Youth Chess Classic Tournament 2011 is jointlyorganized by Kunming Sports Development, Kunming Chess Associa-

Prulife UK’s Marras is tops inMeralco Invitation Chess Cup;

San Miguel Corp is top coRAY MARRAS of Prulife UK topped the 3rd leg of the Meralco Invitational Chess

Club was held recently at the Meralco head office in Ortigas.

Marras scored 5.5 points to collect his second title in 3 legs. Solo 2nd Placer wasFranz Baretto of Filinvest with 5.0 points.

Five players were tied for 3rd to 7th place with identical 4.5 points, namelyCromwell Sabado of KFC, Bren Sasot of Coca Cola, Marlon Constantino of OutlineMarketing, Marco Palogan of San Miguel Corp, and businessman Noel Garcia.

The Paulina R. Sol Cruz Memorial Award) went to Jessie Lucido of Meralco -Process & Standards who scored 2 points.

The Top Company went to San Miguel Corporation represented by MarcoPologan, Leo Ricana, and Wilson Co.

GM Balinas Award for Top 3 MERALCO Players went to Jay Dicen of Security,Johnson Maclang of Valenzuela Sector, and Ronnie Dellota of DCSAM.

The side event for the kiddies division with 22 players and Antonio Yu as arbiterwas won by ASEAN silver medalist Shania Mendoza of International

Montessori School. 2nd Place went to Ian Forcado of Sta Rosa Science &Technolgy High School and 3rd Place to John Eric Margarito of Bagong SilanganHigh School. MB

Individual standings after round 3:3 points—IM Oliver Barbosa (PHI), IM Oliver Dimakiling (PHI), GM Li Shilong

(CHN), GM Wang Rui (CHN), IM Lu Shanglei (CHN), Wang Jue (CHN)2.5 points—GM Darwin Laylo (PHI), IM Rolando Nolte (PHI), GM Cao Sang

(VIET), IM James Morris (AUS), Wan Yunguo (CHN), Yu Ruiyuan (CHN), Bai Jinshi(CHN), IM Sadikin Irwanto (INA), Vakhidov Janhongir (UZB)

FILIPINO International Masters Oliver Barbosa and OliverDimakiling preserved their unbeaten run in the third round of the 8thDato’ Arthur Tan Malaysia Open Chess 2011 at the 5th Floor, CititelMidvalley Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday.

The Taytay, Rizal native Barbosa beat Woman Grandmaster (WGM)Zhang Xiaowen of China while the Davao City bet Dimakilingdefeated GM Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam. Earlier, Barbosa nipped GMSaidali Iuldachev of Uzbekistan in the first round on Thursday thensubdued countryman NM Edgar Reggie Olay in the second round

BARBOSA, DIMAKILING STILL UNBEATEN IN MALAYSIA CHESS MEETon Friday. Dimakiling, on the other hand crushed Woman Fide MasterHelen Milligan of New Zealand and Chen Yibo of China, respectively.

With the win, Barbosa and Dimakiling, both tallied 3 points each,the same output of GMs Li Shilong and Wang Rui, IM Lu Shangleiand Wang Jue of China.

“Sana mahawakan nina Barbosa and Dimakiling ang kanilangmomentum at the same time makakuha sila ng GM norms,” said long-time sports patron Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr., chairman/ presidentof the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Sharing the limelight is GM Darwin Laylo of Marikina City whotoppled FM Bobby Cheng of Australia to raised his tally to 2.5 pointsand climbed into a share for 7th to 15th placers in the company ofcountryman IM Rolando Nolte of Quezon City, GM Cao Sang ofVietnam, IM James Morris of Australia, Wan Yunguo, Yu Ruiyuanand Bai Jinshi of China, IM Sadikin Irwanto of Indonesia andVakhidov Janhongir of Uzbekistan.

Subic Bay, PHILIPPINES Aug 22-Aug 29, 2011

ww

w.m

etro

expr

essn

ews.

yola

site

.comMMetro-Subic

ExpressExpress 1. Make a full stop at intersections with stop sign or flashing red light orsolid white line painted across the road. A full stop means a completecessation of movement, not a rolling stop.2. Yield to vehicle traveling a road with a right of way and those whichhave approached the intersection first.3. Approach with caution or slow down at any intersection with yellowflashing traffic light.

WHEN IN SUBIC...TRAFFIC REMINDERS AND ADVISORIES

4. All motorists should pull over to give way stop to emergency vehicles(Red Light/Siren).5. Observe proper lane usage and speed limits, and give the proper signal toother motorists.6. Obey all traffic lights and hand signals of traffic officers.7. Load and unload at designated areas only.8. No driving under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs.9. No parking on yellow painted curbs.10. Always have driver’s license and latest vehicle registration when driving.11. Fasten seatbelt.12. No traveling downgrade on neutral gear.13. No wearing of headphone/earphone while driving.

TRUSTGOD.

Father Almighty. +

Omni Aviation launchestop notch Redbird LD (From page 8)

The Shroud of Turin is a linencloth bearing the image of a manwho had apparently died ofcrucifixion. Most Catholicsconsider it to be the burialshroud of Jesus Christ. It iscurrently held in the Cathedral ofSt. John the Baptist in Turin,Italy.

Despite many scientificinvestigations, no one has yetbeen able to explain how theimage has been imprinted on theshroud and despite manyattempts, no one has managed toreplicate it.

Radiocarbon tests date it tothe middle ages, howeverapologists for the shroud believeit is incorrupt – and carbondating can only date thingswhich decay.

Prior to the middle ages,reports of the shroud exist as theImage of Edessa – reliablyreported since at least the 4thcentury.

In addition, another cloth (theSudarium) known even frombiblical times (John 20:7) existswhich is said to have coveredChrist’s head in the tomb. A 1999study by Mark Guscin, a memberof the multidisciplinary investiga-tion team of the Spanish Centerfor Sindonology, investigated therelationship between the twocloths.

Based on history, forensicpathology, blood chemistry (theSudarium also is reported to havetype AB blood stains), and stainpatterns, he concluded that thetwo cloths covered the samehead at two distinct, but closemoments of time. Avinoam Danin(a researcher at the HebrewUniversity of Jerusalem) con-curred with this analysis, addingthat the pollen grains in theSudarium match those of theshroud. (Source: Wikipedia)

UnsolvedMYSTERIES

of the World

Looking from the real inside and virtual out of the Redbird flight simulator.

flying these simulators will be of tremendous value to student pilotsfrom day one in their training,” Capt. Gomez added.

Omni’s Redbird “LD” simulator has interchangeable cockpits andcontrol force loading and allows for single engine training in astandard Cessna 172 configuration and multi-engine training in aPiper Seneca.

The supporting Redbird “TD” simulator replicates a Garmin G1000equipped “Glass Cockpit” version of the Cessna 172, featuring adigital cockpit similar to what airline pilots experience when theytransition to Airbus and Boeing aircraft, explained Blackhawk’sManaging Director Trevor Evans, a former US military pilot.

The Redbird’s full replica cockpit is lined with wraparoundcomputer screens where a real plane’s windscreen would be andhouses a control panel with all the buttons and knobs normallyfound in a small aircraft.

Equipped with six monitors dedicated only to external views andtwo monitors for the instrument panel, this high-quality, wrap-aroundvisual system helps pilots experience the sensation of flight and

enhances training by allowing the pilot to practice procedures andmaneuvers that are not possible with other flight training devices.

A computer program allows Omni’s instructors to simulate differentflight conditions due to turbulence, weather conditions and aircraftsystems failure with the touch of a stylus on a large handheld screen,letting would-be pilots test their mettle before they are plunged intoreal in-air experiences.

The Redbird also includes an intercom system that is compatiblewith standard pilot headsets. This allows the instructor to act as AirTraffic Control so the student can build radio communication skills.

In addition to being realistic, the Redbird also offers studentsflexibility in their schedules.

The simulator can be used when flying outdoors is not possibledue to bad weather perhaps even as it allows pilots to train innighttime or daytime flying conditions regardless of the time of day.

The Redbird makes it possible to repeat, pause and analyze eachmaneuver, and to eliminate unproductive flight time to and frompractice areas. The students acquire and maintain much moreproficiency, in much less time and for much less money thantraditional training methods.

“Simulators have been around for a long time, the military and theairlines have used them for years. You would think that most flightschools would use simulators in ways that are similar to how they areused by the professionals, but that has not been the case untilrecently,” Evans said.

“With the introduction of glass panel technology, the US FAA andthe CAAP has been encouraging more use of simulators in generalaviation and since the aircraft manufacturers are choosing to includeglass panels as a standard, many flight schools need to rethink theircurrent policies,” Evans added.

“It shows great insight that Omni chose to pioneer the use of thesesimulators in the Philippines, what’s more, CAAP regulations nowallow flights in the simulators to be credited towards the hourbuilding requirements for pilot licenses, which lowers the cost offlight training for the student.”

Evans and Capt. Gomez also pointed out that there are many thingsthat you can do in a simulator that you would never even try in anaircraft.

For example, for instrument flight training, you could simulate onehalf-mile visibility in a severe thunderstorm and low oil pressure.

For VFR (Visual Flight Rule) pilots, you can set the student up forlow visibility and bad weather cross-country scenarios that a flightschool or flight instructor would never want that pilot to try on a realcross-country.

The US FAA and the CAAP, by emphasizing scenario-basedtraining and cockpit resource management training, are inherentlyencouraging a change in perspective between flight schools and theuse of simulators.

“There’s much less stress and fear of the unknown when studentsperform the maneuvers in the simulator,” Capt. Gomez said. “They’remore relaxed the first time they attempt the maneuvers in an airplanebecause they’ve already seen or experienced them in the simulator.

But Capt. Gomez explained that simulators can never be consideredas actual substitute for performing the maneuvers in the air. But, hesaid, a student’s performance in the airplane is greatly enhancedbecause they’re not encountering the maneuvers for the first time.”

Just like the real thing from take-off to landing.

By Cathy Wong Biotin is a vitamin often

recommended for hair health.Since biotin deficiency can leadto thinning of the hair, propo-nents claim that taking biotinsupplements or washing yourhair with biotin-enrichedshampoo can thicken the hairand stimulate hair growth.However, there is very littleevidence to support the claimthat biotin can enhance hairhealth.

Biotin for Hair Loss

Biotin for HairThere isn’t enough evidenceto rate biotin’s effectiveness intreatment of hair loss, accordingto the National Institutes ofHealth (NIH). However, there’ssome evidence that biotin maybenefit children with alopeciaareata. For instance, a 1999study published in PediatricDermatology found that takingsupplements containing bothzinc and biotin while topicallyapplying a cream made withclobetasol propionate (a syn-thetic steroid hormone) may help

reduce the hair loss associatedwith childhood alopecia areata.

Biotin Shampoo for HairHealth

Manufacturers claim thatshampoo containing biotin canthicken hair, increase fullness,and add shine. Despite theseclaims, there are no scientificstudies to show that biotinshampoo can benefit the hair.

Recommended Dosage forBiotin and Hair Health

Although there is no recom-mended dietary allowance forbiotin, proponents of biotin

often recommend taking 5,000mcg of biotin in supplement formdaily in order to strengthen hairshafts. There is no evidence tosupport this recommendation.

Should You Take Biotin forHair Growth?

Although biotin deficiency isuncommon, it may occur inpeople who drink alcoholexcessively or consume a greatdeal of raw egg white (whichcontains a protein that blocksthe absorption of biotin). Geneticdisorder of biotin deficiency,infant seborrheic dermatitis, and

surgical removal of the stomachmay also increase your need forbiotin.

If you notice any symptoms ofbiotin deficiency, consult yourphysician. Symptoms includethinning of the hair, a red scalyrash (especially around the eyes,nose, and mouth),depression,exhaustion, hallucinations, andtingling of the arms and legs.

Most people can meet theirdaily biotin needs by consumingbiotin-rich foods like brewer’syeast, nutritional yeast, liver,cauliflower, salmon, bananas,carrots, egg yolks, sardines,legumes, and mushrooms. Ifyou’re considering the use ofbiotin for hair growth, talk toyour doctor before starting yoursupplement regimen.

ATTENTION MARRIED CATHOLIC COUPLES!

Marriage Encounter Phils Tuklasan Sector’s

IMMANUEL SERIESTO HOLD 38th M.E.

WEEKEND SEMINARMarried Catholic couples have

the rare opportunity to enhancetheir married spiritual lives nextmonth, September, when theImmanuel Series stages itssecond Marriage EncounterWeekend Seminar for the year atthe La Verna Retreat House inTagaytay City.

Immanuel Series head coupleservants in Bro. Ismael & Sis.Bobitte Amigo yesterday saidcatholic couples who have atleast two years of their marriedlives between them, should notmiss this very rare opportunityat deepening their individual andspiritual quest or experience andas a couple.

Couples need not also worrytheir three-day board andlodging during the three-dayM.E. Weekend Seminar fromSept. 9, 10 & 11, 2011 as theelders of Immanuel Seriesworked hard to cover their

expenses inthe 38th edition oftheir apostolic service.

What makes Immanuel Series’upcoming 38th M.E. Weekendseminar a much-awaited one isthe fact that it would be markingthe very first service of Tukla-san’s new chairman Fr. AloyMaranan as Team Priest.

If plans won’t miscarry or nosudden changes at Tuklasan’sside schedule, Fr. Aloy will beleading the Ecclesial Team of thethree-day seminar.

Fr. Aloy Maranan, OSB; wasborn Sept. 21, 1962 in Alitagtag,Batangas.

He is the youngest rector-president of the San BedaCollege and is now the secondand only one of two priests, afterChairman Emeritus Fr. JessFernandez, to become chairmanof Tuklasan Sector.

“It was a feeling of mixedemotions, of pleasant surprise

and disbelief; a feeling ofwonderment -- is this for real? Ithought all the while that Godmust be joking? What? I willreplace Fr. Jess? you must bekidding! That’s a hard act to

follow! Fr. Jess is Fr. Jess! He isthe inspiration, the heart andsoul of Tuklasan and there canbe no other!,” so said Fr. Aloy inhis debut interview with Sis. GemPagsibingan for Tuklasan’s 30/80

souvenir last June 19, 2011marking Fr. Jess’s 80th birthday.

Interested parties for Imman-uel’s 38th M. E. WeekendSeminar may text or call Imman-uel’s hotline: 0915-5517486. (IA)

When in Doubt… There are a milliondifferent endings to that phrase, but God’smessage to you is When in Doubt, Don’tFear. Joshua was a guy in the Old Testa-ment who had just inherited the nation ofIsrael from Moses, and his task was toget about a million people to cross overthe desert and into their promised land.Also, there were giant warriors in theland that he would have to defeat—andeverybody was too afraid to go. Talkabout a time when you would be kept upat night and want to turn back! But God’smessage to Joshua over and over againis: “This is my command—be strong andcourageous! Do not be afraid or discour-aged. For the LORD your God is withyou wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

When You Are Afraid The uncertaintyof life can be very scary sometimes.Mortgages, family problems, health is-

sues: they all cause us stress. In addition,normally the things God asks you to do areoutside of the lines of what you think youcan do. They are too big. But that givesHim a chance to show how He can doanything, despite all of your weaknesses.He didn’t tell Joshua, “Don’t be afraid, be-cause I have made you a great leader.” Or,“Don’t be afraid, because the enemy isweak.” No, He said, “Do not be afraid ordiscouraged. For the LORD your God iswith you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).Basically, Don’t be afraid, because I haveit under control.

So your mainstay is not your abilities, butGod’s presence. What are you facing? Fore-closure? Divorce? Kids going astray? Jobor relationship difficulties? If you just de-pend on yourself, stress is inevitable, be-cause everyone deep down doesn’t believethey have what it takes. And you don’t! But

with God, He can supply what you need.Paul said, “And I can do all things throughChrist who strengthens me” (Philippians4:13). Take a moment right now and re-lease your doubt to God. Let it go likethe tide of the ocean goes back into thesea. And in its place, take in the securitythat God is completely by your side. Re-member, He promises: “Do not be afraidor discouraged. For the LORD your Godis with you wherever you go” (Joshua1:9). When in doubt, don’t fear.

So, this week, let us pray and ask Godto:

Help us not to fear, but to trust Himwith our lives...

Let us be a true example of Jesus toothers...

Give Global Media Outreach creativeideas to reach more people...

THANK YOU so much for yourprayers. If we can pray for you, just hit“reply” to this email and let us know yourprayer requests. God loves you!

May God bless you.Your Friends at Global Media Outreach

f mhaith, ealth &ysteries

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Members of the Philippine Dragon BoatFederation (PDBF) team, which recently won in the 10th InternationalDragon Boat Federation World Championships, received a warm wel-come from supporters in the Subic Bay Freeport during their visit hereon Tuesday.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garciasaid that the 16-man PDBF team was invited by Subic Bay Freeportstakeholders to visit Subic with their families.

The paddlers visited Subic in time for the “Karakol” when devotees,students, SBMA employees and Freeport workers were holding a streetdancing competition in celebration of the feast of San Roque.

On the said occasion, Garcia cited the dragon boat team for the honorand prestige that the members brought to the country.

Dragon Boat team receives warm welcome from SBMA chair Garcia

He also noted that despite challenges and difficulties, the Philippineteam won the World Championships through tiyaga, discipline, and alot of team work.

“You’ve become an inspiration to all of us. You share the concept ofteam work. And as the new chairman, we will use this concept to worktogether with the (SBMA) directors towards greater development inthe Freeport,” Garcia said.

The PDBF team won the 10th International Dragon Boat FederationWorld Championships in Tampa Bay, Florida and brought home five

gold and two silver medals.The Filipinos also set new world records during the competition in

the 1000-meter men’s event, the 200-meter men’s event, the 500-metermen’s event, the 200-meter mixed event, and the 500-meter mixed event.

Showing their support, Garcia and other officials in Subic presentedthe team with certificates of recognition. The presenters included Subicdistrict customs collector Errol Albano, Subic Bay Chamber of Com-merce president Danny Piano, and Jean Verzosa of the Greater SubicBay Tourism Bureau.

“They (PDBF Team members) have shown how to make a differ-ence,” said Albano. “Let us learn from what they have shown that allgreat challenges and difficulties can possibly be overcome and won ifwe act with discipline and teamwork.”

Subic Bay, PHILIPPINES Aug 22-Aug 29, 2011

www.metroexpressnews.yolasite.com

Metro-SubicMetro-SubicExpressExpress

Omni Aviation launchestop notch Redbird LDflight simulator in Subic

FAA & CAAP-approved sim to providestudents w/ realistic training experience

Cont’d on page 7

“There’s much less stress and fear of the unknown when studentsperform the maneuvers in the simulator,” Capt. Gomez said. “They’remore relaxed the first time they attempt the maneuvers in an airplanebecause they’ve already seen or experienced them in the simulator.

SUBIC Freeport — Omni Aviation Corporation(OAC), a flight instruction and aviation serviceprovider based in Clark Field, is all set to launchhere soon the revolutionary Redbird flightsimulators, making it as the very first aviationschool in the country today and second only thewhole of Asia to introduce it.

OAC president and chairmanRet. Captain Ben Hur Gomez said the new“Redbird LD” Advanced Aviation TrainingDevice (AATD) and supporting “Redbird TD”Glass Cockpit Simulator are of utmost importanceto any flight school like Omni as it will enhance

their students’ aircraft training in linewith global flight crew trainingexpectations.

Now up and humming at Omni’s flightschool branch here, the US-madeRedbird LD is only the second simulatorof its type in Asia assembled inpartnership with Global TrainingSolutions Provider Blackhawk Inc.

“We’re very pleased that we partneredwith Blackhawk because now we canoffer our students this level of advancedsimulator,” said Capt. Gomez.

“The use of Redbirdsimulators to train our studentsdramatically enhances theoverall training experience.Incorporation of realisticscenarios enables students todevelop a higher level of pilotdecision-making therebyimproving aviation safety. Ourstudents will graduate betterprepared to handleemergencies. The experience of

email: 2011metroexpress@gmail.com