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Oct. 10- Oct. 17, 2011

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‘VAT’ NGA BA NAMAN KASI GANUN?

House body okaystoll exemption from VAT

The committee on ways andmeans of the House of Represen-tatives on Tuesday approved ameasure that would exempt tolloperations from value-added tax(VAT) exempt toll expresswaysfrom value-added tax (VAT) cov-erage.

Batangas Rep. Hermilando Man-danas, chairman of the Housecommittee on ways and means,said he would write to PresidentBenigno Aquino III to make the billan urgent measure to fast tract itsapproval in Congress.

There are four proposed mea-sures on the exemption and thesewould be consolidated into oneversion for referral to plenary fordebates.

The 12-percent VAT on toll,which was implemented by theBureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)starting October 1, has drawn nu-merous complaints from commut-ers and transport operators whonow have to pay higher fees whenusing the expressways.

Cont’d on page 5

Solon bats for stiffer penalty vs hospitals, funeral parlors detaining patients, cadaversDetaining patients or cadavers for non-payment of incurred medical

or funeral services will soon be declared as a criminal act.Pampanga Rep. Carmelo Lazatin has filed House Bill 5286 which im-

poses stiffer penalty against owners of hospital, medical clinics andfuneral parlors that detain patients or cadavers for failure of relatives tosettle their bills.

HB 5286 to be known as the “Expanded Patients Illegal Detention Actof 2011,” seeks to amend Republic Act 9439 of 2007.

Under the bill, any person who prohibits or delays the release of the

patient or cadaver for non-payment of incurred hospital bills and otherrelated expenses faces two years of imprisonment and a fine of P200,000or both, at the discretion of the court.

Under the present law, Lazatin said, a patient who wishes to leave thehospital but is financially incapable of settling hospital expenses mayexecute a promissory note secured by either a mortgage or by a guaran-tee of a co-maker.

“But many of these patients are ordinary employees or indigents whoCont’d on page 5

The number of Filipino sailors working in the world’s merchant fleet is expectedto hit the 400,000 mark before the end of 2011.

Carlos H. Cao, Philippine Overseas Administration Office (POEA) administrator,attributed this positive development to the seamanship skills and competence of theFilipino seafarers.

“We are targeting to reach a 400,000-mark deployment of our seafarers over-seas this year, and it is indeed, very encouraging, indications have surfaced thatwe may even surpass this target,” he added.

“In 2010, our deployment data for sea-based sector was 347,000 which was a5.06-percent growth over the 2009 data, with an increase for land-based of 3.2percent, showing a combined total of 1,470,826 deployment for that same year(2010), as compared to 1,422,586 in 2009, and 1,236,013 in 2008,” Cao empha-sized.

The POEA chief also said seafarer remittance for January to July 2011 hasalready reached the USD11.4 billion or a 6.3-percent increase over the sameJanuary to July 2010 figure of USD10.679 billion.

Filipino seafarers to hit 400,000

Amid their woeful plight, President Noy is warmly received by flood victims in Calumpit, Bulacan. Reports have itflood-hit towns in Bulacan continue to struggle that has never seen dry land for nearly a week because of floodsbrought by back-to-back typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

Striking workers of national flag-carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) stage a picket at the road leading to the Manilaairport recently. The union staged a wildcat strike that paralysed the airline’s operations for a day. PAL, Asia’soldest airline said it would not be able to resume normal operations for days even after outsourced workers tookthe place of union members who stopped working in a last-ditch effort to keep their jobs.

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NEWS2 Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011Metro Express

LRT/MRT & THE METROPOLIS

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Fran-cis Tolentino said that the proposed design of a double-layered seawallalong Roxas Boulevard in Manila would promote tourism and enhancethe environment.

He said it would also improve public safety, serving as the first line ofdefense against strong waves from Manila Bay.

Tolentino’s proposed design includes the construction of a concavesecond seawall running parallel to the existing seawall along Roxas Bou-levard.

“It will enhance public safety and address environmental concerns.The proposed new seawall will be the first layer of defense from strongwaves coming from Manila Bay during storms and other natural disas-ters. Built in accordance with the latest technology, it will be an im-proved structure that shall be stronger to withstand the buffeting waves,”he said.

Tolentino added that the design will also enhance Roxas Boulevardas a major tourist destination, landmark and seawall promenade.

The new seawall will be accessible to visitors through Spanish-stylebridges. Plants, mangroves and benches shall be installed on the prom-enade or around the vicinity, so that tourists and passersby could betterappreciate the beauty of Manila Bay and its famous sunset.

The access bridges shall be opened from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. as a prom-enade similar to those in Galveston, Texas and Vancouver, Canada. Thebridges would remain closed during off-hours or during storms andother disasters.

“I hope this design would merit the favorable endorsement of con-cerned government agencies and of the public as well,” the MMDAChairman said.

2-layered seawall good for tourism, environment -- MMDAThe whole stretch of Roxas Boulevard is seen here being ravaged by

typhoon “Pedring.” A double-layered seawall along Roxas Boulevard, Manilais now on the drawing board being planned by the MMDA intended to promotetourism and enhance the environment.

DOH advises Metro Manila hospitals to immediately treat leptospirosisThe Center for Health Development – Metro Manila (CHD-MM) re-

ported that leptospirosis cases are fast increasing as typhoons contin-ue to bring flood waters in various cities of the National Capital Region.

“This disease brought about by rats can be very deadly as it is trans-mitted through humans from contaminated waters, especially rat urine.Once it comes into contact with cuts and open wounds in the skin, aperson may develop high-grade fever, muscle pain and nausea. If com-plications may arise, it can lead to renal failure, respiratory distress andeventually death,” explained CHD-MM Regional Director Eduardo Jan-airo.

“I advise all Metro Manila Hospitals to immediately treat patientswith high fever and provide Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for thoseseeking medical treatment. There should be no deaths caused by lep-tospirosis because it is treatable and preventable,” Dr. Janairo added.

According to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, there

were a total of 391 leptospirosis cases from January to September 8,2011. There were 31 deaths.

Majority of the cases belonged to the age group from 15-30 years old,with 159 cases and 5 deaths.

Among the top ten cities with the most number of cases are Manila(79), Quezon City (76), Caloocan City (3), Malabon (4), Navotas (27),Paranaque (22), Valenzuela (21), Pasay (19), Makati (12), Las Pinas (10),and Taguig (10).

People are advised to avoid swimming and wading in floodwaters, if itis unavoidable, wear proper protection like boots and gloves and otherprotective gears in the body.

“If you have been exposed to flood waters and you are not feelingwell after, seek immediate medical attention. Leptospirosis can be treat-ed only if it is diagnosed early to avoid complications.” Janairo conclud-ed.

PCG to acquire new rescuechopper before end of 2011

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Vice-Admiral RamonC. Liwag said that the maritime agency will be receiving during thelast quarter of 2011 the first of the seven new helicopters it plans toacquire to boost its capability to respond to natural and man-madedisasters.

Liwag said the 10-seater helicopters will be used to beef up thePCG’s air wing which now consists of four aircraft.

He also said that new aircraft will be used in the agency’s search-and-rescue missions, aside from its mandate of helping the Philip-pine Navy secure the country’s territorial waters.

Liwag stressed that the remaining six units will be delivered dur-ing 2012 and 2013.

The acquisition of new aircraft is part of the PCG’s 15- year mod-ernization program.

The PCG is also planning to acquire 40-meter and 100-meter ves-sels to beef up its marine safety and patrol capability, Liwag said.

Valenzuela City tops NCR NATValenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian has announced that Valen-

zuela topped the National Achievement Test (NAT) conducted for theelementary level in the National Capital Region (NCR) in the first quarterof this year.

Administered annually by the Department of Education (DepEd),through the National Education Testing and Research Center since itwas established in 1997, the NAT aims to determine the achievementlevels of grade 6 pupils.

Among the academic subjects covered by NAT are English, Mathe-matics, Science, Filipino and Heograpiya, Kultura at Sibika (HKS).

“The city government puts premium on high quality education. Thisis the result of having fine educators in the city who have undergonevarious trainings and seminars through the WIN ang Edukasyon Pro-gram,” Gatchalian said.

He noted that Valenzuela’s NAT achievement is above the 85 percentlevel.

The “WIN ang Edukasyon Program” is a pet project of Mayor Gatch-alian established in partnership with Synergeia Foundation to overseethe development and improvement of the education system in the citythrough conceptualization and implementation of various educationprojects and programs.

Caloocan City employeeseligible anew for GSIS loans

More than 1,700 employees ofCaloocan City Hall can now availof loans from the GovernmentService Insurance System (GSIS),the estate pension fund an-nounced.

GSIS President and GeneralManager Robert G. Vergara saidthis benefit can now be availedof Caloocan City Hall employeesfollowing the signing of memo-randum of agreement betweenofficials of GSIS and CaloocanCity government last Friday.

He said the MOA signingpaved the way for the lifting ofthe suspension of the LGU fromavailing of GSIS benefit since2005.

“Now that the local govern-ment of Caloocan is no longersuspended, its more than 1,700employees can fully enjoy theirvarious loan privileges from theGSIS,” he said.

Vergara said as of end-Septem-ber this year, Caloocan City’s ob-ligation to GSIS totalled toP120.59 million and P15.78 millionof which is the principal while thelarger part amounting to P104.80million represents the interest.

He said the MOA signed be-tween the two entities last weekcalls for the condonation of P50

million from the total interest.Relatively, the Caloocan LGU

also turned over a check amount-ing to P15.78 million, which rep-resents the principal amount itowes the GSIS.

Vergara said the rest of the ob-ligation will be paid monthly,over a period of three years.

He explained that under theagreement, the LGU “will con-tinuously reconcile its ServiceRecords including the paymentsof all active and inactive mem-bers within three months afterthe signing of the MOA.”

The Caloocan LGU submittedto GSIS last August 5 a total of2,864 service records, togetherwith the master list of all activeand inactive members with indi-vidual service records.

These data were then verifiedand matched with GSIS’ own setof records.

GSIS has been condoning ac-cumulated unpaid interest of lo-cal government in the first ninemonths this year and this totaledto P45 million.

It has signed agreements with24 other agencies and LGUs forthis purpose, which in turn re-stored loan privileges of 1,658members.

PPA South Harbor opensPick-Up,Drop-Off area

for passengers, well-wishers

The Philippine Ports Authority South Harbor-Port Management Of-fice (SH-PMO) has announced the official opening of the South HarborPick-Up/Drop Off (PU/DO) area for all passengers and well-wishers atSouth Harbor port.

“The provisions of the PU/DO facility will hopefully alleviate the plightof our sea traveling public with the end-goal of ensuring their comfort,convenience, safety and security at the South Harbor port,” a statementreleased by the Office of the Port District Manager Constante Fariñas Jr.said.

The PU/DO area, consisting of 2,272 square meters at the former RVMarzan compound, CY-Boston, South Harbor, will be operated on a perdemand basis depending on the schedule of arrivals and departures ofvessels. The facility will be secured as a controlled area where passen-gers will be picked-up or dropped-off.

During the official launch of the facility, PPA General Manager Juan C.Sta. Ana commended the management and staff of the Port District ofManila for carrying on the objectives of PPA to put premium on thecomfort, safety, convenience and security of the sea traveling public.

”Our thanks also goes to the management of the Asian Terminals Inc.(ATI), and all others concerned agencies for their continued support inall PPA’s plans and projects,” Sta. Ana said.

South Harbor Port Manager Francisquiel O. Mancile, on the otherhand, said the launching activity was participated in by all port officers,shipping companies and the ATI management, the SH cargo handlingcontractor, who provided the necessary support and assistance for thesuccessful implementation of the project.

“We want to assure our sea traveling public that the Philippine PortsAuthority, specifically the South Harbor Port, will not stop on findingways to provide comfort, convenience and safety to our port users,”Mancile added.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday it approved theeducational grant of nine priority applicants and eight dependents ofPNP Personnel with special promotion under the Reward EducationalAssistance Program for School Year 2011-2012 in a conference held inCamp Crame, Quezon City.

Also approved were 36 grantees under the Individual Best of BestAwardees which were also given scholarship grant for school year 2011-2012.

Director Arturo Cacdac Jr, chairman of the PNP Educational Assis-tance Committee, clarified that applicants are not required to have aStandard General Average but on the second year grantees should havean average grade of 85-percent for them to continue receiving theirscholarship awards.

“PNP scholarship grantees should have a general average of 85 per-cent on the following year to continue receiving their educational grants,”Cacdac said.

Twenty-one scholars under the PNP-De La Salle-College of Saint Be-nilde Educational Benefit Program were also granted an annual stipendof P 10,000 each, as their tuition and miscellaneous fees were shoul-dered by the DLS-CSB.

However, “they must pass the entrance examination and interview tobe conducted by the DLS-CSB,” PDIR Cacdac said.

Chief Insp. Dinah Colminero, chief Secretariat said scholarship grantswere also renewed during the meeting for the current scholars of thePNP-Reward Educational Assistance Program (REAP).

PNP grants educationalassistance for SY ‘11, ‘12

TYPHOON “Pedring” flood victims await their turn at an evac center forfood rations.

BUSINESS 3Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011METRO EXPRESS

A United States-based think-tank believes that the Philippineswill continue to show resiliencyeven with a threat of another glo-bal turmoil.

Global Source, in its quarterlyreport, dubbed “Philippines: Resil-ient, Not Immune” dated October3, 2011, revised downwards itsgrowth forecast for the countrythis year to 4.3 percent from 4.8percent and to 4.8 percent from 5.5percent for 2012.

The downward revision of theforecast was due to its projectionthat it would be hard for the gov-ernment to meet its spending pro-gram for the year, the delay in thebidding of the projects under thepublic-private partnership (PPP)initiative, and the weakness in glo-bal economy.

However, the report pointed outthat the country remains to havestrong fundamentals and this,along with robust domestic de-mand, strong remittance inflowsand business process outsourcing(BPO) sector, would continue topower up the domestic economy.

“In the worst case where Euro-pean debt troubles coupled byU.S. weakness lead to another glo-bal financial crisis of the samescale as 2008, the Philippines couldremain as resilient to financial vol-atility as it had been back then,” itsaid.

Other factors that Global Source

PHL to remain resilient amid threats of another recessionnamed as among the indicators ofthe country’s resiliency are the his-torically high dollar reserves, agenerally healthy bank sector, andgreater fiscal space.

These factors are what wouldcushion the impact of the weak glo-bal economy to the country andmake it “resilient compared to manyof its neighbors in the region,” thereport said.

The report said that although itprojects lower growth, as mea-sured by gross domestic product(GDP), the domestic economywould continue to be leveraged bydomestic consumption.

It also noted that although gov-ernment infrastructure spending isexpected to remain weak the restof the year, “limiting the country’sinvestment growth” it “shouldeventually rebound.”

The country’s strong funda-mentals are also the main reasonsbehind the series of rating up-grades by Moody’s Investors Ser-vice, Standard and Poor’s (S&P)and Fitch Ratings as well as the 10slots improvement in the country’scompetitive ranking in the WorldEconomic Forum’s latest GlobalCompetitiveness report.

“These observers noted thecountry’s strong macroeconomicmanagement that has led to im-provements in the country’s debtsituation, narrower interest ratespreads, and reined-in inflation,”

Global Source said.It cited that “in our best scenar-

io, there could be a brightening inthe outlook for the world econo-my if international efforts succeedat preventing a financial contagioncoming from the euro zone and ifeffective measures to stimulate theU.S. economy are put in place.”

“Domestically, we could see abump in economic activity if gov-ernment actually succeeds in ac-celerating infrastructure spendingas it hopes to, though the contri-bution of PPP to this will not likelybe much,” it added.

A UnitedStates-based

think-tank be-lieves that the

Philippines willcontinue to

show resiliencyeven with a

threat of anoth-er global tur-

moil.

Transportation and Communica-tions Secretary Mar Roxas reportsadditional foreign funding frominternational donors through Offi-cial Development Assistance(ODA) after coming from a suc-cessful Japan trip over the week-end—the last leg of a three-nationseries of visit, first to China thenthe U.S.—with President BenignoS. Aquino III.

“The Japan International Coop-eration Agency (JICA) is very re-ceptive about participating in thegovernment’s public-private part-nership (PPP) projects using a hy-brid model,” said Roxas.

With the hybrid model, foreign donors can come in and fund heavyinfrastructure projects such airport and railroad developments, whilecounterpart funding will be provided by a private sector consortiumonce operations of these new airports and trains commence.

Roxas said among the infrastructure projects that will be funded us-ing ODA include the 11.7-km railway project that will expand the length

JICA keen to take part in hybrid PPP projects – Roxasof LRT 1 from to Baclaran to Bacoor, Cavite, and the development of newairports in Misamis Oriental, Bohol, and Puerto Princesa. Currently, thesepriority projects are being initiated using the hybrid-PPP scheme.

“Nais po naming mapabilis ang pagtatayo ng mga imprastrakturangmapapabilis ang pagbibigay ng maayos na serbisyo sa taong-bayan,”[Our aim is to develop infrastructure that will give citizens the best andefficient service] Roxas said.

“We want to assure the public that in line with the new government’s‘Matuwid na Daan’ principle, we will adopt transparency in properlydisbursing ODA funds, ensuring that it will be used in initiating the rightprojects.”

Roxas said ODA is a good complement to the current PPP program infast-tracking projects lined up by the government.

“The ODA loans would benefit the consumers as well since there isno rush in recovering costs. It is a cheaper yet effective option becauseof the sovereignty of the partnership since governments of foreign do-nors are involved,” Roxas said.

With ODA, the government would only pay a 1-percent interest ratespread over 30 years, while the private sector is subject to bank rates of7-8 percent, for the same period.

The ODA-funded projects, Roxas said, will be adopted in line withPresident Aquino’s 5 Rs policy: “Right project, Right quality, Right peo-ple, Right cost and Right on time.”

SEC. MAR ROXAS

NEDA: Employment qualitycontinues to improve in JulyThe National Economic and

Development Authority(NEDA) said that the quality ofemployment continued to im-prove this year, based on theNational Statistics Office (NSO)report on the July 2011 LaborForce Survey.

According to the NSO, thenumber of employed persons inJuly 2011 was estimated at 37.1million, or 2.4 percent higherthan the 36.2 million employ-ment generated in July 2010.Employment generation for theperiod reached 870,000, whichis higher than the 729,000 netemployment in July 2010.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cayetano W. Paderanga, Jr.noted the continuous improvement in the quality of employmentas the number of workers with wages and salaries increased by 7.9percent to 20.9 million in July 2011.

“Filipino workers who are employed in the more remunerativeand stable work comprise 56.3 percent of the total workers in July2011 from only 53.4 percent a year ago,” said Paderanga, who isalso NEDA Director-General.

The NEDA official also said that those categorized as self-em-ployed without paid employee, employer in own family-operatedfarm or business and unpaid family workers decreased by 1.7 per-cent, 6.2 percent, and 8.8 percent, respectively, in July 2011 com-pared with July 2010.

“This employment performance in terms of class of workersimplies that, in general, the quality of employment in the countryhas improved during the period,” said Paderanga.

The NSO also reported that in terms of working hours, the num-ber of full-time workers, which comprised 64.9 percent of totalemployment, grew strongly by 697,000 or by 3.0 percent duringthe said period.

The number of the part-time workers likewise decreased from34.7 percent in July 2010 to 34.1 percent in July 2011.

“Incomes may have also increased considering the increase inthe size of paid workers, full time employment, and the mean hoursworked,” added Paderanga.

The Secretary said that the average net employment creationfor the months of January, April and July 2011 now reached 857,000.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate slightly went up to 7.1 per-cent in July 2011 from 7.0 percent in the same period last year dueto more labor entrants recorded this year, with the labor forceincreasing by 2.5 percent, compared to the 1.3 percent growth inJuly 2010.

The underemployment rate, or the proportion of those who arealready working but still wanted more work, also went up to 19.1percent, or around 7.1 million employed persons, possibly due tothe higher uncertainties caused by the surges in world oil prices,the triple disasters in Japan, the slow recovery of the U.S. andEurozone, and the social unrest in the Middle East and NorthAfrica (MENA) region, which increased the pressure to look formore work.

The NEDA chief said that the higher unemployment and under-employment rates indicate that policy interventions of the gov-ernment must focus not only in the creation of more employment,but also in generating more decent, productive, and quality em-ployment.

“In this period of slowing global economy and slowing externaldemand for Filipino goods and services, quality employmentshould be able to provide adequate income.

Aside from keeping our workers and their families out of pover-ty, this will also boost household consumption, and domesticdemand in general,” said Paderanga.

SEC. PADERANGA

Philippine Airlines (PAL) said its working capital for fiscal year ending March next year would be funded by a loan from aEuropean bank.

Jose Gabriel Olives, PAL chief finance officer told reporters that the airline is expected to draw down between US$ 50 million andUS$ 60 million from Credit Suisse within next month or two to finance its capital expenditure (capex) this fiscal year.

Olives said the airline earlier drawn US$ 50 million from Credit Suisse to finance the separation and other transition benefits ofclose to 2,400 workers who would be out under the outsourcing program.

PAL has allocated about P2.5 billion in severance benefits for the workers of in-flight catering, ground-handling and call-centerreservations.

PAL has contracted SkyKitchen Philippines Inc. for catering, SkyLogistics Philippines Inc. for ground handling, and SPi Globalfor call center reservations.

Olives also said that PAL secured fresh loan from local banks to finance the 20 percent pre-delivery payment (PDP) for its twoBoeing 777 worth US$ 200 million each schedule for delivery next fiscal year.

PAL also expects the delivery of its two Airbus 320, which are on operating lease, next year.PAL said its outsourcing plan is key to attracting new investors, as the flag carrier braced for second-quarter losses mainly

because of costlier jet fuel and weak passenger demand.“We are doing this for the survival of the airline and to make it attractive to new investors,” Jaime Bautista, PAL president said.He said the airline expects to save between US$ 10 million and US$ 15 million a year from the outsourcing of three non-core

businesses, namely catering, ground handling and call center reservations .Bautista told reporters that the July to September period was a losing quarter for the airline because of the lean season.He also blamed the expected loss on rising jet fuel prices, which account for about 40 percent to 60 percent of the airline’s

expenses.PAL reported a net income of US$ 28.2 million for the second quarter of its fiscal year in 2010, but incurred a net loss of US$ 10.6

million in the April to June period, the first quarter of its fiscal year ending March.This was a reversal from the US$ 31.6-million net income in the same period last year. Revenues this year amounted to US$

454.1 million, up by 6 percent year-on-year.

PAL sets US$ 60-M capex this year

DOE bares measures to ensure lower power ratesEnergy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras said the government exerts

all its efforts to keep power rates within reasonable level.Almendras said the problem with country’s electricity rates is that it is

very complex.“In determining if rates are high or low, you have to factor in a lot of

things. There is the generation charge, transmission charge, and distri-bution charge so we have to see the issue on rates and apply a holisticapproach and we need not just one but five measures to address theissue on rates,” Almendras said.

In a Senate Hearing for the approval of the Department of Energy’sbudget, Almendras detailed the Executive Branch’s plans to ensure anadequate power supply and measures how to ease the adverse impactof increasing electricity prices.

First, he emphasized the need for baseload plants in the country. Thisincludes the need for appropriate baseload technologies and the tech-nological know-how to apply it to the local power setup in the country.

“The current situation is, we are using non-baseload technologies forbaseload demands. Right now, the baseload applicable for us is coal,

and as much as I have been criticized, we really need it right now,”Almendras said.

DOE is also reviewing bilateral contract structures which will estab-lish a reward system for the more efficient generators.

It is envisioned that the rewards to the generators will eventually beshared and translated to savings for its customers.

Almendras stressed the need for the continued attention to the Whole-sale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) to ensure that prices are appropri-ate for the situation.

“There is also a need for a reformat of the WESM. The goal is totransform it to an independent market,” he said.

Almendras said DOE is thoroughly reviewing the applications foruniversal charge and the possible strategies to mitigate its effects.

“I think people only see the news on UC applications which is whythey think that power rates have been going up. The problem is, thefilings of such applications are in the law but that does not mean that weare not doing anything about it. We have been doing a lot of things toensure that the filings will not have a big effect on consumers.”

Smart bankson Unli Postpaid

Smart Communications, Inc.(Smart) is banking on the unabat-ed demand for unlimited on-netservices to help ramp up its post-paid business.

Its set of plans called Unli Post-paid plus, which offers unlimitedcalling and texting to any Smart,Talk ‘N Text, or red Mobile numberplus a free handset, continues togenerate activations for the telco,tripling the number of new Smartsubscribers in just two monthssince its launch in July.

“By offering the best combina-tion of value and quality availablein the market today, this has be-come the fastest growing postpaidvariant of Smart. We are bankingon it to help keep our postpaidnumbers up until the end of thisyear,” said Guido Zaballero, headof mobile marketing at Smart.

President Noy personally inspects the site of the ongoing Pinatubo Hazard Urgent Mitigation Project Phase 3-B(PHUMP 3-B) in Barangay San Felipe, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The Chief Executive also visited theprovinces of Tarlac and Bulacan, severely affected by floods spawned by twin typhoons Pedring and Quiel. PHUMP3-B is a flood control project that serves as a line of defense for the City of San Fernando and nearby towns againstflooding. Also in photo are San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, Vice GovernorJoseller Guiao and DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson.

OPINIONVIEWS, COMMENTARIES, OPEN FORUM

4 Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011

Ismael ‘El’ AmigoEditor

Fitzgerald Cecil ioAsst. Editor

A.Z. KalArt Director

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 Metro Express’ column writers. As such,these cannot and never be construed nor considered as similar to that of this publica-tion (Metro Express)’s stand on issues discussed. Be that as it may, Metro Expressshall 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 by el amigo media solutions atPhilippine Economic Zones, LRT Lines 1 & 2, MRT, Congress, the Senate and othergovernment offices. For press, photo releases and advertising inquiries, text or callHotlines Globe 0915-5517486 and Smart 0949-1661022. Emails:2011metroexpress@gmail.com and esns03@yahoo.com.

Metro Express

ISMAEL A. AMIGO

1ST-APLUMA

BETTER LATETHAN NEVER

Thrash trashIf our editorial photo at right is vivid enough for your

eyes, you’d instantly notice the wide contrast between amammoth vessel (far right) and the outrigger bancaowned and managed not by a multinational company butby determined fishermen scavenging on dead fisheswashed ashore courtesy of typhoon ‘Pedring’ recently.

But think again.There is a bigger picture glaring at your very own eyes.Do you know what it is?“Ahhh....trash!” You’d say. “There is no other dominant

picture in it but the two vessels!”Unfortunately, you are both right and wrong believe

me you.“Right” in a sense that our

eyes are trained to noticethe dominant figures in apicture: In this case, thetwo vessels. That’s correct.

“Wrong” in a sense thatthe big picture that our veryown eyes missed is theamount of trash lining upthe shoreline within whichthe two vessels are seem-ingly floating.

Tons of trash, again gotwashed ashore along Ma-nila Bay courtesy of ty-phoon “Pedring” recently.

And that has always beenthe case every time a typhoon lashes the Metropolis, themorning after effect so to speak.

Typhoon in, and typhoon out. That has been the case.This simply means, that we need a lot of room for im-

provement on our drive to stamp out trash or to thrashtrash and preventing them from getting into our water-ways.

It’s good to note local government units speciallyMuntinlupa City embarked on a pro-environment initia-tive by banning the use of plastic bags in each and everymall, business establishment for groceries and othergoods.

Further, its good to note other LGUs are toeing theline.

For indeed, sooner or later, those plastic bags wouldclog waterways and finally the resultant factor of wide-spread flooding and decadence of the environment.

Waste segregation is now also being followed down tothe letter.

Unsegregated trash are left uncollected by trash col-lectors and that’s fine. That will forcibly teachhomeowners to segregate biodegrable waste materialswith biodegradable materials.

With it, recycling becomes a more easier task.There is money actually in trash provided these are

properly taken care of.It’s not too late yet for us to do our share in saving

Mother Earth.All we need to do is thrash trash. Let’s learn to dump

them on proper dumpers. Littering literally destroys theenvironment.

It should be everyone’s dream to see our rivers, shore-lines and waterways free of trash.

It’s not yet too late. We can help save the environmentin more ways than one.

Government agencies and the legislative departmentshould also get involved by coming up with decisivemeasures that will penalize violators to the hilt by mak-ing it a major crime against humanity and the environ-ment.

Stiffer fines should stiffly teach violators and preventthem from wantonly throwing waste materials into wa-terways and open spaces.

For indeed extreme measures are sometimes neededto solve extreme problems.

Your trash may not be in the real sense of the word asit is for indeed there is a lot of money in trash that is, ifwe can manage them correctly and properly.

Even improperly, trash provides a lot of things to a lotof us with the living proof of it serving asthe main source of livelihood of many ofour less fortunate brothers and sisters whounfortunately also learned the hard les-son that a trashslide could also kill theminstantly in the infamous case otherwise known as the“Payatas Tragedy” not so long ago.

That was when trash segregation was an alien word yet.He may not have been the perfect chairman the Metro

Manila Development authority ever had but formerMMDA chairman Bayani Fernando made famous a linethat says “There is money in trash (May pera sa basura).”

So we do strongly believe for this writer was there whenthe Municipality of Montalban in Rizal Province steppedforward and volunteered to serve as willing host for allof Metro Manila’s trash; tons and tons of them.

This came to be known as the Montalban Solid WasteDisposal Facilities or in simplier terms: Montalban land-fill. That solved Metro Manila’s trash crisis of 2004.

Soon the town of Montalban metamorphosed into a newdeveloping town in East Rizal, abuzzed with commerce

Trash talkand projects sprouting here and there.

Yup, talk about golden trash.And soon too, local officials got in the mix of things.

A legal tug-of-war soon ensued between the ProvincialGovernment and the local government unitof Montalban as the former questionedthe legal standing of the latter as collec-tion agent on millions of trash tipping feeswith the MMDA.

A long legal standoff ensued dotted with back-to-backsuspension of the town mayor stemming from assortedcases filed with the Sandiganbayan both imagined andreal concocted by his Capitol opponents.

Imagined or real, this led to the local chief executive’sdownfall in the most recent elections together with hisown son’s candidacy. A cause and effect thing.

Had the situation nine years ago back then or beforethe elections of 2010 been the same with the LGU ofMontalban as direct recipient of MMDA TF payments,father and son could have given their opponents a goodfight in the name of trash.

Somewhere else, trash greatly matters. Millions ofpesos, in fact, more than enough to support and perpetu-ate one’s hold on political power are derived from it.

Next time a truckful of trash passes you by, smile.

Don’t worry about anything“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell

God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you willexperience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can under-stand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live inChrist Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7).

Today I want you to think about the worst thing that couldhappen in your life. Is it sickness? Bankruptcy? Loneliness?

Normally I like to talk about nice things, but I want to share with youhow God has been helping me with my worry.

You see, I worry a lot. And most of my worries never come true.But say the worst of the worst happened, whatever that is for you.

There are a few things you can know will never be affected, nomatter what goes wrong: God will still be glorified: “’As surely asI live,’ says the LORD, ‘every knee will bend to Me, and every tonguewill confess and give praise to God’” (Romans 14:11).

God will never leave you: “I will never leave you nor forsake you”(Hebrews 13:5) Jesus will never stop loving you: “For I am con-vinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neitherthe present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth,nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from thelove of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

So I’d like you to do this exercise with me. Fill in the blank withyour worst worry and say out loud: “If God wants to glorify Himselfthrough _______________, then so be it.

He will never leave me, abandon me, or take His love away fromme. And I will arrive at the End of Days with Jesus in Heaven.”

Because that is the ultimate worst-case scenario: that youwould arrive at the Day of Judgment and not be admitted into Heav-en. But Jesus has promised you: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know

God will never leaveyou: “I will never leaveyou nor forsake you”(Hebrews 13:5) Jesuswill never stop lovingyou: “For I am con-vinced that neither deathnor life, neither angelsnor demons, neither thepresent nor the future,nor any powers, neitherheight nor depth, noranything else in all cre-ation, will be able to sep-arate us from the love ofGod that is in ChristJesus our Lord”

(Romans 8:39).

them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they willnever perish.

No one can snatchthem away from Me”(John 10:27,28).

What are you wor-rying about today?Give it to God. This ishow I do it: I imagine myworry as a ball that Ithrow to God for Him todeal with. I Peter 5:7says, “Cast all your anx-iety on Him because Hecares for you.” Some-times I have to throw myworry ball to Him justonce; sometimes oncean hour. But He alwaysgives me His peace inexchange. And He willdo the same for you.

So let’s pray to-gether this week that: We would completely give all our worriesover to God and receive His peace.

We would rest in the knowledge that He will ultimately be glori-fied.

Global Media Outreach would completely give God all our wor-ries.

THANK YOU so much for your prayers.

God loves you!Your Friends at GodLife.com

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

5

OBEYTRAFFICRULES!

So that others may live.

Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011 ExpressMetro

TRUSTGOD.

Father Almighty. +

The BIR expects the VAT on toll to generate P2-3 billion in additionalrevenues.

Some 81 lawmakers earlier expressed support to moves that wouldexclude toll on expressways from VAT coverage.

La Union Rep. Victor Ortega, author of House Bill 5185, said the mea-sure would introduce “a very simple amendment” to the National Inter-nal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by Republic Act 9377, by puttinga provision that says that “toll fees are excluded from VAT.”

HB 5185 aims to clarify the legislative intent of Congress that toll onexpressways are not subject to VAT.

“As provided by our Constitution, all taxes must emanate and beapproved by Congress. To expand the scope of taxation purely on inter-pretation upon review of the law, 17 years since it was passed in 1994, isdefinitely not acceptable to our people,” he said.

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teodoro Casino, author of another bill,said that the Supreme Court decision stated that it is now up to Con-gress to make the necessary changes in the law.

He said the approval of the amendment at the committee level is the“first step in correcting the anomalous tax on tax that the BIR has im-posed and which the Supreme Court has upheld.”

The High Tribunal earlier junked petitions filed by former Nueva EcijaRep. Renato Diaz and former Trade and Industry Assistant SecretaryAurora Maria Timbol which said that toll fees are not included in thecoverage of sale of services subject to VAT.

The Supreme Court said that “what the government seeks to tax hereare fees collected from tollways that are constructed, maintained, andoperated by private tollway operators at their own expense under thebuild, operate, and transfer (BOT) scheme that the government has adopt-ed for expressways.”

House body... From page 1

cannot afford to give a promissory note. In many instances, they are notallowed to leave the hospitals while the body of a dead person is de-tained by the medical institution or the morgue,” he said.

“Almost every day, we hear of complaints in newspapers, radio andtelevision against hospitals and other medical institutions that detainpatients or even cadavers of deceased patients due to unpaid medicalbills,” he added.

Lazatin said some funeral parlorsand morgues are into this practiceas well, keeping cadavers to forcerelatives of the deceased individ-ual to cough up the payment forburial services.

HB 5286 mandates the Govern-ment Service Insurance System(GSIS), the Social Security System

(SSS), and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), as well as theDepartment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to come upwith special programs to help their members who cannot afford to paymedical or funeral bills.

“If the patient is a member of the SSS, GSIS and PhilHealth, a promis-sory note from either of the agencies would suffice. In the case of anindigent patient, a certification and/or guarantee from the DSWD issufficient,” he said.

In the case of a deceased patient, corresponding death certificate andother documents required for interment and other purposes shall bereleased by the hospital or any medical institution, funeral parlor ormorgues to any of cadaver’s surviving relatives requesting for the sameupon presenting a promissory note from the SSS, GSIS or DSWD, headded.

However, Lazatin said patients who stayed in private rooms shall notbe covered by the proposed Act.

From page 1Solon bats for stiffer penalty vs hospitals, funeral parlors...

Aquino is committed to observing transparency,accountability for the benefit of Filipinos — Coloma

True to its commitment to the Fil-ipino people, the Aquino govern-ment is serious in observing trans-parency and accountability result-ing to massive economic benefitsthat will be distributed to the citi-zenry.

In his message during the Coun-tryside Development Summit at theGawad Kalinga (GK) EnchantedFarm at Barangay Engkanto inAngat, Bulacan on Sunday, Presi-dential Communications Opera-tions Office (PCOO) Secretary Her-minio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr. saidthat the government has been gain-ing from its developmental effortsin leadership that is based on righ-teousness and moral values.

“A government that is based ontransparency, integrity and ac-countability of the leaders is nowreaping massive economic bene-fits that will be distributed equita-bly among the millions of Filipinosespecially those from the bottomof the pyramid,” Coloma said.

He noted that President Aqui-no’s program of “Daang Matuwid”that calls for moral ascendancy andhonest leadership that conse-quently results to higher econom-ic value that benefits the people.

“Ang programa po ng ating Pan-gulo na daang matuwid, hindi langpo ito tungkol sa paggawa ng tamasapagkat ayon sa kanyang visionof the Philippines, ang atin pongbansa ay isang bansa kung saandoing what is right does not onlymakes sense morally but alsotranslates into higher economicvalue,” Coloma said.

The PCOO chief also said thatpart of the government’s programsis “Pilipinas Natin, which aims touplift the standard of living in thecountry by providing universalaccess to basic needs especiallyof underprivileged Filipinos. Colo-ma expressed gratitude to the lead-ers of Gawad Kalinga, whom hesaid, are one of the government’sactive partners from the privatesector.

“Napakarami po sa ating mga ka-

babayan ay nasa hanay ng marali-ta, paano po tayo uunlad kung hin-di po kasama ang karamihan kayapo inclusive growth, kasama anglahat kaya hindi lang po Pilipinaspara sa iilan… hindi lang Pilipinaspara sa mayayaman… ito po ayPilipinas para sa lahat ngmamamayan... kaya po PilipinasNatin. At nagagalak po kami na ka-partner ang Gawad Kalinga dito saPilipinas Natin,” Coloma noted.

“Mabuhay po ang Gawad Kal-

inga, mabuhay ang diwa ng Pilipi-nas Natin,” he stressed.

The event, which coincides withGawad Kalinga’’s 8th Anniversarycelebration, was also attended byother government officials led byVice President Jejomar Binay, Sen-ator Francis Pangilinan, and Tradeand Industry Secretary GregoryDomingo.

Also in attendance was Presi-dential Sister Victoria Eliza “Viel”Aquino-Dee who, along with pub-

lic officials present, witnessed theblessing of the Cory Garden,named and dedicated to her moth-er and former President, the lateCorazon Cojuangco Aquino.

Other activities during the eventinclude the declaration of theGawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm asopen for business, blessing of theShell Road, Shell Center for SocialInnovation and the Injap-MangInasal Pavillion Bed and Breakfast.

Named after the place of its ori-

gin, Bulacan’s Barangay Encanto— which connotes images of thesupernatural and magical in Filipi-no — the Enchanted Farm is thecanvas for Gawad Kalinga’s sec-ond phase of the 2024 road map toend poverty in the Philippines.Once idle and unproductive, thearea is being transformed into alandscape of vast potential that willsustain communities for genera-tions to come.

Arroyospropose taxrelief duringcalamities

In view of the recent calamities that hitthe country, a mother and son team at theHouse of Representatives have proposedthe granting of tax relief during times of ca-lamity to ensure the steady and unimpededflow of donations for the victims.

Former president and now PampangaRep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and son Ca-marines Sur Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo,authors of House Bill 5104, said the displayof heroism and gallantry by Filipinos duringcalamities also brought into the limelight afew bureaucratic glitches that impeded theflow of donations like, for instance, the do-nor’s tax.

The Arroyos said multi-national corpora-tions and some rich individuals who want togive huge sums to organizations to help aidthe calamity victims, were faced with a heftysum for donor’s tax.

“While donors can avail of tax exemp-tion, the stiff accreditation requirements,however, became a deterrent to their dona-tion or aid,” they said.

Under the law, donors also have to sub-mit paperwork to the Bureau of Internal Rev-enue (BIR) for audit procedures.

Compounding the problem is the fact thatnot all organizations with relief operationsare accredited charitable organizations, theArroyos said.

“The objective of the bill is to address allthese concerns by allowing tax exemptionof donations as long as a state of calamityis declared by the proper Sanggunian andregardless of the nature of business of thedonee organization so as not to hamper fundsfrom coming in,” they said.

The Arroyos said the measure is similarto the response of the United States Con-gress in granting similar tax treatments inthe wake of Hurricane “Katrina.”

HB 5104 provides that the real propertytax in the affected area shall not be as-sessed and collected for two fiscal years,starting from the date of the declaration of astate of calamity by the proper local Sang-gunian.

The bill also provides that any donation inthe name of any organization which declaresthat the funds donated shall be in favor ofthe calamity victims shall be exempted fromdonor’s tax.

The exemption shall automatically applyand the BIR shall not require any accredita-tion requirements, provided, however, thatno more than 10 percent of the said gift shallbe used by the donee organization for ad-ministration purposes.

P44.4M worth of smuggled onions seizedThe Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized on Tuesday P44.4 million worth

of onions from China that were declared as plastic cups and plasticwares.

In a statement, Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Dani-lo D. Lim said the onions, loaded in 10 40-footer container vans, werefound in a warehouse located at ICR Compound, Canumay East, Valen-zuela City and were consigned to Royal Halo Enterprises at No. 286Madrigal Building, Room 205, Binondo, Manila.

He said the smuggled items were slipped past the premises of theManila International Container Port (MICP) by paying only from P70,000to P140,000 per container van.

He said that the government lost about P18 million from this illegalshipment, which “probably succeeded through deep collusion betweenplayers and corrupt BOC officials and employees.”

“It is very evident that there is serious malice to defraud the govern-ment of taxes and insult TCCP arrogantly in this incident, thus, all cul-prits in this case have to be brought to justice,” he said.

Relatively, Jimmy Guban, assistant chief of the Risk Management Of-fice and leader of the raiding team, said that “90 percent of the smuggled

onions were already unloaded from the container vans when they en-tered the premises of Steel World at ICR compound owned by Lam TaiTin at Canumay East at around 9:30 a.m. yesterday.”

“There were still two 40-footer container vans outside Steel Worldfilled with smuggled onions when we opened it for inspection. And,definitely, it was a part of the shipment inside the warehouse,” he said.

Guban identified the licensed customs broker for this shipment asJason Ferrer, who, along with the consignee, and BOC employees, willbe charged in court.

He said that they discovered that Steel World was only rented asstock warehouse of the smuggled onions by one Allan Lim, owner of theMKK Enterprise, with office address at 1071-D Carmen Planas Street,Tondo, Manila.

He said they also seized a copy of the contract of lease between LamTai Ting and Allan Lim during the raid and this “indicated the latter wasthe renter and claimant of the cargoes.”

He clarified that they were “yet to ascertain ownership of the smug-gled onions but considers Allan Lim as a key suspect or participant inthe smuggling of said shipment.”

When God isgoing to do some-thing wonderful,He often starts itwith difficulties.

BUSINESS as usual so it seems for this enterprising “Lola” who tedns her store unmindful of knee-deep waterscourtesy of typhoon “Pedring.”

President Noy inducts the new officers of the The Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) in a ceremony at the RizalHall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (October 3). FILSCAP is a non-stock, non-profit association of composers, lyric-writers and musicpublishers established in 1965 to administer the public performance and reproduction rights of creators and owners of original musical works. TheSociety represents the rights of both local and foreign composers, lyric-writers and music publishers.

Subic Freeport hostsRotaract reg’l confab

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Freeport played host tohundreds of Rotaractors from countries in the Asia-Pacific regionduring the 8th Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC)held from September 29 to October 2.

Rotaract delegates from Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore,Japan, Bangladesh and host country Philippines participated invarious lecture and workshop fora that were held here during thefour-day conference.

The visitors received a warm welcome from Filipino hosts in theopening ceremonies at the Subic Bay Exhibition and ConventionCenter (SBECC), where they were treated with a special danceperformance by students from the Olongapo City National HighSchool-Special Program for the Arts.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman RobertoGarcia, who greeted the Rotaractors during the opening program,said the visitors somewhat brightened Subic despite the stormyweather in the past week.

“Thank you for bringing a part of the good weather. It’s a beautifulday outside,” he said, referring to the sunny weather during theopening ceremonies. Cont’d on page 7

SHOWBIZ6

Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011

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CARLO BIADO

DENNIS ORCOLLO

No more tensionbetween Marian, Rhian

SENATOR Bong Revilla sharedthat all is well between his co-starsRhian Ramos and Marian Rivera.

The three are presently shoot-ing the “Panday 2” movie, whichwill be the official entry of GMAFilms and Imus Productions for the2011 Metro Manila Film Festival.

In a television interview with theactor-turned-politician, Bong saidthe reconciliation took place whilethey were filming the movie andhe’s happy with the developmentbetween the two.

“Nag-usap sila both sides andmay hakbang talaga para magka-bati sila. Hindi talaga pinilit kongmagkabati, I tried, pero sabi sa akinni Marian ‘Kuya let me do it.”

To recall, both actresses had agap on September of 2009 when itwas reported that Marian got jeal-ous over Dingdong Dantes’s thenco-star Rhian in the set of “Stair-way to Heaven”.

MARIAN (A first movie with Rhian and vice-versa)RHIAN

According to reports, Dingdonggave Rhian an oatmeal chocolatecake, which the former clarified asa gift from the production staff.

Rhian and Marian were neverseen together in one event after

the reported misunderstanding,until recently when they were bothcasted in “Panday 2.”

In a separate television interviewwith Rhian, the actress said thingsare looking great between them

and there’s no tension unlike be-fore.

“We had a lot of fun. Kahit ma-rami kami eh yung talaga kausapko sa eksena si Marian. Wala ngdahilan para intrigahin pa.”

Piolo shrugs offrivalry with Echo

Actor Piolo Pascual shrugged off rumors saying there is a brewingrivalry between him and actor Jericho Rosales.

This comes on the heels of alleged billing problems between the twoactors, as they are set to work together for the first time in the upcomingtelevision series “Padre de Pamilya.”

“Hindi naman. We’re just so excited because we really wanted to worktogether ever since. We came to a point na kami mismo susulat ng pe-likula namin. So it’s a blessing to finally do a show with Jericho, talagangmalaki yung paghanga ko sa kanya bilang tao,” he said.

Pascual, however, admitted this is not the first time they are pittedagainst each other.

“Nag-tie kami one time as Best Actor (during the 23rd PMPC StarAwards for Movies in 2007). Pinaghatian namin yung trophy,” he laughed.“At the end of the day, it’s all about bringing out the best in you and notjust about being a better actor.”

Meanwhile, Pascual admitted he was elated when “Padre de Pamilya”was offered to him.

“When it was presented to me, umiyak ako. I was shocked doon satwist, which we’re not supposed to tell yet. Sa sobrang napatanga akosa kuwento, ako mismo nadala. I had sleepless nights kasi sobrang na-tatakot ako. Hindi birong mag-invest ka sa isang proyekto na alam mongreal emotions yung pagdadaanan ng bawat character, so nakaka-stress,”he shared.

“That’s the whole point of the soap, to come up with something unique,something that will set us apart. It’s a privilege to do something so big,something na alam naming may matutunan kaming lessons about life ingeneral. Hindi lang siya typical love story or soap na napapanood mo,kundi kami mismo bilang actor dapat handa kami sa gagawin namingroles,” he added.

Phil Younghusband says no to showbizPhilippine Azkals heartthrob Phil Younghusband said he has no plans to enter the show

business. (Maybe, for now. - Ed.)When asked whether he plans to join his rumored girlfriend Angel Locsin in the showbiz

industry, he replied, “I’m an athlete. Athlete ako.”On the other hand, Younghusband expressed his excitement for Locsin’s upcoming

movie with box office king John Lloyd Cruz.“Her last movie ‘In the Name of Love’ was amazing, and I’m sure her next movie will be

just as good. I can’t wait [to see the movie]. I’m excited to see the movie. She’s verymasipag. She’s very very talented so I’m sure it will be a great movie,” he said.

A few weeks ago, Younghusband’s mother passed away. Amid the tragedy, he has beenvery thankful for all the love and support extended by the people around them, especiallyLocsin.

“Angel’s been amazing. I feel very blessed and thankful. She has been there every stepof the way,” he said.

Though still in mourning, Younghusband confirmed that he and his brother James will beplaying at the Long Teng Football Cup in Taipei on September 30.

He explained that their top priority at the moment is to look after their youngest siblingKeri, so it is important that they get back on the field.

“It’s a difficult time at the moment, but we just need to keep working. We have ayoungest sister to think about so it’s important we get back to real life and start thinkingabout our youngest sister,” he said.

FOR the second time in five months, up-and-coming star CarloBiado has beaten fellow Bugsy Promotions mainstay world No.1 andWorld 8-Ball champion Dennis Orcollo, serving strong notice on histitle aspiration in the 8-Ball event and grand championship of the2011 BSCP National Pool Championships.

Biado defeated Orcollo, 8-5, on Wednesday night at the StarBilliards Center and advanced to the finals of this tournament thatserves as a qualifying event for the World Pool Summit.

“Carlo (Biado) is the most under rated player today,” said sports-man/businessman Ceferino “Perry” Mariano of Bugsy Promotions,long-time manager, both Biado and Orcollo.

A semifinalist in the World Ten Ball Championship and one of thefew players who made a big jump in the world rankings, Biado willmeet Allan Cuartero, who escaped with an 8-7 win over Ricky Zerna,in the other Semifinal.

Biado came to the semifinals oozing with confidence after sweep-ing Johann Chua, 8-0. The victory gave the young player moreconfidence in pulling off another stunning win against Orcollo, oneof the few world champions he defeated in the WTBC last May.

A former caddie-turned-pool player, Biado attributed his victory tothe breaks of the game.

“He was struggling breaking the balls. In fact, he had three drybreaks, ,” said Biado.

BIADO BEATSORCOLLO

In reaching the finals, payback will be on the mind of Biado, wholost a tough 8-7 decision to Cuartero earlier in the 8-ball event.

“I like my chances against Cuartero, but it’s not a guarantee of awin because he’s a veteran player and I lost to him the last timearound,” added Biado.

Cuartero escaped Zerna, the same player who couldn’t hit the bigone during his game against Orcollo.

Zerna came close to reaching the semifinal round trouble free onTuesday night by nearly shocking Orcollo only to lose in a hill-hillencounter, 8-7, after failing to capitalize on two breaks to clinch thematch.

Against Cuartero, pressure caught up with Zerna once more as hemissed the 8-ball in Rack 15, allowing his rival to escape with the win— and a seat in the finals.MARLON BERNARDINO

SUBIC BAY, PHILIPPINES Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011

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1st Ms Subic Tourism crowned

Garcia mentioned that he used to be an active member of the Rotary Club of Green Meadows in QuezonCity, and then proceeded to welcome the delegates to the “most beautiful freeport in the Philippines.”

Garcia also briefed the foreign delegates on the history of Subic Bay and how it became the topeconomic hub in the Philippines, before inviting them to visit tourist attractions in Subic.

“A large part of our work here is to develop Subic into a premier tourist facility and destination. If youhave time, please visit our theme parks. These are visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors everyyear,” Garcia said. “I hope your tight schedule will allow you time to go around and see what Subic has tooffer.”

Host district governor Digna Ragasa, meanwhile, reiterated the importance of serving others byhighlighting the conference theme “Touching Communities, Serving Humanity.”

“What the world needs today are young men and women like you, who are able and willing to put thejustice and love of the Divine Providence into action,” Ragasa said.

“Touch communities, touch lives, and serve humanity. But you can only do that if you are able tocommit yourselves, if you will be able to take your part, and see for yourselves what you can do to theworld,” she added.

The APRRC was founded in 2004 and became an annual event among Rotaractors from all over theregion. The conference aims to unite all Rotaractors from the region and equip them with new ideas andknowledge that will be useful in developing their personality and skills as future leaders of the society.

The previous conference was held in Singapore.The Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract

clubs are either community- or university-based, and they’re sponsored by a local Rotary club. Thismakes them true “partners in service” and key members of the family of Rotary.

Subic Freeport hosts Rotaract... (From page 5)

F HEALTH &MYSTERIES

AITH,

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND SEMINAR Class 38 of Immanuel Series poses with elders, “auxies” and the Ecclesial Team lead by Fr. Jess Fernandez, Team Couples Bro. John & Sis. Nitz Calamiong and Bro. Sonny and Sis.NItz Baquiran for posterity during Immanuel Series’s Marriage Encounter Weekend Seminar last Sept. 9, 10 & 11, 2011 at La Verna Retreat House, Tagaytay City. Immanuel Series is a member of M.E. Tuklasan Sector. Not in photo areseries servant leaders Bro. Smack and Sis. Bobitte Amigo. Class 38 includes couples Jon and Enid Matriano, Jose and Rosalyn Aquino, Steven and Michelle Joaquin, Edward and Michelle Lumabi, Rexmelle and Nemalyn Decapia,Edmund and Imee Rivera, William and Rosemary Perea and couples Robert and Clarivel Nagar.

It has already been a couple ofweeks before we filed our lastpiece in this corner.

Mea culpa.And as such apologies is on

the line.The reason is, yours truly has

been so preoccupied lately withpreparations for our weekendseminar in our MarriageEncounter community,particularly, Immanuel SeriesTuklasan Sector.

Marriage Encounter:A must for couples

The Ecclesial Team of Class 38 ledby Fr. Jess Fernandez (center) TeamCouples Bro. John and Sis. NitzCalamiong, Sis. Nitz and Bro. SonnyBaquiran.

This entailed fund-raising andeverything.

The M.E. is an apostolate formarried Catholic couples whereI and my better half Esperanzaserve as Head Servants,punong tagapaglingkod sapaglalapit ng Ating PanginoongHesukristo sa mga mag-asawahan.

As I write this piece, ourseries was in the middle ofthings preparing for our very

first reunion of new graduates inClass 38 at the TechnologicalUniversity of the Philippines inTaguig City last Sunday,September 25, 2011.

Expected to attend were theeight newly-minted encounteredcouples and of course, the eldersof our series.

Former Tuklasan presidentcouples Bro. John and NitzCalamiong volunteered to presideover the proceedings of the first

reunion, which normally takeslonger than the rest of otherreunions as it involvesintroduction of elders, couple bycouple for familiarizationpurposes for the benefit of thenew grads.

Without getting into the nitty-gritty of the M.E., this worksalmost similar to that of theCouples for Christ but somepeople say there is somethingwith M.E. that cannot be found

nor experiencedat CFC althoughthey do havesimilar reasonsfor being.

Both havesimilar focus andintroducing ourGod Almighty,our Creator JesusChrist, thesupreme symbolof divine love for

married couples.A good clue for the uninitiated

is this: Once you attended aweekend seminar for M.E.,everything will not be the sameagain.

Couples have to allowsomeone in, at the center of theirmarried life: God.

Another clue is: the M.E. isnon-reformative.

Meaning, there are noguarantees.

No guarantee that an alcoholichusband or wife will be reformedovernight.

No guarantees that aphilandering husband willchange overnight, etc.

But, but, but. There is but oneguarantee: God will always makea way. God bless to all !

Immanuel Series: One big happy family in Jesus Christ. Fr. Agot (10th from left) obliges for a photo op with elders of Immanuel Series shortly after giving an inspiring talk on commitment a week beforeIS’s ME Weekend Seminar. Bro. Fred (extreme right) and Sis. Judith Bugaoisan (fourth from left) hosted the Series’ recollection at their place of abode in Quezon City.

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Withelegance and poise, nine candi-dates sashayed on the runwayhere, displaying both wit andcharm as they vied for the title Ms.Subic Bay Tourism 2011 during thepageant’s awards night on Sep-tember 24 at the Subic Gym.

Nine beautiful candidates fromvarious communities surroundingthe Subic Bay Freeport showedtheir statuesque figures in the longgown, Filipiniana and swimsuitcompetitions held that night, andthen also presented their perform-ing skills in the talent portion ofthe contest.

In the end, the title Ms. SubicBay Tourism went to Cherryl Al-gabre, who was also chosen asBest in Talent.

Algabre will serve as Subic’stourism ambassador for a year aspart of her responsibilities in win-ning the crown.

The other winners in the con-test were: Eijikana Parba, who wasnamed Miss Lighthouse MarinaResort; Jayde-Ann Gillan, MissTreetop Adventure; PrincessAnne Marie Palileo, Miss SegaraVillas and Suites; and Miko May-lene Abrigo, Miss Travelers Ho-tel and Event Center.

Parba as also named Best inSwimwear, while Abrigo won theLong Gown and Filipiniana com-petitions. The Miss Photogenicaward went to Cherry Mae Her-naez.

The Ms. Subic Bay Tourism2011 pageant is part of the Na-

tional Tourism Week celebrationhere, which ran from September 17to 27.

The celebration was organizedby the Subic Bay MetropolitanAuthority in cooperation with Tree-top Adventure, Segara Villas andSuites, the Lighthouse Marina Re-sort, and Travelers Hotel & EventCenter.

This year ’s pageant theme“World Wetlands Day – Forest forWater and Wetlands” was chosenby the Ramsar Convention on Wet-lands in line with the declaration of2011 as the United Nations Inter-national Year of Forests.

Activities during the TourismWeek included trade fairs, food fest,photo exhibits, tours, tourism jobfairs and a gay boxing contest.

Ms. Subic BayTourism Cherryl

Algabrereceives herawards from

SBMA DeputyAdministratorfor Business

Raul Marceloand SBMA

Tourism OfficerPortia Zabala.

Subic Bay, PHILIPPINES Oct. 10 - Oct. 17, 2011

www.metroexpressnews.yolasite.com

Metro-SubicMetro-SubicExpressExpress

email: 2011metroexpress@gmail.com

Ms. Subic Bay Tourism Cherryl Algabre receives her awards from SBMA Deputy Administrator for Business Raul Marcelo andSBMA Tourism Officer Portia Zabala.

1st Ms SubicTourismcrowned

FULL STORY ON PAGE 7