Japan pledges over $1B loan to Philippines to fund key infra projects

Japan will provide close to P60 billion worth of loans to the Philippines to support key infrastructure and development projects.

Three projects will be funded by the loan, which had a total amount of 129.857 billion yen ($1.143 billion), statements released by the Japanese foreign ministry showed.

The assistance form part of the 1 trillion yen financial package for Philippine development projects pledged by Japan last year. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe committed to providing the loan during the first day of President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit here.

READ: Philippines, Japan sign $6B worth of business deals

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the terms of the loans are friendly because of the robust ties between the Philippines and Japan.

“It’s really development assistance. It’s like giving a friend a very good deal,” Lopez told reporters Wednesday here.

“It’s like a friend helping another friend,” he added.

READ: Cayetano: Rejecting conditional foreign aid 'a policy to all countries'

As much as 104.53 billion yen may be given to support the first phase of the Metro Manila Subway Project.

The project seeks to help address the traffic congestion in Metro Manila, ease atmospheric pollution and climate change and in turn promote investments in the Philippines.

The interest rate on the loan is 0.1 percent per annum while the repayment period is 28 years after a 12-year grace period.

About 800 billion yen (P356 billion) is needed to complete the subway project. Incoming presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Japan might extend as much as $6 billion or about 600 billion yen worth of loan for the subway.

“There is a commitment from Prime Minister Abe himself about a $6 billion investment in a subway in the Philippines. This will be a tremendous help to the traffic problem in the country,” Roque said.

“A subway is long delayed. I’m very glad to announce that in this trip, the $6 billion investment was formalized,” he added.

Part of the multibillion-peso loan will also fund the third phase of the arterial road bypass project, which costs about 9.399 billion yen.

The project seeks to help relieve traffic congestion and improve transportation capacity and efficiency in Plaridel City by building a bypass road along the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway. The highway directly links Metro Manila with Central Luzon.

The interest rate for the road bypass project is 1.5 percent per annum while the repayment period is 20 years after the grace period of 10 years.

Japan is also providing a 15.928 billion yen loan to fund the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project, which is expected to reduce flood damage in the province.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano and Japan Foreign Minister Taro Kano exchanged notes on the project loan in the presence of Duterte and Abe last Monday.

The rate of interest on the loan is 0.3 percent per annum while the repayment period is 30 years after a 10-year grace period.
Other commitments
Roque said Japan has also announced a currency swap that would allow the conversion of yen to Philippine peso.

“The peso and yen now convertible. That will be tremendous help to OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) because they lose money when they convert to dollar first before converting to peso,” Roque said.

Roque said Japan is also looking into investing $2 billion for a liquefied natural gas facility in the south.

The Japanese government also committed to providing the Philippines 40 patrol boats to strengthen its maritime defense capacity, he added.

Roque said the assistance provided by Japan had nothing to do with maritime disputes in the region. There were speculations that Japan is assisting the Philippines to solicit support on its dispute with China over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea

“I do not see why there is an ongoing race between China and Japan,” Roque said.

“There's a policy of a veer towards Asia and I think the ever-improving ties between Asian countries, including both Asia and Japan, is a proof that we are not favoring one Asian country as against another,” he added.

READ: Japan vows maximum aid for Marawi rehab

Roque said the giving of assistance by Japan is part of “soft diplomatic policy.”

“As Filipinos, we welcome all countries to be our friends as well. But I'm not aware of any reciprocal obligation imposed on us. It was freely given to us, of course, it's an investment,” Roque said.

“And I think as far as the Japanese government and Japanese businesses are concerned, they consider the Philippines as a viable destination for their investments,” he added.

Roque said the Philippines can give back to Japan by being a “good friend.”
Business deals
A total of 18 business deals were also signed during Duterte’s two-day visit here. The agreements can generate $6 billion worth of new investments.

The Trade department signed agreements with Marubeni Corp., Itochu Corp., Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., Taiheiyo Cement Corp., Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Ministop Co., Ltd., and Lawson Inc.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority signed deals with List Co., Ltd., Newcoast Southbeach Realty, Inc. and Subic Smart Community Corp.

Japan Tobacco Inc. inked an agreement with the finance department while Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd signed a deal with the energy department.

Hitachi Asia signed an agreement with Bases Conversion and Development Authority while Ubicon Holdings, Inc. inked a deal with Advanced World Solutions, Inc. and Alsons/AWS Information Systems, Inc.

Densan System Co. Ltd. signed a deal with CIS Bayad Center, Inc. while Hitachi Ltd. and Nuclear Energy Business Unit Koji Tanaka inked an agreement with Meralco.

Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. inked an agreement with Federal Land, Inc. Yamato Kogyo forged an agreement with Steel Asia Manufacturing Corp. while Itochu Corp. inked a deal with Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

PNR South Commuter

"Simulating a tropical rainy scene for our Philippine National Railway PNR station model design with the proposed HET transport system."

"Architectural concept of a greener station for the proposed rehabilitation of the PNR railway systems running on 100% Philippine-made Hybrid Electric train or HET from DOST and MIRDC."

The Metro Commuter Line will be reconstructed as an electrified standard-gauge full double-track line with elevated, at-grade, and depressed sections, and will serve Los Baños.

In order to ensure seamless interoperability for the entire Philippine railway network, ETCS signaling standards have been adopted for PNR South Commuter and for all railway projects integrated with the network.

On September 12, 2017, the National Economic and Development Authority approved the construction of the newer line, as part of the longer Long-haul Railway that will connect to Legazpi City and Matnog, and Batangas City.

Funding for the project, which costs ₱131 billion, is provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and is expected to serve 300,000 passengers a day at its initial year of operation.

Chito Roño’s follow-up to ‘Feng Shui’

Filmmaker Chito Roño’s latest movie “The Ghost Bride” is the follow-up to his previous blockbuster horror flick “Feng Shui.”

“The Ghost Bride” stars Kim Chiu who’s making a comeback to the horror genre. She starred opposite Vilma Santos in the critically-acclaimed film “The Healing” in 2012.

“The Ghost Bride,” Star Cinema’s Halloween offering, co-stars Matteo Guidicelli as Kim’s leading man. A movie about the ancient tradition of ghost weddings, “The Ghost Bride’s” appeal was its supernatural element which Chito said he wanted to play on.

“Nagustuhan ko ’yung concept ng arranged marriage (with a ghost) which is supernatural. Gusto kong paglaruan ang concept na ’yun.”

It is said that ghost wedding was a practice among the Chinese many years ago but it isn’t done anymore. Asked if she would consider marrying a dead person or a ghost, Kim said she would if forced by circumstance. It was practiced before as a means to meet the financial needs of a family, she explained, “so to help my needy family, I’ll do it.”

“The Ghost Bride” opens tomorrow in theaters nationwide. Also in its cast are Christian Bables, Ina Raymundo, Robert Sena, Cacai Bautista, Isay Alvarez, Nanding Josef, Beverly Salviejo, Luz Fernandez, Victor Silayan, Jerome Ponce, and Mon Confiado.

• • •

Spirit of ’67 featured in MLQUAAI reunion

The Spirit of ’67, Aliw Awards Lifetime Achievement Awardee for 2017, will be featured performer at the Manuel L. Quezon University Alumni Association, Inc. Grand Reunion on Nov. 11 at the Pavilion AB, Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong.

Alumni president Atty. Pete S. Principe said the highlight of the special affair, which marks the 70th anniversary of the association, is the awarding of the Top 70 Prominent Quezonians. Fourteen other special awardees will be cited from the different departments including the Schools of Law, Engineering, Architecture, Graduate Studies, Arts and Commerce.

Former PEZA executive director Lilia de Lima will also be honored as 2017 Magsaysay Laureate.

The MLQU is now under new management, the energetic and innovative tandem of chairman Dr. Rizalino Acuzar and Dr. Isagani Germar.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 31, go to Christopher de Leon, Annabelle Rama, Tessie Tomas, Liza Lorena, Mayor Imelda Aguilar, Grace Tamayo, Rene Bisquera, Marites Sapigao, Francisco Gomez de Liano, Atty. Ed Gaddi, Boyet Pasco, Conrado Giron, Manny Zamora, Jocelyn Comandante, Nadine Lustre, and Rory B. Quintos… Nov. 1: Coco Martin, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Dick Escueta, Jun Peña, Atty. Norberto Capistrano, Cora Perez, Mina Reyes, Gladys Armas, Col. Jimmy Tiu, singer Nina, and Winnie Cordero…

Araneta to develop 140-ha. Caloocan business district

Araneta Properties Inc., the listed company of businessman Gregorio Araneta, plans to develop a 140-hectare property in Caloocan City into a central business district, a top executive said over the weekend.

Araneta Properties chairman Gregorio Araneta III said the company’s property in Caloocan was a very good site for a business district because of the development of Metro Rail Transit Line 7 in the northern part of Metro Manila.

“That would be my central business district because currently there is no central business district in Caloocan. It will be the best township development,” Araneta said.

The company plans to start developing the property in the next two years or once MRT 7 is completed, he said.

The property firm is reviewing its funding options to finance the development of the project.

The Caloocan property is one the big pieces of land that Araneta plans to consolidate under his listed property firm. Aside from the Caloocan property, Araneta also consolidates additional properties in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan under the listed entity.

Araneta Properties is developing a 340-hectare property in Bulacan called Colinas Verdas in joint venture partnership with Sta. Lucia Inc.

It also teamed up with Ayala Land for the development of the 120-hectare Altarazza Town Center also in Bulacan.

Ayala Land earlier said it would spend P6.8 billion over the next five years to develop Altarazza, a mixed-use development with a residential component, a shopping mall, a hospital, a school and office buildings for business process outsourcing companies.

Araneta said the land value of its properties in Bulacan significantly increased over the past few years as property developers like Ayala Land, SM Prime Holdings Inc. and Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. started developing malls and residential projects in the province.

Araneta said the development of MRT 7 was expected to further increase the cost of land in the area.

MRT 7, a project of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., will link EDSA corner North Avenue in Quezon City to Araneta-Colinas Verdes Subdivision in City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan via a 22-kilometer elevated railway that is expected to serve 500,000 riders a day.

San Miguel is also building a 22-km, six-lane highway that will link San Jose Del Monte to the Balagtas Interchange of the North Luzon Expressway.

Duterte says PH, Japan reach ‘golden age of strategic partnership’

TOKYO— President Duterte declared that the Philippines and Japan are embarking on their “golden age of strategic partnership,” as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe promised maximum support for Marawi rehabilitation and fleshed out the details of the 1 trillion yen aid package he promised the Philippines back in January.

With the two countries deepening their cooperation on economic and security matters, Mr. Duterte said they were resolved to further expand their cooperative ties.

“I daresay that considering all that we have accomplished and achieved, the Philippines and Japan are building the golden age of our strategic partnership,” Mr. Duterte said as he issued a joint statement with Abe.

“It’s a commitment founded on the democratic values we hold dear. It’s a resolve that has withstood the test of time. Working together, we should have much to show and to be proud of in the years to come,” he added.

He thanked Abe for fleshing out the $9 billion he had pledged for the Philippines, which would go to “some of the most ambitious and groundbreaking projects” including the Metro Manila subway system and the improvement of roads and disaster response.

Mr. Duterte visited Abe’s official residence on Monday afternoon, where he was given arrival honors. The two leaders held a summit meeting followed by a tete a tete.

Abe congratulated Mr. Duterte for the leadership he exerted in addressing the Marawi conflict and declared full support for the Philippine President’s approaches toward fighting terrorism and bringing stability to Mindanao.

“We will provide maximum support to the restoration and reconstruction of Marawi City, and we will strengthen support for Mindanao, and toward the establishment of an autonomous government, we will respond to the progress of processes,” he said.

Japan will provide equipment for the devastated city’s and surrounding areas’ reconstruction and rehabilitation.

It would consider providing further assistance, including those for road construction and improvement, based on post-conflict needs assessment and the government’s masterplan for reconstruction. It would also consult with the government on building a society resilient to radicalism.

Given Abe’s support for Philippine efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism in Marawi and his understanding of the cancellation of his Japan trip in June, Mr. Duterte said it was fitting that his first official visit after Marawi’s liberation is to Japan.

The Philippine President described Japan as “a true friend who has stood squarely behind the Philippines in my country’s onward advance greater peace, progress and prosperity.”

His and Abe’s discussions were “very warm, open and comprehensive,” he said.

The two leaders agreed to increase economic activities, and Mr. Duterte welcomed Japan’s growing number of investments in the Philippines, adding that the country was ready to work with responsible companies which we consider our new partners for growth.

He also said he was looking forward to meeting Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and thanked them for their kindness and compassion when they visited the Philippines last year during the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations.

“I am eager to convey my deep respect and admiration His Majesty,” he said.

He is scheduled to visit the Imperial Palace today (Tuesday).

Mr. Duterte is the first head of state to visit Abe after his victory in the recent snap elections.

The two have attested to their close friendship. Abe, during his visit to the Philippines last January, flew to Mr. Duterte’s Davao hometown and even visited his home there.

Abe, during his Manila visit, had also described the relationship between the Philippines and Japan as “deep, warm and brotherly or family-like relationship.”

Inquirer calls for support for the victims in Marawi City

Responding to appeals for help, the Philippine Daily Inquirer is extending its relief to victims of the attacks in Marawi City

Cash donations may be deposited in the Inquirer Foundation, Inc., Banco De Oro (BDO) Current Account No: 007960018860.

Inquiries may be addressed to Inquirer’s Corporate Affairs office through Connie Kalagayan at 897-4426, ckalagayan@inquirer.com.ph and Bianca Kasilag-Macahilig at 897-8808 local 352, bkasilag@inquirer.com.ph.

For donation from overseas:

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Greggy Araneta to create Caloocan’s first CBD

By Iris Gonzales

Businessman Gregorio Ma. “Greggy” Araneta III is building the first central business district in Caloocan, hoping to hitch a ride on the expected boom in the area once San Miguel Corp.’s Manila Metro Rail Transit System Line 7 (MRT-7) starts running.

In a recent interview, Araneta unveiled his plan to build a 140-hectare mixed use estate, which he said, would be the first in the city.

“That will be my central business district. There’s no central business district there. The only area beside that is La Mesa Dam watershed,” said Araneta, chairman of Araneta Properties and Gregorio Araneta Inc. (GAI).

Araneta said the planned development in Caloocan, which is along Quirino Highway, would be “the best township” he would build.

But, he said, his company would still have to wait for MRT-7 to be in place.

“We have to get the MRT their first. That should be the finished in two to three years,” Araneta told reporters.

“Because of the MRT, it will be a very good site for a commercial business district,” he said.

SMC, the diversified conglomerate, has already commenced construction of MRT-7, which will be 22.8 kilometers long serviced by14 stations.

The line will run in a northeast direction, starting from North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. It will span Quezon City and Caloocan in Metro Manila and will end at the proposed inter-modal terminal station in Bulacan.

As of September, the project is almost 10 percent complete.

SMC expects to complete the project by 2019.

Unlike Araneta’s other property developments in Bulacan, which he developed with other property developers such as Sta. Lucia and Ayala Land Inc., he may develop the CBD alone.

But he said he is not closing his doors on partners.

“It depends on the opportunities,” he said.

Eventually, Araneta’s Araneta Properties may do a follow-on offering to raise funds to finance the development of CBD and other projects in the area.

But Araneta stressed that nothing is final yet. He said all options would be studied.

The company posted a net income of P17.390 million in 2016 from P35.9 million a year ago as the company withheld the sale of some of its properties to wait for land value to go up.

Araneta is also chairman of PhilWeb, the listed gaming company.

His holding company, GAI, meanwhile, is pushing for the development of an LNG facility in Bataan with an initial phase that would have a capacity of 600 megawatts and an investment of roughly $1.2 billion.

He also has other investments in energy.

Nuclear peril on agenda of Duterte-Abe talks

TOKYO — President Rodrigo Duterte and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe open talks in Tokyo on Monday on key regional concerns, including the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.

This is the third meeting between the two leaders, after Mr. Duterte’s state visit to Tokyo last year and Abe’s reciprocal visit to Manila in January.

Chief Japanese Cabinet Secretary Yoshide Suga has said the meeting between Mr. Duterte and Abe ahead of two regional summits next month provides great opportunity to discuss pressing issues such as North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission Takihiro Kano earlier said Mr. Duterte’s visit would enhance cooperation between Japan and the Philippines for peace and stability in the region.

The Philippine leader arrived in Tokyo early Monday for a two-day visit.

He will have discussions with Abe in the prime minister’s office on Monday, after which they will issue a joint statement.

On Monday evening, Abe will host a dinner for Mr. Duterte.

North Korea, trade issues

In a predeparture speech at Davao International Airport on Sunday night, Mr. Duterte said he expected to discuss the North Korean nuclear threat and trade issues with Abe.

He said he looked forward to meeting Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. He said he was unable to meet the emperor during his visit to Japan last year because Akihito’s uncle died.

Mr. Duterte said he also expected to meet Japan’s business leaders in Tokyo.

“They have shown significant interest in our efforts to sustain our growth, and I will work toward securing the Japanese business community as a key partner in our country’s development agenda,” he said.

Mr. Duterte said he would discuss with Abe “ways to significantly advance our already strong and strategic bilateral relations, especially on matters involving socioeconomic development, peace and progress in Mindanao, and the build-up of modern infrastructure in the country.”

On the North Korean problem, Mr. Duterte said “somebody has to talk” to the North’s leader Kim Jong-un.

“Somebody has to go there. It would be good for America, Japan, (South) Korea and Mr. Kim Jong-un to talk and convince him to sit down in a round table [and say] nobody is threatening him. There will be no war,” he said.

Mr. Duterte and Abe are also expected to tackle issues concerning the South China Sea along with the Philippine’s chairmanship of this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit.

Abe is expected to attend the summit in Manila.

Economic cooperation

Economic cooperation is expected to be part of Mr. Duterte’s discussions with Abe. Japan earlier pledged 1 trillion yen in assistance for the Philippines over five years.

The Manila subway project and the north-south commuter lines, which would be funded by Japan, “would be further discussed for realization,” Kano said.

Japan may also provide more aid for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, which was destroyed in five months of fighting between government forces and pro-Islamic State terrorists. With reports from Philip C. Tubeza, AP, and New York Times News Service

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Same old story

One reason why I no longer want to attend public discussions of this administration’s transport infrastructure program is that I get terribly bored. I hear the same old stories of grand plans. I am aware of hindrances to the projects like right of way issues that I know are not being addressed. Most presentations do not include or breeze through expected dates of completion.

The aviation industry conference last Friday organized by IATA and the local association of airlines turned out to be no different. I attended principally because my colleague and friend, Sara Soliven de Guzman asked me to join her.

I arrived late because traffic was moving ever so slowly on EDSA last Friday morning. I missed the speech of Sec. Art Tugade, but I watched a recording of Tugade’s speech that was posted on Facebook. I agree with the plans he enumerated but he said nothing I didn’t already know.

–– ADVERTISEMENT ––



I sat quietly at the back of the conference venue listening to Usec for Aviation Skee Tamayo and NAIA GM Ed Monreal deliver their spiels. Nothing new there too.
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An official of Philippine Airlines talked about their proposal to decongest NAIA T2 by building additional terminal space. I was the first to break that news early this year. No new development there also.

Question and answer portion came around. There were polite questions being asked, which is expected. The airline officials in the audience could not ask the hard questions because the panelists are their regulators. I was getting nothing new from the give and take.

Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1


I was getting bored. I didn’t suffer mid morning EDSA Friday traffic for nothing.  Against my original plan to just sit down and listen, I decided to ask a question.

I pointed out that the problem with DOTr presentations is that it’s all motherhood. We can’t argue against having all those plans happen. The big question is when would DOTr deliver on their grand plans.

I think it was Monreal who said they have a list of plans and target completion dates because Tugade insists on having those. So I said those completion dates should be made public, otherwise they can just keep on pushing back those dates.

Monreal said they have printed materials on the programs with target dates. The moderator, a foreigner, asked for a show of hands as to who in the audience has seen that document of projects with completion dates. Not one hand was raised from a roomful of people whose business is to know such details of government intentions.

Maybe that’s because they have amateurs running DOTr’s communications program. I remember some powerpoint presentations with very rough dates included, but not enough for an investor to make a decision to invest money.

I raised other problems. What will DOTr do between now and the time San Miguel’s Bulacan airport starts operations? NAIA is hopelessly congested and inadequate. It is now handling over 40 million passengers a year when its rated capacity is 30 million. A new airport of the caliber Ramon Ang wants to build at no cost or guarantee from government will take 10 years to build.

I know RSA said he could make his Bulacan airport operational in five years from the day he gets a go signal from government, assuming all government approvals are expedited. I think our neighbors took at least eight years to build their modern airports. Ten years is a reasonable time for a major international airport to get built.

Of course, the DOTr officials in the panel had no answers. They can’t even commit on the interim proposal of Philippine Airlines. That’s understandable. President Duterte hates Lucio Tan, and as long as Tan owns PAL, government can’t be expected to deal with him or the airline.

But the additional terminal capacity is urgently needed. Even if we break ground today, it will take three years to complete the facilities PAL wants to build. The legal issues being cited with Pagcor and Philippine Village Hotel are non issues because a simple one page executive order from President Duterte will fix all that, if he wants to.

They talked about Clark and how Clark would relieve pressure from NAIA. Usec. Skee even mentioned the NLEX-SLEX connector road cutting travel time significantly between Clark and NAIA.

So I pointed out that right of way issues are delaying the completion of that vital connector road project. RSA has personally negotiated a ROW problem with Sincere Lumber in Paco and that’s the only progress so far.

DPWH has not delivered on everything else. It took the TRB quite a bit of time to approve the diversion of the alignment to go over the San Juan River to avoid the ROW problems affecting the motel row in Sta. Mesa.

I understand San Miguel is targeting completion of the NLEX-SLEX connector road by end-2019. But the ramps will be completed only in 2020, assuming ROW and utilities relocation issues are immediately addressed. The same issues delayed the NAIA Expressway’s early completion.

It is clear that if government really wants to deliver its grand infrastructure plans, they have to tie up all loose ends. Duterte must appoint a very senior official with clout, like the role played by Rene Diaz under former PGMA, to focus on ROW issues. Otherwise, puro laway lang. Pinapa-asa lang tayo pero wala.

In the end, our skepticism is justified.  The DOTr officials always ask for our understanding and support. I am sure they have that because no one in his right mind will want them to fail. But… show us some movement!

Tourism ad

From Barcelona… I received this e-mail from a well-travelled Filipino former investment banker who has also invested his own money in our tourism industry.

He is dismayed at the quality of the tourism department’s advertorial published in the New York Times. It is the print version of the horrible TV commercial “anak.” I agree with him. Here is his e-mail:

 Dear Boo,

1. The readership of the print edition of the international New York Times is almost 100 percent affluent businessmen. Not a single part of the advertisement is of any interest to them. This is simply the wrong medium for a tourism pitch.

2. The point of a slogan is to fix a simple, single thought, expressed succinctly in as few words as possible. The advertisement had three different slogans.

3. The picture is of a place that almost no past, present, or future tourist will ever get to.

4. The picture reinforces a racial stereotype of Filipinos fawning over whites. It is personally distasteful to me, and probably off-putting to all the Asians - families, groups of singles, incentive groups – who constitute a much larger potential market than young white backpackers.

5. The advertisement picture and text violate the first principle of advertising, which is to identify a specific target audience and then talk to that audience. The ad could be likened to a BMW ad that targets rich people, women, old people, sporty drivers, teens, mothers, companies, and ecology-conscious people all in one go. It winds up being utterly unconvincing.

6. The ad was written by someone whose command of English idiom frequently wavers. For example: “Relax, rejuvenate and be prepared for a dose of adrenaline rush in Cebu”;

“For honeymooners, experience a unique island dining by the beach. . .”;

“Today, Kalesa is still visible. . . for tourists’ cultural experience “; “. . . Spanish occupation.”

Hardly a paragraph goes by without some new grammatical or usage error. This would not matter much if the words were spoken on a TV show, but the typical highly-literate New York Times reader will just cringe at seeing the phrases in print, in a newspaper noted for its English-language style.

7. Not that an advertorial is a good way to promote a country’s tourism, but if you are going to have an advertorial, it must have exactly the same font, format, and look as the rest of the publication. If it is immediately evident that it is a paid advertisement, it loses all the benefit of being an advertorial.

8. Who is Jack Ellis? Who cares?

Thanks for listening.

Regards, Manny

Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @boochanco.

Teltronic on track to provide TETRA end-to-end solution for Manila Metro Line “MRT-7”

The contract – awarded to Teltronic by rolling stock manufacturer and E&M turn-key provider Hyundai Rotem – will see the provision of NEBULA TETRA infrastructure, RTP-603 on-board equipment, STP9000 hand-portable and SRG3900 fixed radios, and a CeCo-TRANS control centre.

The onboard equipment will be fully integrated with both the Train Control and Management System – allowing remote vehicle monitoring from the control centre – and the public address and intercom systems, providing communication between passengers and control in emergency situations.

MRT-7 is set to serve around 350,000 passengers a day when operations begin in August 2019, potentially increasing to 800,000 per day upon completion of a series of planned upgrades. The 22.8km 14-station line will run northeast from an interchange with LRT-1 and MRT-3 at North Avenue, serving Quezon City, Caloocan City, and City of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan province.

Josep Jonch, Business Development Manager – APAC, commented:

“This prestigious win builds on our strong working relationship with Hyundai Rotem, proven over previous projects such as Seoul Metro (Korea) and Salvador Bahia Metro (Brazil).

By leveraging the power of TETRA technology, this end-to-end solution will enable SMC to communicate in a mission-critical way with the personnel involved with the operation of the MRT-7. It will also allow real-time monitoring of vehicle and the location of the train among other functionalities, making a vital contribution to the safe transportation of thousands of passengers each day.”

Build build build: From 385 km to 1040 km of high standard highways in Luzon

By Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo

In the next six years, the Duterte Administration, will build the Luzon Spine Expressway Network — a 1,040 km expressway network which would connect the northern and southern most part of Luzon. By building a total of 18 expressways with a total road length of 655 km, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar aims to compliment the existing expressway network spanning 385 km. Once completed, the travel time from Metro Manila to San Fernando, La Union will be reduced from six (6) hours and 55 minutes to three (3) hours and 10 minutes. Moreover, travel time from La Union to Bicol will be reduced from 19 hours and 40 minutes to eight (8) hours and 15 minutes.

Included in the expressway network are the NLEX Harbor Link Project, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, Central Luzon Link Expressway, Plaridel By-Pass Road Phase II, Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, NLEX-SLEX Connector Road, among others.

The NLEX Harbor Link Project, a 5.7 km expressway, which traverses Karuhatan in Valenzuela City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and C3 road in Caloocan City, will reduce travel time from Manila Port to NLEX to only 10 minutes.

The Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) is a 30-km expressway, which traverses the municipalities of La Paz, Zaragosa, Aliaga, and Caalibangbangan, to connect two large cities of Tarlac and Cabanatuan. The CLLEX, which originates from the connection of SCTEx and of TPLEx in Balincanaway, Tarlac City, is expected to decongest traffic in Pan Philippine Highway by 48% and reduce travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City from 70 mins to 20 minutes.

Section 3 of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway is a 25.83 km expressway which extends the existing 63.02 km alignment traversing Tarlac, Rosales and Urdaneta to Binalonan, Pozzurobio and La Union — creating an 88.85 kilometer stretch. The Urdaneta-Binalonan segment which was operational since September of last year has reduced travel time from Tarlac City to Urdaneta from 2 hours and 30 minutes to about 40 minutes. Upon completion, TPLEX is expected to benefit over 100,000 vehicles per day and will cut travel time to Gerona, Paniqui, Rosales, Urdaneta, and Rosario.

The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road, an 8 km four lane expressway, which will traverse C3 road in Caloocan City passing through Blumentritt and España, is expected to decongest Metro Manila traffic and provide better access to seaports and airports. It will reduce travel time from NLEX to SLEX from 2 hours to only about 20 minutes. Moreover, it will also cut travel from Clark to Calamba from 3 hours to only about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, a 14.8 km, 6-lane expressway which will connect Balintawak in Quezon City to Buendia Makati, is expected to decongest EDSA, Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue and Quirino Avenue by as much as 55,000 vehicles daily. Upon completion, it will reduce travel time from Buendia to Balintawak from 2 hours to 15 to 20 minutes.

DPWH is now updating the High Standard Highway Network Development Masterplan which would expand the coverage from the sphere of 200 km to 300 km radius around Metro Manila.

[About the author: Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo is the Chairperson of the DPWH Build Build Build Committee. She graduated cum laude at the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree of Development Communications and is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor program at the University of the Philippines Diliman and her Executive Program at the Harvard Kennedy School]

https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/10/27/build-build-build-from-385-km-to-1040-km-of-high-standard-highways-in-luzon/

Isko Moreno resigns from Northrail

Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has resigned as chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of North Luzon Railways Corp. (Northrail), citing personal reasons.

In his letter to President Duterte yesterday, Domagoso said: “Due to personal reason, I would like to tender my irrevocable resignation as member of the board of directors and as chairman and CEO of Northrail effective immediately.”

Cesar Chavez, undersecretary for rails at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), said in a text message that it is not clear whether the President has accepted Domagoso’s resignation.

Domagoso said he is grateful for the opportunity given to him to serve under the Duterte administration.

“The experience I have gained is indeed enriching and has taught me valuable knowledge about the dynamics of national government, specifically running a government-owned and controlled corporation,” he said.

Asked if his resignation is related to the 2019 midterm polls, Domagoso said he has no plans for 2019 yet.

Domagoso was a senatorial candidate in last year’s elections. He was appointed by Duterte to the Northrail in July 2016.

Prior to running for the Senate, Domagoso served as vice mayor of the city of Manila for many years.

Northrail is a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and an attached agency of the DOTr.

Northrail’s primary purpose is to develop, construct, operate and manage a railroad system to serve Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Northern Luzon.

BREAKING NEWS: Catalan Parliament Declares Independence from Spain

Catalonia's regional parliament has just voted to unilaterally declare independence from Spain. The move comes after an overwhelming number of residents voted in favor of independence in a referendum earlier this month.

Concert to showcase Corrales’ mettle, musical legacy

Iconic singer Pilita Corrales mounts the stage of The Theater at Solaire on Nov. 17 for a one-night only show. Her children Jackie Lou Blanco and Ramon Christopher, both popular showbiz personalities, will help tell her story and musical legacy. Joining them is Pilita’s granddaughter, Janine Gutierrez, now also making a name for herself.

Pilita is excited over her forthcoming concert because it will chronicle the start of her singing career in Australia all the way back to the ’50s. She is impressed with the show director, Carlo Orosa, who made an extensive research on her early musical ascent there where she became the first woman to top the Australian pop charts with the song “Come Closer To Me.” She was so popular that a street was even named after her.

Orosa said “We want to show a side of Pilita that a lot of the young people have not seen. She is first Filipino singer to actually showcase Filipino talent internationally. She is both an icon and a legend.”

Pilita said singing is about passion and perseverance. And she may have become an icon in the musical world, but Pilita said retirement is not in her vocabulary. “I will continue singing until there are people who want to listen to me.” As to how she was able to maintain her voice, she said she stopped smoking. A healthy lifestyle is really the secret, she said.

Martin Nievera’s mom Conchita Razon is writing the script for “An Evening With Pilita.” It was also Conchita who wrote the script for the long-running show of the same title aired on ABS-CBN.

• • •

2nd branch for Bless Las Paellas

Filipino philanthropists and business partners Jessie V. Maloles and Nelson Mendoza opened recently the second branch of their Bless Las Paellas at the Vista Mall in Sta. Rosa near Nuvali.

The first is on Aguirre St. in BF Parañaque.

Aside from being a restaurateur, Jessie is into the boutique/hotel business. She was also a former Mrs. Philippines Int’l and she competed in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago and finished as first runner-up place. She is active in civic and charity projects as well as in the world of fashion.

The opening of their second branch was highlighted by a mini show where the guests were treated to Spanish dances and a fashion show featuring the creations of Rye Baile and Marlo Javier. The models included Bb. Pilipinas Int’l 2001 Maricar Tolosa, Miss Global Queen 2002 Cox-JP Abinuman, April Tanhueco, among others.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 28, go to Jonathan dela Cruz, Walter de Santos, Benjo Marquez, Manny Valera, Bubbles Carandang, Millie Vera, Angia Munji Laurel, Atty. Pete Principe, Melba Nergua, Christine Limpo, Alvin Tan, Winnie Boado, Fatima Dumalagan, Doreen Fernandez, and De La Salle Lipa’s Grade 12 student Romina Celina Sabino Faylon… Oct. 29: Boy Abunda, Maridel Villavicencio, Lorna Llanes, Jeannette Reyes, Digna Santiago, Filipina Diga, Annalyn Jusay, Louie Kieruff, and Angelika dela Cruz… Oct. 30: Mary Ann Sta. Ana, Benny Soliven Manolet Legaspi, Oscar Clarino, Aila Marie Amoyo Reyes, Maribelle P. Tuazon, Lord Jay Christian Reyes, Pia Pilapil, Roselyn Magsaysay and Christine Bersola-Babao…

UPDATED. Cole Sprouse and Brooklyn Beckham will not be joining Bench 30th anniversary show

This year's much-awaited return of the Bench runway show promises to be bigger and better.
Aside from celebrating the giant lifestyle brand's 30th anniversary, extensive preparations were done for the upcoming underwear and denim show slated for November 18, at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

According to Ben Chan, the company's founder and chief executive officer, it has been a while since they held a Bench show in a big venue.

"We haven't done it for three years," he said.

Bench's underwear show used to be a biennial event, held every other year.

The last show titled The Naked Truth was held on September 20, 2014, also at the MOA Arena.

Read more at http://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/fashion/36348/its-confirmedcole-sprouse-and-brooklyn-beckham-are-joining-bench30th-anniversary-fashion-show#1Pi3pfVKjXPgz2ME.99

Pia Cayetano: With honors

Lawmaker Pia Cayetano was not only a champion athlete but also a top student during her days in UP

by Gay Ace Domingo

Lawmaker Pilar Juliana “Pia” Cayetano is known for her sports advocacy. She is into running, yoga and triathlon. She is also an avid backer of collegiate and national athletes. The former senator-now-representative of Taguig City has been spotted cheering for the swimming team and football team of the University of the Philippines. She often writes in her IG, “It’s no secret that my fave color is maroon…” because UP is her alma mater. She knows the importance of supporting student-athletes because she herself was like them.

Pia was a player of the UP Women’s Volleyball Team all throughout her four years at the state university in Diliman, QC.

“Volleyball wasn’t big then,” she recalls. “The bleachers were empty except for a few parents, a couple of boyfriends and our teachers.” The lack of spectators didn’t deter the team from working hard and giving their best. The UP volleybelles practiced thrice a week from 5 pm to 9 pm in the UP College of Human Kinetics gym. “We trained on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Minsan pinagsasaraduhan na kami ng ilaw,” says Pia. 

The ladies were not usually satisfied with 12 hours of practice per week. “There were times when we put in extra work on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” Pia reveals. “We would run or lift weights or hold additional practices.”

Their effort paid off. In UAAP Season 45, the UP Women’s Volleyball Team, of which Pia was part of, won the championship. A little trivia: unlike most student-athletes nowadays, collegiate players in UP did not enjoy a scholarship. “But on the year following our championship, former Senator Edgardo Angara, then president of UP, granted scholarships to the members of the UP women’s volleyball team as a prize,” says Pia.

At the age of 17, Pia was also drafted to play for the national team. She was part of the squad that went to the 1983 Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship in Fukuoka, Japan.

The sense of gratitude and pride is very evident whenever Pia talks about her days with the UP Women’s Volleyball Team. “It contributed to who I am today. More than 50 percent of who I am comes from being an athlete.” Training taught her the value of excellence. “There are no shortcuts. You have to do your best always,” she elaborates.

It also helped Pia develop a knack for time management. “I tried to keep my schedule simple. I studied in between classes. I trained in the evening. And then I went home.”

Later, Pia scored greater successes. In March 1985—just a few days before her 19th birthday—Pia graduated cum laude with a degree in Economics. She pursued law also at UP Diliman and finished with academic honors in 1991.

These would prove to be her foundation for a dynamic career in law, government and public service.

Pia’s experience is proof that focus and dedication are essential to the gameplan in life. These are values that she seeks to instill in the youth of today. “I try to tell kids to channel their energy to learning. Ang masipag mag-aral at masipag mag-training merong mararating.”



(Photo credit: Rep. Pia Cayetano’s Instagram)

NEDA Board to review San Miguel's Bulacan airport proposal

The unsolicited proposal of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to build an airport at an estimated cost of P700 billion in Bulacan has been submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board for final review, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said on Friday.

"By the end of last week we have awarded the proposal to NEDA [Board] for final evaluation," Tugade said in his keynote address at the Philippine Aviation Day in Makati City.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has gone through and assessed the proposal, the Cabinet official said. "In Bulacan, a formal proposal was submitted to us ... We have gone over the proposal," Tugade said.

Tugade said earlier that if SMC and DOTr should agree on the terms of the project, it will be endorsed to the NEDA-Investment Coordination Committee.

In an interview with reporters on the sidelines of Aviation Day, Tugade said the SMC proposal was given an original proponent status.

"Once approved by the NEDA, it will be subject to a Swiss challenge," Tugade said.

The proposed airport involves a 2,500-hectares land in Bulakan, Bulacan. — VDS, GMA News

SMDC to generate P6 B from Las Piñas residential project

SM Development Corporation, the residential property arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is expecting to generate a total of R6 billion from its project at the SM Southmall Complex in Las Piñas City.

South Residences, the firm’s first project in Las Piñas, is a four-tower development that is already 60 percent sold since its launch in 2015, said SMDC Assistance Vice President Therese Sonsing-Fernando.

Las Piñas resident comprise the biggest group of buyers of the 2,010-unit South Residences, accounting for about 48 percent of units sold or 60 percent of domestic buyers which comprise 80 percent of total sales.

The four 17-story towers offer one- and two-bedrooms at an average price ranging between R2.5 million and R3.8 million. Tower one and tower two are set to be turned over by March next year and the other two towers by June, 2019.

“Situated in the SM Southmall Complex, South Residences provides premium living, luxurious features and amenities, as well as all the shopping, dining and entertainment choices found at SM Southmall,” SMDC said.

Fernando said “residents can enjoy the five-star experience it offers through resort-styled amenities such as a swimming pool, a kiddie pool, garden areas, gazebos and function rooms.”

She added that, “hotel-like services will also be available, including reception desk assistance and doormen. To ensure safety and security, South Residences is protected by 24-hour security service and CCTVs in all hallways.”

Located along Alabang-Zapote Road, South Residences showcases easy access to the metro’s major thoroughfares like the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Manila-Cavite Expressway.

“From here, key destinations in the city are just minutes away. And with the earmarked extension of the LRT 1 line, the area will soon be more accessible, providing more transport options for its residents,” SMDC said.

https://business.mb.com.ph/2017/10/26/smdc-to-generate-p6-b-from-las-pinas-residential-project/

It's true: Sebastian's Podium branch is closing today

Local artisanal ice cream shop Sebastian’s is closing its branch at The Podium mall in Ortigas Thursday, October 26.
In a Facebook post, Sebastian’s said it is offering 25% discount on all of its products as it holds its last day of operations at The Podium.

“Greetings, dear friends. We’d like to make an announcement and say that yes, the rumors are true, we will be closing our Podium shop today on October 26, 2017 as the entire mall closes for renovations,” it said. “It breaks our heart because Podium was our second-ever branch and our first in Manila. We tried very hard to arrange a spot in the new area of the mall but it was not to be.”


Sebastian’s, known for selling unusual flavors such as ampalaya and sapin-sapin, still has a branch at Vertis North in Quezon City.

New horror flick from Joey Reyes

It was 13 years ago when awarded director Jose Javier Reyes came out with the horror flick “Spirit Of The Glass” that scored high at the box-office and made popular the young stars in the cast. Joey’s follow-up movie of the same genre, “Spirit Of The Glass 2: The Haunted,” opens on Nov. 1.

It’s not a sequel, he said. The new movie is about a group of young people calling on spirits from the underworld for fun. Then each one faces the consequence of the spirits they conjured.

“Ang kwento is about an artista in the 1960’s who had a very sad life and namatay for reasons na hindi talaga alam ng mga tao,” Joey said.

In the lead cast are Cristine Reyes-Khatibi, Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina, one of “Wowowin” hosts Ashley Ortega, Daniel Matsunaga, Benjamin Alves, and Enrico Cuenca.

As to paranormal experiences while shooting, Joey said there was always something going wrong every time they shoot a scene in a certain room of the house they used. He found out a grandmother died from stomach cancer in that room.

“We were shooting in a room na laging sumasakit ’yung tiyan ko. Sinisikmura ako at mararamdaman mo na there’s another presence in the room. ’Yung video assist, ’yung isang camera laging nasisira,” he claimed. “Then they said we have to pray and ask permission, then naging okay na.”

“Spirit Of The Glass 2: The Haunted” is produced by OctoArts Films in association with T-Rex Entertainment.

• • •

Jazz Fest Thursdays continues

The Jazz Fest Thursdays launched six months ago by Greenfield District Corp. marked its sixth month anniversary last Oct. 5, with a special performance by Zia Quizon’s band Extrapolation.

There to show support to Zia and her band were Karylle, Yael Yuzon of Spongecola, GMA artist Benjamin Alves and Robin Nievera.

With the success of the Jazz Fest Thursdays, Greenfield’s EVP/GM Atty. Duane A.X. Santos expressed delight to have fulfilled their vision of bringing people together.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 26, go to Viva’s big boss Vic del Rosario, Gina Nolasco, Priscilla P. Tuazon, Janet Arnaiz, Jennifer Ongkeko, Jose Bravo, Victor de Vera, Rusty Salazar, Jhervy Santiago, Delbert Santos, Gina Nolasco, Jennifer Ongkiko, Rusty Salazar, Grave Velasco, Victor de Vera, Jose Israel Bravo, Priscilla Tuazon, Delbert Santos, Jherry Santiago, Aida Espiritu, Jules Yanga, Theresa Veloso, Jason Manuel, Callyx Lavado daughter of "TWBA" set designer Randy turns 3, Carmelito Lamoso, Emy Enriquez, Jenny Deed Navarro, Glaiza Joyce Cruz, Rosanna Morales, Shanna Paula Plaza, Jennifer Tan, Dolyn Monique Cadungog, Inday Varing Nacario, Kim Grace Deldig, Dr. Cynthia Gayatin, Lilia Aimas, Tem Ponce, DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez and Rep. Joey Salceda… Oct. 27: Charo Santos-Concio, Niño Muhlach, Gary Lising, Harlene Bautista, Nelly Campos, Michael Abundo, Ingrid Salas, Jojo Gatbonton, Michelle Aldana, Viel Aquino-Dee, Ronald Manila, Allure Padua, Joy Rosaroso, and Maria Teresa Cancio…

3,500 families affected by road connector project

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada threw his support behind the P23.3-billion NLEX-SLEX (North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway) Connector Road project by relocating thousands of families that will be affected and securing the road right-of-way.

About 3,500 families in Manila will have to be moved, according to NLEX Corp.

Estrada said the eight-kilometer elevated highway that will connect NLEX and SLEX will ease vehicular traffic in Manila.

“I fully support the project,” Estrada said when he met representatives and engineers of NLEX Corp. “This will help ease the traffic problem, not only in Manila, but the whole metropolis and other nearby cities.”

The project will cut travel time from Buendia in Makati City to Balintawak in Quezon City from two hours to 20 minutes.

NLEX Corp. is the private sector partner of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the first Public-Private Partnership project approved by the Duterte administration. The project extends from the end of Segment 10 in C3 Road in Caloocan City to Santa Mesa, Manila.

The highway will also connect the common point of Skyway Stage 3, traversing mostly along the PNR rail track. Its interchanges will be on C3 in Caloocan City and España Blvd. in Manila.

Edward Castro of NLEX Corp. said 85 percent of the alignment of the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road will pass through 38 barangays in Manila.

Construction is set to start in 2018 and will be completed by 2020, according to Castro.

“We are coordinating with the Manila City government. We will notify the local government if there will be construction on the ground. By next week there will be schedules of the construction,” Castro said.

Duterte could end jeepney phaseout debate

If he really wants it, President Duterte can end the debate about the unconscionable and harebrained jeepney phaseout plan right now. Yes, he can.

Duterte can do it if he makes it an administration priority to allot P350-billion in order to purchase 200,000 new, modern, environment-friendly jeepneys. Or he can order his economic team to allot P87.5-billion every year for this very important program.

The Department of Transportation should be able to justify this price tag. For instance, it gives tens of billions of pesos to the MRT Corp. in “subsidy” and “bailouts.” For a change, the economists at the Department of Finance and the Department of Budget and Management should exercise their brainpower to provide funding for essential, indispensable mass transport.

If the DOTr, DOF, and DBM can allot hundreds of billions in taxpayer money to finance Big Businesses in PPP and BBB, surely they wouldn’t be stingy in giving the same treatment to jeepney drivers of the Philippines.

There are many possible sources of funds for jeepney modernization. For instance, the Duterte government could renegotiate the agreement with the Ayala-Pangilinan LRT Manila consortium. At the very least, we would be able to collect rather than exempt P64-billion in real property taxes from these oligarchs. Also, the government could end the P34.9-billion subsidy for this business of the Ayala-Pangilinan project.

The combined P98.9-billion alone can be used to purchase 70,642 new, modern, and environment-friendly jeepneys at a unit price of P1.4-million.

For the remainder amounting to P251.1-billion, the Duterte government could be bold and creative:

Reduce the budget for debt servicing for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. To illustrate: The government programmed P647.27 billion for debt payment in 2017 – P334.87 billion for interest payment, and P312.40 billion for amortization. Duterte could always ask his economists to restructure or renegotiate the terms of some of obligations to carve out the needed funds for the jeepneys.

Reduce or abolish tax breaks for billionaires and multimillionaires.

Reduce or abolish the P800-million budget for Operation Double Barrel.

Take back the P4.8-billion subsidy for MRT Corp. for 2018.

Take back the P1.8-billion budget for the LRT-MRT Common Station, and let the private sector finance it.

Abolish the P124-million budget for US military bases under EDCA.

Recover the Marcos ill-gotten wealth.

This solution will make the matapobre recoil in horror. In their warped sense of the national budget, they can be galante about our taxpayer money only when it comes to the oligarchs but are stingy with our poor. But this “austerity” on direct public services is exactly what caused our jeepney drivers to remain poor.

Ever since inventive Filipinos took the US military jeeps and turned them into the national mass transport mode we now know, government has never given jeepney drivers and operators any direct subsidy or assistance. (The only government aid they’ve received is the paltry fuel subsidy.) Had successive governments not neglected this informal sector under the dogma of “austerity” and simple “kasakiman,” our jeepney drivers and operators would’ve been able to upgrade the jeepneys, and our local jeepney manufacturers would’ve been spared from bankruptcy.

If the state invests in jeepneys, the demand from local jeepney manufacturers would rise. They could expand operations, take advantage of Filipino professionals for R&D, and employ tens of thousands. More funds could be directed for this important Filipino industry.

There are only two possible financiers of this expensive P350-billion jeepney modernization. The first is the government, whose annual budget is an average of P3-trillion. The second is the oligarchy through its banks and its growing interests in transportation.

Right now, what Duterte and the DOTr wants is for jeepney drivers and operators – mostly poor, categorized as part of the informal sector, and cannot normally qualify for loans – to embrace highly possible debt bondage with the oligarchs’ banks.

We could be pretty sure these banks are preparing “special deals” for jeepney drivers that would jack up the total price, extend the amortization period, require new collateral, and set the stage for the private takeover of entire fleets or routes from drivers and operators who cannot possibly sustain the expensive modernization.

At the risk of myself being seen as excessively generous, I think Duterte can still apologize and take back his harsh words against the poor jeepney drivers who number around 500,000. Duterte has the power to end the debate and improve the lives of 500,000 families. Otherwise, Duterte would be giving them the axe, sentencing them to a life of even worse poverty because they would lose their livelihood.

We all want a modern, future-ready, adequate, and environment-friendly mass transportation system. Duterte cannot just make it appear out of thin air. He and his economic team can no longer fool us into believing that the problem (the oligarchs’s disastrous and yet profitable control of the transportation sector) is the solution.

If there’s any investment worth pouring taxpayer money on, it is mass transportation. The state must invest in the jeepney drivers and operators who – to be honest – keep this nation moving, and on whom cities and especially towns depend on for mass transportation.

Nobody disagrees that it is time for the Philippines to modernize and to invest in jeepneys. It is half a century overdue. Duterte should put money where his mouth is and lead the way.

Follow me on Twitter @tonyocruz and check out my blog tonyocruz.com

#BENCHUndertheStars Celebrity Models

70 stars mula sa tatlong TV network (Kapamilya, Kapatid, Kapuso), magsasama-sama sa isang "magical night"! #BenchUnderTheStars #Bench30Years
Nobyembre 18, 2017, SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Here are the celebrity models:

• Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada and John Estrada
• Sam Pinto
• Tom Rodriguez 
• Alex Castro
• Luke Jickain
• Brent Javier 
• Benj Basa
• Carlos Concepcion
• Chad Burden
• Janvier Daily
• Joseph Marco
• Rodjun Cruz
• Kris Bernal
• Ryan Eigenmann
• John Prats
• Sam Concepcion
• Coco Martin
• Diether Ocampo
• China’s top male model Ji Huan Bo 
• Haroun Morales
• John James Uy
• Marco Alcaraz
• Jon Avila
• Jon Hall
• Bruce Quebral
• Andrew Wolff
• Luke Conde
• ZEUS Collins
• singers Karylle, Rachelle Ann Go and Christian Bautista 
• StarStruck graduates Paulo Avelino, Steven Silva, Sarah Lahbati, Enzo Pineda, Diva Montelaba and Rocco Nacino
• Survivor Philippines castways Shaun Rodriguez and Suzuki Sadatsugu
• AJ Dee 
• Robi Domingo 
• David Chua 
• sexy stars Iwa Moto, Iya Villania, and Zanjoe Marudo
• loveteam of Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson
• former sexy actress Katrina Halili
• Be Bench winner Carl Guevara
• Eurasian model Benjamin Tang
• Rafael Rosell
• Wowowee girls RR Enriquez, Saicy Aguila, and April “Congratulations” Gustilo
• Kian Kazemi
• Rufa Mae Quinto-Magallanes
• Francine Prieto
• Jomari Yllana
• Antonio Aquitania
• Wendell Ramos
• Angelica Panganiban
• Pokwang
• Carla Abellana
• Enchong Dee
• beauty queen-actress Margaret Wilson
• Carlene Aguilar
• Michelle and Ehra Madrigal
• Alessandra de Rossi
• Bubbles Paraiso
• Jennifer Lee 
• Precious Adona
• Nancy Jane Castiglione
• Railey Valeroso
• Jay-R
• actor-model Victor Aliwalas
• young comedian Thou Reyes
• actor-singer Nico Antonio
• PBB Double Up Big 5 housemates: Paul Jake Castillo, Johan Santos, Tibo Jumalon
• the funny pair of Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros
• Aljur Abrenica 
• Isabelle Daza-Semblat
• Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico
• Georgina Wilson-Burnard
• JC de Vera
• Frencheska Farr and Geoff Taylor
• StarStruck’s Prince Stefan and Dex Quindoza
• Ejay Falcon
• Rayver Cruz 
• Sarah Geronimo
• Shaina Magdayao
• Borgy Manotoc
• Jessy Mendiola
• Sam Milby
• Arron Villaflor

For Impostora's Assunta De Rossi (FAN PAGE) and sister Alessandra de Rossi, she was appeared at One Night Only in 2002, she would wear one-piece again in #BENCHUndertheStars at Mall of Asia Arena.

• Juliana Palermo
• Geneva Cruz
• Jenine Desiderio
• Nicolette Bell
• Robby Mananquil
• Gary Dualtas
• Luis Alandy
• Kiel, Andrew, Benjamin, and Jay of the G4
• Alfred Vargas
• Marvin Agustin
• Yul Servo Nieto
• Rainier Castillo

PPP program reforms to fund ‘Build Build Build’

Revisions to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program are expected to fund a sizeable portion of the Duterte government’s ambitious “Build Build Build” infrastructure program.

In a statement, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda of Albay said approval of House Bill (HB) 788 would enable the government to fund up to P6.3 trillion worth of big-ticket infrastructure projects.

The government, which has already identified 75 projects to be implemented during its six-year term, expects to spend some P9 trillion for “Build Build Build”.

Salceda claimed that HB 788, titled the PPP Rationalization Act, would propel and accelerate the implementation of the 2017-2022 Philippine Development Plan (PDP).


The measure calls for clearer parameters on government undertaking and investment recovery schemes, procedures on project approval and procurement, and fiscal rules on contingent liabilities.

Proposed reforms include clearer and simpler rules, the reduction of project timetables from 30 months to 18 to 24 months, and increased threshold amounts for PPP project approvals.

While the government has insisted that it would implement the projects itself under “Build Build Build”, Salceda said “the private sector’s resources are now awaiting investment opportunities that would translate to more jobs and higher economic growth.”

“Now is the time indeed to forge more public-private partnerships to deliver critical projects that will usher the country’s ‘Golden Age of Infrastructure’,” he added.

Maricar back home for album launch, concert

Maricar Riesgo headlines the “Untold Music” concert at the Music Hall tomorrow.

She started singing at 10 years old, joining contests and doing community performances. She later became a lounge singer in such places as Army & Navy Club, Manila Midtown Hotel, Holiday Inn and Philippine Columbian.

Maricar was 17 when she won as grand champion in the Rachel Alejandro Sing-Alike Competition. Then she went to Japan and fronted bands mostly composed of locals. In 2006, Maricar won in the Japan Karaoke Grand Prix, the only foreigner among the contestants.

After 10 years of stay abroad, Maricar comes home to release an album with the carrier single “Lumuluha.”

Her guest performers in the concert are Angelo Miguel, Gio Levy, Aikee Rapido, Cosmic Wall Band, Sta. Maria Band, Ritmo Band, and Mikhail John Saludo, with Pepita Curtis and Boobita as hosts.

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Movie fan

The 33rd Star Awards of the Philippine Movie and Press Club was held last month at the NPAT of the Resorts World Manila. Movie fan Tony Boy dela Rea recalls having great fun seeing the top awardees of the night Superstar Nora Aunor and Star for all Seasons Vilma Santos who tied for the Best Actress award.

(from left): Former beauty queen Joy Conde, Tony Boy dela Rea and Lea Wells

Other awardees included Pen Medina, Ana Capri, Daniel Padilla and Luis Manzano. The other stars who graced the event were Yassi Pressman and Robi Domingo who hosted the event. Tony Boy came with his friends, former Miss RP Joy Conde, Llea Wells and Jen Cruz.

By the way, Tony Boy’s CD “Simply Tony” is now out, featuring the song “Lord I Offer My Life To You.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 24, go to QC Councilor Alfred Vargas, Cesar Concio, Willie Chipeco, Lourna Pal, Yasmin Dayrit, Jun-Jun R. Ablaza, Narciso Chan, Cesar dela Fuente, Marites Meyer, Mrs. Alice Rosario, Salud Mercado, Mary Cris Borja, Camille Encinas, Emily Dacer, Susie dela Cruz, Ma. Luisa Javier, Nanet Canchela, Hanna Alegre, Rafael Relucio, Gavina Motel, Ester Cumagun, Brenda Arguelles, Fely I. Jimenez, Nickson Pacayra, Mary Anne Cabanizas, Dindo Acosta, Aileen Lorenzo, Ronnie Vivar, MB’s Rory Page, Raffy Sazon, Rosalina Munoz, Hazel Uy, Atty. Ma. Angelina G. Matibag, Arnold Trinidad, Raffy Lim, Tony Tamayo, Nadine Bonoan, Dr. Tito Torralba, Boy Villasanta, Liezl Quilala, Ariel Obera, Rafael Sazon, Gov. Jonvic Remulla, Bill Kevin del Rosario, Michael John Sibal Cojuangco, Garret Tabuzo, Erlinda “Baby” Mendiola of San Pedro, Laguna; Joseph Cruz of Pan Pacific Casino Filipino, and GMA-7’s Pia Guanio…Oct. 25: Senators Lito Lapid and Alan Peter Cayetano, Comelec Comm. Ma. Gracia Dielo Padaca, Ms. Cristina G. Caedo, Chary S. Misa, Jackie Cayuca, Santa So, Mrs. Rosario Corrales Miranda, Rey Espiritu of Walnut, CA; Toni Acaylar, Ma. Bituin Hidalgo, Ceada Tanopo-Nato, Mario Hernando, Jojo Montemayor, Mark Talosig, writer Mario Hernando, actor Leandro Z. Baldemor, Gilleth Sandico, "TWBA" production assistant Andy Ferrer triplets Leonardo Frederick, Alvin Benjamin and Kevin Anthony S. de Leon, and Henry Yap-Espiritu of Campaigns PR… Happy wedding anniversary to Rudolf and Babot Armas; Jessie and Tiffany Simeon; and John and Tini Jacaria…

Enchong Dee swimmer

Reconstruction ng ‘Bicol Express’ sisimulan

Sisimulan na ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) ang reconstruction sa ‘Bicol Express’ na tren ng Philippine National Railways (PNR) na biyahe mula sa Maynila patungo ng Sorsogon sa Bicol.

Ayon kay DOTr Undersecretary for Rails Cezar Chavez, sa oras na matapos ang reconstruction ay imbes na 13 oras na biyahe sa bus ay iikli na lang sa 7 oras ang magi­ging biyahe ng mga pasahero na sasakay ng “Bicol Express”.

Sinabi ni Cahvez na bagong riles, bagong istasyon, bagong bagon, operations, maintenance and management, sistema, ang kanilang plano sa biyahe ng tren patungong Bicol.

Inaasahan na aarangkada ang ‘Bicol Express’ bago bumaba sa puwesto si Pangulong Duterte at may budget na aabot sa P175 bilyon na pinondohan na umano ng bansang China.

Aniya, nangako ang China na tatapusin ang konstruksyon ng riles sa loob ng tatlong taon habang kinakailangan namang i-relocate ng gobyerno ang mahigit sa 100,000 pamilya na informal settler na maapektuhan ng proyekto upang maayos ang right of way ng riles.

http://www.philstar.com:8080/bansa/2017/10/22/1751281/reconstruction-ng-bicol-express-sisimulan

LRMC wins award for leadership excellence

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE – LRMC’s management team was named Executive Leadership Team of the Year while LRMC President and CEO Rogelio Singson was among the finalists named for Global Filipino Executive of the Year in the 2017 Asian CEO Awards. Standing (from left) are: Cavite Extension Project Head Scott Anderson, Chief Operating Officer Rodolfo Chansuyco, Chief Finance Officer Fatima Agbayani, HSEQ Director Val Reyes, Corporate Communications and Customer Relations Head Rochelle Gamboa, and General Counsel Philip Ranada. Seated (from left ) are: Human Resource Head Josette Locara, Operations Director Rodrigo Bulario, President and CEO Rogelio Singson, and Engineering Director Wencelso Villavicencio. Not in photo: Information Management and Technology Head Randy Sac.

For leadership excellence in improving customer experience on Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), rail operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) was named 2017 Executive Leadership Team of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards last night.

In ceremonies held at the Manila Marriott Hotel, LRMC’s management team was awarded Executive Leadership Team of the Year while LRMC President and CEO Rogelio Singson was among the finalists named for Global Filipino Executive of the Year  Awards. Organizer Chalré Associates earlier disclosed that audit firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers received over 320 entries for 15 categories.

The awards were conferred on LRMC for its achievement in improving efficiencies and introducing innovations that resulted in increased number of trains and trips, improved safety and cleanliness of the stations, and extended operating hours resulting in reduced passenger waiting time,  increased ridership, significantly improved customer satisfaction, and the company’s achievement of two ISO certifications for quality management and environmental management – all unprecedented milestones in the 32-year history of Manila’s oldest light rail system.

Presented by PLDT Enterprise, the annual Asia CEO Awards is the largest business awards in the Philippines aimed at promoting the ASEAN region as a premier business destination in the world.

Previous winners for Executive Leadership Team included Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Clark Development Corporation and SM Prime Holdings.

Alvarez files bill creating national railway regulator

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has filed a bill that will consolidate the regulation of the country’s train systems into a proposed Philippine National Railway Authority and set up government corporations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to operate railways.

The bill will also require all railway operators to secure a legislative franchise from Congress before constructing and operating a system.

This was one of the proposals Alvarez earlier laid out as part of the “great reorganization of the government bureaucracy” that the House of Representatives plans to prioritize in the second year of the 17th Congress.

House Bill No. 6593 seeks to mandate the PNRA to “regulate all aspects of the Railway Corporations” that are presently operating and may be established in the future.

The current rail regulators — the Philippine National Railways (PNR), the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), the Panay Railways, Inc., and the North Luzon Railway Corp. (Northrail) — would be abolished and absorbed into the PNRA under the bill.

The PNRA’s functions will include entering into contracts, acquiring real properties, fixing the schedule frequency and route of railway services, privatizing any part of the system with prior approval by Congress, formulating a master plan for a national system with environmental standards, and ordering the cessation of any related activity.

Construction of railway tracks and changes in structures and methodology will not be allowed “without the prior approval of the Authority.”

Its five-man board of directors will be headed by the Transportation secretary and composed of three general managers of the railway corporations and one private sector appointee.

The board, which will meet at least once a month, will be tasked with creating railway standards and drawing up rules on tariffs and fees, as well as security and safety.

The PNRA’s operations, meanwhile, will be run by an administrator, who should have recognized executive ability and competence in the field of transportation.

Three railway operators

The bill would also create three government corporations – the Luzon Railway Corp. (LRC), the Visayas Railway Corp. (VRC), and the Mindanao Railway Corp. (MRC) – to operate the systems in their respective island groups.

These companies would respectively be based in Clark in Pampanga province, somewhere in Panay island, and in Tagum City in Davao del Norte province. The government corporations would have a 50-year life span that could be renewed for another 50 years upon the president’s approval.

The corporations will have the power to exercise the right of eminent domain, borrow money and transact business, and construct public utilities and infrastructure.

Each corporation will have an authorized capital stock of P30 billion, with P6 billion being initially paid-up and the balance paid through continuing appropriations of at least P2 billion annually.

Each corporation will be headed by a seven-member board of directors chaired by the Transportation undersecretary and co-chaired by the Finance secretary.

The railway corporations would be exempted from “all taxes of any kind” by both national and local governments on its earnings and properties, as well as import duties on its railway materials, rolling stocks, spare parts and other supplies.

Railway construction

Each corporation would also be allowed to put up a power plant to ensure the continuous operation of the railways, as long as a cost-benefit analysis is done by PNRA first. PNRA would also be tasked to put up waste-to-energy plants in cooperation with local government units and the private sector.
Within three years of the bill’s enactment, PNRA will be required to identify the alignment of the National Railway System in consultation with the railway corporations.

The bill also lays down provisions regulating the construction of railways.
For one, project proponents will be required to provide access roads between lands crossed by the railway, and operators will have to put up fences if the need is determined by the PNRA.

Every railway line will also be required to have a maintenance group to ensure efficient operations, and PNRA will also have a railway safety or security officer to carry out inspections.

The bill also seeks to establish a Railway Training Center, which will issue license to train drivers. It also proposes a four-year baccalaureate course in the state-run University of the Philippines or the Polytechnic University of the Philippines to ensure the transfer of railway technology.

The railway system will be insured from natural and man-made disasters by the Government Service Insurance System.

Each passenger will also be covered by accident insurance of P200,000 in case of death or P100,000 in case of injury, to be adjusted every five years based for inflation.

Penalties

Under the bill, only the Supreme Court can issue a temporary restraining order or an injunction to stop the implementation of “any contract or project” of PNRA.

Illegal entry and occupation of railway properties will be punishable with imprisonment of six months to two years or fined at least P10,000. Obstruction, meanwhile, will be penalized with imprisonment of two to three years.

Theft of railway property will be punished with imprisonment of six to 12 years or a P1-million fine or even both.

Exceeding authorized speed limits, failure to properly maintain the system, failure to comply with safety and sanitation regulations, or failure to maintain a maintenance and accident record will also be punishable with a fine of P100,000 to P500,000.

Besides Alvarez, the other authors of the 27-page bill are Reps. Rodolfo Fariñas, Cesar Sarmiento, Juan Pablo Bondoc, Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Renato Unico Jr., Juliet Marie Ferrer, Alfred Vargas, Bayani Fernando, Anna Katrina Enverga, and Winston Castelo.

The explanatory note blames the deficiencies in the country’s railway system on “regulatory chaos since there is no central authority regulating the Philippine railway system.”

It notes that the lack of any such system in Visayas and Mindanao have “hampered the potential for economic growth and development.” /atm

Dance groups, DJs and bands to enliven convention

Buganda Dancers, Sindaw Dance Group, Higantes Group, Heat of the Night Band with Caren Tevanny, DJ Natalia Moon, Gabriela Ortega, and Giselle Sanchez are but some of the performers at the 2017 International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC) from Oct. 24 to 27 at Okada Manila.

The entertainment showcase is in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines headed by COO Cesar Montano.

The theme this year is “Quality Teams Evolved: Driving Change and Sustainability Through Quality Circle Evolution.”

The ICQCC is a yearly venue for exchanging ideas and experiences on QC Circle activities or team-based improvement programs among countries. The convention’s objectives are to promote professional development and growth, teamwork, good camaraderie, and problem solving skills, through project presentations.

The Quality and Productivity Association of the Philippines (QPAP), Inc., formerly known as Productivity Improvement Circles Association of the Philippines (PICAP), established in 1980, headed by Ms. Julie Tamayo, and Anthony San Mateo, immediate past president, spearheads this year’s ICQCC with 1500 expected delegates.

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Barkada treat

Padi’s Point and Andy Player Whiskey Cola held its grand raffle draw recently for its Happy Hour Barkada Treat promo. Three mountain bikes went to public school teacher Aquilino “Jun” Tibong, co-teacher Lea Joy Marcelo and Division of Navotas employee Luisa Elipan.

Jun’s raffle coupon was the winning entry drawn at Padi’s Point-Morato. Their favourite branch is at Sky Garden SM North Edsa.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 21, go to former Presidential Adviser Gabby Claudio, Mitch Valdes, awarded director Joey Reyes, Irma Potenciano, Herbert Sy, Tessie E. Rodrigo, Charing Dulalia, Kookoo Gonzales, Celia Martinez-Flores, Ernest Tagle, Celia Cunanan, Delfin V. Cruz Jr., Joan Menguito, Marirose Sison-Garcia, Jesus Reynaldo V. Palma of California, Annaliza Velasco, Atty. Harry Roque, Vanessa Ricarte, Mandy Eduque, Gregor Christopher Uy Viscayda, Edwin Costa, twins John Lawrence and John Mark de la Cruz, Stephen Tomas Flores-Joseph, Kathy Tanjuatco, PDI’s Chelo Banal Formoso, Beth Gelema, and Pica Lozano of Star Magic…Oct. 22: Lindsay Custodio-Platon, Conchitina Veloso, Tereret Liboro, Angel Cruz, Lito Talampas, Jane Enrile, Virginia R. Velasco, Anna Liza C. de Leon, Richard Merino, Helen Ong, Kristina Antonio Macapagal, Antonio La Vina, Nadine C. Teves, Jojo Guiao, Felino “Sonny” Timbol, Mary Ann “Baby” M. Montemayor, Marissa Francisco, Karla Yturzaeta and Matt Evans...Oct. 23: Ms. Verni Varga, Babes Tirona, Carol Jao, Marlyn Bermudez, Teody Buenaflor, Maria Belinda, Malou Matias, Lhen Estanislao, Fely Igmat, Baby Detoito, Joel David, Flores-Wenceslao, Deth Paras, Mrs. Maria Rosario, Fernandez, Lirio Covey, Boy Romero, realtor Don Moral, Adrian Elisan, Ramon Papa of O Bar Ortigas, Abegail Galang, Francesca Venice Reyes, Jel Cortez of FDCP,  Andre Garcia of Star Magic, MB’s Online editor Jojo Panaligan, Freddie Wells who turns 83 and Juanita Velasco Palma who turns 96 today… Happy wedding anniversary to Steve and Wilma Sarino…