Excerpt: LIKE, YOU KNOW, IT'S BUWAN NG WIKA KASE

Setyembre na bukas makalawa. Makikinig na tayo sa mga mapandustang kanta ni Jose Mari Chan: “Whenever I see girls and boys selling lanterns on the street...”

Bukod sa Christmas in our Hearts, sabay buka ng bibig habang sinasabayan ang kumpas ni titser at pag-awit ng “🎤 Ang Pasko ay sumapit tayo ay mangagsiawit ng magagandang himig dahil sa Diyos ay pag-ibig nang si Kristo'y isilang may tatlong haring nagsidalaw at ang bawa't isa ay nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay. Bagong Taon ay magbagong-buhay nang lumigaya ang ating bayan tayo'y magsikap upang makamtan natin ang kasaganaan. Tayo'y mangagsiawit habang ang mundo'y tahimik ang araw ay sumapit ng sanggol na dulot ng langit. Tayo ay magmahalan ating sundin ang gintong aral at magbuhat ngayon kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan.”

“🎤Sa maybahay ang aming bati Merry Christmas na maluwalhati ang pag-ibig pag siyang naghari araw-araw ay magiging Paskong lagi ang sanhi po ng pagparito hihingi po ng aginaldo kung sakali't kami'y perhuwisyo pasensya na kayo pagka't kami'y namamasko 🎵”

“🎤Pasko na naman O kay tulin ng araw Paskong nagdaan tila ba kung kailan lang ngayon ay Pasko, dapat pasalamatan ngayon ay Pasko, tayo ay mag-awitan! Pasko (Pasko), Pasko (Pasko) Pasko na namang muli tanging araw nating pinakamimithi Pasko (Pasko), Pasko (Pasko) Pasko na namang muli ang pag-ibig, naghahari 🎵”



“🎤O bakit kaya tuwing pasko ay dumarating na ang bawat isas para bang namomroblema 'di mo alam ang regalong ibibigay ngayong kay hirap na nitong ating buhay meron pa kayang karoling at noche Buena kung tayo naman ay kapos at wala nang pera nakakahiya kung muling pagtaguan mo Ang yong mga inaanak sa araw ng Pasko. Ngunit kahit na anong mangyari ang pag-ibig sanay mag-hari sapat nang si Hesus ang kasama mo tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang pasko! Mabuti pa nga ang pasko nuong isang taon sa ating hapag mayroong keso de bolat hamon baka sa gipit happy new year mapo-postpone at ang hamon ay mauuwi sa bagoong! Ngunit kahit na anong mangyari ang pag-ibig sanay mag-hari sapat nang si Hesus ang kasama mo tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang pasko 🎵”



“🎤Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh oh oh oh oh oooh oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh oh oh oh oh oooh sabay sa pagdating ng hanging malamig lalong umiinit ang ating pag-ibig bawat regalong ibinibigay hatid ang sayang walang kapantay! Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh oh oh oh oh oooh! sa himig ng mga nangangaroling sumasabay ang tibok ng puso natin ang pagkislap ng ilaw na makulay nagbibigay saya sa ating buhay! Ang sarap talaga kapag kapaskuhan damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sayo sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko! Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh oh oh oh ooh, oh oooh oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh oh oh oh ooh, oh ooh! Mas masarap ang handaang pagsasaluhan kung panulak ay malakas na tawanan ang pagbati ay lalong tumatamis kapag may kasamang hug at kiss!🎵”

“🎤Ang sarap talaga kapag kapaskuhan damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sa'yo sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko🎵”

“🎤Ito ang ating pinakahihintay na panahon gawin nating pasko ang buong taon ang sarap talaga kapag kapaskuhan damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sa'yo sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko!🎵”

“🎤Oh oh oh ooh, oh oh oh ooh oh oh oh oh ooohhh! (Ang sarap talaga) kapag kapaskuhan damang dama mo ang pagmamahalan ang tanging wish ko para sa'kin para sa'yo sana maGMAhalan tayo ngayong pasko!

Recto bill seeks renewal of ABS-CBN franchise for another 25 years

A bill renewing the franchise granted to ABS-CBN Corp. for another 25 years has been filed at the Senate.

Senate Bill No. 981, filed last Wednesday, was initiated by Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto.

ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire on March 30, 2020.

In the bill, Recto recognized ABS-CBN as the country’s largest entertainment and media conglomerate in terms of revenue, operating income, net income, assets, equity, market capitalization, and number of employees.

“Despite the growing popularity of social media, television still remains as a preferred mass medium in our provinces and other far-flung areas,” the bill read.

“ABS-CBN has remained steadfast in its commitment to reach out to as many Filipinos as possible by delivering their quality core programs closer to our countrymen by taking advantage of emerging broadcast technologies,” it added.

A similar measure had been filed at the House of Representatives but remains pending since 2016.

The measure was revived in the lower chamber when the 18th Congress opened last July.

This, despite repeated pronouncements from President Rodrigo Duterte that he would block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, accusing it of not airing his campaign ad that was already paid for during the 2016 presidential election.

“Kalakas ng loob… mukhang marami kami sila Chiz Escudero, tanggap nang tanggap. Niloko ninyo kami, marami hindi lang ako kaya kayo hindi ko kayo palusutin,” Duterte said in a speech in Novemberlast year.

“‘Yung franchise ninyo matatapos na, but let me ask you [the] questions first, kasi ako talagang mag-object na ma-renew kayo,”the President added.  /muf

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1159154/recto-bill-seeks-renewal-of-abs-cbn-franchise-for-another-25-years

Plebiscite for Sto. Tomas, Batangas cityhood set

A plebiscite to ratify the cityhood of Sto. Tomas, Batangas will be held on Sept. 7, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced.

Republic Act 11086 mandates the poll body to set the date and supervise the plebiscite to convert Sto. Tomas into a component city.

The voter registration in Sto. Tomas will be suspended from Sept. 4 to 11 to give way to the political exercise. It will resume on Sept. 12.

Under Comelec Resolution 10586, personnel of certain departments in the executive branch, government-owned and controlled corporations and financial institutions will be deputized for the plebiscite.

The Departments of Education, Finance, Energy, Budget and Management and Transportation; Philippine Postal Service Corp., National Telecommunication Commission, Civil Service Commisssion and Commission on Audit shall be at the “disposal” of the Comelec to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the plebiscite.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/08/30/1947487/plebiscite-sto-tomas-batangas-cityhood-set

Voter registration suspended in Batangas town for plebiscite

By Ferdinand Patinio

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended for a week the voter registration in Sto. Tomas, Batangas to give way to the events prior to a plebiscite for its cityhood on September 7.

Comelec Resolution No. 10559 released on Wednesday, stated that the listing activities in connection with the May 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will be put on hold from September 4 to 11.

The registration is set to resume on September 12.

The nationwide registration of voters for village and youth polls started on August 1 and will end on September 30.

On the other hand, pursuant to Republic Act No. 11086, the poll body is mandated to set the date and supervise the conduct of the plebiscite converting the present municipality of Santo Tomas into a component city of Batangas.

On the said date, voters will write the word “Yes” or “Oo” on the official ballot if they vote for the approval of the ratification of R.A. No. 11086, which converts the municipality into a city.

Those who will vote for its rejection will write the word “No” or “Hindi”.

All qualified and duly registered voters of the town may cast their votes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

An express lane will be provided for pregnant voters, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

Illiterates and members of the marginalized sector, who cannot, by themselves, accomplish the ballots may be assisted by qualified persons subject to guidelines set forth in the plebiscite.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078888

Santa Rosa in Laguna gets own legislative district

The city of Santa Rosa in the province of Laguna now has its own legislative district under a new law signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Under Republic Act No. 11395, Santa Rosa, which is currently in the first legislative district of Laguna, will now constitute its own legislative district.

"The City of Santa Rosa is hereby separated from the First Legislative District of the Province of Laguna to constitute the Lone Legislative District of the City of Santa Rosa, which shall commence in the next national and local elections after the effectivity of this Act," the law read.

Currently, San Pedro City is the only city, which remains part of Laguna’s first district.

Santa Rosa City is Laguna’s third legislative district since 2016 after the cities of Biñan and Calamba.

Rep. Danilo Ramon Fernandez, the incumbent representative of the first legislative district of Laguna, will continue to represent the said district until the first representative for Santa Rosa is elected.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be tasked to issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this act within 60 days from the effectivity of the act.

Duterte signed the act constituting the lone legislative district of Santa Rosa on Aug. 22 but a copy of the document was released to the media only on Wednesday (Aug. 28).

Santa Rosa City currently has a population of over 353,767.

A total of 213,913 registered voters in Santa Rosa City participated in the 2019 midterm elections. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078974

Duterte signs law creating lone district of Sta. Rosa City, Laguna

President Duterte has signed Republic Act No. 11395 paving the way for the creation of the lone legislative district of Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.

The new law separates the city of Sta. Rosa from the first legislative district of Laguna to constitute the lone legislative district of Sta. Rosa City.

The new district will commence in the next national and local elections following the effectivity of the new law.

Under the law, the incumbent Laguna first district representative will continue to represent such district until a new representative of lone district of Sta. Rosa is elected.

The Commission on Elections has been directed to issue the rules and regulations to implement RA 11395 within 60 days from the effectivity of the law.

The law, signed by the President last Aug. 22, will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper.

Laguna Rep. Arlene Arcillas had earlier filed a bill separating Sta. Rosa City from Laguna amid the growing population of the city.

Sta. Rosa reportedly has a population of 353,767 as of the 2015 government census and is home to several subdivisions and residential and commercial communities, automotive plants, and the Enchanted Kingdom theme park. (Genalyn Kabiling)

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/08/28/duterte-signs-law-creating-lone-district-of-sta-rosa-city-laguna/

Santa Rosa City gets own legislative district

Santa Rosa City in the province of Laguna now has its own legislative district.

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Republic Act No. 11395, which will constitute a new lone legislative district for the first-class city. RA 11395 was signed August 22, but a copy of which was only released by Malacañang on Wednesday.

Currently, Laguna is represented in the House of Representatives through its first, second, third, and fourth districts. The cities of Biñan and Calamba have their respective legislative districts.

The new law will leave San Pedro City as the only remaining part of the Laguna’s first district.

The incumbent congressman for the 1st District of Laguna, Rep. Dan Fernandez, will continue to represent the said district until the new representative of the Lone District of the City of Santa Rosa has been elected.

The changes will commence in the next national and local elections, after the effectivity of the law. /kga

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1158552/santa-rosa-city-gets-own-legislative-district

Duterte signs law creating lone legislative district of Santa Rosa City in Laguna

By VIRGIL LOPEZ, GMA News

Santa Rosa City in Laguna will soon have its own representative in Congress.

Signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 22, Republic Act 11395 creates a new legislative district by separating the city of Santa Rosa from the first legislative district of the province of Laguna.

The law provides that the incumbent representative of the first legislative district of Laguna will continue to represent such district until the new representative of the lone district of the city of Santa Rosa shall have been elected and qualified.

The Commission on Elections has 60 days to issue the implementing rules and regulations of the new measure.

Santa Rosa hosts several manufacturing and industrial companies in the areas of electronics and semi­conductors, automotive and automotive parts, metal, packaging, food processing, and the business process outsourcing.  —KBK, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/706068/duterte-signs-law-creating-lone-legislative-district-of-santa-rosa-city-in-laguna/story/

Sta. Rosa City in Laguna gets own legislative district

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure creating a separate legislative district for Sta. Rosa City.

The city, currently part of the first district of Laguna, will constitute the lone legislative district of the City of Sta. Rosa under Republic Act No. 11395 signed on Aug. 22.

This leaves San Pedro City as the only remaining part of the province's first district, currently represented by Dan Fernandez at the House of Representatives.

The incumbent representative of the first district of Laguna will continue to represent the district until a representative of the lone district of Sta. Rosa City is elected.

The change takes effect in the next national and local elections.

Sta. Rosa City has a population of nearly 353,767 according to the 2015 census.

(Update) This year under the 18th congress, the President will certify as urgent the bills reconstituting Malabon, Navotas, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Las Pinas and Muntinlupa in Metro Manila, San Jose del Monte in Bulacan and Bacoor in Cavite and provinces of Bataan from two to three districts, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija from four to five districts, Rizal from two to four districts, Cagayan from three to four districts, Laguna from four to five districts, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Antique, Eastern Samar, Davao Occidental and Sarangani from one to two districts, converting the municipality of Pateros into a city and creating the lone legislative districts of Malolos City from the first district of the province of Bulacan and Cabuyao City in Laguna into laws.

Cavite Rep. Strike B. Revilla introduced House Bill No. 0___ or An Act Creating A New Legislative District in the City of Bacoor Amending Republic Act No. 10160, Entitled ‘An Act Converting the Municipality of Bacoor in the Province of Cavite into a Component City to Be Known as the City of Bacoor’ And Providing Funds Therefor,’ that that amends the law covering the conversion of Bacoor from a municipality to a city.

Under the amended law, the 73 barangays have been divided into two legislative districts.

Barangays of Alima, Aniban I, Aniban II, Aniban III, Aniban IV, Aniban V, Banalo, Camposanto, Daang-Bukid, Digman, Dulong-Bayan, Kaingin, Habay I, Habay II, Ligas I, Ligas II, Ligas III, Mabolo I, Mabolo II, Mabolo III, Maliksi I, Maliksi II, Maliksi III, Niog I, Niog II, Niog III, Panapaan I, Panapaan II, Panapaan III, Panapaan IV, Panapaan V, Panapaan VI, Panapaan VII, Panapaan VIII, Real I, Real II, Salinas I, Salinas II, Salinas III, Salinas IV, San Nicolas I, San Nicolas II, San Nicolas III, Sineguelasan, Tabing-Dagat, Talaba I, Talaba II, Talaba III, Talaba IV, Talaba V, Talaba VI, Talaba VII, Zapote I, Zapote II, Zapote III, Zapote IV and Zapote V fall under District 1 while Bayanan, Mambog I, Mambog II, Mambog III, Mambog IV, Mambog V, Molino I, Molino II, Molino III, Molino IV, Molino V, Molino VI, Molino VII, Queens Row Central, Queens Row East and Queens Row West form part of the second legislative district.

House Members remain hard at work even during the month-long recess as the technical working group (TWG) of the House Committee on Local Government convened to create the province of Western Maguindanao.

These measures include House Bill No. (HB) 4840 authored by Datu Ronnie Sinsuat, Sr. (1st District, Maguindanao) and HB 3405 by Esmael Mangdadatu (2nd District, Maguindanao).

The TWG, headed by Committee Vice Chairperson Rep. Eddiebong Plaza, approved proposals to create the province of Western Maguindanao from the province of Maguindanao

The TWG of the Committee on Local Government undertakes to continue working during the Congressional recess to consolidate the several bills filed. The approved bills will then be presented to the Chairperson Villanueva when session resumes month.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/28/19/sta-rosa-city-in-laguna-gets-own-legislative-district

Martin, Arnel, Christian takot masalaula ang Pambansang Awit

Aminado si National Historical Commission chairman Rene Escalante na naging malaking isyu noon ang pag-awit nina Arnel Pineda, Martin Nievera at Christian Bautista ng National Anthem sa boxing bouts nina Manny Pacquiao at Gerry Peñalosa.

Si Christian ay napulaan dahil nakalimutan nito ang ilang linya ng Pambansang Awit noong Peñalosa-Bernabe fight samantalang sina Martin at Arnel ay nakuwestiyon sa kanilang na­ging bersyon ng pagbirit ng “Lupang Hinirang” noong naging opponent ni Pacman sina Hatton at Clottey.

May ilang kampo rin noon na gustong kasuhan ang dalawa dahil sa umano’y pagsalaula sa Pambansang Awit.

Hindi raw puwedeng i-invoke ang creative freedom dahil may sariling guidelines na sinusunod ang kanilang komisyon sa tamang pag-awit nito.

Meanwhile, nag-launch na ang Ayala Foundation ng kanilang bagong National Anthem video na mapapanood sa lahat ng Ayala Mall cinemas.

Ayon kay Ruel Maranan, Ayala Foundation president, layunin daw nilang para­ngalan ang common tao na patuloy na naglilingkod sa kanilang mga kababayan sa abot ng kanilang makakaya kaya ang mga ito ang bida sa video.

Pahayag naman ni John Phillip Orbeta, Ayala Corporation group head for corporate resources, ang kanilang bagong proyekto ay kasama sa kanilang “Maging Magiting” campaign. (Archie Liao)

https://tonite.abante.com.ph/martin-arnel-christian-takot-masalaula-ang-pambansang-awit.htm

ABS-CBN Convergence seeking to extend legislative franchise

A LAWMAKER filed a bill seeking to extend the franchise of ABS-CBN Corp.’s telecommunications unit by another 25 years, as ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. looks to focus on the wireless broadband business.

Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Party-list Rep. Jericho Jonas B. Nograles filed House Bill 3064, which proposes to extend ABS-CBN Convergence’s current franchise which expires in 2022.

“ABS-CBN Convergence sees a lot of opportunities in the wireless market, especially in the wireless broadband segment… Wireless broadband service is seen by ASB-CBN Convergence as the preferred choice of service due to its ease in use and mobility,” Mr. Nograles said in the bill’s explanatory note.

“As such, ABS-CBN Convergence decided that it will expand its current wireless business by introducing more products and partnerships,” he added.

Mr. Nograles said the extension of the company’s franchise will allow it to continue providing telecommunications services “at rates affordable to the consuming public.”

ABS-CBN Convergence, then known as Multi-Media Telephony, Inc., was first granted a franchise under Republic Act no. 8332 in 1997.

The company was given a public mobile telecommunications systems license by the National Telecommunications Commission in 2005, allowing it to start a mobile phone service.

ABS-CBN Convergence in 2015 signed a five-year, network sharing deal with Globe Telecom, Inc. ABS-CBNmobile was launched as a mobile virtual network operator offering text, call and data services using Globe’s network.

The company shuttered ABS-CBNmobile in November 2018, saying the business model was “financially unsustainable.”

ABS-CBN Convergence also operates a digital terrestrial television service under ABS-CBN TV Plus.

Parent company ABS-CBN Corp. is also awaiting the renewal of its legislative franchise, which expires next year.

Amid uncertainty surrounding its franchise renewal, the Lopez-led media giant has been beefing up its digital media business. — VACF

https://www.bworldonline.com/abs-cbn-convergence-seeking-to-extend-legislative-franchise/

New Department of Housing proposes P4.1 billion budget

By LLANESCA T. PANTI, GMA News

On its first year, the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development      proposed a P4.1 billion budget for 2020.

The budget presentation of the newly-created housing department showed the P4.1 billion was an increase from the P2.9 billion budget for the housing sector this year.

The agency said it is eyeing to construct, thru the National Housing Agency, 136,595 low-cost housing units per year.

It said constructing a low-cost housing unit requires at least eight persons working for three weeks for a total of 124 man days.

At this pace, at least one million skilled and semi-skilled workers will be provided with employment.

Based on government records, the Duterte administration was able to build 510,045 housing units from July 2016 to December 2018.

If this pace holds up, the administration will be able to build 1.2 million houses by the end of Duterte’s term in 2022. —LDF, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/705547/new-department-of-housing-proposes-p4-1-billion-budget/story/

Ex-SoCot solon eyes GenSan's House seat in special polls

By Allen Estabillo

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Former South Cotabato 1st District Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. is running for the city's newly created lone legislative district seat in the October 26 special elections, a move that will potentially give him an unprecedented fourth straight term in the House of Representatives. 

Acharon, who completed his third term in June, said Thursday he was seriously contemplating on making another congressional run in the wake of the reconfiguration early this year of the province's first district.

The elections in May for the first district representative of South Cotabato was suspended by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after its reorganization into two districts, as provided for in Republic Act 11243, or An Act Reapportioning the First Legislative District of the Province of South Cotabato.

It carved out the city from the first district of South Cotabato and created as the province's third district. The municipalities of Tampakan, Polomolok, and Tupi now comprise the first district.

The former lawmaker, who authored the new law, is being pushed by his local political party Achievers with Integrity Movement (AIM) to become the official candidate for the third district post.

Acharon, however, acknowledged that his potential candidacy may run roughshod with the law, pointing out that elected officials are only limited to three consecutive terms.

"For me, this will be a good test case because it is a new (situation)," he said in an interview over Brigada News FM here.

Acharon said it will be the first of its kind in the current political situation and "maybe it might be a good thing to debate."

The AIM party, which is allied with the Nationalist People's Coalition, fielded former City Councilor Arturo Cloma for the canceled elections for the first district of South Cotabato.

He faced then-outgoing Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas-Nograles of Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao's People's Champ Movement (PCM) and independents Menchie Dinopol-Cataluna and Abelardo Plaza.

Nograles, who has signified to run anew in the special elections, received the most number of votes but these were declared stray by Comelec due to the poll suspension. 

City Councilor Franklin Gacal, a PCM stalwart, argued that Acharon is barred from running for the post based on the three-term limit set in Section 7, Article 6 of the 1987 Constitution.

"While it may be true that GenSan is a new and distinct legislative district, the 1987 Constitution is clear on the issue," Gacal said in a Facebook comment.

Lawyer April Mitchor-Miguel, city election officer, said she is aware of the issue but noted that Acharon's plan remains a matter of speculation as the filing of certificates of candidacy has not yet begun.

The filing of COCs is scheduled on August 26-28 at the city election office and the Comelec provincial office in Koronadal City.

"Let's cross the bridge when we get there. We will know the answers to that after the filing of the COCs," Miguel said. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078564

2011 SM Logo Design

GMA VHF and UHF TV Stations Nationwide

1. GMA-7 Manila
2. TV-5 Laoag
3. TV-4 Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte*
4. TV-48 Vigan
5. TV-7 Abra
6. TV-10 Benguet
7. TV-11 La Union
8. TV-10 Dagupan
9. TV-48 Alaminos, Pangasinan
10. TV-5 Dasol, Pangasinan*
11. TV-5 Mt. Province
12. TV-7 Tuguegarao
13. TV-13 Aparri
14. TV-5 Bayombong*
15. TV-7 Batanes
16. TV-48 Cauayan
17. TV-21 Santiago
18. TV-7 Ilagan, Isabela*
19. TV-5 Baler
20. TV-10 Olongapo
21. TV-5 Iba, Zambales
22. TV-5 Botolan*
23. TV-10 Pampanga*
24. TV-5 Tarlac
25. TV-3 Bagac, Bataan*
26. TV-46 Malolos
27. TV-26 Obando
28. TV-12 Batangas
29. TV-10 Lipa, Batangas*
30. TV-5 Lucena*
31. TV-5 Marinduque*
32. TV-13 Occidental Mindoro
33. TV-30 Oriental Mindoro*
34. TV-44 Jalajala, Rizal
35. TV-12 Tagaytay*
36. TV-7 Romblon
37. TV-8 Coron, Palawan
38. TV-12 Puerto Princesa, Palawan
39. TV-6 Brooke's Point, Palawan
40. TV-8 Daet
41. TV-7/44 Naga
42. TV-13 Iriga*
43. TV-12/33 Legazpi
44. TV-8 Tabaco, Albay*
45. TV-8 Malilipot, Albay*
46. TV-8 Camalig, Albay*
47. TV-2 Sorsogon
48. TV-13 Catanduanes
49. TV-2 Kalibo
50. TV-5 Roxas
51. TV-6 Iloilo
52. TV-13 Bacolod
53. TV-5 Cadiz
54. TV-30 Murcia, Negros Occidental
55. TV-10 Sipalay
56. TV-11 Antique*
57. TV-5 Dumaguete
58. TV-7/51 Cebu
59. TV-11 Barili, Cebu*
60. TV-11 Samboan, Cebu*
61. TV-11 Bohol
62. TV-10 Tacloban
63. TV-12 Ormoc
64. TV-10 Capoocan, Leyte*
65. TV-5 Calbayog
66. TV-8 Borongan
67. TV-13 Catbalogan*
68. TV-9 Catarman*
69. TV-9/45 Zamboanga
70. TV-4 Dipolog
71. TV-3 Pagadian
72. TV-21 Ipil
73. TV-41 Mambajao
74. TV-35 Cagayan de Oro
75. TV-12 Bukidnon
76. TV-8 Valencia*
77. TV-11 Iligan
78. TV-5 Ozamiz
79. TV-5 Davao
80. TV-8/32 General Santos
81. TV-12 Kidapawan*
82. TV-26 Butuan
83. TV-3 Agusan del Sur*
84. TV-7 Dinagat
85. TV-10 Surigao
86. TV-2 Tandag
87. TV-12 Cotabato
88. TV-12 Jolo
89. TV-8 Bongao, Tawi-tawi*

(*)Off-air.

(**)On-going expansion.

TV5 Stations Nationwide

O&O Stations:

• Channel 5 Metro Manila
• Channel 2 Laoag
• Channel 28 Baguio
• Channel 32 Bacolod
• Channel 21 Cebu
• Channel 21 Cagayan de Oro
• Channel 2 Davao
• Channel 12 General Santos

Affiliate/Relay Stations:

• Channel 32 Vigan
• Channel 22 Olongapo
• Channel 24 Tarlac
• Channel 28 Baler
• Channel 22 Naga
• Channel 45 Legazpi
• Channel 47 Sorsogon
• Channel 44 Batangas
• Channel 50 Calapan
• Channel 25 Santiago
• Channel 39 Tuguegarao
• Channel 9 Puerto Princesa
• Channel 4 Tacloban
• Channel 36 Iloilo/Jordan, Guimaras
• Channel 25 Kalibo/Boracay
• Channel 33 Roxas
• Channel 11 Zamboanga
• Channel 48 Oroquieta
• Channel 10 Marawi

Upcoming/Planned Stations:

• Channel 41 Marinduque
• Channel 3 Abra
• Channel 42 Dagupan
• (SOON) Iriga
• Channel 37 Daet
• Channel 28 Catanduanes
• Channel 24 Occidental Mindoro
• (SOON) Rizal
• Channel 41 Ilagan, Isabela
• Channel 43 Cauayan, Isabela
• (SOON) Aparri
• (SOON) Bayombong
• Channel 5 Coron, Palawan
• Channel 9 Brooke's Point, Palawan
• (SOON) Pampanga
• Channel 30 Borongan
• (SOON) Calbayog
• Channel 50 Murcia
• Channel 44 Dumaguete
• Channel 7 Bohol
• (SOON) Dipolog
• Channel 32 Pagadian
• Channel 36 Iligan
• Channel 30 Ozamiz
• Channel 44 Koronadal
• Channel 36 Butuan
• Channel 28 Agusan del Sur
• Channel 19 Surigao
• Channel 23 Tandag
• Channel 26 Bislig
• (SOON) Cotabato
• (SOON) Jolo

QTV VHF and UHF TV Stations Nationwide

• QTV-11 Manila
• TV-__ Laoag
• TV-__ Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte
• TV-__ Vigan
• TV-__ Abra
• TV-__ Benguet
• TV-__ La Union
• TV-__ Dagupan
• TV-__ Alaminos, Pangasinan
• TV-__ Dasol, Pangasinan
• TV-__ Mountain Province
• TV-__ Tuguegarao
• TV-__ Aparri
• TV-__ Bayombong
• TV-__ Quirino
• TV-__ Batanes
• TV-__ Cauayan
• TV-__ Santiago
• TV-__ Ilagan, Isabela
• TV-__ Baler
• TV-__ Olongapo
• TV-__ Iba, Zambales
• TV-__ Botolan
• TV-__ Pampanga
• TV-__ Tarlac
• TV-__ Bagac, Bataan
• TV-__ Malolos
• TV-__ Plaridel
• TV-__ Obando
• TV-__ Meycauayan
• TV-__ San Jose del Monte
• TV-__ Batangas
• TV-__ Lipa, Batangas
• TV-__ Lucena
• TV-__ Marinduque
• TV-__ Occidental Mindoro
• TV-__ Oriental Mindoro
• TV-__ Jalajala, Rizal
• TV-__ Tagaytay
• TV-__ Romblon
• TV-__ Coron, Palawan
• TV-__ Roxas, Palawan
• TV-__ Puerto Princesa
• TV-__ Sofronio Española
• TV-__ Narra, Palawan
• TV-__ Brooke's Point, Palawan
• TV-__ Quezon, Palawan
• TV-__ Rio Tuba/Bataraza, Palawan
• TV-__ Daet
• TV-__ Naga
• TV-__ Iriga
• TV-__ Goa
• TV-__ Legazpi
• TV-__ Tabaco, Albay
• TV-__ Malilipot, Albay
• TV-__ Camalig, Albay
• TV-__ Sorsogon
• TV-__ Catanduanes
• TV-__ Kalibo
• TV-__ Roxas
• TV-__ Iloilo
• TV-__ Bacolod
• TV-__ Cadiz
• TV-__ Murcia, Negros Occidental
• TV-__ San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
• TV-__ Sipalay
• TV-__ Antique
• TV-__ Dumaguete
• TV-__ Cebu
• TV-__ Toledo
• TV-__ Bogo
• TV-__ Barili, Cebu
• TV-__ Samboan, Cebu
• TV-__ Bohol
• TV-__ Tacloban
• TV-__ Ormoc
• TV-__ Capoocan, Leyte
• TV-__ Calbayog
• TV-__ Borongan
• TV-__ Catbalogan
• TV-__ Catarman
• TV-__ Zamboanga
• TV-__ Dipolog
• TV-__ Pagadian
• TV-__ Ipil
• TV-__ Mambajao
• TV-__ Cagayan de Oro
• TV-__ Bukidnon
• TV-__ Valencia
• TV-__ Iligan
• TV-__ Ozamiz
• TV-__ Davao
• TV-__ General Santos
• TV-__ Kidapawan
• TV-__ Tacurong
• TV-__ Butuan
• TV-__ Agusan del Sur
• TV-__ Dinagat
• TV-__ Surigao
• TV-__ Tandag
• TV-__ Cotabato
• TV-__ Marawi
• TV-__ Jolo
• TV-__ Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

(**)On-going expansion.

Solon wants new province created

A lawmaker from Mindanao has sought the creation of the province of Maguindanao North, and naming the Municipality of Sultan Kudarat as its capital.

Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu, in House Bill 3405, said the creation of the province of Maguindanao North would not only expedite the delivery of basic services to the communities but would also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of promoting development and growth at the local level.

“House Bill 3405 is drafted with the primary intention of bringing services to the people efficiently and immediately,” Mangudadatu said.

He noted that the naming the Municipality of Sultan Kudarat as the provincial capital was the most practical choice due to its accessibility via air, land and sea.

Aside from its viability to all forms of transportation, Sultan Kudarat holds historical significance among Muslims.

“The name of the municipality itself is named after Sultan Mohammad Dipatuan Kudarat who ruled the Sultanate of Maguindanao for more than 50 years. For us, he is our hero, a great leader who fought and defended the Islam faith and our domain from foreign invaders. With this, we hold his memory close to our hearts,” Mangudadatu said.

The creation of Maguindanao North would mean dividing the Maguindanao into two provinces, namely Maguindanao North and Maguindanao.

Mangudadatu rationalized that while Maguindanao is vastly rich in natural resources, it has remained considerably poor because government projects and programs are not equally distributed.

”With the establishment of this new province, its constituents will and can expect a more accessible, accountable and responsive local government unit,’ said Mangudadatu.

http://manilastandard.net/news/national/302982/solon-wants-new-province-created.html

Sampung branches ng 7-Eleven Convenience store, Itatayo sa Cotabato City

COTABATO CITY - Patuloy ang paglagak ng puhunan ng mga imbestor sa lungsod.

Noong nakaraang linggo, Nakipag usap na sa City Mayor's office ang mga negosyante na magpapatayo ng Sampung Branch ng 7-Eleven Convenience Store at Wendy's Hamburgers sa lungsod.

Isa hanggang sa dalawang branch ng 7-Eleven at Wendy's ang nakatakdang simulan ang konstruksyon ngayong taong 2019.

Ito ang kinumpirma sa Bandera News Team ni Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani. Ayon sa Alkalde..

Hinahanapan na rin ng lugar ang iba pang negosyante na magpapatayo ng 7-Eleven Convenience store at Wendy's Hamburgers na inaasahang makapagbibigay ng dagdag na trabaho at Revenue collection ng lungsod.

Maliban sa 7-Eleven Convenience store at Wendy's Hamburgers, nakatakda ring itayo sa lungsod ang Penong's barbeque seafood and Grill.

At inaasahan na sisimulan na rin ang konstruksyon ng KCC Mall sa darating na buwan ng Setyembre nitong taon.

Bago matapos ang taong 2019 ayon sa alkalde ay mayroong pang Sampung mga bagong negosyo ang bubuksan sa lungsod.

Lawmaker seeks to divide Maguindanao into 2 provinces

A lawmaker has pushed for the division of Maguindanao into two provinces so that people may get easier access to public services.

Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu filed House Bill 3405 creating the “Maguindanao North,” apart from the province of Maguindanao.

Under the bill, Maguindanao North will consist of the municipalities of Barira, Buldon, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Matanong, Northern Kabuntalan, Parang, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, Sultan Sumagka and Upi.

The lone legislative district of the province of Maguindanao will consist of the municipalities of Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Hofer, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. S.K. Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saidona Mustapha, South Upi, Sultan sa Barongis and Talayan.

The bill added that the territorial jurisdiction of the province of Maguindanao North shall be within the present metes and bounds of all the municipalities comprising of the newly proposed province.

The incumbent representatives of the present Maguindanao province will continue to serve their tenure under their legislative districts until the expiration of their term of office.

The seat of Maguindanao North will also be in the municipality of Sultan Kudarat due to its accessibility to air and sea port, among other modes of transportation, Mangudadatu added.

“Despite being rich in natural resources, Maguindanao is still considered as one of the poorest provinces due to inequitable influx of projects and programs. In line with this, the creation of this province will bring the people closer in availing [public] services,” Mangudadatu said in his explanatory note.

“Local resource management and delivery of these basic public services will be more efficient as majority of government officials will work and focus on programs that will best serve the interests of their constituents,” the lawmaker added. GLEE JALEA

https://www.manilatimes.net/lawmaker-seeks-to-divide-maguindanao-into-2-provinces/602750/

Mangudadatu pushing for creation of Maguindanao North

By Ellson Quismorio

A Mindanao lawmaker is pushing for the creation of the so-called Maguindanao North, which would effectively divide the current Maguindanao province into two.

Maguindanao 2nd district Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu embodied this proposal in his House Bill (HB) No. 3405, which also designates the town of Sultan Kudarat as the capital of the envisioned Maguindanao North.

The bill’s explanatory note said that the creation of the province of Maguindanao North will not only expedite the delivery of basic services to the communities but will also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of promoting development and growth at the local level.

“House Bill 3405 is drafted with the primary intention of bringing services to the people efficiently and immediately,” stressed Mangudadatu, who is a former Maguindanao governor.

He further noted that the naming of the municipality of Sultan Kudarat as the provincial capital would be most practical choice due to its accessibility via air, land and sea.

Aside from its viability to all forms of transportation, Sultan Kudarat holds historical significance among Muslims, the lawmaker pointed out.

“The name of the municipality itself is named after Sultan Mohammad Dipatuan Kudarat who ruled the Sultanate of Maguindanao for more than 50 years. For us, he is our hero, a great leader who fought and defended the Islam faith and our domain from foreign invaders. With this, we hold his memory close to our hearts,” Mangudadatu said.

The creation of Maguindanao North would mean dividing the Maguindanao into two provinces, namely, Maguindano North and Maguindanao.

Mangudadatu rationalized that while Maguindanao was vastly rich in natural resources, but has remained considerably poor because government projects and programs were not equally distributed.

”With the establishment of this new province, its constituents will and can expect a more accessible, accountable and responsive local government unit,” Mangudadatu said.

Mangundadatu filed the measure last August 5.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/08/19/mangudadatu-pushing-for-creation-of-maguindanao-north/

Two more solons back ABS-CBN franchise renewal

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN

Two more proposed legislations seeking to grant network giant ABS-CBN a fresh 25-year franchise have been filed before the Lower House.

House Deputy Speaker Rose Marie “Baby” Arenas (Pangasinan) and Parañaque Rep. Myra Joy Tambunting are the latest members of the House of Representatives who filed ABS-CBN’s application for franchise renewal under House Bill 3521 and House Bill 3713 respectively.

The filing of the bills came less than a year before the Kapamilya network’s present legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 7966 lapses.

Nueva Ecija Rep. Michaela Violago spearheaded the campaign for the Kapamilya network’s franchise renewal after refiling the measure under House Bill 676 last month.

The measure failed to hurdle the 17th Congress after it was not tackled by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises under the Palawan Rep. Franz “Chicoy”Alvarez.

Article 12 Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution states that “Neither shall any such franchise or right be granted except under the condition that it shall be subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by the Congress when the common good so requires.”

Under the present charter, the application for franchise is done through a normal legislative process in both the Lower House and Senate and is still need to be signed by the President after its Congressional approval.

President Rodrigo Duterte on many occasions vowed that he will approved the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN in Congress if ever it will be successfully passed by Congress.

But Communications Sec. Martin Andanar in July said the President will no longer oppose ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal if it passes congressional hurdle.

https://politics.com.ph/two-more-solons-back-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal/

LIKE, YOU KNOW, IT'S BUWAN NG WIKA K'SE

Here we are na naman. You know what I mean. Buwan na naman ng wikang pambansa. Kaya in na in na naman ang nagpipilit managalog o mamilipinong variety show host o media sa ere, sa mga palatuntunan sa paaralan at ahensya ng pamahalaan even if they are fluent naman in English talaga.

Bueno, seryoso, ilalabas na naman ng mga higanteng mall ang mga stock nila ng Filipiniana costume dahil maraming bibong paslit at mga nagsipayat na (o nagsitabang) titser ang mapipilitang bumili at manamit ng baro’t saya, kamisa at barong. Swerte na kung may magpatadyong o magtapis ng malong. Marami, lalo na, ang mapipilitang sumambit-sambit ng mga salitang amoy-tokador o galing sa inaamag na baul. Na para bang, sige, mahal ko ang wika kasi nagamit ko na naman ang salitang “datapwat.” Kahit maskipaps.

Uso na naman ang mga essay writing contest. Interpretative dance ng kantang “Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi.” Pagbuo ng slogan na may sukat at tugma (tatlo na ang natanggihan kong magpasulat ng sanaysay, talumpati, slogan). Marami na namang magtatalumpati gamit ang mga salitang inalmirolan. Suot ang mga barong na, gaya ng kanilang pananalita, naninigas. Tuyot na tuyot. Sagana lang sa kumpas, tikas, at angas. Kahit pilitin pa ng tagapagsanay na “Utoy, lagyan mo pa ng buhay! Damdamin, dapat umaapaw, ‘yan, ganyan, tindigan mo, titigan mo, sigawan mo!” Panalo. Sa oras na isinusulat ko ito, nakakompromiso na ako sa tatlong paaralan. Ako raw ang kanilang bisitang pandangal. Acheche.

Pero wala, tunay na wala pa rin ang ibig sabihin kung inensayo lang ang wika para sa tatlong hurado ng timpalak. Para sa audience na napilitang makinig dahil inobliga ng titser, pasusulatin ng reaction paper. Paano ba kasi, lutang na lutang ang pagiging hindi natural. At ano ba iyang damdaming ‘yan? Sa totoo lang, wala silang kamalay-malay. Sa karamihan, mahalaga lang ang medalya, ang certificate of appreciation sa titser na tagapayo. Basta nakasunod sa memo. Tapos.

Ayos na. Kumpleto na ang ritwal ng Buwan ng Wika na naging novelty at trivial na pagdiriwang na lamang. Setyembre na bukas makalawa. Makikinig na tayo sa mga mapandustang kanta ni Jose Mari Chan: “Whenever I see girls and boys selling lanterns on the street...” sabay buka ng bibig habang sinasabayan ang kumpas ni titser at pag-awit ng “Ang Pasko ay sumapit tayo ay mangagsiawit ng magagandang himig dahil sa Diyos ay pag-ibig nang si Kristo'y isilang may tatlong haring nagsidalaw at ang bawa't isa ay nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay. Bagong Taon ay magbagong-buhay nang Lumigaya ang ating bayan tayo'y magsikap upang makamtan natin ang kasaganaan. Tayo'y mangagsiawit habang ang mundo'y tahimik ang araw ay sumapit ng sanggol na dulot ng langit. Tayo ay magmahalan ating sundin ang gintong aral at magbuhat ngayon kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan.

🎤Sa maybahay ang aming bati Merry Christmas na maluwalhati ang pag-ibig pag siyang naghari araw-araw ay magiging Paskong lagi ang sanhi po ng pagparito hihingi po ng aginaldo kung sakali't kami'y perhuwisyo pasensya na kayo pagka't kami'y namamasko 🎵

🎤Pasko na naman O kay tulin ng araw Paskong nagdaan tila ba kung kailan lang ngayon ay Pasko, dapat pasalamatan ngayon ay Pasko, tayo ay mag-awitan! Pasko (Pasko), Pasko (Pasko) Pasko na namang muli tanging araw nating pinakamimithi Pasko (Pasko), Pasko (Pasko) Pasko na namang muli ang pag-ibig, naghahari 🎵

SM City Bataan

Meeting between SM and City of Balanga...pero mas nag-stick sakin yung pangalan... considering na senior management level na yung nagpresent, we may safely assume na SM City "Bataan" nga ang itatawag, and not "Balanga". I like it, for me the former sounds better and more appropriate 

Btw, I heard that Mr. Bondoc is a native of Orani.

Earlier today, Mayor Francis Garcia and key officials of the City Government of Balanga met with representatives of SM Supermalls on the progress of SM City Bataan, headed by Engr. Bien Mateo, Sr. VP for Operations. ⁣

And yesterday, CEIDO gave Ms. Michelle Mallari, Regional Leasing Manager of SM Supermalls, and Cesar Bondoc Jr., Regional Operations Manager of SM Supermalls, a tour of Balanga City’s local businesses like The Beanery & Plaza Brew as well as the products showcased at the Bataan Tourism Center. They sat down with DTI Provincial Director Nelin Cabahug and DTI Division Chief for Business Development Nora Reclosado. It is the intention of SM Supermalls to invite as many local businesses as possible to be their tenants and collaborators in the very near future.

Also, SM City Bataan will copy design the 2011 SM City North EDSA logo.

To date, SM City Bataan is Bataan's first SM Supermall, and using the 1980s SM Mall design.

KAPAMILYA STARS UNITE TO PUSH FOR ABS-CBN’S FRANCHISE RENEWAL

• ABS-CBN stars pushed for immediate action on the network’s franchise renewal.
• Franchise renewal bill of ABS-CBN has been refiled in Congress.
• ABS-CBN franchise is set to expire in March 2020.

With the bill aiming to renew ABS-CBN Corporation’s still pending at the Congress, several Kapamilya stars have united to push for its immediate enactment.

Some of the Kapamilya celebrities who joined the call include comedian Nonong Balilan, Nico Antonio, Baron Geisler, and Lorna Tolentino.

Meanwhile, prior to this latest campaign, almost 1,000 artists and workers of ABS-CBN have already signed a petition urging the House of Representatives to renew the franchise of television giant ABS-CBN last June 14 during the Black Friday protest at the Commission on Human Rights.

Among those who signed were Piolo Pascual, Coco Martin, Lea Salonga, Pinky Amador, Jaime Fabregas, John Arcilla, Butuin Escalante, Angel Aquino, Ricky Lee, Rody Vera, Lav Diaz, Joel Lamangan, Mae Paner and other TV personalities. The petitioners also included writers, music composers, cinematographers, lighting directors, production designers, art directors, producers, staff, and crew from the Kapamilya network and the film industry.

ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to expire in March 2020.

Currently, the bill which seeks to renew the network’s franchise has already refiled in Congress by its original proponent Rep. Micaela Violago of the 2nd District of Nueva Ecija.

ABS-CBN’s franchise has been stalled in Congress since 2016 primarily because of President Rodrigo Duterte’s public pronouncements against its renewal.

Duterte, on several occassions, has threatened to block the ABS-CBN franchise renewal because of alleged swindling and biased reporting against the government.

But two Malacanang officials have already assured that the Kapamilya network’s franchise renewal is already up to the Congress and that the President has no intention of vetoing the bill once it passes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

https://www.lionheartv.net/2019/08/kapamilya-stars-unite-to-push-for-abs-cbns-franchise-renewal/

Solon files tax reform bills outlined in SONA

A leader of the House of Representatives has filed separate measures covering three of the remaining tranches of President Rodrigo Duterte’s comprehensive tax reform program along with a new “sin” tax reform bill that aims to further increase excise taxes on alcoholic drinks and smoking alternatives such as heated tobacco and vapor (vaping) products.

Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte of Camarines Sur filed  House Bill 1909 that proposes to reduce the corporate income tax rate from 30 to 20 percent by 2029 and rationalize fiscal incentives; HB 1908, which puts in place a just, equitable and impartial real property valuation system for local government units based on international standards; and HB 1907 that encourages the development of the capital market by making the tax system in the financial sector fairer, simpler, more efficient and revenue-neutral.

President Duterte called on the 18th Congress in his fourth State of the Nation Address last week to act on these tax reform bills to enhance growth and raise funds for his priority programs over the final half of his six-year term.

Villafuerte, who is deputy speaker for finance, said these three CTRP packages will broaden the revenue base, simplify and update the country’s complicated tax system, and ensure the country’s long-term fiscal stability, which, in turn, will help the government hit its target of securing an “A” investment-grade credit rating before 2022. 

The Philippines, for the first time ever, recently secured from Standard & Poor’s (SP) Global Ratings a credit rating of “BBB+,” which is just a grade lower than an “A” rating that is generally given to the world’s stable economies.

HB 1909, which represents Package 2 of the President’s CTRP, will “widen the corporate tax base and plug its leakages” and “help alleviate the burden on the business community, especially the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs),” Villafuerte said.

Reforming tax incentives system, which Villafuerte said should be “rationalized and disciplined” is expected to attract investments that will deliver tangible benefits to the people.

In seeking to institute reforms in the real property valuation system, Villafuerte said these will correct inefficiencies that have hindered the growth of the country’s land sector.

The bill, which constitutes Package 3 of the CTRP, seeks to  implement the reforms  in the system through the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), which shall be the lead agency tasked to review and approve the Schedule of Market Values (SMVs) of all LGUs, said Villafuerte, who had served as CamSur governor for three terms. 

“With more than 23 national government agencies and 1,700 LGUs using different systems and methodologies, inefficiencies are sure to arise from the lack of a unified national standard,” said Villafuerte.

He said placing the task of reviewing the SMVs of local governments on the BLGF, which is under the Department of Finance (DOF), will “separate the technical function of real property valuation from the political function of taxation practiced by local elective officials.”

HB 1907, meanwhile, aims to simplify the 80 tax rates and tax bases in the financial sector to reduce costs,  encourage transparent returns on investment, and develop the capital market “by adjusting, if not removing altogether, taxes that deter legitimate movement towards the initial public listing of companies,” Villafuerte said. 

Villafuerte said an updated “sin” tax reform law, as outlined in HB 1906, is necessary to discourage smoking and excessive alcohol drinking, especially among the youth,    while raising revenues to completely fill the funding huge requirement for the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.

“Imposing higher excise taxes is still the most effective policy tool to affect prices to discourage consumption of ‘sin’ products, in particular, among the youth and the poor who are the most sensitive to price changes,” Villafuerte said.

While the previous Congress raised taxes on cigarettes and introduced a new tax on    heated tobacco products (HTPs) and vapor products, Villafuerte said the estimated revenues generated from this law will only amount to P15.7 billion in 2020, and a total of P129.9 billion from 2020 to 2024, which is not enough to close    funding gap of UHC program.

The funding shortfall of the UHC program in 2020, the first year of its implementation, is an estimated P62 billion.

Villafuerte said the additional revenues from his new “sin” tax reform proposal will “help sustain PhilHealth coverage for all Filipino families; improve accessibility and affordability to quality healthcare, and provide better outpatient benefit package, including check-up or consultation and medicines.”

HTPs fall within the definition of cigarettes under Republic Act 9211, and thus should be taxed the same rates as cigarettes, Villafuerte said.

The health impact and safety of vapor products has not yet been conclusively determined, Villafuerte said. “However, because of the established addictive effect of nicotine, we propose to increase the excise tax rates of vapor products to discourage consumption. To prevent children and youth from consuming vapor products, variants with flavoring other than plain tobacco or plain menthol, are proposed to be prohibited,” he added.

Earlier, Villafuerte said the House of Representatives will initiate regular meetings not only with   Cabinet officials but with senators as well to speed up the approval of the Duterte administration’s CTRP packages and other priority legislative measures.

Villafuerte said these planned regular dialogues will be held even ahead of the meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), which might be convened next month to discuss President Duterte’s priority legislative agenda that he had outlined in his latest  SONA.

Villafuerte said among the measures that the House leadership would work on getting passed this year are the remaining bills under the CTRP, which the President endorsed in his latest SONA.

He added that the House leadership would also work on the timely approval of the 2020 General Appropriations Bill (GAB)--to avoid the four-month delay in the passage of the 2019 national budget that forced Malacañang to hold off on the implementation of its priority projects and eventually led to the lower-than-expected growth of 5.6% in the year’s first quarter.

http://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/301905/solon-files-tax-reform-bills-outlined-in-sona.html

Enhancing streetscapes in the premier business capital

The task of developing the country’s cities and infrastructure is an enormous one, and one that both the government and private sector alike continue to prioritize. Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), the Philippines’ leading developer of sustainable estates, continues to contribute to this cause. It supports local government and collaborates with various stakeholders in building new mixed-use developments and revitalizing existing ones – all of which are designed to contribute to growth and to enhance one’s quality of life.

In all its mixed-use developments, ALI is ensuring that communities are designed and built for walkability and accessibility, with high priority on multimodal transportation and public spaces.

ALI continues to invest in the redevelopment of existing areas such as the country’s premier central business district – Makati. The company has so far invested P125 billion for the expansion and revitalization plan of the Makati Central Business District (Makati CBD).

“Keeping a landmark such as the Makati CBD at pace with key cities around the world remains a top priority for Ayala Land. Working together with the Makati Commercial Estates Association or MACEA, we aim to strengthen even further the city’s status as the country’s premier business and lifestyle hub,” said Shiella Aguilar, Project Development Head of the Makati estate.

The redevelopment of Makati has been deliberately planned in a way that all of its property components are brought together by an enhanced streetscape anchored by the longest covered elevated walkway in the country, which spans 1,100 meters from the Ayala MRT Station to Makati Medical Center. At the archway and corner of Ayala Avenue and EDSA is the 2.8-hectare One Ayala Avenue development –an expansive, modern commercial hub with an intermodal transport facility that will be open by 2021. At the other end is Ayala North Exchange, a mixed-use development with offices, an Ayala Malls and the first Seda Residences, all at a highly-accessible location at the northern end of Ayala Avenue.

One Ayala Avenue: a mixed used development with an intermodal transport facility

Also nearing completion at the center of the CBD and within the Ayala Triangle Gardens are Tower Two and the Mandarin Hotel, which will provide Makati with a new premium office, hotel, and retail area.

Tower Two and Mandarin Hotel at Ayala Triangle Gardens. (Artist’s perspective)

Over the past 20 years, walkways either underground, on-ground or above-ground have been designed, planned and executed in accordance with the district’s constantly changing needs. These new developments will add significantly to the CBD’s overall connectivity, accessibility and pedestrian walkability.

Paseo de Roxas Underpass — Making walking easier for the pedestrians

The pedestrian pathway from Legazpi underpass to the elevated walkway going to Greenbelt.

These facilities that encourage walking instead of the use of automobiles are vital for sustainable living. A study conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology showed that 100 of the highest-emitting urban areas around the world already account for nearly 20 percent of the global carbon footprint. ALI continues to track and identify metrics in pedestrian-transit connectivity to improve its developments’ impact on all stakeholders.

Aguilar explained that the company’s pedestrian and transit connectivity tenet is focused on three areas, namely pedestrian priority-planning, the building of climate protected walkways, and providing for easy-to-access transit terminals. As a result, other Ayala Land estates in urban areas, such as Circuit Makati, Arca South, and Vertis North, also prioritize pedestrian-friendly streets and incorporate public transit connections in their master plans.

“The goal of sustainable development is building to make people’s lives better. Part of this is simply enabling people or providing them with the means to live sustainably, as more and more of us are aware of how we impact our climate and the environment,” Aguilar added.

Ayala Land’s holistic approach to building sustainable communities has earned for it various citations both here and abroad through the years, and has made it the only Philippine company included in The Sustainability Yearbook 2019 — the world’s most comprehensive publication on corporate sustainability. This is the third consecutive year that ALI has been named one of the most sustainable companies worldwide.

Along with other ALI projects and developments, the revitalization of the country’s premier financial district into a more sustainable, smarter and more liveable city is a prime example of how the private sector can contribute to national development and economic growth — a model that is being replicated in other growth centers around the Philippines.

https://business.inquirer.net/276377/enhancing-streetscapes-in-the-premier-business-capital

Friendster: Demise and fate

On the first week of September, Friendster announced that the company will continue its business with their new mobile app, delivering old photos and videos from the old Friendster (March 2002-June 2011) instead of social gaming.

Solon seeks to split Maguindanao into 2 provinces

COTABATO CITY - Maguindanao (2nd District) Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu has filed a bill that seeks to divide the province into two through the creation of “Maguindanao North province.”

House Bill 3054 seeks to create the new province form the towns that comprise Maguindanao’s first congressional district: Barira, Buldon, Datu Odin Sinuat (Dinaig), Kabuntalan, Matanog, Parang, Sultan Kudarat, Upi, Sultan Mastura, Datu Blah T. Sinsuat and Northern Kabuntalan.

Mangudadatu, the former Maguindanao governor, said he filed his bill on Monday afternoon (August 5).

The current undivided province Maguindanao has 36 towns, with Shariff Aguak municipality in the second district chosen by new Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu as administrative capital.

In his 30-page bill, Mangudadatu proposed that the town of Datu Odin Sinsuat becomes the Maguindanao North province’s capital.

Lawyer Kirby Abdullah, Mangudadatu’s chief of staff, said the lawmaker believes the creation of a new province will provide economic and political empowerment to all Muslims, Christians and indigenous peoples in the 11 towns.

Mangudadatu said creating a new province could also compliment the normalization process following the full implementation of the government peace deal with Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The Philippine News Agency tried to reach Maguindanao (1st District) Rep. Ronne Sinsuat for comments but to no avail.

On September 7, 2006, the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) approved a proposal to create Shariff Kabunsuan province composed of the 11 towns in Maguindanao’s first congressional district.

However, the Supreme Court declared the proposal null and void stating that only Congress can create a province. (PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077115

Romualdez: Still ‘premature’ to comment on fate of ABS-CBN franchise

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez on Tuesday said it is still “premature” to affirm if the lower chamber would commit to process the proposal on the legislated franchise of ABS-CBN Corp.

This is because, according to Romualdez, the House of Representatives is still organizing its committees.

“We have not actually gotten to that point yet… While we’re busy reorganizing we haven’t gotten to the point yet of actually sifting through all the bills that were read out for first reading or for referral,” the Leyte representative said in a press conference when asked if the House leadership has already committed to process the franchise bill of the radio-television network.

“But as time goes by, we shall update you on that pero I believe it’s premature to comment on that at this early stage. Soon enough we will know,” he added.

INQUIRER.net has reached House legislative franchises panel chair, Palawan 1st District Rep. Franz Alvarez, for comment but he has yet to issue a remark as of posting time.

House Bill No. 676, which seeks to renew the network’s franchise for another 25 years, was referred to the legislative franchises committee last July 23. ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire on March 30, 2020.

The 17th Congress’ version of the proposed law remained pending at the committee on legislative franchises since November 16, 2016. The panel did not act on the bill until the previous Congress adjourned sine die.

President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly launched threats against media outfits critical of his administration like the Lopez-owned ABS-CBN, the broadsheet Philippine Daily Inquirer, and the online news site Rappler. He even threatened to block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, accusing the network of estafa for allegedly not providing him the airtime he had paid for.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar earlier said he believes the President would approved the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN once it’s approved by Congress.

https://business.inquirer.net/276252/romualdez-still-premature-to-comment-on-fate-of-abs-cbn-franchise

House aspires for zero veto on the 2020 budget

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said in a press conference on Tuesday that the House of Representatives is determined to closely coordinate with the Senate and the Executive branch to achieve zero veto in the 18th Congress, especially on the 2020 National Budget.

Deputy Majority Leader Wilter “Sharky” Palma and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla were also present during the briefing.

Majority Leader Romualdez underscored that targeting zero veto does not intend to withhold the prerogative of the President on the legislative process, but to promote better coordination between both chambers and between the Legislative and Executive branches.

He shared that this was agreed upon by the House and Senate leaders in their small group Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting on Monday.

“Through the leadership of the Speaker, we joined the small delegation of LEDAC at the Malacañang palace for the furtherance [of] better synergies, better coordination, better efficiencies so that there would be fewer differences and conflicts between the Houses and the Executive,” he said.

Majority Leader Romualdez noted that the chamber will meet regularly with the Senate and the Executive in an effort to avoid copious disagreements on the budget and steer clear from any delays on its approval.

"Maganda yung kasunduan natin, excited din kami na magmi-meet more often. Pag parati kayong nag-uusap, the chances of miscommunication or misunderstanding ay nababawasan,” Majority Leader Romualdez said.

He then maintained that the House is targeting the passage of the 2020 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) before October 5 or prior to their session break.

While the House leaders have not yet scheduled a meeting with Secretary Wendel Avisado of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Romualdez expressed that they are looking forward to seeing him soon on August 16 or a week after that.

August 16 is the set schedule for the submission of the 2020 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to the House.

Meanwhile, the Majority Leader pointed out that “Kung may budget, dapat may pagkukunan din. We’ll [work on] revenue-generating measures, as well, to fund the budget for the much needed programs and projects of this administration.”

He, however, explained that the approval of these bills, which were prioritized by the President in his 2019 State of the Nation Address (SONA), will be accelerated in accordance with Section 48 of the House Rules.

It states that: “In case of bills or resolutions that are identified as priority measures of the House, which were previously filed in the immediately preceding Congress and have been approved on 3rd reading, the same may be disposed of as matters already reported upon the approval of majority of the Members of the committee present, there being a quorum. The committee secretary shall immediately prepare the necessary committee reports on said measures for inclusion in the Calendar of Business.”

“Those [priority measures] may be fast-tracked through the Committees. Definitely, they don’t have to go through the whole process from square one,” said Romualdez.| Molie Gonzales, News and Documentation Section-Press and Public Affairs Bureau/ House of Representatives of the Philippines

http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=11652

Former governor seeks partition of Maguindanao province

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu (Maguindanao, 2nd District) on Monday filed a bill proposing the creation of "Maguindanao North," a new province comprised of the 11 towns in the first district of Maguindanao.

Under the proposal—which must hurdle Congress, get the president's signature, and be ratified in a plebiscite—Maguindanao province will retain the 25 towns in its second legislative district.

The 30-page draft bill also recommendeds Datu Odin Sinsuat town as the capital of the proposed Maguindanao North province, according to Mangudadatu’s chief of staff, lawyer Kirby Abdullah.

Mangudadatu was governor of Maguindanao for three consecutive terms from June 30, 2010 to June 30, 2019. He now sits as congressman of the second district.

He told reporters in an online exchange that the creation of the proposed province can help boost economic and political development in the first district and also help the ongoing peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which signed a peace agreement with the government in 2014.

The headquarters of the MILF, whose chairman, Hadji Ahod Ebrahim, is now chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Mindanao, is located in Barangay Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat.

Short-lived Shariff Kabunsuan province

Rep. Bai Sandra Sema (Maguindanao, 1st District) filed a similar but not identical bill to create a Maguindanao North province during the 17th Congress. The capital of the proposed new province could have been Datu Odin Sinsuat, the capital of the former province of Shariff Kabunsuan.

In 2006, the regional assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao created Shariff Kabunsuan province, which was composed of the 11 towns that Mangudadatu proposes to form Maguindanao North, Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 201.

It was ratified in a plebiscite and existed until July 2008, when the Supreme Court ruled that its creation was unconstitutional. The court held that only Congress can create new provinces and cities because it has the constitutional authority to create legislative districts.

In April, President Rodrigo Duterte signed a law splitting Palawan into three distinct and independent provinces to be known as Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur — which will be the mother province.

The split has yet to be ratified in a plebiscite, which is scheduled for 2020.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/08/06/1941078/former-governor-seeks-partition-maguindanao-province

Solon wants Maguindanao divided into two provinces

By Ali Macabalang

COTABATO CITY – Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu (2nd district, Maguindanao) is reviving a proposal for the division of Maguindanao into two provinces in what his supporters described as a bold step to fully turn the province into “MagandaNow.”

Mangudadatu filed on Monday House Bill 3054 grouping all 11 towns in the first district to constitute “Magguindanao North” with Sultan Kudarat town as provincial seat.

Maguindanao presently has 36 towns, 11 of which constitute the province’s first Congressional district. The 11 towns include Parang, Datu Odin Sinsuat and Sultan Kudarat municipalities, which are the most populated and vote-richest in the province. They have a total population of 821,475 as of 2015.

Under Rep. Mangudadatu’s 30-page draft bill, the province’s 25 other towns comprising presently the second district will constitute the mother province – Maguindanao. The 25 towns, including the present Buluan capital town, have a total population of 651,896 as of 2015.

Former 1st District Rep. Bai Sandra Sema, before the lapse last June 30 of her three-elective terms, had filed a bill for the creation of her 11-town turf into a separate province. Her bill, however, did not gain priority deliberation in the 17th Congress.

Former Muslim Mindanao legislative Speaker Ronnie Sinsuat, who succeeded Sema via the 2019 midterm elections, is reportedly supportive of the splitting of Maguindanao into two provinces.

Months before the 2019 midterm polls, then Gov. Mangudadatu, Speaker Sinsuat and former Sultan Kudarat Mayor Tocao Mastura had formed a political alliance, and agreed on common agenda – to create another province out of Maguindanao.

Mangudadadtu earlier told The Manila Bulletin that upon his assumption as lawmaker, he would push for the creation of Maguindanao North to fortify focal efforts in steering “smaller provinces” towards greater heights.

He hinted that dividing Maguindanao can help flesh out the Duterte government’s vision in bringing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at par with developed regions in the country. Maguindanao is BARMM’s most populated and vote-richest component province.

Political-wise, splitting Maguindanao can also help ease the usual intense political intramurals over provincial and congressional positions among politicians from the 1st and 2nd districts, Mangudadatu’s supporters said.

They said Mangudadatu’s proposal may also put an end finally to the decades-old tug-of-war between politicians in the first and second districts over the legal issue of the “official provincial seat.”

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/08/06/solon-wants-maguindanao-divided-into-two-provinces/

Regions Briefs: Aug. 6, 2019

NFA buys fewer palay in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — The National Food Authority (NFA) bought only 2 percent of palay (unmilled rice) supplies in Pampanga during the recent cropping season because of lack of warehouses in the province.

The NFA provincial manager, Julieta Aurora Orias, on Monday said the agency was buying palay at P20 per kilogram from cooperatives.

The NFA is buying palay until next year, Orias said, without giving the budget earmarked for that.

Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda asked the provincial board to approve the lending of provincial government-owned facilities in Porac, Floridablanca and San Simon towns, which the NFA could use as warehouses.

She said four grain dryers given by the Department of Agriculture could be stationed in warehouses so farmers could lower the cost of drying palay.
  
UK cautions its citizens against sea travel in PH

“We are looking for ways to help our farmers as the national government implements the rice tariffication law,” she said.

Cheap, imported rice has filled the markets, and traders have lowered farm gate prices to the disadvantage of local growers. —Tonette Orejas

Sto. Tomas cityhood vote set for Sept. 7

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set for Sept. 7 the plebiscite to ratify the conversion of Sto. Tomas town in Batangas province into a component city.

Gerard Laresma, municipal information officer, said the cityhood bid was apt, considering the rapidly growing population of Sto. Tomas.

“Our growth rate is at 4 percent annually. That’s even higher than the national growth rate,” Laresma said, attributing the increase to migration of workers into the town’s industrial zones.

On October 5, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11086, which converted Sto. Tomas into a component city.

The Comelec was supposed to hold the plebiscite 90 days after the law was enacted but rescheduled it to give way to the May 13 elections. —Maricar Cinco

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1150516/regions-briefs-aug-6-2019

Q Channel 11 Sked (August 5-11, 2019)

• 3:55 am - Guidelines for Living
• 4 am - 
• Monday: Nothing Gold Can Stay
• Tuesday-Thursday: A Place Called Home
• 5 am - News to Go
• 8:30 am - Franklin And Friends
• 9 am - Coconut The Little Dragon
• 9:30 am - Chirp
• 10 am - 
• Monday and Wednesday-Friday: Teddies
• Tuesday: The Presser: Live (up to 11 am)
• 10:30 am - 
• Monday and Wednesday-Friday: Paw Patrol
• 11 am - PCSO Lottery Draw
• 11:15 am - The Sweet Life
• 12 nn - Balitanghali
• 1 pm - On Call
• 2 pm - CBS Evening News
• 2:30 pm - 
• Monday: 
• Tuesday-Friday: Inside Edition
• 3 pm - 
• Tuesday-Friday: Entertainment Tonight