Thursday, October 31, 2019

House to tackle ABS-CBN franchise renewal before year-end–Cayetano

AMID issues between the Duterte administration and ABS-CBN Corp., the leadership of the House of Representatives has vowed to hear the legislative franchise of the TV station before the year ends.

In an interview, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said the lawmakers will exercise fairness on the proposals extending for 25 years the franchise of ABS-CBN, which is set to expire on March 30, 2020.

“There are issues with the media, but there are also challenges with social media… there are issues that we have to tackle; first and foremost is the freedom of the press,” Cayetano said.

“Maybe before the end of the year, probably the hearings will start,” he added.

Currently, there are six bills filed to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN.

Without giving further details, Cayetano said the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez “needs to discuss some issues on franchise renewal” of the TV station.

“Definitely, we’ll have hearings because there are issues that have to be resolved,” said Cayetano. During the 17th Congress, Alvarez’s panel failed to approve the franchise renewal.

According to Cayetano, it is Congress’s obligation to exercise fairness and “to bring out those real issues and to give the other side the opportunity to respond and determine who is right.”

For her part, Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos, one of the authors of the bill renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN, said despite the growing popularity of social media, television still remains a preferred mass medium in provinces and other far-flung areas. “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,” Santos said.

Another author of the measure, Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones said while information may be taken or received from various sources, broadcasting is still the highest, widest and fastest medium from which Filipinos at home or overseas get their information.

“In acknowledgement of the former and present contributions of ABS-CBN and its thousands of personnel in nation-building, the immediate renewal of its original franchise, which expires on March 30, 2020, is seriously and sincerely recommended, to ensure the continues and uninterrupted and improved and expanded, delivery of services to the Filipino people,” Aragones said.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/10/31/house-to-tackle-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-before-year-end-cayetano/

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Cayetano: House to tackle ABS-CBN franchise before end-2019

At least 5 bills in the House of Representatives seek to renew ABS-CBN's franchise for another 25 years

After sitting on the bill for months, the House of Representatives is set to deliberate on the renewal of the franchise given to ABS-CBN Corporation.

"Siguro before the end of the year probably the hearings will start. But we have a little bit of time naman," Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters in Taguig City on Tuesday, October 29.

Short of saying the bill would be a priority, Cayetano said the House committee on legislative franchises will hold hearings to thresh out issues surrounding the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN.

"Kung 'yong budget one month naipasa, definitely we [can] have hearings kasi may mga issues na kailangang i-resolve (If we were able to pass the budget in one month, then definitely we can have hearings because there are issues that need to be resolved)," the Taguig City-Pateros congressman said.

At least 5 bills in the House seek to renew ABS-CBN's legislative franchise for another 25 years. The measures were filed by the following:


  • Sol Aragones, Laguna 3rd District
  • Rose Marie Arenas, Pangasinan 3rd District
  • Joy Myra Tambunting, ParaƱaque City 2nd District
  • Michaela Violago, Nueva Ecija 2nd District
  • Vilma Santos Recto, Batangas 6th District


ABS-CBN's current franchise, which was approved through Republic Act No. 7966 on March 30, 1995, is set to expire on March 30, 2020. If the bill does not become a law, ABS-CBN will have to close down its radio and television operations.

No less than President Rodrigo Duterte himself has repeatedly opposed the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise.

In April 2017, Duterte accused the network of "swindling" him for not airing his paid political advertisements during the 2016 presidential campaign. Duterte first publicly threatened ABS-CBN days after he signed into law the franchise renewal of the network's rival, GMA Network.

Duterte then repeated his threat to block the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise in August 2018.

Cayetano was the running mate of Duterte in the 2016 elections, and the latter even endorsed the term-sharing deal for the speakership between Cayetano and Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco.

A bill seeking to renew the franchise was filed in the previous 17th Congress, but it remained pending with the committee on legislative franchises and was not passed when the 17th Congress closed session in June.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/243689-cayetano-house-tackle-abs-cbn-franchise-before-end-2019

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano vows impartial hearings on ABS-CBN franchise renewal

“Ina-assure ko ang lahat ng ating kababayan, ang mga kapamilya, mga news anchors, artista and all concerned na magiging fair ang hearing sa Kongreso.”

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has assured the public that Congress’ debates on the franchise renewal of television giant ABS-CBN Corp. will be “fair.”

“Ina-assure ko ang lahat ng ating kababayan, ang mga kapamilya, mga newscaster, artista and all concerned na magiging fair ang hearing sa Kongreso,” the Taguig-Pateros first district congressman said in an interview with ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda on Monday, October 28.

However, Cayetano did not provide details on when they would finally begin discussions on the measure renewing ABS-CBN’s 25-year franchise.

He also did not divulged if the franchise, which expires on March 30, 2020, would be approved or not.

The former senator only said they need to ratify first the proposed P4.1 trillion national budget for 2020 before focusing on other measures.

“Hindi ako makasagot sa inyo ng definite ngayon na definitely hindi o definitely maibibigay,” Cayetano noted.

“Pero naniniwala ako na ‘yung management n’yo ay determinado na harapin ‘tong mga issues na ito at makahanap ng resolution,” he added.

The former Foreign Affairs head also stressed that members of Congress value free press and fair media across the country.

The House legislative franchise panel took no action on any of the six bills that may save the TV giant from closing shop next year since November 2016.

In the previous 17th Congress, no ABS-CBN franchise bill was sidelined in Congress as President Duterte launched repeated verbal attacks against the media network due to perceived slights and its allegedly slanted reporting.

Aside from deputy speaker Vilma Santos-Recto, a movie actress known as “Ate Vi,” who has worked with the network, five other lawmakers also filed their version of the bill.

They were lawmakers, Pangasinan Rep. Rose Marie Arenas, Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones, Nueva Ecija Rep. Micaela Violago, ParaƱaque Rep. Joy Myra Tambunting, and PBA Rep. Jericho Nograles.

In the Senate, it was Senator Ralph Recto, who filed a bill renewing the franchise granted to ABS-CBN.

Congress would resume sessions on November 4. Lawmakers went on a break last October 3.

https://www.dailypedia.net/2019/10/speaker-alan-peter-cayetano-vows-impartial-hearings-on-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal/

Indonesia ready to form new 'South Papua' province: Home Minister

Indonesia is ready to establish a new province called South Papua in the country’s easternmost territory, which is currently divided into the two provincial administrations of Papua and West Papua, a minister has said.

Following his visit to the region with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo over the weekend, Home Minister Tito Karnavian said he had received proposals from local figures about the establishment of two new provinces, namely South Papua and Pegunungan Tengah Papua.

“The central government might only accommodate the establishment of two provinces. We are currently mulling over this matter,” Tito said as quoted by kompas.com. “However, it’s already OK for South Papua [to become a new province].”

Although the government is still imposing a moratorium on the establishment of new provinces and districts, Tito said the government would thoroughly consider the proposals of the Papuans.

Tito also admitted that he had already met with Merauke Regent Frederikus Gebze to discuss matters related to the establishment of a new province.

If the plan is to be realized, Merauke was among the regencies in the southern part of Papua that would be designated as part of a new South Papua province. The remaining were Mappi, Boven Digoel and Asmat regencies.

“[Papua] Governor Lukas Enembe said he has no problem with [the establishment] of a South Papua province,” Tito said.

As for Merauke itself, Tito said the regency would be divided into two areas, such as Merauke city and Merauke regency.

Meanwhile, areas in Papua’s highlands to be designated under the proposed Pegunungan Tengah Papua Province were Mepago in Paniai and Lapago in Wamena, Jayawijaya regency, he said.

However, so far there was no certainty about the matter as local administration leaders in the highlands had yet to reach a conclusion about the plan. (dpk)

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/10/30/indonesia-ready-to-form-new-south-papua-province-home-minister.html

House debates on ABS-CBN franchise will be ‘fair,’ Cayetano assures

The House of Representatives will observe “fairness” in deliberating the franchise renewal of television giant ABS-CBN Corp., Speaker Alan Cayetano assured Monday.

“Ia-assure ko ang lahat ng ating kababayan ang mga kapamilya, ang mga newscaster, artista and all concern na magiging fair ang hearing sa Kongreso (I assure the public, your newscasters, artists and all concerned that our hearings will be fair),” the Taguig-Pateros 1st District congressman said in an interview with ABS-CBN’s “Umagang Kay Ganda.”

Cayetano explained that they would finish the ratification of the proposed P4.1 trillion national budget for 2020 before focusing on other measures like ABS-CBN’s franchise, which would expire on March 30, 2020.

“Pero ako naniniwala na ‘yung management n’yo ay determinado na harapin ‘tong mga issues na ito at makahanap ng resolution. So, hindi naman ako makasagot sa inyo ng definite ngayon na definitely hindi, o definitely maibibigay,” the former senator said.

(But I believe that your management is determined to face these issues and find a resolution. So, I can’t give a definite answer now that definitely no or definitely the franchise will be approved.)

The former Foreign Affairs chief also stressed that they value the preservation of a free press in the Philippines.

“But I can assure you na ang Kongreso magiging (that Congress will be) very fair, and I can assure you na importante sa atin ang (that we value) free press, atsaka ang balansyadong media sa buong bansa (and a fair media across the country),” Cayetano said.

Bills renewing ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years remained pending at the committee on legislative franchises since November 16, 2016. The panel did not act on the bill until the 17th Congress ended.

The franchise also remained unacted upon under Cayetano’s leadership. Congress went on a break last October 3 and would resume sessions on November 4.

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 allegedly not providing him the airtime he had paid for.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo had clarified that Duterte’s threats to block the franchise renewal of the radio-television giant were mere expressions of displeasure. The Palace mouthpiece claimed the Chief Executive – known for brandishing tirades against critics – was not a vengeful person.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1182615/house-debates-on-abs-cbn-franchise-will-be-fair-cayetano-assures

Pagdinig sa panukalang franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN, magiging patas

Tiniyak ni House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano na magkakaroon ng patas na pagdinig ang panukalang i-renew ang franchise ng ABS-CBN.

Aabot sa anim na panukala ang inihain sa Kamara para bigyan ang ABS-CBN Corporation ng prangkisa na mag-construct, install, establish, operate at mag-maintain ng broadcasting station sa bansa sa susunod na 25 taon.

Ayon kay Cayetano – sisimulan na nilang dinggin ang mga panukala bago matapos ang taon.

Kinikilala ni Cayetano ang papel ng media sa lipunan, lalo na sa pagsiwalat ng korapsyon at anomalyang ginawa ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno.

Ang kasalukuyang franchise ng ABS-CBN Corporation ay nakatakdang mag-expire sa March 30, 2020.

Una nang nagbanta si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na haharangin niya ang franchise renewal ng broadcast network.

https://rmn.ph/pagdinig-sa-panukalang-franchise-renewal-ng-abs-cbn-magiging-patas/

LOOK: SM City Grand Central render


This five-level shopping mall combined with a 60-storey hotel and office tower, similar to sister malls SM Megamall, The Podium, SM Aura Premier, SM CDO Downtown Premier and SMDC Light Mall.

Phase 1: 5 + basement
Phase 2: 6 + basement
Carpark: 6 basement levels (from LG/B1 to B6)

It is located at Rizal Avenue Extension corner Bustamante Street, Caloocan City.

Look: Bacoor City administrative and population maps



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.

ABS-CBN franchise renewal remains uncertain, says Cayetano

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has admitted that the congressional franchise renewal of network giant ABS-CBN remains uncertain.

Cayetano made the remarks as Kapamilya network employees and artists took to social media to express concern over the impending closure of the network giant if Congress fails to approve its franchise renewal application, with only five months remaining before its current franchise under Republic Act No. 7966 finally lapses.

“So hindi naman ako makasagot sa inyo ng definite ngayon na definitely hindi, o definitely maibibigay,” said Cayetano in an interview with ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda.

Around five measures were recently filed under the 18th Congress which seek to grant ABS-CBN a fresh 25-year franchise.

Similar proposed legislations under the previous 17th Congress didn’t proposer since it was failed to tackle by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises under the Palawan Rep. Franz “Chicoy” Alvarez.

But Cayetano gave an assurance that the House of Representatives under his helm that they will exercise fairness in tackling their congressional franchise renewal even as President Duterte has opposed it.

Duterte has previously threatened to veto the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN. He complained that the TV network did not air his campaign advertisement he paid for during the presidential campaign.

The network will have to cease operating as a broadcast network if Congress fails to act on a franchise extension before the expiration date set by RA 7966 by March 2020.

Under the 1987 Constitution, 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.

Article 12 Section 11 of the present charter 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.”

https://politics.com.ph/abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-remains-uncertain-says-cayetano/

House to tackle ABS-CBN franchise within 2019 – Cayetano

By Charissa Luci-Atienza

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday assured that the House of Representatives would give due attention to the measures concerning freedom of the press, including the proposed renewal of the legislative franchise of broadcasting giant ABS-CBN Corp.

He said the measures seeking to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years will be tackled within the year.

“Maybe before the end of the year, probably the hearings will start,” Cayetano told reporters.

“Definitely, we’ll have hearings because there are issues that have to be resolved,” he said.

Like any other hearings, he said, it is the obligation of Congress to be “fair” and “to bring out those real issues and to give the other side the opportunity to respond and determine who is right.”

“Kung mali yung naga-accuse sa issue then no problem, kung tama then ano resolution nun (If the accuser is wrong on the issue, then no problem. But if right, then what will be the resolution)?” he asked.

The franchise of the Lopez-owned broadcasting firm is set to expire on March 30, 2020.

Last year, President Duterte publicly declared that he would oppose the renewal of ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise.

The President repeatedly launched tirades against the ABS-CBN, alleging that it refused to run his advertisement during the 2016 election campaign and for showing an ad critical of him.

Among the authors of the franchise bill are Deputy Speakers Vilma Santos and Baby Arenas, and Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones.

“There are issues with the media, but there are also challenges with social media… There are issues that we have to tackle first and foremost is the freedom of the press,” Cayetano said.

The House during the previous 17th Congress failed to act on the bill.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/10/29/house-to-tackle-abs-cbn-franchise-within-2019-cayetano/

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Cayetano: House to tackle ABS-CBN franchise renewal bid before yearend

The House of Representatives will finally tackle the franchise renewal bill for a major television network.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said the House committee on legislative franchises will hold a hearing on the franchise of ABS-CBN before the year ends.

"Siguro (Perhaps) before the end of the year the hearings will start. But we have a little bit of time," Cayetano told reporters Tuesday.

The network's franchise is set to expire on March 30 next year. At least five bills have been filed to extend the franchise for another 25 years.

"Definitely we'll have hearings kasi may mga issues na kailangang i-resolve," Cayetano said, adding that the House will be fair and will give everyone a chance to air their side.

[Translation: Definitely we'll have hearings because there are issues that need to be resolved.]

Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would reject the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise.

He said this is because the network failed to air his presidential campaign ads in 2016, even after they were paid to do so.

The president has repeatedly slammed the network in his speeches.

CNN Philippines' correspondent Xiane Arcangel contributed to this story.

https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2019/10/29/cayetano-abs-cbn-franchise.html

Cayetano says House will ‘definitely’ tackle bills on ABS-CBN franchise, vows fair hearings

By ERWIN COLCOL, GMA News

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday said that the bills seeking to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN Corporation will be tackled at the House of Representatives, and vowed that they will receive "fair" hearings.

This was after the same measure did not make significant progress in the 17th Congress.

At least six measures have so far been filed at the House aiming to grant ABS-CBN Corporation a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain broadcasting stations in the Philippines for another 25 years.

Cayetano said the House may start hearing these measures before the end of the year.

"Definitely we'll have hearings kasi may mga issues na kailangang i-resolve. But like any other hearing, obligasyon ng Congress, one, to be fair; patas na hearing," he said.

"Number two, [we have] to bring those real issues and to give the other side the opportunity to respond and to see kung sino ang tama. Kung mali yung nag-a-accuse sa issue, then no problem. Kung tama, ano ang resolusyon nun?" he added.

Cayetano said he recognizes the crucial role that media plays in the society, especially in helping expose corruption and misdemeanors committed by government officials.

"Isipin mo kapag nawala ang media, e di lahat ng abuso sa ating bansa ay lalabas," he said.

"So there are issues that we have to tackle, and first and foremost is the freedom of the press," he added.

The original franchise granted to ABS-CBN Corporation is set to expire on March 30, 2020, or only about five months from now.

But while a measure has been filed in the previous Congress to extend the network's franchise, it remained pending with the House Committee on Legislative Franchise since November 16, 2016 until it closed in June this year.

GMA News Online had reached out to House franchise panel chair Franz Alvarez to clarify the matter but he did not respond to the request for comment.

President Rodrigo Duterte has on many occasions threatened to block the broadcast network's franchise renewal.

This was after it supposedly did not air a political advertisement that was already paid for during Duterte's presidential bid in the 2016 elections.

Duterte has also said he was willing to enter into a compromise deal with ABS-CBN Corporation if the company promotes his bid for a shift to a federal form of government. — BM, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/713437/cayetano-says-house-will-lsquo-definitely-rsquo-tackle-bills-on-abs-cbn-franchise-vows-fair-hearings/story/

SWIPING THROUGH THE 2010S: 2017

On January 20, Donald Trump took the oath as the 45th President of the United States, signaling the seismic shift of geopolitical uncertainty. The following day, Women’s March took place around the world but it does not stop there.

In the rest of the world, riots in Catalonia over separatism. Canada turned 150 and Finland turned 100.

In February, two outspoken women senators were in the spotlight. Leila de Lima was detained in Camp Crame after hearing some detainees’ hearsays against her and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren was silenced after raising objections over the confirmation of her fellow colleague, Jeff Sessions, to the Cabinet as the Attorney General. (Nevertheless, in the eyes of their supporters, they persisted.)

We hosted Miss Universe after 23 years. Just like in 1974, our own Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach crowned her successor (in this case, Miss France Iris Mittenaire) at home.

It was also a gracious honor to host ASEAN, particularly on its Golden Jubilee. We even gave Trump a taste of our warm hospitality, even if protesters make the best protest gimmicks.

Resorts World Manila, Grenfell Tower and NCCC Mall in Davao were ablaze. In Manchester, an explosion rocked after an Ariana Grande concert.

Marawi City was flattened for five months. Martial Law in Mindanao was declared but it’s not yet lifted, as of now.

The greatest dud of the year is the Fyre Festival, which is supposed to take place in the Bahamas. Despite the promotion by social media influencers, the logistics problem arises and the luxury music festival was crushed. Billy McFarland (the organizer and founder of Fyre Media) was charged with fraud.

While Wildflower (ABS-CBN) was the most discussed teleserye for the year, GMA successfully expanded a teleserye duration to six days a week with Ika-6 na Utos. On the other hand, Trops remained a successful regular 5-day teleserye.

Honorable mention not mentioned in the attached video is Destined to Be Yours.

Light TV became the first TV network to shut down its analog transmission for good.

The Philippines Football League kicked off this year but its television coverage on PTV was cut short. After a long time, the coverage package of SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur package was also with there with their basketball games on 5.

In radio, Philippine Broadcasting Service has expanded and reformatted its existing radio frequencies. Radyo ng Bayan became Radyo Pilipinas while their FM assets became FM1 87.5 and FM2 104.3.

The year 2017 marked the boost of Cardi B, Bebe Rexha, Rita Ora and Marshmello. Inigo Pascual’s career began, thanks to the launch of Billboard’s local counterpart (which lasts until January).

While MMFF went back to its old commercialized ways, Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino was inaugurated that year to save the quality of Filipino films.

While Spiderman: Homecoming and Star Wars: The Last Jedi were successful in the box office, the Emoji Movie got negative reviews.

In youth culture, dabbing and fidget spinners were associated in that year. Oh yeah, the Paul brothers (Jake and Logan) were the controversial and most-discussed YouTube celebrities.

Five ad interim Cabinet members (Perfecto Yasay of DFA, Gina Lopez of DENR, Judy Taguiwalo of DSWD, Rafael Mariano of DAR and Paulyn Ubial of DOH) were rejected by the Commission of Appointments, the most in history. Another member, Mike Sueno of DILG, was sacked for alleged corruption.

A simple mishandling of Dengvaxia that lead to 600 deaths after its administration has led to the rise of distrust of vaccinations through scaremongering and disinformation.

Continuing the streak of Big 4 beauty pageants, Karen Ibasco was crowned as Miss Earth.

Super Bowl LI became the first of the NFL’s overall championship to decide a win into overtime. Atlanta Falcons was about to win its first championship but its lead was erased by the New England Patriots. (This was the first and only time S+A covered this American football game championship.)

For the first time in almost a century, the continental United States was fascinated with the solar eclipse.

https://timowsturf.wordpress.com/2019/10/29/swiping-through-the-2010s-2017/

Sunday, October 27, 2019

PCOO to start upgrade of 14 state-owned radio stations

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) will soon begin the rehabilitation of at least 14 state-run radio stations nationwide, following China’s recent donation of over PHP130 million worth of radio broadcast equipment to the Philippines.

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said 10 AM (amplitude modulation) and four FM (frequency modulation) stations operated by government-owned Radyo Pilipinas (RP) will undergo facility upgrade.

“We conceptualized the radio rehab program after going around the country and seeing that the status of our radio stations under the Philippine Broadcasting Service are not as inviting anymore,” the Communications chief said during the launch of radio rehabilitation program in Butuan City on Friday.

The first station that will be rehabilitated is RP-Butuan, as earlier promised by Andanar.

“I am happy to announce that we are launching the radio rehabilitation program here in Butuan City... This is the first time that we are doing this,” he said.

Apart from Butuan, other stations that will be part of the radio rehabilitation program are those from Cagayan de Oro City, Davao, Cebu, Tawi-Tawi and Batanes.

Andanar noted that the equipment turned over by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua will be installed in 10 AM stations, while the other radio broadcast tools donated by China will be set up in four FM stations.

In March this year, Andanar announced that Zhao had committed to donate PHP15 million worth of equipment to the PCOO, which include laptops, desktops, microphones, and audio consoles.

Meantime, Andanar and Chinese Vice Minister Wang Shouwen signed and exchanged certificates on the Philippine Radio Equipment Project on Thursday (Oct. 24) in Intramuros, Manila.

The new equipment worth more than PHP130 million from China include live broadcast room equipment, FM broadcast transmitter equipment, and medium wave transmitter equipment.

Andanar thanked the Chinese government for its donation.

“We plan to rehabilitate 10 radio stations nationwide and on top of that, the People’s Republic of China has already turned over more than PHP130 million worth of radio broadcast equipment,” he said.

On Friday, Andanar said China’s donation of radio broadcast equipment will be a “huge boost” to state-owned regional stations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084342

Devotees gather at Luneta for Jesus Is Lord’s 41st anniversary

Some 30,000 members of Jesus Is Lord (JIL) celebrated its 41st anniversary at Luneta on Saturday, according to a crowd number estimated by Manila police.

The celebration, which started at about 5 p.m, was led by JIL founder and congressman Bro. Eddie Villanueva, and his son, Sen. Joel Villanueva.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio was accompanied by former presidential sisters Ballsy Cruz, Pinky Abellada and Viel Dee, former first gentleman Atty. Mike Arroyo and former first lady Dr. Loi Ejercito and son former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.

Also joined by Vice President Leni Robredo, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority Ernesto Pernia.

Senate President Tito Sotto gave a speech, before he and Sen. Villanueva presented a Senate resolution recognizing and celebrating JIL's anniversary.

Roxas Boulevard was not shut down because of the event, contrary to an earlier announcement, since traffic conditions were smooth.

—With a report from Jeffrey Hernaez, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/27/19/devotees-gather-at-luneta-for-jesus-is-lords-41st-anniversary

JESUS IS LORD CHURCH WORLDWIDE TURNS 41

Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide (JIL) celebrated its 41st anniversary with millions of its followers -- from chapters in almost every province and city nationwide, and 6o nations worldwide -- at the Luneta Park yesterday.

When there is unity, God will do bigger and greater things through and in the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide (JIL), Deputy Speaker Bro. Eddie Villanueva said in an interview yesterday at JIL’S 41st anniversary held at Luneta Park, Manila where hundreds of thousands of JIL members and supporters from across the Philippines and overseas gathered.

Cong. Bro. Eddie, speaking on the event’s theme taken from the Book of Galatians 3:26-29, passionately urged the multitude of congregants, and the netizens watching the livestream, to “be united with and in Christ, not with vices and sin.” He urged believers to set aside race and status, age and gender, educational status and family background, and be one in Christ. This will help us help our country, he said.

“If we are of the same heart, our genuine and passionate love for God will enable us to help our nation. Without this, we cannot contribute to the rebuilding of the Philippines. The nation cannot succeed without a people united in loving God and country,” Cong. Bro. Eddie said.

He said that with rampant shaming, bullying, and discrimination everywhere, there is truly a need to unite in demonstrating God’s love, and added that our differences as a people need not lead to dispute and disagreements. “There is no need to inflict pain, and damage the hearts of other human beings just to prove that we are right. Our Lord Jesus Christ asks us to banish thoughts of hatred and violence; to shun the darkness of the soul.”

He emphasized the mightier force of many, as against one: “One faithful Christian is powerful enough, but a multitude of faithful Christians working together would turn the world upside down for Christ.”

JIL’S mission is “to bring all peoples to the kingdom of the living God regardless of race, status, belief and religious affiliations through the saving, healing, delivering, and transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ.” The core values that are weaved into its biblical teachings include integrity, faithfulness, and excellence, in addition to passionate love for God (“an intimate and wholehearted devotion, reserved to GOD alone, that is steadfast and unparalleled, evidenced by absolute submission and obedience to GOD’S will and commands”) and fellowman. Indeed, For 41 years now, JIL has been faithfully sharing the Word of God, resulting in the transformation of men and women who then became great contributors to community development.

This phenomenon has caught the attention of no less than the Philippine Senate. Recently, it issued Resolution 13 signed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III to commend JIL for its “continuous contribution to the country’s moral and spiritual recovery, and for its vibrant work in community development and nation-building.”

Stories of change, healing and freedom from vices, among many others, demonstrate how effective the ministry of JIL has been. Amazing transformations are experienced by JIL followers. Rehabilitation of character does happen among those who are taught with JIL biblical values. It proves that lessons gleaned from the Bible shape people for the good, in a way that no other kind of conditioning or training can do.

In other words, yesterday’s gathering was attended by men and women who were once lost and confused, and are now on the road to success in life here on earth, and salvation from the eternal hell fires in life hereafter.

JIL has chapters in almost every town, city, and province here in the Philippines, and in different areas in 60 countries worldwide.

Cong. Bro. Eddie’s principles in ministry have greatly helped in JIL’S growth. He would always tell his audiences JIL was born from the very heart of God and that no human being is indispensable in the ministry and no one should be forced to serve in the ministry. He is of the firm belief that all JIL pastors and leaders must be seekers of God and His will, and they must be living models of God’s principles, people who are visionary, and intentionally faithful.

Cong. Bro. Eddie believes no one should seek money, fame or power in the ministry. If a person decides that these three are the most important components in life, he should not be in ministry. Integrity in money and worldly possessions is a trait Cong. Bro. Eddie would want to see in a fellow ministry worker.

No wonder JIL has come this far and is now entering its 42nd year in service to God and country.

A special prayer for the nation was one of the highlights of the celebration. Sen. Joel Villanueva, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Bocaue Mayor Joni Villanueva-tugna and Rev. Mike Mckinney graced the affair, together with long-time friends of Cong. Bro. Eddie and his wife, Sis. Dory Villanueva.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

2007 Cosmopolitan Centerfolds

The Seventh Edition of Cosmopolitan Centerfolds top ten:

01. Dingdong Dantes
02. Paolo Paraiso
03. Jake Cuenca
04. Luke Jickain
05. Jon Avila
06. Alfred Vargas
07. Joem Bascon
08. Bruno Folster
09. Marvin Raymundo
10. Derek Ramsay

The Other 69 New Gorgeous Bachelors:

01. Gabo Reinhardt
02. Cris Lomotan
03. GP Plamenco
04. Carl Guevara
05. Coy Lizardo
06. David Chua
07. Marco Odejar
08. MJ Santos
09. Jeison Phillips
10. Marx Topacio
11. Gabb Drilon
12. Aaron Tuiza
13. Lucky Mahal
14. Johnny Z
15. Ry Farinas
16. Glenn Briones
17. Luch Zanirato
18. Pao Guevara
19. Joseph Walker
20. Jobett Co
21. Francis Carino
22. Lemuelle Pelayo
23. Mike Young
24. Kris Melendres
25. Ryan Uy
26. Nino Ibarrola
27. Earl Zanoria
28. Kevin Guersey
29. Janvier Daily
30. Eric Alvarez
31. JM Bais
32. Adrian Racho
33. Ken Casado
34. Carlos Alvarez
35. Mark Rino
36. Allan Pacis
37. Aaron Agassi
38. Jobo Roa
39. Ira Pozon
40. Migs Dualan
41. San Shokouhi
42. Mikael Daez
43. Kadee Aguila
44. Sanjay Chandumal
45. Michael Caringal
46. Nikolai Crisostomo
47. Donie Chowdhary
48. Bryan Baculi
49. Ryan Tordesillas
50. Fred Payawan
51. John James
52. Gero Favis
53. Mike Hoo
54. PJ Hipolito
55. Joco San Juan
56. Kim Smit
57. Eri Neeman
58. JP Ervas
59. Johanne Tan
60. JC Tiuseco
61. RG San Jose
62. Vino Roque
63. Leo Miranda
64. Raf Nanquil
65. Bjorn Aguilar
66. Mark Manicad
67. Ross Simbulan
68. Joseph Marco
69. Ram Sagad

2006 Cosmopolitan Centerfold - Patrick Garcia


Profession : Actor
Age : 23
Height : 5'8"
Shoe Size : 8
Zodiac Sign : Virgo
Where you've spotted him : Commercials for Purefoods Hotdogs, Ovaltine, and Smart. Batang PX, Madrasta and Captain Barbell.
Tender Sweetheart : "My dream date would include holding hands on the beach, good conversation while the sun sets, and the longest, sweetest French kiss na 'di mo na halata matagal na pala."

2006 Cosmopolitan Centerfold - John Prats


Profession : Actor
Age : 22
Height : 5'5 1/2"
Shoe Size : 8 1/2
Zodiac Sign : Aquarius
Where you've spotted him : Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition
All for Love : "I think love is hard work, dapat paghirapan..."

Cosmopolitan Bachelors 2006

The Sixth Edition of Cosmopolitan Centerfolds top ten:

01. John Prats
02. Patrick Garcia
03. Polo Ravales
04. Zanjoe Marudo
05. Marco Alcarazz
06. Victor Basa
07. Will Devaughn
08. Mark Herras
09. Enchong Dee
10. TJ Trinidad

The Other 69 New Gorgeous Bachelors:

01. Mark Santiago
02. Ikot Villapando
03. Chris Samson
04. Erik Chua
05. James Zablan
06. Mark Tiuseco
07. Andre Watson
08. David Gonzaga
09. Joaqx Valdes
10. Rodrigo Hirano
11. Paulo Atienza
12. Joms Teotico
13. Mars Miranda
14. Migs Tallod
15. Rhett Shaw
16. Benj Besa Jr.
17. Bo Rivera
18. Kaeser Ocampo
19. Carlos Layug
20. Kiko Rustia
21. Malcolm Royce
22. Vince Laman
23. Rei De Castro
24. Mike Malabanan
25. Alvin Jimenez
26. Jiggs Garcia
27. Neil Dela Cura
28. Rob Real
29. J.R. Francisco
30. Mark Lua
31. Del Felicidario
32. Rey Kabigting
33. EJ Afzelius
34. Jon Naval
35. Marc Naval
36. Francis Del Rosario
37. Lee Torres
38. Jase Pennings
39. Rey Talosig, Jr.
40. Joseph Salomon
41. Lon Reyes
42. Mike Tuason
43. Jonathan Sibulo
44. Jonathan Montano
45. Andi Rivera
46. Marvin De Alban
47. Bojo Estacio
48. Marco Morales
49. Antonio Dimaguila
50. Carlos Concepcion
51. Nic Manahan
52. Dave Rebolledo
53. Junjun Irvin
54. Koke Villaflor
55. Borgy Hermida
56. Dino Fernandez
57. Hayden Kho, Jr.
58. Joel Velilla
59. Kale Alvarez
60. Benjo Marquez
61. Barney Fraser
62. Kerwin Yap
63. Erwin Cornejo
64. Nice Dicka
65. Shawn Dicka
66. Paul Gomez
67. A.J. Ordinario

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Comelec suspends congressional polls in South Cotabato, Southern Leyte

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended the elections for district representatives of South Cotabato and Southern Leyte, which was initially scheduled for Oct. 26

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the polling body decided to suspend the elections in view of the Supreme Court resolution ordering Comelec to proclaim Shirlyn BaƱas-Nograles as representative of South Cotabato 1st District, including General Santos City.

The SC likewise ordered the convening of a special provincial board of canvassers to proclaim the winning candidate.

The Comelec initially scheduled the special elections following the enactment of a law which calls for the reapportioning of the first legislative district of South Cotabato to create the lone district of General Santos City.

The poll body also decided to suspend the elections for the representatives in the first and second legislative districts of Southern Leyte, Cotabato as the SC resolution in the BaƱas-Nograles case could be applied in other similar cases.

Last February, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the law dividing Southern Leyte into two legislative districts.

Should there be no decision from the High Court in the case of Southern Leyte, the elections will push through on Nov. 30.

“[This is] to avoid any prolonged vacuum in the Office of Representatives for the first and second districts,” Jimenez said in a statement.

He added that all activities including bidding and procurements and implementation of all Comelec resolutions in relation to the Oct. 26 elections have been suspended./ac

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1181417/comelec-suspends-congressional-polls-in-south-cotabato-southern-leyte

Comelec suspends special polls in Southern Leyte, South Cotabato

The Commission on Elections has suspended the first regular elections for representatives of newly created districts in Southern Leyte and South Cotabato.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez on Thursday announced the special elections for representatives of the first and third districts of South Cotabato, and first and second districts of Southern Leyte will not push through on October 26.

This, after the Supreme Court directed the commission to proclaim Shirlyn BaƱas-Nograles the winner in the May 13 congressional race for the first district of South Cotabato, including General Santos City.

The Supreme Court ruling voided the Comelec decision to suspend the election for the district and declare the congressional votes as “stray.”

The problem arose after President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11243, which reapportioned the first district of South Cotabato and created a lone district for General Santos City.

Jimenez said the special elections in Southern Leyte will also be suspended as there is a similar case pending in the high court.

But if the Supreme Court will not release a decision on the said case, the special elections in Southern Leyte will proceed on November 30.

RA 11198, which divides Southern Leyte in two districts, took effect on February 19. — Gaea Katreena Cabico

Comelec suspends Oct. 26 polls in South Cotabato, Southern Leyte

By Leslie Ann Aquino

The first regular elections for the District Representatives of South Cotabato and Southern Leyte scheduled on October 26 have been suspended by the Commission on Elections.

In Resolution No. 10612, the poll body resolved to suspend the elections for Member, House of Representatives for the First and Third (Lone) Legislative Districts of South Cotabato.

The Comelec said this is in view of the Resolution of the Supreme Court directing them to proclaim Shirlyn L. BaƱas-Nograles as Representatives for the First Legislative District of South Cotabato, including General Santos City.

To note, the SC declared as null and void Comelec Resolution No. 10524 and ordered the convening of a Special Provincial Board of Canvassers to proclaim the winning candidate.

In the same Comelec Resolution, the poll body also suspended the elections for Member, House of Representatives for the First and Second Legislative Districts of Southern Leyte citing the possibility of the SC resolution also being applied to a similarly situated case.

“(This) in view of the possibility that the resolution of the SC in the Banas-Nograles case will be applied on (Mercado case), as both cases are similarly situated,” the poll body said.

“However, in case no decision from the SC is forthcoming, the Southern Leyte elections shall push through on November 30, 2019, to avoid any prolonged vacuum in the Office of Representatives for the first and second legislative districts,” they added.

With the suspension, the Comelec said all activities including bidding and procurements and implementation of all their resolutions relative to the October 26 polls have also been suspended.

The Comelec earlier suspended the holding of congressional elections in the first district of South Cotabato last May 13 in accordance with Republic Act No. 11243, which reapportioned the first district of South Cotabato by creating a separate legislative district for General Santos City.

The holding of elections for district representatives in Southern Leyte was also previously suspended to a date later than May 13, 2019, in view of the passage of Republic Act No. 11198 which reapportioned the Province of Southern Leyte from a Lone Legislative District into two legislative districts.

RA No. 11198 reapportioning Southern Leyte into two legislative districts became effective on February 19, 2019.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/10/24/comelec-suspends-oct-26-polls-in-south-cotabato-southern-leyte/

Zambo City congressman wants to split district to two

By Charissa Luci-Atienza

Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe wants to reapportion the second district of Zamboanga City into two legislative districts.

Citing Section 5, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, he said Congress has the power to reapportion legislative districts.

The 1987 Constitution provides that a city or a province with a population of at least 250,000 shall have at least one representative in Congress and within three years following the return of every census, the Congress shall make reapportionment of legislative districts based on the standards set by the Charter.

Dalipe, vice chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, noted that based on the 2015 census, the second district of Zamboanga City comprised of 61 barangays has a total population of 459,205.

“It is for this reason that the need to have an additional representation has to be addressed through the reapportionment of the second district of Zamboanga City into two legislative districts,” Dalipe said.

“Once passed into law, the additional district will provide access and at the same time, improve the delivery of government services and implementation of programs, projects and activities for the ZamboangueƱos,” he added.

Dalipe filed House Bill 4979 seeking to reapportion the second district of Zamboanga City into two legislative districts.

Under the bill, the Second Legislative District of Zamboanga City shall be composed of 20 barangays—Baliwasan, Camino Nuevo, Canelar, Guiwan, Kampung Islam, Kasangyangan, Mariki, Rio Hondo, San Jose Cawa-Cawa, San Jose Gusu, Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, Sto. Nino, Talon-Talon, Tetuan, Tugbungan, Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3 and Zone 4.

While,  the Third  Legislative District shall be composed of 55 barangays—Arena Blanco, Boalan, Bolong, Buenavista, Bunguiao, Busay, Cabaluay, Cacao, Calabasa, Culianan, Curuan, Dita, Divisoria, Dulian (U.B.), Guisao, Lamisahan, Landang Gua, Landang Laum, Lanzones, Lapakan, Latuan, Licomo, Limaong, Lubigan, Lumayang, Lumbangan, Lunzuran, Mampang, Manalipa, Mangusu, Manicahan, Mercedes, Muti, Pangapuyan, Panubigan, Pasilmanta, Pasobolong, Putik, Quiniput, Salaan, Sangali, Sibulao, Tagasilay, Taguiti, Talabaan, Taluksangay, Tictapul, Tigbalabag, Tigtabon, Tolosa, Tumalutab, Tumitus, Victoria, Vitali and Zambowood.

House Bill 4979 provides that the incumbent Representative of the second legislative district of Zamboanga City shall continue to represent the legislative district until the new representative of the Second and Third Legislative districts shall have been elected and qualified in the next congressional elections.

The measure tasks the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to issue the implementing rules and regulations of the proposed Act.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/10/24/zambo-city-congressman-wants-to-split-district-to-two/

Monday, October 21, 2019

With friends in Korina’s birthday treat

Mr. M, Joel Mercado, Leo Katigbak, Girlie Rodis, Enrico Santos, Law Tan, Korina Sanchez, yours truly, Keren Pascual and Mariole Alberto

There are three things I constantly tell the millennials (those born between 1981 to 1995) I work with in the office.

First, travel. I remind them to spend their money wisely (I am sometimes aghast that they save so they can buy the latest iPhone!). Instead they should use their savings to travel the world. They can start off with domestic destinations then work their way up to Asian countries and beyond. For first-time travelers, getting a passport and riding an airplane are such a thrill. With an abundance of budget airlines and Airbnb’s, there’s no excuse not to travel. It makes it doubly fun and economical when you’re with friends. Besides, think of the wonderful memories you will make and the Instagram photos you will take.


Second, learn how to drive. In this day and age, everyone should know how to drive. I have an officemate who was hell-bent on learning how to drive but didn’t have the budget for lessons. And so, he learned how to drive via YouTube! Now, that’s what you call determination. Whether you own a car or not, you never know when driving will come in handy.

Third, live alone. Your place doesn’t have to be fancy; a studio will suffice. Instead of paying rent, make a down payment coupled with a monthly amortization that will let you own the place eventually. The best part about living alone is that doing so allows you to learn how to enjoy your own company.

It could be frightening and intimidating at first. I remember leaving all the lights on the first few nights I lived in my own apartment. But after a while, I began looking forward to going home to my own place. Doing domestic chores was my exercise.  Every day, I made my bed so that when I got home, my room would be clean and welcoming. On weekends, I did the laundry, vacuumed, ironed and cleaned the bathroom. I would also cook three or four times a week, making sure that there was food in the ref that I could just reheat when I got too lazy to cook.



https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/10/21/1961795/friends-korinas-birthday-treat

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Kim Chiu at Philippine Tatler, November 2017 issue

As part of Bench's 30th anniversary with a denim and underwear show at the Mall of Asia Arena last November 18, no other than Kim Chiu along with Lovi Poe, Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico, Liza Soberano, Kathryn Bernardo, Sarah Lahbati and Bea Alonzo in the cover of Philippine Tatler's November 2017 issue.

Aside from Kim, her leading men such as Jake Cuenca, JC de Vera, Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Coco Martin, Pinoy Big Brother alumnus Gerald Anderson, Robi Domingo, Ejay Falcon and Mikee Lee are being part of the clothing line.

FAR EAST. Part 2 was the Far East segment with China’s top male model Ji Huan Bo leading the pack.

He was soon followed by hunks Ron Morales, John James Uy, Jon Avila, Jon Hall, and Andrew Wolff; singers Karylle 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; actor AJ Dee; teen heartthrobs Robi Domingo and David Chua; sexy stars Iwa Moto, Iya Villania, and Zanjoe Marudo.

A Twitter user who said "Nakakatawa yung ginawa ni Robi Domingo sa Bench Uncut."

The loveteam of Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, wearing elaborate costumes, closed the segment.

BRAZIL. The show reached its peak during the Brazil segment.

Pokwang was followed by Kapuso actress Carla Abellana and Kapamilya heartthrob Enchong Dee.

RUSSIA. The last part of the show was the Russia segment.

Print and commercial model Georgina Wilson came out in a Cinderella-like carriage with male models in their undies escorting her on her way down.

Gerald Anderson and Enchong Dee both returned on this segment, as well as Jon Avila, Rafael Rosell, and Andrew Wolff. The other celebrities who appeared on this segment are TV5 hunk JC de Vera; Are You The Next Big Star winners Frencheska Farr and Geoff Taylor; StarStruck’s Prince Stefan and Dex Quindoza; and Kapamilya young stars Ejay Falcon, Rayver Cruz, and Shaina Magdayao.

Three years later, when de Vera and Falcon made a Cosmopolitan Bachelor Bash runway out of "Gandang Gabi Vice" stage.

Lalo pa siyang nagiging hot kapag, sabi nga ni Vice Ganda... "hubad, hubad, hubad, baril, baril, baril!" moments niya hehehe!

"The colorful Brazil portion was inspired by exotic birds of the Amazon, according to designer Val Taguba. The most action-packed segment featuring accidental porn star Katrina Halili and young heartthrob Enchong Dee." ('Bench Uncut': It's a tradition!', CHUVANESS By Cecile Van Straten, The Philippine Star, July 7, 2010)

“When Enchong Dee made his entrance at this year’s Bench Universe show, he owned the night in no less than an aerial canoe, looking every bit the gladiator with his toned body and feisty stance.” (Metro Magazine, November 2012)

She would appear at Bench Under the Stars denim and underwear show this year.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Prangkisa ng ABS-CBN, nasa kamay muna ng Kamara

Hindi bengatibong tao si Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Tugon ito ni Chief Presidential Legal Counsel at Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, nang matanong tungkol sa franchise renewal ng ABS-CBN na nakatakdang mapaso sa Marso 30, 2020.

Wala mang direktang sagot nang tanungin kung absolute ba ang mga nagdaang pahayag ng Pangulo na hindi nito aaprubahan ang prangkisa ng nasabing TV network, sinabi na lang ni Panelo na isang mabuting tao ang Pangulo.

Expression lang daw ang gayung mga pahayag ng pangulo dahil na rin sa pagkainis.

Sa ngayon aniya ay nasa kamay pa muna ng Kamara ang bola matapos na ihain ni House Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto ang bill sa franchise renewal ng broadcast network na inaasahang pag-uusapan ng Committee on Legislative Franchise sa pagbabalik ng sesyon nito sa susunod na buwan.

http://radyopilipinas.ph/rp-one/articles/politics/prangkisa-ng-abs-cbn-nasa-kamay-muna-ng-kamara

PDI in trouble with P400-M losses last year; plans to close print edition

THE Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), which has been practically the official organ of the Yellow Cult since December 9, 1985, is falling on very hard times. It suffered a loss after tax of P320 million in 2017, from its profit of P20 million in the previous year, according to its management in its stockholders meeting on June 8, 2018.

Sources in the company claimed that the newspaper’s finances hemorrhaged profusely last year to reach P400 million — hidden partly, however, by the P140 million sale of its property.

What fudged PDI’s bottom line for 2018 though was it owners’ move to hollow out the firm: they sold in November 2018 its main asset, its 2,000-square-meter (sqm) Makati property, including the building. That leaves such things as its brand name, its reporters, and mostly anti-Duterte columnist as its assets —which, however, many would even consider as negative assets.

In response to its financial crisis, the newspaper’s President Alexandra Prieto told the board members at its meeting on Nov. 21, 2018 that PDI would have to “fully migrate to digital mode” in five years and end its print edition.

The sale of the Makati property, where its offices and press sit, for P140 million was intended to avoid the red in its bottom line, and, according to Prieto, to raise funds for “new revenue-creating” projects.

Print edition

Both of these two management responses to the newspaper’s plight are very risky. The newspaper’s digital edition is totally owned by another company, Inquirer Interactive. Its plan to cease its print edition — which employs the personnel that produces the internet-edition’s content — raises serious questions on these employees’ future. Any Inquirer Interactive revenues would go to its owners, not to PDI as corporation, which is the entity that pays the employees who produce the news content.

But the worst thing is that Philippine digital news sites haven’t really yet proven to generate the same scale of revenues as their print editions, since hard copies are paid for, while internet editions in the country are free. No Philippine digital edition has dared to take the dangerous road that a few US papers have taken of charging viewers of their sites.

There has also been intense competition for advertising in the internet, with new news and feature sites, as well as YouTube sucking much of ad revenues away from newspaper sites.

On the other hand, the PDI’s sale of its properties has resulted in a criminal estafa complaint against its owners by its former columnist and minority stockholder Victor Agustin, filed two weeks ago with the Makati city prosecutor. Agustin claimed the price for the sale of PDI’s property — to a firm named Lexmedia, controlled also by the Rufino-Prieto clan — was scandalously low, and fraudulent.

Agustin claimed that the price for the Makati property (on Chino Roces Avenue) was in effect P70,000 per sqm, way below the P120,0000 zonal value set by the Bureau of Internal Revenue as well as the P195,000 per sqm price in a recent transaction in the area. According to the complaint, the selling price of the PDI was underpriced by P100 million. The columnist claimed the “purported sale of PDI’s land amounts to massive fraud against PDI and its shareholders.”

Zonal value

This is the first time I’ve heard of a property being sold below its zonal value. Is that allowed?

Agustin alleged that the Prieto-Rufino owners attempted to hide that they were the real owners of the buying firm, Lexmedia, through a scheme of corporate layering (See chart).

In its reply to Agustin’s initial demand letter, PDI’s lawyers claimed the sale of the property was the prerogative of management, and was approved by the majority of its stockholders. The lawyers also pointed out that the sale of the property was in order to raise much needed funds to ensure the viability of the corporation’s business operations.

Whatever, it does appear to me to be a very clever move by the Rufino-Prieto clan to try to take advantage of their own newspaper’s financial crisis. PDI sold its property at P140 million — to themselves, through Lexmedia that they own.

With the property’s zonal value at P239 million, they could just turn around tomorrow to sell it even at that base price, to add P100 million to their wealth. Not bad. And PDI would have a P140 million kitty that could still be used to make a last-ditch effort to save it. Not bad.

A cynical view by one observer though is that the Rufino-Prieto clan, ahead already with least P100 million from the sale of PDI property, is now ready to abandon the newspaper. Any price for the newspaper’s sale would be pure bonus.

The icing on the cake is that PDI, no longer the property’s owners, would have to pay Lexmedia rental of P500,000 a month. The Rufino-Prieto’s lawyers, however, said that the company’s president would try to negotiate with Lexmedia “rent-free occupancy” for five years. That would basically mean Alexandra Prieto talking to herself.

However, PDI’s sale of the property could blow up in its face. Agustin’s law firm is the top-notch and influential Villaraza & Angangco law firm. A restraining order on PDI’s sale of its property would throw a monkey wrench on the newspaper’s finances at this time. That would get its creditors not just knocking on its doors, but banging on them.

The property at Chino Roces has become a very prime property recently because of developers’ rush to construct residential and office condominiums in the area. The Rufinos very well know this, as they are into property development. If ever the Rufino-Prieto clan sells it, a property magnate said he’d be willing to pay three times the amount PDI sold it for. “And I’ll still make a lot of a money when I build a condominium on it,’’ he said.

Paper and energy costs for print editions combined with falling subscriptions and revenues appear to be pushing PDI to the brink In its June 8, 2018 stockholders’ meeting, management reported that both revenues as well as those for advertising only dropped by 27 percent in 2017; circulation by more than a fourth, 26 percent; and classified advertisements by 23 percent; street sales by 9 percent; and agency sales by 9 percent.

But it certainly is not just the situation of the entire industry that explains PDI’s quagmire.

‘Corrupt Duterte’

A source in the newspaper also claimed that subscriptions have been canceled because subscribers have gotten tired of the pro-communist slant and anti-Duterte bias of its articles and columns. I myself just nod my head reading columns the likes of one entitled “The corrupt Rodrigo Duterte,” while its columnist John Nery claims in his pieces and in media interviews abroad that the Duterte is suppressing the press.

Some 83 percent of the ABC class, the sector that buys newspapers and 86 percent of college graduates who are newspaper readers, support Duterte, according to the September survey of the Social Weather Stations.

Did PDI’s management naively expect that they won’t be turned off and continue to shelve out P7,200 yearly for a paper that demonizes a president they support? PDI’s owners and journalists had been trapped in the halcyon days of the Yellow Cult: It grew not because of its “balanced news, and fearless views” but because it played to the anti-Marcos and pro-Yellow sentiment of the A class in the past three decades. The PDI maintained that stance even after the Yellow myths have been debunked one by one, and the A class had shed its pro-Yellow sentiments.

PDI had thought, that its free tabloid Libre launched in 2001 would be its savior, with both the Arroyo and Aquino governments allowing it to be sold at all MRT, LRT and Philippine National Railways stations. It never took off, and in 2017 its losses plunged by 70 percent, with PDI first reducing its frequency to weekly, and then this year selling it to unknown buyer. Its Cebu Daily News, whose boastful claim was that it was Cebu’s only independent paper, also didn’t fly, so that PDI closed down its print edition this year.

Digital version

While PDI was the first major newspaper to have its digital version, it has been unable in its 20 years online to post a single peso of profit, partly because US companies, mainly Google Ads, demand an atrociously high percentage of the ads that appear in the site, and there is still no solution to the problem of viewers being turned off by ads that they do not even read them.

Worse for PDI is that television networks have set up their own online sites to claim viewership, mainly because of their videos, news and entertainment, which newspaper sites don’t have. PDI’s market share has also been dented by the entry of US-backed, internet-only Rappler, whose growth has been financed and backed by US ideological entities wanting to mold Filipino public opinion.

https://rigobertotiglao.com/2019/10/15/pdi-in-trouble-with-p400-m-losses-last-year-plans-to-close-print-edition/

(UPDATED) The Philippine Daily Inquirer will remain publish everyday in print, along with Cebu Daily News (CDN) it would extend up to 50 years starting from January 1, 2019 up to 2069.

PDI is the flagship brand of Inquirer Group of Companies.

Since Marixi Prieto has retired in June 2018, her daughter Sandy Romualdez as the new chairman.

The management has planned to return Sunday Inquirer Magazine and Junior Inquirer every week part of Philippine Sunday Inquirer.

IGC's broadcasting arm Trans-Radio Broadcasting Corporation's flagship DZIQ Nueve Nobenta to rebrand Inquirer Radio 990 (Nine-Ninety) and it resumed its regular broadcast hours next year, with new programs, personalities and use of English language in all of the programs of the station, similar to the current format of DZRJ 810 AM: The Voice of the Philippines

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Palace downplays Duterte’s threat to block ABS-CBN franchise renewal

President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated threats to block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN were mere expressions of displeasure since the Chief Executive is not a vengeful person, MalacaƱang yesterday said.

“Basta si Presidente hindi benggatibong tao. ‘Yan ang masasabi ko sa inyo. Dahil kung benggatibo yan marami na sigurong nalagas. Mabait siyang tao (The President is not a vengeful person. That’s what I can say. Because if he was, many would have fallen by the wayside.  He is a kind individual),” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in an interview Monday evening.

Duterte has repeatedly said in his public speeches that he would block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise for not airing his 2016 election advertisement and for alleged biased reporting.

Asked about the repeated threats, Panelo downplayed the President’s remarks.

“Baka expression lang ‘yon ng kanyang inis (It could be just an expression of his displeasure),” Panelo said.

Panelo, who is also Duterte’s chief legal counsel, said the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, which is set to expire on March 2020, is up to Congress.

“That’s the call of Congress,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senator  Ralph Recto has filed a bill renewing the franchise granted to ABS-CBN while Nueva Ecija Representative  Micaela Violago has filed the same bill in the 18th Congress.

Final testing, sealing of VCMs for S. Leyte polls set Oct. 23

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday scheduled the final testing and sealing (FTS) of vote counting machines (VCMs) three days before the congressional elections in two districts of Southern Leyte.

According to Comelec Resolution 10604, the FTS for the October 26 elections for the members of the House of Representatives for the first and second legislative districts of Southern Leyte, will be conducted on October 23.

The poll body noted that the measure was originally scheduled for October 21.

"In previous elections, it has been the experience of our elections officers to set the date of testing and sealing to just one day," the Comelec added.

During the FTS, there will be an end-to-end test of the process, from the initialization of the machines to the voting of 10 people, to the feeding of the accomplished ballots to the VCMs, and until the printing of election returns.

After the final testing, the commission will seal and lock the VCMs in the polling precincts and will not be opened again until Election Day.

Republic Act 11198, which reapportioned Southern Leyte from one to two legislative districts, became effective on February 19.

The elections will be held for the first district in the City of Maasin, and the municipalities of Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Limasawa, Malitbog, Tomas Oppus, and Bontoc.

In the second district, the polls will be conducted in the municipalities of Sogod, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, Anahawan, San Juan, Hinundayan, and Silago.

All registered voters in the province of Southern Leyte are allowed to participate in this month’s elections.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083241

Vilma Santos-Recto: Leave ABS-CBN franchise to ‘sound discretion’ of congressmen

House Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto welcomed Tuesday presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo’s remark on ABS-CBN Corp.’s franchise renewal, saying she entrusts the matter to the “sound discretion” of her fellow congressmen.

Panelo clarified earlier this day that President Rodrigo Duterte’s threats to block the franchise renewal of the radio-television giant were mere expressions of displeasure. The Palace mouthpiece claimed the Chief Executive– known for brandishing tirades against critics– is not a vengeful person.

Santos-Recto, who filed one of the five bills renewing the network’s franchise which would expire on March 30, 2020, welcomed Panelo’s recognition of the “exclusive power of Congress in the issuance and renewal of Franchise under existing policy.”

“Ang sabi ko nga (As I said), let’s wait for the action of the Committee on Legislative Franchise regarding ABS-CBN renewal, when we go back this November,” the veteran actress who has worked with ABS-CBN told INQUIRER.net.

“I leave it to the sound discretion of my colleagues in Congress,” she added.

The 17th Congress version of the proposed law remains pending at the committee on legislative franchises since Nov. 16, 2016. The panel did not act on the bill until the previous 17th Congress ended.

Weeks after the 18th Congress opened, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said it was still “premature” to affirm if the lower chamber would commit to process the proposal on the legislated franchise of ABS-CBN. The franchise remained pending in the House until Congress went on a break last Oct. 3. It would resume sessions on Nov. 4.

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 allegedly not providing him the airtime he had paid for.

INQUIRER.net has repeatedly sought the comments of legislative franchises panel chair and Palawan 1st District Rep. Franz Alvarez’s comment via text and in-person, but he has yet to respond.  /muf

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1177707/vilma-santos-recto-leave-abs-cbn-franchise-to-sound-discretion-of-congressmen

UP TO CONGRESS | Panelo on Duterte’s threat vs ABS-CBN franchise: Expression lang ng inis

MalacaƱang downplayed President Rodrigo Duterte’s earlier threats to block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN Corporation, saying it is up for the Congress to decide.

The current franchise of ABS-CBN is due to expire on March 2020. A bill for its renewal has been refiled in the House of Representatives, but would still have to undergo Duterte’s scrutiny before being passed into law.

Duterte publicly said he will object ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal in his previous speeches for not airing his paid political advertisements during the 2016 presidential campaign.

But Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo argued the chief executive is not vengeful to halt the operations of the network.

“Baka expression lang ‘yun ng kanyang inis… Basta si Presidente, hindi benggatibong tao, kasi kung benggatibo ‘yan, marami na sigurong nalagas,” Panelo said in an interview with One News’ The Chiefs.

“Congress pa rin ‘yun, sila ang nagbibigay ng franchise [at] nagre-renew,” he reiterated.

ON INQUIRER.NET ISSUE

The MalacaƱang senior official, meanwhile, said he has accepted the apology of INQUIRER.net over its report on his letter to the Board of Pardons and Parole, which indicated he “recommended” the executive clemency application of convicted rapist and murderer Antonio Sanchez.

Panelo, who previously served as legal counsel of the former Calauan mayor, called the article “malicious” and threatened to file libel complaint against the online news site. Panelo said the letter was only a “referral” and not endorsement.

“Humingi na [ng apology], tinanggap ko na,” the secretary said. “Binigyan ko lang sila ng leksyon.”

Apart from INQUIRER.net, Panelo said he will also slap charges to Rappler for its article stating he “endorsed” the executive clemency bid.

Rappler responded by saying the libel suit was only a “pure diversionary tactic.”

https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/up-to-congress-panelo-on-dutertes-threat-vs-abs-cbn-franchise-expression-lang-ng-inis

Duterte’s threat to block ABS-CBN franchise renewal a mere expression of displeasure–Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated threats to block the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN were mere expressions of displeasure since the Chief Executive is not vengeful, MalacaƱang said Monday.

“Basta si Presidente hindi benggatibong tao. ‘Yan ang masasabi ko sa inyo. Dahil kung benggatibo yan marami na sigurong nalagas. Mabait siyang tao (The President is not a vengeful person.  That’s what I can say. Because if he was, many would have fallen by the wayside.  He is a kind individual),’ Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in an interview with One News PH Monday night.

Duterte has repeatedly said in his public speeches that he would block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise for not airing his 2016 election advertisement and for alleged biased reporting.

Asked about the repeated threats, Panelo downplayed the President’s remarks.

“Baka expression lang ‘yon ng kanyang inis (It could be just an expression of his displeasure),” Panelo said.

Panelo, who is also Duterte’s chief legal counsel, said the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, which is set to expire on March 2020, is up to Congress.

“That’s the call of Congress,” he said.

At the Senate, Sen. Ralph Recto has filed a bill renewing the franchise granted to ABS-CBN while Nueva Ecija 2nd District Rep. Micaela Violago has filed the same bill in the 18th Congress. /gsg

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1177648/dutertes-threat-to-block-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-a-mere-expression-of-displeasure-palace

Sunday, October 13, 2019

‘A rendezvous of beauties’

“I believe the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is.” — Oprah Winfrey

An evening of stunning fashion and transcendent beauty took place at ICSM Infinity Pageants’ fashion show for a cause titled “A Rendezvous of Beauties Through Generations” at Shangri-La at the Fort in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The diligent ICSM Infinity Pageants executive and managing director Caloy Montemayor and his statuesque wife, businesswoman and ICSM Infinity Pageants national director and 2019 Best Dressed Women of the Philippines awardee Irene Montemayor led the event. The night featured the exquisite works of Dubai-based fashion designer Val Taguba and paid tribute to some of the country’s most beautiful mothers.

The event was organized for the benefit of the Miss Possibilities Foundation and Autism Society of the Philippines-Mandaluyong Chapter — a worthwhile endeavor for everyone involved.

The ICSM Infinity Pageants will hold a beauty pageant search on Oct. 18.

Congratulations for a successful fundraising activity, Caloy and Irene! *

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Hoseki corporate affairs director Zabeth Co, Arlene Abiera and The Philippine STAR-Allure’s Jaymee Amores, Oct. 13.

Advance birthday greetings to Cindy Velez, Benny del Rosario, Edu Manzano and Marisue Rufino, Oct. 14; Marites Limtong, Oct. 15; Dante Silverio and Maria Montelibano, Oct. 17; FCCP’s Nellie Bengzon, Oct. 18; DMark Corp. CEO beautypreneur Nikki Tang, Chona Trinidad, Ronnie Caballero and Fiona Young, Oct. 19.

Happy wedding anniversary today to Maria and Boy Montelibano, Oct. 14. May you have many, many more years of wedded bliss.

So, how was your week?

(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/allure/2019/10/13/1959761/a-rendezvous-beauties

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Mayor Christina takes son to work

LILOAN, Cebu — She is strong local chief executive who makes steadfast decisions as she leads a municipality vying for cityhood.

But in the core of Liloan Mayor Christina Garcia Frasco is a mother who wants to spend more time with her children in the midst of her busy schedule.

She showed this in in a post she shared on Friday night, October 11, when she had a meeting with the village chiefs of Liloan.

During the meeting, her son, Franco, was seated on the same chair with her.

The boy was behaved and appeared to be listening intently to the discussion.

He wore the white-collared polo shirt like his Mommy.

“The other day when Franco was with me at work, I had a long discussion with current and former barangay captains of Liloan discussing pressing concerns and current projects,” the mayor wrote.

She said her son listened intently the whole time.

After the meeting, Frasco shared they had a good laugh because Franco went around the room on his own and told the locals leaders,” Bye, Cap! Salamat, Cap! Team Frasco!”

Frasco is a mother to three children with husband, Congressman Duke Frasco.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/263605/mayor-christina-takes-son-to-work

TV Patrol: Theme music

A new theme tune was introduced, which incorporates the elements of "Pulstar" and "Allegro" orchestra and original 1996-2001 version, the 1994-1996 ABS-CBN News Theme, TV Patrol's 2001 and 2010 theme, TV Patrol World's 2004 and 2006 theme music and the ABS-CBN's jingle.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Cotabato City dads push for separate congressional district

COTABATO CITY – The City Council here has passed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to create a separate congressional district for Cotabato City.

The city forms part of Maguindanao’s first congressional district, along with 11 towns.

City Councilor Japal Guiani III, author of the proposition, told reporters Thursday that the resolution was channeled through Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat of Maguindanao’s first district.

“We have been dreaming for this for so long,” Cotabato City Vice Mayor Graham Dumama told local reporters. “It’s long overdue. Since my first term in 2010, we were already hoping to have (a) separate House seat."

Guiani said the City Council members approved the resolution unanimously during Tuesday’s regular session.

Dumama said Cotabato City has been qualified since 2015 to become a congressional district based on population, land area, and revenue collections.

Sinsuat said he will file a bill creating the city as a separate congressional district.

Sinsuat, a first-termer member of the House, earlier sponsored a bill seeking to divide Maguindanao into two and create a Western Maguindanao.

Dumama said the more than 300,000 population of Cotabato City have been asking for a separate congressional seat so more developments would come and so that city residents would have a voice in the national legislature.

“Having a separate congressional district has many advantages for the city. For one, it will have its representative in the House, it will have congressional funds,” the vice mayor said.

He added that the House representative will only have the 37 barangays of Cotabato City to “fill up his/her mind” unlike the 11 towns in Maguindanao that occupy his mind at present.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082773

People Power Revolution: Aftermath

But, the biggest gatherings in the world, a few months after the 1986 revolution, like the anniversary celebration of Catholic Charismatic Renewal group El Shaddai to coincidence with the birthday celebration of televangelist Bro. Mike Velarde in August and the Evangelical Charismatic Christian group Jesus is Lord Church to coincidence with the birthday celebration of televangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva in October at the Quirino Grandstand, a few years before the January 12-16, 1995 Manila visit of Pope John Paul II for the 10th World Youth Day in Manila, when the largest papal crowd in history and the Philippine Centennial celebration on June 12, 1998 attended by more than four million people and the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Philippines 2015 closing mass on January 18, 2015, both the largest historic peaceful gatherings of people in one place for a single event in the world, not only in the Philippines.

Cotabato City calls for creation of own legislative district

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The city council has drafted a resolution urging Congress to create a lone congressional district to represent its 37 barangays.

Japal Guiani III, a member of the Cotabato City’s 16th Sangguniang Panglunsod, told reporters Thursday the resolution was sent to Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat (Maguindanao 1st District).

Cotabato City is part of the first congressional district of Maguindanao, along with 11 other towns in the province.

Guiani said the council approved the resolution unanimously during a session Tuesday.

Sources from the office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Region 12 said Cotabato City has been qualified since 2015 to become its own congressional district based on population, area and revenue collections.

The power to create legislative districts is with the House of Representatives.

Sinsuat earlier sponsord a bill to split Maguindanao into two provinces, one to be named Western Maguindanao.

His proposal aims to group together all of the 11 towns in the first district of Maguindanao under a new Western Maguindanao province.

Guiani said he and other SP members are optimistic that Congress, through the efforts of Sinsuat, will consider the mounting calls for Cotabato City, now with more than 300,000 residents, to have its own congressional seat.

Cotabato City was created through a congressional charter more than five decades ago.

The city is also known as Kuta Wato, or stone fort, which refers to the iconic hill overlooking the Rio Grande de Mindanao and nearby marshes that connect to the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Delta.

Moros opposed to Spanish rule used the stone fort as a staging ground for attacks against the colonizers from the 16th to late 18th century.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/10/10/1959053/cotabato-city-calls-creation-own-legislative-district

Bill filed to make Ipil Regional Center

By Sidney Russell M. Santuyo

The municipality of Ipil sought to become the regional center for Region 9 through House Bill No. 5051 filed in congress recently .

Being the geographical center of the Peninsula, the municipality of Ipil serves as the prime strategic location for the relocation of facilities, government offices and businesses, according to the proposed Bill.

Governor Wilter Yap Palma revealed this during his message at the Sebisyo Caravan led by the Provincial Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) held in Guinoman.

Palma said , the provincial government of Zamboanga Sibugay will donate 10 hectares of land for the purpose and that it is willing to assist in the transfer of Regional Offices in the form of infrastructure and personnel compliment .

It can be recalled that Executive Order No. 429 issued by former President Corazon Aquino on October 22, 1990 made Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur, the Regional Center for Region 9 while the city of Zamboanga remained the commercial and Industrial center.

"As a result, various Government Regional Offices are scattered within the Peninsula," the Bill stated, making it inefficient for the citizens to accomplish multiple transactions within agencies and "imposing additional burden to our citizens by compelling them to withstand strenuous travel conditions as well as endure lengthy travel just to conduct their own personal businesses within said offices."

According to the proposed Bill, the municipality of Ipil, being the geographical center of the Peninsula, serves as the prime strategic location for the relocation of facilities, government offices and businesses which greatly improves the accessibility of various government services and heighten the efficiency as a whole.

The bill was received in the House of the Representatives last October 2, 2019. (NBE/JPA/SRMS /PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)