By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat
The City Government of Bacoor said its proposed 420-hectare reclamation projects have earned overwhelming support from directly-impacted stakeholders during the public hearing held by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
In a statement, Bacoor City Mayor Lani M. Revilla said that Bacoor stakeholders were present during the January 9, 2020. Said public hearing is part of the Environmental Impact Assessment System as mandated by law under Presidential Decree 1586 and DENR Administrative Order No. 2003-30.
The City Government of Bacoor is the proponent of twin reclamation projects, namely Bacoor Reclamation and Development Project (BRDP), consisting of a total of 320-hectare islands, and the Diamond Reclamation and Development Project (DRDP) consisting of one 100-hectare island via Public-Private Partnership under the PPP Code of Bacoor.
Revilla explained that the City hopes to integrate in these two projects a most effective approach to the long-term clean-up of Manila Bay as mandated by a SC continuing mandamus, being the only projects along the Manila Bay that carry with it a program for relocation and resettlement of Informal Settler Families (ISFs) living along the ten coastal barangays.
“These proposed projects will also address flooding in the city as she made sure they are integrated with the various long-term flood mitigating projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” said Revilla in a statement. The Flood Risk Management Project of the DPWH will improve river channels and create diversion channels from Imus to Bacoor City which will serve as the flood discharge system of the rainwater catchment basin of Bacoor in Buhay na Tubig.
The reclamation projects which are designed with deep channels and waterways for the efficient flow of water to the sea, complement the anti-flood measures being implemented by the national government. These are necessary because Bacoor is currently the catch-basin of the Province of Cavite and naturally prone to flooding. These channels will serve as outlets of the government flood-control infrastructures aided with the most advanced technology with least inconvenience to the public.
Elevated and equipped with wave deflectors at the banks, the reclamation would likewise serve as an integral part of the city’s coastal defense that would shield it and adjacent areas from the threat of storm surge. The reclamation islands inside Cavitex road also complement the Bacoor Diversion Road project of the DPWH as this structure and the islands will also serve to block the influx of high tide waters into the often-inundated areas along the coastal barangays of Talaba 2, Maliksi 1 and 3 and Digman.
“The proposed reclamation islands are so situated and formed as to conform with the antiflooding projects of DPWH, having more than sufficient channels in between the islands which are aligned with existing natural river outflows. The studies conducted by the private sector partners of the city show that the islands will also serve as anti-storm surge walls of the City,” she said.
Among the sectors represented in the public hearing were the concerned barangay officials, the fisherfolk, Informal Settler Families (ISFs), student leaders, mussel and oyster farmers, businessmen, environmental groups, and other concerned government agencies. The fishermen are most satisfied with the proposed Fisherman’s Village in Barangay Alima which is also part of the proposed reclamation projects in order to make sure that they will not be displaced from their industry.
The proposed projects are expected to uplift their living conditions with the establishment of the Fisherman’s Wharf along Sineguelasan coasts which will also develop and preserve the 40-hectare mangroves plantation of the City.
The projects are expected to boost the city government’s on-going relocation program for the concerned coastal residents and hasten its compliance with the SC mandamus for Manila Bay clean up.
It could be recalled that in 2008, the SC issued a continuing mandamus, directing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and several other government agencies to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay, and restore and maintain its waters to make them fit for swimming, skin-diving, and other forms of contact recreation.
Specifically, for the DENR, the Court ordered the full implementation of its Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Coastal Strategy (OPMBCS), which includes the reduction of illegal settlers, establishments and structures along coast lines and prevent future occupation of these shorelines.
Part of the project is the creation of two resettlement sites for the ISFs and fishermen living along coastal areas who would be affected by the reclamation projects.
One of the resettlement sites is a property in Molino II that would be called “Ciudad Kaunlaran,” where medium-rise buildings will be constructed with basic facilities and livelihood support programs. A government center with social services will also be established within the site. Among the target beneficiaries for Ciudad Kaunlaran are ISFs from 10 barangays of Bacoor who would be affected by the project.
Likewise, properties in Barangay Alima would be transformed into a Fisherman’s Village for the resettlement of fishermen living along the coastlines of Bacoor Bay. The relocation site would still allow fishermen to ply their trade while a wharf with berthing facility will be constructed for their use.
She also pointed out that the relocation program would be conducted under the Community-based Initiative Approach of the National Housing Authority (NHA), which calls for the participation of the affected ISFs in the planning stage.
With the reclamation projects, Revilla said Bacoor will soon be transformed into a new center of growth in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision to decongest Metro Manila and spread development to other areas of the country.
She said reclamation is the prudent, sustainable, and viable solution to effectively address Bacoor’s critical need for available land necessary to cope with economic stagnation and provide additional space for residential and commercial purposes.
She noted that as much as 73 percent of Bacoor’s available land space is already devoted to residential use, with only about 2 percent utilized for commercial purposes.
On the other hand, the agri-fishery areas—covering all rice lands, other productive agricultural lands, and water bodies or fishponds — have shrunk to a total area of 410 hectares, or a mere 6.61 percent of the total land area of Bacoor.
Based on the 2015 census, the city’s population density is at 13,009 per square kilometers or a total of about 600,609 individuals. If the trend continues, it is projected that Bacoor’s population will double its size by 2025.
Revilla also claimed that the projects will attract new investments and businesses in the mixed-use zone for residential, leisure, commercial and education and technology hubs. Moreover, the twin projects will enhance the city’s potential as a tourist attraction and increase its income from eco-tourism activities.
With the establishment of business hotels in the reclamation area and their operation, Bacoor is projected to earn an additional P1.8 billion in revenues from tourism activities alone.
The reclamation projects are likewise expected to boost productivity and efficiency for economic enterprises and open new business and livelihood opportunities.
https://business.mb.com.ph/2020/01/13/bacoor-city-pushes-project-to-reclaim-420-hectares/
Monday, January 13, 2020
Duterte thumbs down Manila Bay reclamation projects
By Argyll Geducos
“Not in my time.”
President Duterte said he was unlikely to approve any proposed reclamation project in Manila Bay as he expressed concern over its effect on the environment.
Duterte made the statement after the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) said last month that at least four reclamation projects in Manila Bay were already given the green light.
PRA general manager Joselito Gonzales told DZMM last month that the approved projects were the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay 360-Hectare Reclamation Project, Pasay 265-Hectare Reclamation Project, and the Horizon Manila 418-Reclamation Project.
In an interview with ABS-CBN, Duterte said it would have been fine if the projects were just investments to infuse money into the economy but added that reclaiming 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay was “mind-boggling.”
“That entire, how many? Ten thousand hectares? It would be, surely, for habitation. There might be some offices or some residences there,” he said in the interview aired over DZMM Monday.
“But you have to make an audit now of whether or not the environment of the entire area there can absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated. Because now, you must have water treatment. If you have a new building, make sure you are connected to [a] water treatment facility,” he added.
Duterte said he was not ready to approve any reclamation project if there was no concrete plan showing how the environment would be protected.
“That big [of an area] is stupefying. Mukhang (I think), I am not ready for that. I am not ready even to say I will grant it. Not in my time,” he said.
“As long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded,” he added.
Environmental group Climate Reality Project earlier warned the government that dumping soil into the Manila Bay would displace thousands of residents, cause flooding, and harm its biodiversity.
However, Gonzales told DZMM last month that dumping soil into the Manila Bay would not cause it to overflow but said the water would go to the West Philippine Sea because of displacement theory.
In February last year, President Duterte ordered the creation of the Manila Bay Task Force to ensure the expedited and complete rehabilitation, restoration, and conservation of the coastal and marine ecosystem of the Manila Bay.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which was named head of the task force, was ordered to strictly enforce the Philippine Clean Water Act on the conduct of containment, removal, and clean operations, and the exercise of supervision and control on all aspects of water quality management.
The agency was likewise tasked to monitor compliance with critical environmental laws, rules and regulations, and issue notices of closure, cease and desist orders, and other appropriate sanctions to violators, including the filing of cases against erring government officials.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/13/duterte-thumbs-down-manila-bay-reclamation-projects/
“Not in my time.”
President Duterte said he was unlikely to approve any proposed reclamation project in Manila Bay as he expressed concern over its effect on the environment.
Duterte made the statement after the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) said last month that at least four reclamation projects in Manila Bay were already given the green light.
PRA general manager Joselito Gonzales told DZMM last month that the approved projects were the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay 360-Hectare Reclamation Project, Pasay 265-Hectare Reclamation Project, and the Horizon Manila 418-Reclamation Project.
In an interview with ABS-CBN, Duterte said it would have been fine if the projects were just investments to infuse money into the economy but added that reclaiming 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay was “mind-boggling.”
“That entire, how many? Ten thousand hectares? It would be, surely, for habitation. There might be some offices or some residences there,” he said in the interview aired over DZMM Monday.
“But you have to make an audit now of whether or not the environment of the entire area there can absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated. Because now, you must have water treatment. If you have a new building, make sure you are connected to [a] water treatment facility,” he added.
Duterte said he was not ready to approve any reclamation project if there was no concrete plan showing how the environment would be protected.
“That big [of an area] is stupefying. Mukhang (I think), I am not ready for that. I am not ready even to say I will grant it. Not in my time,” he said.
“As long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded,” he added.
Environmental group Climate Reality Project earlier warned the government that dumping soil into the Manila Bay would displace thousands of residents, cause flooding, and harm its biodiversity.
However, Gonzales told DZMM last month that dumping soil into the Manila Bay would not cause it to overflow but said the water would go to the West Philippine Sea because of displacement theory.
In February last year, President Duterte ordered the creation of the Manila Bay Task Force to ensure the expedited and complete rehabilitation, restoration, and conservation of the coastal and marine ecosystem of the Manila Bay.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which was named head of the task force, was ordered to strictly enforce the Philippine Clean Water Act on the conduct of containment, removal, and clean operations, and the exercise of supervision and control on all aspects of water quality management.
The agency was likewise tasked to monitor compliance with critical environmental laws, rules and regulations, and issue notices of closure, cease and desist orders, and other appropriate sanctions to violators, including the filing of cases against erring government officials.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/13/duterte-thumbs-down-manila-bay-reclamation-projects/
Duterte not inclined to approve proposed Manila Bay reclamation
Describing the scope of the proposals as "almost mind-boggling" and "stupefying," President Rodrigo Duterte said he is to approve the proposed Manila Bay reclamation projects if they have safeguards for the environment and public health.
"If it's an investment to infuse more money into the Philippine economy, it seems to be OK. But the hugeness of the area you are trying to reclaim, to me, is almost mind-boggling because that entire 10,000 hectares, it will be for...surely for habitation. There might be some offices and some residences," Duterte said in an interview aired over radio station dzMM Monday.
"I am not ready even to say that I will grant it, not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded," he added.
Duterte said an audit has to be conducted to determine whether the reclamation area could absorb the waste from the residences and offices that would occupy it. He noted that buildings should be connected to a water treatment facility.
"There has to be a concrete showing that the environment will be protected, otherwise I would say that I am not, I do not have the wherewithals, but that big, it's stupefying. It seems that I am not ready for that," the president said.
The proposed Manila Bay reclamation involves 25 projects that cover 10,000 hectares from Navotas City to Cavite.
At least four projects — the Navotas City coastal bay reclamation project, Pasay 360-hectare reclamation project, Pasay 265-hectare reclamation project and the Horizon Manila 418-hectare reclamation project — have been given notices to proceed, according to the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/13/1984507/duterte-not-inclined-approve-proposed-manila-bay-reclamation
"If it's an investment to infuse more money into the Philippine economy, it seems to be OK. But the hugeness of the area you are trying to reclaim, to me, is almost mind-boggling because that entire 10,000 hectares, it will be for...surely for habitation. There might be some offices and some residences," Duterte said in an interview aired over radio station dzMM Monday.
"I am not ready even to say that I will grant it, not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded," he added.
Duterte said an audit has to be conducted to determine whether the reclamation area could absorb the waste from the residences and offices that would occupy it. He noted that buildings should be connected to a water treatment facility.
"There has to be a concrete showing that the environment will be protected, otherwise I would say that I am not, I do not have the wherewithals, but that big, it's stupefying. It seems that I am not ready for that," the president said.
The proposed Manila Bay reclamation involves 25 projects that cover 10,000 hectares from Navotas City to Cavite.
At least four projects — the Navotas City coastal bay reclamation project, Pasay 360-hectare reclamation project, Pasay 265-hectare reclamation project and the Horizon Manila 418-hectare reclamation project — have been given notices to proceed, according to the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/13/1984507/duterte-not-inclined-approve-proposed-manila-bay-reclamation
Duterte expresses reservations over Manila Bay reclamation projects
President Rodrigo Duterte had reservations over the proposed reclamation projects in Manila Bay due to their potential impact on the environment.
Almost 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay would be reclaimed to give way to 25 projects.
In a recent interview with ABS-CBN News, Duterte said there needed be an audit on whether the environment could “absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated.”
“If it’s an investment to infuse more money into the Philippine economy, it seems to be OK. But the hugeness of the area you are trying to reclaim to me is almost mind-boggling,” he said.
“I am not ready even to say that I will grant it, not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded.”
In February last year, Duterte gave the power to approve reclamation projects back to the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), which, in turn, had been placed under the Office of the President.
The PRA was also mandated to seek advisory opinions from the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources on any reclamation project.
No reclamation project would be approved by the PRA without the required area clearance and environmental compliance certificate from the DENR and all reclamation projects had to undergo "competitive" public bidding, according to the EO.
The EO applied to reclamation projects, including those initiated by local government units and all other agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations or any government entity allowed under existing laws to reclaim land. — Virgil Lopez/DVM, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/722007/lorenzana-no-need-for-foreign-aid-yet-amid-taal-activity/story/
Almost 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay would be reclaimed to give way to 25 projects.
In a recent interview with ABS-CBN News, Duterte said there needed be an audit on whether the environment could “absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated.”
“If it’s an investment to infuse more money into the Philippine economy, it seems to be OK. But the hugeness of the area you are trying to reclaim to me is almost mind-boggling,” he said.
“I am not ready even to say that I will grant it, not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded.”
In February last year, Duterte gave the power to approve reclamation projects back to the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), which, in turn, had been placed under the Office of the President.
The PRA was also mandated to seek advisory opinions from the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources on any reclamation project.
No reclamation project would be approved by the PRA without the required area clearance and environmental compliance certificate from the DENR and all reclamation projects had to undergo "competitive" public bidding, according to the EO.
The EO applied to reclamation projects, including those initiated by local government units and all other agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations or any government entity allowed under existing laws to reclaim land. — Virgil Lopez/DVM, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/722007/lorenzana-no-need-for-foreign-aid-yet-amid-taal-activity/story/
'Not in my time': Duterte nixes proposed Manila Bay reclamation projects
President Rodrigo Duterte said he is unlikely to approve proposed Manila Bay reclamation projects as he expressed apprehensions over its scope.
Duterte said reclaiming 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay is "mind-boggling," emphasizing the need to protect the environment.
"That big, it's stupefying. Mukhang I am not ready for that. I am not ready even to say that I will grant it," Duterte told broadcaster Ted Failon.
"Not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded," the President added.
Almost 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay, from Navotas City to Cavite are supposed to undergo reclamation under 25 projects.
Last month, the Philippine Reclamation Authority said 4 projects have been given notices to proceed, namely the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay 360-Hectare Reclamation Project, Pasay 265-Hectare Reclamation Project, and the Horizon Manila 418-Reclamation Project.
The projects however still have to undergo value engineering approval before reclamation efforts begin.
Duterte said reclaiming such a huge part of the body of water should undergo an audit to study waste management.
"You have to make an audit now of whether or not the environment of the entire area there can absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated," he said.
"There has to be a concrete showing that the environment will be protected. Otherwise I would say that I am not [for it]," he added.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/13/20/not-in-my-time-duterte-nixes-proposed-manila-bay-reclamation-projects
Duterte said reclaiming 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay is "mind-boggling," emphasizing the need to protect the environment.
"That big, it's stupefying. Mukhang I am not ready for that. I am not ready even to say that I will grant it," Duterte told broadcaster Ted Failon.
"Not in my time, as long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded," the President added.
Almost 10,000 hectares of the Manila Bay, from Navotas City to Cavite are supposed to undergo reclamation under 25 projects.
Last month, the Philippine Reclamation Authority said 4 projects have been given notices to proceed, namely the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay 360-Hectare Reclamation Project, Pasay 265-Hectare Reclamation Project, and the Horizon Manila 418-Reclamation Project.
The projects however still have to undergo value engineering approval before reclamation efforts begin.
Duterte said reclaiming such a huge part of the body of water should undergo an audit to study waste management.
"You have to make an audit now of whether or not the environment of the entire area there can absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated," he said.
"There has to be a concrete showing that the environment will be protected. Otherwise I would say that I am not [for it]," he added.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/13/20/not-in-my-time-duterte-nixes-proposed-manila-bay-reclamation-projects
Sharon appeals to Duterte to renew ABS-CBN franchise for the sake of thousands of employees
One of Sharon Cuneta’s birthday wishes is for President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider his stand on ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal for the sake of thousands of employees of the network.
Sharon, who celebrated her 54th birthday last Jan. 6, shared her birthday wishes with reporters during the renewal of her contract with ABS-CBN on Thursday afternoon.
The President has repeatedly said he would block the passage of a law that would renew ABS-CBN’s franchise because of its failure to air his political advertisements during the 2016 presidential elections, among other things. The Kapamilya network’s franchise is set to expire in March this year.
“(Those) who have remained loyal to the station, grown up here, have learned from the school of hard knocks here, have become family, good friends, will lose almost everything they’ve built over the years,” Sharon said, in justifying her appeal.
“And even those who might choose to stay, if indeed it unfortunately goes that way, it won’t be the same,” she continued. “So I hope in my heart that our dear President reconsiders the thousands and thousands of employees who have grown up here, learn the ropes here, and that includes me.”
As for her other wishes on her special day, the actress said: “For my family, it would have to be peace. I also wish for love, good health, devotion, family loyalty and closeness… And for my fans to continue supporting my projects.”
For the coming year, Sharon is expecting to do two TV shows (“Your Face Sounds Familiar” and a teleserye), seven new films (to be produced by different film outfits) and two concert tours abroad (one of which will be in May with Regine Velasquez).
Missing KC
On the same occasion, the Megastar lamented that her eldest daughter, KC Concepcion, has not been showing up in important gatherings at home and have been conspicuously absent during her birthday celebration.
“I don’t know what’s happening to my daughter. I miss her,” Sharon said.
“Social media is not really a good platform to express your feelings, especially if you’re a public figure. I just posted my greeting to my daughter because her explanation for her absence on my birthday special in ‘ASAP Natin To’ was also posted on social media,” the actress said, explaining her lengthy and highly emotional letter to KC on her Instagram account a few days ago.
She said she felt sad that she didn’t even get a personal message from KC. “It’s not like her. I’m worried about her… I know that she will get in touch with us soon… It all boils down to a mother missing her daughter,” she declared.
Sharon said she did not even know that KC wouldn’t show up at their home on New Year’s Eve or the following day. It has been a tradition since KC was born, she added. “I was just worried about what she might be going through. I guess it’s because she’s older. As we grow older, maybe we feel less need to consult with our parents. But in our family—I’ve also gone through this while growing up—we still have to give our parents the respect of letting them know where we are, how we are and who we are with,” Sharon pointed out.
She added that she didn’t want to know about what’s happening in her eldest daughter’s life only from newspapers. “God forbid! What if there’s an accident? I’d go crazy! She’s my kid!” Sharon said.
This was why Sharon was also visibly surprised when reporters asked her reaction to the rumor that KC is dating American-Filipino rapper and record producer apl.de.ap, who is best known as the member of the hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas.“That’s a surprise to me so I don’t know what to say,” the Megastar said. “I have a lot of respect for apl. He is a good person. I just wish I had heard it from her, if it was true.”
Sharon continued: “KC is in her 30s and has her own life to live. All I’m asking for is her time for the family… I just know that I did not raise any bad children.” INQ
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/358089/sharon-appeals-to-duterte-to-renew-abs-cbn-franchise-for-the-sake-of-thousands-of-employees
Sharon, who celebrated her 54th birthday last Jan. 6, shared her birthday wishes with reporters during the renewal of her contract with ABS-CBN on Thursday afternoon.
The President has repeatedly said he would block the passage of a law that would renew ABS-CBN’s franchise because of its failure to air his political advertisements during the 2016 presidential elections, among other things. The Kapamilya network’s franchise is set to expire in March this year.
“(Those) who have remained loyal to the station, grown up here, have learned from the school of hard knocks here, have become family, good friends, will lose almost everything they’ve built over the years,” Sharon said, in justifying her appeal.
“And even those who might choose to stay, if indeed it unfortunately goes that way, it won’t be the same,” she continued. “So I hope in my heart that our dear President reconsiders the thousands and thousands of employees who have grown up here, learn the ropes here, and that includes me.”
As for her other wishes on her special day, the actress said: “For my family, it would have to be peace. I also wish for love, good health, devotion, family loyalty and closeness… And for my fans to continue supporting my projects.”
For the coming year, Sharon is expecting to do two TV shows (“Your Face Sounds Familiar” and a teleserye), seven new films (to be produced by different film outfits) and two concert tours abroad (one of which will be in May with Regine Velasquez).
Missing KC
On the same occasion, the Megastar lamented that her eldest daughter, KC Concepcion, has not been showing up in important gatherings at home and have been conspicuously absent during her birthday celebration.
“I don’t know what’s happening to my daughter. I miss her,” Sharon said.
“Social media is not really a good platform to express your feelings, especially if you’re a public figure. I just posted my greeting to my daughter because her explanation for her absence on my birthday special in ‘ASAP Natin To’ was also posted on social media,” the actress said, explaining her lengthy and highly emotional letter to KC on her Instagram account a few days ago.
She said she felt sad that she didn’t even get a personal message from KC. “It’s not like her. I’m worried about her… I know that she will get in touch with us soon… It all boils down to a mother missing her daughter,” she declared.
Sharon said she did not even know that KC wouldn’t show up at their home on New Year’s Eve or the following day. It has been a tradition since KC was born, she added. “I was just worried about what she might be going through. I guess it’s because she’s older. As we grow older, maybe we feel less need to consult with our parents. But in our family—I’ve also gone through this while growing up—we still have to give our parents the respect of letting them know where we are, how we are and who we are with,” Sharon pointed out.
She added that she didn’t want to know about what’s happening in her eldest daughter’s life only from newspapers. “God forbid! What if there’s an accident? I’d go crazy! She’s my kid!” Sharon said.
This was why Sharon was also visibly surprised when reporters asked her reaction to the rumor that KC is dating American-Filipino rapper and record producer apl.de.ap, who is best known as the member of the hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas.“That’s a surprise to me so I don’t know what to say,” the Megastar said. “I have a lot of respect for apl. He is a good person. I just wish I had heard it from her, if it was true.”
Sharon continued: “KC is in her 30s and has her own life to live. All I’m asking for is her time for the family… I just know that I did not raise any bad children.” INQ
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/358089/sharon-appeals-to-duterte-to-renew-abs-cbn-franchise-for-the-sake-of-thousands-of-employees
I have girlfriends, not cronies – Duterte
As critics accuse him of creating his own oligarchs and favoring the business interests of his allies, President Duterte insisted he has no cronies, saying he does not have use for them.
Duterte said some people have raised doubts on his plans, including his directive to rehabilitate Boracay island, a tourist destination he had previously called a “cesspool.”
“Boracay used to be dirty. I had it rehabilitated. It’s now clean. But behind my back, many are talking, especially the rich people who are interested. ‘Duterte will give that to his cronies,’ ” the President said during the distribution of assistance to farmers in Cotabato last Friday.
“Wala akong crony. May girlfriends ako. Crony wala akong silbi ’yang – hindi ko mayakap ’yang mga buwang na ’yan. Ang akin, girlfriends. Wala akong crony (I do not have cronies. I have girlfriends. I do not have use for cronies I cannot hug those crazies. I have girlfriends. I don’t have cronies),” he added.
Duterte said he has placed Boracay under land reform to dispel claims that he would give the island to cronies.
The Chief Executive claimed some of the problems hounding the Philippines were caused by rich people.
“To the rich, you know, (if) you have the social conscience, you won’t have any problem with me. By the mercy of God, I did not accept contributions from you during the election. I worked on a shoestring budget,” he said.
Duterte has been hurling tirades at some of the country’s top businessmen, accusing them of various wrongdoings, including using “onerous” deals to earn huge sums at the expense of the public.
He has claimed that water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad have taken advantage of their contracts with the government to earn billions at the expense of Filipino consumers.
The President has also announced that he would offer new contracts to the water firms but clarified that the concessionaires could still face charges even if they accept the deal.
He has also vowed to block the renewal of the franchise of Lopez-owned ABS-CBN and has advised its owners to just sell the television network. ABS-CBN, whose franchise is set to expire this March, has been accused by Duterte of biased reporting and of not returning the money he had spent for a campaign advertisement that did not air.
Critics suspect that Duterte is lambasting the water concessionaires and ABS-CBN so that their owners would be forced to sell them to his friends.
Malacañang has denied the allegation, saying the President is just against unfair deals and anomalies.
Officials have also claimed that the President is committed to ensuring a competitive economic climate.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/13/1984346/i-have-girlfriends-not-cronies-duterte
Duterte said some people have raised doubts on his plans, including his directive to rehabilitate Boracay island, a tourist destination he had previously called a “cesspool.”
“Boracay used to be dirty. I had it rehabilitated. It’s now clean. But behind my back, many are talking, especially the rich people who are interested. ‘Duterte will give that to his cronies,’ ” the President said during the distribution of assistance to farmers in Cotabato last Friday.
“Wala akong crony. May girlfriends ako. Crony wala akong silbi ’yang – hindi ko mayakap ’yang mga buwang na ’yan. Ang akin, girlfriends. Wala akong crony (I do not have cronies. I have girlfriends. I do not have use for cronies I cannot hug those crazies. I have girlfriends. I don’t have cronies),” he added.
Duterte said he has placed Boracay under land reform to dispel claims that he would give the island to cronies.
The Chief Executive claimed some of the problems hounding the Philippines were caused by rich people.
“To the rich, you know, (if) you have the social conscience, you won’t have any problem with me. By the mercy of God, I did not accept contributions from you during the election. I worked on a shoestring budget,” he said.
Duterte has been hurling tirades at some of the country’s top businessmen, accusing them of various wrongdoings, including using “onerous” deals to earn huge sums at the expense of the public.
He has claimed that water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad have taken advantage of their contracts with the government to earn billions at the expense of Filipino consumers.
The President has also announced that he would offer new contracts to the water firms but clarified that the concessionaires could still face charges even if they accept the deal.
He has also vowed to block the renewal of the franchise of Lopez-owned ABS-CBN and has advised its owners to just sell the television network. ABS-CBN, whose franchise is set to expire this March, has been accused by Duterte of biased reporting and of not returning the money he had spent for a campaign advertisement that did not air.
Critics suspect that Duterte is lambasting the water concessionaires and ABS-CBN so that their owners would be forced to sell them to his friends.
Malacañang has denied the allegation, saying the President is just against unfair deals and anomalies.
Officials have also claimed that the President is committed to ensuring a competitive economic climate.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/13/1984346/i-have-girlfriends-not-cronies-duterte
ABS-CBN’s ongoing struggle for franchise renewal
By ALYSSA MAE CLARIN
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — The new decade poses possible threat to ABS-CBN as the broadcast corporation’s franchise expiration approaches in less than two months, and with President Duterte’s ongoing tirades against the network’s franchise renewal.
The corporation, whose approaching its 74th year in business and is considered one of the Philippines’ biggest TV networks, has experienced something similar in 1972 when the network was forcefully closed down a day after Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law.
ABS-CBN and its affiliate stations were seized and closed down midnight of September 22, 1972 and Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr., the network’s president at that time, was imprisoned for allegedly plotting to kill Marcos.
ABS-CBN was then taken over by Robert Benedicto, a known crony of Marcos, and was renamed as ‘Broadcasting Plaza’ until former ABS-CBN talents’ forceful retrieval on February 24, 1986 at the height of the People Power uprising. The network was then used to televise the mammoth protests that aided in the overthrow of the dictatorship.
The network was then returned back to the ownership of the Lopezes in July 1986.
It seems history tends to repeat itself, as once again, the network is at the forefront of President Rodrigo Duterte’s attacks.
An attack on press freedom
Duterte’s attack against ABS-CBN has been going on since the start of his administration, when the broadcast company allegedly did not air Duterte’s paid campaign in 2016 but instead chose to give the air time to his know-critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes.
The following year, Duterte had called out ABS-CBN, as well as Philippine Daily Inquirer for being “rude” and for writing “unfair news” about him in, going as far as adding expletives and saying that “karma” will surely come to these media entities.
Then in April 2017, Duterte stated that he is open to ‘formally blocking’ the network’s franchise renewal especially since the network had ‘swindled’ him of his 2016 ad. He even went as far as saying that he would be filing a complaint and told the Congress that there was no need to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) had released a statement regarding the matter, urging the Congress to continue being an independent branch and fto renew the network’s franchise.
According to NUJP, almost 11,000 jobs are currently on the line as Duterte continues to be against the network’s franchise renewal. They also appealed to legislators “not allow one man’s vindictiveness displace thousands of workers, including journalists and artists, and spell the end for freedom of the press and of expression.”
Two choices: close down or sell out
It seemed like Duterte’s goals in his attacks against the network had shifted, as he is now pushing the network to sell out.
Months before the network’s franchise renewal, Duterte dropped another threat against ABS-CBN and claimed that it would be better for the network to ‘just sell’ because it is unlikely that the Congress would approve of the franchise renewal.
The real question would be: to who?
It seems like Duterte is pushing for another repeat of Ramon Ang’s buyout of the Inquirer Group of Companies’ major shares from the Prietos, also similar to what happened to the network during the Marcos’ regime and it’s temporary hand-over to Benedicto.
Speculators are betting on Dennis Uy, a Duterte ally who has been steadily growing his business acquisition since 2016.
In 2018, Uy had expanded his business empire to telecommunications after his acquisition of Mislatel, one of the telecommunication firms approved by the House and the Senate to become the third major telco provider in the Philippines.
Mislatel, now rebranded as Dito Telecommunication, is now under Uy’s ISM Communications Corporation.
In 2019, it was then revealed that ISM Communications Corp.’s board has approved to fully interject Uy’s media and entertainment business, and the corporation will be changing its name into Dito CME Holdings Inc.
Because of the sudden rebranding and Duterte’s change of threats against ABS-CBN, speculators are betting on Uy to be the one to buy-out ABS-CBN if ever the Lopezes cave under the Duterte’s continued pressure.
However, Uy had said that there’s currently ‘no definitive plans’ on acquiring ABS-CBN and the Lopezes have yet to signal their intention of selling the network.
ABS-CBN’s franchise was approved through Republic Act No. 7966 on March 30, 1995 and is set to expire this coming March 2020.
Currently, eight bills seeking the franchise extension are being pushed in the House of Representatives plenary despite Duterte’s continued claims that he is vehemently against the corporation’s franchise renewal. (https://www.bulatlat.com)
https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/01/13/abs-cbns-ongoing-struggle-for-franchise-renewal/
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — The new decade poses possible threat to ABS-CBN as the broadcast corporation’s franchise expiration approaches in less than two months, and with President Duterte’s ongoing tirades against the network’s franchise renewal.
The corporation, whose approaching its 74th year in business and is considered one of the Philippines’ biggest TV networks, has experienced something similar in 1972 when the network was forcefully closed down a day after Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law.
ABS-CBN and its affiliate stations were seized and closed down midnight of September 22, 1972 and Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr., the network’s president at that time, was imprisoned for allegedly plotting to kill Marcos.
ABS-CBN was then taken over by Robert Benedicto, a known crony of Marcos, and was renamed as ‘Broadcasting Plaza’ until former ABS-CBN talents’ forceful retrieval on February 24, 1986 at the height of the People Power uprising. The network was then used to televise the mammoth protests that aided in the overthrow of the dictatorship.
The network was then returned back to the ownership of the Lopezes in July 1986.
It seems history tends to repeat itself, as once again, the network is at the forefront of President Rodrigo Duterte’s attacks.
An attack on press freedom
Duterte’s attack against ABS-CBN has been going on since the start of his administration, when the broadcast company allegedly did not air Duterte’s paid campaign in 2016 but instead chose to give the air time to his know-critic, Sen. Antonio Trillanes.
The following year, Duterte had called out ABS-CBN, as well as Philippine Daily Inquirer for being “rude” and for writing “unfair news” about him in, going as far as adding expletives and saying that “karma” will surely come to these media entities.
Then in April 2017, Duterte stated that he is open to ‘formally blocking’ the network’s franchise renewal especially since the network had ‘swindled’ him of his 2016 ad. He even went as far as saying that he would be filing a complaint and told the Congress that there was no need to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) had released a statement regarding the matter, urging the Congress to continue being an independent branch and fto renew the network’s franchise.
According to NUJP, almost 11,000 jobs are currently on the line as Duterte continues to be against the network’s franchise renewal. They also appealed to legislators “not allow one man’s vindictiveness displace thousands of workers, including journalists and artists, and spell the end for freedom of the press and of expression.”
Two choices: close down or sell out
It seemed like Duterte’s goals in his attacks against the network had shifted, as he is now pushing the network to sell out.
Months before the network’s franchise renewal, Duterte dropped another threat against ABS-CBN and claimed that it would be better for the network to ‘just sell’ because it is unlikely that the Congress would approve of the franchise renewal.
The real question would be: to who?
It seems like Duterte is pushing for another repeat of Ramon Ang’s buyout of the Inquirer Group of Companies’ major shares from the Prietos, also similar to what happened to the network during the Marcos’ regime and it’s temporary hand-over to Benedicto.
Speculators are betting on Dennis Uy, a Duterte ally who has been steadily growing his business acquisition since 2016.
In 2018, Uy had expanded his business empire to telecommunications after his acquisition of Mislatel, one of the telecommunication firms approved by the House and the Senate to become the third major telco provider in the Philippines.
Mislatel, now rebranded as Dito Telecommunication, is now under Uy’s ISM Communications Corporation.
In 2019, it was then revealed that ISM Communications Corp.’s board has approved to fully interject Uy’s media and entertainment business, and the corporation will be changing its name into Dito CME Holdings Inc.
Because of the sudden rebranding and Duterte’s change of threats against ABS-CBN, speculators are betting on Uy to be the one to buy-out ABS-CBN if ever the Lopezes cave under the Duterte’s continued pressure.
However, Uy had said that there’s currently ‘no definitive plans’ on acquiring ABS-CBN and the Lopezes have yet to signal their intention of selling the network.
ABS-CBN’s franchise was approved through Republic Act No. 7966 on March 30, 1995 and is set to expire this coming March 2020.
Currently, eight bills seeking the franchise extension are being pushed in the House of Representatives plenary despite Duterte’s continued claims that he is vehemently against the corporation’s franchise renewal. (https://www.bulatlat.com)
https://www.bulatlat.com/2020/01/13/abs-cbns-ongoing-struggle-for-franchise-renewal/
Solon asks Congress to set hearings on ABS-CBN franchise
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Despite the repeated pronouncements of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte against the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN, one of his allies in Congress has expressed desire for the giant television network to continue its operations.
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez asked the House Committee on Legislative Franchise, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, to set the hearings on his proposed House Bill 5705 which aims to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years, together with nine other bills on the same subject matter.
“Congress should always uphold the Constitutional mandate under 4, 3 to ensure the freedom of the press,” Rodriguez said in a statement over the weekend.
The lawmaker has requested the hearings to be conducted upon the resumption of session on Jan. 20, saying “time is of the essence”. From that day until March 11 or when the Congress adjourns, only 24 session days are left.
ABS-CBN’s license to operate will expire on March 30, 2020.
“All authors and stakeholders must be heard especially ABS-CBN. Then the Committee will have to decide to renew or not to renew,” Rodriguez said.
The lawmaker said not acting on his bill and the other bills is improper, noting that ABS-CBN is the Philippines’ “largest media conglomerate in terms of revenue, operating income, net income, assets, equity, market capitalization, and number of employees”.
Alvarez, meanwhile, has assured ABS-CBN that his committee would be “fair and objective” in renewing the media company’s application for franchise renewal. He stressed, though, that the franchise is “a privilege, not a right, under the law.”
In his explanatory note on HB 5705, Rodriguez stated the television network has been “very big” on corporate social responsibility, in helping others, and in giving back.
“The late Gina Lopez initiated the Bantay Bata 163, the Bantay Kalikasan, and the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig Project,” he said.
In a few of his televised or recorded speeches, Duterte had been adamant on his stand against ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
The president accused the media conglomerate with “biased reporting,” and alleged that in the run-up to the national elections last 2016, ABS-CBN failed to air a campaign advertisement despite being paid by his camp. (davaotoday.com)
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/solon-asks-congress-to-set-hearings-on-abs-cbn-franchise/
Rep. Rufus Rodriguez asked the House Committee on Legislative Franchise, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, to set the hearings on his proposed House Bill 5705 which aims to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years, together with nine other bills on the same subject matter.
“Congress should always uphold the Constitutional mandate under 4, 3 to ensure the freedom of the press,” Rodriguez said in a statement over the weekend.
The lawmaker has requested the hearings to be conducted upon the resumption of session on Jan. 20, saying “time is of the essence”. From that day until March 11 or when the Congress adjourns, only 24 session days are left.
ABS-CBN’s license to operate will expire on March 30, 2020.
“All authors and stakeholders must be heard especially ABS-CBN. Then the Committee will have to decide to renew or not to renew,” Rodriguez said.
The lawmaker said not acting on his bill and the other bills is improper, noting that ABS-CBN is the Philippines’ “largest media conglomerate in terms of revenue, operating income, net income, assets, equity, market capitalization, and number of employees”.
Alvarez, meanwhile, has assured ABS-CBN that his committee would be “fair and objective” in renewing the media company’s application for franchise renewal. He stressed, though, that the franchise is “a privilege, not a right, under the law.”
In his explanatory note on HB 5705, Rodriguez stated the television network has been “very big” on corporate social responsibility, in helping others, and in giving back.
“The late Gina Lopez initiated the Bantay Bata 163, the Bantay Kalikasan, and the Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig Project,” he said.
In a few of his televised or recorded speeches, Duterte had been adamant on his stand against ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal.
The president accused the media conglomerate with “biased reporting,” and alleged that in the run-up to the national elections last 2016, ABS-CBN failed to air a campaign advertisement despite being paid by his camp. (davaotoday.com)
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/solon-asks-congress-to-set-hearings-on-abs-cbn-franchise/
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