Unsolicited proposal for MRT3: MVP group, DOTr holding talks

Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s unsolicited proposal to take over the maintenance and operations of the MRT 3 is now progressing as dialogues have begun between the group and the Transportation department.

MPIC Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan said his group has had meetings with the Department of Transportation in the past week to tackle its unsolicited proposal for MRT 3.

“There have been some meetings between our team which we organized for the MRT3 and the DOTR for the past week or so. It seems that’s some progress on that side, there have been some meetings with the DOTR. So that’s quite an important dialogue in respect of our unsolicited proposal,” Pangilinan said at the sidelines of the NLEX-SCTEx-Cavitex Digital Tollroads launch.

Pangilinan said the MPIC’s proposal to take over the operations and maintenance of the MRT 3 is a concession agreement.

The arrangement is similar to how the Light Rail Manila Corp – MPIC’s consortium with Ayala Corp and Mcquarrie – is running the LRT line 1.

Ayala is also on board in the proposal for MRT 3.

Also indicated in the proposal is a 30-year concession period.

However, Pangilinan said, the group will eventually ask for the buyout of ownership of the MRT 3, which is currently being held by the Sobrepeña group.

Pangilinan cannot provide figures as to how much the MPIC-Ayala consortium will shell out for MRT 3.

The rehabilitation of the train line that runs from Taft Avenue to North Avenue is pegged at P12.5 billion, while cost of acquisition of ownership, concession fees, and other expenses have yet to be determined.

The MPIC-Ayala groups had also submitted an unsolicited proposal in 2012 to then-Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, but negotiations did not prosper.

“We all know, I think, the MRT has had a number of issues for the past many years. Kami lang naman, we want to resolve these issues for the benefit of commuters. I’m sure the government shares that objective as well. So quite how they will approach this is another subject matter,” Pangilinan said.

The MRT 3 is currently being operated by the government and maintained by Busan Universal Rail, Inc. (BURI).

BURI’s maintenance contract is set to end in January 2019.

http://www.interaksyon.com/unsolicited-proposal-for-mrt3-advances-mvp-group-dotr-holding-talks/

Third expressway connecting north-south Luzon proposed

A third expressway that will connect northern Luzon and southern Luzon expressways was proposed by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.

The proposal was submitted to Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, through Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) service.

The proposed expressway is a P62.4 billion four-lane toll road, the NLEx-Cavitex Port Expressway Link.

It will connect North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) running through Manila Bay area. Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation is the operator of NLEX and CAVITEX.

The first two north Luzon and south Luzon connectors are Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (MMSS3) and NLEX-SLEX Connector Road expected to be online by 2020 and 2021, respectively.

NLEX-SLEX Connector Road will start from NLEX-Harbor Link Segment 10 in Caloocan City to run through Manila crossing Espana towards PUP, Sta. Mesa connecting to Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3.

Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, on the other hand, will connect South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Balintawak in Quezon City before NLEX through Central Metro Manila Area by using predominantly median of Quirino, G. Araneta and A. Bonifacio road networks.

https://www.update.ph/2017/08/third-expressway-connecting-north-south-luzon-proposed/19748

More electronic toll collection options for Metro Pacific's roads soon

For now, motorists traversing the NLEX can pay toll fees using their Easy Trip RFID, Beep cards, as well as Mastercard contactless debit, prepaid, and credit cards

Soon, motorists passing through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) can pay tollway fees with their contactless debit, prepaid, and credit cards as well as radio frequency identification (RFID).

For now, motorists traversing the NLEX have the option to pay toll fees using their Easy Trip RFID, Beep cards, as well as Mastercard contactless debit, prepaid, and credit cards, including their Smart Mastercard powered by PayMaya.

"The use of digital payments is helping usher a new era of tollways operations in the country where consumers can enjoy faster, more secure, and more convenient electronic transactions," Manuel Pangilinan, chairman of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), said in a press conference in Quezon City on Tuesday, August 22.

MPTC is the concessionaire and operator of the NLEX, SCTEX, and Cavitex. (READ: PayMaya, Beep to be allowed soon in NLEX, SCTEX)

"This is very much aligned with the National Retail Payment System program of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that aims to transform 20% of the country's payment transactions to electronic by 2020," Pangilinan added.

Mastercard acceptance for the Cavitex and SCTEX will start soon, according to MPTC president and CEO Rodrigo Franco. "Motorists will also be able to pay at MPTC expressways with their Visa contactless debit, prepaid, and credit cards soon," he said.

PayMaya Philippines and AF Payments Incorporated, sister companies of MPTC, are the providers of the electronic toll transaction services.

"The impact of digital transformation in the toll roads space will not only bring a whole new level of convenience to consumers but also place the country at the forefront of the region's digital global economy," said Orlando Vea, president and CEO of PayMaya Philippines.

MPTC said Easy Trip RFID is best for motorists who regularly pass by MPTC toll roads such as the NLEX and Cavitex, while those who already have Beep cards can also now use them at the expressways – aside from railway transit systems and point-to-point premium bus services.

Meanwhile, motorists who prefer to use their existing Mastercard prepaid, debit or credit contactless cards, can soon use them at MPTC's expressways too.

Other than the 3 existing expressways, MPTC's future developments include the NLEX-South Luzon Expressway Connector Road, NLEX-Harbor Link Segment 10, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, C5 Southlink, and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

Light Rail Manila Corp. syncs expansion route with government’s rail plan

TRAIN operator Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) vowed to support the government in its railway development program, whether via the build-operate-transfer route.

anchoring its business expansion on the Duterte administration’s massive infrastructure thrust.

“Whatever the government says, if they say they want to build because it is faster—I still have many doubts that they can do it faster— we will dance with the music,” company president Rogelio L. Singson told the BusinessMirror in an interview.

The Duterte administration has lined up several rail infrastructure deals in its huge pipeline of projects: the Mega Manila Subway, the Mindanao Railway, the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Line and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 Extension, among others.

A number of these projects originated from the Aquino administration, mostly under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Program. The current administration, however, wanted to place these projects under state funding so as to hasten their construction.

“The future of LRMC is to expand. We will follow what the government wants to build,” he said. “We will be ready for what they want to implement.”   The railway company is already preparing to flaunt its qualifications for the future auctions.

“We are gearing up. We are looking at setting a gold standard of excellence —not silver, not bronze. We worked for ISO excellence and luckily we were able to pass two: one for Quality management and another for environmental management,” he added.

The operator of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 passed the audit of TÜV Rheinland, with a recommendation or certification in Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015) and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001:2015).

ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard that specifies requirements for a Quality Management System (QMS). Organizations use the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

On the other hand, ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements for an Environmental Management System that an organization can use to continuously improve its environmental performance. It is intended for use by an organization seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability.

“We will receive our certifications in September, and these will make us the only rail operator with ISO certifications in the Philippines,” he said.

‘Correct policy’

Singson, a member of the Aquino Cabinet, noted that the Duterte administration’s policy on rail development is quite ideal, given that such a mode of implementation removes the burden of recuperating capital from user fees.

President Duterte’s economic team are focused on executing infrastructure-development plans—many of which are in the rail sector—under the hybrid mode of implementation.

In a nutshell, a project is considered a hybrid if the government pays for the cost to build it, and a private company will operate and maintain it. The main reason economic managers chose this particular mode of infrastructure development is the speed of construction, aside from seeing less legal hurdles.

The Philippines has a long history of projects being delayed due to legal tussles. Take the construction of a simple common station, for one. It took the government almost a decade to settle the legal issue on such a small project—too small that it is too common in neighboring countries in the Asean—due to cases filed by the private sector. Hence, economic managers are pushing for hybrid projects under the Duterte administration’s flagship infrastructure program—the “Build, Build, Build”.

“If they want to make the fares affordable, that is the correct policy. The question there is if the government can execute—that is another issue that needs to be addressed,” Singson said.

He explained that hybrids can effectively reduce the cost of user fees, as the government’s main mandate is not to make money, but to serve the people through public infrastructure. Also, government loans carry much smaller interest rates, making the facility more affordable to build.

“If they will build the civil works and then privatize the facility, the fare will be based on maintaining, and not on the recovery of capital expenditures, which is ideal, because the government loaned the money at low interest rates,” the official added.

The fare, then, will only cover the cost of operating the facility, and maintaining it. “It is even the obligation of the government to build it. But the operations and maintenance portion, that is what you can pass on to the users,” he said.  This, he emphasized, is the ideal way of building infrastructure for the benefit of the public. He cited his own project during his stint as the chief of the public-works department as a concrete example.

“I did this during my time in the public-works department. We built the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway then privatized the operations and maintenance, which is the same with other countries, wherein the government will build, but will not pass the burden to the consumers. It really has to subsidize,” he said.

Singson’s group is currently working on the construction of the Cavite portion of the LRT Line 1, Southeast Asia’s oldest overhead railway system.

Targeted for completion in about four years after the delivery of right of way, the 11.7-kilometer Cavite Extension will connect into the existing system immediately south of the Baclaran Station and run in a generally southerly direction to Niyog, Cavite.   It will consist of elevated guideways throughout the majority of the alignment, except for the guideway section at Zapote, which will be located at grade.

Eight new stations will be provided with three intermodal facilities across Pasay City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City and Cavite. The new stations are Aseana, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos, Las Pinas, Zapote and Niyog. The intermodal facilities shall be located at Dr. Santos, Zapote and Niyog.

The new stations will be accessible to and from nearby community facilities, such as shops, schools, stadium, park, etc., and be located to suit passenger flow routes from residential areas.

Pedestrian access to all new stations will be direct, safe and easy. Details, such as lighting to distinguish access points, pedestrian-cross striping and curb cuts for handicapped access will also be provided.

LRMC holds the concession for the operations, maintenance and the extension of the train line. It signed the agreement with the government in October 2014. The company will operate and maintain the oldest train system in the Philippines for 32 years.

PPPs no longer exempt from full project scrutiny

The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) is an Aquino administration policy public-private partnership (PPP) projects from the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) Technical Board to speed up the approval process.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia told the BusinessMirror on Wednesday that as long as a PPP project meets the cost threshold of P2.5 billion, it would have to go through the entire ICC evaluation process. PPP was the mode preferred by the Aquino administration in upgrading the state of infrastructure in the country. So in 2014 a memorandum circular issued to then-PPP Center Executive Director Cosette Canilao by former Neda Director General Arsenio M. Balisacan said project appraisal for PPPs would no longer go through the ICC Technical Board but through a Technical Working Group, which would evaluate PPPs in just 10 working days. The recommendation then would go straight to the secretary-level ICC Cabinet Committee.

Critics of this measure, however, expressed concern that the reduction of the number of days for evaluation has compromised the quality of PPP projects.

It can be noted that since the 2014 memorandum circular, several PPP projects have suffered delays and underwent rebidding.

These projects include the Light Rail Transit Line 1 South Extension and, more recently, the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike Project.

Both were initially approved by the ICC and Neda Board in 2014. Other PPPs that have encountered problems were the Davao Sasa Port project and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, which were also approved in 2014.

Pernia did not say if he would issue another circular to withdraw the order of his predecessor.

Pernia, however, assured stakeholders that the Duterte administration has no plans of abolishing the PPP Center, and that PPP continues to be an option for infrastructure development. This is despite the shift of preference to the “Build, Build, Build” scheme that calls for more financing and government budget in funding projects. BBB projects need to go through the entire evaluation process also.

“We are still experimenting with different combinations of financing,” Pernia said. “ICC Technical Board go through the ICC Cabinet level.” But an industry official, who asked not to be named, said the change in policy would just drag the process further. “An additional layer will tend to delay the much-delayed process.”

The official noted that the PPP projects that suffered delays and underwent rebidding are those implemented under the BOT law and not other modalities. “The rules of the BOT law must be amended to reflect the new process.”

Pernia also said the government still plans to retain the use of the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) as a resource for the preparation of PPP projects.

The PDMF is a revolving fund used to procure consultants and technical advisers, as well as conduct prefeasibility studies for PPP projects.

After a PPP project is awarded, the winning bidder is required to reimburse the cost to the PDMF only if the project awarded to them received financing from the fund.

“So far, no [need to use the PDMF for non-PPP projects]. There are available funds to conduct the FS [feasibility studies] for other projects,” Pernia said.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/ppps-no-longer-exempt-from-full-project-scrutiny-2/

Pangilinan: MRT-3 buyout talks continuing

METRO Pacific Investments Corp. sees progress in its plan to buy Metro Rail Transit Corporation from the government, MPIC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

“When we say progress, it means there are discussions,” Pangilinan told reporters in Quezon City on Tuesday on the sidelines of the launch of a digital tollways program for expressways in Luzon.

Pangilinan said that MPIC was in talks with the Department of Transportation to pursue its buyout plan for MRT-3.

Earlier, undersecretary for rails Cesar Chavez said that he wanted MRT-3 to be privatized then placed under the management of the Light Rail Transit Authority, operator of the LRT-2.

Pangilinan said MPIC had not decided on a specific amount of investment for MRT-3 yet.

“There are no hard estimates because it’s rather complicated,” he said.

Light Rail Manila Corporation president and chief executive officer Rogelio Singson has said that the problem with MRT-3 was that it is owned by the government.

“The difficulty with government is they are governed by very strict procurement laws. In the case of the private [sector], when I need a spare part, I will just buy it,” Singson said in a TV interview.

LRMC is a joint venture of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL).

MPIC President Joey Lim said their company could develop the MRT-3 and make it profitable like the LRT-1.

“If we can make our Light Rail Transit-1 profitable, we are certain we can make our MRT-3 just as efficient,” Lim has said.

Ogie Alcasid releases new album

“Nakakalokal” is not just another album but a dream project for hit songwriter and singer Ogie Alcasid. After all, it’s his first CD as a Kapamilya.

“Nakakalokal” is produced and released under Star Music. The 10 tracks are backed up by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

It was also his long-time dream to record an album with an orchestra and now that dream has become a reality. “I’ve never had so much fun doing a project and I hope the public enjoys the outcome,” Ogie revealed.

The album features new orchestral versions of his hit songs “Kailangan Ko’y IKaw,” “Ikaw Lamang,” “Ikaw Ang Pangarap” (theme song of “Lobo”), “Pangako,” “Hanggang Ngayon” and “Kailangan Kita.” Completing the tracks are six new compositions of Ogie: “Di Na Muli,” “Di Ka Pababayaan,” “Akala Ko,” “IKaw Ang Tanging Pag-ibig Ko” and the title track.

By the way, Ogie is celebrating his birthday with a special concert also titled “Nakakalokal” to be held at the Kia Theater on Aug. 25. Performers are his close friends among them Angeline Quinto, Erik Santos, Jaya, Yeng Constantino, Solenn Heussaff and Lovi Poe. Also performing is his daughter Leila, who’s out to make a name in the local entertainment world.

Ogie is happy his daughter is showing great promise not only as a singer but as a songwriter as well. With Lara Maigue as voice coach, Leila is now recording with Marion Aunor, whose talent Ogie greatly admires.

• • •

Successful benefit concert

No one could be happier with the big success of the fundraising concert “Awit sa Marawi” than the man who conceptualized it, Aficionado Pres. & CEO Joel Cruz. The project was in collaboration with veteran singer Token Lizares (dubbed the “Charity Diva”) in recognition of her charitable undertakings especially in her hometown Bacolod.

When Joel and Token launched the project through a press conference at the Kiapo Rest. at Okada Manila, he already was optimistic they will earn no less than R3.5-million from the show which featured singing soldiers together with professional performers, including Token. In addition to the proceeds of the concert, Joel also donated R1-million from his own pocket. The proceeds will go to the soldiers affected by the Marawi crisis, and their families.

As he promised during the press launch, the singing soldiers led by ENS Mel Sorillano, did not disappoint the audience with their performance. “Sinabi ko naman na hindi ako mapapahiya dahil magagaling talaga sila,” Joel said while thanking those who supported the fundraising show.

He remembers meeting Generals Bato dela Rosa and Gilbert in a PNP event “na parang film festival where I was one of the awardees as Best Actor for an indie film, I forgot the title, but for schools lang ang film na ’yun. I became close to the AFP and PNP and because of this I became even more enthusiastic about this fundraising project,” Joel said

The professional performers included Token of course who sang “Love Story” and “I Who Have Nothing;” Dessa, The Angelos, Malu Barry, Jona Viray, Gem Mascarinas, and Jonathan Badon. Rounding up the performers were Boobsie Wonderland who provided the comic relief; Haydee Manosca, Capt. Bayani Maxilo, Jr., SSG Federico Agdagan, Jr., Elcid delos Reyes, JV Decena, Josh Marquina, Kiel Alo, and Virna Liza Moreno.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 24, go to Senators Tito Sotto and Francis Pangilinan, Councilor Star Querubín, Raul Teehankee, Tony Adriano, Atty. Jun Torrente, Zeny Trípoli and Tony Joaquin…Aug. 25: Eddie Ilarde, Liza Gokongwei, Encar Benedicto, Elizabeth Mancao, Lady Salterio, Leah Gordoncillo, Robbie Velasco, Peter Burgos, Raymund Miranda, Rudy Lumugdang and Irah Nicole Refugia of FEU Therapy & Rehab Unit…

Aseana City promotes quality of ‘life between buildings’

ENVISIONED to be a pedestrian-friendly urban space, Aseana City has kicked off a public-art program that aspires to turn daily strolls in the business district along Roxas Boulevard into an aesthetic, uplifting experience.

Inspired by a global movement to recreate urban spaces, DM Wenceslao & Associates Inc., developer of Aseana City, unveiled a plan to incorporate art in public places, beginning with a 1,900-square-foot mural wall between what will be a prominent pedestrian corridor between Aseana One office building and Red Planet hotel. The walkway is likely to be traversed by commuters alighting from the future Aseana City Light Railt Transit (LRT) 1 station to be completed in 2021 and heading for the southern part of the business district.

“We’ve learned from the experiences of Metro Manila’s older business districts and been inspired by architects and planners who have been advocating for cities that promote ‘life between buildings’ to quote a well-known advocate,” Aseana City Managing Director Buds Wenceslao said. “Our goal is to get people out of their cars and walking in the streets. This will be good, not only for the pedestrians’ health but also good for the city’s traffic circulation, the environment and even the social life of the city.”

He added the pedestrianization objective will soon be complemented by infrastructure, like arcades and sky bridges, now being incorporated into the overall master plan.

The mural by visual artist Kris Abrigo, who has exhibited locally and abroad, is intended also to create a distinct identify for Aseana City and “a sense of place”, according to architect Anthony Ilaga. It depicts a school of fish, patterned after indigenous fish that once populated Manila Bay—swimming toward the same direction in a maze of mangroves, depicted by the existing patterns on the wall. Two large fish dominate the mural art, with one showing an image of the sunset that Manila Bay is best known for, and the other, Abrigo’s artistic interpretation of what he calls the “abstraction of the fish”.

The rest of the public-art program outlines three to five massive mural walls waiting to be painted in different Aseana City locations. Morever, large-scale sculptures, community artworks and significant pylons will also be unveiled in the coming years to allow pedestrians significant art encounters. The program is a celebration of the city’s urban development, which began with the reclamation of the area from the sea more than two decades ago. It is also illustrates substantial growth in the Bay Area, now considered a prime location and one of the last showcases for forward-looking urban planning, in the congested megalopolis.

This early, the masterplanned community which still has around 70 percent of its area free from structures, is home to office buildings, international schools , restaurants, residential condominiums and soon to open, massive shopping and retail complex. It is a short drive via Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard to the three international airports via the NAIA Expressway. In addition, it will be one of the main gateways to residential enclaves of Cavite with the completion of LRT 1 extension in 2021 and of the Southwest Integrated Transport System.

Artist Kris Abrigo sees the potential of Aseana City and says the mural wall, a playful mix of vivid colors and geometric shapes, “is a complex representation of the Aseana community moving forward to the future with respect to its past ecosystem.”

A graduate of the UP Diliman Fine Arts Program in 2010, Abrigo bested three other artists who also submitted studies for the street mural to Aseana City planners. “He has managed to reflect the cosmopolitan vibe of Aseana City while balancing the contemporary with the traditional,” Ilaga said.

MVP group revives bid to buy gov’t stake in MRT3 Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/235611/mvp-group-revives-bid-buy-govt-stake-mrt3#ixzz4qbbZrlsa Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Infrastructure giant Metro Pacific Investments Corp. is reviving an offer to buy out the government’s interest in the busy Metro Rail Transit Line 3 in Metro Manila, its chair Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

Those renewed discussions, first launched in 2011 but were later sidelined as the Aquino III administration rejected private sector proposals and decided to pursue—unsuccessfully—the buyout itself, signaled growing optimism on the part of Metro Pacific this time around.

Pangilinan told reporters yesterday that their plan to rehabilitate and upgrade the aging MRT-3, which suffers from frequent breakdowns, would cost about P12.5 billion.

“There’ll be further cash to take out certain shareholders of the MRT, including the government,” Pangilinan said at the sidelines of an event launching a unit’s digital toll ways program.

He clarified that there was no final amount and that a formal offer has not yet been made, adding: “We said in principle we’re prepared to do that.”

Pangilinan was referring to the government’s ownership in privately held Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC).

The state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines hold about 77 percent of MRTC’s economic rights, acquired through bondholders, and about a fifth of its voting shares. The rest are held by a group led by businessman Robert John Sobrepeña.

Metro Pacific in 2011 signed a “cooperation agreement” with various groups with interests in MRT-3, including shares held by Sobrepeña.

Describing talks with the Department of Transportation, Pangilinan said his group had conducted several meetings, at Metro Pacific’s initiative, over the past week.

“At least there’s a discussion. For me, that’s a good sign. By no means am I indicating there is an agreement,” he said.

Last week, Ayala Corp. signaled it was interested in joining Metro Pacific in its offer to rehabilitate the MRT-3, which serves about half a million passengers a day.

Ayala and Metro Pacific jointly operate the Light Rail Transit Line 1, which will be extended from Baclaran to Niog, City of Bacoor, Cavite province by 2021. The LRT-1 serves around 400,000 a day.

It was not immediately clear whether Ayala, one of the original investors of the MRT-3, would participate in Metro Pacific’s offer to buy out the government’s share.

“It’s premature to discuss details at this time. As a matter of fact, we have more meetings on the details of the operating context,” Jose Rene Almendras, CEO of Ayala unit AC Infrastructure Holdings, said in an e-mailed response.

“Our experience in LRT-1 rehabilitation and operation has been favorable. I have been personally involved in the rehab process, so we have more confidence in our capabilities as a consortium,” he added.

Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/235611/mvp-group-revives-bid-buy-govt-stake-mrt3#ixzz4qbbdH5Lq
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Metro Pacific renews buyout plan for MRT 3

Conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. revived its plan to buy out the stake of the government and private investors in Metro Rail Transit Line 3.

“There’s no proposal yet, but we said in principle we’re prepared to do that,” Metro Pacific chairman Manuel Pangilinan told reporters, when asked if the company was interested to buy out the government’s stake in the rail system which runs along Edsa.

The government through Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines own a combined 80-percent economic interest in MRT 3, while the remaining stake is held by creditors of Metro Rail Transit Corp.

MPIC in 2011 offered to buy out the shares of LBP and DBP in MRT 3 for $1.1 billion.

MPIC signed a cooperation agreement in 2011 with various groups holding rights and interests in MRT 3, including MRTC, Metro Rail Transit Holdings Inc., Metro Rail Transit 2 Inc. and Monumento Rail Transit Corp., giving the company led by businessman Manuel Pangilinan an option to acquire 48 percent. Metro Pacific has not exercised the option.

MPIC along with Ayala Corp. last week submitted an unsolicited proposal to Transportation Department to upgrade and rehabilitate MRT 3 system for P12.5 billion.

“We have several meetings between our team, which we organized for the MRT 3 and the DoTr for the past week or so it seems there’s some progress in that side,” Pangilinan said.

“We want to resolve the issues for the benefit of the commuters,” he said.

MPIC submitted a proposal to the Department of Transportation and Communications in 2011 to invest $524 million to rehabilitate and upgrade MRT 3.

The Aquino administration, however, rejected Metro Pacific’s offer that involved raising commuter fares.

Former President Benigno Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 126 in 2013, directing the Transportation and Communications and Finance Departments to buy MRTC out of MRT 3, under the build-lease-transfer agreement.

MRT 3, which runs along EDSA from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, serves over 500,000 passengers a day, beyond its rated capacity of 350,000.

The line has a fleet of 73 Czech-made air-conditioned rail cars.

The Transportation Department in January 2016 signed a P3.8-billion three-year contract with the joint venture of Busan Transportation Corp., Edison Development & Construction, Tramat Mercantile Inc., TMICorp and Castan Corp. to do maintenance works on the rolling stock and signaling system, the most critical maintenance component of MRT 3.

http://thestandard.com.ph/business/corporate/245131/metro-pacific-renews-buyout-plan-for-mrt-3.html

One of the world’s least religious countries eyes hosting World Youth Day

While World Youth Day 2019 in Panama is still 17 months away, the battle to host WYD 2022 has already begun. A few months ago, I wrote about how young Catholics in the United Kingdom – a highly secularized, post-Christian society where the Catholic minority is nonetheless enjoying a revival – are campaigning to hold the event in London. Now, the British capital has a most unlikely rival: Prague. While the Czech Republic borders Slovakia to the east and Poland to the north, two of Europe’s most religious countries, the Czechs are among the world’s least religious peoples. Will Pope Francis – known for his preference of the “peripheries” and penchant for surprising even the most attuned of Vatican observers – take on this Czech gamble?

While Krakow hosted the most recent World Youth Day, Poland’s southern neighbor, the Czech Republic, wants to follow suit and host the event in 2022. About 6,000 Czech pilgrims went to Krakow. The idea for Prague’s bid was born last year, when 120,000 Catholic pilgrims from around the world went on a pilgrimage to the Infant Jesus of Prague, a sixteenth-century statue that is the subject of popular devotion around the world, after having left World Youth Day in Poland.

The Polish section of Vatican Radio reports that Cardinal Dominik Duka, head of the Czech bishops’ conference, has submitted a letter to Pope Francis with the request to host WYD in Prague. Rev. Jan Balík, director of youth ministry for the Czech bishops, has said that the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life, responsible for the organization of World Youth Day, has responded to the idea with enthusiasm. Ultimately, however, the decision regarding the next host of WYD after Panama rests with Pope Francis. Now, the Czech bishops are seeking the support of secular authorities in their country for this idea.

Anyone with an inkling of knowledge about the state of the faith in the Czech Republic must be surprised (and, likely, skeptical). The Czech Republic frequently tops rankings of the world’s least religious countries. According to a 2015 Win/Gallup International Poll, the Czech Republic is the fourth country in the world with the most atheists (and in pole position in Europe). In the 2011 census, a mere 1.46 million Czechs out of a total population of 10.5 million claimed anyreligious affiliation (most of those who did were Catholics). Pizzerias, hotels, and discos housed in buildings that were obviously once churches are not an uncommon site in Prague. Meanwhile, the Czech Church is highly dependent on foreign missionary priests: one in ten priests serving in the Czech Republic come from neighboring Poland.

There are several reasons for this. Jan Hus, the precursor to the Protestant Reformation who was sentenced to burning at the stake by the Catholic Church, is a national hero. The Czechs traditionally associate Catholicism with the arch-Catholic Habsburgs who dominated their country for centuries. When Czechoslovakia was formed from the ashes of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, an astounding 1.5 million Czechs left the Catholic Church in just three years. Some became Protestants or Hussites, but many others simply became what we in the twenty-first century call “nones”: by 1930, the number of Czechs who did not belong to any Church reached 833,000.

Then there was the communist legacy. Unlike, say, Poland or Lithuania, the Czechs did not have bitter memories of Russian oppression. After the Second World War, the communists did not take power in Czechoslovakia, as elsewhere in Eastern Europe (with the exception of Yugoslavia), through Red Army tanks, but in parliamentary elections. Thus communism met with less resistance in Czechoslovakia than elsewhere. Then there is the fact that Czech political culture is marked by conformism to oppression, rather than resistance (note the fact that the Czechs had become almost completely Germanized in the nineteenth century and that they offered precious little resistance to Hitler).

As a result of these historical processes, the Czech Republic is one of the world’s least religious countries. Thus hosting World Youth Day there would be very risky. First of all, there is the risk that this would be a huge public relations flop (on the other hand, WYD was held in Paris, a city also not known for its piety, in 1997; the French bishops had feared it would be a colossal failure, but many French youths showed up, and many credit the current modest Catholic revival in France to this). Then there is the fact that the Czech Republic lacks the infrastructure – parishes, monasteries, etc. – where pilgrims traditionally are housed.

On the other hand, the Czech bishops have said that if Prague will host the event, then part of the events related to the “Days in the Dioceses” will be held in neighboring Slovakia and Hungary. (It is surprising that Poland is not included in these events; perhaps this is to avoid excessively privileging the country, which has already hosted World Youth Day twice, in 1991 in Czestochowa and last year in Krakow.) Undoubtedly, they have taken their cue from Panama. Like the Czech Republic, Panama is a small country, home to just 4 million people, and so many of the “Days in the Dioceses” events will take place in other Central American countries.

In particular, Slovakia could help to provide some of the infrastructure for World Youth Day. While the Czechs and Slovaks formed one country for 75 years and speak very similar languages, their religious cultures are radically different. Slovakia is one of Europe’s most intact Catholic cultures. In a 2014 referendum, Slovaks overwhelmingly voted against same-sex “marriage” and LGBT adoption (however, the referendum was null because of poor turnout). Slovakia also boasts a very high number of vocations in relation to its small population: last year, 51 priests were ordained there, almost as many as in spiritually arid Germany (58), despite the fact that Germany is home to almost eighttimes as many Catholics as Slovakia.

Perhaps taking such a gamble would be worth it? World Youth Day has been credited with sparking Catholic revival in many places. Undoubtedly, the Czech Republic is a country that desperately needs such revival.

To say the least, it will be interesting where Pope Francis will decide to host World Youth Day 2022/2023. Traditionally, the event has alternated between Europe and another continent; the next such event will be held in Central America and in Southeast Asia. As I have noted, Prague will face a strong rival in the form of London.

In my opinion, one should not be especially shocked if Prague is selected. Francis is, after all, “the pope of surprises.” In particular, Francis has often shown his preferences for the “peripheries,” elevating prelates from far-flung countries with tiny Catholic minorities like Laos, Sweden, Ethiopia, and Tonga to the College of Cardinals. The Czech Republic is undoubtedly such a Catholic periphery. But is its intense secularism too “peripheral” for World Youth Day?

Forensic anthropologist vies for Miss World Philippines crown

Davaoeña Noelle Fuentes Uy-Tuazon, 25, and busy with various socio-civic undertakings, is one of the official candidates to the 2017 Miss World Philippines pageant.

Noelle, with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, minor in Geography with concentrations in forensic and biological anthropology, is the only one with formal training in forensic anthropology in the Philippines.

While here, she underwent extensive volunteer work at the UP-PGH College of Medicine with forensic pathologist Dra. Raquel Fortun. She is currently the assistant general manager of the family-owned MVFPro International, a licensed overseas manpower agency.

A well-versed backpacker, she’s been to most parts of Europe, Northern and Southern Americas, and the Asia Pacific region and quite exposed to various cultures. She also sings like a pro, and was a former contestant of “American Idol,” a few years back.

With her background, joining the pageant will give her a wider opportunity to realize one of her advocacies, which is capacity building of first responders in Local Government Units for disaster preparedness and risk reduction.

• • •

Son rises

Niccolo Cosme, the current toast of the photo world, is the son of prolific gag writer Cesar Cosme who used to write the scripts for “John En Marsha” and “Champoy.”

Some entertainment writers found out about Niccolo’s connection to Cesar when they were invited to the former’s photo exhibit “Beauty That Moves” at the Picasso Room of the Vivere Hotel & Resort in Alabang.

“Beauty That Moves,” which coincided with Vivere’s 16th anniversary and Nest Dining in the Sky’s fourth year, was conceptualized by Belle Tolentino, the hotel’s marketing top brass, to delineate the art power of form and content in evoking social responsibility.

“I hate violence. I hate war. I don’t like bloodshed. So I thought of going out from my comfort zone and campaign for peace,” Niccolo said.

“If we don’t act on this useless and senseless war, I think we are nothing so a collective move to halt it must be done in one way or the other. On my end, I am doing it by means of my art,” he added.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 22, go to Pilita Corrales, Carolyn Masibay, Fely Sanchez, Leah Salterio, Rosbel Bunag, Aida Lecitona, Allen Singson, Angelu de Leon, and Jean Garcia…Aug. 23: Toni Galang, Marietta Primicias Goco, Judith Pajaro, Raquel de Jesus-Torres, Louis Boy Alberto, Jules Ozamis, Merci Bermundo, Ingrid Colangelo, Sophia Mari Ayson, Lorenzo Samuel de Roda, Nellie C. Delgado, Jenny Zamora, AJ Singson, Stephanie Gamboa, Manny Marinay, and Nikki Gil… Aug. 24: Senators Tito Sotto and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, former Councilor Star Querubin, Joyce Jose of PNB West Ave.; Luis V. Teodoro, Tony Adriano, Atty. Jun Torrente, Symphony A. Yuquimpo, Mimi Muñoz, Zeny Tripol, and Raul Teehankee… Aug. 25: former Sen. Eddie Ilarde, Encar Benedicto, Director Willie Milan, Elizabeth Mancao, Liza Gokongwei, Lady Salterio, Leah A. Gordoncillo, Peter Burgos, Robbie Velasco, Raymund Miranda, Mikko Regala Katigbak, John Angelo and Rudy B. Lumogdang…

Enchong Dee for arena swimwear

Catch Enchong Dee for arena swimwear!

Enchong Dee

He was 2009 UAAP Swimming Championship Senior’s Division MVP and 2009 UAAP Swimming Champion – DLSU Green Tankers! Also, he was a member of Bodyworx Spa and Fitness Club!

His combo contains 2011 Nike DLSU Centennial Jacket and Pant, Nike DLSU Tee (White), ARN-4091-blk swimcap, AGL- 1400-EMBL goggle, Timex Ironman Triathlon 100-Lap Resin Strap Watch #T5F591, ＡＲＮ-６０１４ 　ｎｕｘ-F　ニュークスＦ スパッツ  DGRNDグリーン　jammer and havaianas limited edition UAAP flip flops!

Ariana Grande at MOA Arena

Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman” tour finally comes to Manila on Aug. 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 23-year-old singer is said to be the artist of the moment after showing the world how to bounce back following the Manchester tragedy when she did the tour there.

Her string of hits include “Side To Side,” “Break Free,” “Into You” and “Dangerous Woman.” Ariana is known for her powerful vocals and phenomenal choreography.

The concert is produced by Music Management International (MMI) Live.

• • •

‘Amo’ on TV5

“Amo,” latest work of director Brillante Mendoza, premieres tomorrow on TV5.

Expected to be another masterpiece, “Amo” is a crime miniseries that tackles one of today’s most controversial topics – the Philippine government’s war on drugs.

This 12-episode miniseries is set against the background of the country’s War on Drugs and depicts situations including the rampant vigilantism against suspected illegal drug personalities.

It features the story of Joseph, a high school student peddling crystal meth or “shabu” initially to his fellow gang members and later on to a much bigger market in Metro Manila. “Amo” also shows the controversies revolving around the Philippine National Police in the government’s campaign against drugs.

Vince Rillon heads the cast that also includes Derek Ramsay, Allen Dizon, Felix Roco, Apollo Abraham, Archie Adamos with the special participation of Baron Geisler.

“Amo” airs Sundays at 9:30 p.m.

• • •

GMA Network ups recurring revenues by 6% in H1 2017

Broadcast giant GMA Network Inc. (GMA) remained cautiously optimistic about hitting its year-end target as it capped the first half of the year with recurring revenues of P7.698 billion, ahead by 6 percent over the same period last year.

The Network managed to perform well following an election year, with its consolidated revenues dropping by only 12 percent. Political advocacies and advertisements contributed P1.488 billion to the company’s top line during the first half of 2016.

Without the impact of political advertisements, GMA’s airtime revenue platforms including GMA-7, GMA News TV, Radio, and Regional all posted revenue growths during the period.

On the other hand, the network’s international operations and other businesses, which were not affected by the election placements last year, reflected a 22 percent growth year-on-year.

Aiding the company’s steady financial performance was its efficient cost management, with total operating expenses posting a low single-digit hike of only 3 percent. This, despite the production of more expensive programs aimed at helping maintain the network’s nationwide urban TV ratings dominance.

“We will still try to accomplish our yearend financial target as we have entered the second half of the year. We are very excited about our new programs, particularly on our primetime block, as well as other business opportunities that are expected to unfold within the year,” said GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon.

EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) decreased by 29 percent to P2.961 billion while net income after tax for the first half settled at P1.552 billion, a 35 percent decline year-on-year, as explained by the absence of political ads in 2017.

Fortifying the nationwide TV ratings dominance, GMA-7 sealed the first half of the year with an average people audience share of 42.2 percent in NUTAM, besting ABS-CBN’s 35.9 percent based on data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

Majority of the shows in NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs were from GMA. The Kapuso Network bagged the first 13 spots in the list of top programs for the first half led by Pepito Manaloto, Magpakailanman, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Alyas Robin Hood (season 1), Mulawin vs. Ravena, Wowowin, Eat Bulaga, Sunday Pinasaya, 24 Oras, Saksi, Destined to be Yours, My Love from the Star, Meant to Be, I Heart Davao, Hay Bahay, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, 24 Oras Weekend, Haplos, Impostora, Legally Blind, Hahamakin ang Lahat and Ika-6 Na Utos.

Similarly, the network once again proved to be the viewers’ preferred channel during special events, with more viewers tuning in to GMA’s specials, “Battle of Brisbane: Pacquiao vs. Horn” match last July 2 and “SONA 2017” last July 24.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 19, go to Regal matriarch Lily Y. Monteverde a.k.a. Mother Lily, former Minister Conrado Estrella, beauty queen-turned-actress Maribel Lopez, Randy Ortiz, Tonton Young, Manny Mogato, Louie Panganiban, Nancy Harel, Celine “Nene” Africa. Manuel Bediones, Dulce Palma Friedman of California, AJ Siytangco, Dr. Luz Torres-Reyes, Manuel Ablan, Ernie Duque, Atty. Mar Santiago, Lanie Q. Dollente, Elizabeth Diaz, Rommel Mendoza, Letlet Veloso, Let del Rosario, Henry F. Manuel Canta Tanael of Anda, Pangasinan, Taiwan-based Loida Lagana-Huang, Henry G. Babiera, Merlita V. Macahindog, Iwa Moto, and Ella Guevarra… Aug. 20: Chief Justice Emilio Gancayco, Consul Fortune Ledesma, Bro. Mike Velarde, Phillip Salvador, Manuel Collantes, Noel Trinidad, Tanya Montenegro, Christine Gatchalian, Cheloy Ignacio, director-comedian Manny Castaneda, Helen A. dela Virgen, Trinidad Gomez, Jaime Piconell, Pocholo Capule, Claire Miranda, Rudy Fontanilla, Vincent del Rosario, Atty. Jose Villanueva, MB’s Bob Jess B. Castillo Jr., and Alex Datu…Aug. 21: Sen. Lito Lapid, Jeanne Margaret Goulbourn, Hector Villanueva, Nina Teves, Charlie Uy, Eva Gonzalez, Francis Zamora, Noemi B. Reyes, George del Rosario, Mayor Manny Ilumba, Mutya C. Laxa, Chit Picache Vizconde, Carmelita “Baby” Millado, Jay Valenciano-Glorioso, Carol Yap,  Pinky and Miguel Mendoza… Happy wedding anniversary to Col. and Mrs. Clemente Lobusta…Belated b-day greetings to Edgar Reyes, Linda Gaerlan and Bench Torres of Makati City and Jason Balaoing of Pasig (Aug. 16) and Abby Rebong, Mike David, Jean Gaecerro and Angeline del Carmen (Aug. 17)…

Duterte's ace against ABS-CBN, the Philippines' biggest network

President Rodrigo Duterte's plan to unblock ABS-CBN's franchise is a threat to press freedom, experts tell Rappler

It was close to midnight.

On September 22, 1972, soldiers seized and padlocked the broadcast center of ABS-CBN, a leading TV network in the Philippines, upon the orders of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Just a day earlier, Marcos had declared martial law across the Philippines. His first letter of instruction? To close all radio and TV stations in the country. Dictators, after all, abhor a free press.

Months after ABS-CBN was closed, then ABS-CBN president Eugenio Lopez Jr was also arrested on November 27, 1972, for alleged plots to kill Marcos.

ABS-CBN would reopen only on September 14, 1986 after a popular rebellion toppled Marcos and brought to power Corazon Aquino, the widow of slain opposition senator Benigno Aquino Jr.

Rising from the ashes of martial law, ABS-CBN would later become the Philippines' biggest TV network.

So influential is ABS-CBN now that its most popular anchor, Noli de Castro, was even elected Philippine vice president on June 30, 2004. Its other personalities, too, have become senators, congressmen, and mayors.

To close ABS-CBN again, therefore, has become unthinkable. Until Mrs Aquino's son, former president Benigno Aquino III, was replaced by a man called "The Punisher", who idolizes, and in fact gave a hero's burial to, Marcos.

Today, more than 4 decades after Marcos declared martial law, President Rodrigo Duterte also wants ABS-CBN closed.

The difference is that unlike Marcos, Duterte does not need to declare martial law nationwide to stop this TV network.

A former prosecutor who knows the workings of Philippine law, he only needs to wait until March 30, 2020, when the franchise of ABS-CBN expires.

By then, the Philippines' biggest TV network will no longer have the right to air its shows.

Duterte said he will block the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise after the network allegedly refused to air his political ads for the 2016 elections.

Experts told Rappler that Duterte's warning against ABS-CBN is a threat to press freedom.

This comes as Duterte warns other media outlets, such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer, of "karma" for supposedly writing unfairly about him. (READ: Duterte's target: The Philippine Daily Inquirer)

In the backdrop, too, is the rise of state propaganda boosted by trolls and fake news.

Due to 'scarcity of airwaves'

The requirement to get a franchise for broadcast media is Duterte's invention.

Under the Radio Control Act of 1931, the government requires each broadcast station to secure a franchise from Congress. No station can use the airwaves without this document.

Section 11, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution also states: "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."

The Supreme Court (SC) explained in an April 2009 ruling: "The key basis for regulation is rooted in empiricism that broadcast frequencies are a scarce resource whose use could be regulated and rationalized only by the government."

The SC also said that because of "the scarcity of the airwaves," the government "may impose regulations to see to it that broadcasters promote the public good deemed important by the State, and to withdraw that privilege from those who fall short of the standards set in favor of other worthy applicants."

In the current set-up, each franchise comes in the form of a law, which is passed by Congress and signed by the President.

House Bill 4349 seeks to renew ABS-CBN Corporation's franchise, which will expire on March 30, 2020 – a little less than 3 years from now. This bill is pending in Congress, which has a "supermajority" formed by Duterte's allies.

The bill requires ABS-CBN to provide free public service time -- equivalent of 10% of all its ad time -- to the government to relay important public announcements and warnings.

The network is also required to make closed captioning available for its programs.

“The franchise shall be subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by the Congress of the Philippines when the public interest requires and shall not be interpreted as an exclusive grant of the privileges herein provided for,” HB04349 read.

“The grantee, its successors or assignee's shall comply with the applicable labor standards under existing labor laws, rules and regulations and such other issuance as may be promulgated by the Department of Labor and Employment, taking into consideration the nature and peculiarities of the broadcast industry,” the law added.

In a statement in June 2016, ABS-CBN explained that it tried to renew its franchise as early as September 2014 and underwent "the normal legislative process."

The network, however, withdrew the application "due to time constraints." It chose to seek the renewal in the 17th Congress, under a new president.

In an interview quoted by the Inquirer on June 11, 2016, an anonymous lawmaker said ABS-CBN sought its franchise renewal in September 2014 "because it did not want to risk having to go through the process under an unfriendly administration."

The Inquirer source said ABS-CBN's application "faced strong opposition from cable operators" back then. The source added that Aquino's allies in the House "felt the criticisms against the President were too personal and offensive and went to the point of nitpicking."

In contrast, ABS-CBN's closest rival, GMA Network, can now heave a sigh of relief. On April 21, Duterte signed Republic Act 10925 renewing GMA Network's franchise for another 25 years.

Duterte warns of 'karma'

In an interview with reporters on April 27, Duterte explained that TV networks can get a government franchise "only if" they "adhere" to journalistic standards.

"If you operate ABS-CBN tapos manloloko lang kayo ng tao, mag-swindling kayo, I have to stop you," he said. (If you operate ABS-CBN then you just fool people and commit swindling, I have to stop you.)

In a speech a month later, on May 19, Duterte told ABS-CBN: "Press freedom? Press freedom, kayo 'yung number one magnanakaw, ayaw 'nyo isauli 'yung propriedad, press freedom?"

(Press freedom? Press freedom, but you're the number one thieves, and you don't want to return what's ours, then you say press freedom?)

"How about our freedom? We have our freedom of expression, to express our anger, and that is also my constitutional right. You are bullshit," Duterte said.

"You want to know my sentiments? Fuck you," Duterte added, as he flashed the dirty finger.

Rappler sought ABS-CBN for comment but has not received a reply as of posting time.

In its statement in June 2016, ABS-CBN said that "claims that the franchise will be extended are purely speculative."

"For the franchise renewal, we believe that our government will uphold the ideals of democracy, including the rights to freedom of speech and expression," ABS-CBN said.

Brave words communicated to the network's advertisers, followers, supporters and its public. Internally, it is not difficult to imagine top management feeling anxious and distressed about the thought the network's franchise – its very own lifeblood.

Threat to press freedom

Experts said that Duterte's warning to ABS-CBN endangers press freedom, a hallmark of democracy as the media is a watchdog of government.

"Any threat to any media organization is a threat to press freedom," veteran journalist Vergel Santos told Rappler.

"The only reason President Duterte wants ABS-CBN out of business is a whimsical one: it dislikes ABS-CBN journalism. With Congress overwhelmingly, obsequiously pledged to the President, in any case, it is only expected to go along with him," Santos said.

Santos said that "collusion defines the relationship" today between executive and legislative branches of government.

Santos, former publisher of BusinessWorld, also answered a question on whether Duterte's threat will affect the way ABS-CBN reporters and editors do their jobs.

He said: "In fact, I have observed that the news media, not only ABS-CBN, have, to varying extents, become intimidated by Duterte from the start; indeed, some practitioners have told me that. But I imagine ABS-CBN more intimidated than others."

"The attitude, at any rate, constitutes a surrender of a measure of press freedom and a betrayal, to the same extent, of the public interest. And, with an adversary like Duterte, the situation can only get worse: the more the press is seen by him to be intimidated, the more he tries to intimidate it," Santos said.

Like Santos, journalism professor Danilo Arao said Duterte's warning to unblock ABS-CBN's franchise is "a threat to press freedom."

On one hand, Arao said ABS-CBN needs to explain what happened to Duterte's political ad.

ABS-CBN, after all, is "far from perfect." For one, it "has its own business interests to protect."

On the other hand, Arao told Rappler, "To cease the operations of a news media organization on the basis of the failure to air a particular advertisement is, I think, a bit too much."

"I think the punishment doesn't fit the crime," said Arao, who teaches journalism at the University of the Philippines.

Arao said Duterte's threat to ABS-CBN "is a reflection of Duterte's attitude toward the media, that the media would have to toe the line so that it would not be threatened in any way."

On how ABS-CBN reporters and editors might deal with Duterte's threat, Arao said: "It is possible that some of its gatekeepers would exercise restraint in criticizing the President or some reporters themselves would resort to self-censorship in framing Duterte or his policies."

Arao explained why press freedom matters not only for media practitioners.

"Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy. You cannot have a functioning democracy if you do not have a vibrant free press," the journalism professor said.

An adversarial press, he said, serves "as a check and balance to the abuses or misuse of power."

Franchising process 'too political'

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) also weighed in on this issue in June 2016.

The CMFR said: "No broadcaster or media entity should have to go through what ABS-CBN is supposedly going through. This then begs the question: Why should a media outfit’s continued operation need congressional approval?"

Santos said he sees "why the media should be subject to franchising at all."

"Franchising itself constitutes curtailment of press freedom, therefore, in that sense, constitutional," Santos said.

He explained that "as the franchising authority, Congress, in the media's case, is assigned a mere function to perform, not any power to wield."

He said Congress acts like "an arranger," whose role "is limited basically to assigning places in a public domain for purposes of keeping order. He said that this is "not unlike directing air traffic in the case of an airport tower."

"If at one time that domain seemed limited, it was only because communications technology had not yet advanced enough to disprove that notion," Santos said.

"But it has since done so, thus rendering franchising anachronistic for the media, a profession and trade whose freedom is singularly and explicitly guaranteed in the Constitution," he added.

Arao, on the other hand, said franchising is needed due to "very, very limited frequencies" and "very, very limited airwaves" available.

He said the role of franchising, however, should not belong to Congress. "For Congress to be the final arbiter of it, I think, is too political for comfort," Arao said.

"We don't want these media organizations to be at the mercy of the legislative branch of government," he added.

He pointed out that sometimes there's a tendency for the legislative branch to be "the rubber stamp of the executive." The process of issuing franchises, he said, "has become so political."

Arao suggested forming an independent commission for media franchising.

This commission "would be manned by responsible media practitioners and journalists, and perhaps concerned citizens, who would be the ones to decide on franchise applications."

The CMFR pointed out that in the US, for example, applying to operate a broadcast station "is relatively easier."

In the US, "only the independent Federal Communications Commission is responsible for granting operation permits and renewing licenses," the CMFR said. "Applications are paperless and accomplished online."

For Arao, franchising should be part of media's "self-regulatory mechanism."

"We have to bring it back to the people and to the media practitioners so that we can strengthen self-regulation this way," he said.

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/179107-duterte-abs-cbn-franchise-congress-press-freedom

Bench Universe: The 2012 Denim & Underwear Show

25 Years In The Making: Bench Universe - The 2012 Denim & Underwear Show.

Celebrating the brand's 25 years on the top: The 2012 Denim & Underwear show will now run for 2 nights! Featuring your favorite Benchsetters. Happening on September 13 & 14, 2012 at the Mall Of Asia Arena.

Featuring Lucy Torres-Gomez, Georgina Wilson, Borgy Manotoc, Isabelle Daza, Pancho Magno, John Spainhour, Carla Abellana, Jake Cuenca, Rocco Nacino, Kathryn Bernardo, Lovi Poe, Steven Silva, Sam Concepcion, Shaina Magdayao, Jessy Mendiola, Bela Padilla, Enzo Pineda, Benjamin Alves, Dingdong Dantes, Joseph Marco, Enchong Dee, Julia Montes, Kim Chiu, Melai Cantiveros, Paulo Avelino, Sarah Lahbati, Aljur Abrenica, Karylle, Diether Ocampo and Richard Gomez.


To recall, when Robi Domingo is no longer a endorser of this clothing line. This is the truth that he did not miss any annual BENCH and BENCH/Body campaign such as summer, back-to-school and holiday and biennial denim and underwear shows. Sources to newspapers and tabloids when the Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus runner up and Ateneo de Manila University graduate is no longer renewing his contract with Bench.

He was also took part in "Uncut: A Bold Look at the Future" Denim and Underwear Show at the Araneta Coliseum when he tore his sando in the Furne One's Far East segment.

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.

She was immediately followed by Be Bench winner Carl Guevara; Eurasian model Benjamin Tang; returnees Rafael Rosell and Andrew Wolff; Wowowee girls RR Enriquez, Saicy Aguila, and April “Congratulations” Gustilo.

Wendell Ramos remains to be one of the biggest attractions in the Bench fashion shows. The 31-year-old actor wore the skimpiest underwear of all the celebrities that night, showing his flawless buttocks to the delight of the crowd.

Meanwhile, comedienne Pokwang almost stole the show with her grand entrance. Wearing a feathery gown which covered almost all parts of her body, the Wowowee co-host passed through a sea of almost naked gorgeous Caucasian models lying on the floor on her way to the ramp.


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

Other celebrities and models such as Precious Adona, Asia Agcaoili, Carlene Aguilar, Marco Alcaraz, Gerald Anderson, Antonio Aquitania, Jon Avila, Phoemela Baranda, Benj Basa, Hermes Bautista, James Blanco, Kris Bernal, Chad Burden, Gian Carlos, Albie Casiño, Nancy Castiglione, Rainier Castillo, David Chua, Carlos Concepcion, Geneva Cruz, John Lloyd Cruz, Rodjun Cruz, Janvier Daily, Franco Daza, Alessandra de Rossi, JC de Vera, AJ Dee, Jenine Desiderio, Wilma Doesnt, Lalaine Edson-Forgham, Ryan Eigenmann, John Estrada, Ejay Falcon, Frencheska Farr, Eric Fructuoso, Tanya Garcia-Lapid, Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go, Edgar Allan Guzman, Katrina Halili, Jon Hall, Kristine Hermosa-Sotto, Agot Isidro, Brent Javier, Luke Jickain, Tibo Jumalon, Kian Kazemi, Bianca King, Doug Kramer, Maureen Larrazabal, Mikee Lee, Xian Lim, Ehra Madrigal, Michelle Madrigal, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Robby Mananquil, Zanjoe Marudo, Alicia Mayer, Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada, Don Mendoza, Sam Milby, Carlos Morales, Ron Morales, Iwa Moto, Marc Nelson, Kristine Joy Nieto, Juliana Palermo, Angelica Panganiban, Bubbles Paraiso, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, Tyrone Perez, Sam Pinto, Cassandra Ponti, Camille Prats, John Prats, Francine Prieto, Bruce Quebral, Dex Quindoza, Rufa Mae Quinto, Wendell Ramos, Iago Raterta, Keanna Reeves, Tom Rodriguez, Rafael Rosell, Johan Santos, Kenji Shirakawa, Victor Silayan, Jay-R Siliona, Prince Stefan, Geoff Taylor, John James Uy, Nicole Uysiuseng, Alfred Vargas, Iya Villania, Corey Wills, Maggie Wilson, Valerie Weigmann, AJ Winkler, Jomari Yllana, Kevin Zaldarriaga and Kerbie Zamora are almost absent during the event, but a year and three months 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!

Bukod kina Ejay at JC, ilan dito sa mga celebrities na rumampa sa mga Bench denim and underwear shows noong 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 at 2012 ay sina Marco Alcaraz, Gerald Anderson, Jon Avila, Phoemela Baranda, Hermes Bautista, Kris Bernal, James Blanco, Albie Casiño, David Chua, Sam Concepcion, Rayver Cruz, Jake Cuenca, Alessandra de Rossi, AJ Dee, Enchong Dee, Robi Domingo, Katrina Halili, Brent Javier, Luke Jickain, Tibo Jumalon, Karylle, Kian Kazemi, Bianca King, Doug Kramer, Maureen Larrazabal, Mikee Lee, Xian Lim, Ehra Madrigal, Michelle Madrigal, Shaina Magdayao, Zanjoe Marudo, Jessy Mendiola, Don Mendoza, Sam Milby, Carlos Morales, Ron Morales, Iwa Moto, Marc Nelson, Diether Ocampo, Juliana Palermo, Angelica Panganiban, Bubbles Paraiso, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, Sam Pinto, Cassandra Ponti, Camille Prats, John Prats, Francine Prieto, Bruce Quebral, Rufa Mae Quinto, Wendell Ramos, Rafael Rosell, Johan Santos, Jome Silayan, Jay-R Siliona, John James Uy, Arron Villaflor, Iya Villania, Valerie Weigmann at AJ Winkler.

But the young actor says he is ready for butt exposures and love scenes with another man.

He was very careful though, requesting his manager to clear the room and leave him and the photographer to complete his most daring project yet. When asked why the sudden shift to the sexy route after exposing skin in two magazines in less than 5 months, JC owe this to his perfect shape. "Na prepare yung katawan ko. Very confident naman ako na gawin kasi prepared ako. I am ready to flaunt," says the actor.

But is this the direction his new mother network wants him to have? "Ever since naman masipag talaga akong mag workout, mag showcase sa kung anong meron ako. Nung lumipat ako sa ABS-CBN, siguro mas madaming naka appreciate kung anong meron ako," he explained further. JC was quick in saying though that there is still limit in his showing of skin saying "Pa sundot-sundot yung mga sexy but not all the time."

That event was aired last November 18, 2012 on Sunday's Best, ABS-CBN and December 8, 2012 on Star World.

Also available: Bench Uncut: A Bold Look at the Future (2010 Denim and Underwear Show) aired last October 24, 2010 on ABS-CBN Sunday's Best and Bench Under the Stars: 30th Anniversary Denim and Underwear Show on Cignal Pay-per-View, IWant and KBO!