ABS-CBN claims winning TV ratings battle in March

COMPETITORS ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. claimed on Wednesday they led the ratings game last month, citing data from two different sources.

Lopez-led entertainment and multimedia conglomerate ABS-CBN, citing data from Kantar Media, claimed to have posted a higher national-average audience share in March, after recording a solid 47-percent audience share, beating GMA by 17 points.

ABS-CBN also claimed leadership in Metro Manila and Mega Manila, where it scored an average audience share of 44 percent and 38 percent, respectively, against GMA’s 24-percent and 30-percent share.

The Lopez-led broadcaster also attracted more viewers than GMA in other areas. It won the ratings game in Total Luzon with an average total-day audience share of 41 percent, versus GMA’s 33 percent; in Total Visayas with 57 percent versus GMA’s 23 percent; and in Total Mindanao with 56 percent, versus GMA’s 25 percent.

ABS-CBN also claimed it fared better against GMA in the prime-time block, after it registered a 50-percent audience share, significantly higher than its rival’s 30 percent.

The prime-time block is the most important part of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investment in to reach more consumers effectively.

Aside from prime time, ABS-CBN won in other time blocks nationwide that include the morning block with 38 percent, versus GMA’s 28 percent; noontime block with 48 percent, versus GMA’s 29 percent; and afternoon block with 49 percent, versus GMA’s 30 percent.

Since January, ABS-CBN took 9 of the 10 highest rated TV programs. In March, "FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano" continued to be the country’s number one show, ruling primetime with 42.4 percent, while the variety show “It’s Showtime” continued to be the country’s number one noontime show with 33.6 percent on weekdays and 31.7 percent on Saturdays, against its rival “Eat Bulaga” which only got 32.8 percent on weekdays and 30.2 percent on Saturdays.

Following its lead are "The General’s Daughter," with 32.3 percent; "World of Dance Philippines" with 31.5 percent; “TV Patrol,” with 30.9 percent; "Maalaala Mo Kaya," with 28.7 percent; "Halik," with 24.5 percent; "Pinoy Big Brother: Otso" with 23.8 percent, "Tonight with Boy Abunda" with 22.9 percent, "Bandila" with 22.4 percent, "Rated K," with 22.2 percent; "Wansapanataym," with 21.9 percent; and "Home Sweetie Home," with 21.6 percent.

As of February, ABS-CBN TVplus sold 7 million boxes since its launch in 2015. It recently added 5 new channels to its current line-up, namely the Asianovela Channel, Movie Central, MYX, Jeepney TV, and O Shopping in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Cebu.

ABS-CBN also leads all media networks in bringing its content online to address the change in the Filipinos' viewing habits. It launched its new streaming service, iWant, which became the most in-demand app for Filipino iOS and Android with more than 1 million app downloads on the first day of its official release in November last year.

The Gozon-led network claimed to have dominated in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) with a 36.4-percent average household audience share in March, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 35.5 percent by just a few percentage points, based on data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

It also claimed to have led Nutam’s morning block with 32 percent audience share versus its rival’s 29.2 percent. GMA also took the lead in the evening block with 38.4 percent audience share against the 37.1 percent average that its competitor netted.

GMA also furthered its leadership position in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which account for 72 percent and 60 percent of all urban households in the country.

In Urban Luzon GMA won across all day parts and registered an average household share of 39.8 percent, while ABS-CBN posted only 30 percent; in Mega Manila, it posted an audience share of 41.6 percent, while its rival booked 27.1 percent.

“KMJS” was followed by “Onanay,” “Magpakailanman,” “Daddy’s Gurl,” “Sahaya,” “Kara Mia,” “24 Oras,” “Pepito Manaloto” and “Studio 7.”


Completing the list were “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “TODA One I Love,” “Amazing Earth,” “Asawa Ko Karibal Ko,” “Dragon Lady,” “Tadhana,” “Inagaw na Bituin,” “My Special Tatay,” “Wish Ko Lang,” “Imbestigador,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “Kapuso Movie Night,” “Hiram na Anak,” “Eat Bulaga,” “24 Oras Weekend” and “Wowowin.”

GMA bases its claims to leadership from Nielsen data, which has a nationwide sample size of 3,500 urban and rural homes.

The Lopez-led network sources its data from Kantar Media, which uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/04/04/abs-cbn-claims-winning-tv-ratings-battle-in-march/

TV networks both claim ratings lead in March

MEDIA giants ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network, Inc. both continued to claim dominance in television ratings in March, citing different measurement providers.

ABS-CBN said on Wednesday it gained 47% average audience share last month to beat GMA’s 30%, based on data from Kantar Media.

Kanta Media, according to ABS-CBN, gathers its data from a survey of 2,610 urban and rural households across the Philippines.

GMA, on the other hand, said it had 36.4% average total day people audience share in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) from March 1 to 27, with findings from March 24 to 27 based on overnight data. This is higher than its rival’s 35.5%, based on data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

By location, ABS-CBN said its rating in March reached 44% in Metro Manila, almost double GMA’s 24%. In Mega Manila, it likewise outscored its rival with 38% against 30%.

The Lopez-led company said it dominated the country’s three main islands, with an average audience share of 41% in Luzon versus GMA’s 33%; 57% in Visayas compared to GMA’s 23%; and 56% in Mindanao against GMA’s 25%.

But in its own statement, GMA said it trumped the Urban Luzon market with an average audience share of 39.8% to beat ABS-CBN’s 30%. In Mega Manila, the network also claimed the lead with a rating of 41.6% against its rival’s 27.1%.

In terms of time slots, ABS-CBN again said it led the ratings across- the-board with an average audience share of 50% for prime time (6 p.m. to 12 a.m.) against GMA’s 30%. In the morning block (6 a.m. to 12 p.m.), it said it had 38% share versus GMA’s 28%. In the noon time block (12 p.m. to 3 p.m.), ABS-CBN scored 48% to beat GMA’s 29%. And in the afternoon block (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.), it had 49% against GMA’s 30%.

On the other hand, GMA said Nielsen data found it leading two time slots: the morning block with 32% rating versus ABS-CBN’s 29.2%, and the evening block with 38.4% against ABS-CBN’s 37.1%.

They also both said their shows were among the top programs in the month of March. ABS-CBN said its “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” was the number one show with a prime time rating of 42.2% and the variety show “It’s Showtime” is still the most watched noontime show with a rating of 36.8% on weekdays and 32 percent on Saturdays, whereas GMA said its “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS)” was the number one show, without giving the details.

Following its lead are "The General’s Daughter," with 32.3 percent; "World of Dance Philippines" with 31.5 percent; TV Patrol, with 30.9 percent; "Maalaala Mo Kaya," with 28.7 percent; "Halik," with 24.5 percent; "Pinoy Big Brother: Otso" with 23.8 percent, "Tonight with Boy Abunda" with 22.9 percent, "Bandila" with 22.4 percent, "Rated K," with 22.2 percent; “Gandang Gabi Vice” with 19.8 percent; the just-concluded drama series “Playhouse” with 19.2 percent; new late-morning series “Nang Ngumiti ang Langit” with 18.4 percent; “Kadenang Ginto” with 17.6 percent; “Los Bastardos” with 18.8 percent; “Minute to Win It: Last Man Standing” with 18.2 percent; "Wansapanataym," with 21.9 percent; and "Home Sweetie Home," with 21.6 percent.

“KMJS” was followed by “Onanay,” “Magpakailanman,” “Daddy’s Gurl,” “Sahaya,” “Kara Mia,” “24 Oras,” “Pepito Manaloto” and “Studio 7.”

Completing the list were “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “TODA One I Love,” “Amazing Earth,” “The Boobay and Tekla Show,” “Asawa Ko Karibal Ko,” “Dragon Lady,” “Inagaw na Bituin,” “My Special Tatay,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “Kapuso Movie Night,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Tadhana,” “Wish Ko Lang,” “Imbestigador,” “24 Oras Weekend” and “Wowowin.”

GMA Network dominated both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists as well, taking 8 and 9 spots out of the top 10 programs, respectively. — Denise A. Valdez

https://www.bworldonline.com/tv-networks-both-claim-ratings-lead-in-march/

ABS-CBN keeps ratings lead in March

ABS-CBN, the country's largest media and entertainment company, said Wednesday it topped television ratings in March, once again beating rival GMA Network, based on Kantar Media research.

The Lopez-led network had an average audience share of 47 percent in March, 17 points higher than GMA, according to Kantar's poll of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the country's total TV viewing population.

ABS-CBN secured larger audiences in the urban and rural areas compared to GMA, keeping an average audience share of 44 percent versus GMA’s 24 percent in Metro Manila; and 38 percent in Mega Manila compared to GMA’s 30 percent.

In Total Luzon, ABS-CBN was the choice of more viewers with 41 percent over GMA’s 33 percent. It dominated Total Visayas, with 57 percent, sustaining a margin more than twice GMA’s share of 23 percent; as well as in Total Mindanao, where it got 56 percent of audiences versus GMA’s 25 percent.

ABS-CBN won primetime, earning 50 percent audience share, versus GMA’s 30 percent. It also led the morning block (6 a.m. to 12 p.m.) with an average audience share of 38 percent, compared to GMA’s 28 percent; the noontime block (12 p.m. to 3 p.m.) with 48 percent, versus GMA’s 29 percent; and the afternoon block (3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with 49 percent, versus GMA’s 30 percent.

Since January, ABS-CBN took 9 of the 10 highest rated TV programs. In March, "FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano" continued to be the country’s number one show, ruling primetime with 42.4 percent.

Following its lead are "The General’s Daughter," with 32.3 percent; "World of Dance Philippines" with 31.5 percent; TV Patrol, with 30.9 percent; "Maalaala Mo Kaya," with 28.7 percent; "Halik," with 24.5 percent; "Pinoy Big Brother: Otso" with 23.8 percent, "Tonight with Boy Abunda" with 22.9 percent, "Bandila" with 22.4 percent, "Rated K," with 22.2 percent; “Gandang Gabi Vice” with 19.8 percent; the just-concluded drama series “Playhouse” with 19.2 percent; new late-morning series “Nang Ngumiti ang Langit” with 18.4 percent; “Kadenang Ginto” with 17.6 percent; “Los Bastardos” with 18.8 percent; “Minute to Win It: Last Man Standing” with 18.2 percent; "Wansapanataym," with 21.9 percent; and "Home Sweetie Home," with 21.6 percent.

As of February, ABS-CBN TVplus sold 7 million boxes since its launch in 2015. It recently added 5 new channels to its current line-up, namely the Asianovela Channel, Movie Central, MYX, Jeepney TV, and O Shopping in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Cebu.

ABS-CBN also leads all media networks in bringing its content online to address the change in the Filipinos' viewing habits. It launched its new streaming service, iWant, which became the most in-demand app for Filipino iOS and Android with more than 1 million app downloads on the first day of its official release in November last year.

News.abs-cbn.com is the official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/04/03/19/abs-cbn-keeps-ratings-lead-in-march

Cebu Pacific launches flight to Marinduque

Cebu Pacific said it launched a direct flight to its newest domestic destination, Marinduque province.

The airline is the only one operating flights in and out of the Marinduque Airport through subsidiary Cebgo.

“Being the only carrier flying to and from Marinduque, we are very happy to enable the opening of more resorts, other businesses and other opportunities―prospering growth of the province. Now, more tourists will be able to fly direct to Marinduque to see and experience the island for themselves,” said Cebu Pacific vice president for corporate affairs JR Mantaring.

“At the same time, it will also be easier for residents to fly to Manila and travel to any onward destination, be it domestic or international, through CEB’s seamlessly connected network,” Mantaring said.

Marinduque is the 37th domestic destination of Cebu Pacific. Aside from Marinduque, CEB also operates flights to other up-and-coming tourist destinations such as Tablas, Masbate, Siargao and Camiguin.

Along with subsidiary Cebgo, Cebu Pacific flies to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations with more than 107 routes spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the United States.

The Cebu Pacific fleet is comprised of an Airbus A321neo, 36 Airbus A320, seven  Airbus A321ceo, eight Airbus A330, eight ATR 72-500 and 12 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

The ATR aircraft are used by Cebgo for inter-island flights where jet operations are not possible.

Cebu Pacific boasts of one of the youngest fleets in the world, with an average fleet age of five years.

Cebu Pacific’s net income fell 51 percent last year amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.

The airline company controlled by industrialist John Gokongwei posted a profit of P3.9 billion in 2018, down from P7.9 billion in 2017.

The airline’s revenue reached P74.1 billion, up 9 percent from the previous year, on the back of continued demand for air travel and robust growth of its cargo business.

The growth in CEB’s 2018 business came amid a challenging environment with high fuel prices, a volatile Philippine peso, rising interest rates, increased competition, the six-month closure of Boracay and operational limitations in the country’s key airports.

CEB flew 20.3 million passengers in 2018, up 2.7 percent from 2017.

http://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/291606

Shakey’s acquiring Peri-Peri stores

Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., one of the country’s leading restaurant operators owned by the Po family, is acquiring Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, an emerging fast casual and full-service restaurant brand in the Philippines.

Shakey’s said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it signed an agreement to purchase the assets and intellectual property relating to the Peri business, including its brand, trade name and the various proprietary recipes used by the chain to make its trademark peri-peri chicken.

The company did not disclose the acquisition cost.

The deal is expected to close by mid-year upon fulfillment of certain conditions.

The acquisition will also involve owning and operating all company-owned stores and serving as brand-owner and franchisor of stores being operated by franchisees.

“We look forward to growing this business through our tried and tested formula of investing in the brand, investing in the people and investing in the stores. We will maintain the taste and look that made Peri famous, but hope to further elevate the customer experience with Shakey’s trademark ‘wow-ing’ service and improve the stores’ accessibility via proper site selection and expansion of the network,” Shakey’s president and chief executive Vicente Gregorio said.

Peri has a store network of 23 units in several parts of Metro Manila, about 60 percent of which are franchised and 40 percent company-owned.

“We are excited by the potential of Peri to scale. We expect it to be an important future growth driver for our fast-casual chain restaurant business. Our deep insights into how to best serve the typical fast-casual restaurant guest should allow us to further grow the Peri brand. This is in addition to leveraging our team’s execution capabilities, which remain best-in-class and our restaurant operating systems, which have also continued to improve over the last few years,” said Shakey’s chairman Christopher Po.

Shakey’s had a nationwide store count of 228 as of end-2018. It expects to open 20 stores this year. Shakey’s also has three outlets abroad.

Shakey’s said with two international area development agreements signed up, its total international pipeline would be at least 20 outlets over the next few years.

Shakey’s owns the perpetual rights to the Shakey’s brand for the Middle East, Asia (excluding Japan and Malaysia), China, Australia and Oceania.

“This Peri acquisition is another vote of confidence in the growing middle class in the Philippines. We will continue to invest in the restaurant space and diversify the business portfolio in the hope of achieving our vision of establishing wow brands―a handful of industry leading, full-service restaurant chains appealing to the Filipinos’ increasing need for affordable yet premium dining out options,” Po said.

http://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/291607

SM subsidiary opens Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Iloilo

Iloilo City―SM Hotels and Convention Corp., the hotel unit of the SM Group, opened its third Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in this city Tuesday amid the booming demand of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) market.

SMHCC executive vice president Peggy Angeles said at least four more Park Inn hotels are in the pipeline as part of the group’s P8.2-billion, five-year expansion plan until 2022.

“We are confident that this new landmark in Iloilo will add to the city’s vibrant tourism landscape and set a new benchmark in hospitality in Panay Island,” Angeles said.

There is also a plan to construct an SMX Convention Center near the hotel which is strategically located six minutes from the Iloilo Business Park and less than half an hour from the Iloilo International Airport.

“All these will strengthen the position of Iloilo as a MICE destination,” she said.

The Department of Tourism earlier launched its MICE Roadmap 2030 to secure the country’s foothold as the leading MICE destination in Asia Pacific.

Under the roadmap, the industry is eyeing a revenue growth of more than 400 percent from only P4.6 billion posted in 2016 to P24.4 billion by 2030.

The 199-room hotel Iloilo, Angeles said, provides choice venues for meetings and social events, with a main function room that can accommodate up to 100 guests for mid-sized events and an al fresco area by the poolside for early evening functions.

“Park Inn by Radisson is a friendly, fresh, vibrant and uncomplicated brand that focuses on delivering the modern essentials of a great business hotel experience,” she said.

SMHCC earlier opened Park Inn by Radisson hotels in Davao and Clark, but the branch in Iloilo is the first under the corporation’s licensing agreement with Radisson Hotel Group.

Angeles said another Park Inn by Radisson hotel would be opened within the first half of the year beside SM North Edsa while the extension of the Clark facility would be completed by the first quarter of next year.

Park Inn Bacolod is scheduled for opening in the third quarter of 2020, while another in Baguio will likely be finished by 2022.

Angeles said that aside from the Radisson brand, SMHCC would also bring another international brand to the country.  It is set to break ground for a 400-room hotel with serviced apartments near the SM Mall of Asia in June.

The group is also set to construct a hotel and an SMX Convention Center in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

SMHCC earlier announced the expansion of its portfolio, doubling its current hotel room inventory and growing leasable convention space by 2020.

http://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/291605

Bayan Umawit Songbook (2019 edition)

• Schedule of Liturgical Services
• Ang Orasyon, Lord’s Prayer at Salmo 91
• Ang Daan ng Krus
• Ang Santo Rosaryo
• Ang Koronilyang Bulaklák ng Dakilang Awa
• Nobena sa Ina ng Laging Saklolo
• Misa sa Pilipino (Ang Misa ng Sambayanan)
• The Angelus, Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 91
• The Holy Rosary
• The Way of the Cross
• The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
• Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
• Mass in English (Order of the Mass)
• Binding Prayers (Ang Angelus, Regina Caeli, Lord's Prayer, Psalm 91)
• Rosary in Sinugboanon (Ang Santo Rosaryo)
• Rosaryo sa Diosnong Kalooy (The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy)
• Misa sa Sinugboanon (Ang Santos nga Misa)
• Mga Awiting Pilipino
• English Songs

Congress transmits for PRRD signature free wi-fi measure

A measure mandating transport terminals to provide free internet services and clean comfort rooms for commuters is now a signature away to becoming a law.

Congress recently transmitted to Malacañang Senate Bill 1749, or "An Act to Improve Land Transportation Terminals, Stations, Stops, Rest Areas and Roll-On/Roll-Off Terminals," for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature.

The enrolled bill, which was adopted by the House of Representatives, was transmitted by the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office to the Office of the President last March 21.

The meaure will lapse into law if the President does not sign it after 30 days from receipt in his office.

Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services and principal author of the measure, expressed hope the President will sign the measure as many students are expected to return to their provinces this school break.

This summer, families are also expected to spend their vacation in several local tourist destinations.

Under the measure, transportation and roll-on/roll-off terminals nationwide should have clean restroom facilities and free internet access.

The terminals must also have separate lactating stations for breastfeeding mothers.

"An efficient and functional inter-province transport system is essential to ensuring that Filipinos travel safely. In particular, rest stops are indispensable for those travelling by land, as they provide a brief 'pit stop' for travellers and bus drivers," Poe said.

"This is especially important for Filipinos who travel for more than eight hours," she added.

She said terminal toilet experience "is one aspect that travellers remember, whether the experience is impressive or horrible. Terminals and toilets are crucial to tourism," she said.

"Toilet issues are not petty matters, but important in satisfying the public's need for healthy living," she added.

The measure prohibits terminal operators from collecting fees from passengers for the use of restrooms. "The concerned passenger must show paid bus ticket in order to avail of the free use of sanitary facilities," the measure stated.

Aside from the free use of the clean toilets, the bill also mandates the Department of Information and Communications Technology, in coordination with the Department of Transportation and other concerned agencies, to provide free internet access in the terminals.

While waiting for their trip, Poe said that passengers while away the time checking their social media accounts or attending to their work remotely, which requires the use of free internet, Wi-Fi or broadband.

The owner, operator, or administrator of land transport terminals, stations, stops, rest areas and RORO terminals who does not comply with the standards for sanitary facilities will be fined in the amount of P5,000 each day of violation and another P5,000 each day who collect fees from the passengers for the use of sanitary facilities.

Another P5,000 each day of violation will also be imposed on operators or owners as penalty for their failure to provide breastfeeding stations.

Also transmitted to Malacañang on the same day was Senate Bill 1597 institutionalizing and expanding the 20-percent student fare discount to include air and sea transport.

Re-electionist Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, principal author and sponsor of the measure, expressed hope the President will sign the final copy of the bill before students return to their home provinces for the school summer vacation.

Angara said the proposed discount would make the summer break more enjoyable and economical for students and their families, especially those who work hard and regard travel as a necessity rather than a luxury.

Duterte seen enacting budget into law this week

Zambales Rep. Cherry Deloso-Montalla on Sunday said President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to sign into law the proposed 2019 P3.757-trillion national budget anytime this week.

Montalla said the House leadership has informed lawmakers that the President would sign this year’s budget in the coming week.

“Our budget? We have long been waiting for it. There was an advice that anytime soon, the President will really sign it,” she added.

On March 26, the Senate and  House of Representatives transmitted to Malacañang the budget plan after they both signed the ratified bicameral conference committee.

“We at the lower house, we will [always] support the decision of our leaders,” she said.

The Zambales legislator gave her constituents the assurance that funds for their districts have already been set in place regardless of when the 2019 national budget would be enacted.

Meanwhile, House Majority Leader and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro described as fake news Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte’s allegations that the House leadership took away P92.3 billion from the 2019 national budget and distributed them to favored members of the House of Representatives.

“I can say with authority that Representative Villafuerte is peddling fake news. I pity my good friend LRay, but I understand where he is coming from. He is one of the former House leaders who stood to gain billions in projects had we not corrected the inequities in the National Expenditure Program,”  Castro said.

Villafuerte, for his part, said “the funds that were originally allocated to my district represented funds for programs under the National Expenditure Program, which is the annual budget plan approved and submitted by President Duterte to the Congress.”

“Such projects supposed to be funded by the General Appropriations Act are backed by feasibility studies and have gone through the rigorous review or vetting process by Malacañang. Representative Castro has implied that my district had unduly obtained funds for my district under the previous House leadership,” he said.

http://manilastandard.net/news/national/291451/duterte-seen-enacting-budget-into-law-this-week.html

Sotto hopes Duterte will veto P75 billion ‘pork’ in budget

Senate President Vicente Sotto III is hopeful President Duterte will use his veto power against questionable items, particularly the P75-billion pork barrel insertions, in the 2019 national budget.

Sotto said the Senate provided Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea a copy of the portions of the budget which were allegedly altered in the House of Representatives even after both chambers had approved and ratified the bicameral conference committee report.

“I signed the budget but with annotation and explanation,” Sotto said in Filipino and English during an interview over dwIZ.

He added that Duterte is still studying the General Appropriations Bill for 2019.

“Medialdea had requested a list of altered items so they can refer to it quickly. It’s a good sign for me since it could be vetoed,” Sotto noted.

But the P75 billion will not be removed from the national budget, Sotto said. The amount will be included in the supplemental budget to be discussed in July during the 18th Congress, he added.

Sotto maintained that the Senate stood firm not to allow any alteration on the spending program, which has been approved and ratified during the bicameral conference committee.

He said any alteration is tantamount to violating the Constitution.

‘Pork not hijacked’

Meanwhile, the majority leader of the House denied yesterday the accusation of disgruntled lawmakers that billions in infrastructure and health funds have been “hijacked” from their districts and given to favored members.

“There is no truth to the allegations hurled by Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte that the House leadership has taken away P92.3 billion from the 2019 national budget and distributed it to favored members,” Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro said.

“I can say with authority that Rep. Villafuerte is peddling fake news. I pity my good friend L-Ray, but I understand where he is coming from. He is one of the former House leaders who stand to gain billions in projects had we not corrected the inequities in the National Expenditure Program (NEP),” Castro maintained.

The NEP was submitted to Congress in July last year by President Duterte.

Castro noted that Villafuerte was allocated P2.7 billion by the previous House leadership.

“Of this amount, P1.2 billion was included in the P75-billion insertion by former (budget secretary Benjamin Diokno), which (lawmakers) questioned and opposed during the budget deliberation,” he said.

Castro also said more than 24 House members received allocations ranging from P3 billion to P8.4 billion each.

“The current House leadership considers the wide discrepancy in the distribution of programs and projects as unconscionable… Based on the current guidelines, we made sure allocations were equitably distributed,” he added.

A list earlier released by appropriations committee chairman Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. showed that former speaker Pantaleon Alvarez had the biggest allotment amounting to P8.4 billion.

Castro said if the House had not redistributed the funds, “the mind-boggling allocations for previous House leaders and their pet districts, plus (budget) insertions the (Department of Public Works and Highways) was clueless about, would have remained intact.”

“We made sure that the 2019 budget is not only constitutional and legal. It is also transparent, with the list of projects itemized per district. This way, our taxpayers will know who are accountable for these projects,” he said.

Castro said if Villafuerte “and other allies of the previous House leadership are not happy with their share of the national budget, there are more than 200 (lawmakers) who think otherwise.”

“Unlike before, programs and projects are now equitably funded for all legislative districts, regardless of their (political affiliation),” he said.

According to anti-pork Sen. Panfilo Lacson, the funds taken away from at least 62 districts were added to the allocations of House leaders and their allies.

Lacson and Sotto said scores of House members who lost funds complained to them.

Sotto named Rep. Raul Daza of Northern Samar and Rep. Aurora Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur as among the complainants.

While it released the list of previous allocations topped by Alvarez, the House has not disclosed how it redistributed funds. – With Jess Diaz

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/03/31/1905989/sotto-hopes-duterte-will-veto-p75-billion-pork-budget

ABS-CBN diversifies into food, cosmetics, e-market

Media and entertainment giant ABS-CBN Corp. is diversifying in new businesses outside the media space in a move seen as a possible preparation in case its franchise will not be renewed next year.

ABS-CBN announced through separate disclosures to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday three major investments that would see the company venture into the food and beverage, customer and merchant e-wallet services, and cosmetics production sectors.

The company said it is investing in a wholly owned subsidiary, The Chosen Bun Inc., to raise, process, manufacture and package all kinds of food products, as well as establish, operate, manage and maintain restaurants, coffee shops, and refreshments parlors, and serve, arrange and cater refreshments and other food or commodities.

The Chosen Bun will initially have an authorized capital stock of P1 million, of which P250,000 will be subscribed by ABS-CBN.

“ABS-CBN Corp. aims to provide consumers with new food products that are healthy and affordable,” the company said.

Aside from its food and beverage venture, ABS-CBN is also making an investment in the customer and merchant e-wallet/e-market services business through a joint venture with information technology services company iBayad Online Ventures Inc.

The media giant and IBayad Online Ventures will organize, invest in, and operate a joint venture corporation for purposes of engaging in the business of customer and merchant e-wallet/e-money services and other related services, as well as advertising, producing, distributing, and marketing products and services that are connected to the operations of said business.

The joint venture company will initially have an authorized capital stock of P100 million, of which P51 million will be subscribed by ABS-CBN.

“The joint venture will enable the provision to customers and merchants of e-wallet and e-money services and other related services,” the listed firm said.

ABS-CBN is also teaming up with Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc. to invest in a joint venture firm that will engage in the business of manufacturing, production, trading and sale, on wholesale or retail cosmetics, including purchase and importation of raw materials, finished goods, packaging materials and machinery and equipment necessary for said business.

The joint venture corporation will initially have an authorized capital stock of P10 million, of which P1.25 million will be subscribed by ABS-CBN.

The joint venture corporation will have its own management, with Ever Bilena providing support in product development, logistics and retail distribution.

From conceptualization to commercial launch, the parties have agreed to complete and execute all agreed milestones from a period of 54 to 76 weeks.

“The two industry leaders aim to provide consumers with cosmetic products that are affordable and with good quality. Leveraging the strengths and resources of both companies where expertise of Ever Bilena on production development, logistics and distribution and expertise of ABS-CBN on marketing promotions and talent development are utilized to launch a cosmetics brand,” ABS-CBN said.

ABS-CBN, home to the Philippines’ top-rating TV programs, box-office films, and best-selling books and music, is rapidly transitioning into an agile digital company with a growing list of digital properties.

The company, however, is in danger of not having its franchise renewed when it expires next year following repeated threats from President Duterte himself.

Duterte has said several times that he is personally against the renewal of franchise of  the media and entertainment giant.

Eagle Equities Inc. head of research Chris Mangun said it is possible that these new investments being undertaken by ABS-CBN are in preparation should it fail to have its franchise renewed.

“It is quite surprising that they are starting to venture into other business outside of the media space. Food, beverage and cosmetics are highly profitable sectors and the e-market services sector is starting to take off,” Mangun told The STAR.

“So yes they may be covering their bases in case their franchise is not renewed,” he said.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/03/30/1905644/abs-cbn-diversifies-food-cosmetics-e-market

Deficit posted despite ‘forced underspending’

The government’s budget balance reverted to a deficit in February despite continued delays in the passage of this year’s outlay.

The month’s P76.4-billion gap was a reversal of the P44.5-billion surplus posted in January, Treasury bureau data released on Friday showed. It was also wider than the P51.7-billion deficit recorded a year earlier.

Government revenues rose by 13 percent to P202.1 billion, from P178.5 billion last year, while expenditures grew by 21 percent to P278.5 billion from P230.2 billion. A month earlier, revenues rose by 7 percent while expenditures fell by 7 percent.

The latest deficit resulted in a year-to-date shortfall of P31.8 billion, 23 percent lower compared to the P41.5 billion posted in the comparable 2018 period.

Revenues up

For February alone, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) accounted for the bulk of revenues with P135.7 billion, 16 percent higher compared to the year-earlier P116.6 billion. The growth was faster compared to January’s 5 percent.

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) netted P44.2 billion — a 1-percent gain from last year’s P43.7 billion — while other offices contributed P2.7 billion, bringing total tax revenues for the month to P182.6 billion. Tax revenue growth was faster at 12 percent from the 8 percent a month earlier.

Non-tax earnings, meanwhile, totaled P19.5 billion with the Treasury contributing P9.2 billion — up 56 percent — “mainly due to the P4.0 billion dividend from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and P2.9 billion national government share in Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) income.”

Other offices contributed P10.3 billion, 6 percent higher from last year.

Spending

The bulk of government spending or P253.2 billion was for primary expenditures, which rose by 24 percent from P204.1 billion a year ago.

The Treasury bureau said this was “due to payments of accounts payable by National Government Agencies and the release of January internal revenue allotment for local government units that slid to February.”

Interest payments of P25.3 billion, meanwhile, accounted for the rest of state spending. It dropped by 3 percent year-on-year “due to the coupon on bonds which matured in 2018.”

Netting out interest payments, the government recorded a P51.1-billion primary deficit in February, wider than the P25.6-billion shortfall posted last year.

Year to date, the primary balance hit a surplus of P39.4 billion, wider than last year’s P28.1 billion.

YTD tally

Reckoned from the start of 2019, revenues were up 10 percent year on year to P458.8 billion as of end-February.

The BIR’s two-month tally of P320.8 billion was 10 percent higher compared to a year earlier while the BoC’s year-to-date take of P92.6 billion was 9 percent better.

Primary expenditures rose 8 percent to P419.4 billion during the period while interest payments recorded 2 percent growth to P71.2 billion.

This resulted in lower-than-programmed state spending in the first two months of the year, the Finance department said in a statement.

January-February expenditures totalled P490.7 billion, 7 percent higher than a year ago but P43.7 billion less than estimated programmed funds of P534.4 billion.

In a statement, the Finance department said this was equivalent to P740.7 million in available funds that the government was not able to utilize per day because of the delay in the implementation of the 2019 national budget.

‘Forced underspending’

The government has been operating on last year’s P3.767-trillion budget since the start of the year. This means agencies can only spend for items detailed in the 2018 outlay and cannot embark on programs and projects supposed to be implemented this year.

“The No. 1 casualty of this forced under-spending is President [Rodrigo] Duterte’s signature ‘Build Build Build’ program,” Finance Assistant Secretary Antonio Lambino 2nd said.

“[I]t has barred the government from frontloading investments in big-ticket infrastructure projects during the best time of the year to do construction, and for projects that have the highest multiplier effect on the domestic economy,” he added.

Earlier this week, Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd ended the budget impasse by signing the 2019 General Appropriations Act. However, he signed the document with “strong reservations” given the Senate’s claims that the House of Representatives made post-bicameral conference committee changes.

The National Economic and Development Authority has warned that Philippine economic growth could decelerate sharply to 4.2-4.9 percent under a full-year reenacted budget.

Economic managers have also cut their growth targets for 2019 and 2020, citing the reenacted budget, an ongoing El Niño and the US-China trade war.

The interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee is now aiming for 6.0-7.0 percent growth this year and 6.7-7.5 percent next year, down from 7.0-8.0 percent previously.

Apprehensions validated

“Given that it would take weeks for Malacañang to review the Congress-submitted GAB (General Appropriations Bill), for the President to sign it, and for the concerned agencies to implement their respective projects, we can expect the 2019 GAA to be fully on stream on or before the middle of this year yet,” Lambino said.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa stressed that the latest budget balance data “validates government officials’ initial apprehensions about the budget delay.”

“Budget delayed is growth denied. Hopefully the GAB can be signed to get government spending back on track but it may be difficult to ‘catch up’ given they’ll be attempting to spend funds allotted for 12 months in only seven months time,” he added.

https://www.manilatimes.net/deficit-posted-despite-forced-underspending/532779/

Buildings inspired by exotic Mindanao plants to rise in Victoria Plaza complex

DAVAO CITY – A mix of “iconic” medium and high-rise buildings, inspired by some exotic and endemic plants of Mindanao, will rise within the 9.6-hectare property of the Victoria Plaza mall complex, an official of the Hong Kong-based design company said.

Walter V. Melicor, chief financial officer of the Elements Habitare, said that the development would have five phases.

The Lim family, which operates the homegrown New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC), took over the mall management on Wednesday after announcing its acquisition on March 12 at an undisclosed amount.

He discussed that the first two phases would have five-star hotel, condominium, and serviced apartments; a twin-tower in phase 3; NCCC headquarters in phase 4; and four-story mall in phase 5.

The designs of the most iconic components of the 9.6-hectare development, such as twin-tower, NCCC corporate building, and mall took inspiration from the exotic plants of Mindanao, according to Melicor.

He said the design of the twin tower would be inspired by the pitcher plant, a carnivorous plant endemic to Mt. Hamiguitan, Davao Oriental province; the corporate building by the exotic mangosteen fruit; and the mall by the petals of the waling-waling plant endemic to Mindanao.

Melicor’s team designed some of the world’s iconic buildings, among them Marina Bay Sands of Singapore, Galaxy Macau, a casino resort in Macau, and Okada Manila, a luxury hotel casino in the Philippines.

Melicor said the Lim family would decide if it wants to retain the old structure of the mall, but added the current conceptual design might require a total demolition of the old structure to give way for the construction of the new mall.

He said the current structure might not support the proposed expansion of the mall.

“We are moving forward to the future. The sentimentality will always be there, in the place but not in the building. I think the building — we have to enhance and make it iconic building at par with the world,” he said.

But NCCC  President Sharlene A. Lim assured the old mall building would be retained, and that it would only need a facelift.

She said the company plans to proceed with a phase-by-phase development of the old Victoria Plaza Mall as it did for its NCCC Mall in Maa before a massive fire destroyed it on December 23, 2017. The fire incident killed the mall’s key custodian and 37 call center agents of Survey Sampling International (SSI).

Lim added the company plans to develop dilapidated cinemas into a family entertainment center, where the restaurants located at the periphery of the mall’s parking space will be relocated.

The mall tenants, including ukay-ukay vendors, would be provided a space, she said.

She said NCCC Department Store and Supermarket would eventually take over the department and supermarket of the Victoria Plaza.

She said the Victoria Plaza has over 300 tenants at present.

Inaugurated on March 16, 1993, the Davao Sunrise Investment & Development Corporation of the Limso family previously managed the Victoria Plaza, a premier mall of the Dabawenyos in the 1990s.

On the start of the development, Lim added her family plans to “get this running sooner.”

She said NCCC welcomes players to invest in the mixed-use development.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/28/buildings-inspired-by-exotic-mindanao-plants-to-rise-in-victoria-plaza-complex/

SWIPING THROUGH THE ’10S: 2010

THE START of the 2010s mark the unfolding of influence of Facebook and Twitter into our daily lives while the governments of the world are constantly planning and monitoring their plan of recovery from the Great Recession.

The viral video of the year is the Double Rainbow while in the middle of the year, the 2204355 meme (the gif of a KFC guy superimposed over the rainbow background to the tune of the chiptune of ALF theme). Rage comics, with the signature troll face (U Mad?), remains the mainstream funny of the cyberspace.

Jejemon is our own response of embracing the new culture — from text messaging, fashion and even on our media (Eugene Domingo’s JejeMom and Dolphy’s Father Jejemon). This trend seems to be a fad as the style is discouraged by our Department of Education.

The most discussed teleserye of that year is Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) as Bruno Mars stands on his own musical path.

But how did the year 2010 unfold in the Philippines (including media)?

January 7: Rosanna Roces’ live remarks against teachers triggers MTRCB’s suspension of then-daily competition show Showtime (ABS-CBN).

January 12: Haiti rocks a 7.0-magnitude earthquake, killing hundreds of thousands.

February 13: 22-year-old Melai Cantiveros from General Santos City wins Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up. Her partner in the Bahay ni Kuya, Jason Francisco of Oriental Mindoro, is a finalist.

February 15: MTV Philippines ends with the final music video of The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” (ironically, the first music video in the United States, the country of origin, in 1981).

February 21: Sarah Lahbati and Steven Silva become the ultimate survivors of Starstruck V (GMA).

February 27: Chile rocks an 8.8-magnitude quake that triggers a tsunami, killing at least 525.

February 28: SOP (GMA) bows out after 13 years on the air as a Sunday variety noontime show. Its replacement, Party Pilipinas, premieres in a month.

March 28: Aside from Party Pilipinas, Pepito Manaloto also premiere on GMA. The premise of the sitcom focuses on the titular character (played by Michael V) on the change of life after winning P 700 million. In real life, the Grand Lotto jackpot prize of P 741.1 million becomes the largest jackpot to date in PCSO’s history and will be taken home by a balikbayan on November 29. The winning ticket is purchased in Olongapo City and the record remains unbroken until the next eight years.

April 4: After lawsuit by GMA over the constitutionality of ownership and losses under Media Prima, TV5 becomes part of Manny V. Pangilinan’s MediaQuest and brands as the “Kapatid” Network.

April 14: Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupts in Iceland.

April 20: The Deepwater Horizon oil drilling platform (owned by BP) explodes and spills over the Gulf of Mexico, damaging the aquatic fauna in the Deep South coastline.

May 10: The first automated elections take place where outgoing president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wins as a congresswoman in Pampanga's second district and Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III succeeds with the highest vote share of 42.1%. Aside from COMELEC’s faster and better voting technology, the Big 3 networks also upgrade their own coverage graphics. ABS-CBN and TV5 employ ORAD while GMA uses VizRT.

June 13: Jovit Baldivino becomes the first Pilipinas Got Talent (ABS-CBN) winner.

mid-June to mid-July: World Cup in South Africa. While the Philippine broadcaster is Studio 23 and Balls, Filipino sports fans generally thinks that football is not a big deal until six months later. Vuvuzelas blow all the rage and Paul the Octopus in the limelight in predicting the winners. In the finals, Spain beats the Netherlands, 1-0.

June 29: Eat Bulaga!’s Juan for All, All for Juan introduces the Sugod Bahay portion and becomes a daily permanent staple.

June 30: Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III takes oath as the 15th President of the Philippines at the Quirino Grandstand. The oath is administered by Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales (the future Ombudsman) instead of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

July 2: Daisy Siete, the dessert of Eat Bulaga!’s two-course meal, wraps up after seven years with 26 seasons.

July 25: WikiLeaks leak over 90,000 internal reports about the War in Afghanistan.

July 30: After five years of scandals of the show (ULTRA stampede, Hello Pappy and the inset of the funeral) and personal defeat (i.e. endorsing defeated presidential candidate Manny Villar), Wowowee pulls the plug. Ten days later, Willie Revillame unilaterally quits ABS-CBN for not demanding the removal of DZMM radio host Jobert Sucaldito.

August 5: In Chile, 33 miners are trapped in and are to be rescued successfully in 69 days with a specially built capsule for an individual.

August 22: As part of the 60th corporate anniversary of GMA Network, their network-conceived Philippine national anthem video is premiered, depicting the history of the country.

August 23: Hostage crisis in Luneta last about half a day, killing eight Hong Kong tourists and the perpetrator, dismissed police officer Rolando Mendoza. During the early evening newscast, reactions from news anchors are uttered during the botched standoff by the SWAT team. Post-newscast primetime block begins after the crisis about past 9 p.m.

August 24: Venus Raj, the Philippine contingent for Miss Universe, lands 4th Runner Up with the signature fumble of “Major Major” during the Question and Answer portion.

September 11: Wansapanataym is revived on ABS-CBN and the fantasy anthology format with moral lesson from its original iteration in 1997 is maintained but it will eventually deviate.

September 26: A grenade bombing rocks De La Salle University in Taft, Manila on the last Sunday of the Bar Examination. This is the last examination before they move to the University of Santo Tomas.

September 30: Intramuros tour guide Carlos Celdran pulls a stunt during the mass at the Manila Cathedral, raising the placard “Damaso” over the bishops’ stance against contraception.

October 23: Revillame returns to the small screen on TV5 with Willing Willie. About a bit more than two weeks later (November 8), Valenzuela City councilor and former Presidential girlfriend Shalani Soledad becomes his co-host, clashing the early evening newscast of Willie’s former employers.

November 7/8: In Pasig, ardent fans of NU 107 stage a candlelight vigil outside the studio to witness the end of their beloved rock radio station for 23 years.

November 14: Manny Pacquiao defeats Antonio Margarito for the WBC super welterweight title, making Pacquiao the first and so far the only boxer to garner eight world titles.

November 23: The tourism campaign called “Pilipinas Kay Ganda,” gets a negative reception over suspicious hints of plagiarism from Poland.

November 27: Batibot revives on TV5. Instead of the weekday format, it airs on Saturday morning and lasts for about three years.

December 5: In Vietnam, the Philippine national football team scores an upset win 2-0 against the defending champion-cum-host country in AFF Suzuki Cup. The team eventually lands on the semifinals and earns the Fair Play Award.

December 10: The Morong 43, the health workers who suspected to be communist rebels, are ordered to be released.

December 16: The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas releases the New Generation Currency series. The design of the bills mingle and become the sole official tender in seven years.

December 20: Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is released from jail.

The Review of the Year 2011 is undergoing construction. To be revealed by April.

https://timowsturf.wordpress.com/2019/03/26/swiping-through-the-10s-2010/

Senate sends 2019 budget to Duterte

By Camille A. Aguinaldo
Reporter

THE BICAMERAL DEADLOCK over this year’s P3.757-trillion national budget — which threatened to drag overall economic growth — ended on Tuesday as Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III announced that he has signed, with “reservations,” and transmitted the spending plan to Malacañang.

“We are informing that I already signed the budget… it is now going to be an enrolled bill; we sent it to the President but I placed my reservations on the signature. I have incorporated a note that says my signature is in reference to my attached annotation,” he told reporters in a press briefing at his Senate office.

His reservations — in a note attached to the measure — focused on post-ratification changes made by the House of Representatives.

Sought for comment, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia replied in a mobile phone message: “It looks like the long delay did not result in a major change in the budget — which time could have been used by the President to consider needed revisions, e.g., for line budget item vetoes.”

“Meanwhile, Q1 growth rate already likely to be trimmed.”

The inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee the other week slashed its 2019 gross domestic product growth forecast to 6-7% from 7-8% originally as the government operates on a reenacted budget, while the National Economic and Development Authority — which Mr. Pernia heads as director-general — has estimated separately that operating on a reenacted budget until April would cut full-year growth to 6.1-6.3%.

The government had been banking on front-loading infrastructure work this quarter, ahead of the 45-day ban on public works ahead of the May 13 midterm elections and weather disturbances next semester. The reenacted national budget left new projects unfunded.

Mr. Sotto said the Senate has transmitted to Malacañang the version of the national budget with the changes made by the House of Representatives, leaving President Rodrigo R. Duterte to decide on the provisions questioned by senators.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement that Mr. Duterte would scrutinize the national budget before signing it.

“We assure our people that the President will go over the enrolled bill, scrutinize it and sign it should the same be in accordance with our Constitution and the laws,” Mr. Panelo said. “As we approach the midpoint of the Duterte administration, we remain determined to build on the significant gains that we have started in the first two-and-a-half years and continue to stay on the right track to deliver real and lasting change to our people.”

Asked by reporters if Mr. Duterte would the sign the national budget with the House’s questioned changes, Mr. Panelo said, “It would depend on him. If he feels it’s not in violation with the Constitution, he can sign it immediately.”

“Knowing the President, he will act on it immediately because we need a new budget… Maybe in a few days,” he added.

In his note attached to the national budget transmitted to Malacañang, Mr. Sotto said his signature on the measure was limited to the items approved by the Senate and House in the bicameral conference committee and subsequently ratified.

“In particular, it is my view that it is unconstitutional that P75 billion worth of programs/projects under the Local Infrastructure Program of the Department of Public Works and Highways was funded through internal realignments after the Bicameral Conference Committee Report was ratified,” the Senate leader stated in his note.

He said in his note that Mr. Duterte “may wish to consider disapproving” the questionable provisions by vetoing them.

It was the idea of the Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon for Mr. Sotto to sign the national budget and to attach his reservations, according to Senator Panfilo M. Lacson in the same briefing.

“What we have done is propose this language to the Senate President, Senator (Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F.) Zubiri, Senator Lacson, Senator (Loren B.) Legarda and (Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G.) Recto in order that we maintain our position that these insertions are unconstitutional, but at the same time, not prejudice national interests by holding on to the unsigned General Appropriations Bill,” Mr. Drilon told reporters in the press briefing.

“We maintain the view that this is unconstitutional but we must find a solution to the impasse in the budget and serve the interest of the nation.”

Messrs. Lacson and Sotto added that they have notified the House and the Executive Department by relaying the information to San Juan City Rep. Ronaldo B. Zamora and to Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea prior to the transmittal of the national budget to Malacañang.

https://www.bworldonline.com/senate-sends-2019-budget-to-duterte/

‘You shall return’

“The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.” — Hubert H. Humphrey

It was an intimate birthday dinner that we had recently for my beautiful editor Joanne Rae Ramirez at the elegant Champagne Room of the Manila Hotel. The party, hosted by the country’s only floral architect and style director of the hotel Rachy Cuna, was overflowing with lively conversations.

The night overflowed, too, with good wine that complemented a sumptuous fare consisting of melt-in-your-mouth grilled black cod and US prime rib roast. Served also were the freshest Caesar salad with bacon bits and crispy croutons; and yummy French onion soup topped with Gruyere cheese. The Baked Alaska provided the sweet ending.  

Guests included ad man Ed Ramirez, Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev, Czech Ambassador Jana Sediva, Sen. Sonny Angara and wife Tootsy, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and wife Louie, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar and wife Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte and wife Lara, former Antique governor Sally Perez, STAR’s Büm Tenorio Jr. and your columnist.

“I am honored that you celebrated with me tonight. This is a beautiful celebration of our friendship,” said the grateful celebrator.

Speaking of friendship, Joanne and Rachy share a beautiful friendship that is marked yearly with Rachy giving my lovely boss a birthday party, an endearing tradition that has been observed since 2005.

“Thank you all for coming. And Joanne, you shall return,” Rachy said, using the famous words of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who stayed in Manila Hotel during the war.

With that, the birthday party for Joanne has been set for next year.

Happy birthday, Joanne. Many, many more blessings!

A bellissima evening

Anumber of individuals often called as the “Bella” group, leaders in their own fields of endeavor, invited your columnist to experience an evening of laughter, friendship and camaraderie.

It was a wonderful evening with brilliant people held at Chef Jessie at Rockwell in Makati City.

Until the next one, ladies and gentlemen!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Carlos “Linggoy” Araneta.

Advance birthday greetings to Starweek’s Lydia Castillo and Lizzie Atayde, March 27; President Rodrigo Duterte, Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. chairman and president Johnny Cobankiat and Betty Preysler, March 28; broadcast journalist Tina Monzon-Palma and Miguel Cerqueda, March 29; Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Development Corp. president Hans Hauri, Veana Fores, Jennifer Peña and Al Perez, March 30.

So, how was your week?

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

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/allure/2019/03/24/1903785/you-shall-return

Sotto, Arroyo vow to end budget deadlock soon

SENATE President Vicente Sotto 3rd and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday vowed to end the budget deadlock that has pitted the two houses of Congress against each other.

Sotto said the House only needed to submit the measure as approved in February by the bicameral conference committee, which he would then submit to President Rodrigo Duterte for signature next week.

“Leave it as it is, what we ratified and what we agreed upon, [it should] remain in the budget for Public Works and Highways, which is already itemized originally in that state…if this happens, there’s no more problem with the rest of the budget,” the Senate chief said.

Senators claim the House tinkered with the approved budget and moved around some P95 billion in public works funds.

Arroyo said Congress would “end the impasse as soon as possible,” after she instructed a three-man team composed of Representatives Rolando Andaya Jr. of Camarines Sur, Edcel Lagman of Albay and Ronaldo Zamora of San Juan City to negotiate with the Senate.

The Senate panel consists of Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Loren Legarda and Senators Panfilo Lacson and Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan.
Arroyo denied anew her supposed hand in altering the already ratified 2019 national budget.

“We’ll end the impasse as soon as possible. That’s my instruction. I did not micromanage the putting together of the budget. I don’t want to micromanage also their negotiations because the ones who did the budget know what they did and know what their flexibilities are,” Arroyo said.

She initially denied that the House had withdrawn its version of the budget despite confirmation by Zamora on Monday.

But on Wednesday, the House “physically retrieved” its version of the budget it sent to the Senate last March 11 because the refusal of Sotto 3rd to sign the “pork-filled” measure.

https://www.manilatimes.net/sotto-arroyo-vow-to-end-budget-deadlock-soon/529764/

Lone district for GenSan seen to spur growth

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Residents can expect more developments with President Rodrigo R. Duterte's approval of the law that created a separate legislative or congressional district for this city.

This was according to Mayor Ronnel Rivera, who said Friday the city's lone congressional district complements the administration's initiatives to transform General Santos as one of the country’s premier cities.

Duterte signed on March 11 Republic Act (RA) 11243, which reapportioned the first district of South Cotabato and established a lone legislative district for the city.

“This is another milestone in the long and colorful history of this city that we should cherish. The people of this city have long been asking for this change to come and now it is finally here,” Rivera said in a statement.

He said the city will now have "better representation in the national government" as it moves forward with its goal of being the “economic beacon of South Cotabato.”

Rivera lauded Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao and South Cotabato 1st District Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. for pursuing the passage of RA 11243.

The city is currently part of the first legislative district of South Cotabato, along with the municipalities of Tampakan, Polomolok and Tupi. Under the new law, the city will become the third legislative district of the province while the three remaining towns will constitute the first district.

In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes said the creation of the new legislative district is a huge boost for the province in terms of development.

Fuentes said the three municipalities in the first district will now have bigger budget allocations for development projects.

“While GenSan will become a lone district, it will still remain as the third district of South Cotabato. That’s good for us because it means that its population and area will not be carved out of the province as part of the IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment) consideration,” the governor said.

Fuentes said the coming May 13 elections will be crucial as residents under the present first district will be voting for the “caretaker” of the two legislative areas as mandated by RA 11243.

“Whoever wins as representative of the first district will have three years to manage the congressional allocation for two districts,” she added. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065320

GenSan LGU hopeful with creation of new congressional district

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 22 March) – The city government expects more developments in the city in the coming years, with the approval by President Rodrigo R. Duterte of the law that created a separate congressional district for the area.

Mayor Ronnel Rivera said Friday the move mainly complements with the efforts of the local government and stakeholders to transform the area into one of the country’s premiere cities.

The President signed last March 11 Republic Act (RA) 11243, which reapportioned the first district of South Cotabato and established a lone legislative district for the city.

“This is another milestone in the long and colorful history of this city that we should cherish. The people of this city has long been asking for this change to come and now it is finally here,” the mayor said in a statement.

With the city now a lone congressional district, Rivera said it will have a better representation in the national government.

He urged residents “to take part in this historic change in the city” as it moves forward with the plans to establish the area as the “economic beacon of South Cotabato.”

“This is the perfect time where we can fully utilize all of our resources to ensure that GenSan will become a premier city of the country,” Rivera said.

He lauded Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao and South Cotabato first district Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. for pursuing the passage of RA 11243 in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The city is currently part of the first legislative district of South Cotabato, along with the municipalities of Tampakan, Polomolok and Tupi.

Under the new law, the city will become the third legislative district of the province while the three remaining towns will constitute the first district.

In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said the creation of the new legislative district is a huge boost for the province in terms of development.

She said the three municipalities in the first district will now have its own congressional allocation for development projects.

“While GenSan will become a lone district, it will still remain as a third district of South Cotabato. That’s good for us because it means that its population and area will not be carved out of the province as part of the IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment) consideration,” she said.

Fuentes said the coming May 13 elections will be crucial as residents under the present first district will be voting for the “caretaker” of the two legislative areas as set in RA 11243.

“Whoever wins as representative of the first district will have three years to manage the congressional allocation for two districts,” she added. (MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/03/gensan-lgu-hopeful-with-creation-of-new-congressional-district/