Sagittarius Mines finally gets ECC from DENR

 Economy
Feb 192013
 
Sagittarius Mines finally gets ECC from DENR

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has finally issued an Environmental Compliance Certificate for the $5.9-billion Tampakan copper-gold project of Sagittarius Mine Inc. in Mindanao. The Office of the President (OP) this month remanded to the DENR the petition filed by SMI for the provision of an ECC, directing the department to rule on the application “without any consideration of requirements other than those imposed under EIS (Environmental Impact Study) System itself.” The DENR has repeatedly rejected the company’s application for an ECC because of an existing ban in South Cotabato on the use of the open-pit mining method.   An ECC guarantees that a project will not harm the environment. “There is already an ECC issued but the granting is subject to certain conditions,” said Environment Secretary Ramon Paje in an interview yesterday. He said failure to comply with the conditions may result to cancellation of the ECC. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The conditions set by the DENR are as follows: SMI should obtain Free and Prior Informed Consent from occupants of ancestral domain, land access permits from the Department of Agrarian Reform, and endorsement from the local government units.  SMI must also have “continuing liability” for any environmental damage that occurs within its tenement. “Whether the incident is caused by force majeure or not, they will be liable,” said Paje. Paje said an environmental permit was issued to SMI upon the recommendation of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), an Read More …

DMCI hikes stake in London-based nickel miner

 Economy
Feb 192013
 
DMCI hikes stake in London-based nickel miner

MANILA, Philippines – The mining unit of Consunji-led DMCI Holdings Inc. has beefed up its stake in a London-based nickel miner for £24 million. In a disclosure to the stock exchange, DMCI Holdings said its wholly-owned subsidiary DMCI Mining Corp. jacked up its shares in Toledo Mining Corp. Plc to 37.7 percent from 17 percent. “The offer will comprise 50 pence in cash for each Toledo share, valuing the whole of Toledo’s existing issued share capital at approximately 24.9 million pounds,” DMCI said. The purchase price represents a premium of 66 percent from 30 pence, the weighted average price for the past three months. DMCI Mining bought the entire 20.7- percent share in Toledo held by investor Jason Cropper using its existing cash. “As a result, DMCI Mining confirms that it will make a mandatory cash offer to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Toledo not already owned by DMCI Group,” the company said. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 “Our offer to the remaining Toledo shareholders represents an attractive opportunity to crystallise a significant premium to the prevailing market price in cash today,” said DMCI Mining president and CEO Isidro Consunji. Toledo has strategic shares in four large nickel deposits in Palawan through joint venture agreements and owned properties. Specifically, the London Stock Exchange-listed miner owns shares in the Berong and Ipilan nickel mines, and Long Point and Moorsom nickel properties. For its fiscal year that ending March 2012, Toledo posted Read More …

Luxembourg-BPO to make Phl its biggest operation

 Economy
Feb 192013
 
Luxembourg-BPO to make Phl its biggest operation

MANILA, Philippines – Luxembourg-based Transcom Worldwide S.A. is set to hire 5,000 new workers this year to maintain the Philippines as its largest operations in terms of workforce in its global business. Transcom Worldwide president and chief executive officer Johan Eriksson said in an interview with The STAR that the company is bullish about the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines after the country posted a strong growth last year. “We definitely see the Philippines as a growth area. Things are growing rapidly here and we see some more opportunities,” Eriksson stressed. Data from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) showed that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 6.6 percent last year, exceeding the target of five percent to six percent set by the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC). This made the Philippines the second fastest in terms of economic growth in the region after China. This year, the DBCC has set a GDP growth target of six percent to seven percent. The company through Transcom Worldwide Philippines Inc. is looking at raising its workforce by 50 percent to 15,000 by the end of this year from the current level of close to 10,000. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Eriksson said the Philippines is its largest in terms of the number of workforce, currently accounting for a third of its 30,000 global workforce. The company operates 70 contact centers in 28 countries including four sites in the Philippines. He pointed out that Read More …

Tagle: I don’t know much about choosing the next Pope

 Entertainment
Feb 192013
 
Tagle: I don’t know much about choosing the next Pope

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle while celebrating mass during Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, at the Roman Catholic Archbishop chapel in Manila, February 13, 2013. Tagle, 55, who became a cardinal in November 2012, is among those mentioned as possible successors of Pope Benedict XVI, who surprised the world on Monday when he announced his resignation due at the end of the month. (MNS photo) MANILA, Feb 18 (Mabuhay) – Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle admitted that as a newbie cardinal, he still does not know much about the process of selecting a new pope. “Inaamin ko po, hindi ko pa alam kung anong gagawin, kung paano boboto,” he said, adding that this function is something that he is still studying and contemplating much about. Asked by the media about his preparations for the upcoming conclave, he said all he is doing for now is to pray. He said he does not even know as to when he will be called to the Vatican. He said he was “caught by surprise” by Pope Benedict XVI’s sudden resignation this month. Nevertheless, Tagle said that this only shows the integrity of the pope, saying that he was just being realistic given his current health condition. “His physical and mental strength was waning,” the cardinal said. “He showed integrity by not clinging to his position, for the good of the ministry.” Tagle also expressed admiration on the pope’s leadership. “The thing that strikes me the most about the pontificate of the Read More …

President Aquino inaugurates state-of-the-art facilities of the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City

 Entertainment
Feb 192013
 
President Aquino inaugurates state-of-the-art facilities of the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the 38th Anniversary of the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) and Blessing and Inauguration ceremony of the expanded PHC Operating Room Complex at East Avenue, Quezon City on Friday (February 15). With the theme: “Hawak Kamay para sa Kalusugan”. PHC is a leader in upholding the highest standards of cardiovascular care, a self-reliant institution responsive to the health needs of the Filipino people. It ranks as one of the leading medical institutions in Asia for the medical and surgical treatment of heart diseases. Since its establishment, over two million indigent patients have been served by PHC. In photo are House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., Health Secretary Enrique Ona, PHC executive director Dr. Manuel Chua Chiaco, Jr. and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. (MNS photo) President Benigno S. Aquino III undrapes the marker of the expanded Philippine Heart Center (PHC) Operating Room Complex during its 38th Anniversary at East Avenue, Quezon City on Friday (February 15). With the theme: “Hawak Kamay para sa Kalusugan”. PHC is the leader in upholding the highest standards of cardiovascular care, a self-reliant institution responsive to the health needs of the Filipino people. It ranks as one of the leading medical institutions in Asia for the medical and surgical treatment of heart diseases. Since its establishment, over two million indigent patients have been served by PHC. In photo are House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. (MNS photo) MANILA, Feb 16 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Read More …

Filipino among 7 foreigners kidnapped in Nigeria

 News
Feb 182013
 

Associated Press 9:36 pm | Monday, February 18th, 2013 BAUCHI, Nigeria  — A shadow Islamic extremist group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of seven foreign workers in northern Nigeria. In a statement Monday, the group that calls itself Ansaru claimed the kidnapping of the one British citizen, one Greek, one Italian, three Lebanese and one Filipino on Saturday night. Ansaru also threatened that Nigerian and European authorities shouldn’t “act contrary to our conditions.” The short statement offered no conditions, suggesting ransom demands would follow. The kidnapping happened in Jama’are, a town about 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of Bauchi, the capital of Bauchi state. Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim north has been under attack by the radical Islamic sect known as Boko Haram over the last two years. Ansaru is a new group that recently sprung up in the region.

Honasan urges PH, Malaysia to hold talks to settle Sabah issue

 News
Feb 182013
 
Honasan urges PH, Malaysia to hold talks to settle Sabah issue

By Bobby Lagsa Inquirer Mindanao 8:37 pm | Monday, February 18th, 2013 Senator Gregorio Honasan. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Senator Gregorio Honasan said the Philippines and Malaysia should talk to resolve the entry of 300 Filipino followers of the Sultanate of Sulu in the Sabah region to prevent an international incident involving armed skirmishes. “I think, both governments should sit down, and jointly help diffuse the situation, which if left unattended to, might become more complicated because of an armed confrontation,” Honasan said. Honasan also called on Sultan Jamalul Kiram III to recall his brother, Rajah Mudah, back into the Philippines. Rajah Mudah, in an earlier report, said that he will only follow orders from his older brother. Sultan Kiram III, in an earlier report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, said the royal decree that he ordered for his brother was not about war, and that he sent his brother to Sabah as an exercise of their historic, ancestral and sovereign right over Sabah. Honasan said that the Sultan must be made to realize that his order has not been helping the government in its foreign and security policies. “He must be made to realize that these have become more complicated,” Honasan added. “It is time for the government to clarify these with the Sultan of Sulu and if these go out of proportion, it is a problem that we do not need,” said Honasan, who was in the city to join the regional convention Read More …

Comelec taps Boy Bawal to go after campaign violators

 News
Feb 182013
 
Comelec taps Boy Bawal to go after campaign violators

To effectively reach out to the public, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has tapped “Boy Bawal” to inform both the electorate and the candidates the prohibited acts and materials during the campaign period and on Election Day. The two-minute video started with Boy Bawal, with this supporters carrying flaglets, reminding the candidates to follow the election rules or be reprimanded by him. Boy Bawal then showed the campaign DON’T’s such as oversized posters; campaign materials posted in public vehicles, trees and public structures; and vote-buying, among others. Other prohibited acts are listed on www.mycomelec.tv.    At the end of the video, Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. urged the public: “Umpisa na ang kampanya, kapag may nakita kayong mga bawal, pakisumbong niyo sa amin dito sa Comelec.” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said they decided to use a regular person as Boy Bawal “to make the advertisement more relatable, more entertaining and therefore more likely to be remembered and shared.” “Virality of the material was a major consideration,” he said in a text message to GMA News Online. The video was produced in-house by the Comelec’s Education and Information Department, which is under Jimenez. The poll body sent a request to all networks for the airing of the ‘Boy Bawal Ad’ as part of the Comelec space and time for the May 13 polls to be utilized exclusively for public information dissemination on election related-concerns as stated in Section 13 of Comelec Resolution No. 9615. The video can also be viewed on Comelec’s Read More …

LPA off Mindanao intensifies into Tropical Depression Crising

 News
Feb 182013
 
LPA off Mindanao intensifies into Tropical Depression Crising

At least four areas in Mindanao were placed under Storm Signal No. 1 after a low-pressure area off Mindanao intensified into a tropical depression Monday afternoon and was locally codenamed Crising. PAGASA forecaster Fernando Cada said Tropical Depression Crising may bring rain that could cause flash floods and landslides in parts of Eastern Visayas and Mindanao. “Inaasahan itong gumalaw west-northwest ng 19 kph. Sa ngayon, Davao region ang posibleng unang maapektuhan,” Cada said in an interview on dzBB radio. He also said Tropical Depression Crising may bring rain to parts of Mindanao that Tropical Cyclone Pablo devastated last December. Cada said that in the next 24 to 36 hours, Crising may affect Eastern Mindanao, including Davao and Compostela Valley. But he also said there is a chance Crising will not intensify much since it is moving quickly at 19 kph. “Sa bagyong ganoon kabilis ang takbo ng bagyo, hindi ito maka-generate ng masyadong lakas dahil mabilis ito at malapit sa kalupaan,” he said. Under Storm Signal No. 1 are: Davao del NorteDavao del SurDavao OrientalCompostela Valley PAGASA warned residents in low-lying and mountainous areas under Storm Signal 1 to be alert against possible flash floods and landslides. It said rainfall of 5 to 15 mm per hour (moderate to heavy) may be expected from Crising’s 300-km diameter. As of 4 p.m., PAGASA said Tropical Depression Crising was estimated at 750 km east of General Santos City, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center. It said Crising is Read More …

SC upholds disqualification of 'nuisance' bet in Agusan del Sur

 News
Feb 182013
 
SC upholds disqualification of 'nuisance' bet in Agusan del Sur

The Supreme Court has upheld a Commission on Elections (Comelec) ruling disqualifying Mauricio Plaza Jr. from joining the congressional race in Agusan del Sur in the coming May elections. In a full court decision, the high tribunal said Mauricio failed to “sufficiently show grave abuse of discretion” on the part of Comelec when it disqualified him and struck his name off the Candidates’ Profile System and Certified List of Candidates. Plaza was among the individuals declared by the Comelec as “nuisance” candidates through Comelec en banc Resolution 9610. “The procedures adopted by the Comelec in resolving petitions to deny due course to or to cancel certificate of candidacy, declare nuisance candidates, and disqualify candidates are consistent with its power to provide simplified procedural rules,” the high court said. This power is enshrined under Section 3, Article IX-C of the 1987 Constitution, which authorizes the Comelec to promulgate its rules of procedure in order to expedite the disposition of election cases. The case started when Plaza filed a petition for review with the SC, asking it to intervene and order the Comelec to include him in the list of candidates for the coming elections. “The records would show that… Plaza was afforded his right to prove the legitimacy of his candidacy [before he was declared a nuisanc candidate],” the high court said in its ruling. — Mark D. Merueñas/KBK, GMA News

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