March 2013 – Page 6

President Aquino cites role of telecommunications in facilitating free flow of information

Mar 072013

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Meeting with local leaders and the community at the Rizal Park in San Pedro Street, Davao City on Wednesday (March 06, 2013). In photos are Team PNoy candidates that include Aurora Lone District Representative Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, former National Youth Commission (NYC) chairperson Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel, Senators Alan Peter “Compañero” Cayetano and Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senators Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Senators Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III and Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, and former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar. (MNS photo) MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the role of the telecommunications sector in facilitating the free flow of information to our countrymen. “Knowledge empowers our people and sustains the momentum of our nation’s ongoing revitalization. As part of the telecommunications sector, you act as conduits that facilitate the free flow of information to our countrymen,” the Chief Executive said in his message to the Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications Association of the Philippines (FICTAP) on Thursday. The FICTAP opened its 14th International Cable Congress and Exhibit on Thursday at the Manila Hotel. The event would end on Friday. “It is necessary that we remain attentive to the advances in technology in your industry, that we may keep our countrymen informed Read More …

Gerald on Maja: I found someone I want to be with

Entertainment

Mar 072013

Gerald on Maja: I found someone I want to be with

Maja Salvador (MNS Photo) Gerald Anderson (MNS Photo) MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) -– Gerald Anderson sees Maja Salvador’s companionship as a source of happiness. Shortly after the 2013 Golden Screen Awards night on Friday, where he won Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series for his title role in ABS-CBN’s “Budoy,” the 23-year-old Kapamilya actor addressed questions about his rumored relationship with Salvador. Clarifying that he and the “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” star are not yet a couple, Anderson nonetheless said he regards Salvador as someone “special.” “Hindi pa [kami]. Kumbaga, pwedeng dumaan muna kami sa mga… Paano ba? There’s always the right time. May tamang lugar, meron namang time para sa lahat,” Anderson said. “Like I said, wala po akong itatago sa inyo. She’s very special to me, yes. Pero kumbaga, sa akin na ‘yon. Sa akin na ‘yon,” he said. It was in early January when actress Kim Chiu expressed regret over her “wasted” friendship with Salvador, following reports of a blooming “relationship” between the “Thelma” actress and Anderson. Chiu and Anderson broke up in 2010 amid controversies surrounding their relationship. While Salvador has kept mum on her ties with Anderson, the “Budoy” star has expressed intentions to court the actress “if given a chance.” Asked on Saturday whether he has admired Salvador romantically for a while now, Anderson said, “Matagal ko nang nararamdaman. Alam mo ‘yung feeling na syempre, matagal na akong single. Matagal na rin po akong single.” “And you know, I found someone na Read More …

President Aquino cites support of Davaoeños in making government reforms possible

Entertainment

Mar 072013

President Aquino cites support of Davaoeños in making government reforms possible

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte during the Meeting with local leaders and the community at the Rizal Park in San Pedro Street, Davao City on Wednesday (March 06, 2013). (MNS photo) DAVAO CITY, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) — President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the people of Davao for supporting his administration’s reform program saying that with their help, his agenda of ridding government of graft and corruption is now bearing fruit. In his speech during a meeting with local leaders and the community at the Rizal Park here on Wednesday, the President said that after a little over two years in office, the benefits of an efficient and effective government that is made for the people is nearing realization. He said that through the implementation of infrastructure, education, and business programs in the province, more prosperity has been coming to the people and the province of Davao. “Mula po sa ipinagkaloob ninyong tiwala noong nakaraang halalan, hanggang sa patuloy ninyong pakikiisa sa tuwid na daan, lagi po tayong makakaasa sa suporta’t pakikiisa ng mga Davaoeño. Daghang salamat sa mga kabag-uhan na inyong gihimo ug padayon pa nga ginahimo,” the President said to delight, loud applause and cheer of the residents of Davao. “Mulat po ang mga Davaoeño sa mga tagumpay na nakamit natin dahil sa pagtitiwala ninyo sa ating agenda ng mabuting pamamahala,” he added. For infrastructure, the President said that since July 2011 to April 2012, the Department of Public Works Read More …

DOH-NCR hosts public consultation on RH law draft IRRs

Entertainment

Mar 072013

(DOH logo) The Department of Health Center – National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) will host a public consultation and review tomorrow, March 8, on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10354, also known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012 (RPRH Act of 2012), with various sectors of society including religious groups, Metro Manila mayors and city health officers, women’s and children’s groups, and media organizations. “We would like to enjoin the support of all sectors in this public consultation so that they may express their views, opinions and recommendations on the provisions stated in the RH law and once it is implemented, we expect that it will significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality in the country and save countless of lives especially that of mothers and their children,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo declared. With the actual implementation of the RH Law, the DOH will fully carry out its mandate of reducing maternal and infant mortality rate through comprehensive reproductive health care services such as providing modern family planning methods, safe birth deliveries, adequate supply of blood and quality care in all of its health care facilities. The rights of women and family will also be protected, Janairo added. The RP RH law drafting committee will be conducting the IRR consultation which is also called Usapang Kalusugang Pampamilya”. Other consultations were also conducted in the cities of Cebu and Davao and were attended by LGUs, hospital chiefs, the academe and various NGO representatives. Among Read More …

PHL calls for immediate and safe release of Filipino peacekeepers

Entertainment

Mar 072013

( United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations) The Philippine Government has received confirmation from the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations that 21 Filipino peacekeepers assigned to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights have been detained by an armed group. All Filipino peacekeepers are reported to be unharmed and that negotiations are underway to secure their safe release. The Government is likewise coordinating closely with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations on the matter. The Philippine Government is calling for the immediate release of 21 Filipino peacekeepers who are part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights. “The main concern of the Philippine Government at this time is to ensure the safety and well-being of our peacekeepers. We wish to reiterate that UNDOF’s freedom of movement and safety and security must be respected by all parties in the area,” Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario said.

Buyacar acquires pre-owned cars from BDO

Economy

Mar 072013

Buyacar acquires pre-owned cars from BDO

Seated (from left): BDO asset management group senior assistant vice president Emmanuel R. Apilado, Esquire Financing Inc. president and chief executive officer Rajan Uttamchandani, BDO asset management group vice president Antonio M. Cruz. Standing from left): Esquire business development manager Isabel Olbes, Capitalife Lending Inc. chief executive officer Steve Borsuk and vice president Amit Borsuk, Esquire vice president Ravi Uttamchandani. MANILA, Philippines – Buyacar Inc. recently purchased another batch of pre-owned vehicles from BDO Unibank Inc. as a response to the increasing market for pre-owned cars in the country. A joint venture between Esquire Financing Inc. and Capitalife Lending Inc., Buyacar is negotiating with BDO to buy the next batch of vehicles as the company is cycling through its inventory faster than its target. Esquire Financing Inc.’ president/CEO Rajan Uttamchandan said: “We’re targeting 700 to 900 cars a year in sales.” In less than five months since it started operations, Buyacar has sold 50 percent of the cars that it purchased. Steve Borsuk, CEO of Capitalife Lending Inc., added: “The numbers keep growing because people are becoming aware of our company and the way we do business, and they know how to appreciate and value these terms.” Given expectations of future growth, Borsuk said.” “We believe that by the end of 2014, we will be able to sell hundreds or thousands of cars on a monthly basis.” Similar to the no-down payment car loans in the US, Buyacar brought this business model in the Philippines to meet the increasing demand Read More …

P-Noy signs IP Code amendments

Economy

Mar 072013

MANILA, Philippines – Now that President Aquino has signed a bill amending the Intellectual Property Code, there is no more limit to the entry of copyrighted products into the country for personal use. Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, a principal author of the bill, made this clarification yesterday amid apprehensions raised by overseas Filipino workers and travelers that the new law bans the bringing in of products covered by intellectual property (IP) rights. The confusion arose from the deletion of two provisions in the old law limiting the bringing in or importation of such products for personal use to only three copies. The President signed the amendments into law on Feb. 28. The new statute, denominated as Republic Act 10372, was published in The STAR yesterday. It takes effect 15 days after its publication in two national newspapers. Rodriguez said the deletion of the two provisions does not mean that the new law bans the bringing in of copyrighted products like books, music and films or movies. On the contrary, it means that there is no more limit to the entry of these products, provided that they are for personal use, he said. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The new law also allows religious, charitable and educational institutions to import more copies, “for as long as they are not infringing or pirated copies, so that more Filipino students in the country may use such works,” he said. He added that RA 10372 does not Read More …

P-Noy bent on reviving coco industry

Economy

Mar 072013

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Aguino government is bent on reviving the coconut industry especially after super storm Pablo struck the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, considered to be the country’s largest coconut-producing areas. According to President Benigno Simeon Aquino, “We have short and medium term interventions but what is important is the long-term intervention for the areas affected by Typhoon Pablo and in the long run, eventually revive the country’s coconut industry.” The President admitted though that it would take a long time for the coconut industry to fully recover. The President arrived here Wednesday for a series of engagements including addressing the participants to the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Events/ Exhibits Conference (MICECON) 2013 forum held here. The President also joined the Team PNoy senatorial candidates as they barnstormed key areas in Southern Mindanao. The President cited the short-term interventions carried out by the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Coconut Industry in providing farm tractors and chainsaws to clear the coconut debris brought about by Typhoon Pablo. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 He said coconut farmers were also given vegetable seeds which they could plant for their alternative source of livelihood. The President likewise pointed out that for the medium-term intervention for the coconut farmers affected by typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental, they were provided an additional 40 units of chainsaws for the clearing operation. The DA also distributed corn seeds intended for planting under the coconut trees. The President said government would look Read More …

Gov’t subsidies to GOCC down 21.5% to P42.15B

Economy

Mar 072013

Gov’t subsidies to GOCC down 21.5% to P42.15B

MANILA, Philippines – Subsidies given by the government to state-owned and controlled corporations went down by 21.5 percent to P 42.15 billion last year from P53.7 billion in 2011, data from the Bureau of Treasury showed. The amount, however, was 32.7 percent higher than the government’s 2012 target of only P31.76 billion. Cumulative subsidies declined even as the government increased its spending by 14 percent to P1.78 trillion last year. In December alone, subsidies for state institutions reached P15.96 billion, 87.76 percent higher than the previous year’s P8.5 billion. Among top five recipients of subsidies in 2012 were the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (P14.07 billion), National Food Authority (P7.66 billion), National Electrification Administration (P4.95 billion), National Irrigation Administration (P2.81 billion), and the National Housing Authority (P2.4 billion). PhilHealth was created on Feb. 17, 1995 to provide universal health coverage and ensure a sustainable national health insurance program for Filipinos. Local and national government allocate funds to subsidize the membership of indigents. Among PhilHealth’s members include workers employed by companies and institutions, indigents with no means of support; retirees (non-paying members) who are 60 or older, and individuals under the overseas workers and similar programs. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The NFA is an agency of the government under the Department of Agriculture responsible for ensuring the food security of the Philippines and the stability of supply and price of rice. The government subsidizes rice imports through exemption from duties and taxes. The NEA, on the Read More …

Petron to issue $250-M hybrid notes

Economy

Mar 072013

MANILA, Philippines – Fresh from raising $500 million in new funding, oil giant Petron Corp. is set to generate another $250 million through the issuance of hybrid notes for its refinery expansion program. “This is to advise that the company has priced the offering Wednesday night with an issue size of $250 million and expected issue date of March 11, 2013,” Petron told the local bourse. The notes, which carry a yield of 6.551 percent, will be consolidated with and form a single series with the $500-million securities issued on Feb. 6. “The transaction was executed nimbly against a strong market, with positive sentiment buoyed on the back of the Dow Jones touching a record high the previous day in the US,” the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. (HSBC) said. HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered and UBS were tapped as joint bookrunners and lead managers for the largest offshore perpetual in the Philippines. HSBC said the order books were oversubscribed, with total demand reaching $2.5 billion from more than 150 accounts. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 “A tap of the hybrids made sense for both investors who are looking for more Petron exposure, and for the issuer to raise cost effective funding to support its refinery master plan,” said HSBC Philippines president and CEO Wick Veloso. Early last month, the country’s largest oil refiner completed the sale of $500 million worth of dollar-denominated securities. Proceeds of the activity would be used to fund the company’s capital Read More …

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