Air traffic volume rises 20% in Q1

 General
Aug 202015
 
Air traffic volume rises 20% in Q1

MANILA, Philippines – International air passenger traffic in the Philippines grew by more than 20 percent in the first quarter of the year from a year ago, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). Data from the CAB showed international air passenger volume reached 5.34 million from January to March, up 28 percent from 4.18 million in the same period in 2014. Of the total volume, domestic carriers accounted for 2.54 million, while 2.80 million passengers were carried by foreign airlines. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines was the market leader among domestic airlines as it flew 1.46 million passengers in the first quarter. Cebu Pacific came in second with 837,942 passengers. Air Asia Zest placed third with 174,246 passengers. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Getting the fourth and fifth spots were PAL Express which had 39,206 passengers and Tiger Airways with 24,243 passengers. Earlier, CAB reported the volume of domestic passengers reached 5.23 million in the first quarter of this year, a two percent increase from 5.14 million in the same period last year. Total air passenger traffic as of end-March inched up 13 percent to 10.57 million this year from 9.32 million in the previous year.

More developers flocking to ‘new wave cities’ – CBRE

 Economy
Aug 202015
 
More developers flocking to ‘new wave cities’ – CBRE

MANILA, Philippines – Amid demand for real estate, a tightening supply of land in the metro is pushing developers to explore other locations known as “new wave cities,” property consultancy services firm CBRE Philippines said. Fringes of Metro Manila such as Sta.Rosa, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao are becoming potential growth areas where various mixed-use projects are being created, the firm said. According to CBRE, among the factors that help influence the rise of different developments include convenience, accessibility, cost competitiveness, availability of labor and government support. “Actualizing the potential of new wave cities through strategic utilization of resources in these areas can increase the chances of these areas as the next home of local and foreign companies,” CBRE chairman and chief executive Rick Santos said. On top of these emerging cities is Clark in Pampanga which is strategically located in Northern Luzon and is being underscored by CBRE as a vital new wave city and a potential business process outsourcing (BPO) hub. “CBRE underscores Clark’s potential as a BPO hub because of its accessibility through air, land, and sea, available developable land, government incentives, and a skilled English-speaking labor pool,” Santos added. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 BPO revenues grew 18 percent in 2014 and is seen to overtake remittances from overseas, Filipino workers while top BPO companies, including Accenture and Convergys, are already expanding into the provinces. Total BPO office occupancy rate for the five business districts (Makati, Fort Bonifacio, Alabang, Quezon City and Read More …

BIR adjusts August-September collection targets

 General
Aug 202015
 
BIR adjusts August-September collection targets

Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares said the amended goals are meant to take into consideration the deadlines falling on a holiday. She stressed the cumulative collection goals for both months and for the rest of the year have been kept. STAR/File photo MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue has adjusted its collection goals for August and September due to deadlines falling on a non-working holiday. According to Revenue Memorandum Order 17-2015, the agency has cut its tax collection target for August to P131.67 billion from the original target of P160.69 billion. For September alone, the goal has been increased to P149.17 billion from the previous  target of P120.15 billion. Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares said the amended goals are meant to take into consideration the deadlines falling on a holiday. She stressed the cumulative collection goals for both months and for the rest of the year have been kept. “The reason for the revision is the deadline for the quarterly income tax falls on Aug. 30, a Sunday, and the next day is a holiday, Aug. 31. So most, if not all, will probably pay on Sept. 1, the first working day,” Henares said in a text message yesterday. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1  “So there is a need to adjust the goal for August – deduct the amount for quarterly income tax – and move it to September, hence the adjustment. But the cumulative for the two months remain the same,” she added. The Read More …

Ruffa’s newfound bliss

 Entertainment
Aug 202015
 
Ruffa’s newfound bliss

Ruffa Gutierrez (MNS photo) Ruffa Gutierrez is happy and in love again. In a recent interview, the beauty queen-turned-TV host-actress revealed she is content with her ongoing relationship with French-Israeli businessman Jordan Mouyal. “He’s super cool. He’s not the type na very demanding,” she shared. Ruffa went on to proudly share how Jordan also loves her children. “Nandiyan siya lagi to help them. Kunwari may French lessons sila, he will teach them. Pinagsasabihan din sila kapag makulit. So nakikita ko naman na he cares about them,” she said. For those worried about her being heartbroken again, Ruffa said, “Ang tagal ko nang walang asawa and I’m not answerable to anyone.” If anything, she is leaving it all up to God. “Talagang whatever God has planned for me, ayoko ng kontrahin kasi usually when I choose laging palpak. So sana naman, God will choose whoever I’ll end up with,” she added. At this point, all that matters to Ruffa is the happiness of her children. “Importante talaga na my kids will love the person that I’m gonna be with and he will treat my kids also with respect. Not necessarily as his own but just mutual respect, love and understanding,” she stressed. She added, “My girls don’t need a father figure because they are already well loved, andyan naman ang daddy ko, andyan naman ang mga tito nila. So hindi naman ako naghahanap ng father figure para sa kanila.” For now, she’s enjoying every moment she spends with Jordan. “Steady lang Read More …

Mar formally asks Grace Poe to be 2016 running mate

 Entertainment
Aug 202015
 
Mar formally asks Grace Poe to be 2016 running mate

President Aquino raises the hand of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas to the shower of confetti after Aquino endorsed Roxas for the presidential race at the Club Filipino in Greenhills on Friday. Aquino cited Roxas’ record and pointed to him as the best bet to continue the “Daang Matuwid” (Straight Path). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Interior Secretary Mar Roxas on Monday morning confirmed that he has formally asked Sen. Grace Poe to be his running mate in the 2016 national elections. “Nagkita kami ni Senator Grace, maayos ang aming pag-uusap. Sa mga detalye ay sa amin na muna iyon,” Roxas told reporters in Laguna where he distributed 204 light patrol jeeps for eight provinces. “Mayroon namang schedule ulit na magkikita. Ang the best is nag-usap kami nitong nakaraang mga araw, mayroon pang pag-uusap sa darating na araw,” Roxas added. He said the meeting lasted for a few hours and Poe was accompanied by her husband, Neil Llamanzares. “It was previously offered already or done or invited. Ang pagbabago ay magmula nung aming huling pag-uusap, itong huli ay na-endorse na po tayo ng Pangulo. So minarapat ko na sariwain yung dati at maayos naman ang kanyang pagtanggap,” he said when asked about his offer to Poe. Roxas also likened his offer’s current situation to “Aldub,” the onscreen loveteam of Alden Richards and Yaya Dub of Eat Bulaga. “Parang si AlDub lang yan e, hashtag may tamang panahon. So mangyayari at mangyayari yan sa tamang panahon,” he said. Poe, meanwhile, has yet Read More …

Mandatory debates for presidential, vice presidential bets sought

 Entertainment
Aug 202015
 
Mandatory debates for presidential, vice presidential bets sought

Newly appointed Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Andres Bautista (left) and commissioner Rowena Guanzon face the media at the COMELEC office in Intramuros, Manila on Monday. Bautista was the chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) prior to his new assignment. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker wants to compel presidential and vice presidential candidates to participate in debates ahead of the national elections by establishing a Presidential Debate Commission to oversee its conduct. Under House Bill 5269 filed by Nueva Ecija Rep. Estrellita Suansing, the proposed commission will be composed of six members appointed as follows: (a) One member shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; (b) One member shall be appointed by the House Majority Leader, who shall not be a member of the Majority leader’s political party; (c) One member shall be appointed by the President of the Senate; (d) One member shall be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate; and (e) two members shall be appointed by the President from among a list of nominees by the two dominant political parties. The bill also states that the appointed members shall not be members of the same political parties from which the appointees of the President will be selected. Furthermore, not more than three appointees shall come from any political party but should as much as possible come from the different sectors of society. Candidates for president and vice president, as well as their relatives within the fourth Read More …

Kris: Acting with Claudine brings out the best in me

 Entertainment
Aug 202015
 
Kris: Acting with Claudine brings out the best in me

Kris Aquino (MNS photo) Kris Aquino to social media to praise her “Etiquette for Mistresses” co-star Claudine Barretto, saying that the returning Kapamilya star inspires her to be a better actress. In an Instagram post, Aquino said acting with Barretto brings out the best in her. “I am so overwhelmed with gratitude to once again share the big screen with one of our country’s finest actresses! Napakahusay ni Claudine Barretto and napaka-blessed ko because acting with her brings out the best in me,” Aquino wrote as she posted a photo of herself on the set of “Etiquette for Mistresses.” She went on thank the movie’s director, Chito Roño, for always challenging her. Aside from Aquino and Barretto, “Etiquette for Mistresses” also stars Kim Chiu, Iza Calzado and returning comedienne Cheena. (MN)

Binay to voters: Take the money, but…

 Entertainment
Aug 202015
 
Binay to voters: Take the money, but…

Vice President Jejomar Binay walks among his supporters at the Makati City hall on Monday. People gathered at the city hall grounds to show their support for the older Binay and his son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, who was earlier served another suspension by the Ombudsman. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Accept the money, but vote for your candidate. Vice President Jejomar Binay gave this advice to voters on Tuesday as he expressed fear that government resources might be used by his political opponents in the 2016 polls. Binay received a warm welcome in the town of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao where he was the guest of honor and speaker during the town’s 68th Foundation Anniversary program. In a speech before allies and supporters, the vice president warned vote buying could happen in next year’s election. “Babaha ang perang parang tubig. Isipin na lang ninyo, yung sinasabing naipon ng pamahalaan, daan daang milyon. Wow. Pagka kayo ay binibigyan ng pera para maibenta ang inyong boto, tanggapin niyo. Nakakahiya naman sa nagbibigay. Ilagay sa bulsa, bumoto sang-ayon sa inyong kursunada,” he said. Binay also expressed his support for the ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. “Sa ating administrasyon na pamumunuan ng partidong UNA ay titiyakin natin na magkakaroon sa lalong madaling panahon at magtatagumpay ang kasunduan kapayapaan sa inyong lugar,” he said. He also had something to say to his critics. “Sa dami dami ng kasinungalingan na ipinagbibintang sa akin at sa aking pamilya ni minsan Read More …

Trillanes to expose alleged P100-M ghost senior citizen racket in Makati

 Entertainment
Aug 202015
 
Trillanes to expose alleged P100-M ghost senior citizen racket in Makati

Members of the Senate Blue Ribbon Sub-Committee investigating the alleged overpricing of a 12-story building for the University of Makati’s nursing school watch a presentation on Monday. The building’s construction cost of P1.140 billion is alleged to be overpriced to benefit then mayor Jejomar Binay back in 2007. (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is set to expose Thursday the alleged P100 million-a-year racket on ghost senior citizens in Makati City, when the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee resumes its hearing on alleged anomalies linked to the Binay family. “On our blue ribbon subcommittee hearing, we will be exposing the ghost senior citizens of Makati during the incumbency of the Binays who have been claiming benefits,” Trillanes said. “The whole racket amounts to over P100 million per year,” he added. He said they found out that 45 percent of listed senior citizen beneficiaries were either dead or non-existent. Trillanes added that they will be presenting a witness in Thursday’s hearing. In a press statement, Vice President Jejomar Binay’s spokesperson denied the allegation and urged Trillanes to produce the death benefits of the beneficiaries who are still on the list but were found dead. “The burden is on Senator Trillanes to prove his outlandish conclusion that 45% of senior citizen beneficiaries are non-existent,” Joey Salgado said. “Can he produce actual death certificates and other documents? We doubt it. We expect more half-truths and lies in tomorrow’s hearings.” He said under city guidelines, senior citizens are required to personally apply Read More …

SCE rewards customers with home energy efficiency rebates, incentives

 General
Aug 202015
 
SCE rewards customers with home energy efficiency rebates, incentives

Southern California Edison ROSEMEAD, Calif., – As hot temperatures and summer continue, Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds customers it offers a variety of energy-efficiency programs that reward customers with rebates, bill credits and other incentives designed to help reduce energy and lower electricity bills. “There are so many ways to stay cool and comfortable this summer – while keeping electricity costs in check,” said Mark Wallenrod, SCE’s director of Demand Side Management Program Operations. “Now more than ever, people are interested in saving money and helping the environment. We’re proud to be able to help our customers do that.” For example, customers with a swimming pool at their single-family residence may qualify for a $200 rebate if they replace a single-speed or two-speed pool pump with a qualified Variable Speed Pool Pump and Motor model. The difference could save up to 60 percent of a pool’s energy consumption and maximize savings. Through SCE’s Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program, customers with an old, inefficient working refrigerator or freezer can receive a $50 incentive by disposing of their aging appliance in an environmentally responsible way. SCE will pick it up free of charge and dismantle it using Responsible Appliance Disposal standards. By disposing of a spare unit, customers could save up to $180* a year in electricity costs. To schedule a pick up appointment by phone for the Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program, or if you have a question, please call SCE Customer Service at 1-800-234-9722, (TTY 1-800-352-8580).Assistance is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., or Saturday from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Additionally, you can Read More …

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