Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Arroyo adviser for Central Luzon eyed as new SBMA head

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT-Malacañang is reportedly considering Renato Diaz,
presidential adviser for Central Luzon, for the post vacated by resigned Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chair Francisco Licuanan III, a Palace source said on Tuesday.

But Diaz, in a phone interview, said he has yet to receive any official word on this plan.

He said he would accept the post if it was given to him by President Macapagal-Arroyo.

"Yes, I would because I'm committed to the development of the area," he told the Inquirer.

Subic and Clark, Diaz said, are premium sites for growth, a magnet for investments and tourism. "We have to make it work," he said.

Diaz, a former Nueva Ecija representative, served as presidential adviser for North Luzon from February 2001 to August 2004. He has since been named adviser for Central Luzon where Subic and Clark are located.

But another Palace source said Diaz was "not being considered" to the SBMA.

"He is trying hard to get



politicians to endorse him," said the source, who holds a Cabinet position.

Aside from Diaz, Rodolfo "Inky" Reyes is also on the list of possible appointees to the SBMA, another Malacañang source said.

Reyes used to be deputy administrator and chief of staff when Sen. Richard Gordon headed the SBMA from 1992 to 1998.

There was no word if Armand Arreza, former SBMA finance manager, who was recently appointed to the SBMA board, was also on the list.

Gordon had recommended Arreza to the SBMA board, but the senator's alleged lobbying for the appointment of people identified with him reportedly prompted Licuanan's resignation.

Zambales Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II urged Ms Arroyo to choose a "qualified candidate" from the province where the 12,000-hectare Subic freeport, a former American naval base is located.

"If she has not yet appointed an SBMA chair and administrator, I strongly appeal to her to appoint a qualified Zambale¤o who is neither from the Gordon nor Magsaysay camp," Lacbain said.

He said past SBMA chairmen, Gordon and former Rep. Felicito Payumo, hailed from Olongapo City and Bataan, respectively. The freeport straddles these areas.

Lacbain suggested former Executive Secretary Ruben Torres; Philip Camara, a development worker, banker and currently, the private sector representative for tourism at the regional development council; Edwin Mendaros, a real estate developer and banker; and Luis Abueva, a civil society leader.

Businessmen here and top officials of Zambales said they would welcome any appointee.

Jimmy Vicente, secretary general of the Automotive Rebuilders Association of Subic (Aris), said investors prefer appointees who are not identified with any politician to replace Licuanan and SBMA Administrator Alfredo Antonio. Tonette Orejas, Allan Macatuno and Carmela Reyes, PDI Central Luzon Desk



Visit SubicBay, Philippines website for latest developments in Subic Bay and Olongapo City

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Gordon assails �frailocracy�

 

By Dino Balabo, Central Luzon Bureau  

BULACAN: Sen. Richard Gordon said on Tuesday that the century-old practice of established corrupt Spanish friars still dominates the government service today as evidenced by its transactional leaders and their patronage politics.

Speaking before hundreds of participants to the 155th birthday celebration of the Bulakenyo hero Marcelo H. del Pilar here, Gordon stressed that the country needs transformational leaders like del Pilar, the great propagandist who used the famous pen name “Plaridel.”

“The ways of friars are still entrenched today,” Gordon said owing to transactional leaders that reduce the capabilities of the Filipinos.

He said that transformational leaders are men who lead their people with visions, values and provide direction to their people like the US President  Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

“Unlike transformational leaders that inspires people to action, transactional leaders rely on the old practice of padrino system,” Gordon said. Padrino refers to patronage politics.

 He said that as a journalist, del Pilar inspired his countrymen to action because with their realization of their duty to their country and their dignity as Filipinos.

Local officials who attended the celebrations hailed Gordon’s statements, noting that it is what the country needs today.

Mayor Ambrosio Cruz of Guiguinto, the president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Bulacan chapter, said the people needs transformational leaders that will lead them out of poverty.

“That’s what we are doing now through our ‘Ang Mayor at Ikaw’ people’s forum,” Cruz said. He is credited in transforming the sleepy town of Guiguinto into a news industrial center in the province.

Meanwhile Mayor Ricardo Meneses of this town called on local journalist to follow the virtues of Plaridel.

 “Follow Plaridel’s example of balanced reportage and developmental journalism,” Meneses said.

The celebration was organized by the municipal government of Bulacan town through the coordination of the National Historical Institute.

 It started with an early morning parade that was joined by 80 organizations that drew thousands of participants including students.

Sadly, only some 200 attended the celebration and listened to passionate speeches of the guest speakers



Visit SubicBay, Philippines website for latest developments in Subic Bay and Olongapo City

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

DENR takes over emission testing

 

By Ronnie E. Calumpita, Reporter 

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Michael Defensor said on Tuesday that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will soon take over the supervision of private emission testing centers from the Land Transportation Office to address irregularities in the testing of motor vehicles.

At a briefing, Defensor said he and the Land Transportation office assistant secretary, Anneli Lontoc, are finalizing a memorandum of agreement on the supervision of 414 testing centers nationwide by his department.

“I’m talking with Assistant Secretary Lontoc about it,” he said. “We will also investigate erring testing centers and continue closing them down.”

The operations of 25 testing centers were suspended in Metro Manila for falsifying the emission test records of motor vehicles.

The emission testing of vehicles is a yearly requirement in the registration of vehicles with the LTO as mandated by Republic Act 8749, the Clean Air Act of 1999.

Some testing centers charge owners of motor vehicles P600 for not bringing their vehicles for the emission test and collect P300 from owners who bring their vehicles for actual testing.

Defensor said the emission test will cost drivers and operators of public utility vehicles only P100.

“There is actually resistance from bus operators to the transfer of testing control to the DENR because they know many of their buses will fail in the emission test,” he said.

In Metro Manila alone, an average of 1,300 motor vehicles, including tricycles and motorcycles, are tested daily



Visit SubicBay, Philippines website for latest developments in Subic Bay and Olongapo City

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Duty-free goods illegal

By Elaine Ruzul S. Ramos

The Supreme Court has ruled that imported consumer goods bought from Subic Special Economic and Free Port Zone (SSEFPZ) and Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) are no longer duty-free once brought to other parts of the country.

This means imported goods must be consumed or used up within the ecozones and slapped with pertinent duties once brought outside the ecozones.

In a 32-page decision dated July 29, 2005, the Supreme Court en banc voided the second sentences in paragraphs 1.2 and 1.3 of Executive Order 97-A, which allows tax and duty-free removal of goods to certain individuals, even in a limited amount ($100 per month for resident and $200 per year for nonresident). It said the provisions violated Section 12 of Republic Act 7227, or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992.

The high tribunal said RA 7227 expressly provided that “exportation or removal of goods from the territory of the Subic Special Economic Zone to other parts of the Philippine territory shall be subject to customs duties and taxes under the Customs and Tariff Code and other relevant tax laws of the Philippines.”

The high court in the same case declared null and void Section 5 of Executive Order 80 and Section 4 of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) Board Resolution 93-05-034 for being “an invalid exercise of executive legislation.”

EO 80, issued by then President Fidel Ramos, virtually gave Clark SEZ the same incentives granted by RA 7227 to Subic. The BCDA, taking its cue on EO 80, passed Board Resolution 93-05-034, allowing the tax and duty-free sale at retail of consumer goods imported via Clark for consumption outside the ecozone.

Citing the earlier case of John Hay Peoples Alternative Coalition versus Victor Lim, the high court resolved that RA 7227, which granted the incentives to Subic special ecozone, could not be applied to Clark since the law failed to make any similar grant in favor of other ecozones.

As such, there is no legal basis to uphold the granting of the same incentive, since tax and duty-free incentives should be categorically and unmistakably expressed from the language of the statute.

In view of the SC decision, no imported goods regardless of quantity can be brought out of Subic and Clark without paying the proper taxes and duties. The court virtually declared illegal the practice of allowing 15 years old and above to buy $100 and $200 worth of goods and bring them outside the economic zone tax- and duty-free.

Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) president Jesus Arranza said the ruling favors local manufacturers.

“This landmark decision will level the playing field between local manufacturers and importers located in the Subic and Clark special economic zones,” said Arranza.

The court issued the ruling in response to a petition filed jointly by the Coconut Oil Refiners Association Inc., Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc., Federation of Free Farmers and Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino questioning the operation of tax and duty-free shops located at the Subic and Clark ecozones.



Visit SubicBay, Philippines website for latest developments in Subic Bay and Olongapo City

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Chat board contents

diane: la lng!!!!
diane: elowww 2 ol d staf of RFSB........esp. 2 ms.leslie joyce edrosolo!!!
Ador Apolonio: Still no plan for REUNION on OCNHS batch 91-92. plz. let me know...
mara: i nid scholarshp 2 finish my school....plzzz...
srt: Happy b-day Senator Gordon!
jason: elowww gie!!!
jason: elowww to all fellow gapoeanian musta na ang bayan natin? miss ko na rin ang happenings jan.
jufri: A Dutch PKPA’s volunteer was shot by an armed group
gie: hello,musta u
bartok39:
bartok39: test
bartok39: testing lang
58520: I want a job in hongkong
Nimfa Orin Barsabal: Hello!! How is our Place. I know our Kababayan Mr.Richard Gordon, Help me, So,I want to contact Mr. Richard Gordon
jAnE: excellent report on port proj update, can't find this anywhere else but in this blog. kodus
Nancy: hello, to all dyan gapoeanians miss you all.. and to all my friends joy,shiela,and psyche live in gordon hights miss you all hoping youre all fine muahhhhh love you
Jim Rogers: I am looking for Hermina Carpio she used to live at 125 Irving St. olongapo sity she has a sister named Desiree. And she has an older brother but I son't know his name. If someone knows her give her my email address.. jbasmn1@yahoo.com
gigi: zambales coffe table book pages ready for viewing www.photonski.com/gigipaler/Book
joyce: regards to all st jo batch 90 & 2 all my freinds in gordon heights blk 8 rosalie cacho kamusta k na giv nmy regards to your family
esporlas: hehe anyone attended Olongapo Anglo Cultural School> (OACS) class of 1996!!?? hello from Sydney Australia!!!
Batch '79-'80: Its been 25 years classmates, let's celebrate
joji: joji_cruz3722@yahoo.com
joji: hello mga batch80 ng jackson high school, meron tayong grand reunion sa Dec 2005.. Call Beth Paraiso para sa mga taga Pinas and if you happen to be in Cali, please email me. thank you.
joji: joji_cruz@hotmail.com
anonymous: musta na kau dyan sa mga taga banicain at lrgrnda
nhold: musta na kayo diyan?
anonymous: hello! may mga kababayan diyan sa gapo
joel: hello taga st.jo
joel: hello to all
anonymous: hi to all
anonymous: joel
Beatrice_69: hi nga pala kay cristine f.
Cely: where can we have information regarding the land titling program of mayor bong?
Nina: hello nga pala kila charlie@kay discobean
anonymous: hello Gapo from Sicily, Italy. originally from Mabayuan
Ador: wala bang reunion sa Batch 92-93 ng Jackson. Kumusta na ang mga ka Batch ko
Ador Apolonio: hello! Gapoians..anybody know Marizza De Guzman she used to live in Mabayuan. miss her so much
gina de julio: helloooo mga taga gapo malapit na akong uuwi ,, see soon
NANCY: HELLO ANYONE TANONG KO LANG POH KUNG MAY ALAM KAYONG WEBSITE NG OLONGAPO PICTURE YONG LATEST KASI MATAGAL NAKONG DI NAKAKA-UWI DYAN MISS NA MISS KO NA DYAN IT WILL BE GREATFULL KUNG MAIBIGAY NYO SAKIN THANK YOU,...... HALLER TO ALL GAPOANIANS MUAAAAHHHHH....
NANCY: HELLO DIN DYAN SA ZAMBALES IN SAN NICHOLAS MISS YOU ALL LOVE YOU NANAY,TATAY TAKE CARE ALWAYS MUAHHHHH.... NANCY DELA CRUZ OF SWEDEN
NANCY: HELLO,TO ALL DYAN OLONGAPO I MISS YOU SO MUCH KAHIT MAINIT OK LANG... KASI MASAYA
ed: Bobby Garcia of Oriental Battery will replace Antonio
Dereck: I mean Freddy Antonio

View Older Posts

Battle for SBMA Chairmanship heats on

Gordon denies hand in Arreza’s appointment


By PATRICIA ESTEVES, The Manila Times Reporter

Administration Sen. Richard Gordon said the Magsaysays of Zambales are lobbying to clinch the chairmanship of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Last week Francisco Licuanan has quit his position amid rumors that he was let go by President Arroyo in exchange for the support of Senator Gordon to stave off the impeachment complaint against her.

Earlier, Sen. Joker Arroyo accused Gordon of trading off his vote in the impeachment in exchange for the appointment of Armand Arreza, his protégé, as a replacement for SBMA Administrator Alfredo Antonio. Gordon has denied allegations.

Gordon maintained that he has no vested interests in Subic and if there are people who are interested in the post, these are the Magsaysays.

Gordon said his sources told him that the Magsaysays’ are going to put up their own people in Subic.

"I first heard that it would be Jose Vicente Magsaysay, who wants to clinch the position. And now I heard it is going to be Zambales Governor Vic Magsaysay, who wants to take over. I understand that they are lobbying," Gordon said at a press conference.

Besides Vic and son JV Magsaysay, Gordon said Congress-woman Mitos Magsaysay, JV Magsaysay’s wife, Tony Diaz and another cousin, AVE Party-list Rep. Eulogio Magsaysay are lobbying for the SBMA chairmanship.

Gordon added that he received information that former congressman Rene Diaz also wants to be SBMA chairman.

Gordon cited that the Magsaysays have all the reason to pressure the President and give them "priority positions."

Asked why the Magsaysays were interested in coveting the position, Gordon said it was probably because they own a firm involved in selling of cars.

"I know that they have a car business, and they own the Subic Bay Motors," Gordon said, noting that smuggling in Subic has become so rampant in the last seven years and that the illegal activity has robbed Subic of investments.

Gordon defended Arreza’s appointment, saying Arreza is highly qualified.

"The appointment of Mr. Arreza should be inspirational. He has come full circle. You can’t say Arreza is not qualified because if he is not then he cannot be accepted in Wharton," Gordon said.

"I hope the President will stick to her guns in appointing Arreza."
 
Visit  http://SubicBay.Ph
for latest developments in Olongapo Freeport City, GawangGapo, Sanggunian, BagumbayanVolunteers, InterGapo Wow Wow Win Subik edPiano

Importers of used vehicles move from Subic to Cagayan's Port Irene

Importers of used vehicles find haven in Cagayan’s Port Irene
By Charlie Lagasca, The Philippine Star

PORT IRENE, Santa Ana, Cagayan — Importers and dealers of used vehicles have found a new haven in this northernmost town.

Julian Gonzales, principal engineer of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), said the slightly used vehicles arriving here mostly come from Japan, Taiwan and Korea.

Since last June 28, four shipments have arrived in this international seaport, with the first comprising of 249 slightly used vehicles.

At present, more than 700 vehicles, each costing P200,000 to P700,000, depending on the quality, brand and model, are up for sale.

Port Irene, named after one of the daughters of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, was established in the 1980s. The CEZA, created in 1992 during the administration of President Fidel Ramos, is managing it.

A number of used car importers from the Subic Bay Freeport have shifted their business here.

Belying reports of alleged smuggling here, Abe Peralta, port operations officer, said all imported vehicles arriving here are properly monitored and documented and have to pass through legal procedures before they are sold.

Peralta said they had to hire former Subic workers to convert the right-hand-drive vehicles to left-hand drives. He added, though, that they would hire locals in the future.

He said seven former Subic-based used car importers have found their way to Port Irene, with more expressing their desire to relocate here.

Port Irene is some three hours through a well-paved highway from Tuguegarao City, the provincial capital.
 
 
Visit  http://SubicBay.Ph
for latest developments in Olongapo Freeport City, GawangGapo, Sanggunian, BagumbayanVolunteers, InterGapo Wow Wow Win Subik edPiano

Monday, August 29, 2005

Gordon: No politics in Subic shake-up

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Gordon: No politics in Subic shake-up
Senator says he's not after SBMA post

By Tonette Orejas, TJ Burgonio, Inquirer News Service



Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the Aug. 29, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer


SENATOR RICHARD Gordon yesterday scoffed at reports that he had a hand in the sudden resignation of Francisco Licuanan III as chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Gordon branded as unfair insinuations that he influenced the appointment of SBMA director Armand Arreza, a protégé of the senator, as a replacement for SBMA administrator Alfredo Antonio.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to appoint Arreza, instead of Licuanan's nominee Roberto Garcia, hastened the SBMA chairman's resignation, according to sources. Garcia is the president of automotive battery maker Ramcar.

"Why are we being blamed for the resignation of one who already made money at Ayala?" Gordon said in a phone interview, referring to Licuanan, former president of Ayala Land Inc.

"We are not after his job," said the senator, a former SBMA chair.

Maverick administration Senator Joker Arroyo and Inquirer sources said Saturday that Licuanan was sacrificed by the President in a bid to muster more allies to fend off the impeachment case against her. Three impeachment complaints accuse the President of vote-rigging and other illegal acts.

Gordon denied reports that Arreza's appointment was a tradeoff for his vote against the impeachment of Ms Arroyo if the complaint gets transmitted from the House of Representatives to the Senate for trial.

"Do you think I will vote against the impeachment case? Am I a robot who can't think for myself?" he said.


Unfair

Asked if he had dangled support for the President in the impeachment issue as a condition for the appointment of his nominees to the SBMA, Gordon said that was "very, very unfair" to the President.

"I'm shocked," he said of his reaction to Senator Arroyo's statements.

Gordon said that if he were pro-Ms Arroyo, he would not have asked the President's son Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel Arroyo to go on leave at the height of calls for the President to resign.

Ms Arroyo has neither become hostage to the impeachment case "nor to any political interest groups," her political adviser said.

"Normal or cyclical organizational movements in the government bureaucracy are just given more political color and meaning where there are none," the President's political adviser Gabriel Claudio said in a text message.

Contrary to the reports, Gordon said he had neither recommended Arreza for Antonio's post nor planned to use him to regain control of the free port, which he had administered in the 1990s.

Pichay's first cousin

"Is that how low the Inquirer thinks of me?" he said, unable to hide his disgust over the paper's banner story yesterday, which quoted several sources as saying that Gordon had pushed for Arreza's appointment for his personal interest. "I got the raw end of the deal here."

The senator reiterated that it was Inky Reyes, a former SBMA volunteer like Arreza, whom he had recommended for the administrator's post, which Antonio left following his transfer to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' Monetary Board.

Reyes was deputy administrator and chief of staff of Gordon when the latter served as SBMA chairman from 1992 to 1998.

Gordon said he had recommended Arreza, his finance manager at the SBMA, to the SBMA board of directors and got the position.

Gordon also defended Arreza from insinuations that he clinched his appointment because he had the right connections in government. Arreza is a first cousin (not brother-in-law as earlier reported) of staunch presidential ally Surigao del Sur Representative Prospero Pichay.

"That is very unfair to the guy. Armand is a very decent man. I practically raised this guy. When nobody was interested in Subic, young people with a good education like him took the risk by volunteering for Subic," he said, recalling the collective effort of volunteers to rebuild the free port in the aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo eruptions and the departure of the American military in 1991.

"We got jobs, we got Subic going. What's wrong with that?"

Arreza, who graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1993 with a degree in industrial engineering, served as Gordon's finance director, and later attended the Wharton School in the United States. He also served as Gordon's undersecretary at the Department of Tourism.


Smuggling

Instead of airing criticisms, Senator Arroyo should look into the reports of smuggling in the free port, a former United States military base covering the provinces of Zambales and Bataan, Gordon told the Inquirer in a telephone interview.

"He always criticizes. He better look into what (former SBMA chair Felicito) Payumo did in Subic. Much of it was about smuggling," Gordon said.

Payumo, who was installed in July 1998 by then President Joseph Estrada after almost three months of a standoff with Gordon, said the senator was sidetracking the issue.

"[Gordon] wants to corner the top posts there by pressuring the President, knowing how vulnerable she is now," Payumo told the Inquirer.

Payumo said it was during Gordon's term as SBMA chair that the auction of used vehicles and the importation of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) began. The latter was done without payment of the ad valorem tax.

"There was also smuggling during [Gordon's] time," he said.

Disallowed expenditures

"I thought the issue is Gordon trying to get back Subic by holding the President hostage with his impeachment threat. He wants to divert the issue. Why does he not answer his P854-million disallowed expenditures?" Payumo said in a text message to the Inquirer.

He said it was during the time of Gordon that smuggling began, with more than 300 vehicles avoiding P300 million in ad valorem taxes by merely adding jump seats.

"He started the used vehicles auction by the Ritchie brothers. At least during my term, conversion to left-hand was declared legal by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, Office of the President and the House committee on transportation," Payumo said.

Gordon also appealed to his critics to "keep my wife out" of the controversy.

Former Olongapo Mayor Katherine Gordon, he said, had no plans to run for any elective position or join the SBMA.

He scored Inquirer sources for portraying the couple in a bad light by claiming they had political plans and that they were out to use Subic to wield such powers.

"Binastos kaming mag-asawa (We were insulted)," Gordon said.

Gordon said it was his "duty to make sure [the Subic free port] succeeds." That, he said, was his only agenda.

Gordon's concern for Subic stemmed from the pullout of Federal Express and, much earlier, several companies like Acer. He voiced this out to some 300 Rotarians gathered in Olongapo City on Saturday.

"That is why I want to have a direct role in the development of Subic. If not, we are all going to suffer," he said.

Gordon said he found it a "weak excuse" for Licuanan to resign because he found it improper that a senator would be lobbying for posts or if he disapproved of the senator's nominees.

"I don't think it's the only reason. There may have been other reasons," Gordon said.

Governor Magsaysay

Zambales Governor Vicente Magsaysay was reportedly among the politicians who also lobbied Ms Arroyo to accept the resignation of Licuanan.

Last week, according to a top Zambales official, Magsaysay wrote Ms Arroyo to complain about the SBMA policy against the auction of used vehicles imported via the free port.

Magsaysay, according to the source, facilitated the meeting between the President and Zambales Representative Milagros "Mitos" Magsaysay, the governor's daughter-in-law.

Representative Magsaysay reportedly supports the impeachment case against the President.

Governor Magsaysay confirmed he met with Ms Arroyo last week but denied that he had sought the resignation of either Licuanan or Antonio.

"I told the President that I support Mr. Antonio as administrator," Magsaysay told the Inquirer in a telephone interview yesterday.

He said his daughter-in-law was not at the meeting. The governor also said he did not discuss with the President where his daughter-in-law stood in the impeachment issue.

With a report from Christine O. Avendaño
 
 

Sunday, August 28, 2005

An Original Volunteer is the new SBMA Administrator

Volunteers are all-out in support of the President's appointment of the new SBMA Administrator Armand Areza who will replace Freddie Antonio who resigned in order to transfer to Philippine Monetary Board.  Areza is one of the 8,000 original Subic Volunteers who have shown his dedication to ensure the success of Subic.
 
The resignation of Licuanan with some quarter's insinuation that Gordon (who is known to be close to Areza) will gain control over Subic Freeport is baseless and unfair, according to Balikatan Ladies.  It is only proper for the President to appoint to a position somebody who really cares and is knowledgable of the institution.
 
Olongapo residents supports the President's appointment of Areza and is grateful in her recognition and appreciation  of the volunteers' sacrifices.
 
 


Visit SubicBay, Philippines website for latest developments in Subic Bay and Olongapo City


Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

An Original Volunteer is the new SBMA Administrator

Volunteers are all-out in support of the President's appointment of the new SBMA Administrator Armand Areza who will replace Freddie Antonio who resigned in order to transfer to Philippine Monetary Board.  Areza is one of the 8,000 original Subic Volunteers who have shown his dedication to ensure the success of Subic.
 
The resignation of Licuanan with some quarter's insinuation that Areza (who is known to be a Gordon ally) will gain control over Subic Freeport is baseless and unfair, according to Balikatan Ladies.  It is only proper for the President to appoint to a position somebody who really cares and is knowledgable of the institution.
 
Olongapo residents supports the President's appointment of Areza and is grateful on her recognition and appreciation  of the volunteers' sacrifices.
 
 

:-)

Gordon back in power in Subic through his boy, Areza?

BY THE WAY By Max V. Soliven, The Philippine Star

Fantastic and dismaying things are happening in the Save-Me-From-Impeachment World of Presidenta GMA.

First, Senator Dick Gordon has finessed himself back into power in Subic (SBMA) by getting his nominee, his former Department of Tourism Undersecretary Armand Areza appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority "boss."

In short, La Gloria caved in to Gordon’s pressure and will, I’m informed, swear Areza in next Wednesday (he’s an incumbent SBMA Director) as SBMA Administrator.

And what about exiting Chairman Francisco Licuanan – and SBMA Administrator Alfredo Antonio – who both "resigned"? It’s amazing that Licuanan, a real gutsy man of principle whom I know well, and whose praises La Presidenta was fulsomely singing when she appointed him barely 10 months ago, is out. By golly. I bumped into Licuanan himself last Friday and he confirmed he was quitting irrevocably.

Yesterday, Malacañang factotum Tom Alcantara was seen meeting Licuanan in the Tower Club to tell him to keep quiet – please. The Palace is trying to prevail on Kiko L. not to raise a howl until it manages to put together a "cover story" as to why he resigned. Whatta disgusting situation.

The truth is that Licuanan had been strongly objecting to Gordon’s meddling. First Dick wanted to push his wife, Kate as SBMA chief, then his former deputy, Inky Reyes – but finally got his wish, with GMA (desperate for his support on the "impeachment" issue?) agreeing to designate his boy, Areza.

Not content with this, Alikabok tells me, Gordon wants another of his men (a certain Arman, or Armin Raquel Santos?) appointed Chairman to replace Licuanan.

If we had hoped GMA was going to let professionals do the job in her Administration, and pull our country out of the mess we’re in, I’m afraid we may have to adopt that phrase from the archway to the Infierno: "Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here!"

Of course, Licuanan (the former president of Ayala Land) and Freddy Antonio, who both assumed office in October 2004 did not resign simultaneously. Antonio did not work well Licuanan, and had been poised to quit earlier hoping to be appointed to the Monetary Board. He was expected to have been sworn into the MB together with Ms. Nellie Villafuerte and former Finance Secretary Nits Amatong last July 4. He was, however, prevailed upon to remain in the SBMA until the appointment papers of his supposed successor, Mr. Roberto Garcia (Licuanan’s nominee) were signed. To Licuanan’s disappointment and frustration, GMA did not sign the appointment.

Having been pledged full support by the President when he hesitantly took the job, Licuanan was appalled. He had planned to work with Bobby Garcia whom he trusted and respected, but never with a perceived lackey of Gordon.

Licuanan also painfully lost face with Garcia who had not volunteered for the position, but was finally persuaded to move to Subic despite the inconvenience of having to transfer his daughter to another school! Thus, there was no alternative for a honorable man like Licuanan but to resign.

I got a call from former SBMA Chairman and CEO, former Congressman Felicito "Tong" Payumo, and he said he, too, was plumb disgusted. He had, Tong affirmed, welcomed turning over Subic to Licuanan and Antonio because he felt that professionals would efficiently and successfully run that vital freeport and metropolitan authority. He may now join the fray, seeing that his old enemies and political nemesis, the Gordons, are on the verge of taking over SBMA.

The problem for GMA will not end there. I also bumped into the Magsaysays (by gosh, this is my weekend of bumping into everybody) and they were fuming, declaring they will not take this sitting down. The Magsaysays, plus Payumo, are the foes of the Gordons.

If GMA has reverted, in her desperation, to playing politics, her arithmetic must be pretty bad. There are three Magsaysays in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate. True, one of them, Party List Rep. Amang, has been tweaked in the press for switching his support to the President. But he now says he could change his mind again.

On the Gordon side, there is only Dick Gordon in the Senate. His wife, former Subic City Mayor Kate lost miserably to Mitos Magsaysay, Zambales Governor Vice’s daughter-in-law, in the last congressional race. I spotted Vic and Amang having lunch with Licuanan in "Circles," the coffee shop of the Makati Shangri-la Hotel. I hear that if the position of Chairman is vacated, the Magsaysays want the Chairmanship to be given to them or their nominee. It’s only logical. The Magsaysays know that the "impeachment" battle, although the Opposition has managed to muster thus far too few votes (but counting) is in the House, not the upper chamber. If the pro-impeachment congressmen muster the 79 votes needed to push the process up into the Senate, then PGMA’s goose might (would?) be cooked – and a lone Gordon cannot help her there. Will she risk prompting three more signatures (the Magsaysays) to be added to the growing list in the House?

Once more, may I exclaim in surprise: for a political "survivor," over-eager to please everybody, GMA’s arithmetic is astonishingly faulty
 
 

LICUANAN EXIT

By Juliet Labog-Javellana, Tonette Orejas, Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the August 28, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE RESIGNATION of Francisco Licuanan III as chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) shows how President Macapagal-Arroyo has become hostage to the impeachment issue, Sen. Joker Arroyo said yesterday.

The senator said Licuanan, retired president of Ayala Land Inc. when he was tapped to head the SBMA less than a year ago, was an excellent choice and was respected and well-liked by Ms Arroyo as a professional with a vision for Subic.

"Unfortunately, some persons high up wanted control of Subic and were waving the flag of impeachment. The President yielded to effectively dilute Licuanan's powers as [SBMA chair]," Senator Arroyo said, adding:

"The President has become hostage to impeachment demands."

The maverick administration senator declined to name the persons who supposedly want to control Subic, but Inquirer sources said political horse-trading had caused Licuanan's unexpected resignation.

A source said Licuanan quit when Ms Arroyo decided to appoint Armand Arreza, an SBMA director identified with Sen. Richard Gordon, as the replacement of SBMA Administrator Alfredo Antonio.

Another source close to Licuanan said he did not take it too well when Ms Arroyo bypassed his nominee, Roberto Garcia, president of automotive battery-maker Ramcar, and chose Arreza.

Yet another source confirmed that Arreza's appointment had caused Licuanan's departure, and said the turnover to Antonio would take place next week.

According to this source, Arreza is a brother-in-law of Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay, one of Ms Arroyo's staunchest defenders in the House.

As administrator, Arreza would be technically subordinate to Licuanan, but the latter felt that Arreza would "follow Gordon's orders" and not his, according to the first source.

The source said Licuanan had learned from Tom Alcantara, a close adviser of the President, that Gordon pushed for Arreza's appointment so he could regain "control" of the free port.

"Gordon said he needs Subic because he needs money for the next election [for mayor of Olongapo] to defeat [Zambales Gov. Vicente] Magsaysay," Alcantara reportedly said.

Not running

Gordon, who served as the first chair of the SBMA, vehemently denied the allegation that he needed funds to run for mayor of Olongapo.

"What election? I'm not running in the next election," said Gordon, who was elected senator in 2004 and whose term will last up to 2010. "We've always ran in Olongapo and we never needed money for that."

He said not even his wife Kate wanted to run for any post: "In fact, the President wants Kate to be chair [of SBMA] but she doesn't want it."

Gordon said Arreza was his finance director in the SBMA during his term. But he said he had recommended Inky Reyes, not Arreza, to the post of SBMA administrator.

The source said Licuanan had been told that Arreza would "follow" his, and not Gordon's, orders.

But Licuanan was reportedly unconvinced, and felt that his plan for the SBMA and the Subic-Clark development program would be put in peril with Arreza's appointment.

When Licuanan's concerns were conveyed to the President, she reportedly said: "Because of the impeachment, I have to give way."

"Can you imagine giving Subic to Gordon because his vote is needed [in case the impeachment case reaches the Senate]?" the source said.

'Leaking falsehoods'

Joker Arroyo assailed the Palace for the earlier statement of an unnamed top official that Licuanan quit because he "did not have a taste for bureaucratic life," that he could not handle the heavy workload at the SBMA, and that its setting was just "too stressful" for him.

"Malacanang must learn to be prudent and just keep quiet when [it] cannot tell the truth instead of leaking, through so-called sources, falsehoods about why Francisco Licuanan resigned," the senator said.

He said Licuanan was "too decent a man to state the true reason for his resignation."

"He won't do a Hyatt 10," Senator Arroyo said, referring to the economic managers and Cabinet officials who quit last month and demanded Ms Arroyo's resignation.

"But this episode, with the President faced with impeachment, is being replicated with such frequency. This messy impeachment should be put to an end one way or the other before it ruins the country," the senator said.

'Wrong impressions'

In an interview with the Inquirer yesterday in Pampanga, all Licuanan wanted to talk about were the "wrong impressions" that he did not like the bureaucratic setup and that he couldn't stand up to the pressures of being SBMA chair.

"I was quite happy with my job," he declared. "In fact, I was exhilarated by the accomplishments we've made. We've been gaining momentum and embarking on new initiatives."

These include starting the budget flights at the Clark Special Economic Zone, restructuring the joint-venture project with a Taiwanese group, and getting more investments, he said.

"I was not born to a rich life, so I can take pressure and hard work," Licuanan said, adding that he would return to the private sector.

A top SBMA official close to Licuanan said Gordon's "insistence to put his trusted guy there, one who was not acceptable" to Licuanan, caused the latter's resignation.

"He believes that appointments should be made on the basis of qualifications, not political connections or considerations," the official said.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) president Antonio Ng described Licuanan as an "honorable and professional executive whose primary interest is the common good," and said he was a "great loss."

CDC vice president Victor Jose Luciano called Licuanan a "vital, credible and respected link" of the CDC to the Arroyo Cabinet.

Control of SBMA

Gordon reportedly wanted control of SBMA to protect his hold on Olongapo.

His brother, Olongapo Mayor James Gordon, is reportedly threatened by the plan of Governor Magsaysay to run for mayor in 2007.

Magsaysay's daughter-in-law, Ma. Milagros "Mitos" Magsaysay, defeated Kate Gordon in the last election in the first congressional district of Zambales.

Gordon was not amused by the accusations.

"I gave the best years of my life to Subic and I suffered so much pain. I haven't returned to my house there in seven years," he said, recalling how then President Joseph Estrada forcibly ousted him from the SBMA and replaced him with Felicito Payumo in 1998.

But Gordon said he was happy with the choice of Arreza as new SBMA administrator.

Arreza was tourism undersecretary when Gordon was secretary, but he resigned after Gordon quit to run for the Senate.

Gordon said Arreza had solid credentials; was among the first volunteers at Subic, joining him as his finance director right after graduating from the Ateneo in 1993 with a degree in industrial engineering, and studied at the prestigious Wharton School in the United States.

"Who better to put there than someone who had sacrificed for Subic right from the start?" he said in a phone interview with the Inquirer.

Inky Reyes

But for all that, Gordon said he had nominated Inky Reyes who, according to sources, was related to someone close to Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile.

Gordon said that when Alfredo Antonio said he would resign as SBMA administrator to join the Monetary Board, he asked that Reyes be named to replace him.

"And I did not recommend that [Licuanan] be removed," Gordon said.

He said he phoned Licuanan when he learned about the latter's resignation.

He quoted Licuanan as saying that he (Gordon) would have control of the SBMA through Arreza.

"I think he (Licuanan) does not want someone to challenge him," Gordon said.

With a report from Gil Cabacungan Jr.

 
 

Monday a special holiday for schools, govt offices only

Malacañan on Saturday announced that August 29, Monday, has been declared a special holiday in observance of National Heroes Day, which falls on a Sunday.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said there will be no classes in all levels of public and private schools. Government offices will also have no work.

Private companies, on the other hand, are not included in the directive and will have work on that day, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye clarified.

Ermita's directive corrected an earlier announcement by Bunye that Monday would be an ordinary working day.

The National Heroes Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of August every year.

 
 

Licuanan resigns as SBMA chair, adviser for Subic-Clark

By Allan Macatuno, Tonette Orejas, Inquirer News Service

(UPDATE) SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- Francisco Licuanan III on Friday confirmed he has resigned as adviser for the Subic-Clark Growth Corridor and as chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Licuanan, in a telephone interview with the Inquirer, said his resignation would take effect on August 31.

Asked for his reasons for leaving the government, Licuanan said it would be better that Malacañang make the announcement.

The former Ayala Land executive joined the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in September 2004.

Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye confirmed Friday Licuanan had submitted his resignation letter dated August 25.

"President Arroyo has accepted the resignation with regret [but with] sincere appreciation for his valuable service to the country," said Bunye.

Presidential adviser for Central Luzon Renato Diaz said SBMA administrator Alfredo Antonio would also leave his post to join the monetary board of the Bangko Sentral ng  Pilipinas (central bank of the Philippines).
 
 

Saturday, August 27, 2005

More incentives sought for Subic, Clark, Poro Point ecozones


By Christina Mendez, The Philippine Star

Sen. Richard Gordon has filed a bill seeking to expand the incentives granted to investors in the Clark, Subic and Poro Point special economic zones through the extension of uniform incentives granted by the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992.

Gordon said the bill would clear the "uncertainty among many investors" caused by recent Supreme Court rulings on "the lack of an express legislative grant of incentives" to investors in those special economic zones.

"Because this unexpected development has been perceived as suddenly changing the rules in the middle of the game, some investors have threatened to shut down operations and lay off workers, with some already contemplating to leave the country," Gordon said in a statement.

According to Gordon, "if this matter is not addressed soon, then development in these special economic zones will come to a halt as investors will be inclined to locate elsewhere."

The bill seeks to amend Republic Act 7227, otherwise known as the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, to clearly provide for incentives to investors in the Clark Special Economic Zone and the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone and to provide "uniformity of incentives as well."

It also seeks to provide for an express grant of the freeport status to the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone, "thus ensuring the free flow or movement of goods and capital within, into and exported out of Poro Point, with the same incentives as the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone."

In his bill, Gordon proposed an amendment to RA 7227, providing that "businesses and enterprises within the Subic Special Economic Zone may also avail of the incentives as provided under Republic Act No. 7916, as amended, or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995.

Another proposed amendment provides that business establishments operating within Clark Special Economic Zone and other special economic zones shall be entitled to the incentives as provided for under the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995.

A third proposed amendment provides that the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone shall be subject to the same policies as the Subic Special Economic Zone. The Poro Point Special Economic Zone shall have the same Freeport status and enjoy the same incentives as the Subic Special Economic Zone.

In proposing the amendments, Gordon referred to the decisions of the Supreme Court in Coconut Oil Refiners Inc. vs. Torres rendered on July 29, 2005, and on John Hay Peoples Alternative Coalition vs. Lim on Oct. 24, 2003. In both decisions, the High Court noted "the lack of an express legislative grant of incentives to investors" in the Clark Special Economic Zone and other special economic zones.

"To assuage the fear of investors brought about by the recent Supreme Court decisions and to ensure the continued development in these zones, passage of this bill is earnestly sought," Gordon said
 

Dredging Project Monitoring

Dredging/Disilting update as of 7:30am 27 Aug 2005
 
Numberof truckloads hauled from Sta rita River to Olongapo Landfill
 
24 Aug: 6 loads
25 Aug: 8 loads
26 Aug: 30 loads
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us Image Hosted by ImageShack.us Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Friday, August 26, 2005

SUBIC PORT PROJECT UPDATE

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Left side edge of the reclamation for Subic Port Project
 
 
 
 
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us 
On-going pile driving operation
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
 
 
Extent of reclamation in Subic Bay as of 26 August 2005. Photo taken from Leyte wharf looking towards the Olongapo Public Cemetery
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

26 August 2005 Update on Dredging Project

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
A loader arrived today to complement the dredging operation of the two buckhoe that started stockpiling since yesterday. According to Mannix, they have thus far hauled 15 truckloads to landfill.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Stockpiling Operations at Sta Rita River

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Wide-angle shot of the Sta Rita river looking at direction of Barangay West Bajac Bajac
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Photographs taken by Councilor Edwin J. Piano (from Sta. Rita Bridge) during inspection early this morning.

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Dredging of Sta Rita River started today

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Dredging projects to rehabilitate the city's river system started today at Sta Rita River.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Dredging for another part of the city's river system will start anytime next week at Kalaklan River. This project awarded to R.M. VITUG Cosntruction cost P20,000.000 w/ total volume of material to be dredged estimated at 125,775 Cu.M.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
The project was awarded to R.D. SADSAD Construction from Angeles City. 63,000 Cu.M. of sand and silt is expected to be excavated in this project which cost P10,000,000.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
The desilted materials are brought to the city's landfill in accordance with the City Ordinance authored by Councilor Edwin Piano. This will ensure ample supply of topsoil neccessary to maintain the sanitary landfill.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us


Photos Below were taken to document the "before and after" impression of the project

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Kalaklan River

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Looking at Brgy West Bajac Bajc on the right and Mabayuan on the left.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
On going drainage project at 22nd St, West Bajac Bajac

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
River system looking at Leyva St, Brgy Mabayuan; from Escano Residence, Davidson St, WBB

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Resident at Davidson St, West Bajac Bajc pointing at the dept of floodwater during last weeks onslaught of water.

GORDON PROPOSES PENALTIES FOR POLITICAL TURNCOATS

 

GORDON PROPOSES PENALTIES FOR POLITICAL TURNCOATS

Senator Richard Gordon filed a bill to strengthen political parties by punishing political “turncoatism” and opportunism.

 

In Senate Bill 2062, Gordon proposed that any member of a political party “who changes political party affiliation any time after being chosen, in accordance with party procedures, on the ticket of that party shall be considered a political turncoat and shall be subject to penalties.”

 

Gordon deplored that “the intended objectives of a political party have been subverted by rampant party-switching in the Philippine political system.  In effect, party-switching has contributed to the stunting of the political maturity of the Philippine electorate, and encouraged transactional leadership instead of transformational leadership.”

 

In his bill, Gordon provided that a political party may decide, in accordance with its constitution and by-laws, that a member who regularly votes with another political party is a political opportunist who would be subject to penalties.

 

However, the bill declares, the penalties would not apply to any party member who acts “by reason of his or her religious, ideological, or moral training and belief [and] has a sincere and conscientious objection to the change in party direction or evolving ideology of his political party, and such objection is not borne out of mere whimsy, convenience or caprice.”

 

Under the proposed measure, a political turncoat or opportunist shall;

(a)   Be prohibited from assuming office, if he changes party affiliation during the election period;

(b)  Forfeit his office if the elected public officer changes political party affiliation during his term of office;

(c)  Be disqualified from running for any elective office in the next succeeding election immediately following the act of changing political party affiliation;

(d)  Be disqualified from being appointed or from holding any position in any pubic or government office for three years after the expiration of his/her current term;

(e)   Be disqualified from assuming any executive or administrative position in his/her new political party; and

(f)    Refund any and all amounts received from his/her political party, plus a 25 percent surcharge thereof.

 

“A political opportunist so considered by his political party in accordance with its constitution and by-laws shall not be entitled to any of the benefits given to party members and may be expelled by his political party,” the bill added.  “He may also be required to refund all amounts received from the political party.”

 

Gordon declared that political parties “serve as a democratic tool” for offering the electorate different options as programs of government and proposing leaders who would carry out their party programs for the best interests of the people.

 

He lamented that the rampant practice of turncoatism had “encouraged the cult of personality in the electorate’s choice of elected officials” and resulted to “non-continuity of government plans, programs and projects which eventually redounds to disadvantages for the Filipino people.”

 

Gordon expressed strong belief that “punishing turncoatism would bring about greater stability into the Philippine political system because it would ensure that membership in political parties will be relatively permanent, and the electorate can expect, if not exact, strict compliance from government officials in terms of the promises and platforms upon which the political party is grounded.”
 

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN

by Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.
2001 - 2010

A brief summary/description of existing and projected needs for infrastructure facilities in Olongapo City.

A. WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM

The City of Olongapo is serviced by a piped water supply system with water sources located along Cabalan River and Mabayuan River. The system is inadequate to meet the increasing water chemical.

The water supply and sewerage services for the Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City has been contracted to a private consortium headed by the international water company BIWATER. It is supposed to develop water sources in the Pamatawan aquifer in San Antonio and construct a major transmission pipeline along the San Marcelino-Olongapo highway to bring water to consumers in Olongapo and the SBF. The water system expansion will be implemented under the World Bank Loan No. 2 to SBMA.

B. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

No public collection is being made from industries and factories. There is however regular collection of solid waste generated in Olongapo. Disposal is at the dumpsite in the New Cabalan area. Solid waste collection and handling is managed by the Environment Sanitation Center jointly serving the Freeport and Olongapo City. Improvements in the system covering both SBF and Olongapo is included in the Subic II Project to be financed by Japan Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF).

C. POWER SUPPLY

The City’s Public Utility Department (PUD) operates the power distribution system in Olongapo. The core of the system is 30-40 years old and at the end of its useful life.

The feeders are overloaded resulting in voltage regulation problems and excessive system losses. Lack of spare parts have resulted in the system being technically inadequate with the growing risk of serious supply failures in large areas of the City.

Metering, billing and collection is inadequate, resulting in non-technical losses amounting to an unsatisfactorily high level of 15-20%.

The rehabilitation of the power supply system will be implemented under the World Bank Loan No. 2 to SBMA.


D. SEWERAGE AND SANITATION SYSTEM

There is no existing sanitary sewerage system in Olongapo.

There is no implementation of sewerage systems scheduled for the medium term period until year 2002. A first phase is scheduled to be complete in year 2004. This first phase of Olongapo’s sewerage system is proposed to be an interceptor sewer along Kalaklan River and Sta. Rita River intercepting the dry weather flow from the existing drainage systems with discharge to the rivers. This interceptor sewer will be constructed at an estimated cost of P 110.0M and connected to the planned primary treatment at the central area of the DBF.

E. PUBLIC MARKET IMPROVEMENT

 There are two (2) major public markets along Rizal Avenue and Murphy Street in Olongapo
City. There are no plans to improve or expand the market facilities in the immediate future.


Visit SubicBay, Philippines website for latest developments in Subic Bay and Olongapo City


Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

F. FLOOD CONTROL AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM

 Volcanic ash and lahar contribute to the siltation and sedimentation of the river system,
especially during the rainy season. Regular desiltation at an estimated P 60-P70 M annually is
needed, but funds from the DPWH are often not available and desiltation activities are dependent on other sources of funding.
 
 The drainage systems of the City consist of underground pipelines in the commercial areas
and open or covered canals in most residential areas. Several have no drainage systems at all
Flooding is a chronic, life-threatening problem in the Sta. Rita area of the City.
 
 A more comprehensive approach is proposed: to prepare flood control and drainage master
plans for the Layac-Balsic and Sta. Rita River systems to localize major problems and alleviate
them.


Visit SubicBay, Philippines website for latest developments in Subic Bay and Olongapo City

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

G. MUNICIPAL ROADS


 
 The existing roads and streets in Olongapo are in fairly good condition. A number of
existing roads need upgrading, and a few new roads are needed. Five new bridges are being planned for implementation/ construction.
 
 Presently, Olongapo has 72 kilometers of paved roads. By year 2002 this will increase to
104 kilometers, extending further to 161 kms by year 2010. The projected investment needs for
this expansion / extension covering the period 1997 to 2010 will approximately total to P 543 Million
 


Visit SubicBay, Philippines website for latest developments in Subic Bay and Olongapo City


Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

H. OTHER EXPRESSED DEMANDS / NEEDS

 In terms of priority and urgency, Olongapo City residents wanted immediate improvements in the following infrastructure systems:
1. Water supply (40%)
2. Flood control and drainage (25%)
3. Roads and bridges (15%)
 
Completed and On-going desilting projects


Visit SubicBay, Philippines website for latest developments in Subic Bay and Olongapo City

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

10 Bays

Trivia:  Subic Bay is famous in Zambales area, but did you know that there are actually ten (10) bays in its vicinity?
 
 
The 10 Bays are:
Pundaquit Bay
Agndem bay
Calaguagin Bay
Talisain Bay
Nazasa Bay
Silanguin Bay
Subic Bay
Olongapo Bay
Triboa Bay
Ilalim Bay


Visit SubicBay, Philippines website for latest developments in Subic Bay and Olongapo City

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Monday, August 22, 2005

MY BLOG MAIL ADDRESS

SAVE SPECIALLY IMPORTANT WHEN UPLOADING WITH PICTURE, YOU CAN COPY PASTE A PICTURE IN THE WEB FOR IT TO APPER IN THE BLOG


Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

DENR, Subic resolve row on green clearance


By Anthony de Leon, Norman Bordadora
INQ7.net, Inquirer News Service


SUBIC BAY FREEPORT--The Department Of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) have agreed to resolve a long-standing conflict on who should be issuing environmental clearances at the special economic zone.

In a memorandum of understanding signed by Environment Secretary Michael Defensor and SBMA chief executive officer Alfredo Antonio, the DENR's Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) will take the lead role in the processing and approval of environmental compliance certificates (ECC) for new firms in the Freeport.

Prior to this, all ECC's were released by the ecology department of the SBMA.

"As Subic prospers, we want the locators to feel that we are efficient and that we are true to our thrust of maintaining the balance of the environment," said Defensor.

Defensor said the DENR would also seek a review and validation for ECC's previously released by the SBMA.

The new setup would leave the SBMA with the task of monitoring compliance among the Freeport's investors, he added.

"This is the start of a fruitful cooperation. Both the SBMA and the DENR agree that today's signing is a concrete manifestation of a common concern, and that is to maintain the balance of the Freeport's environment side," Antonio said.

The signing of the MOU came on the heels of a decision promulgated recently by the Court of Appeals upholding the DENR's authority to exercise its regulatory powers within the Subic Freeport.

Earlier, the DENR, through the EMB in central Luzon, lifted a cease-and-desist order it had issued against Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium that operates the Ocean Adventure park.

Ocean Adventure was served the order on August 3 after it failed to secure an ECC from the DENR although it had one issued by the SBMA.

The order was issued after the Court of Appeals upheld the jurisdictional authority of the DENR to issue ECCs to establishments inside the Subic freeport.

The EMB regional office lifted the order because Ocean Adventure had submitted the environmental impact assessment documents it had also submitted to the SBMA Ecology Center.

The park came under fire from environmental activists after several marine mammals used in its shows died.

Sunday, August 07, 2005

SBMA ACCREDITED GENERAL ENGINEERING/BUILDING SERVICES

GENERAL ENGINEERING/BUILDING SERVICES

NO. COMPANY POINT OF CONTACT ADDRESS TEL. NO. EXPIRY
1 A.B. GARCIA CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLY Elcid Barroga 62 Talibaw St., Calasiao, Pangasinan 515-2636/523-5400 05/21/2004
2 ABOITIZ CONSTRUCTION GROUP INC. Napoleon Pe Jr. Basubas St., Tipolo, Mandaue City 346-2660 06/11/2004
3 AINA CONSTRUCTION Ariel Medina 1172 Divine Grace Subd. Purok I, Balagtas, Bulacan 0927-516-9275 06/23/2005
4 ARNEL MOJICA CONSTRUCTION & GEN. SERVICES Arnel Mojica #24 Victoria Compound, Parang, Marikina City 941-0899 07/23/2004
5 BETONBAU PHILS. INC. Almeda Banaga Room 306 DHI Bldg., #1, Lapu-lapu Ave., Magallanes Village, Makati City 824-3321 02/25/2005
6 CCT CONSTRUCTIONS CORP. Isidro Valencia Unit 2E Corinthian Plaza, Cond. 121 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City 818-8040 11/26/2004
7 CYPRESS BOMANITE INC. Erwin Faustino #548 Edsa, Cubao, Quezon City 912-8491/911-4939 09/17/2004
8 CZ ENGINEERING Romeo Lim 1085 Sta. Rita, Olongapo 224-5484 12/18/2005
9 D.D. MANGUAN CONSTRUCTION Edgar Manguan Sto. Domingo, Capaz, Tarlac (045) 925-0570 07/21/2005
10 E.G. CRISTOBAL CONSTRUCTION Ernesto Cristobal San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan (047) 481-5077 01/13/2005
11 FEDERICO SO BUILDER'S AND DEVELOPMENT, INC. Federico U. So #5 Mac Arthur H-way, Telabastagan, San Fernando City (045) 322-5820 06/11/2004
12 FERMIDA CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Myrna T. Ramos Subic Executive Vilage, Subic , Zambales 232-1970 05/25/2005
13 GOLDENLINK CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION Manuel Arce 98 Esteban St. West Tapinac, Olongapo 223-2976/222-2254 07/14/2005
14 G.V. GANDIA CONSTRUCTION Marlan S. Manguba 2F Penalosa Bldg. Binakayan, Kawik, Cavite 0918-936-2747 11/26/2004
15 J.J. LACEBAL CONST. Juan Lacebal Jr. 7-A-15th St., West Tapinac, Olongapo 223-4591 11/12/2004
16 JOSEPH B. SANTOS CONSTRUCTION Joseph Santos 7 Purok I, Calapacuan, Subic, Zambales 232-1292 07/03/2004
17 LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS (PHILS.) INC. Nolly Torres 9/F, Insular Life Bldg., 6781 Ayala, Makati 841-0998 04/14/2005
18 LITHOSTEEL CONSTRUCTION CORP. Arnold Reyes Taglesville, Abucay, Bataan 237-4046/6719 02/18/2005
19 L.S. SALVADOR CONSTRUCTION Lorena S. Salvador #154 Rizal Ave., East Tapinac, Olongapo 222-2026 12/22/2004
20 MARCBILT CONSTRUCTION INC. Alvin Lim Suite 805 Richville Corporate Tower Madrigal Business Park, Alabang, Muntinlupa City 807-0587/9367/2229 05/05/2005
21 MASONRY ANCHORS SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY & INDUSTRIAL MARKETING, INC. #1258 Batangas St., San Isidro, Makati City 10/08/2004
22 PDL CONSTRUCTION, CORP. Peter Shyu Masipag St., corner Veinte Reales, Valenzuela City 0918-905-7682 08/13/2004
23 PERSPEX CONSTRUCTION Alfred Agustin 9 Graham, East Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo 222-9940 02/18/2005
24 QUALISERVE ENTERPRISES CO. Juancho Capirig Lot 8, Blk. 8, Sta. Rita Village, Sta. Rita, Olongapo City 223-5451 11/19/2004
25 R2M BUILDERS Raymundo Robles 616 McArthur Hiway, Tabang, Guiguinto, Bulacan (044) 690-3228 05/05/2005
26 RD POLICARPIO & CO. INC. Allen Quiambao 045 McArthur Hiway, Mabalacat, Pampanga (045) 331-3713/3723 04/21/2005
27 R.D. SADSAD CONSTRUCTION AND TRADING Federico A. Ocampo Jupiter St., Sto. Nino, San Fernando, Pampanga 0916-681-8865 045-636-4206 07/09/2004
28 RCDG CONSTRUCTION CORP. Jansen Almeria San Jose, Claret, Zamboanga City (062)993-2311/224-6442 06/30/2005
29 R.I. NEPOMUCENO CONSTRUCTION Reynaldo Marcelo 209 San Gabriel, Sta. Maria, Bulacan (044) 641-0374 07/07/2005
30 ROCHED BUILDERS COMPANY Ely Santos 6 Topaz St., Northview I Subd. Capitol Hills, Quezon City 0916-422-0650 09/10/2004
31 ROCK METAL CONSTRUCTION Carlos Villaruel III Mc Arthur Highway, Dolores, San Fernando City (045)961-7403 03/03/2005
32 SGG CONSTRUCTION James Santos Blk. 79, Lot 1 & 2, San Fernando Ave., Ma- dapdap, Mabalacat, Pampanga 045-332-4075 02/04/2005
33 T.F BOTONES ENG'G. & CONSTRUCTION Teodolito F. Botones #41 Silva St., Vista Verde Exec. Village, Cainta Rizal "682-8293
645-8679" 12/29/2004
34 TRIPLE B ENGINEERING SERVICES Bejamin Reyes #11 Escolta St., New Banicain, Olongapo 222-8824 05/26/2005
35 YETSI CONSTRUCTION & GEN. SERVICES Arnold Soriano #47 Graham St., EBB, Olongapo City 224-9101 04/30/2004

SBMA SECURITY SERVICES

NO. COMPANY POINT OF CONTACT ADDRESS TEL. NO. EXPIRY
1 AIM HIGH SECURITY & WATCHMAN AGENCY (Subic Water) Regalado F. Mendoza, Sr. #53 Arthur St., WBB, Olongapo City 222-5434 01/08/2005
2 ARMED SECURITY & DETECTIVE AGENCY INC.(SIH) Daniel Yap LMK Bldg., G/F 25 Bulacan St., West Avenue, Quezon City "843-7794/97
252-2222 " 05/25/2005
3 AYDA SECURITY AGENCY(Old PX Warehouse, 88 Mart, Enron Subic, Bayshore, Bunkers Group VI, Brent, Amerasia) Marissa Gamboa #3290 San Martin St., San Jose, Angeles City 252-6544 10/08/2004
4 COMMANDER SECURITY SERVICES, INC. Silveria Oligario 201-C Magat Salamat cor. Kalantiaw St. Project 4, Quezon City 912-2512/421-2741 252-3711/6270 06/16/2005
5 DEFENSE SPECIALIST CORP.(IDESS, Puregold, Tong Lung, GVC, Catcher, Amoco, Wartsila, Nike/Adidas, Sakura, Binggo Fiesta, Freeport Traders, Microvan) Edgy Alcodia #153A Boni Serrano Avenue corner 9th Avenue Murphy, Quezon City "(047) 222-9937
045-331-5643" 03/24/2005
6 FIRST COUNTRY SECURITY & INVESTIGATION AGENCY, INC.(Value City, Royal Cargo) Atty. Rene Gloria Suite 1015, V.V. Soliven Bldg. Edsa Greenhills, San Juan 727-3216 11/07/2004
7 GLOCKE SECURITY SYSTESM INC.(Nidec Subic, Subic Acropolis) Julius Socrates Intal Level 2 Land Mark Bldg., Quebiawan, City of San Fernando (045)-961-7594 0919-474-3691 07/28/2005
8 GUARDSMAN SECURITY & DETECTIVE SERVICE (UJ Phils, Taimen Subic, Yi-Phone, FG 628, Toto Group, Subic Bay Golf, Fenix Subic, Subic Seaport Terminal) Jorge Pamugas #5 Donor St., East Tapinac, Olongapo 224-4816 09/10/2004
9 IRA GENERAL & SECURITY SERVICES, INC. Tranquilino Aglugub, Jr. 19-19th Ave. Cubao, Quezon City 913-1365 01/23/2005
10 MARIAN SECURITY AGENCY INC. (Cacho Hermanos) Neri Tagnon #454 Baranca Drive, Mandaluyong City 533-0535 0918-525-9399 06/11/2005
11 MARVIN SECURITY INVESTIGATION & ALLIED SERVICES (SBDMC, Time Square, Pacific Bank, Royal Cargo, American Eyewear) Fred Cruz #296 Calapandayan, Subic, Zambales 232-2540 10/08/2004
12 MILGOS SECURITY AGENCY Mavic V. Pabalan 304 Don Lorenzo Bldg., P. Paredes St., Sampaloc, Manila 734-3018 07/07/2005
13 MORVILLA SECURITY AGENCY (Omron, China Trust, Juken, Brand Rex, Techno Park, Indigo, Tian, Sports Unlimited, Cargill, DBP & Branded Warehouse) Gemma Ramirez #21 Pres. Quezon St., Life Homes Subd., Rosario, Pasig City 223-2106 10/01/2004
14 PHIL. UNITED SECURITY ASSOCIATION, INC. (Bay Lux Int'l, Filcam Int'l) Ricky Paguong #53 Ilang-Ilang St., Maligaya Subd., Novaliches, Quezon City 0919-480-3743 02/18/2005
15 ROYAL SECURITY AGENCY, INC.(Coastal & PCI Bank) Roberto Dimalanta Rm.109-110 BPI Arcade, Nepo Mart, Angeles City (045) 888-2831 11/26/2004
16 SOLIMAN SECURITY SERVICES, INC. (FEDEX & Nat'l Book Store) Atty. Juliano Dupaya Rm. 500, Ermita Center Bldg., 1350 Roxas Blvd., Ermita, Manila 521-0555 05/19/2005
17 SOUTHLAND SECURITY CORP. OF THE PHILS.(Subic Telecoms) Regino Pangilinan #1209 G/F, CecileVille Bldg., Quezon Avenue, Quezon City 705-1654 to 55 0918-903-2946 01/19/2005
18 ST. BARACHIEL PROTECTION SERVICES INC. (Ocean Adventure, Kintetsu, Pacific Ace) Emily Galon Blk. 1, Lot 14-A, P. Venezia Ave., B.F. Resort Village, Las Pinas City. 873-9942/874-5410 04/21/2005
19 ST. MORITZ SECURITY AGENCY & ALLIED SERVICES (RCBC, FSC) Teresita G. Lua #8 E Gutierrez Bldg., P. Roman St., City of Balanga, Bataan (047) 791-3175 223-1927 04/21/2005
20 SUBIC PROTECTORS & GEN. SERVICES INC. (Omron, Chan Soong, Eagle Global, Meat Plus, Indigo, Royal Duty Free, Sanyo Denki & Value City) Eufrecino T. Tactay/ Mar Ferrer #27 Ohio St., Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City 222-4919/232-1465 05/25/2005
21 SUPERSTAR SECURITY AGENCY INC. Ramon Lopez Rustan's Superstore Bldg. Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City 911-1614 07/21/2005
22 UNICORN SECURITY SERVICES, INC. (MetatransInt'l) Febee Ganaden #1853 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City 0927-650-2271 06/23/2005
23 VANGUARD WATCHMAN AGENCY INC. (Legenda, Corp.Aire, Subic Yatch Club, Air 21, Gerry's Grill) Myrna Reyes #76 V. Luna Road Extension, Diliman, Quezon City 224-4713 0919-895-7994 11/05/2004