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Angeles City - Archived News
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Angeles City

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Hotels and Resorts in Clark Pampanga offering good outdoor facilities

By clarkphilippines.com


Manila residents as well as tourists arriving in the Philippines from major cities around Asia seem to look for the same thing: a chance to relax and unwind. Visitors arrive feeling stressed out from living and working in crowded cities like Manila, Hong Kong and Singapore, places that offer plenty of thrills and excitement but not necessarily a lot of opportunities to enjoy life in the slow lane.

Many good resorts and hotels in Clark Pampanga realize and understand the needs of modern tourists. Some hotels in Clark are paying more attention to not only lavish lobbies and ballroooms but more importantly, good outdoor facilities for guests to relax and unwind, to enjoy nature with friends and families. City hotels in Manila struggle to allot land for outdoor space for guests to roam around freely. Many visitors and Manila residents choose to travel out of town to the north to spend time in Subic, Angeles City and Clark where some of the better hotels in Pampanga offer spacious outdoor facilities and amenities that cater to the enjoyment of the whole family.

Manila residents also look for holiday destinations for day trips. Some hotels in Clark Pampanga offer day use admission allowing guests to enjoy the hotel’s outdoor amenities without having to check in to a room for an overnight stay. This option suits a lot of Manila families looking for just get out of the city for a short out-of-town excursion, a day tour for the family or a group of friends to relax and unwind in nature.




Lazatin, Nepomuceno out but old names linger in Angeles council

By Ian Ocampo Flora


ANGELES CITY -- First district Representative Carmelo Lazatin and former mayor Francis Nepomuceno may be out in the local political scene this term but younger generations of their political families still hound the Angeles City council.

The Nepomuceno name is alive in councilor-elect Bryan Nepomuceno, who ranked second in the number of votes for the City Council with 63,856 or 8.53 percent of the voters who voted in this year's election here, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Nepomuceno ran under the banner of the Nationalists Peoples' Coalition. His uncle, Blueboy, suffered defeat at the hands of Vice Governor Joseller Guiao for the first district congressional seat here.

Meanwhile, Lazatin, who suffered defeat from Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan for the mayoralty seat, may soon find hope with his son, Councilor-elect Carmelo Lazatin Jr., who was able to inch his way into the City Council with 50,476 votes according to the Comelec. The younger Lazatin ran under the Lakas Christian and Muslim Democrats.

Pamintuan, who received a fresh term, will also find an additional ally in his son Councilor-elect Edu Pamintuan who is also a part of the coming City Council in June.






Kuliat Foundation to host Sabat Santacruzan

By Ian Ocampo Flora


ANGELES CITY - The Kuliat Foundation Inc., together with the Center for Kapampangan Studies, is organizing the Sabat Santacruzan on May 22, to create awareness among Filipinos of its inherent religious significance and its cultural value in our nation's history.

The foundation, in a statement, said the month of May is traditionally set for the Santacruzan which was originally intended as a method of evangelization but has become a Filipino heritage worth keeping.

The Santa Cruz de Mayo, which was introduced by Franciscan missionaries, is a retelling of Biblical stories and characters climaxing with the "finding of the True Cross" by the Empress Helena and her son Constantine the I, the first Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

"Sad to say, in recent years, this novena procession has become a fashion show, an unfortunate turn of events discouraged by the Catholic Church," the foundation said.

The event, which will start at 4:30 p.m., is also being presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

"We highly encourage that each participant be dressed up in biblical costumes and to hold the appropriate symbols of their roles," the Kuliat Foundation added.

Incumbent Angeles City Mayor re-elected

By Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, May 16 (PIA) -- Incumbent Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan successfully won his re-election bid garnering 59,504 votes against lone challenger Carmelo Lazatin’s 45,535 votes.

In a message, Pamintuan said “I am overwhelmed with the way the people responded to our call. This is a clear manifestation of the continuing trust that the Angeleños have placed upon our administration. Once again, we have made history in our city where we have successfully placed a new breed of leaders after the seemingly unending reign of two prominent political families here.”

Meanwhile, Pamintuan’s running mate Maria Vicenta Vega was re-elected for a third-term garnering 33,828 votes. Closest challenger Tony Mamac got 28,008 votes.

Moreover, proclaimed winners in the Sangguniang Panlungsod race were Jericho Aguas, Arvin Suller, Bray Matthew Nepomuceno, Danica Lacson, Maricel Morales, Edgardo Pamintuan Jr., Alexander Indiongco, Carmelo Lazatin Jr., Maximo Sangil, and Amos Rivera. (CLJD/JGB-PIA 3)

Pamintuan, Guiao win over veteran bets

By Ian Ocampo Flora


ANGELES CITY -- Reelectionist Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and congressional candidate Joseller Guiao won over veteran politicians from known political families in the city.

Pamintuan, who ran under the Partido Abe Kapampangan, received 51,368 votes or 56.51 percent of the total 93,970 votes in the mayoral post, according to data gathered from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

His rival, Carmelo Lazatin, received 39,526 or 43.49 percent of the total votes. Lazatin is the incumbent first district representative of the province and had been mayor of Angeles City for many years.

Pamintuan was a former city executive and held several positions in the National Government. His campaign mobilized sectoral support for his candidacy. He received the support of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

The two camps are remembered for running black propagandas, accusing each other of massive vote buying activities.

"Let us get back to work and bring this city forward," Pamintuan said in the eve of the elections.

Incumbent Vice Mayor Maria Vicenta Vega-Cabigting, Pamintuan's running mate, also received majority of the total votes cast, 29,291.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Joseller Guiao of the Kapanalig at Kambilan ning Memalen Pampanga defeated his rival, former Angeles mayor Francis Nepomuceno in the first district congressional race.

Guiao received 82,886 or 56.80 percent of the 160,186 total votes cast.

Nepomuceno, who ran under the Nationalists' Peoples Coalition, received 63,037 or 43.20 percent of the total votes cast. (With Rey Navales)






Gov't turns to Land Bank, DBP in buyout of MRT3 creditors

By Darwin G. Amojelar, InterAksyon.com


CLARK FREEPORT - The Aquino administration will tap two government financial institutions (GFIs) for the purchase of the remaining bonds held by creditors of Metro Rail Transit Corp (MRTC).

"In terms of financing we have already identified in the budget or even for the GFIs if they can already first pay out like they did on the 80 percent economic interest. If they get the bonds, they will get the returns. They're the ones also benefiting from the coupons of the bonds," National Treasurer Rosalia B. de Leon told reporters on the sidelines of the EJAP-San Miguel Business Journalism Seminar here.

De Leon said the Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) can start buying the 25 percent stake held by bondholders, even as she admitted that an agreement has yet to be signed with the GFIs on the matter.

Land Bank and DBP also hold the 80 percent economic interest in Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3).

Under Executive Order No. 126 issued last March, Malacanang directed the Departments of Finance (DOF) and of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to buy out MRT3 from MRTC pursuant to a build-lease-transfer (BLT) agreement.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp (MPIC) controls 48 percent of MRTC after signing a cooperation agreement with various groups that hold rights and interests in MRT3, including Metro Rail Transit Holdings Inc, Metro Rail Transit 2 Inc and Monumento Rail Transit Corp.

The DOTC had said the buying out the MRT3 would cost $1 billion. The planned buyout of the private investors is meant to wind down the 15 percent equity rental the government shells out under the contract.

In the past 10 years, the government has given out a P75 billion subsidy for MRT3 and almost the same amount for Light Rail Transit Line 1.





Contingency funds pushed for PPPs

By UNCATEGORIZED,



Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga – The Department of Budget and Management has been asked to set aside money for financing unforeseen problems that could stem from the government's flagship public-private partnership program (PPP), said the country's Treasurer."We're managing …





City College to use new campus in June

By Rey G. Navales


ANGELES CITY – Officials of the City College of Angeles (CCA) said that they will use the new campus of the CCA starting June 2013, despite the recent allegation of an unidentified group that the new campus is ‘a white elephant.”

A paid advertisement printed in page 3 of the May 8, 2013 edition of Sun.Star Pampanga accused the CCA of being “the most expensive ‘white elephant’ in the history of Angeles City,” but the school officials said the allegation was not true.

CCA president Averell Laquindanum said: “It is absolutely not true. In fact, we are now in the process of transferring to the new campus and the students of the City College of Angeles (CCA) will enjoy all its new facilities and equipment starting June this year.”

“This is pure and simple black propaganda. We urge Sun.Star Pampanga to reveal the group or individual behind the paid advertisement. Or they should be brave enough to reveal their identities. Otherwise, we should just dismiss them as cowards and backstabbers,” Laquindanum added.

CCA vice president Dr. Marietta Gaddi reiterated that the city college will use the CCA campus starting June 2013 and is now accepting applicants for enrollment for the five (5) Bachelor Degree courses.

The new courses, which will be offered during the start of classes for the first semester of school year 2013-2014, include Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science, BS in Information Systems, BS in Tourism Management, Bachelor of Physical Education, and Bachelor of Technical Teacher Education major in Food and Service Management.

The CCA was granted government authority from the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) to offer bachelor degree courses this coming semester.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan lauded the administration of the CCA in their efforts to expand their academic capabilities through several course offerings.

“Without a doubt, this will encourage more of our youth to study in the City College and improve the quality of their lives through its market sensitive courses, professional skills trainings and other programs,” Pamintuan said.

7ID inks MOA with BCDA for security of Clark Green City project

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu


CLARK FREEPORT, May 8 (PIA) -- 7th Infantry Division (7ID) of the Philippine Army recently inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to give security to the proposed Clark Green City project.

7ID commander Major General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano Casanova led the signing.

Under the MOA, 7ID will activate Special Cafgu Active Auxiliary (SCAA) companies within the area that is eyed to be similar to Global City in Fort Bonifacio but with more high-technology features.

The BCDA said the urbanization trend in the Philippines has been faster in the last 50 years. In 1960, only 8 million Filipinos lived in urban areas and the remaining 19 million lived in rural locations.



By 2000, the BCDA said the trend reversed with 39 million Filipinos living in cities and 37.5 million living in rural areas. 

In 2010, the BCDA said 46% of Filipinos live in urban areas or some 46 million people.This means that roughly 1 out of 2 Fillipinos live in a city.

Urbanization in the Philippines is bound to continue. The BCDA said that by 2030, some 3 out of 4 Filipinos will be living in cities.



The BCDA said with this, there is a need to build another metropolis but not just another city but a sustainable one. The government has chosen to pattern the Clark Green City to South Korea's Songdo.

"Urbanization in this part of the Philippines is concentrated in the NCR, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan," the BCDA said in a presentation. "There is a need to create a new metropolitan area."

For his part, Catapang said “Now that we will be seeing the death of insurgency and the birth of peace and prosperity, I encourage everybody to prepare and face the new kind of war- the war against climate change to preempt the effects of calamities that may occur in the coming years” (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3)

CDC management hits back at workers

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT - The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said the move to unite the employees to strike because of alleged refusal by management to bargain is “unjustified, unwarranted, unreasonable, and very selfish.”

CDC employees earlier threatened to stage a massive labor strike because of alleged unfair labor practices by the CDC management.

A review of the compensation and benefits of employees in CDC revealed that the lowest rank and file (utilityman/messenger) has a total monthly pay of P19,008.56, while the lowest supervisor enjoys a total monthly pay of P41,802.

Included in the monthly pay are the employees’ basic salary, Cola, Pera, rice subsidy, hazard pay, housing, utilities and transportation allowance, and communication allowance for supervisors.

On an annual basis, CDC also allocates for said rank and file and supervisor the amounts of P398,633.55 and P558,753.93, respectively for their Provident Fund Corporate Share, medical coverage for the employees and their qualified dependents, uniform allowance, commutation of accumulated vacation and sick leave credits, annual executive check up for supervisors, 13th and 14th month pay and cash gift.

Other benefits enjoyed by the rank and file and union employees include MWR activities every Friday (4-5 PM); shuttle service; two days off; two days emergency leave; one birthday leave; two days special leave; bereavement leave (five days for rank and file and three days for supervisors); study leave with pay for supervisors; provision of two common staff house.

“Of late, the employees demand to negotiate and revisit the above,” the CDC said.

CDC officials said the corporation has been a very generous employer, granting salaries and benefits above other government and private companies in Clark and Pampanga.

CDC’s Personnel Services (PS) budget for 2013 is 62 percent of its Operating Expenses budget, which is way above the acceptable industry standard of 40 percent.

CDC is prevented by Republic Act No 10149 (Government Owned and Controlled Corporations Governance Act) and Executive Order No 7 (Moratorium on Increase in Salaries of Government Employees) to negotiate or grant increases in salaries until the government is able to develop a Compensation and Position Classification System for GOCC’s. This is expected to be out before end of the year. CDC President Arthur Tugade said the grant of benefits is not determined purely by want, like or desire of the recipient. It is dictated also by what is fair and what is just and the continuing capability of the giver.

“Hindi po madamot ang pamahalaan, ang BCDA at ang CDC. In fact, its past benevolence already borders on abuse and being abused. Ang gusto lang po ng Management ay bigyan ang Governance Commission for GOCCs ng kaukulang panahon upang himayin, pag-aralan at i-rationalize ang mga panuntunan, pamaraan, at benepisyo ng mga kawani ng gobyerno upang sa gayon, ang pangkalahatan at ang nakararami ay matugunan at mabiyayaan. Let us be patient and understanding at wag po tayo magmadali. We just might kill the goose that lays the golden eggs,” Tugade added.






Cabigting to move for livelihoods, development programs

By Ian Ocampo Flora


ANGELES CITY — Reelectionist Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting said Saturday she will move for more livelihood and development programs if reelected.

Cabigting said she is set to finish the home stretch of her campaign with visiting constituents and capping the whole campaign with a prayer.

“The whole campaign and my previous term are like exams. I have done my part, now I am waiting for the results of those exams,” Cabigting said.

She added she was able to implement her advocacies and those of the City Government in the past years.

Cabigting was able to initiate help support programs for cancer patients, health programs for various sectors, seminars on health, and medical assistance through her office and in coordination with the City Government.

Cabigting said the “Sulong Kaalaman” program was able to extend educational support for indigents, while her read-along programs have been instrumental in promoting renewed interest on reading among children.

Cabigting recently promoted the Zumbarangay as a form of grassroots program to promote healthy living through proper exercise in the barangay level.

“Given a chance I will be moving for more livelihood programs for our urban poor. I am also looking on a parent academy as an initiative to strengthen family values,” Cabigting added.

Cabigting is also batting for more legislative recognition for the Angeles City Council which was recognized as a regional local legislative award winner under her term.

She added they have started with legislative tracking to keep the priorities of the city council into perspective.

The veteran public official said that she now places the political future on the people of Angeles and on divine intervention.

Farmers call for government-rebels talks

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- The Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL) and Anakpawis Party-list-Central Luzon called for the resumption of peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

The groups said they are concerned about the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) that was signed by both the NDF and government in 1998, as well as the present socio-economic reforms, particularly on land reform and nationalist industrialization.

"We are pushing for the resume of the peace talks as it deliberate about the roots of the armed conflict. In our region, it is caused by the massive landlessness and poverty among farmers. Historically, the grave abuse against poor farmers are what pushes them to the armed struggle," said Joseph Canlas, AMGL chair and Anakpawis Party-list regional coordinator.

The groups said the government must adhere to the previous agreements, such as The Hague Joint Declaration in 1992, the Joint Agreement on Security Immunities and Guarantees (Jasig), the CAHRIHL and other agreements on the framework and conduct of the negotiations.

The previous agreements mainly clarified the framework and conduct, such as the political and legal framework, which is not constrained from each other's constitution but is mainly guided by mutually-accepted principles such as national sovereignty, democracy, human rights and social justice.

The talks should be held on neutral grounds and confidence-building measures performed.

"The Aquino government must realize that the accomplishments of the peace talks are bigger than his administration, the previous agreements were the result of the pain-staking, strenuous and patient effort between the two parties. Aquino should be humble enough to consider the history of the talks," Canlas said.

The groups are insisting on the resumption of the negotiations in order for the implementation of the CAHRIHL to push through. Land reform and nationalist industrialization are also the main components of the socio-economic reform agenda of the peace talks.

"We clearly remember when our leaders and members became victims of rights abuses during the implementation of Arroyo's counter-insurgency plan Oplan Bantay Laya. Thus, we want the human rights agreement to be implemented," Canlas said.

The groups also reacted to presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda's pronouncement that "nationalist industrialization is passé."

"It is really mind-boggling how the Aquino government could issue statements like that, when everybody knows that our agriculture is clearly backward, relying on carabaos and no modern machineries are utilized," Canlas said.

The groups said there is also no national industry the country could claim, adding that mining, energy, steel, chemicals, manufacturing and other intermediary industries are either monopolized or controlled by foreign corporations.

"Even the engine of hand tractors are either imported from China or Japan, while those big tractors are from the US. Motor engines used in small fishing boats are imported from China, US, Germany and Japan. Motor pumps, agro-chem and other needs for agriculture are imported. Thus, agriculture is really dependent on imports as there is no national industry to depend on," he added.

AMGL and Anakpawis Party-list said the Aquino government is preserving the export-oriented and import-dependent character of the country's economy, which is essentially semi-feudal and opposite of the direction to national development.

"It is really an insult to the poor farmers and sectors for the government to deny the root causes of poverty. As landlessness is still chronic and national industry remains illusory, poor sectors are driven to struggle, even bearing arms against the exploitative and oppressive social and economic system," Canlas said.





Legarda: ‘Clark airport development important’

By Charlene A. Cayabyab


ANGELES CITY–Team PNoy senatorial candidate Loren Legarda said “the development of Clark International Airport (CIA) is important.” “Ang pagdevelop ng Clark pati ng airport ay napakahalaga para madecongest na rin ang Metro Manila,” Legarda said during her sortie in Pampanga on Wednesday. The development of the airport, Legarda said, will bring more progress including job generation to people from Central Luzon. Legarda said CIA’s development will ease up heavy air traffic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City. “Matagal ng proposal ‘yan (na i-develop ang CIA). I think it’s worth looking into,” Legarda said. Meanwhile, expansion works in CIA are set start after elections following the release of P1 billion loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines. Expansion works include the P360 million worth construction of the airport’s phase II terminal.






More BPOs establishing in Clark

By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat


The locational restriction issued by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) scrapping incentives to new developers of IT Parks in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu has effectively driven BPO investors to the nearby Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ), the latest report by property management firm CRBE Philippines Inc.

According to the Central Luzon Urban Market View for the Overview for the second half this year, CBRE cited the PEZA policy as great contributor to the booming BPO industry in Clark.

PEZA Board Resolution No. 12-329 has restricted fiscal tax incentives for new developers in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.

The resolution states that “IT facilities projects to be located in the four (4) PEZA-registered IT Parks in Metro Manila (i.e., Eastwood City Cyberpark in Quezon City, Northgate Cyber Zone In Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Robinsons Cyberpark in EDSA, Mandaluyong City and E-Square Information Technology Park in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City) and in Cebu City (Cebu IT Park) shall no longer be entitled to incentives; and developers/operators of new IT Parks and Centers to be located outside Metro Manila and Cebu City, including IT Facilities Enterprises in such IT Parks, shall be entitled to the special five percent tax on gross income (5% GIT) incentive and other fiscal incentives as may be provided by PEZA.”

The resolution aims to level the country’s income distribution by promoting BPO and IT Park developments outside key market locations.

The PEZA resolution has placed Metro Clark in a sweet spot as the only established IT-BPO Hub in the country still enjoying tax incentives for new IT Parks and facilities developers.

The PEZA resolution has emphasized Metro Clark as a high potential investment destination. The large talent pool combined with developments in infrastructure of the region has helped in sustaining the BPO growth. With the entrance of new locators and expansion of previous tenants in the BPO industry, the real estate office segment is seen to expand in the coming years.

Furthermore, investors in the CFZ are also subject to varying degrees of tax incentives from state-run corporations Clark Development Corporation.

Since Clark is not a part of the ban, it is now experiencing a flourishing IT Park developments and new locators.

“Off-shoring and outsourcing continue to drive the demand for office spaces in the Clark Freeport Zone,” the CBRE said.

As of December 2012, Clark registered a low vacancy rate of 6.54% out of the total supply of 126,589 square meters leasable office space. Demand is expected to increase with the recent mergers and acquisitions of top BPO locators in Clark.

In 2012, iQor, a New York City-based data analytics and outsourcing solutions firm, acquired one of the pioneer BPO firms in Clark, Cyber City Teleservices, in an effort to increase global activity. Likewise, NCO Group Inc. has merged with APAC Customer Services Inc. under the umbrella corporation Expert Global Solutions (EGS).

Likewise, residential developments have flourished to address the housing requirements for foreign investors and workers.

An increase in expatriates and on-site working for the different locators raised the demand for quality residential developments, placing the pressure on developers to increase supply.

The growing number of locators in Clark has increased the demand for expatriate residential housing. Central Luzon region recorded 16,000 foreign citizen households in 2010, ranking third in the country, next to the National Capital Region and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In response to the evident high investment potential, developers have started launching new residential projects inside the CFZ and its fringes, CBRE said.

To date, four horizontal subdivisions and two condominium projects are adding up to the supply of residential dwellings in CFZ with about 1,076 units. These projects mainly cater to expatriates working inside the CFZ. One of these projects, for instance, is exclusively marketed to Korean nationals.

Outside the CFZ, national players are also trying to get a hold of the growing residential market driven by OFW remittances and flexible bank lending terms. In 2012, Ayala launched the second tower of their Marquee Place Residences in Angeles City, adding another 155 units in the market. Other players competing in the area are Robinsons Homes, Vista Land, Filinvest, Pro Friends, Fil-Estate and Moldex Realty.

Residential demand is seen to grow with the upcoming investments and expansion in the CFZ. Vertical residential developments are now seen rising in the area as developers try to maximize their investment on land. (BCM)






Angeleños told to choose a dedicated public servant

By sunstar.com.ph


CLARK FREEPORT -- Governor Lilia G. Pineda appealed to Angeleños on Tuesday to "choose a leader who is a dedicated public servant".

She made the announcement before some 1,000 Kambilan members of Angeles City during a meeting with first district congressional bet Joseller "Yeng" Guiao held at the Oxford Hotel.

Pineda said that in choosing their leader, Angeleños should look for dedicated leaders who are focused on giving them quality services in education, health, livelihood, and infrastructure.

The governor added that a leader should also address unemployment and the development of the area.

"Ing metung a lider eyamu dapat magdependi keng infra at emu pwedi i-focus ing pamanungkulan na keng pamipagawang tete," Pineda said.

The governor said a leader should focus on all aspects that would address the needs of constituents.

"Nung ing metung a kandidato aibie na ngan ing pangangailangan yu keng edukasyun, health, development, employment at infra ita angga man tumwa ya iya ing sopan yu uling maragul yang makasaup kekayu Angeleño ita," she added.





AS MANAGEMENT DEFIES CA ORDERCDC workers vote ‘Yes’ to strike

By Ashley Manabat


CLARK FREEPORT—The supervisory union of the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) has voted yes to strike following the management’s continued defiance of the Court of Appeals (CA) directive to implement the signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Members of the Association of CDC Supervisory Personnel (ACSP) garnered 52 yes votes and only three no votes for the strike to proceed. The strike vote was approved during the 20th anniversary celebration of CDC to show their dismay to the administration’s lack of sensitivity to the rights and welfare of the CDC workers.

Similarly, the rank and file union is also set to conduct their own strike vote on May 3, the end of the cooling period after submitting their Notice of Strike at the regional office of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) on April 18.

With the two unions now on impending strike, industrial peace inside this freeport is now compromised, ACSP president Victor Barbieto said. But only because of CDC management’s defiance of the law, he added.

“They have left us no recourse, but to go on strike, because the present administration of CDC continues to violate our constitutional rights,” said Barbieto.

“We have (legally) beaten the CDC management, not once but twice already and yet, instead of implementing our CBA, they have closed their eyes and ears to our lawful claim,” he said.

The appellate court has upheld the decision of Accredited Voluntary Arbitrator (AVA) Froilan Bacungan and denied CDC’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) for “lack of merit.”

Associate Justice Celia Librea-Leagogo, who penned the decision, said “general repealing clause under Section 32 of RA 10149 did not repeal the Labor Code. Since there was no express repeal or abrogation of the provisions of the Labor Code, petitioner CDC’s reliance on the said general repealing clause is erroneous.”

She also said in the dispositive section of the case that “for a law to operate to repeal another law, the two laws must actually be consistent. The former must be so repugnant as to be irreconcilable with the latter act. This, the petitioner (referring to CDC) failed to establish,” she added.

Also concurring the decision are Associate Justices Franchito N. Diamante and Melchor Q.C. Sadang of the 15th Division.

Meanwhile, CDC Human Resources Department Manager Bonifacio Tarrenio said CDC will continue to uphold Executive Order No. 07 and the Republic Act 10149 also known as the GOCC Governance Act of 2011.

Bacungan’s decision favoring the ACSP was made on November 5, 2012 recognizing their constitutional right to collective bargaining as provided in Article XIII, Sec. 3 of the Constitution.

“We are appealing to CDC, especially to President (Arthur) Tugade, to implement what is right of and due to the workers as enshrined in the Constitution,” Barbieto said.

“President Tugade is a lawyer and he knows the law, especially the rights of the workers,” Barbieto added.

Both the ACSP and Association of Concern CDC Employees (ACCES) said in order to have an industrial peace Tugade should implement the rights of the workers as his gift during Labor Day.

The two unions also urged to implement the release the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) of CDC as it was already mandated by law. “Hindi naman pera ni Tugade ang PBB, bakit hanggang ngayon ayaw pa rin ipalabas…dahil ba sa naka pending na strike ng kanyang mga tao?” asked one employee who requested not to be identified for fear of reprisal.

The workers union inside the Mimosa Leisure Resort has also filed a notice of strike because of the non-implementation of the economic provision of their CBA.






Clark airport expansion begins May

By Charlene A. Cayabyab


LARK FREEPORT–Expansion works at the Clark International Airport (CIA) are due to start on May 15. Victor Jose Luciano, president and chief executive officer of CIA Corporation (CIAC), said mobilization works at the airport’s phase II terminal will start after elections. “Mobilization works at the airport are due to start this May 15,” Luciano said. Expansion works were scheduled after the Land Bank of the Philippines released the P1 billion loan by CIA on March. Included in the budget is the P360 million worth expansion of the airport’s phase II terminal. Luciano said the new terminal will accommodate up to 5 million passengers per year. The new terminal is expected to be completed in September to give way to the expected influx of passengers brought by the opening of flights of Emirates Airlines in October. Emirates Airlines will commence its daily flights from Clark to Dubai and vice versa on October 1. CIAC currently serves as a hub for AirAsia Philippines and other budget carriers include Zest Air, AirAsia Berhad Malaysia, Cebu Pacific Airlines, AirPhil Express, Seair-Tiger Airlines and JinAir. Meanwhile, long haul carriers include Asiana Airlines and Dragon Air.





Clark Dev’t Corp to hold free animal rabies vaccination for four barangays in Angeles on April 30

By Joelyn G. Baluyut


CLARK FREEPORT, April 26 (PIA) -- Clark Development Corporation (CDC), through its Community Extension Services Office (CESO), will hold free animal rabies vaccination in four barangays in Angeles City on April 30.

Around 90 dogs and cats are expected to be vaccinated from the state-owned firm’s “Operation Iwas Rabis” initiative in the villages of Monicayo, Calumpang, San Vicente, and Sto. Niño.

“The project is in line with CDC’s social responsibility on promoting health and sanitation in communities inside Clark” said CESO Manager Nunila Laluces

“The mission will start from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.,” added Laluces.

Rabies is a virus transferred to humans from animals, usually dogs and cats, through close contact with the infected saliva of the animal through bites and scratches.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 95 percent of human deaths caused by the rabies virus occur in countries in Asia and Africa where almost half of those bitten by suspected rabid animals are children under 15 years of age.

The virus may cause a disease in the brain that can ultimately lead to the death of the infected person.

Its early symptoms include fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort. It lists the early symptoms of rabies as fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort.

As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation or increase in production of saliva, difficulty in swallowing and hydrophobia or the fear of water. Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms. (CLJD/JGB-PIA 3)

Bishop to voters: Pick eco-conscious bets

By Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY -- Auxiliary Bishop Pablo “Ambo” David of the Holy Rosary Parish Church urged the people to elect candidates who care for the environment.

David issued the statement during a press conference set by the Subli Taya in Upaya, Bie, at Leguan ning Indung Yatu (Subli) which highlighted the launching of infomercial on environmental consciousness at the Kamalig restaurant here Thursday.

“Environment is a political issue,” David said.

The voting populace should select leaders that have good track records in terms of preservation of the environment, according to David.

A good leader should at least display sincerity and goodwill towards implementing programs on environment and enforcement of environment laws, the bishop added.

David also urged local government units -- province, municipal/city, and barangay -- to their respective responsibilities provided under the local government code and Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

According to David, these three levels of government have different duties: the barangay is in charge of the recycling and segregation of garbage produce by households; city or municipality is responsible for residual waste which will be transferred to sanitary landfills; and the province should handle hazardous (hospital) and toxic waste.

David said that some are still operating illegal dumpsites despite warnings by the non-government organizations and government agencies including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

He clarified that the group is not an enemy but a partner of local government units particularly on protecting the environment.

“There should be a concerted effort on education and law enforcement,” he said.

Subli is committed on educating the people on environmental protection, according to him.

The environment infomercial, which was shot in an Aeta village, aims to draw support from various sectors and environment awareness.

“Ing objective mi keni gisingan ya ing corporate social responsibility da reng miyayaliwang kumpanya,” David said.

The bishop stressed that they do not want to complicate the environment issue. “Environment issue is very simple. This is the mission and vision of Jesus Christ. It is the summary of the Lord’s Prayer Thy Kingdom Come Thy Will Be Done on Earth As it is in Heaven,” he said.

A balanced ecology will bring a paradise to mankind on earth, David added.

The bishop also lauded the assistance of universities and schools to the campaign. He said the group is now monitoring hospitals’ disposal of waste.

Thousands of jobseekers troop to Clark Freeport jobs fair

By (PNA)

FFC/ZST/PS/PJN


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, April 18 (PNA) -- Thousands of jobseekers flocked in the annual Clark Freeport Jobs Fair held on Wednesday at the SM City Clark here.

Forty-one companies from the Freeport have set up stalls in the one-day job fair which is now on its fourth year.

Initiated by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA), more than 5,500 jobs opportunities were offered to the applicants that came from the various places in Central Luzon.

Anxious jobseekers queued up for hours in a hope to find prospective jobs.

The lure of finding a job has attracted many people not only in Pampanga but also in nearby provinces.

"We've heard that Clark Freeport jobs fair offered more opportunities so we came here," said Rose Ann Hernandez, a BS in Hotel and Tourism Management graduate from Tarlac City.

Even former overseas Filipino workers like Christian Postano trooped into the job fair.

Postano, in his 30s, used to be a welder in a construction company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Attending a job fair for the first time, Joyce Sta Maria said "I've always kept an open mind today I just wanted to check out the job fair."

"I'm confident of finding a suitable job soon because I have some years of experience," she said.

Among the participating companies in this yearly activity include Yokohama Tire Philippine Inc, Sutherland, SIA Philippines, SMK, Starboard, Texas Instruments, Puregold, SM Supermalls, SM Department Store, Hypermarket, Microtel, NCO, Nannox, CDC, Mimosa, China Bank, CyberCity Teleservices, Fontana Leisure Parks, and Metro Clark Advisory Council.

The yearly activity enabled to reach out to qualified applicants who are interested in joining the huge workforce currently employed in the Freeport, SM City Clark mall manager Ana Datu, said.

Based on the CDC’s Customer Services Department report, there are more than 70,000 workers in Clark and the job vacancies are expected to increase this year with the expansion and opening of various firms.

Honest airport worker returns lost bag, money

By (PNA)

PDS/ZST/MDDR/PS/PJN


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, April 17 (PNA) -- A cleaning crew assigned at the passenger terminal of the Clark International Airport has been commended for his “exemplary” honesty after returning to its rightful owner a sling bag containing some P50,000 cash in different currencies.

Clark International Airport Corporation president Victor Jose Luciano, in a letter, commended Dominic Bacayo, a personnel of McKleene cleaning services, for the “exemplary honesty he showed in the performance of his duties.”

On March 29, Bacayo found a black sling bag at the arrival area of the passenger terminal.

He immediately called the attention of the on-duty operations personnel for proper disposition.

The bag, upon inspection, was found to have contained cash amounting to CNY 2,426; HK$ 3,920; P28,000; keys, identification card and the passport of one Li Weillang, a Chinese national.

Weillang, it was learned, was a passenger of Cebu Pacific flight No. 5J149 from Hong Kong.

Investigation over fuel anomiles in Clark sought

By Mark Anthony N. Manuel


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The Bureau of Customs (BoC) here has proposed an independent investigation be immediately conducted to protect the interest of the government on the alleged fuel anomalies inside this Freeport, saying that insiders from the bureau are probably involved in the incident.

The proposal came after the intelligence service of BoC found out that 93 drums of supposed to be confiscated fuels where turned into water and sludge.

Atty. Ronnie Silvestre, chief of the BOC inside Clark, said that they were surprised when the 165 drums seized by authorities from 2009 to 2012 for non-payment of tax and other duties contained water and sludge.

The automatic fuel allegedly carted away from the Freeport costs P700,000.

“We discovered this by accident. The supposed auction for seized items is part of our efforts to increase our tax collection,” Silvestre pointed out.

An inspection done by specialists from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) said that more expensive automotive diesel in the drums were gone.

However, Silvestre declined to confirm the reports of the Energy Department and the SGS until the completion of in-depth investigation.

Silvestre said that he has sent a memorandum to Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon to conduct an in-depth investigation and determine the identity of the people behind the irregularities.

He said that he requested that third-party investigators should conduct the investigation.

The Customs port chief said that some employees of BoC might be involved in the incident, but he declined to comment further as no evidence can point to any specific names from the bureau.

He also declined to name the alleged personnel involved in the “switch”.

Customs police are the supposed “custodians” of the smuggled fuel.

“That is why I sent a memo to [Ruffy] Biazon for them to conduct an investigation," he said.

Earlier, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Arthur Tugade said Friday that fuel smuggling inside Clark is very unlikely to occur as the state-run firm is implementing strict protocols in order to combat the illegal activity.

A management committee, chaired by Tugade, said in a report made available over the weekend that fuel smuggling is unlikely to happen inside Clark as the area is landlocked and that the bulk of fuel entry to Clark is through an underground pipeline from Subic in Zambales.

“CDC follows a series of protocol to ensure fuel transfer from Subic. CDC would receive fuel transfer from Subic with a corresponding Bring- Out Document from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which is the basis of CDC to authorize the entry of fuel to Clark through a Bring-In Document,” it said.

AirAsia marks 1st year in Clark

By Ding Cervantes


CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – To mark its first year of operations in the country, AirAsia is offering a one peso base fare promo for all destinations starting today.

“It has been a year since we launched our operations. The potential for growth is tremendous and we aim to play a big role in growing the market,” said AirAsia Inc commercial chief Freddy Herrera.

He noted that “the passenger traffic in Clark has grown tremendously last year and we have consistently remained committed in providing our guest with the highest standards in safety, efficiency and quality service.”

Herrera said the “one-peso birthday blowout promo is available for booking on AirAsia’s website www.airasia.com from April 15 to 21 for travels covering the period June 1 to Sept. 30.”

“Guests can also book their flights via AirAsia’s new and improved mobile apps as well which are available for download at Apple’s App Store for iPhone, Google’s Play Store for Android phones, or at mobile.airasia.com for WAP enabled phones,” AirAsia said in an advisory.

Herrera noted that “before AirAsia and other airlines that came after us at Clark, travellers, particularly OFWs and their families in Central and Northern Luzon were underserved and saddled with poor connectivity and high fares,” Herrera noted.

He also said “AirAsia is also set to surprise passengers at the Clark International Airport with exciting games and free flight giveaways in the coming days.”






Clark union to stage strike

By Reynaldo G. Navales


CLARK FREEPORT -- The supervisors’ union of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is set to stage a strike for the alleged “culpable violation of workers’ rights and unfair labor practices” by the corporation’s management.

The Association of CDC Supervisory Personnel (ACSP) recently filed a Notice of Strike (NOS) at the regional office of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) at the City of San Fernando.

Union members said they were forced to seek legal remedy following serious violation of the economic provision of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and refusal to implement the lawful order of the Accredited Voluntary Arbitrator (AVA) issued on November 29 last year.

The ACSP and CDC management has signed the CBA on March 2012 during the incumbency of former CDC President Felipe Antonio Remollo but have yet to be implemented, citing Executive Order No. 07 and the Republic Act 10149 also known as GOCC Governance Act of 2011.

According to the ACSP, CDC is violating the provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines because of its refusal to implement the CBA.

The union officials, led by ACSP President Victor Barbieto and ACSP Vice President Eric Jimenez, were forced seek the assistance of the NCMB.

Jimenez cited Executive Order 7 and Republic Act 10149 have no repealing clause of the rights of the employees to organize as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.

He said CDC should have ‘given the go signal’ and implemented the agreed provisions of the accord, especially the stipulated economic provision by both parties.

Salary increases of ASCP are derived from CBA negotiations every five years, with economic negotiation on the 3rd year of the contract.

Earlier, the rank and file union of CDC also filed NOS at the NCMB because of the management’s refusal to negotiate with the union as provided in the CBA provision that on the 3rd year of the contract, both parties will have to negotiate the CBA — especially the economic provision.

But the Association of Concerned CDC Employees (ACCES) pulled out their NOS at the NCMB after the management disregarded the letter of Corporate Government Owned and Controlled Corp. Council (GCG) Chair Cesar Villanueva.

Earlier, Villanueva stated in a letter to former CDC chairman Eduardo Oban that “CBAs between employees and GOCC employers may no longer be negotiated” in light of Executive Order No. 7 and RA 10149.

He also said that “being no longer a subject for negotiation, such CBAs are furthermore taken out of the jurisdiction of arbitration proceedings and hence effectively are no longer a proper subject in such proceedings.”

The CDC is a Government-owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) tasked to establish the Clark Freeport Zone as the premier logistics, light industry, and service center in Southeast Asia, HR 2989 stated.

As a GOCC, it said, it became subject to the jurisdiction of RA 10149 and the GCG when the law was enacted last June 6, 2011. As a result of the enactment of RA 10149, questions have been raised as to which body should govern the labor situation in CDC.

The NCMB has set conciliation meeting Monday (April 15) between CDC management and union officials. The strike notice has 15 days cooling off period before the strike vote.





Kapampangan traders win IdeaSpace competition

By sunstar.com.ph


CLARK FREEPORT -- A team of Kapampangan businessmen was selected as one of the Top 10 winners of the IdeaSpace Foundation Incorporated national technology competition.

Reinell Cunanan, Alvin Layva, and Moises Guevarra, who represents Armtech, received a P500,000 funding to develop an affordable water purification system.

Under the program, the IdeaSpace will provide technological assistance and funding for research and mass production of their product.

IdeaSpace Foundation Inc. is supported by industry leaders from companies under First Pacific Company Ltd., Metro Pacific Investments, and the PHILIPPINE Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT).

During the competition, the three developed a compact, lightweight and low-cost water purification machine which uses a technology that kills harmful microorganisms without the complexities of conventional purifiers.

Armtech’s invention was chosen out of 700 entries from all over the Philippines. They were awarded, along with other nine other teams, at the First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo City in April 5.

The panel of judges for the final leg included Manuel Pangilinan, managing director and chief executive officer of First Pacific; Jose Ma. Lim, president and CEO of Metro Pacific; Ricardo Blancaflor, director general of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines; Orlando Vea, president and CEO of Digitel Communications Philippines and chief wireless advisor at Smart Communications, Inc.; Johan Hellstam Segergen, Philippines and Thailand country manager of Google Enterprise; Lawrence Goh, chief information adviser for PLDT and Smart. Meanwhile, Edward Tortorici, executive director at First Pacific and executive advisor at Metro Pacific, joined the judging panel online.

"All the finalists are impressive but these ten teams emerged as winners. We're excited for our first batch of incubatees. Our job now is to help them become investable businesses at par with global standards," Earl Martin Valencia, IdeaSpace president, said.

After being chosen, Armtech will undergo six months business incubation where they can continue their research about their inventions and also receive mentoring, support, services and grants from IdeaSpace partners worth P2 million to scale up their business.

Also, the team can get additional investments of up to P5 million each while IdeaSpace link them to potential investors in the Philippines, Silicon Valley in America and other parts of the world.

Some of the partners of IdeaSpace are Amazon, Asian Institute of Management, Freelancer.com, Ionics, IPO Philippines, Microsoft Philippines, Adamson University and the University of the Philippines Open University.

The other winners are from Metro Manila, Mindanao and the Bicol region.

Their unique inventions or business startups include a mix of hardware, mobile and software solutions for various industries such as agriculture, energy, information and communications technology (ICT), healthcare, media, telecommunications and transportation.




Sison looking at elder, woman reps in council

By Jovi T. De Leon


ANGELES CITY -- This city’s vice-mayoralty bet Mark Allen Sison, Vice President Jejomar Binay’s “anointed one” on the United Nationalist Alliance list, said Thursday that once Angeleños give him the mandate to become the “working vice mayor” he intends to be, he will see to it that senior citizens and women are well represented in the City Council.

While doing his rounds of various senior citizens’ and women’s groups listening to their needs and concerns, he told Sun.Star Pampanga that the plan is “well within the spirit of Senate Bill 1418.”

“It is very important that senior citizens, women, including persons with disabilities are represented in the City Council as Senate Bill 1418 requires. This is for all local legislative bodies and we are looking to be the first in country,” Sison stressed.

He furthered that the representatives coming from thousands of elderly, PWDs and women’s groups in the city will seat as ex-officio councilors.

“Importante po na marinig sa konseho ang kanilang pangangailangan. Libo-libo pong senior citizens, PWDs at kababaihan ang kulang na kulang sa kalinga. At tayo ay handang tugunan ito katulad ng ating ginawa noon at patuloy na ginagawa ngayon kagaya ng pagtugon sa kailangan nilang wheelchairs, nebulizers, gamot at ibang health concerns. Sila ay parte pa rin ating mainstream society na hindi dapat pabayaan, eleksyon man o hindi,” Sison said.

‘My salary will go to them’

Sison emphasized that if elected into office, his salary as vice-mayor will be allocated for the three sectors.

“Ang sweldo ko ay magiging pondo nila. Bukod dito, ibababa natin ang mga session sa kanilang lugar especially iyung malalayong barangay. Atin din pong ipapa-review ang kanilang budget sa DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] kung saan dapat mapunta talaga sa kanila ang estimated na 80 percent. Iyung matitira ay for monitoring ng DSWD,” he added.

“In any case, wala na naman akong malaking financial obligation sa family at nagtatrabaho rin ang misis ko. Definitely, walang kamag-anak ko ang puwedeng magtrabaho sa city hall kung tayo ay papalarin,” concluded Sison.





Angeles City District Jail inmates to graduate from elem, HS

By Rebecca Grace S. David


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, April 11 (PIA) -- A total of 28 inmates of the Angeles City District Jail will soon don white togas after successfully finishing elementary and high school via Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS).

ALS Supervisor Josefina David said the first batch of graduates from the jail is composed of three females and two males who finished elementary and 14 females and nine males who finished high school.

“All of the graduates passed the Accreditation & Equivalency exam which qualifies them to enroll to the next level” David added.

For ten months, mobile teaches held classes inside the city jail.

In relation to this, Systems Plus Marketing Head Almario Layug announced that they will soon sign a memorandum of agreement with Warden Neil Subibi of the City Jail which stipulates that among the graduates,10 males and six females will avail of the training on housekeeping to be held inside the jail. (CLJD/RGSD-PIA 3)

Second criminal case filed against Lazatin over alleged anomalous bike deal

By Franco G. Regala


ANGELES CITY– A second criminal case has been filed at the Office of the Ombudsman against Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin.

The 78-year old congressman, who is presently campaigning for city mayor on a platform of good governance, has been accused of allocating a portion of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for the purchase of reconditioned motor vehicles which are “more expensive than brand new ones.”

Former barangay chairman Reynaldo Pamintuan of Ninoy Aquino filed the complaint-affidavit against Lazatin for violation of laws relative to the purchase of reconditioned motorbikes amounting to Php 390,000per unit with the following engine specifications: 4-stroke; 3-cylinder; water cooled - direct fan gasoline; reconditioned transmission: 4-speed M/T Displacement : 659cc 12 valve horsepower : 39 PS / 5600 RPM Tires: 12" steel rims 35 liters fuel tank allowable options/ accessories: original cab configuration, bucket seat with headrest, seatbelts, glass window riser doors double wiper, dashboard with glove compartment, sun visor, full carpeting with floor matting, new upholstery design, sliding window, pulled up seats, 12" steel rims, interior lamp, upholstered ceiling.

According to the former village chairman, a brand new motorbike with the same specifications costs only P 330,000 per unit which is P 60,000 less than the second hand purchase of Lazatin.

“The cost of the purchase of 10 units reconditioned of motorbikes was more expensive by six hundred thousand pesos (Php600,000) than the market price of 10 brand new motorcycles with the same specifications. This is truly highly anomalous,” Pamintuan said.

He also presented a quotation from motorcycle dealer KServico. The price for a brand new 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 650R motorbike with freebies including 1 year LTO registration and insurance was only Php360,000 per unit, still cheaper from the second hand purchased thru the PDAF of Lazatin.

"It is evidently clear that Congressman Lazatin violated certain provisions of laws stated in No. 2 of this complaint-affidavit, specifically Sections 3 (e) and 3 (g) of R.A.3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Further, the subject issue caused undue injury to the government and is punishable under pertinent Sections of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act," Pamintuan stated.

"I am executing this Complaint-Affidavit to attest to the truth and veracity of the foregoing and to charge Carmelo F. Lazatin, congressman representing the first district of Pampanga, with conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave misconduct and violation of Sections 3 (e) and 3 (g) of R.A. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act," he added.





Lazatin eyes payroll system

By Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY - Representative Carmelo Lazatin said he will implement full computerization of employees' payroll if he gets elected again as mayor in this city.

Lazatin said the electronic payroll will also include hand recognition for employees, which is expected to prevent the prevalence of so-called ‘ghost employees.’

"Sa computerized hand recognition, makakasiguro tayo na ang tumatanggap ng sahod ay totoong empleyado na nagtatrabaho sa City Hall," said Lazatin.

In comparison to the finger scanning system being implemented by the present administration, the hand recognition system is linked directly to the Human Resources Department (HRD), which will then print the employee's Daily Time Record (DTR) and forward it to the Accounting Department.

Upon receipt of the DTR, the Accounting Department will automatically generate the payroll for the employees.

"Sa pagpapatupad ng ganitong sistema, hindi lang magiging mas efficient ang payroll system ng City Government, maiiwasan pa ang 'ghost employees' at ang pagkakaroon ng 'time theft' at 'leave credits theft' sa parte ng mga empleyado," Lazatin said.

Lazatin earlier announced that he will continue the improvements on urban poor affairs and socialized housing that he first started in 1998 when he created the Local Urban Poor Affairs and Housing Office (Lupaho), wherein he was able to distribute 15,000 land titles to residents of Angeles City by the end of his three terms.

The City Government under the administration of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is plagued with allegations of having 'ghost employees' hidden within its more than 2,000 job order employees, according to Lazatin.





CDC running short of lands for new investors

By Ding Cervantes


CLARK FREEPORT -- Almost all 2,200 hectares of this freeport have already been leased out to a total of 608 investors, leaving the state-owned Clark Development Corp. (CDC) only 139 hectares of scattered areas for potential investments.

With its income largely derived from land lease payments, the CDC could head to “financial plateau” that could be surpassed by its expenditures, admitted CDC president and chief executive officer Arthur Tugade in a recent meeting with members of the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC) here.

“Actually we have a total of 145 hectares still uncommitted, but six hectares of this area is devoted to parking areas and roads so we are left with 139 hectares”, he noted.

Tugade, who assumed post only last December, also noted that of the 608 investors in this freeport, only 182 have direct contracts with the CDC. The others are sub-lessees of these direct investors.

Tugade said he is now looking into measures to prevent this scenario, amid growing expenditures.

He cited “judicious management” of the state firm’s resources, as well as scouting for more adjacent areas to be included in the scope of the freeport, as among these measures.

Statistics from the CDC indicated that about 58 percent of the state firm’s income go to the salaries and benefits of its personnel whose at least two unions have consistently demanded compliance with their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that included regular upgrading of their salaries.

This, even as the CDC reported that investors at Clark exported last year some P3.6 billion worth of products, mostly electronic items. This does not include $1.5 billion worth of exports from Texas Instruments, also within Clark but placed under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Export Processing Authority (PEZA), the report said.





Foreign carriers seek higher fuel surcharge

By Lawrence Agcaoili


MANILA, Philippines - More foreign airlines are seeking the green light from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to raise the fuel surcharge imposed on their passengers amid the rising price of aviation fuel in the world market.

In separate petitions filed before the CAB, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. and Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd. are seeking authority anew to impose another round of upward adjustment of fuel surcharge on international passenger tickets.

Cathay Pacific and DragonAir seek to impose a 6.8 percent increase in fuel surcharge to $131.7 per passenger from $123.3 for flights between Hong Kong and South West Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South Asian sub-continent including same day transit within 24 hours in Bangkok or Singapore.

Both airlines also intend to raise the fuel surcharge for other flights by 5.2 percent to $32.6 per passenger from $31 per passenger.

Early last month, the CAB gave Cathay Pacific and DragonAir the green light to raise fuel surcharge six percent to $123.3 per passenger from $116.4 for flight coupons between Hong Kong and South West Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South Asian sub-continent including same day transit within 24 hours in Bangkok or Singapore.

The regulator also approved the airlines’ request to raise the fuel surcharge for other flights by 8.7 percent to $31 per passenger from $29.1 per passenger.

Cathay Pacific flies along the Hong Kong-Manila route 37 times a week and seven times between Hong Kong and Cebu City while DragonAir has daily flights between Clark Freeport and Hong Kong as well as services the Manila-Hong Kong route seven times a week.

Meanwhile, the CAB is set to hear the petition filed by Emirates to impose higher fuel surcharge ranging between $15 and $30 on on flights to the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Middle East, West Asia, Indian Ocean, Africa, Europe, and the US on May 7.

Emirates intends to impose a $15 increase on the fuel surcharge to $155 from $140 on economy class passengers and a $30 increase to $300 from $270 on business class passengers going to GCC and Middle East.

The airline would also raise the fuel surcharge by $15 to $170 from $155 on economy class passengers and $30 to $330 from $300 on business class passengers of flights going to West Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa, and Europe.

Emirates also intends to slap a $20 increase to $175 from $155 on economy class passengers to the Americas and a $40 increase to $340 from $300 on business class flights to Africa.

Emirates is set to begin daily, non-stop flights from Dubai to the Clark International

Airport in Pampanga starting Oct. 1. Clark would be the airline’s second destination in the Philippines on top of the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila.

The CAB allows airlines to impose fuel surcharge on international and domestic passengers as a temporary relief to help them recover losses arising from the increase in jet fuel prices in the world market.

Latest results of the Jet Fuel Price Monitor of the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) showed that the price of jet fuel averaged $127.2 per barrel as of March 15 nearing the full year target of $132.8 per barrel set by IATA.

Drug rehab center OK’d — MACAJ

By Franco G. Regala


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — The Metro Angeles Council on the Administration of Justice (MACAJ) approved yesterday a resolution for the construction of a drug rehabilitation center in this city.

Judge Omar Viola, MACAJ chairman, immediately called on the city government, under Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, to include the proposed drug rehabilitation center in its list of priority projects.

“I remember in the late 90s, the city operated the Gabay Diwa Drug Rehabilitation Center located at barangay Pampang. But for some unknown reasons, it ceased operations,” said Viola.

Viola and the Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ACADAC) recently conducted an ocular visit in Barangay Margot to identify possible sites and include this in the proposal to be submitted to the city government.

Guiao gains support on Clark Authority plan

By (JCS)


CLARK FREEPORT -- Congressional aspirant and Vice Governor Joseller Guiao has gained support for his plan to convert the freeport into Clark Freeport Authority if he gets elected in Pampanga’s first district this May.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and Chief Executive Officer Arthur Tugade agreed with Guiao's idea, saying converting Clark from Freeport to Authority will address the tenure issue for future CDC presidents.

“In the last 20 years, CDC has had 12 presidents and that's a high turnover,” Tugade said during the meeting of the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC) on Thursday.

Tugade, who co-chaired the MCAC meeting with Mabalacat City Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales, is CDC's 12th president and CEO, succeeding Benigno Ricafort.

Guiao said that under an Authority, future CDC presidents will have fixed terms and this will ensure continuity and stability in the implementation of programs and policies inside Clark.

“There are investors, both foreign and domestic, who are a bit hesitant to put in long-term investments in Clark because of uncertainty in the length of tenure of the CDC president,” Guiao said.

Guiao said the conversion will also help generate more jobs and other spin-offs for Clark and surrounding economies, particularly in the first district composing Angeles City, Mabalacat City and Magalang.

Lawyer vows support to Lazatin

By Reynaldo G. Navales


ANGELES CITY -- Human rights lawyer Francisco Buan Jr. has expressed support to the mayoralty bid of Representative Carmelo Lazatin.

“Congressman Lazatin is the best person to serve as mayor of Angeles City,” said Buan, who ran against the former in the 1987 congressional election.

Buan said that even though he was once Lazatin’s political opponent, they share the same dedication to genuine public service and good governance.

“We are a society of sheeps and as expected, we will be governed by wolves, kaya ngayon palang ay dapat na tayong sumipa dahil nakakakilabot na ang ginagawa ng kasalukuyang administrasyon,” Buan said.

Buan was referring to the several controversies hounding the Angeles City Government under the administration of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

Buan joined local broadcaster Med David and Barangay Claro M. Recto Chairman Valentino Lagman in filing a case before the Office of the Ombudsman against some members of the Angeles City Council for serious dishonesty and grave misconduct due to the alleged fraudulent purchases of mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic gadgets.

The officials are accused of “conniving, conspiring and confederating with a private individual… to willfully, unlawfully and criminally cause damage, prejudice, and undue injury to the government in the amount of P120,000.”

In October of last year, another radio personality, Robledo Sanchez, also filed a graft and corruption case against the mayor in connection with the ghost employees at City Hall. (Reynaldo G. Navales)






Graft case filed vs Angeles officials anew

By Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY -- Another graft case was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against four city officials in connection with alleged irregular acquisition of laptop and other gadgets issued to Councilor Alfie Bonifacio, a candidate for vice mayor here under the Nacionalista Party.

Bonifacio, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting, City Administrator Dennis Pamintuan, and General Services Officer Menandro Dizon were charged by Balibago chairman Rodelio Mamac, Claro Rector chairman Val Lagman and Broadcaster Medardo David.

The complainants claimed that the four city officials connived in illegally procuring the communication gadgets amounting to P35,000.

One Joey Vasco of Nordent Enterprises, the alleged supplier of the gadgets, was also included in the complaint sheet filed by the three complainants who stated in their affidavit that the city officials violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

“[The city officials], with evident bad faith and manifest partiality, did then and there willfully, unlawfully and criminally cause damage, prejudice and undue injury to the City Government in the amount of P35,515, by making it to appear that Nordent Enterprises based in Quezon City delivered to Bonifacio on June 9, 2011, one unit of brand new red Toshiba laptop model T210-1102R with serial number 9AD42668K with 2GB DDR3 Memory, Microsoft Windows 7 O/S along with a Toshiba Bag, X5 50 MD Silver A4 Tech Camera, IP 2770 Canon Printer and a 2GB Kingston USB, in relation to Angeles City Government Purchase Order No. 0915-11 dated September 26, 2011,” the complaint stated.

“That the said items were accepted and inspected by Cabigting and transferred to the custody from the GSO to Bonifacio, when in truth and in fact, as they well all knew, that no Nordent Enterprise legally and formally exists and operates.”

The complainants also alleged that no such deliveries were made and that Nordent is a dummy company of Bonifacio.

“Thus in actuality a clear case of ghost company, simulated procurement and ghost deliveries, planned, schemed, connived, conspired, and confabulated by all of the above-mentioned respondents and which caused the City Government of Angeles, undue damaged and prejudice,” the complainants said.

On March 11, 2013, Vicky Ramos, Acting Records and Statistics Division Chief of the Business Permit & License Office of Quezon City, issued a certification stating that no business permit has been issued in the name of Nordent Enterprise.

The complainants also disclosed the glaring similarities of Bonifacio’s signature with that of the Nordent Enterprise representative.

Bonifacio denied the charges and said the gadgets were acquired under the right process.

He refused, however, to issue any comments regarding the complaint. He said he will answer the charges in proper time and venue.

The official also cited the election van, which prohibits the Ombudsman in hearing the case.

“Palage ku after election na karin ne aksyunan ning Ombudsman yan,” Bonifacio said.

Cabigting expressed similar views, saying they did not receive the formal copy of the charges from the Ombudsman and they cannot comment regarding the issue yet.






City College of Angeles to offer four-year academic degrees starting June

By Joelyn G. Baluyut


ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, April 2 (PIA) -- City College of Angeles (CCA) is set to offer five four-year academic degrees beginning this June.

Courses include BS Computer Science, BS Information Technology, BS Tourism Management, BS Physical Education, and BS Technical Teacher Education major in Food and Service Management.

“The new tertiary degrees will encourage more of our youth to study in the City College and improve the quality of their lives through its market sensitive courses, professional skills trainings, and other programs” said Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

“Established last year, we currently offer associate degrees in Computer Science, Information Systems, and Tourism in ladderize or dual training system mode” CCA President Averell Laquindanum explained.

“We expect our enrollment to reach 1,000 this year as we transfer to our new and permanent home in barangay Pampang” Laquindanum added.

Relative to this, CCA shall be accepting enrollees to its various courses for the upcoming school year beginning April 22.



Angeles City Archived News

The older news reports are kept here

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