Makati News

From Zamboanga.com :Portal to The Philippines
Jump to: navigation, search

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Barangays of Makati City in the Metro Manila Area (NCR) of the Philippines
Bangkal | Bel-Air | Carmona | Cembo | Comembo | Dasmariñas | East Rembo | Forbes Park | Guadalupe Nuevo | Guadalupe Viejo | Kasilawan | La Paz | Magallanes | Olympia | Palanan | Pembo | Pinagkaisahan | Pio del Pilar | Pitogo | Poblacion | Post Proper Northside | Post Proper Southside | Rizal | San Antonio | San Isidro | San Lorenzo | Santa Cruz | Singkamas | South Cembo | Tejeros | Upgrade SHS Katipunan | Upgrade SHS Novaliches | Urdaneta | Valenzuela | West Rembo
We ask the SK Chairman, to please Help update his/her barangay webpage with informaton updates or Picture Uploads to promote tourism and attract investors.

Makati News:Thursday, May 23rd , 2013- Arraignment of gun-poking dad in Colegio San Agustin set :MANILA, Philippines - The father of a student at the Colegio San Agustin (CSA), who allegedly pointed a pistol at the head of his son's schoolmate last August, will be arraigned for a charge of grave threat before the Makati City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 65 on June 17....Full Story»
Makati City Photo Gallery
Makati City Realty
Philippine News Headlines
Makati City - Archived News

Contents

Arraignment of gun-poking dad in Colegio San Agustin set

By : Mike Frialde


MANILA, Philippines - The father of a student at the Colegio San Agustin (CSA), who allegedly pointed a pistol at the head of his son's schoolmate last August, will be arraigned for a charge of grave threat before the Makati City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 65 on June 17.

Dominic Balane, lawyer forthe victim, 18-yar old Jesus Manuel Garcia, said that the earlier complaints of attempted murder, slander and slander by deed filed against accused Allan Bantiles before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office were dismissed and was reduced to a complaint of grave threat.

Bantiles, a construction contractor and a resident of 44 Stockholm St., Villareal Classica Village, Quezon City, earlier had his licenses for a Glock 9 mm pistol and a caliber .45 pistol revoked by the Philippine National Police in the wake of the alleged gun poking incident last August 30 at the CSA faculty room.

Garcia had accused Bantiles of slapping him in the face and pointing a caliber .45 pistol at his head.

Last October, Garcia's lawyers asked the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office to dismiss the accused’s motion to have the complaints of attempted murder, slander and slander by deed filed against him dismissed.

In their five-page opposition, lawyers Alan Tan and Balane, said the verified motion to dismiss or suspend preliminary investigation filed last October 23 by accused Allan Bantiles must be dismissed on the ground that it is a “dilatory maneuver which cannot be sanctioned under existing law.”

In his motion, Bantiles asked the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office to dismiss the complaint filed against him on the ground that Garcia had allegedly committed perjury.

Bantiles said Garcia stated in his complaint-affidavit that prior to the alleged gun-poking incident, he flicked a classmate’s shoulder with a ballpen.

Bantilles said that in several media interviews Garcia admitted having stabbed one classmate and punched another. He said this is the reason why Garcia’s classmate who is a minor and who was reportedly stabbed by him with a ballpen had also filed a complaint for child abuse against him (Garcia) before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.

“Clearly, complainant had perjured himself in an effort to convince this Honorable Office that herein respondent has to be prosecuted,” said Bantilles.

“Hence, since a Preliminary Investigation should not and ought not to proceed based on a perjured Complaint-Affidavit, this matter should be dismissed or at least suspended until after the complaint for Child Abuse against herein complainant is resolved,” Bantilles added.

But according to Garcia’s lawyers, the incident being mentioned by Bantiles was never in question and that the use of the words “flick” and “stab” is just a matter of semantics and was not a denial of the incident between Garcia and his classmate.

“Respondent’s claim that complainant (Garcia) perjured himself loses traction as there is no false declaration whatsoever of the complainant relative to the material matter aforementioned,” said Garcia’s lawyers.

According to Garcia’s lawyers, their client never denied having hit a classmate with a pen, which they said was just their client’s reaction to his classmate’s “sustained acts of harassment.”

Balane said that even as Bantilles will be arraigned for the complaint of grave threat, they have filed motion for reconsideration for the three dismissed complaints.






Militants stage rally in front of TECO in Makat

By : Anna Liza Villas-Alavaren


Militant groups on Wednesday staged a protest rally in front of the office of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Makati City in light of alleged harassment towards Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Taiwan.

The militants picketed outside the RCBC Bldg., where TECO's office is located, to call for an immediate resolution of the row between Manila and Taipei brought by the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman in the disputed waters last May 9.

Protesters took the opportunity to address the Taiwan government that OFWs are not their enemy. They also urged the Philippine government to take steps to protect OFWs, who were the subjects of harassment and violence by Taiwanese gang members allegedly to avenge the fisherman who was shot dead. At the same time, the protesters sent their sympathies to the relatives of the slain fisherman, Hung Shis-Cheng, 65.

The picket ended peacefully as militants decided to disperse after voicing their concerns.





Makati now accepts free livelihood training applicants until June 15

By : Jerome Carlo R. Paunan


MAKATI CITY, May 21 (PIA) -- The Makati Training Placement and Livelihood Consortia (MTPLC), the training arm of the local government based at the University of Makati, has announced that it will accept new applicants to form this year’s second batch of trainees on hard skills until June 15.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay encouraged residents to avail themselves of the opportunity to learn skills that could land them well-paying jobs here and abroad.

“I hope more residents will apply for the free training program offered by the MTPLC and be among the successful graduates who are now gainfully employed or successfully managing their own business ventures,” Binay said.

Prof. Apollo Mambiar, MTPLC program manager, said his office will accept applications until June 15 to give qualified city residents a chance to learn new skills for free at the city-owned university.

Mambiar said a one-day admission test is scheduled on June 18 while the official enrolment period will be on June 25 to 27. Classes will start on July 1 but enrollees will be allowed to change their course program from July 1 to 3 only.

Meanwhile, the first batch that started in February is set to complete their three-month training on food and beverage service, motorcycle servicing, and shielded metal arc welding. Mambiar said their graduation ceremony has been scheduled on July 23, of this year.

The MTPLC program manager also said that this June, four programs covering five months will be completed, namely, Automotive Servicing, Ref Aircon Servicing, Electrical Building Wiring and Computer Technology Servicing. The graduates will also form part of the first batch of MTPLC graduates this year.

Aside from UMak, the Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD) and Department of Education – Makati also serve as MTPLC’s training providers on soft skills and on alternative learning program, respectively.

Mambiar said the operation and administration of MTPLC skills training programs at UMak is done in close coordination with the University administration and College of Technology Management.

The MTPLC offers ten hard skills training programs through UMak twice a year. The first batch runs from February to June and the second batch from July to December. On the other hand, the MSWD conducts three six-month course training programs on Alternative Medicine, Beauty Care and Sewing Craft.

The MTPLC is a key agency of the city government focused on providing skills training, livelihood, and job opportunities for residents of Makati. It serves as the central training arm of the city government that coordinates and synergizes all skills development and job placement efforts of similarly-oriented public and private institutions in the city. It has received many awards from TESDA. (ICRD/RJB/JCP/PIA-NCR)






Nancy Binay denies supplying Makati's cakes

By : Dharel Placido, ABS-CBNnews.com


MANILA – Senator-elect Nancy Binay on Monday denied that she is supplying the cakes given by the Makati City government to the city's senior citizens during birthdays and golden wedding anniversaries.

Binay, daughter of former Makati Mayor and now Vice-President Jejomar Binay, denied owning the company that supplies the cakes for Makati's senior citizens.

"No. I don't supply that (cakes). First of all, I don't bake. It's my husband who is in charge in the kitchen. It's not my company," Binay told ANC's "Headstart".

"Why would I do that? I am barred from doing that. My father (Vice President Jejomar Binay) used to be the mayor, my brother (Jejomar "Junjun" Binay, Jr.) is the mayor. Why would we do that?" she added.

According to a city council resolution uploaded on the Makati City website, Binay's brother, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, is authorized to negotiate and sign contracts for the supply of birthday cakes for senior citizens.

A Philippine Information Agency report said Makati is spending P19.3 million for free cakes on birthdays and golden wedding anniversaries of the city's senior citizens.

In the interview, Binay said she and her family are used to being accused of practicing corruption.

She denied another accusation that her family owns at least one unit in all buildings in Makati City.

"It's not true. If it's true, why do I still live in my father's house with my kids and with my sisters who also have a family? If that's true, I would have moved out a long time ago," she said, adding that she is building a house just beside her parents' house.

The newly elected senator also noted that her family has moved on from the scandal involving her father's extra-marital affair.

"Before it came out sa mainstream media, our local rivals were already showing that every night in their campaign rallies. So when it came out on mainstream media, it was nothing new to us."

"It happened a few years back and we all have moved on. My mother has already forgiven him. Nagkaroon na ng forgiveness."

Binay placed fifth in the senatorial race after garnering over 16 million votes. Only 2 other United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) senatorial bets made it to the top 12.

The other two are JV Ejercito Estrada and Gringo Honasan.

Century Properties has high hopes for new retail project

By : Philippine Daily Inquirer


It might still be several months away but real estate developer Century Properties Group Inc. said it will open Century City Mall in the last quarter of 2013, marking its entry into retail development while expanding its portfolio of upmarket projects. “It will be the most exciting retail development in Makati City after many years. Our team of designers has gone through great lengths to create a place that is truly special. It will offer a wholly distinct retail, leisure and dining experience—from its design and store mix to its lifestyle concepts,” Century Properties Co-COO Marco Antonio said.


Upscale lifestyle center The upscale lifestyle center will be located inside the 3.4-hectare Century City. Residents of the newly completed Gramercy and the soon-to-open Knightsbridge Residences will be among the first to experience the new lifestyle hub, a uniquely shaped iconic structure that is now visible on Kalayaan Avenue. Likewise, patients and doctors at the soon-to-open Centuria Medical Makati, an outpatient medical arts center at Century City, will enjoy the new shopping and dining experience that the mall will offer. Century Properties has infused over P1 billion for the project, which was designed by the Singapore-based Broadway Malyan in collaboration with Century’s professional architecture and design team. “Century City Mall will exemplify the best in modern retail design and architecture, while taking care in providing retail convenience and spaces that encourage interaction,” Antonio added. More than 1,400 square meters of space in the mall basement has been dedicated to a new concept supermarket. Luxury retail brands will occupy the mall’s first level, while lifestyle fashion brands will be on the second floor. The third level will house cinemas that utilize the latest innovations in film technology, one of which will be an ultra exclusive 80-seater theater with its own lounge. The third level will also have retail stores such as the largest Apple reseller in Southeast Asia, as well as food and beverage shops. Al fresco dining will be situated on the fourth level, while the fifth level will have a rooftop bar. Comfort, too, is assured at Century City Mall as it enjoys plenty of natural light and ventilation. Heart of Century City “We have conceived Century City Mall to be the heart of the entire Century City development. We’d like to change the way people view going to the mall through our exciting retail mix, lively cinematic environments, world-class restaurants, generous outdoor spaces, seamless WiFi and the latest smart technologies. This is a lifestyle destination whose focus is a distinguished customer experience,” Antonio said.

Manila Symphony Orchestra concert de-stresses Makati rush hours

By : John Paul "JP" Tanchanco


What can you do to kill time when you're caught in the middle of the stressful Makati Commercial Business District (CBD) during the "rush hour" traffic?

Aside from hanging out at a mall, you can visit Ayala Museum and listen to the relaxing tunes of the symphony.

Rush Hour Concert

The Rush Hour Concert series features the live relaxing music of Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO).

Manila Symphony Orchestra is one of Asia's oldest symphony orchestras. It was founded by Dr. Lippay in 1926.

MSO will be relaxing audiences by performing live classical music at Ayala Museum during the busy and stressful "rush hour" in the middle of the busy Makati Central Business District.

According to Jeffrey Solares, MSO's Executive Director, the Rush Hour Concert series concept was created to become an educational and entertaining experience for locals and tourists to relax while they're caught in Makati CBD's busiest hours.

"We are fortunate to partner with Ayala Museum and bring our music to the busy people in the middle of the Makati CBD rush hour,” says Jeffrey Solares.

Ayala Museum's Jei Ente is also happy that the MSO’s ‘Rush Hour” concert series has gained popularity among busy yuppies, tourists and business people in Makati, the country's busiest business district.

"Our concerts hope to provide cultural entertainment that also helps alleviate stress. In time, we hope that this idea evolves to be an integral part of Makati City’s daily cultural life,“ Ente adds.

According to Ente, the performance will be conducted by Arturo Molina, who also led MSO in the first three rush hour performances.

The program includes a repertoire of Edvard Grieg, George F. Handel, Johann Sebastian Bach, and other classical composers’ works.

"The show on May 22 is the culmination of our concert series that features a full 70-piece orchestra. We've had 4 events and the initial events only featured the smaller sections of the orchestra," says Ente.

It's good to know that classical events like these are becoming popular and available to wider audiences.

There's nothing like chillaxing to live classical music. Johann Sebastian Bach and GF Handel are part of my all-time favorite classical artists.

So for those of you who are looking for great way to enjoy classical tunes and de-stress during Makati's rush hour, visit Ayala Museum and watch the culmination of Manila Symphony Orchestra's Rush Hour Series on May 22, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.

Half of Nicanor Garcia closed on weekend for Makati anniversary

By : Niña Calleja


MANILA—To make way for a weekend art fair called “Sining Kalikasan sa Reposo,” which is part of the celebration of the 343rd Foundation Day of Makati, the city government will close one lane of Nicanor Garcia Street (formerly Reposo Street) from May 18 to 19. In an advisory issued Friday, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. said that aside from delighting art patrons, the fair offers art and design exhibits, performances by world renowned artists, and art workshops and lectures organized by Grupo Reposo. “Grupo Reposo has prepared a multi-faceted lineup of art activities for the enjoyment of visitors. We invite families to visit the fair and delight in the performances of artists and learn useful tips and skills from renowned artists for free,” Binay said in a statement. Grupo Reposo, a non-profit organization composed of artists and gallery/store owners at LRI Design Plaza and other establishments located along Nicanor Garcia Street, will open the festival at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with an upbeat and lively dance performance by the Ati-Atihan and Studio 116. Participants will also be treated to a furniture and gallery expo and street Bazaar, entertainment by Wanlu, a ventriloquist and puppeteer, and Large canvas paintings by Blumentritt Group of Artists. A Children’s Art Workshop will be conducted by Arnel Ramiscal and Tintin Sioco for 50 street children of Virlanie Foundation, while a lecture on “Two Social Realists: An Update from 2007 to 2013” will be done by Boogie Tence Ruiz. Musical performances by Clarissa Ocampo, a Filipino-American mezzo soprano, and Dr. Raul Sunico, internationally renowned and multi-awarded pianist, will be presented at LRI Pavillion. At 2 pm, Alliance Francaise will screen musicale films at its auditorium. At LRI Design Plaza, Banda Kawayan and Filipino musician Bayang Barrios are also scheduled to perform. On Sunday, May 19, there will be a Furniture and Gallery Expo and Street Bazaar, and presentation of large canvas paintings by Blumentritt Group of Artists at 10 a.m. At 2pm, Joey Ayala will give a lecture on “Sining Bayan: The Art of Nation-Building”, and Egai Fernandez on “Artist Copy Write”. These will be followed by musical performances by The Filipino Tenors, and Joey Ayala, Contemporary Pop Music Artist. To serenade the guests is PhilBanda under the baton of Dr. Herminigildo Ranera. The day will be capped with a performance by Alfonso “Coke Bolipata”. Grupo Reposo’s “Sining Kalikasan sa Reposo” is organized by Market Access & Innovations Events Management Philippines in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, City Government of Makati and LRI Design Plaza. It is also sponsored by SM Development Corp. and Outdoor+Solutions.

Mrs. Binay asks court permission for US trip

By : Rolly T Carandang, Kris Joven Medalla


Former Makati City Mayor Elenita S. Binay again asked the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division to allow her to travel to California, USA from May 21 to June 17, 2013 for a vacation.

The wife of the Vice President through her counsel Juan Carlos Mendoza, sought that her unwithdrawn travel bond, amounting to P90,000 half of which was posted on July 24, 2007 and the other was on May 27, 2009, be applied as her bond for her new travel request.

Binay said while she is in California, she will stay at the house of her sister Fredesmina Sombillo Weinrich.

Binay has a graft case in the fifth division for her questionable P72 million purchase of office furniture for the new Makati City Hall when she was the city's mayor in 1999.

Her counsel said Mrs. Binay complied with the court’s conditions including her immediate arrival from her past trips in Paris, France last April 7 to 13.

Nancy Binay bashing: ‘It’s the beginning of the worst’

By : Leila B. Salaverria


MANILA, Philippines—The Internet memes, satirical articles and scathing commentary won’t stop even when she enters the Senate, Nancy Binay has come to accept. Binay, elder daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay and a political neophyte who ranked fifth in the partial vote count as of Tuesday afternoon, is bracing for more heat to come her way. “This is just the beginning. Today is not the end, it’s the beginning of worse things to come,” she told reporters on Tuesday at the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) command center in a Roxas Boulevard hotel. Binay is the highest ranking of the three UNA candidates—and nine administration Team PNoy candidates—so far occupying the 12 winning Senate slots. But the reality of her apparent victory “has not yet sunk in.” “I don’t what to think about it yet. I want to see the Comelec’s announcement first before I celebrate,” she said. On Tuesday she attended the proclamation of her brother, Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay, with her family. Their other sister, Abigail, won reelection as the representative from the city’s second district. Nancy expects the verbal assaults to continue since she was an easy target for those wanting to get at her father. The Vice President has made no secret of his presidential plans in 2016. “One way of hitting my father is through me,” she said. “Actually… I feel some of the black propaganda are now directed at my family, particularly my father.” She said that no amount of explaining would appease her haters on social media. “I think that for those who criticize me on social media, no matter what explanation I give, no matter what I show them I can do, they will continue to look for reasons to disparage me.” She said she planned to be an asset to her father by replicating, if not surpassing, his accomplishments. Jojo Binay was a longtime mayor of Makati before he aspired for national office. Asked if she felt pressured because of this, she said the pressure had been there from the start. During the campaign, unflattering cyberposts virtually slandering Binay circulated over the Internet and made the rounds by e-mail. One, the “anyare” (what happened) meme, juxtaposed her lack of experience with the accomplishments of rival and former party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros, noting that the neophyte was ranking higher in the surveys. “Pilipinas, anyare?” it asked. Another post riffed on Binay’s refusal to debate Hontiveros. It said she had sought a temporary protection order (TPO) from the court so she would not be compelled to engage in a debate. It is also not true that she had banked on her father’s name to ensure her victory, she said. She believes she has gotten the people’s attention on her own merits, recalling that when her family went to Quiapo recently, someone referred to her father as “ang tatay ni (the father of) Nancy.” Binay said she saw her detractors in a positive light. “The criticisms made me stronger. I learned not to be sensitive. I learned not to be affected when reading their comments. If not, my campaign would have been derailed,” she said. She said that some of the “black propaganda” didn’t hurt her at all because they were untrue.—With reports from Niña P. Calleja and Marc Joseph Alejo






Palace exec fails to vote

By : Aurea Calica


MANILA, Philippines - A Malacañang official was not spared from the election glitches yesterday.

In her Twitter account, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigal Valte said she was disenfranchised and not able to vote in Makati City.

She said she went to her precinct, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting table, Commission on Elections representatives in her polling place, and the Comelec office in Makati City and did not find her name in any of those places.

She said she was asked to “reactivate” her registration once the Comelec called for it.

Valte stressed she voted in 2010, having registered only in 2009.

“I remember it well because it was my first time,” she said in her Twitter account.

However, the Comelec office in Makati City told her that based on records she “didn’t vote in two consecutive elections.” “How can that be?” she asked.

“A Comelec official showed me the list (of voters) in 2010 and it didn’t have my thumb print or signature. Impossible that I didn’t sign it,” Valte said.

She said her name was “not on the list, in the computer and in the book of the Comelec.”






I’m not on the voters’ list, cries presidential spokesperson Valte

By : TJ Burgonio


MANILA, Philippines — “My name’s not on the list, not in the computer,’’ Undersecretary Abigail Valte tweeted Monday morning while lining up to cast her ballot in a public school in Makati City. After exhorting Filipinos to exercise their right to suffrage on the eve of the vote, the deputy presidential spokesperson failed to exercise hers in Monday’s mid-term elections, one among thousands of disenfranchised voters. The reason: her registration status was deactivated. Valte turned up in a polling precinct at the Palanan Elementary School in Makati Monday morning, but was stumped to find her name wasn’t on the list of registered voters. She checked with the Commission on Elections and was told that her registration status was deactivated because based on their records she skipped the 2007 barangay elections and 2010 presidential elections. “Strange because I voted in 2010. They showed me a hard copy of a list with photos and the space for my signature/ thumbmark for 2010 was blank. I have no idea why that is. I voted in 2010; it was my first time because I only registered in 2009,’’ she said in a text message. That was one less vote for the 12 handpicked senatorial candidates of President Aquino who was pushing for 12-0 sweep to muster a significant majority in the Senate in the second half of his term. Over government radio Sunday noon, Valte repeatedly appealed to voters to “go out and exercise your right to suffrage.’’ On the eve of the vote, she said the police and military were prepared to ensure “peaceful, credible and honest elections.’’ But she said only the Comelec could say if everything was set for the automated elections. Disenfranchisement was far from her mind. “Sadly, yes,’’ she said on being one of the disenfranchised voters. Valte said she’s now looking ahead to the 2016 presidential vote. “The Comelec official told me there was nothing I could do except wait for the next period of registration and reactivation,’’ she said. Valte drew sympathies from others, who were just as stumped as to why her name had suddenly disappeared from the Comelec list. “Good that he had no problems voting,’’ she tweeted on learning that Aquino marveled that voting through the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines was much faster. Aquino cast his ballot at the Central Azucarera Elementary School inside Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac Monday morning. He later monitored the conduct of the elections from Malacañang. But Valte found consolation in the fact that her mother managed to vote. “Good news is, I found my mom’s name and precinct number. At least one of us will be able to vote,’’ she tweeted.






Condé Nast Traveler lists two new Makati hotels among world’s best

By : Philippine Daily Inquirer


CONDÉ NAST Traveler recently released its 2013 Hot List of the world’s best, listing Fairmont Makati and Raffles Makati as the only city hotels in the Philippines in the “Best New Hotel” category. Earning a spot in this list is no small feat. Selections are based on style, location, service, comfort, value and sophistication—which both hotels provide impeccably to patrons and guests. The editors of Condé Nast Traveler also included Fairmont and Raffles in the “Best New Family-Friendly Hotel” and “Amazing Pool at Best New Hotel” lists. It was only four months ago when the Makati City welcomed the opening of Fairmont Makati and Raffles Makati. The launch of the two globally renowned luxury-hotel brands aims to help boost tourism in the country.

1 suspected robber killed, 1 wounded in Makati encounter

By : ELR, GMA News


A suspected motorcycle-riding robber was gunned down while his companion was seriously wounded following an encounter with police operatives in Makati City early Friday.

The suspects had engaged police in a brief chase from a checkpoint in Barangay Palanan to the Magallanes area, radio dzBB's Mao dela Cruz reported.

Initial investigation showed the incident started at 6:30 a.m., when the motorcycle-riding men tried to speed away from a checkpoint at Barangay Palanan.

When the suspects reached Magallanes, they chanced on a team from the Makati police's intelligence operations unit conducting an operation.

One of the motorcycle-riding men then allegedly tried to fire at the policemen, prompting the policemen to fire back.

The motorcycle then went out of control and crashed.

Police said one of the suspects was declared dead on arrival at the Ospital ng Makati while the other sustained "serious" injuries and was brought to the Pasay City General Hospital.

Police have tightened checkpoint operations in time for the coming May 13 elections.

Friend identifies MRT-3 jumper

By :Dennis Carcamo


MANILA, Philippines - A friend has identified the man who jumped into the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) tracks at the Guadalupe station in Makati City last Wednesday morning.

Oliver Villacorta said that the MRT-3 jumper was his boardmate in Makati City and a 31-year-old freelance photographer from Kalinga province.

Villacorta identified the victim at a morgue in Pasay City, where the body was brought after being removed from the Guadalupe station's tracks.

Authorities, however, declined to divulge the name of the victim as his family has yet to be informed of his death.

Villacorta told the authorities that the victim had a personal problem and had been missing for two days.

Villacorta also said that the victim did not have a car and that the car key found in his possession was just given by another friend.

MRT-3 general manager Al Vitangcol announced on Wednesday that crime scene investigators found a key for Hyundai car from the victim's denim short pants.

The discovery of the key prompted a police search for a Hyundai car near in the vicinity of Guadalupe.

Police said that the man jumped onto the northbound railway of the Guadalupe station while a train was approaching at 8:18 a.m. on Wednesday.

The victim was pinned in between two MRT coaches and was dragged 30 meters by the train before it stopped.

The mangled body of the victim was removed from the tracks three hours later.

The incident disrupted the MRT-3 operations for several hours and stranded hundreds of passengers.

Suicide leap on train tracks 5th since 2011

By :Inquirer Business, Miguel R. Camus, Niña P. Calleja


The apparent suicide that disrupted the operations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 on Wednesday was the fifth case of people jumping onto train tracks in Metro Manila in the last three years, lending urgency to calls to install protective barriers on the heavily used transport systems. A man leaped to his death in front of an oncoming southbound train at Guadalupe station in Makati City around 8:30 a.m. in full view of passengers jamming the platforms. The Makati police at press time have yet to establish the identity the victim, who was described to be 20 to 30 years old and wearing a pair of denim shorts and blue shirt. He only had a key for a Hyundai car in his pocket, said city police chief Senior Supt. Manuel Lukban. A search for a car of that brand on the streets near the station later proved negative. The victim was dragged by the train for about 30 meters before it came to a stop. It took three hours for emergency response teams to pull the crushed body from under the train. Passengers were forced to come out and walk on the tracks, and the MRT service limited its southbound run from North Avenue to Shaw Boulevard before resuming normal operations around 11:30 a.m. Reached for comment, the MRT management said it had already begun addressing safety and security concerns a few months ago by installing barriers to prevent passengers from accidentally falling onto the rails. Such barriers are already in place at North Avenue station and should be installed in the rest of the 13 stations within the year, according to MRT3 spokesperson Tony Andulan. The new barriers are meant to address passenger safety, Andulan said without making any reference to past suicides or suicide attempts on the MRT tracks. In January this year, MRT operations were disrupted for an hour after Rica Fernandez, 28, tried to take her own life by jumping on the tracks as a train approached the Shaw Boulevard station at 11:15 a.m. Fernandez lived but her left leg, which was pinned under the train, had to be amputated. In August 2012, Lucy Aroma, 52, killed herself by jumping onto the tracks of the Light Rail Transit Line 1, the oldest of the three overhead light train systems in the capital. Aroma was killed on the spot at the LRT’s Edsa station after her head was crushed beneath the train wheels. The incident disrupted LRT operations from 5:50 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. In June 2011, LRT operations were delayed when Redito Alfredo, 29, tried to kill himself by jumping into the path of a Recto-bound LRT-2 train at the Cubao station in Quezon City. Alfredo lost his forearm in the incident. In January 2011, Jesus Sta. Ana Jr., 43, tried to kill himself by jumping on the MRT tracks at the southbound lane of the Ortigas station. Sta. Ana emerged unscathed by the incident, which delayed MRT operations for 15 minutes. With a report from Inquirer Research

Man jumps into MRT-3 tracks in Makati

By :Dennis Carcamo


MANILA, Philippines - The operations of Metro Rail Transit 3 along Edsa in Makati City was temporarily disrupted Wednesday morning after a man jumped into the train tracks.

A radio report said the man, who has yet to be named, leaped from platform onto the northbound railway tracks at MRT-3 Guadalupe station with an incoming train hitting him.

The man was stuck under the train wheel and was lifted out by authorities, the report said.

Meanwhile, the hundreds of passengers were reportedly forced to alight from the coaches and walked along the rail tracks because of the incident.

Ayala Land unit expects strong sales for first condo project - See more at

By :F. J. G. de la Fuente


ALVEO LAND Corp., Ayala Land, Inc.’s middle-income market arm, aims to sell within this month half of units at the first tower of Solstice, Alveo Land’s first condominium development at Circuit Makati. Circuit Makati is Ayala Land’s latest mixed-use hub in Makati City.

“We’re expecting it (Solstice Tower One) to be 50% sold within the month, which is around P2 billion in sales. The first building is around P4 billion in sales value,” Robert S. Lao, Alveo Land president, told reporters on the sidelines of Solstice Tower One’s sales launch at the Globe Circuit Event Grounds in Makati City on Saturday last week.

“We had our first selling before Holy Week, on March 21… since then, we’ve already had P1 billion sales,” Aris C. Gonzales, Alveo Land project development division manager, told reporters separately.

In a statement last Saturday, Alveo said Solstice Tower One, a 41-storey condominium targeted for turnover in the third quarter of 2018, will offer 461 residential units in studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations, ranging from 32 to 132 square meters in size.

Amenities at Solstice will include a function room, lap and lounge pools, juice bar, lounge area, kids’ play area and pool, indoor and outdoor fitness gymnasiums, landscaped pocket gardens, lawn areas, the statement noted.

ON TRACK “The plan will be around 16 buildings for Alveo. For the second tower, we’re looking at the first quarter of next year,” Mr. Lao said when asked when Alveo Land expects to launch the next Solstice tower.

“We’re on track to launch one tower every year.”

Solstice will be located at the center of Circuit Makati, a mixed-use development at the site of the former Sta. Ana Race Track that was marked for Ayala Land’s P60- billion redevelopment plan for Makati City.

That plan entails development of six districts in the city for mixed residential, commercial, and office use.

Alveo Land, formerly known as Community Innovations, Inc., was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1995, according to its Web site. It is in charge of Ayala Land’s middle-income residential brand, Alveo.

Mr. Lao said Alveo Land is poised to rack up higher reservation sales this year compared to 2012.

“It’s good. It’s going to be better than last year, about 15% better in reservation sales,” Mr. Lao said when asked about prospects this year, adding that the firm ended 2012 with around P25 billion in reservation sales.

“Right now, we have a good pipeline -- one project per month, so around 12 projects this year. Last year we only had around 10 projects.”

Ayala Land was organized in 1988 when parent Ayala Corp. decided to spin off its real estate division into an independent subsidiary to enhance management focus on real estate.

Ayala Land has earmarked P65.5 billion for capital expenditures this year -- P46 billion for project completion and roughly P20 billion for land banking -- partly to help bankroll about 69 property projects collectively worth some P129 billion.

Ayala Land grew its net income by 27.69% to a record P10.33 billion last year from P8.09 billion in 2011, driven by strong sales. Revenues -- consisting of real estate sales, interest and investment income, equity in net earnings of associates, and other income -- rose 23.32% to P54.52 billion from P44.21 billion, while costs and expenses increased by 23.28% to P41.30 billion from P33.50 billion.

Ayala Land shares gained 75 centavos or 2.36% to close at P32.55 apiece on Friday last week. - See more at: http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=Ayala-Land-unit-expects-strong-sales-for-first-condo-project&id=69735#sthash.GdVuqIhs.dpuf

Intercon brings Aklan to Makati

By :The Philippine Star


MANILA, Philippines - Forty-five Ati-atihan dancers from the Western Visayan province in colorful costumes had the late afternoon crowd of mall goers, office workers and motorists swaying to the beat of their drums and fumbling with their cameras as they paraded around Ayala Avenue and the Glorietta Center in Makati City to herald the start of the Aklan Food and Fabric Festivals at InterContinental Manila recently. Diplomats in business suits as well as elegantly dressed ladies were likewise seen dancing to the beat in front of the hotel.

At the lobby, beautiful hand-woven fabrics of piña (pineapple), abaca and raffia fibers are on display together with cutting-edge piña clothes by Filipino designers Cesar Gaupo, Rajo Laurel, Jojie Lloren, Frederick Peralta, Barge Ramos and Milka Quin.

Makati collects P5.85-B revenue from local sources in 1st quarter

By : (PNA)

FPV/CLTC


MANILA, May 4 (PNA) — The city government of Makati has posted a total of P5.85 billion in revenue collection from local sources from January to March of this year, surpassing its record in the first quarter of 2012 by five percent. In a report to Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay, City Treasurer Nelia Barlis said the bulk of the collections came from business tax, amounting to P2.88 billion, and real property tax, P2.58 billion. Compared to 2012, business tax collected increased by one percent while realty tax increased by nine percent from January to March. Binay said the Treasurer’s report for the first quarter augured well for the city and its people because it meant adequate funds for the implementation of priority programs and projects of the city government for the year. “The impressive performance of our Finance team that again yielded an increase in our collections from local sources has assured us of sufficient funds to carry out our programs and projects for the year as planned,” the mayor said. Based on the Treasurer’s report, the city government collected a grand total of P6.07 billion in the first quarter of 2013, including its share of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) amounting to P173.13 million, lower by three percent than last year. For the same comparative period, the city’s collection from other local sources also increased; miscellaneous fees and charges increased by five percent from P324.38 million to P341.1 million, while its earnings from economic enterprises jumped 24 percent from P38.82 million to P48.30 million. Earnings from interest income also increased by 38 percent, from P28.82 million to P39.17 million. The mayor said priority programs to be implemented by the city government this year will focus on the upgrading of systems aimed towards more efficient and effective delivery of services, such as the full implementation of the Unified Benefits Card that consolidates all benefits for residents in one card. Recently, Binay signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Heart Center for the expansion of the Makati Health Plus Program (Yellow Card) to include subsidized health care at the leading cardiovascular health provider in the country to over 200,000 beneficiaries, including Makati-based public school teachers, policemen, firemen and jailguards. The city had earlier renewed its partnership contract with Makati Medical Center for the subsidized health care of Yellow Card beneficiaries. In both programs, an endorsement is required from the medical director of Ospital ng Makati, approved by Mayor Binay. The city government is also determined to fast-track the construction of the new 300-bed tertiary hospital in the first district to augment the present 264-bed Ospital ng Makati in the second district. Makati’s income from local sources has consistently topped that of other cities in Metro Manila, with the bulk of collections comprised by business and realty taxes. Since its new Revenue Code took effect in 2006, the city government has been implementing a moratorium on tax increases, yet its total revenue collections have continued to increase year after year. The city has also remained deficit-free for the past 26 years.

Gramercy got Makati OK after 5 floors added

By : Jerry E. Esplanada


MANILA, Philippines—The 73-story Gramercy Residences secured an amended building permit from the Makati City government only on June 8, 2012, more than a year after the construction of the skyscraper’s five additional floors was completed, according to the local Office of the Building Official (OBO). In a Feb. 25, 2013, letter to the National Building Code Office, OBO legal officer Amando Fabio Jr. said the permit was issued to Century City Development Corp. (CCDC), Gramercy’s owner and developer, “after proper evaluation and assessment of all documents, plans and specifications submitted to this office and after a thorough inspection of the building.” The inspection, he said, was “conducted by our technical staff pursuant to the provisions of the National Building Code and its implementing rules and regulations.” “It is true that it took only four days from the date of application (June 4, 2012) for the issuance of the building permit since all plans, specifications and related requirements submitted to this office conformed to the requirements of the code and its regulated regulations,” Fabio said. “Further, it is not required of us to indicate in the permit itself that we conducted the inspection on the building, since this is part of our mandate. Corollary to this, the International Organization for Standardization requires us to issue the required permits within seven working days from submission of all requirements,” he said. “There is no need for this office to conduct any investigation to determine the liability, if any, of CCDC, since a valid permit was already issued for the five additional floors.” The real estate firm Picar Development Corp., which is building the 74-story Stratford Residences near Gramercy on Kalayaan Avenue in Makati, has alleged that the addition of the five floors atop Gramercy was illegal. The Inquirer erroneously suggested yesterday in its report on the controversy that Stratford had been completed. Must “It’s a must.” Elizabeth Pilorin, head of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) public information and assistance division, was referring to the government requirement of securing a building permit before constructing or repairing a building, as well as adding a portion to the structure. Citing the National Building Code of the Philippines, she told the Inquirer “it is a requirement” and is “clearly stated” in the same law, also known as Presidential Decree No. 1096. Pilorin was apparently referring to Section 301 of the code, which states: “No person, firm or corporation, including any agency or instrumentality of the government, shall construct, alter, repair, convert, use, occupy, move, demolish and add any building/structure or any portion thereof, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a building permit from the Building Official assigned in the place where the subject building/structure is located or to be done.” On the other hand, a building permit shall not be required for the following:

Minor construction of sheds, greenhouses, children’s playhouses, aviaries, poultry houses and the like, open terraces or patios, window grills, garden pools for water plants or aquarium fish and garden masonry walls. Repair work on deteriorated roofing sheets or tiles, gutters and ceilings, partition walls, doors and windows, and flooring. Sought for comment, architect Emmanuel Cuntapay, director of the DPWH-attached National Building Code Office, said violators of the building permit-related provisions of the code face only administrative liabilities. “They have no criminal liabilities. They face only administrative penalties, like fines,” he said. In a phone interview, Cuntapay said “with the construction of the additional floors of [Gramercy Residences], at stake here is public safety.” “That is why it is a DPWH concern,” he added. In a Jan. 28 letter-complaint to the Department of Public Works and Highways, Picar said Gramercy secured an amended building permit “long after, not before” the five floors were completed in early 2011. Picar also pointed out that “the construction of the five additional floors was outside Gramercy’s approved building permit.” The original building permit, issued in 2007, said Gramercy could only build a 68-story structure, Picar claimed. On March 13, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson issued an order preventing the owners of Gramercy from issuing occupancy permits for the top five floors of the structure pending the resolution of the Picar complaint. Singson also directed the OBO to submit the Gramercy file, including the skyscraper’s structural soundness, to the department.






Globe Asiatique to Pag-IBIG fund: What P6.5B damages?

By : Jerry E. Esplanada


Donald Trump and Paris Hilton may not be able to step any time soon on the top floors of what their publicists claim is the tallest building in the Philippines. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has issued an order preventing the owners of The Gramercy Residences on Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City from issuing occupancy permits for the top five floors of the building. The DPWH order on March 13 was issued to Century City Development Corp. Inc. (CCDC), the Gramercy owner and developer. This followed a complaint filed in the department on Jan. 28 by the owners of Stratford Residences, the Picar Development Corp., that CCDC constructed Gramercy’s five top floors without the necessary building permit from the Makati government. Picar also claimed that Gramercy did not undergo a building inspection by the city engineers. The DPWH papers say Gramercy has 73 floors; Stratford 74. From afar in the Makati skyline, Gramercy conjures an image of a bulky Wilt Chamberlain; Stratford, a slender Kareem Abdul Jabbar. The law firm Puno & Puno, counsel for Gramercy, said Wednesday that its client had secured the necessary permit and that Picar, whose chairman is former Ambassador Amable Aguiluz V, had no legal personality to lodge a complaint against Gramercy, owned by the Antonio family with partners Trump, one of the top US property developers, and Hilton, a popular model and wealthy heiress of one of the world’s largest hotel chains. It is unclear if the complaint was prompted by bragging rights. The two buildings sit on property on Kalayaan previously owned by International School. The Gramercy website says its building is the “undisputed tallest skyscraper in the country.” On deadline, the Inquirer was unable to secure documents comparing the height of Gramercy and Stratford in inches or meters. Not about height When this issue was raised in an item last month in the Inquirer’s Business section column Biz Buzz, Gramercy’s spokesperson Terrie Fucanan-Yu saw fit to issue a clarification: “Our vision for the Gramercy Residences transcends the issue of height. Indeed our emphasis has always been largely on Gramercy’s life-enhancing amenities, hotel-style concierge services and its unique location in Century City. “We are not in a race to deliver the tallest building in the Philippines. We just endeavor to deliver the building that we had promised our clients to make them happy. “We applied for an increase in building height as it was allowed for our overall floor area ratio by our zoning. Additionally, we ensured that our structural consultants considered this height in their design plans. As a result, the Gramercy building conforms beyond the requirements mandated by the local building code. “Delivering tall and iconic buildings is our contribution to making Metro Manila a global destination that can compete with Asia’s world-class cities. We are also genuinely delighted when other developers share this goal, passion and work ethic. “We salute those who plan to build taller, progressive structures for the betterment of this nation and our people. After all, that is what this business is really all about.” Makati City restrained In a March 13 directive, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson asked the Makati City government to refrain from “processing or issuing certificates of occupancy for the subject five additional floors of Gramercy Residences until after this case is resolved with finality.” Singson directed Makati to submit the Gramercy file, including the building’s structural soundness, to the department. Responding to the DPWH order, CCDC claimed it had secured the necessary permits from the Makati City’s Office of the Building Official (OBO) and said Picar had “no legal personality” to question its operations. In its letter-complaint, Picar alleged that the construction of the additional floors was illegal. It said Gramercy secured an amended building permit only in early June 2012 when the construction of its top five floors was completed in January 2011. Its original building permit, issued in 2007, said it could only build a 68-story structure. ‘Questionable’ Picar called the department’s attention to the allegedly “questionable” issuance by Makati City of an “amended building permit for the five additional floors on June 8, 2012, long after, not before they were completed.” “There is no indication in the amended building permit that the OBO inspected the building project to ensure that it complied with the National Building Code, or that it conducted the necessary inspection to determine CCDC’s liability, if any, for the construction of five additional floors without any valid building permit,” Picar told Singson. Picar pointed out that “the construction of the five additional floors was outside Gramercy’s approved building permit.” In an April 25, 2012 certification, engineer Nelson Morales, Makati’s building official, said based on OBO records, there was no application for an amended building permit for Gramercy.—With a report from Daxim






Globe Asiatique to Pag-IBIG fund: What P6.5B damages?

By : Tetch Torres-Tupas


MANILA, Philippines – Where is the P6.5-billion damages incurred by the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) from its transactions with Globe Asiatique? A lawyer from GA raised this question to the Court of Appeals Tuesday. “We’ve been saying that they are flaunting in the media that they incurred P6.5 billion damages…Sinasabi namin sa hearing, san yun?” GA lawyer Roni Garay told reporters Tuesday. (We’ve been asking at the hearing, where is it?) He said the counter-claim is only P12 million. Up to now, Garay said they have yet to receive a demand letter claiming the amount. HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund went to the Court of Appeals after Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 58 ruled that they are liable to GA for specific performance and damages. The Makati Court in 2012 ruled that Pag-IBIG breached its memorandum of agreement (MOA) and funding commitment agreements, which it signed with Globe Asiatique when it refused to accept the replacement buyers being offered by the latter pursuant to the provisions of their contracts. The appeals court affirmed the Makati court’s ruling, saying HDMF can be held liable for the damages sustained by GA when it “acted with malice and bad faith” by failing to accept the replacement of delinquent buyers and borrowers by GA, which are part of the memorandum of agreement and funding commitment agreement. Giray said it was Pag-IBIG that said that the Makati court interpreted all the contract entered into between GA and Pag-IBIG and the court said its really Pag-IBIG who breached. On the other hand, HDMF lead counsel Sandra Coronel asked the appeals court to stop the implementation of the Makati court ruling. Coronel said they were surprised that the Makati Court issued a summary judgment on the case. “There was no hearing, no witness testified. The court only said we should follow the contract and accept the replacement borrowers,” Coronel said.

PDIC plans May date for sale of Exportbank assets

By : gmanetwork.com


The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) hopes to be able to sell the assets of the shuttered Export and Industry Bank in May, a top agency official said Monday.

“We would like to be able to sell the assets by May this year…We will announce the bidding as soon as possible,” PDIC executive vice president for receivership and liquidation Cristina Que Orbeta told reporters in Makati City.

Orbeta added that the PDIC is currently preparing to file a petition for assistance with the Regional Trial Court of Makati for the bank's liquidation.

“We can start selling the assets even without the court order…. but the proceeds of the asset sale cannot be distributed without the court order,” she said.

Orbeta added that one of the bank's most valuable properties assets is the Export Bank Plaza near Buendia Avenue in Makati City, which could go for as much as P1.4 billion.

Earlier this month the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' policy-making body, the Monetary Board, directed the PDIC to proceed with the bank's liquidation after the failure of two bidding attempts for its rehabilitation.

The PDIC earlier reported that the net realizable value of EIB’s recorded assets, estimated at P13.65 billion, “is deficient by P11.02 billion to cover its liabilities aggregating to P24.67 billion as of Dec. 31, 2012.”





Ex-NBI agent slain

By : Francisco Tuyay


The controversial National Bureau of Investigation agent, who was fired in 2001 for allegedly stealing a car owned by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, was killed in a fitness gym in Makati, police said on Saturday.

Former NBI agent John Herra was shot dead by a still unidentified gunman inside the Republic Fitness Gymnasium at M. Reyes in Barangay Bangkal, the police said, citing preliminary reports on the investigation.

Herra, who was linked to several controversial issues while he was an NBI agent, was sacked for gross misconduct and insubordination in 2001 after he refused to produce the vehicle that was supposedly owned by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

Enrile had claimed in a privilege speech in April 1999 that Herra was seen escorting his red Mitsubishi Pajero, which was owned by his JAKA Investment Corp., inside the NBI compound using a Toyota Corolla that was also stolen.

Enrile’s stolen car was later found in Pasig City, but the senator pressed NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco to order Herra to explain why he was driving a stolen vehicle, but the NBI agent claimed he surrendered the vehicle to the Manila regional trial court in connection with a pending case.

Herra was also romantically involved with Jessica Alfaro, a state witness in the 1991 Vizconde family murder case, whom he was assigned to protect during the pendency of the case.

The principal suspect in the case was Hubert Webb, a son of former senator Freddie Webb, who was convicted along with seven others by the Parañaque Regional Trial Court and affirmed by the Court of Appeals.

But 19 years later, the Supreme Court reversed the conviction in 2010 supposedly because the prosecution had failed to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

In the same year, Herra had appeared on television and denounced Alfaro was a “liar” and a “fake.” He claimed Alfaro lied about her testimony and that she really did not know Webb personally as she claimed in court.





Mrs. Binay urges Sandigan to discard contempt charge

By : bworldonline.com 


FORMER MAKATI City Mayor Elenita S. Binay has asked the Sandiganbayan on Thursday to junk the request of state prosecutors to cite her for contempt of court for traveling abroad without permission from the court.
	 "The prayer to cite the accused in contempt should accordingly be denied," said the wife of incumbent Vice President Jejomar C. Binay.

This, as Mrs. Binay left the country on Mar. 18 to attend the inaugural mass of Pope Francis in Vatican City, despite the lack of permission from the court’s fifth division where she faces a graft case, said state prosecutors in a "Motion" filed last Apr. 2.

They added that the third division, whose justices are in-charge of signing resolutions of the fifth division justices as they were in Cagayan de Oro City for hearings, granted her travel authority issued only on Mar. 19, making it insignificant as Mrs. Binay was already abroad.

In the said motion, state lawyers also asked the court to hold accountable "officials of the executive branch" who let her fly out of the country amid the court’s hold departure order. The prosecution did not specify any name.

On the other hand, Mrs. Binay told the anti-graft court’s fifth division that the mere request of state lawyers cannot start contempt proceedings against her as court rules require a petition with original supporting documents and paid docket fees.

"...[I]n all cases other than those initiated by the Honorable Court ... contempt proceedings may not be initiated by a mere motion, but through a verified petition with supporting particulars and certified true copies of pertinent documents or papers and full compliance with requirements for filing initiatory pleadings for civil actions," she stated.

"Instead, the motion is anchored on an unverified and unconfirmed news report from an online edition of a national daily," she added.

She also opposed the state lawyers’ request to null her P30,000-travel bond which she has not yet withdrawn.

"With respect to the prosecution’s prayer for the forfeiture of her travel bond, herein accused opposes the same for utter lack of basis."

Mrs. Binay faces a graft case in the fifth division for giving undue advantage to Office Gallery International, Inc. via a rigged bidding, wherein a padded contract worth P72.06 million was awarded to the said firm for the purchase of office furnitures and fixtures for the new Makati City Hall in 1999.






Makati to host e-buses

By : Alena Mae S. Flores


After e-jeepneys, hybrid buses will take to the major roads of Makati City to ease commuting woes while helping promote clean air in the metropolis.

Green Frog Transport Corp. president Philip Apostol said his company has received the first franchise to operate low-emission public transport.

“It is our goal to provide the Filipino with environment friendly, comfortable, secure and reliable mass transportation concomitantly decreasing pollution levels and making our cities sustainable,” he said.

Apostol said the buses are parallel electric vehicles, meaning they are simultaneously powered by an electric motor and a Euro 3 diesel.

He said the hybrid model is made a by US parts provider with German brakes and Japanese lithium ion batteries.

Apostol said Green Frog will launch the hybrid bus service on the first route called M1 along Buendia (Tramo/LRT Taft) to Kalayaan (C5), the busiest stretch of the central business district that traverses South Super Highway and the avenues of South Super, Roces, Ayala, Makati Av, Paseo, Edsa and C5.

“We are also working at securing the approvals operate hybrid buses in the cities of Mandaluyong and Pasay,” he said.

Apostol said ticket counters will be open at bus stops. One-way fare costs P15. He said a prepaid card costs P150 (P30 for deposit, P120 prepaid load) which can be surrendered for another card with P120 load.

Apostol said the hybrid bus service features closed circuit television cameras, air conditioners to maintain 22 degrees Centigrade in the cabin, GPS to track the vehicles, color coded seats for persons with disabilities, elderly and pregnant women,along with baggage racks.

1st hybrid buses in PH to roll out in Makati

By : Riza T. Olchondra


The country’s first-ever hybrid bus service will be piloted in Makati City, according to Green Frog Transport Corp., the company that bagged the franchise for the transport line last week. Green Frog said the buses will ply the route from Buendia (Tramo/LRT Taft) to Kalayaan (C5), which are considered among the busiest in the city’s central business district, cutting through other major roads like South Superhighway; Chino Roces, Ayala and Makati Avenues; Paseo de Roxas and Edsa. Green Frog said the buses are parallel electric hybrids or the type simultaneously powered by an electric motor and a Euro 3 diesel motor. Their hybrid system is made in the United States by one of the largest parts suppliers in the world, the brakes are German-made while the lithium ion batteries are from Japan, the company said. The low-emission buses will use tap payment cards and are also fitted with closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) to monitor activity in vehicle from six viewpoints. High-powered air conditioners will maintain the temperature at a comfortable 22 degrees Centigrade, while the vehicles’ movements will be monitored through a global positioning system. There will be “color-coded seats” for the elderly, pregnant women and people with disabilities; space for luggage and shopping bags; and low floors for easy entry and exit. The route will have 17 bus stops in each direction. The service will start with two buses but 13 units will be added within six months, Green Frog added. There are also plans to open two more hybrid bus routes in Makati within the next 12 months. “We are also working at securing approvals to operate hybrid buses in the neighboring cities of Mandaluyong and Pasay,” said Green Frog Transport managing director Philip Apostol. “It is our goal to provide Filipinos with environmentally friendly, comfortable, secure and reliable mass transportation concomitantly decreasing pollution levels and making our cities sustainable,” Apostol added.





Boy killed, sister molested by drug-crazed construction worker

By :BM, GMA News


A six-year-old boy was killed while his nine-year-old sister was molested after they were abducted by a drug-crazed construction worker in Makati City Tuesday night.

Police arrested the suspect after the girl, who was found near the crime scene before noon Wednesday, managed to identify him, radio dzBB's Nimfa Ravelo reported.

The boy was strangled with a belt while the girl was hit in the face with a piece of wood aside from being molested, police said.

Now facing charges of murder, rape, physical injury, kidnapping and possession of deadly weapon is construction worker Anthony David, 20.

While David initially denied taking part in the crime, he admitted to abducting the two children after the girl identified him.

However, the case may be turned over to the Makati City police as the crime occurred in Makati City, the report said.

The victims live in Pasay City. The victims' mother sought help from Pasay City police under Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Llorca.

Initial investigation showed David abducted the two children Tuesday night while they and their mother were buying balut at Evangelista Street in Makati City.

He brought the two to the barracks of a construction site near the railroad at Magallanes and Pasay Road in Makati, introducing them to the security guard as his nephew and niece.

But once inside the barracks, he allegedly molested the girl then killed the boy when he tried to shout for help.

The girl was seen by Pasay police at 11 a.m. Wednesday, bloodied and almost unable to walk. After she got medical treatment, she went with them to the construction site where they found the boy's body.

A follow-up operation led to the arrest of David at the seawall. David denied the crime at first but admitted committing it while high on drugs, after the girl identified him.

David is to be turned over to the Makati City police.






As Nancy Binay soars, Escudero slips; Legarda keeps No. 1

By :Philippine Daily Inquirer


For the first time since the campaign began, political neophyte Nancy Binay, one of the biggest buyers of prime time TV ads, has broken into the third to fourth spot of the senatorial race, according to a survey conducted by Social Weather Stations on April 13-15. Results of the nationwide survey, first published in BusinessWorld, showed 49 percent of respondents supporting Binay of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA)—two percentage points up from her rating in March. Nancy, daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay, has been criticized for her lack of experience. Unlike her two siblings, a reelectionist mayor of Makati City and a reelectionist representative of the city, Nancy has not held any elective post. She is a UP BS Tourism graduate and a former personal assistant of her father. Binay, 39, was tied with former Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar (Nacionalista Party/Team PNoy), who also garnered 49 percent, two percentage points up from her rating last month. Both Binay and Villar, wife of former Senate President Manny Villar, dislodged Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero (Independent/Team PNoy), who has been hounded by controversies surrounding his girlfriend, actress Heart Evangelista. Escudero, who consistently placed second in SWS surveys from December to February, landed in fifth place with 47 percent, down one percentage point from his rating in March, in which he placed third or fourth. For its survey, SWS asked 1,800 registered voters nationwide the question, “If the elections were held today, whom would you most probably vote for senator of the Philippines?” Twelve seats in the 24-member Senate are at stake in the mid-term elections. Face-to-face interviews The noncommissioned survey used face-to-face interviews and had a margin of error of plus-or-minus two percentage points. A total of nine candidates of the administration-backed Team PNoy had a statistical chance of winning a Senate seat if elections were conducted less than a month before the elections, based on the survey results. Team PNoy is an alliance of candidates of the Liberal Party (LP), Nacionalista Party (NP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), PDP Laban and Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP). Aside from Binay, three other UNA candidates—San Juan City Rep. JV Ejercito, Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce Enrile Jr. and Sen. Gringo Honasan—made it to the list of probable winners. Reelectionist Sen. Loren Legarda (NPC/Team PNoy), who consistently topped the poll since December, emerged in first place again with 59 percent, unchanged from her March rating. Trailing Legarda was Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano (NP/Team PNoy, 52 percent), who managed to secure his ranking despite a five-percentage point drop from the March survey. Bam up to No. 6 Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV (LP/Team PNoy), first cousin of President Aquino, surged to sixth place with 44 percent, up two percentage points from the previous survey, in which he landed in 10th place. Sharing the seventh to eighth place were Sen. Koko Pimentel (PDP-Laban/Team PNoy) and Ejercito (UNA), who both garnered 43 percent. In ninth spot was Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara (LDP/Team PNoy, 42 percent), who rose from the 12th spot in the March survey, where he garnered 39 percent. Both in 10th to 11th spot were former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chief Grace Poe (independent/Team PNoy), 39 percent) and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV (NP/Team PNoy, 39 percent). Rounding up the list of probable winners were UNA candidates Enrile and Honasan, who both got 37 percent, landing them in 12th to 13th place. Barely making it to the list were former Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri (UNA, 35 percent) and former Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. (LP/Team PNoy, 35 percent), who both landed in 14th to 15th place. SWS said 45 percent of respondents chose a full slate of 12 candidates; 2 percent were either undecided or did not have an answer; and 4 percent had invalid ballots.—Inquirer Research







For Makati candidate, educating voters is victory enoughFor Makati candidate, educating voters is victory enough

By : Niña P. Calleja


A 63-year-old activist seeking the congressional seat in Makati City’s first district says he’s not just courting votes but hopes to educate local residents about his “new brand of politics.” Without a clear source of funds and the support of a political party, Mike Lopez, a law graduate of San Sebastian College and a former overseas Filipino worker, goes house to house handing out flyers detailing his platform of government. “I wish I no longer had to run because I’ll be 64 in November and my children want me to have more time for rest,” said Lopez in an interview. As Edjop said… But borrowing a line from the late martial law activist Edgar Jopson, “Kung hindi ngayon, kailan? Kung hindi ako, sino? (If not now, when? If not me, who?),” Lopez said he just could not stand idly by. The idea that Makati Rep. Monique Lagdameo, who is running on the ticket of reelectionist Mayor Junjun Binay, would be unopposed in this election was unacceptable to Lopez. “Somebody has to run against her,” he said. But it turned out Lopez was not alone in thinking this way. Two others, namely Virgilio Batalla and Edilberto Cuenca, are also running against Lagdameo. As for the money to run a campaign, Lopez said friends and supporters had been passing the hat to pay for his materials. Makati’s first district covers its richest villages and barangays (villages), including Forbes Park, Bel-Air, Dasmariñas, Magallanes, San Antonio and San Lorenzo. “Some are asking why I am alone and how I can win against the Binays and their allies, but I simply tell them my platform and programs,” he said “I want to break the myth that one can’t win an election without money.” Lopez was an activist during martial law, joining demonstrations in Manila. He said Vice President Jejomar Binay, a former Makati mayor, even became his “compadre” when he joined the August Twenty-One Movement (Atom), one of the groups opposed to the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Lopez described himself as a former government outsider. “Now I want to get in to serve,” he said. In 2003, he moved to the United States to work but came back seven years later. When he returned in 2010, he organized the Kontra Daya Movement in Makati and helped in the campaign of President Aquino. His was a new brand of politics, he said, compared to the old style anchored on political patronage and dynasty. Lopez then took a swipe at the Binay family, three of whose members are running for various elective posts. Junjun and Abby Binay are seeking reelection as Makati mayor and second-district representative, respectively, while Nancy Binay is running for senator. “There’s a need to democratize Makati. The money of the people should be for the people and not for one political family,” he said. Breaking up dynasties Lopez said that if elected, the first thing he would do is craft bills that would break up political dynasties. Lopez also wants to solve another Makati problem by allotting a portion of his pork barrel to flood-mitigating measures. “I will mind the problems of the common folk because I am one of them. One of these is the constant floods in the city,” he said. In his platform, he has included modernizing the transport system in Makati and establishing a decent housing program for the city’s working population. But more than winning, Lopez said he had another purpose for running. “To win will be a bonus. My purpose is to educate the people about this new kind of politics,” he said.







Two-year old girl dies in Makati fire

By : Report from DZMM


MANILA, Philippines – A two-year old child died in a fire in Arellano Street corner Zobel Roxas Street in Palanan, Makati City past 2 a.m. Sunday morning.

The victim was identified as Leilzei Joy Boyco.

According to Sr. Inspector Tito Purgatorio, chief of Investigation-Intelligence Division of the Makati Fire Department, the child’s body was found near the door of their home.

The victim’s father, Dariel Boyco, 21, said he brought his daughter to their neighbor’s house. But while the rest of the family was putting out the fire and salvaging their things, the two-year old returned to their house.

Initial investigations showed that the fire started in the second floor of the Boyco family’s home due to an over-heated exhaust fan around 2:10 a.m.

After only 10 minutes, the fire was raised to the fifth alarm. The fire was declared out at around 2:45 a.m. More than 45 firetrucks responded to the blaze.

An estimated 35 houses were razed by the fire, affecting 50 families.

Because the fire occurred in the boundary of Makati, Manila and Pasay, some houses near a creek in Pasay City were also affected.

The victims are still waiting for help from the local government.






Makati grants tax relief for Japan projects

By : Philippine Daily Inquirer


The Makati City government is giving a tax relief to projects in the city that are listed under the Japan-Official Development Assistance (Japan-ODA). Under the Japan-ODA Incentive Ordinance which took effect on Feb 18, projects entered into by the Japanese and Philippine governments under the Japan-ODA will be given a “zero-percent tax rate.” City Ordinance No. 2013-010 allows for local tax exemptions of the projects, provided there is confirmation from the Japanese ambassador that they are funded under the Japan-ODA and there is proof that the projects’ previous tax obligations before the ordinance was passed had been paid. “I believe it will facilitate the implementation of planned projects that would boost economic growth and community development in Makati,” Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. said in a statement. The local legislation is in accordance with a Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) circular mandating special local tax exemptions for Japan-ODA-funded projects to foster friendship between the Philippines and Japan. Jaymee T. Gamil





Miss Earth bets to lead 'Tigil Buga' as Makati celebrates Earth Day

By : DVM, GMA News


Candidates in the "Miss Earth Philippines" pageant will participate this Sunday in Makati City's Earth Day celebrations. The 37 contestants will lead the "Tigil Buga" activity in which they will persuade motorist to shutdown ther car engines for one-minute.

This year's Earth Day celebration is called “The Face of Climate Change.”

Meanwhile, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. thanked the private firms that supported the city government's advocacy for a healthy and safe environment to mitigate the impact of climate change.

The Makati City government started its Earth Day activities last April 14 with a dental mission for city jail inmates. The city's celebrations end April 22 with a tree-planting activity.

On Friday, a recyclables-collection activity will be held at the City Hall quadrangle where city employees can bring recyclable materials such as used bottles, old papers or newspapers, cardboard and similar materials. These will be sold to the city’s partner junk shops.

On Saturday, the second round of free emission testing for public utility vehicles, dubbed "Barangay Tambutso Part 2", will be held. It will be done at the MACDA Compound along J.P. Rizal Extension, Brgy. Cembo, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Sunday's activities will start with a “Mass for the Environment” at 5:30 a.m., and calisthenics at 7:30 a.m.

A parade will then start at the Makati Central Fire Station. It will march down Ayala Avenue and will be participated in by Miss Earth Philippines candidates, members of various barangay clusters, Makati cooperatives, city government workers, and other environment partners. They will be accompanied by the MAPSA Band.

Following the Tigil Buga, there will be a brief program along Paseo de Roxas Avenue.

Domingo asks Chinese businessmen to invest more in PH

By : Othel V. Campos


Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo on Tuesday asked visiting Chinese businessmen to increase their investments in the Philippines.

“Since China has more money than the Philippines, we hope that more Chinese will invest in the Philippines,” Domingo told 56 Chinese investors who attended the Philippine-China Business Forum and the First Philippine-China Trade and Investment Council meeting in Makati City.

Domingo said there was a huge disparity in investments made by Chinese businessmen in the Philippines and Filipinos in China. He said Chinese businessmen invested only $65.45 million here while Filipinos poured $130 million in China in 2012.

He said cumulative Philippine investments in China were six times bigger than what the Chinese had invested in the Philippines through the years.

Domingo said China was also the third-largest export destination of Philippine products and second-largest source of imports. He said together with Hong Kong, China stood as the Philippines’ largest trading partner.

He expressed confidence that with the continuing economic relations between the two countries, the investment statistics could be reversed in favor of the Philippines over time.

“Definitely, we can reverse the investment figure. They have more money with GDP [gross domestic product] that is 30 times bigger than ours,” Domingo said.

The Chinese delegates were comprised of 56 businessmen from 24 companies of varied industries representing 10 provinces in China.

The visiting companies have interests in energy and power, import and export, services, mining, transportation, real estate, construction, agriculture and leather goods manufacturing.

“This implies we are back in the Chinese business radar,” said Domingo.

Philippine Stock Exchange chairman Jose Pardo said the renewed Chinese interest was an opportunity for the revival of business relations given the spate of controversies that threatened to damage bilateral relations with China.

Domingo asks Chinese businessmen to invest more in PH

By : Othel V. Campos


Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo on Tuesday asked visiting Chinese businessmen to increase their investments in the Philippines.

“Since China has more money than the Philippines, we hope that more Chinese will invest in the Philippines,” Domingo told 56 Chinese investors who attended the Philippine-China Business Forum and the First Philippine-China Trade and Investment Council meeting in Makati City.

Domingo said there was a huge disparity in investments made by Chinese businessmen in the Philippines and Filipinos in China. He said Chinese businessmen invested only $65.45 million here while Filipinos poured $130 million in China in 2012.

He said cumulative Philippine investments in China were six times bigger than what the Chinese had invested in the Philippines through the years.

Domingo said China was also the third-largest export destination of Philippine products and second-largest source of imports. He said together with Hong Kong, China stood as the Philippines’ largest trading partner.

He expressed confidence that with the continuing economic relations between the two countries, the investment statistics could be reversed in favor of the Philippines over time.

“Definitely, we can reverse the investment figure. They have more money with GDP [gross domestic product] that is 30 times bigger than ours,” Domingo said.

The Chinese delegates were comprised of 56 businessmen from 24 companies of varied industries representing 10 provinces in China.

The visiting companies have interests in energy and power, import and export, services, mining, transportation, real estate, construction, agriculture and leather goods manufacturing.

“This implies we are back in the Chinese business radar,” said Domingo.

Philippine Stock Exchange chairman Jose Pardo said the renewed Chinese interest was an opportunity for the revival of business relations given the spate of controversies that threatened to damage bilateral relations with China.

Globe's revenue for 2012 reaches P82.7B

By : Carla N. Canet


FAIRMONT HOTEL, MAKATI CITY -- Globe Telecom has set a new high record in terms of its service revenues for 2012, reaching P82.7 billion or a six-percent rise from a year earlier.

Globe’s key officials made the announcement during a press conference held here Tuesday, following the holding of an annual stock holders' meeting.

It also accelerated its growth momentum in 2014 with the record-breaking performance last year as implementation of the company's transformation program, which includes a $700-million network modernization that goes on full throttle.

“The transformation will start to bear fruit this year. The best of our company is yet to come,” Ernest Cu, Globe CEO and president, said.

Peter Bithos, advisor for the Consumer Facing Unit, said the transformation plan will cover nationwide. Every single cell station will be transformed and 3G services will be everywhere from Tawi-Tawi all the way to Batanes.

Cu, however, said there are might be some fringe areas that can't be covered especially outskirts that there are less to no people.

The company also hiked its dividend payout by three percent and remained committed to its policy of distributing 75 percent to 90 percent of the company of the previous year's core net profit which excludes the effects of accelerated depreciation, foreign exchange, market-to-market charges and non recurring items, posted a healthy growth of two percent to P10.3 billion in 2012 from a year earlier.

These results reflect your company in fighting form as a true market challenger wrestling competition, winning over consumer preference, and championing integrity in business practice, Cu said.

As part of its network modernization program, Globe Telecom has already completed the first phase of network transformation which involves a complete change out of equipment even as network optimization process is still ongoing. Additional areas have also been identified for the company's network transformation in tandem with planned expansion of its fourth generation coverage footprint.

It also endeavored to integrate 200-plus legacy IT systems so the company can raise the bar on how it deals with its customers.

"Our IT transformation is well underway to enable to seamless stitch between service subscriptions and real time billing, all the way through comprehensive after sales service, emphasizing the new business support system is meant to streamline the work of front liners. Soon a new business intelligence platform shall come on line as well to know customers more intimately and in doing we shall be able to develop spot-on services for them with more relevance and urgency," Cu said.






Manila Water expanding in 15 cities

By : Czeriza Valencia, The Philippine Star


MANILA, Philippines - Ayala-led Manila Water Company is expanding its operations in around 15 cities in the Philippines, hopefully within the year.

In a press briefing after its 2013 annual stockholders’ meeting held in Makati City yesterday, Manila Water president and CEO Gerardo Ablaza Jr. said that even with the expansion activities eyed overseas, the company is prioritizing expansion plans within the Philippines.

“Our strategic priorities are what we call the VIP countries: Vietnam, Indonesia, and Philippines. In terms of prioritization, my desire is to first see more opportunities in the Philippines before going abroad. After all, there are still many areas outside Metro Manila that do not get quality and consistent water supply. So our first priority is really other Philippine areas,” he said.

Manila Water is looking at expansion opportunities in 15 cities with a population concentration of at least half a million which would provide the company the critical mass for providing efficient water service.

Abalaza said the company has already identified these areas and have conducted extensive research on some of these cities but declined to identify these locations so as not to preempt developments.

He said the company hopes to implement the new water projects within the year.

Manila Water has reported a net income of P5.44 billion for 2012, up by 28 percent year-on-year because of higher billed volume in it east zone concession and the stronger performance of its new subsidiaries Laguna Water, Boracay Water, Clark Water.

The Thu Duc Water BOO Corporation in Vietnam in which Manila Water acquired a 49 percent stake in December 2011 also contributed to 2012 revenues.

The company’s revenues grew 21 percent to P14.55 billion, while its core income rose 27 percent to P5.72 billion.

Its billed volume for 2012 was placed at 579.4 million cubic meters, up by 39 percent year-on-year.

The East zone concession area, which is the company’s main income source, accounted for 427.3 million cubic meters of the billed volume, up four percent from 2011.

Ablaza said that while net income is still expected to grow in 2013, it will not be as robust as in 2012 because of the higher base set and partly because of the delayed implementation of new rates for 2013.

Overseas, Manila Water first gained traction in Vietnam with the acquisition of a 49-percent stake in Thu Duc Water in late 2011.

In October last year, the company announced that it intends to acquire half of Jakarta-based water company PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya (PALYJA).

In a disclosure to the local bourse, MWC confirmed that it has signed a share purchased agreement with Suez Environment (Suez) to acquire its 51-percent equity in PALYJA.

The closing of the acquisition, however, is still subject to certain government and regulatory approvals in Indonesia.

“Hopefully, there will also be other opportunities that will open outside of

Jakarta. But we are being very careful and selective because there is only so much human resource that we can deploy,” said Ablaza.

The company is also coordinating with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on the development of new water sources.

Ablaza said the company is awaiting the results of the study being conducted by the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System (MWSS) on new water sources but said the Kaliwa-Kanan River System in Quezon province is one of the options the company is looking at.

Manila Water to expand operations in 15 cities despite lower income prospect

By : MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB


Ayala-led Manila Water Company is planning to expand its operations in around 15 cities in the country, though its net income prospects this year may not be as good as in 2012.

Manila Water president Gerardo Ablaza Jr. in a press briefing Monday said the company does not expect this year's income to be as robust as last year's due to a higher base set and the delayed implementation of rate rebasing for 2013. In 2012, the tariff rate was implemented a day ahead of schedule at January 1, 2012.

"As you know this year, the implementation has been delayed because the rate rebasing process encountered a setback in the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System [MWSS]. Already there is a portion of our revenue that will not be replicated because of the delay,” Ablaza said after the 2013 annual stockholders’ meeting held in Makati City.

“The number of factors put together lead me to conclude that perhaps this year, in terms of net income growth, it will not be as robust as it was last year,” he added.

In 2012 Manila Water's net income jumped 28 percent year-on-year to P5.44 billion on the back of higher billed volume in its East Zone concession and the strong performance of its new subsidiaries Laguna Water, Boracay Water and Clark Water.

Ablaza refused to identify the cities for expansion, saying he prefers “not to get ahead of our developments.”

He noted though they are eyeing 15 cities with a population concentration of at least half a million, which would provide the company the critical mass for providing efficient water service.

“Without naming any one in particular for reasons that we're not prepared to disclose at this time, our broad target is to look at metropolitan areas with a population concentration of half a million. Below that scale, we believe that we would not get the critical mass that is necessary in providing efficient and operationally effective undertaking,” he said.

Manila Water hopes to complete the expansion this year, Ablaza said, noting that they intend to prioritize expansion plans in the Philippines before abroad.

“Our strategic priorities are what we call the VIP countries: Vietnam, Indonesia, and Philippines. In terms of prioritization, my desire is to first see more opportunities in the Philippines before going abroad. After all, there are still many areas outside Metro Manila that do not get quality and consistent water supply. So our first priority is really other Philippine areas,” he said.

Contributing to the company's billed volumes are subsidiaries Laguna Water Co., Boracay Island Water Co. and Clark Water Corp., as well as Vietnam-based Thu Duc Water Boo Corp., which Manila Water acquired a 49-percent stake in two years ago.

In October last year, the company announced it intends to purchase half of Jakarta-based water company PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya (PALYJA). It has already acquired a 51-percent equity in PALYJA through a share purchase agreement with Suez Environment.

“Hopefully, there will also be other opportunities that will open outside of Jakarta. But we are being very careful and selective because there is only so much human resource that we can deploy,” Ablaza said of the acquisitions abroad.

The PALYJA acquisition is still subject to certain government and regulatory approvals in Indonesia.

A disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange shows that Manila Water revenues grew 21 percent to P14.55 billion while its core income climbed 27 percent to P5.72 billion.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, on the other hand, expanded by 29 percent to P10.54 billion for an EBITDA margin of 72 percent. Total billed volume stood at 579.4 million cubic meters, up 39 percent.

The east zone concession contributed the bulk of Manila Water's billed volume at 427.3 million cubic meters, up 4 percent.

The MWSS lowered water rates effective April 1, 2013, which will recompute income projections for this year, Ablaza said. The next rate rebasing will be July this year. — BM, GMA News






Miladay Jewels and Smart Infinity offer the best of both worlds

By : philstar.com


MANILA, Philippines - Two big names, two trusted brands — Miladay Jewels and Smart Infinity — both leaders of their own business domains, have joined forces to provide an offer that’s a first in the world of jewelry and telecommunications.

The collaboration between the two in- dustry leaders was launched at Chef Jes- sie at The Rockwell Club in Makati City. Floral architect Rachy Cuna made the place more alive with his design. STAR columnist Bum Tenorio hosted the event.

If there is one thing Miladay and Smart Infinity share, it is their reputation of pro- viding service and products that last for eternity. The telecommunication giant’s offer of infinite world-class service and privileges and the top jewelry brand’s pieces that transcend time in terms of value make the two truly a perfect pair.

Both companies have come up with the ingenious idea of offering jewelry as the choice for Smart Infinity’s 3500, 5000, and 8000 plans. Wanting to bring its service one notch higher, the premier service provider decided to give something to their customers that will live for eternity, just like its service. Matching the telecommunication provider’s reputation are Miladay Jewel’s treasures, which last in beauty and value. Alluring diamond and gold pieces of the greatest caliber take center stage as the jewelry company presents a collection of treasures that perfectly embodies eternal love and elegance. Each piece is a masterpiece to behold, made of the finest of materials sourced worldwide and created by the best of jewelry designers. Choose any item from the Smart Infinity collection and take home a dazzling Miladay piece together with a premium plan tailored to suit your lifestyle and needs. With an offer as good as this, people can now enjoy luxu-rious, quality service and treasure a gift that lasts forever. Enjoy the best of both worlds with Miladay Jewels and Smart Infinity.







Samsung engineers a love-filled home

By : philstar.com


MANILA, Philippines - Global brand Samsung Digital Home Appliances redefines home living with an array of technologically advanced appliances designed to meet the demands of modern families while affording them the means to spend more quality time together. During the recent dealers’ launch at the Rockwell Tent in Makati City, aptly dubbed “Love@Home,” Samsung unveiled its latest innovations in home appliances that will redefine the way Filipino families make their homes a cozy and love-filled abode.

On hand to welcome the guests were Daejoong Kim, business unit adviser for Samsung Digital Appliances and Joey Hidalgo, business unit head for Samsung Digital Appliances.

Samsung dealers from all over the metro were given a virtual tour of the “Samsung Home” and got valuable pointers on how they can improve their household and build stronger ties among family members with a little help from Samsung.

Also gracing the occasion were celebrity moms Daphne Oseña-Paez, Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, who all shared how Samsung has remarkably helped them manage household chores.

Digital love

Samsung Digital Home Appliances prides itself on manufacturing groundbreaking products that are definitely high-tech yet still in touch with practical needs. These digital appliances were made with comfort and savings in mind, making them the top choice of practical heads of families.





President Aquino confers the Order of Lakandula (posthumous) on columnist William "Billy" Esposo

By : (reposted www.pcoo.gov.ph/PND (js)


MANILA, April 12 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Officer (posthumous) on the late columnist William M. "Billy" Esposo for his distinguished service as the Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs in the Department of Local Government in January 1987, in which he led the participatory democracy, in simple ceremonies in Makati City on Thursday.

The Chief Executive presented the award to Esposo's widow, Amelia "Mey" Esposo in a ceremony following the funeral mass held at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City.

The late columinst was cited for his contributions to the restoration of democracy by organizing the Cory Media Bureau to confront the misinformation and propaganda of the dictatorship, thus awakening, educating and galvanizing the Filipino people to reclaim their democracy.

The President also cited Esposo "for assisting in the re-orientation of the Ministry of Information as acting director of the Bureau of Broadcast, active during the 1986 EDSA People Revolution."

In his eulogy, President extolled Esposo's efforts to undermine the media monopoly during the Marcos dictatorship and his help in rebuilding democracy.

"Most, if not all of the time, Billy’s greater cause was none other than our country. A quick look at his resume will give us enough proof: from heading the Cory Media Bureau, which led the fight against a monopolistic media, to his roles in different media and communications bodies of the government, to many civil society organizations and movements," the President said.

"Billy was not that much older than me, but when I was in my 20s, solely concerned with the security of Mom, he was dealing with the generation ahead of me: the front line fighters in the struggle against the dictatorship, the movers and shakers in government that was to come," he said.

The President also expressed so much respect for Esposo whom he described as a good man and mentor.

"Billy always had a great presence, and not just physically. In fact, it was this same presence—a combination of fearlessness, intelligence, professional skill, and a loud, jovial personality—that brought him success in almost every, if not every single field he was involved in: from advertising and marketing, to media and communications, to politics, and to writing. And he had such a gift for writing," he said.

"He mentored me in how to give concise answers not liable to be editorialized. And yet, by this time, Billy was already ailing," the President added.

"He made the most of his last words for the Philippine Star by giving his take on the Sabah issue, and by giving a final endorsement to Gawad Kalinga and the Focolare Movement, two of his favorite advocacies. This was classic Billy Esposo: always finding the hope and humor in a discouraging situation, and always giving the last word to a cause he thought greater than himself," the President said.

After the conferment ceremony, the President joined the Esposo family, relatives and friends during the funeral procession enroute to the Manila Memorial Park, Barangay Pieta, Governor's Drive, Dasmarinas City, Cavite for the burial rites.






Makati opens 'SMART' summer program

By : Jerome Carlo R. Paunan


MAKATI CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- The local government has welcomed 3,059 young enrollees of the Sports, Music, Arts and Recreational Training (SMART) 2013 summer program who gathered at the City Hall Quadrangle for its official opening.

In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay Jr. said that the annual event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among youngsters, as well boost their potential in the fields of sports and other recreational activities.

“The SMART program offers schoolchildren a fun way of spending their summer break. It will give them the chance to pursue their interests and develop their potential talents while on vacation,” Binay said.

The mayor, who founded the program 11 years ago, said SMART has 19 events for participants to choose from, and it remains free of charge. Each student has been given free t-shirts to serve as their uniform. The summer program will run from April 8 to May 16.

The program has provided over 15,000 young residents free training in fields of their choice, including academics.

This year, the number of enrollees per event is as follows: aikido, 56; arnis, 68; badminton, 169; basketball clinic, 178; karate, 106; muay thai, 85; table tennis, 97; taekwondo, 199; academic tutorial, 583; classical ballet, 41; cooking and baking, 161; dance clinic, 123; drama/acting workshop, 134; drawing and painting, 227; guitar lesson, 143; personality development, 147; swimming, 243; volleyball, 113; and voice lessons, 186.

The SMART summer program is open to residents who are required to present the following: duly accomplished registration and waiver form, certified true copy and photocopy of birth or baptismal certificate of the child; original and photocopy of Voter’s ID or Comelec Certificate of parent or legal guardian; and two pieces 1x1 latest picture of the child.






Makati awards top three 'Most Pet Friendly Barangays'

By : (ICRD/RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)


MAKATI CIYY, April 10 (PIA) -- As a culminating activity to its observance of Rabies Awareness Month last March, the local government has awarded the top three winners of the search for ‘Most Pet Friendly Barangays.’

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay hailed the three barangays that have excelled in their Rabies Prevention and Control Program, namely, Barangays East Rembo, first place, Kasilawan, second place, and Bangkal, third place.

“We have launched the search last September to give due recognition to our barangays that have shown exemplary commitment to keeping our communities healthy and free of rabies. We commend the winners for actively promoting responsible pet ownership and contributing to the city’s rabies-free status for the past three years,” Binay said.

The mayor also exhorted all barangays to continue to work hard to sustain the city’s three-year record without any human case of the dreaded rabies infection, working closely with the Makati Veterinary Services Office (MVSO).

Launched last September, the search for the “Most Pet Friendly Barangays of Makati” aimed to recognize barangays that have for the past three years exhibited outstanding performance based on the criteria set by MVSO.

According to MVSO chief Dr. Vivien Manalastas, the top winners were chosen based on the following criteria: 1) percentage of vaccinated pets based on pet population survey; 2) number of impounded dogs; 3) animal rabies incidence; 4) animal welfare issues/complaints; 5) dog bite cases (data obtained from Makati Health Department); 6) attendance to seminars conducted by MVSO; and 5) support and cooperation to all MVSO’s programs and projects, for the past three years.

Manalastas said the winners each received a trophy and cash prize of P5,000 for first place; P3,000 for second place; and P2,000 for third place.

Meanwhile, a special award called “Bantay’s Choice Award”, named after Makati’s Responsible Pet Ownership mascot ‘Bantay’, was given to Barangay Pio del Pilar for having been consistently supportive of the programs of MVSO.

Besides ongoing initiatives at the city and barangay levels, the city’s three-year record of zero deaths due to rabies has been attributed to the prompt post exposure examination and treatment of patients.

March has been declared Rabies Awareness Month, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9482 signed on May 25, 2007, to build public awareness on the prevention and control of rabies through education and vaccination.





Makati spent P180-M for its elderly in 2012

By :globalpost.com


The city government of Makati spent almost P180 million in 2012 for the various programs it implemented for the benefit of its senior citizens.

Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay Jr. said the amount represents the combined expenses for four popular programs for the city’s elderly -- free movie entrance in all four cinema groups in the city; Harana ni Lolo at Lola, a cake-giving ceremony during birthdays and golden wedding anniversary; Lakbay Saya ni Lolo at Lola, travel and tour privileges within Metro Manila and other parts of the country; and BLU Card, which entitles cardholders to cash gifts twice a year and grants beneficiaries P3,000 in financial assistance upon their death.

“We believe these programs are but humble means to let our senior citizens feel how much we love and care for them. We cannot thank them enough for contributing richly to the betterment of the Makati community and of the entire country,” Binay said.

The mayor also expressed gratitude to the city’s partners in the private sector for their invaluable support to programs for the elderly through the years.

“We will always be grateful to our program partners for having consistently demonstrated their firm commitment to corporate social responsibility, largely ensuring the success of our programs,” he said.

The city government paid around P18 million to four cinema owners in the city for its 25 percent subsidy share on free movie tickets availed of by senior citizens for the entire year. For the 51,031 birthday and golden wedding anniversary cakes personally delivered to the homes of senior citizens, the city spent a total of P9.9 million.

Meanwhile, its expenses for Lakbay Saya tours, which included a city wide trip for 570 seniors and a trip to Bagac, Bataan for 100 seniors, amounted to almost P600,000. For its monthly presentation of Aawitan Kita at University of Makati that catered to the elderly of Makati and neighboring cities, P4.5 million was spent.

Binay also said over P141 million went to the allowance given to elderly citizens, while around P3 million in financial assistance was given to the beneficiaries of 1,562 BLU cardholders who died last year. A total of nine resident-centenarians made up the first batchof recipients of the P100,000 centenary cash gift from the city government last December, after the City Council approved the latest incentive program for the city’s elderly.

Last year, Mayor Binay was given the “Best of RADAR 2012” Award by the Philippine Retirement Authority in recognition of his “exemplary initiatives in leading the city as the ‘Most Retirement-and Aging-friendly City’ and for his “commitment and contribution to theretirement industry.”





High prices of cement and flour under scrutiny

By : VS, GMA News


Prices of cement went up beyond the suggested retail price or SRP, and farm gate prices of flour have gone down but retailers continue to sell the commodity at higher prices.

The situation has prompted government-led National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) to ask what's going on.

“We will be sending letters to cement producers to ask them why their prices have gone up,” Trade Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya told reporters in a briefing Monday after the NPCC meeting at the Department of Trade and Industry in Makati City.

“We have to ask them the reason because it may be that they consumed more coal, which went up, but there might be another reason,” Maglaya noted.

Cement companies and flour retailers must be able to explain within the week what is happening.

The SRP for a 40-kilogram sack of cement is P205 to P210.

However, cement is being sold at P218 to P220 per sack, according to price monitoring data, the Trade Department released Monday.

In a text message to reporters, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CEMAP) declined to comment, saying “members may wish to explain themselves individually.”

In the case of flour, the department said retailers are selling at P790 to P940 per 25-kg bag in spite of stable prices in the global market. “Farm gate prices of the dealers have fallen around P40 but retail prices have not yet gone down. So, we have begun writing to them to ask why prices are still at the same rate,” she said.

The council also talked about pork prices.

“Pork prices have gone up mainly because demand is outstripping supply,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Salvador S. Salacup Pork said during the same briefing.

“Producers also need to beef up on their safety processes so they can get their supplies faster,” he added.





Columnist Billy Esposo passes away at 64

By : y TJ Burgonio


MANILA, Philippines – “Your time is up laddie.’’ So wrote William “Billy’’ Esposo in his Easter column after his complicated health problems took a turn for the worse and gave him that “one foot in the grave’’ feeling in mid-March. Esposo, who wrote the column “As I Wreck this Chair’’ for the Philippine Star, died from complications brought about by a chronic kidney disease at 12:08 a.m. Sunday at the Makati Medical Center. He was 64. President Benigno Aquino III went to the hospital before dawn Sunday to condole with Esposo’s family, a TV news report said. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. William M. Esposo,’’ Undersecretary Abigail Valte, deputy presidential spokesperson, said in a text message. On Feb. 26, 2011, the President conferred the Presidential Legion of Honor Awards on Esposo with a rank of a commander in recognition of his contributions to the restoration of democracy in 1986. Esposo headed Corazon C. Aquino’s media bureau during the 1986 snap presidential elections. Aquino would assume the presidency following the February 1986 people’s revolt that toppled strongman Ferdinand Marcos. Nearly two years later, Mrs. Aquino appointed him director-general of the Philippine Information Agency in January 1988. He received the Most Outstanding Director General Award for introducing a new communication strategy at PIA at the latter’s 25th anniversary in February last year. “It’s very heart warming. It’s very nice to be back after 25 years and to receive an award at the same time. It makes it a doubly enriching experience,’’ Esposo said. In his March 31 column, Esposo wrote that he had his Ides of March on March 15 when his complicated health problems “collaborated to give that `one foot in the grave’ feeling in your gut.’’ He related that the enlargement of his heart “took a turn for the worse,’’ and this was on top of his chronic kidney problem, diabetes, hypertension, bone cancer and constricting arteries that “worsen heart and kidney functions.’’ “These are excellent reasons for going and we thought we saw that happening last March 15 — The Ides of March, no less — when I felt a massive loss of energy and stamina from my body,’’ he wrote. On March 23, he checked in at the Makati Medical Center for tests and “emergency coping mechanisms to decongest the heart and lungs.’’ “The urgency in the tone of my doctors when they advised me to immediately check in at the Makati Med demonstrated the seriousness of my problem. Heart and lungs congestion for a kidney transplant patient qualifies one to the ranking among the WALKING DEAD,’’ he wrote. “From History and the Bible, I’ve moved on to Zombie land. However, my manner of narrating this sharing shouldn’t be misconstrued as less than a serious view of it. When I felt that much life exiting, there is only one rational conclusion to be made — your time is up laddie,’’ he added. In August last year, he launched his book, “Surviving Chronic Kidney Disease: The Billy Esposo Kidney Diaries” in Greenbelt 4, Makati City, with the President as main guest. “I’m sure that this book will find its way into the shelves of many nephrologists and become a useful resource for many of our countrymen,’’ Aquino said. “This book might come as a surprise especially as it gives an account of not only the physical trials, the terror of cyberspace he had to endure but also the spiritual and emotional trials that came with it.’’






Dynasty of service cited by Binay Jr.

By : Ferdinand Fabella


Reelectionist Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, Jr. defended his family against talk about staying too long in power.

At his proclamation rally on Wednesday, he said it was the people who wanted them to stay in office.

“Yes, we are a dynasty,” he said. “We are a dynasty of service.”

The rally at the corner of Chino Roces Avenue and P. Ocampo was attended by his father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, his mother Elenita, and his sisters. Joining them were 13 grandchildren and in-laws.

Of Binay Jr.’s sisters, two are running for government office–reelectionist Makati 2nd District Rep. Abegail Binay and Nancy Binay, who is a senatorial candidate of the United Nationalist Alliance.

Binay Jr. is leading UNA’s local ticket with City Administrator Marjorie De Veyra as his runningmate. They are being challenged by former Barangay Palanan chairman Renato Bondal and incumbent Vice Mayor Romulo Peña Jr., who are running under the administration backed-Liberal Party.

For his part, Vice President Binay said it was necessarily wrong to form a dynasty if family members were all willing to serve the public. He said that it was up for the people to decide whether to vote for his children.

“In a clean and honest elections, why couldn’t they run? It is still the people who elect,” he said.

Along with the Binay family, also present were six of UNA’s senatorial slate—Richard Gordon, Tingting Cojuangco, Ernesto Maceda, Mitos Magsaysay, JV Ejercito and Migs Zubiri.

In Pasay City, reelectionist Pasay City Mayor Tony Calixto led the proclamation of local Liberal party candidates at the Cuneta Astrodome also on Wednesday.

Calixto, who is seeking his second term, vowed to deliver a sure win for the Team Pnoy senatorial slate of President Benigno Aquino III.

Present during the proclamation were Team Pnoy senatorial aspirants Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Koko Pimentel, Loren Legarda, while Sonny Angara was represented by his wife Tootsie. Liberal Party’s team manager Frank Drilon was also present.

Calixto is running for the second time against his former ally, former Pasay Mayor Peewee Trinidad, who is with the Nacionalista party.

Calixto was first elected mayor in 2010 when he beat then incumbent mayor Trinidad and then Pasay Rep. Consuelo Dy.

Calixto, 58, began his political career in 1995 when he ran and successfully elected as councilor. He then got elected as vice mayor in 2002 and finished his three terms.

But he, along with Trinidad and 10 city councilors, was charged with graft and briefly suspended by the Ombudsman over an alleged overpriced garbage disposal contract in 2004.

Calixto and Trinidad were eventually cleared of the charges early last year.

Government boosts collaborative efforts for coco coir industry growth

By : Lucia F. Broño


MAKATI CITY, April 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) along with other stakeholders joined forces to strengthen national and local collaborative efforts to promote, develop, and sustain the growth of the Philippine coco coir industry in the recent 2nd National Coco Coir Summit.

“By 2016, we intend to place the country’s coco coir industry in the world’s top 3 exporter of coco coir,” DTI Undersecretary Merly M. Cruz said.

“We need a very strong convergence to achieve this. We need support industries such as the transport, machineries and ancillaries; small coconut farmers, cooperatives, associations, processors, exporters, and traders; government agencies and units such as the DTI, Department of Agriculture-Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF), and local government units (LGUs); and the Philippine coconut industry cluster team for the coconut coir and peat,” Cruz said.

She stipulated three objectives in achieving the industry’s target: to develop and expand domestic supply-base for coco coir; to strengthen access to domestic and export market information; to strengthen market linkage among actors within the value chain.

Cruz added that the group has drawn up goals to achieve these objective which are: USD 50M in exports, P1.7B in domestic sales, P2B in investments, 200,000 farmers and 450 SMEs assisted, and 10,000 jobs created.

According to a data from the PCA, the Philippines lags behind in terms of coconut production and volume of coir product exports compared to other coconut producing countries like Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and Indonesia in 2011.

The data reveals that the Philippines produces only 6,037 metric tons (MT) of coco coir products for export from the 15.245B nuts harvested from its 3.562M hectares of land.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka produces 120,616 MT of coco coir export products out of 0.395M hectares of land that produces 2.707B nuts.

From 2010 to 2012, the contribution per coco coir commodity to the country’s export include: raw or baled fiber (62%), coco peat or dust (25%), coco twines or cordage (11%), and other products (2%), Cruz said.

Cruz pointed out that our major export markets for coco coir and peat products are China, Japan, Taiwan, USA for the raw or baled fiber; China, Korea, Singapore, Japan for peat and dust; China, EU, UAE, US, and Asian countries like India, Indonesia, Vietnam for coco twines or cordage; and Malaysia and US for other products such as carpets.

She discussed market prospects for the coco coir and peat which includes: coir geotextile, coconets, coco fascines for domestic market in DPWH projects and mining sites and for export in China, US, and Asia; coir mattresses and rubberized coir for export and domestic markets; coir tufted mats for the domestic market and export market in US, EU and Asia; coir twines and yarns for the domestic market as input to coco net weaving and tufting and for the export market in China, Asia, Europe and USA; and coco peat as a multi-purpose soil conditioner and growing medium for the European market and local nurseries, and landscaping.

“We have to be ambitious in coming up with business models for the coco coir industry to boost local production, and be competitive in the international market,” DTI Assistant Secretary Romulo V. Manlapig said in an interview during the project visit of the summit. (RJB/LFB/DTI/PIA-NCR)






Aquino OKs EDSA-Taft flyover

By : Aurea Calica, The Philippine Star


MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino approved yesterday the construction of the EDSA-Taft Avenue flyover in Pasay City to ease traffic congestion in the area.

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) earlier made the proposal as a solution to the traffic problem in the perpetually busy intersection.

“The President has allowed the project to move forward subject to NEDA-ICC (National Economic Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee) approval and subject to the President’s instruction that the government take the necessary measures to minimize any inconvenience to EDSA motorists before actual construction takes place,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

According to Lacierda, the entire project’s timetable – from pre-completion to construction – is 15 months while actual construction will take 12 months.

“The NEDA-ICC will review it by April and the project cost is estimated at P2.7 billion,” Lacierda said.

He said the flyover could reduce the average travel time by 50 percent and vehicle operating cost by 44 percent. It will also improve the accessibility to the proposed development in the bay area in time for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in 2015, Lacierda added.

The MMC, the policy-making body of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority composed of 17 mayors, approved the construction of a four-lane, split flyover that would traverse the street-level section of EDSA between Osmeña Highway and Roxas Boulevard.

Based on the information from the MMDA, the northbound section will measure 1.422 kilometers and start in front of the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City and end near the Malibay Bridge in Makati City.

The southbound section, on the other hand, will measure less than one kilometer and begin near the Malibay Bridge and terminate in front of the Heritage Hotel as well. The southbound section will utilize the existing Tramo flyover as its on-ramp.

Number coding still lifted Monday – MMDA

By : Jamie Elona


MANILA, Philippines–The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reminded the public that the number coding scheme remains lifted Monday. In its Twitter account, MMDA said the number ruling was still suspended in the whole Metro Manila, except for Makati City. The full implementation of the coding scheme will resume in the metropolis on Tuesday, April 2, it said. Under the scheme, vehicles with plate numbers ending in 1 and 2 are banned in major thoroughfares every Monday; 3 and 4 on Tuesdays; 5 and 6 on Wednesdays; 7 and 8 on Thursdays; and 9 and 0 on Fridays.



Makati City Archived News

The older news reports are kept here.

Retrieved from "http://www.zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Makati_News&oldid=628730"
Personal tools
Namespaces

Variants
Actions
Navigation
Philippine Provinces
Independent Cities
Toolbox