Vol 7 No 105.indd
Transcription
Vol 7 No 105.indd
www.punto.com.ph P 8.00 Punto! Luzon Central VOLUME 7 NUMBER 105 WED - THU MARCH 12 - 13, 2014 PANANAW NG MALAYANG PILIPINO! Lawyer confident CA to free Delfin Lee today BY DING CERVANTES C ITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The chief legal counsel of arrested real estate businessman Delfin Lee has expressed optimism that the Court of Appeals (CA) would order today the freedom of his client who has been in jail since his arrest for syndicated estafa last March 6. PAGE 6 PLEASE Farmers score glut of imported rice CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Farmers from Central Luzon, the country’s traditional rice granary, warned yesterday of a serious rice glut in the market arising from importation. A joint statement from the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (AMGL) and the Aguman Dareng Maglalautang Capampangan (AMC) said the importPAGE 6 PLEASE PERILS OF EDUCATION. Graders precauriously perched on a tricycle on the way to their school in Calulut, City of San Fernando. PHOTO BY BONG LACSON Pampanga tops STL collection BY ASHLEY MANABAT CLARK FREEPORT – The most progressive province in Central Luzon which was once dubbed by critics as “the Vatican of jueteng” has topped the government sanctioned Small Town Lottery (STL) revenue collection for the whole country. A report from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) showed that Pampanga grossed a staggering P386,352,016.75 in only a seven-month period based on the gross receipts of the STL’s average monthly sales. Laguna is a far sec- ond with gross sales of P280,871,916.50 in the same period while landing third place is Quezon province with P227,277,301.42 gross sales. PAGE 6 PLEASE PGKM hits DOTC’s airport proposals in Cavite, Laguna ‘Highly vulnerable to climate change disasters’ No cover-up for jueteng, PCSO Chair Juico says of STL. PHOTO BY BONG LACSON ANGELES CITY -- The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) has lambasted anew the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) after the latter’s recent announcement that it is looking at Sangley Point in Cavite and Laguna de Bay as the possible site of a new international gateway that would replace the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. PGKM Chair Ruperto Cruz said Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya is “bankrupt of ideas” for insisting on an airport in Cavite which is at sea PAGE 7 PLEASE BOC Clark fetes top exporters, importers BY ASHLEY MANABAT CLARK FREEPORT – The top five exporters and importers here were handed plaques of appreciation by newly-designated Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Clark Acting District Collector, retired Gen. Esteban A. Castro last Monday. Topping the list of the top exporters is Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines Corp., Korea’s leading provider of semiconductor packaging which contributed $1,377,951,830.45 or 50 percent of the freeport’s total export performance to the Port of Clark in terms of value declared. The top importer is Thailand’s PTT Philippines Trading Corp. for having paid the amount of P648,514,717.94 in duties and taxes to the Port of Clark. Also recognized were COAM Philippines, Inc. and Outback Five Star Clark Philippines for their special contribution to the Clark Port in be- coming alternative hubs for export in Central Luzon through their volume exports in 2013. The awarding marks the 112th Founding Anniversary of the BOC which had for its theme: “Sama-samang makiisa sa pagbabago sa aduana.” In his welcome remarks, Castro said “for this year the Port of Clark is facing a bigger challenge which is to collect P1.58 billion - higher by 80 percent than last year.” Castro said he had “raised some concerns over the tar- get collection and requested for an adjustment to lower the amount” since petroleum revenues could no longer be collected due to the effect of a revenue regulation which meant that duties and taxes of petroleum products are paid already at the port of discharge in Subic rather than at the port of destination which is Clark. Castro said the new rule has caused a big revenue loss to their collection as petroleum is the top revenue source. But The awardees with (from left) CIAC President-CEO Luciano, CDC President-CEO Tugade and BOC acting district collector Castro. At extreme right is Deputy Collector Poneda. PHOTO BY ASHLEY MANABAT he said the BOC leadership insists that Clark has a good potential and among them is the good economic indicators in the region that even without petroleum revenues the target can still be achievable. Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President-CEO Arthur P. Tugade and Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) President-CEO Victor Jose “Chichos” Luciano assisted Castro in handing out the awards after delivering their respective speeches. Yokohama Tire Phils., Inc. (YTPI) president Tadashi Suzuki as well as representatives of the other awardees were also on hand to receive their awards. Meanwhile, the other top exporters were Nanox Philippines, Inc. which occupies second place and has an export performance of $897,123,806.12; third place is YTPI which has an export volume of $239,685,102.82; fourth place is HLD Clark Steel Pipe Co., Inc. with $127,377,601.85 and fifth is L&T International Group with an export volume of $107,374,024.07. The second place for the top importers was United Parcel Service International, Inc. having paid the amount of P569,200,814 in duties and taxes; third place went to TIPCO which paid P56,896,179 in duties and taxes; fourth place was Viskase Asia Pacific Corp. which paid P38,875,239 in duties and taxes; and the fifth place went to Yokohama Tire Phils. Inc. which paid P22,815,363 in duties and taxes to the Port of Clark. Newly-designated Deputy Collector Greg L. Pineda rounded up the program with his closing remarks. PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • MARCH 12 - 13, 2014 • WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY Cayetano takes role as ‘5-6’ buster 2 ANGELES CITY--To ward away loan sharks, Senate Majority Floor Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has deviced a way to provide loan assistance to the country’s working class. Cayetano, whose banner initiative for livelihood enhancement among Filipinos is anchored in his “Presyo. Trabaho. Kita.” or PTK program, said that by raising institutions which grants loans with low interest rates can the government combat loan sharks. Loan shark is the term used for individuals or companies that grants loans at steep interest rates-often times as high as 20 percent--or those commonly referred to as “five-six.” Cayetano said “five six” has been in existence for a long time and no law has really stamped it out. “Usually, there are no contracts signed for the five-six and if there were, the full interest rate is not reflected on it,” Cayetano said. The senator from Pateros on Monday distributed financial assistance to various tricycle operators and drivers associations (TODA) in this city. The distribution was held at the covered court of Barangay Anunas here. Cayetano stressed that the problem pn loan sharks is economic as the proliferation of these individuals or group is credited to the increase in the number of people needing immediate financial assistance and the absence of low-interest loan facilities. In providing the assistance, Cayetano reminded the TODA officials to make sure that the money would be properly handled and that they will make loan applications easy to each member. So far, he said, initial releases of the loan assistance have been successful with many borrowers repaying their debts on time. Only one recipient cooperative has been noted to be delinquent and it was only because of in-fighting between its officers. Cayetano pledged to return to this city to grant financial assistance to TODA in other barangays. LOAN-SHARK BUSTER. Sen. Cayetano (center), along with Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting (extreme right) turns-over financial assistance to officers of various tricycle operators and drivers association as seed capital for their loan assistance to members during simple ceremonies in Barangay Anunas. The project aims to save the tricycle drivers from loan sharks. Also in photo is Anunas chairman and Angeles City Association of Barangay Captains President Lito Ganzon (far left). Wetland park adds boating, kayaking to birdwatching BY ERNIE ESCONDE PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • MARCH 12 - 13, 2014 • WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY BALANGA CITY - From sunrise to sunset, one can enjoy in myriad ways the sea breeze and the beautiful surroundings along the wetland park by the seaside village of Tortugas here. One can go kayaking or paddle boating and stand-up paddle boarding along the mouth of Manila Bay in the Talisay River for only P75 an hour. Eat your breakfast, merienda and lunch and rest or whisper sweet nothings to your loved ones or friends on board a bamboo raft or balsa. “Guests can bring food with them in riding the balsa,” said caretaker Claudia Isidro. The boats are guided by experienced boatmen from the fishing village and have life jackets on hand. Resting on nipa huts by the sea and the balsa is enough to drive away depressing thoughts while watching the calm sea, fishing boats and the mountain from a distance. “Ganda ng lugar ninyo. Nice to visit your place. Magaling itong ginawa ni mayor, congrats sa kanya,” said three first timers in the place from the Philippines General Hospital. They tried the balsa and toured the wetland park. Children have bicycles for rent to ride and swing to play with. When tired of boating, visitors can go to the wetland park nearby where a tourist information center, viewing decks and nipa cottages are sights to enjoy. In the two viewing decks are pictures of water migratory birds frequenting Balanga from September to end of March every year Looking at the wide expanse of Manila Bay with boats fishing and lush mangroves at the side of the bay from the viewing decks are even enough to call the day a beautiful and refreshing day. “Maganda ngayon kaya pabalik-balik kami,” said Dianne Alegre after her lunch at the nipa cottage fronting the sea. 3 O pinion Editorial PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • MARCH 12 - 13, 2014 • WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY Passed, but… 4 LAST MONDAY, the Senate passed the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill on third and final reading. “In honor of the landmark principle enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution that ‘public office is a public trust.’” So explained the bill sponsor, Sen. Grace Poe of her vote, recalling the first FOI bill filed in Congress 21 years and eight months ago. “It was also in the same period that the citizens wanted to have access to information on public debts incurred by the country and data on the status of the land ownership of hacenderos [landowners] and sakadas [tenant farmers] in the agrarian reform sector,” Poe furthered. Poe cited the “high significance” of FOI as “reflected in the very situation as well as problems confronting the country at present.” Read PDAF and DAP there. Said she: “We simply need to pass the law. We simply need to be transparent and accountable. We simply need to honor that public service is serving with honesty and integrity. Ang pagsisilbi sa pamahalaan ay serbisyong tunay, paglilingkod na matapat, at pagkilos na marangal (Service in government is genuine service, honest service, and honorable deed.) Senate Bill NO 1733 or People’s FOI, she stressed, is one “that the Filipino people can be proud of,” assuring the public that “it is not an inutile law so we made sure that the passed version is not diluted.” Enthused Senate President Franklin Drilon: “The disclosure of government actions under the FOI bill will be a crucial and effective deterrent against possible malfeasance and corrupt practices by those in power. The proposed legislation is our way of acknowledging that the people’s eye is the most potent tool against corruption in our government.” Okay, we believe you, Madame, Sir. Meanwhile, at the House of Representatives the counterpart version of the FOI bill has remained stalled at the committee level. The struggle continues… LLL Trimedia Coordinators, Inc. Publisher General Manager Editor Marketing Manager Layout Circulation Atty. Gener C. Endona Caesar “Bong” Lacson Joanna Niña V. Cordero Dondie B. Ventura Jojo Manalo/Lacson Macapagal EDGAR V. MOVIDO Founder Business & Editorial office at Unit B Essel Commercial Center, McArthur Highway, Telabastagan, City of San Fernando Tel. No. (45) 625•0244 Cel. No. 0917•481•1416 [email protected] or [email protected] http://www.punto.com.ph Punto! Central Luzon is a proud member of The Philippine Press Institute acaesar.blogspot.com Zona Libre Bong Z. Lacson Living the Word AT 77 last Sunday, March 9, the Most Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto is two years past the age of retirement for Church prelates. That he remains the shepherd of the Kapampangan faithful can only be divinely ordained. Apu Ceto makes that classic definition of the priest that impacted me on my very first day at the Mater Boni Consilii Seminary eons ago – “the best gift of God to men, the best gift of men to God.” He simply lives the Word. So that hearing him is ever a renewal in faith. Like that time in 2003 when I accompanied him in his pastoral visit to California. “The two priceless treasures of our people, coveted by other peoples… undiminished in value even through our worst economic dislocation,” Apu Ceto says of faith and family as the defining character of the Filipino. Live the faith. Love the family. That was the message he brought to the hundreds of Filipinos who came to his Masses. A message that reached out to, and touched Americans and Latinos too. “Modernism and materialism, especially in wealthy America, besiege increasingly the very foundation of the Filipino-American family. Against this onslaught, we need to return to our core values and be steadfast in our Christian faith to prevail.” Apu Ceto refreshed the congregations with the Filipino core values grounded on Christian virtues – of respect for human life, love for the elders, the bayanihan culture of sharing and malasakit, and family prayer, especially to those already born in America. And anathematized abortion and euthanasia as “pillars of the culture of death…high crimes against the family and against God.” “The baby and the elderly are integral elements in the nucleus of the Filipino family. Take them out, fission ensues, and the nucleus suffers a total breakdown.” In a clear jab at the pro-choice lobby in the US: “The baby in the womb is not a simple choice. It is a human being created in God’s own image and likeness and therefore should come into the world to fulfil God’s plan for him. Man has no business playing God, usurping His power over life and death.” Of love and respect of the elderly: “Filipino culture puts premium in the wisdom of age. Thus, we take good care of our elders, never treating them like overused rags fit only to be shut in some retirement home, left to die alone, and as fast forgotten.” And recalled the attendant promise of a blessed long life for those who subscribe to the Fourth Commandment – “Honor thy father and thy mother” – “so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land.” So the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians. So it was written in Exodus 20:12. So it has become Apu Ceto’s apostolate too. Prayer And then there was his birthday celebration six years ago – also a Sunday – distinguished – graced, I cannot force myself to write – by the presence of Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Reverend Governor Eddie T. Panlilio, Congressman Dong Gonzales, City of San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, and a host of other politicians and local leaders. “If we really pray together, (we would discern that) one cannot monopolize truth. Truth begins in the heart, the sanctuary of our conscience.” Apu Ceto’s sermon searing the very soul of the congregation. “We need to purify and change. If we follow that process, we will have a peaceful and just society with integrity. You should watch and pray that you don’t fall into temptation.” He did not have to say it. Apu Ceto could only mean the temptation of corruptive power – for those in government, that which denies the people of their right to live with human dignity. Warning: “Our country is at a crossroad. We are a divided people, eternally quarreling, bickering. Some media contribute to this. We are falling into the pit.” Ouch! And pointing the way: “We are asking the Lord to permeate every strata of society. Families and leaders should work so there is a holistic approach in the search for a real, authentic, common good, for the progress and development of our people.” Ora et labora. Pray and work. Christian life at its most essential. “Let us pray together, discern together so that we could know the will of God for the Filipino people.” He lives the Word. He is a sermon we see, we feel, and – prayerfully – we live. Apu Ceto – blessed are we. Pagtatapos ANNABELLE B. SINGIAN SAN ANTONIO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BACOLOR DISTRICT Heto at Marso na naman Pagtatapos ay makakamtan Inasam-asam na diploma Halos abot-kamay na Ang angking katalinuhan Na siyang naging puhunan Sa pagsusunog ng kilay Kaya umani ng tagumpay Hindi lang pala diploma May kasamang medalya pa Parangal sa ipinamalas Na kahusayan sa pagtuklas Wala nang mas sasaya pa Sa ama at inang dakila Kaligayang pinagyaman Ng anak na pinakaingatan COMMENTARY Felix M. Garcia Php 502.5-M: Panibagong problema ni Cong Dong MALABSA ang katwiran ni Dong Gonzales Sa alibi niyang siya’y “vindicated” Sa naging resulta ng ‘election protest’ Niya laban dito kay Oca Rodriguez Kung saan ang naging kanyang kahilingan Sa HRET ay ipa-disqualify Itong si Oca sa pagkapanalo niyan Sanhi ng ‘vote buying’ na idinadahilan Ni Mr. Gonzales sa kanyang protesta, Gayong siya mismo yata ang anila Itong sa puntong yan ang dapat ihabla Ng ‘rampant vote buying’ ni Oca kumbaga? Pagkat siya itong lumalabas ngayon Na mas malaki ang naging gastos ni Dong Sa re-election bid niyang .5 bilyon Ang salaping napasa-kamay ng Solon Bago maghalalan na hinihinalang Nagamit marahil ng nag-aakusang Si Dong ng ‘vote buying’ sa kanyang kalaban, Gayong siya itong dapat akusahan Ng ‘vote buying’ dahil ang perang naturan Na nakalaan sa anong proyekto niyan Ay di malaman kung saan napunta yan Base sa report ng kinauukulan? (Aba’y mantakin mong higit na malaki Kaysa kay 2nd District Congressman Mikey Ang nakuha ni Dong sa Admin ng Mommy Nitong kapwa mismo niya Representante? Kung di malakas yan kay Pangulong Gloria Nang panahong iyong sila pa ang bida? Pero anong naging sukli sa kanila Kundi ng pagtawid sa kampo ng iba? Nang kumbaga sa isang barkong naglalayag Ay abutin sila ng bagyo sa dagat? Iniwan si Madam bago pa lumigwak Ang barko upang ang sarili’y iligtas!) Di ko sinasabing ibinulsa ni Dong Itong nawawalang kalahating bilyon, Pero ano’t wala din namang malinaw Na ulat kung saan yata napunta ‘yon? Maliban dito sa posibleng nagamit Ng butihing 3rd District Representative Ang kuwartang naturan sa ‘re-election bid’ Nito laban dito kay Oca Rodriguez? Kaya sa puntong yan si Gonzales na rin Itong sa nasabing isyu ang posibleng Maipit kapagka’ di naisumiting Mabuti ni Sir ang PDAF niyang missing. At kung sa talagang kinauukulang Proyekto nagamit ay kinakailangang Malinis at walang pag-aalinlangan Ang ‘accounting’ na dapat isumite niyan At kung saan pati ‘located’ kumbaga Ang ‘finished projects’ ay dapat ipakita Ni Dong kasama ang buong ‘team’ nila Ng mga Engineers saka kontratista. Upang ma-determine na hindi ‘ghost projects’ Itong kay Congressman Aurelio Gonzales Ay naka-report na mga ‘finished projects’ Pero kung di man ‘ghost’ ay ‘over priced-rated!?’ Leadership skill: Decision-making EVERYDAY at work we are confronted with things to do and choices to make. But how should we go about arriving at a decision? How do we know which among a lieu of options is the right or the best one? Before we go to the actual problem-solving and decision-making, it is important to come to terms with some facts about decision-making in relation to a leader in a workplace. Accept that as a leader you really have to make numerous decisions each day. As a leader you have the opportunity and the authority to decide, so you should know how and when to take control, how to turn ideas into reality, and accept accountability for consequences. Then remember that a good decision does not happen by chance, but is borne of intention, effort, direction and execution. When you make decisions first collect pertinent information. Gather facts and ask people for advice. Since at times, there is fear about making the wrong decision, it helps when you imagine the best and worst case scenarios so you would know the pros and cons for each al- ternative or option at hand. Realize that there are always a variety of options to choose from for every situation that you face. Lastly, it helps if you accept that you cannot control every outcome each decision you make. Detox on work overload Quick, think about what has you feeling tensed and upset at work lately? Tension and feelings of upset, and frustration are what we commonly refer to as stress. Psychologist Hans Selye refers to this feeling as distress. Distress is caused by stressors like arriving late, deadlines and getting laid off. Dr. Selye has been known to say that we cannot control stressors from happening to us, but what we can control is our response to stressors. Over time, stress can cause damage to our health, relationships, productivity and happiness about our lives. Good thing is our body has a way of alerting us when we get stressed. Some symptoms of getting stressed-out at work include anxiety, irritability or depression. The person can also lose interest in his work and might have trouble concentrating. He could also suffer from muscle aches, headaches and stomach aches. So, how can we break ad habits at work and manage our distress? Here’s how: • Stay away from situations that stress you out on a daily basis. • Change the situation. Be assertive and face the problem head-on • If you can’t change the situation, change the way you look at the situation and think about whether it is really upsetting or not. • Accept the things you cannot change. Genesis Z. Macapagal Angeles City celebrates National Women’s Month ANGELES CITY – “Womanhood should not only be celebrated today but rather every day for women are known to be champions.” Thus said Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan during the Women’s General Assembly at the city’s Bayanihan Park held in celebration of the National Women’s Month. With the theme “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong!”, this year’s observance aims to celebrate women empowerment and participation as well as their excellence in their different roles in a growing society. Pamintuan, in his message, expressed his salutations to all the women who have been continuously contributing in nation-building as he strongly encouraged them to fight for their rights. He also emphasized that the city will lead a continuous fight for gender equality. Activities In line with the celebration, the city has slated a free osteoporosis screening and Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar on March 17. Concerns about laws and issues relating to women will be tackled on March 21st also at the same venue. On March 21st and 24th, an awareness seminar about anti-human trafficking is slated and is followed by an HIV and AIDS consciousness campaign on March 27. These will all be held at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Hall, in Angeles City Hall at Pulung Maragul. A free Pap Smear and consultation for the women of Angeles City Jail is scheduled on March 20 to 21 which is sponsored by Councilor Maricel Morales. On March 28, the city will hold a Hilot Wellness and Beauty Day Treat at the SM Clark Wellness Zone where all women are welcome. The city’s celebration of Women’s Month is spearheaded by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office. Interested participants for the said events may contact the office at local 260. AC aims to be the most gender sensitive Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting lauded all the women who have been active in leadership and service. From government employees, barangay officials, NGO’s and police women present in the event. “We all deserve to be congratulated for we have been able to build up the women’s sector in terms of their leadership and participation in the government’s decision making procedures. Angeles City’s goal to be one of the most gender sensitive city in the country is now at hand,” Vega-Cabigting added. On the other hand, Councilor Maricel “Marang” Morales, committee chairperson on Women and Children’s Affairs, proudly said that women today have been successfully paving their way to politics which only shows that they excel in their chosen fields. “We do not stop fighting, not only for equality and for our rights but also the fight to give hope to the women who are abused and help them embrace their womanhood,” Morales added. Rapist nasakote sa SBMA NI JOHNNY R. REBLANDO OLONGAPO CITY-- Bumagsak sa kamay ng mga tauhan ng Bataan Criminal and Investigation and Detection Team ang isang rapist sa kanyang pinagtataguan sa Boton Area sa loob ng Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Kinilala ni CIDT provin- cial officer Chief Inspector Ruben Tampis ang suspek na si Armando Gavino Jr., 32, ng Barangay Tugatog, Orani, Bataan. Ang suspek ay dinakip sa bisa ng warrant of arrest na ipinalabas ni Judge Remigio Escalada ng RTC Branch 3 ng Balanga City sa kasong three counts of rape ng walang kaukulang piyansa. Ang suspek ay inireklamo ng kanyang sister-in-law na menor de edad makaraan nitong pauli-ulit na pagsamantalahan noong 2010. Batay sa talaan ng pulisya ang suspek ay nasa No. 2 sa Most Wanted Persons sa bayan ng Orani. PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • MARCH 12 - 13, 2014 • WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY Napaguusapan Lang 5 2 patay sa banggaan ng motorsiklo, trike NI ARMAND M. GALANG SAN JOSE CITY – Namatay habang ginagamot sa ospital ang dalawang lalaki matapos magkabanggaan ang kanilang sinasakyang motorsiklo at tricycle sa kahabaan ng Maharlika Highway, Barangay Abar 1st sa lungsod na ito kamakalawa ng gabi. Sa ulat ni SPO1 Apoli- nario Tolentino, may hawak ng kaso, ang mga biktima ay nakilalang sina Jayson Mendonez, 24, binata, ng Barangay Burgos, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija at Mark Grospe,23, binata, mula sa Barangay Baloc, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija. Nagtamo rin ng pinsala ang kani-kanilang mga back-rider na sina Kenneth Mendonez,18, at Jennifer Elias,22, ng Barangay Riv- erside, Zone 7, Barangay Abar 1st, sa lungsod na ito. Sa imbestigasyon, minamaneho ng nakatatandang Mendonez ang isang single na motorsiklo (7248 YN) samantalang isang tricycle naman (PN 5145) ang minamaneho ni Grospe bandang alas 9:40 ng gabi nitong Sabado sa naturang lugar. Magkasalubong umano ang dalawang sasakyan nang biglang magsalpukan at dahil sa lakas ng banggaan nang umano’y mag-overtake ang single na motorsiklo at kinain ang linya ng tricycle. “Due to impact, all of them sustained serious injuries,” ulat ni Tolentino at mga kasamang imbestigador. Isinugod sa ospital lahat ng biktima, ayon sa pulisya, subalit ang driver na si Mendonez ay namatay ilang minuto pa lamang ng gamutan. Kinailangang isugod sa isang pagamutan sa Cabanatuan City si Grospe ngunit binawian rin siya ng buhay samantalang nilalapatan ng lunas, ayon sa pulsiya. Patuloy naman ang pagpapayo ng mga otoridad na mag-ingat sa pagmamaneho, lalo sa motorsiklo. Lawyer confident CA to free Delfin Lee today FROM PAGE 1 In an interview with Punto, lawyer Willie Rivera said that Lee is slated to appear before the CA at 10 a.m. today after he filed last Monday an extremely urgent petition for habeas corpus with a plea for the appellate court to mandate the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to quash the warrant of arrest against his client. “I am confident that the CA will cause his release today. I think that his opponents realize victory in our case that’s why they are rushing with other cases against him,” Rivera said. In a meeting Monday with alleged victims of Lee at the Xevera subdivision in Mabalacat City, Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay, who is also the government’s housing czar, said three more syndicated estafa cases are pending against Lee before the Department of Justice. Pag-IBIG Fund President-CEO Darlene Marie Berberabe said the three cases are of similar nature involving anomalous sale of housing units worth some P7 billion at the Xevera and Semeera housing projects in this province. She said, however, that the complainants differ. Rivera said, however, that multiplicity of the same cases are not permissible and that each case has to be differed for it to become legally acceptable. He also said that even if the three cases were admitted by the Department of Justice, they would undergo preliminary investigation yet. “They seem to be aware that we are going to win in our assertion that the CA verdict dismissing the case against my client would be upheld. So they are rushing with more cas- es,” Rivera added. At the same time, Rivera said Lee would no longer object to being transferred from a cell in the regional headquarters of the National Bureau of Investigation to a cell at the nearby provincial jail. “It’s okay so that people would not think there is special treatment for him,” he said. Corp. filed a case against the alleged bookie operations in their area. A hearing on the case is now ongoing, she added. “They don’t want bookies to come in,” Juico said. “When asked if she believed in STL, she said: “If it’s done right, why not.” She said when they first came in, the revenues from STL operations was very low. “So I called them (STL operators) to a meeting and told them, if they keep on remitting very low revenues, then the PCSO would just consider removing STL in favor of the lotto which turns in huge remittances.” Juico said after that meeting STL operators increased to 300 percent their remittances. The PCSO chair said only 16 provinces have STL outlets but Pampanga has two because of Angeles City, and Zambales has also two be- cause of Olongapo City. Juico stressed that “we want to combat jueteng, but we only operate in 16 provinces and our critics say we are not successful, how can you be successful when your presence is only in 16 out of 82 provinces?” “Right now we cannot even expand because it’s too controversial. We would like to open more but we are still waiting for guidance especially from Malacañang,” she lamented. Juico said among the critics is Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas, who is not in favor of STL. Roxas observed that STL operations were not successful in curbing jueteng in the country. “But that is not even our role. We are not law enforcers. If there’s gambling, the DILG and the police should go after them. So if there are 16 provinces with STL, why don’t they target the other provinces which don’t have STL operations and anything that moves there is clearly illegal,” she said. “Yun and habulin nila (They should run after those),” she said. Juico stressed that STL is doing okay. She said there is a joke that goes around about a Metro Manila mayor who was proud of the STL operation in his area when in fact there was none. “Sabi niya, ‘Chairman, sa amin maayos ang aming STL.’ Sabi ko, mayor walang STL sa lugar mo (So chairman in our place STL is doing fine. I said mayor there is no STL in your area). To that the flabbergasted mayor said ha? ‘Wala ba?’ (Don’t we have one?). Roxas and the police should go after that mayor because obviously there is only jueteng there, Juico said. date of supposedly promoting and protecting the locally-produced food supply,” it said. It noted that Nueva Ecija province, which contributed nine percent of total palay production in 2013, and Central Luzon which contributed more than 18 percent of production in the same year are not being flooded with imported rice, The statement also criticized the Aquino government for “drumming up rice self-sufficiency when it only means increasing rice imports and totally opposing rice food security.” “This government abandoned protecting local production and diverting the country to becoming import-dependent on food, when an international crisis erupts disrupting importation, we are all going to die of starvation,” Lopez said. He noted that the government also imported 350,000 metric tons of rice last year as commitment to the WTO. Lopez said “We should oppose liberalization of agriculture and WTO as they only mean starvation and misery for the people of Central Luzon.” –Ding Cervantes Pampanga tops STL collection PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • MARCH 12 - 13, 2014 • WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY FROM PAGE 1 6 PCSO Chair Margarita P. Juico said the STL is the “government’s way to curb jueteng” which is illegal and critics say it abets corruption among government officials and the police hierarchy including the military. Juico, who was guest of the weekly “Balitaan” forum hosted by Capampangan In Media, Inc. (CAMI) in partnership with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and the Social Security System (SSS) at the Bale Balita here last Friday, said STL operators have agreed to abide by the new Presumptive Monthly Revenue Receipt (PMRR) formula which has a computation of “30 percent of the voting population multiplied by P3 per bet times 30 days.” The product will be the PMRR, she added. In a letter to the PCSO Board and general manager Ferdinand M. Rojas II on January 28, STL operators in the country agreed that if they failed to meet the target based on the new PMRR formula, it will result in sanctions against them. Suncove Corporation, which operates STL in Pampanga and Lake Tahoe Gaming and Amusement Corp., which operates STL in Angeles City, were among the STL operators that signed the letter. In the know When asked why alleged jueteng operators are also STL operators Juico said: “actually they are.” She explained that “two years ago they opened STL to outsiders for coverage of the whole Philippines but we only got a little more than 200. So I asked why so few? There are a lot of provinces how come there’s only 200?” Juico continued, “I even asked Ramon S. Ang (president of San Miguel Corp.) and (tobacco magnate) Sonny Dominguez if they want to get into it. But they answered we don’t know the business.” “So you cannot get somebody coming in not knowing a thing about the business. Kasi paiikut-ikutan lang daw sila. So you end up with the same people,” Juico said. “So what you do is just look at how they operate,” she added. When asked of the probability of STL collections being diverted to jueteng, Juico confidently said, “not true” that’s why they have a PRMM which is based on how much they should be generating. “Mayroong naka peg na quota sa kanila. They can go over their quota but they cannot go under it or sanctions will be imposed,” she said. According to PCSO Angeles City branch manager Ma. Lourdes Soliman, Lake Tahoe Amusement and Gaming Roxas Farmers score glut of imported rice FROM PAGE 1 ed 525,000 bags of rice from Vietnam which arrived at Subic Freeport last January are now flooding the market. “Traders now use this rice flooding as leverage to even depress farm gate prices of locally produced palay,” the statement said, noting that the importation was part of the government’s commitment to liberalize the agriculture industry as commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Aquilino Lopez, vice-chairperson of AMGL for external af- fairs, said “imported rice from Vietnam and other countries are not helping us but are actually undermining our capacity to produce our own rice.” “If farmers face indebtedness and become landless, lands devoted to cultivating rice are to decline, putting us more dependent on imported rice. Our food security is systematically degraded,” he said. The groups’ statement said that during pre-WTO period of the data from Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), imported rice only shared two percent of the total 41 million metric tons rice supply from 1990 to 1994, but jacked up to about 10 percent of 226.8 million metric tons supply from 1995 to 2012. “It is also noticeable that pre-WTO period rice buffer reached to 21 percent that plunged to only 17 percent since WTO entry. Thus, food security in rice was concretely degraded. The groups said that the continuation of this trend would make the region and the country critically dependent on rice imports,” the statement also noted. Lopez asked: “Isn’t it dense that our country has the 8th largest rice production in 2009 but also imported the most in the world in 2010?” “The country’s policies and program are weakening our agriculture, thus, no different from putting the people into hunger and misery,” he added. The statement also lashed at a statement of National Food Authority (NFA) Regional Director Amadeo De Guzman that the Vietnamese rice offloaded at Subic Freeport was to augment the local supply in the region. “This totally contradicts the agency’s man- The Gossipmiller Cesar Pambid GAME at masayang kausap si Alice. Kinukulit na siya kung kailan niya ilalantad ang lalaking nagpapa-inspire sa kanya ngayon. Winner sa kanya ang matangkad na lalaki, may face value, at marunong mag-carry ng conversation. Gusto rin niya halos kaedad niya para ‘di siya masabihang bagets killer. Pero sabi ng press, karamihan ng kaedad niya ay may mga pamilya na rin o kaya’y bading kaya walang asawa. Binanggit naman ni Alice na hindi niya priority ngayon ang magkaroon ng asawa. Kaya naman daw niyang alagaan ang sarili niya at maging independent. Basta ‘pag dumating daw ‘yung right guy para sa kanya, eh, ‘di go. Paano kung matangkad, guwapo pero walang datung? “Bakit wala siyang datung?” gulat na tanong ni Alice. Baka nakilala lang niya sa bar? “Paano siya magbabayad ng bill namin, ako pa? Waley,” tugon niya. Pero malaki… ang future niya? “Patingin nga muna,” tumatawa niyang pahayag. Ang alin? “’Yung future niya,” casual na sagot ni Alice sabay tawanan. Wala raw siyang nakikita sa showbiz na napupusuan ngayon. Richard-Sarah balik-GMA NAGKASUNDO na ang magkaaway na sina Sarah Lahbati at Annette Abrogar. Sarah was on the verge of being one of GMA’s top leading ladies after being successfully launched in “Kokak” and being Richard Gutierrez’ leading lady in “Makapiling Kang Muli,” so we don’t know what came over at bigla siyang nagluka-lukahan in suing GMA. Nadiskaril ang career kumbaga. As one writer says: “Papataas na sana, naudlot pa.” And now, she has to start all over again. For starters, GMA Artist Center is allowing her to do a telemovie for TV5’s “Studio 5 Original Movies”. But it looks like it’ll be a tough uphill climb for her, judging from the reactions of a netizens who post negative reactions about her on social media. As for Richard, no doubt his relationship with GMA then was affected as he had to side with his girlfriend. This must be one of the reasons why he didn’t renew his contract with them. But now that GMA and Sarah have kissed and made up, he can probably reconsider his options and return to GMA. After all, he still has movie for GMA Films which he just completed, “Overtime,” an action-thriller where he’s paired with Lauren Young. A few days ago, Chard has already agreed to be a guest in “The Ryzza Mae Show” and the feedback is great. Now that GMA is having problems with their primetime shows that seem to lag in the ratings game, maybe they should cook a good project for Richard. We should remember that GMA7’s performance in the ratings started zooming up with Chard’s “Mulawin.” We have no doubt that if they could find a good mature material for Chard (not another telefantasya ala-Captain Barbell or Kamandag), it would give him a very good chance of having a second wind in his career. But for now, he’ll be busy promoting his movie with GMA Films, “Overtime,” an action thriller which has an April playdate. Cristine Reyes gusto nang gumawa ng baby Alice Dixson NAGING ex-boyfriend ni Cristine Reyes si Mark Herras bukod pa nga sa magkakasabayan sila dati sa Starstruck with Jennylyn Mercado, Yasmien Kurdi, Rainier Castillo, Nadine Samonte, etc. Kaya naman hindi maiwasang mahingan ng reaksyon si Cristine hinggil sa pagkakaroon ng baby ni Mark at pagiging unwed father nito. “Nagulat ako kasi, daddy na siya,” say ni Cristine. May communication pa rin naman kasi sila ni Mark at aniya, medyo nararamdaman nga niya na may kakaibang nangyayari kay Mark pero dahil nga bisi-bisihan daw siya ay hindi na sila nakapag-usap pa nang masinsinan. “Alam naman ni Mark na ’pag may kailangan siya, alam naman niya kung saan ako hahanapin. And pamilya pa rin kami, meron kaming grupo sa Starstruck. Lagi pa rin kaming nag-uusap. Lahat kami, meron kaming isang group, Survivor,” say ni Cristine. Ayon kay Cristine ay kilala niya ang handler ni Mark na sinasabi ngang ina ng anak ng aktor. “Handler ko siya dati,” say ni Cristine. “Model-type,” pagdi-describe niya sa ina ng anak ni Mark. Natanong nga si Cristine kung how would she feel kung siya naman ang nasa posisyon ni Ynna Asistio na girlfriend ni Mark at the time na nakabuntis ito. “Wala. Eh, di, ganoon talaga ang buhay, eh. We have to deal with it,” say pa ng leading lady ni Paulo Avelino sa Honesto. Hindi ba siya naiinggit sa mga ka-batch niya sa Starstruck na karamihan ay may mga anak na ngayon? “Gusto ko na nga rin, eh,” natatawa niyang sagot. “Kaya nga, lagi ko ngang hinihiram ang mga pamangkin ko, eh. Alam nila ’yun. ’Yon ’yung hinaing ko nu’n sa kanila, ‘gusto ko ng baby.’ Pero wala, bawal, eh.” Mga after two years pa raw siguro bago niya isipin ang magsettle down at magkaroon ng sariling anak. PGKM hits DOTC’s... FROM PAGE 1 level. He said Laguna is also a bad choice since it will not help in decongesting Metro Manila but would actually lend more congestion into it. “It’s like pouring money into the sea. It’s a total waste,” Cruz said explaining that what happened to the Tacloban airport in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda should be both a wake-up call and an eye opener. “Sangley and Laguna are highly vulnerable to climate change devastation,” Cruz stressed. But Abaya said in published reports that “the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is initially looking at the former US naval base Sangley Point in Cavite as well as the country’s largest lake as the possible site of the new airport which are both near Metro Manila.” “Our initial feedback is that they (JICA) are looking at Sangley because it is within the 20-minute parameter and is accessible. One could also be I think Laguna de Bay,” Abaya said. The DOTC secretary also said the project could be under the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme as the government is veering away from unsolicited proposals. “Interested investors could join the bidding. Definitely unsolicited proposal won’t happen,” he added. But Abaya admitted that both locations entail massive reclamation as the new international airport requires at least 2,000 hectares. The PGKM pointed out that land reclamation would have devastating effects as it will destroy marine life in the place which can translate to loss of livelihood for thousands of coastal communities. Abaya also admitted in published reports that without land reclamation it is nearly impossible to get an area as big as 2,000 hectares or even 1,000 hectares that is 20 minutes away from Manila. JICA is reportedly conducting a site selection study for the new international airport that is a longterm development to be commenced and completed in 15 to 20 years. But the PGKM noted that Abaya will no longer be around in 15 to 20 years and to consider a site that is both detrimental to the environment and illogical is absurd. The DOTC said it wants to put into operation a new international airport by 2027 with the joint development of the congested NAIA in Manila and the Clark International Airport (CIA) in Pampanga. The PGKM, which is advocating for the full and immediate development of the CIA, said the DOTC should instead focus on what is doable and attainable now by developing CIA which already exists and most of all operational. Cruz said all it (CIA) needs is a policy statement and direction from the national government for its full and immediate development. With that, he said, Metro Manila which is already bursting at the seams will be decongested and the fully expanded CIA will act as a catalysts for development not only in Central Luzon but in the entire archipelago because of its strategic location. “Why should the fast train be only up to Malolos, Bulacan when there is practically nothing there?” Cruz asked. “Why not extend it all the way to Clark not in 2030 but now in order to ferry airline passengers to their destinations in less and predictable time.” The JICA study showed that “the number of passengers in Greater Capital Region would hit 106.7 million by 2040, from 31.88 million in 2012.” It expects passengers from the National Capital Region as well as Central Luzon and Calabarzon to rise steadily to 49.8 million in 2020, 75 million in 2030, and 106.7 million in 2040. The PGKM said Malacañang should waste no time in making a policy statement and direction to realize a fully developed CIA which can accommodate airline passengers even beyond 2040. PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • MARCH 12 - 13, 2014 • WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY Alice Dixson di papatol sa lalaking walang pera 7 8 PUNTO! CENTRAL LUZON • MARCH 12 - 13, 2014 • WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY
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