February 11 - 17, 2018 Volume V • Issue No. 242

50

Number of barangays of Maasin town

EDITORIAL

Php 12.00

128.59 sq. km. Total land area of Maasin town

Psalm 37:37. Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.

311 person/sq. km. Population density of Maasin town

Iloilo Metropolitan Times

20, 149

@Ilo2MetroTimes

19, 868

Male population of Maasin town

Female population of Maasin town

|p6

Post Candelaria NEWS |p4

Comelec disqualifies Lambunao mayor

BUSINESS |p3

P2.2-B new mall in Iloilo City to create 3,500 jobs

To promote Mt. Napulak as a tourist destination in Igbaras, Iloilo, 110 mountainers joined the Conquer the Rock 10 last January 25-27, 2018. The event was organized by Higher Grounds Mountaineers Iloilo in coordination with the Municipality of Igbaras and sponsored by Habagat Outdoor Equipment Inc. Photo by Bert Esposado

Iloilo welcomes Clark direct flights

Lucio Tan joins city water race www. ilolometropolitantimes.com

BY REYMAR L. LATOZA

Another private company is interested to  invest in a water distribution project in Iloilo City. City Mayor Jose Espinosa III said Lucio Tan’s conglomerate LT Group, Inc. (LTG) has already secured a permit from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “Mas  advance  pa sila sa iban nga  companies  nga gusto magsulod sa  city  para mag-operate  kay may  permit  na sila ya  from NWRB,” he said.

The mayor said LTG representatives visited his office last week. “Ginpresent nila sa akon ang plans nila and the permit kay siling nila NWRB na ang gacontrol sa private investors [engaged in water production and distribution]  indi na angLWUA [Local Water Utilities Administration],” Espinosa said. But the mayor made clear that he is not quite sure of the functions of NWRB. “I will check  pa  kon  amo  na gid man na subong.” Espinosa is also unsure if LTG still needs to secure a franchise from the

City Council. “I don’t know  pa basi may bag-o nga rule. Pero kon kinanglan, they have to comply.” He said LTG is now preparing its documents required to acquire a business permit from the city government. Aside from the city, LTG will also distribute water in the towns of Pavia and Sta. Barbara. Espinosa said LTG is welcome in the city. “Ako ya open ako sa gusto nga mag-operate diri sa city” This, according to the mayor,  is an indication that the city is thriving. “Ang demand sang tubig nagasaka kay nagadamo ang  businesses  ta diri.

LTFRB-6 approves P10 minimum jeepney fare

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The P10 minimum jeepney fare may take effect in the second quarter of 2018, said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-6). The LTFRB-6 approved the petition of the Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Owners and Drivers Association (ICLAJODA), Iloilo

City Alliance of Drivers’ Associations (ICADA), and Confederation of Iloilo Provincial Jeepney Owners and Drivers Association (CIPJODA) on Monday, Feb. 5. The transport groups, during a hearing,  agreed to increase the minimum fare for jeepneys to P10 from P6.50 for regular passengers. LTFRB-6 Regional Director Richard Osmeña said their decision

to approve the proposed fare hike was based on reccomendations from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The agency also approved the petition seeking a P9 minimum jeepney fare filed by Panay Consumer’s Alliance. According to Osmeña, the petitions were submitted to the LTFRB Central Office in Manila. “The Central Office may release its final decision in the second quarter of the year, ” he said. Once approved, the increase in the minimum jeepney fare will be implemented 15 days after the publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Raymundo “Boyet” Parcon, ICLAJODA president, said they are pushing for the increase due to higher prices of petroleum products caused by the  implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN).IMT

Mga bag-o ngahotels and restaurants,” Espinosa said. In 2016, the City Council granted South Balibago Resources, Inc (SBRI)  a non-exclusive franchise to distribute water in Jaro district. Last year, Ayala-led Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) expressed intention to distribute water in the districts of Molo, Arevalo, and Mandurriao. The Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) awarded in Dec. last year the  P12-billion water concession project to MetroPac Water Investment Corp. (MWIC). The Villar group was also reportedly planning to put up distribution facilities in Iloilo.IMT

Ilonggos now have more reasons and options to chase wonders in different local destinations as AirAsia started offering direct flights to and from Iloilo and Clark. Flying every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, AirAsia brings a wonderful travel experience to Ilonggos with Clark being considered as one of the major hubs in the country and a gateway to international destinations. The Department of Tourism (DOT-6) welcomes AirAsia’s Iloilo-Clark flights by intensifying partnerships with various tourism stakeholders. The DOT-6 and DOT-3 in partnership with AirAsia organized familiarization tour and Business to Business (B2B) session between the tour operators and hotels from Central Luzon with the same sectors in Iloilo. This activity aims to sustain the direct flights to and from Clark through marketing and promotions by tying up with tour operators, hotels and restaurants from both Central Luzon and connected regions. “We welcome the AirAsia’s new route in Iloilo as it will surely bring more travel and business opportunities among the Ilonggos. Clark is one of the hubs in the country and with the direct flight to and from Iloilo, we are looking forward to a stronger partnership among tourism stakeholders,” DOT-6 Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas said. REE/DOT-6

“

Now, I would tell you that I—there was this promise (solve the drug problem in 6 months) which turned out to be a nightmare, a fiasco. Well, because when I was mayor, I made the promise—ang mindset ko was Davao.

”

President Rodrigo Duterte

2

WV NEWS

February 11 - 17, 2018

Capiz records 140 HIV/AIDS cases

BY JOEL CAPUNDAN

Of the total cases, 36 percent or 50 were recorded in Roxas City. Fe Salgado of the City The province of Capiz posted 140 cases of human Health Office said she was immunodeficiency virus “alarmed” by the number. She asked the help of (HIV) and Acquired Immune the media to disseminate Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

AKLAN The Aklan State University has just finished its research on purifying the nutritious and healthier Darag native chicken lines, a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) official said.

 According to the DOSTFood and Nutrition Institute (FNRI), Darag chicken meat has less fat; is high in protein and rich in potassium; and contains more unsaturated fatty acids. FNRI researchers said Darag chicken has a unique taste and meat texture, and is used in delicacies such as litson, inasal and tinu-om. “You need to purify their (genetic) lines so you could call them native chicken. The enzymes in this chicken makes its meat taste very, very good,”

NEGROS The Municipality of La Castellana in Negros Occidental is banking on its road network projects funded by various government agencies to enhance the development of its agriculture and tourism sectors. Mayor Rhumyla NicorMangilimutan said as of Feb.8, February 11 - 17, 2018

NOTICE OF OFFICIAL DEATH Ofelia Enriquez Laurente, 81, passed away on October 15, 2017 at Saint Gabriel Medical Center, Inc. in Kalibo, Aklan. She was born on October 23, 1935. Her parents are Felicidad Legaspi Enriquez (mother) and Gaudioso Manihan Laurente (father).

information on HIV/AIDS. Salgado said Roxas City has a satellite treatment hub for persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAS). The hub, according to her, is being managed by accredited

and skilled members of the city’s HIV/AIDS Core Team (HACT) that provide voluntary preparatory and post counseling, testing as well as laboratory and referral services. All in all, Western Visayas

has 2,079 HIV/AIDS cases. Broken down, 555 from Iloilo City, 389 from Iloilo province, 363 from Bacolod City, 358 from Negros Occidental, 131 from Aklan, 102 from Antique, and 41 from Guimaras.IMT

has discovered. 

 Meanwhile, Capiz State University has a project on for the establishment of a “Science and Technology Model Farm on Free Range Darag Native Chicken.”

 This project, which started in April 2016 running until March 2018, aims to apply

various technologies in free range chicken production since western Visayas is the leading native chicken producer in the country, according to the DOST.

 Among these technologies are the development of native chicken breeding and hatchery management system that would ensure stable supply of both breeder and slaughter native chickens; artificial incubation and brooding; and botanical dewormer.

 The DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, which funded Capiz State University’s project, earler said it expects this to help increase farm production and profitability of free range native chicken raisers.PNA/IMT

Aklan State University finishes research to purify native chicken

Aklan State University DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara told the Philippine News Agency. Darag is a free range chicken which is healthier for consumption and commonly found in Iloilo, Panay, Negros and Guimaras. She said it is distinct for its black tail feathers and grey

shanks. It is also ideal for lactating mothers. “The objective of Aklan State University’s research was to make Darag as the first purified native chicken lines,” Guevara said, adding that the university is now looking for a private company which can commercialize the technology it

NegOcc town banks on road projects to enhance agri, tourism sectors about P200 million worth of infrastructure projects are up for bidding and construction for 2018. Majority of the P150 million fund has been allocated by the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) Program through the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). The road concreting project is funded by the Provincial Government while Farm-toMarket (FMR) program will be implemented through the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA). “We are banking on the

development of more road network projects to boost our agriculture and tourism sectors,” the mayor said. Nicor-Mangilimutan said these access roads will connect farmers to markets and link tourists to various town destinations. The Pamana projects set for implementation are the road concreting in Barangay Camandag, where Mandayao Falls is situated; Barangay Sag-ang, which hosts a

ANTIQUE

major coffee production area; and Barangay Manghanoy, which will serve as exit road in case of eruption of Mount Kanlaon. Also, the SRA has allocated P7.7 million for road concreting in Barangay Sag-ang expected to benefit at least five agrarian reform organizations, which will supplement recentlycompleted PHP33-million road development also funded by the SRA in the same village Barangay

Sag-ang. The DA-funded P10-million road project is also ongoing. Meanwhile, the provincial government allocated P5.1 million for the concreting of 500-meter road in Barangay Cabacungan set to start next month. As major tourist spot, Cabacungan hosts several spring resorts and waterfalls and has a perfect view of Mount Kanlaon. (PNA)

Antique hospital soon to open drug testing facility

February 11 - 17, 2018

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Iloilo Municipality of San Joaquin NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with the publication requirement pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No.1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that JESUS SEBANTA SARDUA has filed with this Office a Correction of Entry in the Sex from “Female” to “Male” in his Certificate of Live Birth of at San Joaquin, Iloilo and whose parents are Vicente Sardua and Monica Sebanta Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/ her written opposition with this Office. (SGD) ROY CARLOS S. LAMASAN Municipal Civil Registrar

Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital A drug testing facility will soon be opened at the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH) that will serve the needs of the capitol employees and other Antiqueňos. “in the next four months our drug testing facility will already open,” said Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo, chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO). Naciongayo, who was invited by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan

(SP) here during the body’s regular session, added that they are now in the process of procuring the biometric equipment which will be used for the drug testing facility. “In fact we already have 3,000 testing kits purchased,” Naciongayo said. The IPHO was invited by the local lawmakers to help find solution to the problem of the Capitol employees who need to go to Iloilo or Aklan for their required drug testing due to lack of such

facility in Antique. The lawmakers noted that job order employees are now in the process of renewing their contracts. SP Member Joseph Eugene D. Alojipan, who requested for the presence of the IPHO chief, said that since the Land Transportation Office no longer requires drug testing for those applying for driver’s permit the private laboratories in the province have closed down. PNA/IMT

BUSINESS 3

February 11 - 17, 2018

CPOC resolution requires biz owners in Iloilo City to hire security guards

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The Iloilo City Peace and Order Council has passed a resolution ordering all establishments in the metropolis to hire security personnel. The resolution was crafted after the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) observed that many business establishments, especially at Smallville Complex in Mandurriao district, have no security guards. Lawyer Ferdinand Panes, director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the city, said business operators need to employ security guards to ensure the safety of their customers. “Dapat indi lang sila magsalig sa pulis. They have to help our police maintain peace and order,” he added. The resolution is now awaiting the signature of City Mayor Jose Espinosa III. Once approved, copies of the resolution will be distributed to business establishments, police stations and the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO). Last year, Espinosa issued an executive order mandating all establishments that sell liquors to close at 2 a.m. The city has also a regulation ordinance banning minors from roaming the streets from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. It also prohibits restaurants, nightclubs, motels, dancehalls, amusement places such as Internet cafes, video arcades, karaoke bars, billiard halls, beach resorts and other similar establishments from admitting minors within their premises during curfew hours, and selling of alcoholic beverages to them.IMT

President Rodrigo R. Duterte is asking for more time to sign an Executive Order to abolish labor contractualization or “endo”, Malacañang said Thursday. “I was made to understand that he asked for more time to issue the Executive Order on endo,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace briefing. “That’s all that I was informed by head of protocol.” Roque’s remark came a day after Duterte met with labor groups in Malacanang on Wednesday noting that it was a closed-door meeting. The Palace spokesperson said the

Online marketplace for properties Lamudi Philippines revealed that most Filipinos are looking for house and lot properties, but inquiries on residential condominiums are increasing. Lamudi Philippines Chief Executive Officer Bhavna Suresh said 59 percent of its property searches in 2017 were house and lots. Almost half of house and lot searches were looking for properties with a value of PHP5 million and below; 35 percent were looking for house and lot priced up to PHP20 million; 13 percent were searching for properties amounting to up to

DA PRICE MONITORING As of January 1, 2018

Prime Commodities Prime Commodities

MEAT LOAF Argentina(150g) 555(150g) CDO-Wetmarket(150g) Gusto(150g) CORNED BEEF Agentina(150g) CDO(150g) Purefood Star(150g) VINEGAR-GIN BOTTLE Silver Swan (350ml)

Current Price 16.50 15.75 16.95 16.50 29.00 26.50 27.00

13.50

PATIS-GIN BOTTLE Datu Puti-Supermarket(350ml) Datu Puti-Wetmarket(350ml) TOILET SOAP Ivory(Classic)135g Safeguard(White)135g SOY SAUCE-GIN BOTTLE Datu Puti-Supermarket(350ml) Datu Puti-Wetmarket(350ml) BATTERIES Eveready Heavy Duty Small Red (Pack of 2) AA

Current Price 19.60 20.50

28.00 40.50 15.75 16.50

Current Price 26.50

P2.2-B new mall in Iloilo City to create 3,500 jobs BY REYMAR LATOZA Festive Walk Mall, which will open in April this year, is expected to boost employment in Iloilo. Kevin L. Tan, senior vice president and head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, said the P2.2-billion new mall in Iloilo Business Park (IBP) in Mandurriao district will generate around 3,500 jobs in retail, food, transport, and mall operations. Festive Walk Mall, which covers 90,000 square meters in gross floor area, is Megaworld’s first and biggest full-scale lifestyle mall outside Luzon. Tan said the mall will further expand their offerings in IBP as it

matures as a township. Festive Walk Mall will have three levels of world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, leisure and wellness offerings. It will be anchored by its own supermarket, department store, home essentials store, toy store and a food hall. It will also have seven state-ofthe-art cinemas, which include Dolby Atmos cinemas that offer complete surround sound technology. Another highlight of the mall will be The Deck at the 3rd level, which features an open space with lush gardens and greeneries, a chapel and a dog park. An interactive dancing fountain will also greet mallgoers at the

President needed more time to review the documents. “He is studying the matter more thoroughly,” he added. Labor groups earlier called for an end to labor contractualization through the issuance of an executive order that would give them security of tenure, self-organization, collective bargaining and peaceful concerted activities. During their meeting, Duterte assured that the government will do its part to forwarding labor rights. Aside from contractualization,

other issues discussed in the meeting were wage setting, government cash subsidy, workers’ representation in tripartite bodies, recruitment and facilitation fees, and freedom of association in economic zones. Present during the meeting were representatives from Kilusang Mayo Uno, Nagkakaisa Labor Coalition, Associated Labor Unions, Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, Partido Manggagawa, National Labor Union, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, National Confederation of Labor, among others. PNA/IMT

main entrance. The main mall connected to a mall annex will be linked to the 1.1-kilometer Festive Walk Parade via elevated walkways and bridges. The Festive Walk Mall Annex will house some government offices as well as medical and wellness facilities. More than 1,000 parking slots will also be made available for mall patrons and visitors. “Our idea is to seamlessly connect the main mall, the annex, Festive Walk Parade and the multi-level parking facility so that everything will be walkable,” Tan said. Festive Walk Mall will also

Duterte needs more time to issue EO on endo

have its own transport hub that can accommodate buses, jeepneys, and taxis. Designed with modern aesthetics that strongly evoke the country’s tropical influence, the mall will have some green and sustainable design features that include day-lighting and sun-shading facilities and fresh indoor greeneries. Megaworld’s 72-hectare IBP is home to two of Iloilo City’s first-class hotels, Richmonde Hotel and the soon-to-open Marriott Courtyard, state-of-the-art BPO office towers, residential condominium towers, and an expansive commercial and finance district. IMT

Filipinos prefer house and lot, condo inquiries up PHP150 million; and 4 percent were searching for house and lots with a value of more than PHP150 million. However, Suresh noted that the share on searches for house and lots declined from the past years, which was about 70 percent. She said searches for other types of property were rising, particularly for condominiums, accounting for 14 percent of searches in Lamudi last year. About 12 percent of searches in Lamudi were raw land or lots, while apartments shared 11 percent to the total searches in 2017. Suresh said 15 million users who

visited Lamudi’s website last year spent 2.7 million hours searching for properties online. She added that Lamudi had seen a large increase in the number of visits to its platform in 2017, which signalled a rise in Filipinos’ acceptance of property technology or PropTech. “More developers, brokers, and owners are now breaking the brick and mortar barrier to cross over to the click and discover business environment,” said Suresh. Last year, Lamudi Philippines had a total of 100,000 active listings from residential condominiums, house and

lots, apartments, commercial spaces, raw lots, and foreclosed properties across the country. A total of 1.1 billion sq. meters of property spaces were listed on Lamudi’s platform in 2017. In terms of sources of properties, majority or about 18 percent of supplies were in Quezon City, followed by Makati City with 12 percent. Other top supplies of property listings in Lamudi include Parañaque, Pasig, Taguig, and Manila. In terms of demand, a big chunk still came from Quezon City and

Makati City, with 15 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Suresh added that Lamudi also noticed a hike in searches outside Metro Manila, such as the cities of Davao and Cebu. There were emerging cities in the provinces, among them Iloilo, Bacolod, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro, where property searches online were picking up, according to the chief of Lamudi Philippines. “We see more demand for both residential and commercial properties in the next several years as the economy grows further,” Suresh said. PNA/IMT

DTI PRICE MONITORING

Philippine Stock Stock Exchange Philippine Exchange Inc Inc

HISTORICALStock EXCHANGE RATE Philippine Exchange Inc

PANAY POWER SITUATION Philippine Stock Exchange Inc Weekly Outlook - January 26-February 1, 2018

of January 1, 2018 DTIAsPRICE MONITORING

Period (January 17-25, 2018)

Prime Commodities Prime Commodities 13.25 12.00 13.45

PROCESSED MILK Current Price Alaska Sweetened Filled 54.50 Milk - Condensed 300 mL Alaska Filled Milk 39.50 Evaporated 370 mL Angel Filled Milk Evaporated 410 mL

Lucky Me! (55g) Payless (50g) BREAD

USD/PHP

51.1000

CANNED SARDINES Current Price INSTANT NOODLES Current Price

Toyo (155g) Family - Budget Pack Plain (130g) Lucky 7 (155g)

Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - January 19-25, 2018 51.0623

51.0500

SOURCE:NGCP

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

Capacity (MW)

443

443

443

443

443

443

443

Diesel

105

105

105

105

105

105

105

Renewable

39

39

39

39

39

39

39

Coal

299

299

299

299

299

299

299

Available Import/Export from/to Negros

92

100

122

96

96

91

90

7.30 6.30

51.0000

Current Price

50.8500

System Load (MW)

350

342

320

347

347

351

352

50.8000

Net Reserve/Deficiency (MW)

92

100

122

96

96

91

90

Limitations

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Required Regulating Reserve

14

14

13

14

14

14

14

Required Contingency Reserve

135

135

135

135

135

135

135

Required Dispatchable Reserve

82

82

82

82

82

82

82

Pinoy Tasty (450g) 35.00 Pinoy Pandesal (250g) 21.50 38.15

50.9500

50.9216

50.9000

On Thursday, Philippine Stock Exchange Inc (PSE:PHS) closed at 241.00, 4.38% above its 52-week low of 230.88, set on Feb 16, 2017.

50.7500 50.7000

50.7136

Jan 12, 2018

50.7125

50.9225

50.7158 Jan 14, 2018

Jan 16, 2018

NEWS

4

P10

minimum jeepney fare approved by the LTFRB-6

P117B amount spent by tourists who visited WV in 2017

P2.2B cost of the new mall at Iloilo Business Park

8

animal rabies cases in Iloilo province, Jan.-Feb., 2018

15

cruise ships visited Boracay Island in 2017

“

Sa taong ito, P40.8 billion ang budget ng National Irrigation Administration, P2 billion more than its allotment last year. ”

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto hails President Duterte’s signing of the Free Irrigation Law.

February 11 - 17, 2018

Comelec disqualifies Lambunao mayor BY REYMAR LATOZA

Lambunao Mayor Jason Gonzales has been disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division from holding office for failing to meet the one-year residency requirement. The poll body granted the petition for disqualification filed by Vicente “Bugok” Ramirez in November 2015. Ramirez was a former mayor of the town. He ran for vice mayor in the 2016 elections, but he lost. Gonzales received the decision declaring his candidacy “null and void” on Feb. 6. “We have five days to submit our motion for reconsideration,” he said. If the Comelec En Banc does not favor Gonzales, then he can still bring the case to the Supreme Court. “I believe that my legal team and I put up a good defense but the Comelec thought otherwise,” Gonzales said in a statement. “I have done my best to serve the people of Lambunao in the past 19 months. And today, I can only ask for

your prayers that I may be allowed to continue,” he added. Ramirez,  in his petition,  claimed that Gonzales is not qualified to run for mayor in 2016 for lack of residency requirement. He said Gonzales’ domicile or legal residence is not Lambunao because he was born in Manila on March 4, 1981. Gonzales remained an Iloilo City

resident and councilor of the city until his resignation on October 30, 2015, he added. “By serving as a councilor of Iloilo City, respondent asserts residency in Iloilo City during his tenure, an assertion incompatible with his allegation that he is a resident of Lambunao, Iloilo, given the fact that Iloilo City and the Municipality of

Lambunao, Iloilo are separate local government units and that Iloilo City is a highly-urbanized city, independent in all political aspects from the Province of Iloilo.” For his part, Gonzales said he can serve as city councilor even if he became a resident of Lambunao by virtue of his voter’s registration in the town.IMT

Director Jose Al Fruto, Construction Division OIC chief Ormel G. Santos, and project engineers recently met with representatives of 21 construction firms to discuss the policy direction of President Rodrigo Duterte. The DPWH-6 said Duterte wants their infrastructure projects completed

within 30 days. The President also does not want “open holes and canals everywhere.” The DPWH-6 said Duterte has an order to either cancel the contract of non-compliant contractors or  have somebody else undertake the project. According to the contractors, the primary factors that cause delay

in the implementation of projects are “road right-of-way (RROW) issues, unfavorable weather condition, and security threats.” Fruto asked the contractors to cooperate and find ways to avoid negative slippage or “the percentage of delay based on contract duration.” “Be serious in implementing the projects. Finish them on time,” he told them. IMT

Contractors told: Hasten infrastructure projects in WV

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) has instructed contractors to speed up the construction of infrastructure projects in Western Visayas. DPWH-6 Assistant Regional

Paraw organizer finally involves Guimaras the Provincial Capitol Gym.

BY REYMAR L. LATOZA

The Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc. (IPRFI) has strengthened its partnership with the Guimaras Provincial Government in bid to attract more visitors to join the Paraw Regatta revelry this month. Some of the events in line with the celebration of the festival’s 46th edition have been scheduled in Guimaras. “This is one of our strategies to draw more [visitors]. We want the provincial government to be fully involved in the celebration of the festival,” said Dr. Ronald Sebastian, IPRFI president. IPRFI is the organizer of the yearly festival, the oldest traditional craft event in Asia and the largest sailing event in the Philippines. On Monday, Feb. 5, the Mini Paraw and Furniture Exhibit at Jordan Wharf was officially opened. It will run until Feb. 10. The provincial government also hosted Bangkarera Pamunit sa Paraw at Puyo Wharf in Nueva Valencia on Feb. 9 On the same day, the Talent Competition and Swimwear Parade of Miss Paraw Regatta 2018 was held at

“

There is a need for greater transparency in the selection process to ensure that all factors are considered, including the matter of national security especially since the President has all but instructed the DICT to pick the Chinese telecom.

”

Senator Leila de Lima calls for a Senate investigation into the ongoing selection of a third telecommunications operator in the country.

The Mini Paraw Race, Jetski Amazing Race, Pinta Baroto and Lighted Paraw were conducted on Feb.10. All the events, according to Liberty Ferrer of the Provincial Tourism, were first time in Guimaras. She said she was very happy that the province is now part of the celebration. “Paraw-making is one of the sources of livelihood for the Guimarasnons,” Ferrer stressed. She said there are also people in Guimaras who are involved in mini galleon-making. Governor Samuel Gumarin said the provincial government has allotted some P1.3 million for the hosting of the events. “Nag-allot kami sang daku nga budget because we see nga this [parawmaking] is part of Guimarasnons’ culture and tradition.” Gumarin said the people of Guimaras before were using paraws (wind-powered sailboats) to transport their goods. The highlight of Paraw Regatta is on Feb. 17 at the Villa beach in Arevalo district, Iloilo City. IMT

“

Pakiusap ko sana magusap sina Secretary (Manny) Piñol, yung NFA Council, pati na din yung pamunuan NFA na upuan niyo talaga at mag-usap.

”

Senator Nancy Binay calls on the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Food Authority (NFA), and the National Food Authority Council to settle their differences and come up with a plan to augment the dwindling supply of NFA rice.

SK, barangay polls set on May 14, 2018 BY REYMAR LATOZA Preparations for the synchronized Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and barangay elections are going well, said Jonathan Sayno, assistant election officer of the Commission on Elections (Comelec-Iloilo City). “We are on track in our preparations for the elections on May 14 this year,” Sayno assured. He said the voting and counting will be done manually. The election period will run from April 14 to May 21. The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) will start from April 14 to 20 while the campaign period will be from May 2 to 12. Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez, in a press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 6, said: “Tuloy na tuloy na ang Barangay at SK elections.” The barangay and SK elections, originally set on Oct. 31 2016, were postponed twice. Those who are interested to run for punong barangay and barangay

“

Mas mapapadali at mas magkakaroon ng koordinasyon sa pananaliksik ng Benham Rise kung may pangunahing ahensya na responsable dito.

”

Senator Sonny Angara says the creation of a lead agency that would oversee the conduct of scientific research and exploration will help secure the rights of the Philippines over Benham Rise.

kagawad must be citizens of the Philippines, registered voters in the barangay where they intend to be elected, residents therein for at least one year immediately preceding the day of the elections, able to read and write Filipino or any other language or dialect, and at least 18 years old on election day. Aspiring candidates for the SK polls, must be citizens of the country, qualified voters of the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK), residents of the barangay for not less than one year immediately preceding the day of the elections, at least 18 years old but not more than 24 years old on the day of the elections, able to read and write Filipino, English or the local dialect, not be related within 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal or barangay official in the locality where aspirant seeks to be elected, and not convicted by final judgment of any crime involving moral turpitude. IMT

“

If we can do it for policemen, we must also increase pay for our teachers, nurses and other government workers.

”

Senator Bam Aquino is disappointed over the government’s pronouncement that public school teachers and other government workers will have to wait until 2020 to enjoy an increase in their meager salaries.

IMT NEWS

By Ted Aldwin Ong

Marka Alima

Acedera’s spiritual assertions in minimalism

A fulfilled artist. Ilonggo artist Norman Vincent B. Acedera stands tall in front of his work in fulfillment of his lifelong dream to hold his first solo exhibit.

Re:verse 6:33 (Option 1) #4 | 24 x 24 inches | Mixed Media

Acedera exhibit poster

The core of the self is the soul and our faith in God takes hold of it making it whole. Norman Vincent B. Acedera’s first solo show at the Gallery i entitled: “Marka Alima” (marked by hand) is a narrative about the self and the soul. It underscores the process of spiritual confrontation in our individual assertions for renewal as a means to attain stronger faith in God. The self and the soul and human spirituality are among the enduring subjects in art. It has been tackled by many artists across time and discipline. Among Ilonggo artists, however, Acedera’s rendition can perhaps be considered with more confidence as he imparts his dominant character through his works – a strong believer of God. While many artworks that deal with faith on a superior being or creator often follows the religious tradition in figurative representations which are likewise functional for ritual, Acedera’s presentation runs divergent from religious artworks. Hence, it could not be mistaken as a sacred or religious art pieces or a commissioned work from the faithful. Its modern minimalist approach appeals to the personal and the individual, regardless of religious conviction. It can be instrumental for individual reflection on life the way they live it each day. Although faith in God remains a conservative subject for discussion and mostly confined within religious exercises or only by the religious, Acedera’s work certainly offered an alternative technique to convey the relevance of faith in God in this fast-paced urban living and in an increasingly pluralistic yet “Godless society.” While the messaging of his works is heavily grounded on the Christian faith, his portrayal in minimalism attempts to encompass religious distinctions. The two sets of work: Option 1 and Option 2 in 22 x 24 inches Mixed Media series, intends as a self-reminder for the art collector to constantly check the “condition of their soul.” For Acedera, these collections entitled “Re:verse 6:33” offers a visual representation of the words in Matthew 6:33 – the first book among the four Book of Gospels of the New Testament in the Bible. The centerpiece, “Mathew 6:33 (Option

A)” in 98 3/8 x 98 3/8 Mixed Media, prominently display Acedera’s use of stainless steel that demarcate an inner and outer layer. Stainless steel is used by Acedera as a symbolism about the self and the soul as being one – the inner layer the soul, and the outer layer the self; and held by steel as among the most durable of metals. In its entirety, however, all of the pieces highlight the words in Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto.” The use of steel likewise serves a functional purpose to his art. Acedera integrated the use of stainless engraved by his signature for the artworks. It is put onto each piece with the belief that it will endure the test of time considering that the canvas can worn-out through time or can be damaged or burned. Yet the artist’s signature will remain for it is engraved, not on the canvas, but on the steel. The artists also believe that the engraved signature does not only ensure that he left a legacy in art even after he had completed his journey to life in this world, but more importantly the message that carries the reminder of faith. In his “Matthew 6:33 (Option B)” 50 ¼ x 98 3/8 inches Mixed Media, the use of different color to illustrate the self and soul can be observed. The white color will eventually fade out with time,” said Acedera, “but beneath the white colored surface will emerge the gold color.” The gold color for Acedera epitomizes the good in every human being. There is a gold side in each of us; it is within us,” said Acedera referring back that goodness can be attained when the body and soul is in harmony. It is in these assertions that Acedera sets himself with the rest of the faithful in God; constantly believing and perpetually hopeful that human beings, especially believers of God, are bearers of good news and carriers of good deed. ### ====================== View the work of Norman Vincent B. Acedera in “Marka Alima” at Gallery i, Unit 2B, 2/F, E. Villanueva Bldg, cor. Aldeguer and J.M. Basa Sts. Iloilo City. Exhibit runs until February 22, 2018.

“Matthew 6:33 (Option B) | 50 ¼ x 98 3/8 inches | Mixed Media

6

OPINION

Editorial

Post Candelaria The uproar created by the recent Jaro Agro-Industrial Fair during the Feast of the Lady of Candles in Jaro district must be treated by the city government as a lesson and a road towards a little more of creativity. The organizers with the help of the city officials must start a consultation process this early and create a committee that will study how to make Candelaria more sustainable the whole year. Candelaria is a religious feast of the miraculous saint that has become a symbol of faith and synonymous with the famed cockfighting at the Iloilo Coliseum. Unfortunately, the fiesta has been narrowed to a mere candleselling and lighting with due respect of course to those who devout more of their time to praying. The story is missing and the connection is gone especially for those who were convinced to come and see and experience how it is celebrated. It has turned into an economic activity which has no theme at all as those who join the agro-industrial fair are selling used clothing smuggled from other countries and other fake and mass produced products from China. Kiosks are also available for those who want to belt a song while getting drowned with alcoholic beverages. It would have been better if authentic Iloilo products are sold to help build a market for the lowly local producers. The Candelaria Cockfight has become an institution by itself but the city tourism office has not exploited possibilities in making it as an economic opportunity for the Ilonggos. T-shirts printed with Candelaria Cockfight materials are nowhere to be found. Small clock replicas can be produced and sold along the coliseum stretch but are not available. These are but a few things that can be explored to make the whole Jaro fiesta experiential and a big tourism event. The suggested committee can look at places as the venue of all the economic activities where people can sell and buy local products every day and prime it as the fiesta approaches. This way, problems like traffic congestion caused by using large portions of the national highway as venue for commerce will be avoided and a sustainable economic activity will empower the small players. A little creativity and common sense will help a lot.

METROPOLITAN GLOBAL PH COMMUNICATIONS CO Publisher REYMAR LAYAWON LATOZA Editor-in-Chief MARY HOPE TORRECHANTE Staff Writer CLARK VILLARUEL ANTIQUIERA I.T. Head / Lay-out Artist PETER IAN MONTALBO JONATHAN NAVARRO Production ATTY. ANTHONY PORRAS Legal Consultant RHODERICK MAQUIRANG TECSON General Manager ERNESTO ALENCIAGA Special Events In-Charge RALP MAYPA Aklan Bureau Head Calangcang, Makato, Aklan | 09383648171 JOEL CAPUNDAN Capiz Bureau Head Phase III Milibili Heights Sub. Milibili, Roxas City | 09091005590 EVA ABAJENCIA Antique Bureau Head Hot Spot Bldg., District 1 Sibalom Antique FATHER ELMER CAJILIG Guimaras Bureau Head Brgy. Rizal Jordan Guimaras 09177210126 • 09088970126 • (033) 3965210 Head Office: Phase II Block I Lot 69 Deca Homes Brgy. Pandac, Pavia, Iloilo www.iloilometropolitantimes.com [email protected] TIN No.: 431-229-334 Contact No.: (033) 514 5113

February 11 - 17, 2018

Iloilo Freedom Grandstand perfect!

he true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.” --Michelangelo NEWARK, New Jersey -- The present location of the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand on J.M. Basa Street in downtown Iloilo City in the Philippines is perfect. Some Ilonggos may find it difficult to locate the Hoskyn’s Compound, the Iloilo Sports Complex, the Plaza Libertad, the Fort San Pedro, the Nelly’s Garden, the Jaro Belfry, the Rotary Ampitheater, Camp Martin Delgado, among other major destinations in the “City of Love”, but they know how fast to reach the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. It is the only public grandstand in the Philippines known for its easy access to the regional government offices, universities, parks, landmarks, churches, seaports and arrastre services, a shopping center, media institutions, a business center, a police camp, and the

Filipino-Chinese community. It is the only public grandstand in the Philippines where all types of vehicles and other modes of transportation, except airplane, can enter and park (the archaic Panay Railways used to operate in the back). When Ilonggos seek redress of their grievances, they march to the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. There, they easily attract public and media attention. The issues they bring before the bar of public opinion reverberate all over the metropolis and are easily circulated. -o0oWhen Ilonggos hold ungated mammoth cultural, political, sports and religious programs they easily attract national and international attention when they hold them at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand like the Dinagyang Festival, which recently commemorated its 50th year, miting de avance of political parties, and evangelical fellowship prayers of various

religious denominations. Red cross volunteers, social and health workers find the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand as the perfect venue to distribute truckloads of goods, medicines and other donations that need to be expedited for victims of typhoons, fire, and other natural calamities. Because of its location, the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand has been considered as the epitome of public service, the vanguard of freedom of expression, the sanctuary of the voiceless and oppressed, the mecca of tourism, the show window of the Ilonggos’ character and cultural heritage. Bonifacio Drive is not a Bonifacio Drive without the Iloilo Museo and Iloilo Capitol, in the same manner that Calle Real is not a Calle Real without the Iloilo Ampitheater and the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. The J.M. Basa-MapaAduana-Ortiz-Guanco rectangle would be arid and lifeless if not for the presence of the majestic Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, the pride of all Ilonggos.

A family with a working father and three children going to school will now have to allocate P80 a day for their transportation expenses after the fare regulating board, Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB-6) approved the petition of the local transport sector to raise the minimum serpent fare to P10. The projected amount does not include midday transportation costs in cases the children and the father decide to go home for lunch which could bloat to as much as P160. The fare adjustment is the logical consequence of the current administration’s flagship tax program, the Tax Reform for Accelaration and Inclusion Act or TRAIN, which was primarily designed to finance the Build Build Build and other economic programs of President Rodrigo Duterte. Unfortunately, the present minimum wage in the region is only P323.50 for industrial companies employing more than 10 employees; P271.50 for those with less than 10 employees while the daily pay in agriculture sector is pegged at P281.50 in plantation and P271.50 in non-plantation. The TRAIN may have promised tax exemption among minimum wage earners but it clearly has not made an

exemption among the poor the severe price increases in all commodities except of course in the prices of luxury vehicles. The implication therefore is more or less a broad day light massacre of the poor Filipino workers. A daily wage earner now has to endure a higher cost of public transport on top of the increases in the cost of food, clothing, medical services and even basic construction materials for housing. Going back to to the example in the first line of this column, supposing the father will allot a measly P50 for his lunch and P35 for each child’s lunch at school without of course a budget for their snacks, the daily out of the house meal budget is P155. Before leaving for his work and the school of his children, they will have to eat breakfast together with his wife and include the budget for their dinner. That would roughly translate to P200 divided into a kilo and a half of rice at P60 and a kilo of ordinary fish at P140. The initial daily cost of basic living for their family is P435.00 which of course does not include the basic educational needs of the children, healthcare of the family, electricity, water and some.clothing for the family. Also not included is the cost of family outings that can help improve the bond within the

family members like lunch and dinners outside and even some movie time. A short vacation becomes impossible. The given daily income is pegged at P323 while the approximate actual total daily cost of living is P435 or a negative P108 translated to roughly P2, 808 monthly shortage. How will the family overcome the negative balance of their income? Any unexpected problems like medical concerns become the nail that will seal their deplorable state of living to oblivion. While it easy for just anybody to suggest that each family must venture into small economic activities to augment their miserable income, the lack of a supportive environment both from the community and the local government where they belong makes it more difficult to pull a start. In the end, problems come after the other and a diverse social problem is created. The government is burdened in resolving it and it becomes a vicious cycle that no matter how sound the fiscal policies the government implement, it becomes irrelevant. Worst, any shortcut policies like the TRAIN only worsens the situation of every lowly citizen who unfortunately comprises the majority 85 percent of the Phippine population.

“T

A social cycle

OPINION 7 TRIFOCAL AGENCIES IN EDUCATION: Their Commitments and Gains T

February 11 - 17, 2018

here is a pattern that runs through these two cases: flagship infrastructure projects, with direct involvement of the Office of the President; the availability of guaranteed funding, whether in the form of soft-loan financing or a public-private partnership; a wellconnected Filipino firm that just happens to be at the right place and the right time; and finally, projects that once delivered fall well short of the original promise. Much of the Duterte government’s infrastructure plan hinges on Congressionally-granted emergency powers to hasten what is portrayed to be a slow public bidding process. Under the proposed Transportation Crisis Act of 2016, the President is empowered to use “alternative methods of procurement.” Among these methods outlined in the bill are: limited source bidding, which involves a direct invitation to bid from pre-selected suppliers; direct contracting, where the supplier “is simply asked to submit a price quotation […] together with the conditions of sale”; and negotiated procurement, which would allow for the government to select a contractor without a competitive bidding process. The bill also severely curtails the issuance of temporary restraining orders and injunctions against the awarding of bids for priority projects. The last time that infrastructure

investment was enticed by fasttracked procurement was in 1993, when Fidel Ramos was authorized to enter agreements with independent power producers. These agreements were, in time, shown to be immensely disadvantageous to the government and the public, and likely contributed to Napocor ’s undoing. Can the Duterte presidency be trusted to take a different tack? The prevailing political wisdom is that Mr. Duterte is political will, embodied: that whatever one thinks of his means and his ends, this is a man willing to steer a brash departure from business-as-usual. Indeed, his state visit to China is held up by thought leaders as an amazing feat of presidential derring-do, proof positive of what The Punisher can accomplish on the global stage. But is it? As the examples above show, the Duterte administration appears to be willing to consort with contractors with colorful histories, as well as contractors with zero histories. If Duterte, or a trusted aide, were personally involved in negotiating these deals, what might they tell us about how Duterte wields executive power, about his muchvaunted ‘political will’? If these deals do materialize, who will materially benefit, and how are they connected to Duterte? Given their rather flimsy backgrounds in infrastructure, why were they granted a privileged place on his entourage? China, the nickel ore trade, and the limits to an ‘independent’

presidency It is perhaps the presence of two nickel-ore exporters, both of which had been implicated in controversies of their own, which provide additional clues to the interests that stand to benefit the most from a pivot to China. These two firms are Mannage Resources Trading and Global Ferronickel Holdings, which both signed agreements for steel plants with SIIC Shanghai International Trade of Hong Kong and Baiyin International Investment, respectively. Mannage was registered with the SEC in February 2015, with an address at Unit 1205, One Global Place, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The same address is registered as the addresses of Acelead Shipping, Dunfeng Shipping, Minecore Resources Philippines, Zambales Oyon Port Corporation, and Dunfeng International Philippines. All these firms also share incorporators, most notably a Dean Christopher Lee and an Eric Co, both Filipino citizens, and a British national by the name of Kwok Yam Chan. Dunfeng International Philippines, Dunfeng Shipping, Zambales Oyon all reported losses in their latest filings with the SEC. Dunfeng Holdings and Dunfeng International are domestic subsidiaries of Hong Kong-based, British Virgin Islands-registered Dunfeng Holdings, Inc., which is one of China’s largest nickel ore

importers. Mannage Resources had previously been implicated in two controversies over the importation of deformed steel bars from China. In April 2016, the Bureau of Customs held a 5,000-metric ton shipment in Subic for being “potentially in violation of Section 2503 of the Tariff and Customs Code.” The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) had also raised issue over the fact that the shipment was not subjected to the same quality controls as domesticallyproduced steel bars. SteelAsia, one of PISI’s member firms, noted as well that only one sample from the shipment was tested by DTI’s Zambales office, instead of the required 250. SteelAsia also questioned how Mannage, a newly-incorporated firm with only P400,000 in capital and incorporated as trading in “food delicacies,” came to traffic in steel bars. (It is worth noting that shortly before work began on this piece, Mannage had filed a modification to its corporate information, which amended its business as being “construction materials, such as rebars, cement, equipments, spare parts, and other merchandise.”) An Interaksyon.com report alleged that “’well-connected’ Filipino-Chinese businessmen had lobbied DTI to give the shipment a clean bill of health and facilitate its release.” The steel bars were eventually released to Mannage. In response, Mannage president Lawrence Daniel Sy filed graft charges against Customs personnel, including former commissioner

Wrath of the Flesh to the Innocents

“He forced his to mine. And he threatened us neither not to tell our mother nor to shout because he will kill us all,” confessed by a rape child-survivor. These are the usual statements from the survivors when asked about the incident. For a child, to be warned not to tell anyone or else she and her family will get killed, is an incubus apart from the unconscientious, unselfish, abhorrent, and horrible sexual act done. What made it more awful was to realize that the perpetrators are family members themselves whom the child trust most. In CAMELEON Association Inc., a non-government organization that rehabilitates sexually-abused girls in Western Visayas, records show that in 20 years, 50% of the cases are incest. Here are some of scenarios that triggered the association to be more committed not only in rehabilitating survivors but also in raising awareness to prevent and report such cases. Case 1: Two siblings aged 3 and 6 years old were raped repeatedly by their stepfather and worse, their own mother witnessed and tolerated the abuse many times. Since it was reported, the girls were rescued and admitted in the center. After a successful rehabilitation, one of them was sent back to her family and same incident happened again where the perpetrator was the new husband of her mother. This time, the authority

made the mother accountable from her negligence, so she and the perpetrator was jailed and the case is ongoing. Case 2: How painful it is to bereave in your mother’s death but what’s more painful is when the two girl-siblings were raped by their own father during the wake of their mother. These two girls were 11 and 12 years old when the crime happened and they both got pregnant. Before being admitted to the center, one girl had a miscarriage while the other one bore the child and consent it for adoption because she couldn’t bear to see the child born out of rape. Case 3: A 7-year old child was once an outstanding performer in school when she was raped by three perpetrators: her father, uncle, and cousin. After the incident, she became mentally-retarded. These are just bitsfroma big picture of sexual abuse among children. Every 2nd week of February, the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation is observed through proclamation no. 731 and I believe not everyone knows about it. This proclamation states that child sexual abuse is the most underreported form of abuse due to its highly sensitive nature and there is a need to raise the awareness of the public on the extent and magnitude of the problem, as well as the adverse consequences on the personality of the child, his/her family, and the

society at large. In1990,the Philippines ratified, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, alegally-binding international agreement setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities. Article 34 of the UNCRC states clearly that “every child has to beprotected from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.” However, this has been one of the most disturbing and delicate violations against children which so far has been kept hidden in the shadows, only benefitting the offenders. Child sexual abuse happens when a more powerful person uses a less powerful person for sexual gratification such as rape, sexual harassment, acts of lasciviousness and all other forms included and this does not only limit to adults because children may also become perpetrators and women can also do the same. Meanwhile, child exploitation covers sex trafficking which happens to girls and boys from poor families who are forced to have sex or use their bodies to earn money. According to the Center for Women’s Resources, the victims of violence are getting younger and the abusers are becoming bolder and harsher. Every 53 minutes a woman or a child is raped, with 70% of the victims of rape being children. Thus, while existing laws such as Republic

Act 8353 and Republic Act 7610 are complete and well formulated, their implementation remains a question. Beyond these alarming figures, the personal experience of rape and incest lead to psychological trauma, self-destruction and even sometimes death. Recently, two middle-aged brothers from Tigbauan, Iloilo allegedly raped a 13-year old girl. The brothers admitted having sex with the girl but insisted it was consensual. Under Philippine laws, sex with a minor is statutory rape. Last year, a news about a 4-month old baby raped and abducted by 6 alleged perpetrators in Cebu, one of them being identified as the father was shocking and almost unbelievable. In addition, the nation was horrified about the crimes of an Australian pedophile with his Filipina partner who sexually assaulted, tortured, and killedtoddlers in front of the camera to satisfy the repugnant expectations of online pedophiles all over the world. Finally, the two were finally imprisoned. Fear, shame, and lack of support are the main reasons for not reporting but how much more for victims like babies and toddlers who can’t even defend themselves. Yes, the government has been doing their best to protect and provide the services for the best interest of the children however, it seems not to be their priorities. I have been to various local government units and it is very disappointing to see that few ordinances and

Alberto Lina and deputy commissioner for revenue collection and monitoring Arturo Lachica. But then last Nov. 17, Lachica was murdered in an ambush on España Boulevard. The assailant has not been apprehended, and a motive has yet to be determined. Sy himself had previously been the subject of a complaint with the Bureau of Immigration alleging that he is, in fact, a Chinese citizen. It alleged that the claims he submitted in an affidavit for a late birth registration, including parents for whom no record of marriage can be found, and an address in Novaliches that was found to be a vacant lot, do not stand up to scrutiny. Eventually, however, the Bureau of Immigration threw out the case. As for Global Ferronickel, it was originally registered as Southeast Asia Cement Holdings, Inc. It was renamed in September 2014 after IHoldings, a firm owned by a Luis Yu, sold its shares in the company to a consortium of 13 shareholders. It is presently the second largest exporter of nickel ore in the country. Global Ferronickel’s registered address is the 7th floor of 151 Paseo de Roxas. According to its 2016 General Information sheet, it shares this address with nine holding companies that collectively own 45.91 percent of its outstanding stock: Sohoton Synergy, Regulus Best Nickel Holdings, Blue Eagle Elite Venture, Ultimate Horizon Capital, Bellatrix Star, Alpha Centauri Fortune Group, Antares Nickel Capital, Red Lion Fortune Group, and Great South Group Ventures.

projects for children and youth are implemented, and if there are, they were made precisely for compliance. Most of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPCs) are not “functional”. Children’s Code were not updated and even the utilization of the 1% IRA is not properly spent because some officials are not competent and they lack proper knowledge in producing worthwhile and sustainable activities for the children. Some high-ranking officials use power to escape from the crime done while victims are paid or threatened not to divulge. In fact, any sexual abuse case, should never be settled nor handled in the barangay level. It should be reported immediately to the authority but it is contrary to what is happening in reality. Most victims are being judged and blamed for the fate they had instead of being cared and understood. It is high time to intensify our efforts both public and private sectors in child protection and in preventing and reporting of child sexual abuse cases and the any other forms of violence. Let us understand the plight of the children and be zerotolerant towards child sexual abuse and exploitation and all other forms of abuse. We have to understand how much pain and trauma would there be for a young and helpless victim more so when the perpetrator is a person whom he/she trusts. Sexual abuse is not a bedtime story that you would want to repeat to a child over and over again. It is a nightmare and worst of its kind.

8

IMT NEWS

February 11 - 17, 2018

Republic of the Philippines Province of Guimaras Municipality of Buenavista OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN -o0oEXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BUENAVISTA, PROVINCE OF GUIMARAS, HELD AT THE SESSION HALL ON NOVEMBER 29, 2017.

CAMERA: - Minimum of 600 TVL Camera Resolution; - Must be able to capture video footages at 0.1Lux Illumination; - Should have auto-iris (either fixed or vari-focal); - Should have Infrared LEDs enough to reach a distance of at least 20 meters for clear recording at 0 Lux (for areas where there is no continued sufficient lighting); - Must have at least 70 degrees Lens Angle; - The Outdoor Camera must be vandal-proof with IP 66; - Weatherproof casing.

PRESENT: Hon. Cecile C. Gumarin, M.D. Municipal Vice Mayor/ Presiding Officer Hon. Raquel A. Sambas Sangguniang Bayan Member Hon. Cheryl F. Fernandez -doHon. Edgar G. Gallo -doHon. Arthur A. Cartel, Jr. -doHon. Generoso G. Habaña -doHon. Perfecto T. Habaña, Jr. -doHon. Gregorio P. Gabales, Jr. -do Hon. Zenaida T. Carumba Liga Vice-President/Ex-Officio Member OFFICIAL BUSINESS: Hon. Paul C. Esmaya ABSENT: None

Sangguniang Bayan Member

MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE NO. 294 Series of 2017 AN ORDINANCE MANDATING COMMERCIAL AND SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATING WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF BUENAVISTA, GUIMARAS, TO INSTALL CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV) CAMERAS, VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM, OR OTHER SIMILAR EQUIPMENT WITHIN THEIR PREMISES, AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF. Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Buenavista, Province of Guimaras, that: Section 1. Title. This Ordinance shall be known and cited as “The CCTV Installation Ordinance of 2017.” Section 2. Definition of Terms. The definition and provisions contained in this section shall govern the construction, meaning and application of the following words and phrases used in this Ordinance. a. CCTV/Video Surveillance System – a digital surveillance system including cameras, cabling, monitors and digital video recorders (DVRs), in which signals are not publicly distributed but are monitored, primarily for surveillance and security purpose. It is composed of one or more cameras connected to one or more monitors for security, surveillance, law enforcement and general purpose monitoring application. The system must be capable of producing retrievable and identifiable images and video recordings on an approved media that can be enlarged through projection or other means, and can be made a permanent record for use in a criminal investigation. It shall also include without limitation any closed-circuit cameras (CCTV) or other cameras, video recorders, digital cameras, digital recorders or other technological devices used in the above manner; b. Commercial and Service Establishment - a location where business is conducted, goods are made, stored or processed or where services are rendered, including malls, restaurants, merchandise shops and the like; c. Accommodation Establishment – a building, edifice or premises or a completely independent part thereof, which is used for the regular reception, accommodation or lodging of travelers and tourists and the provision of services incidental thereto for a fee. It shall include, but not limited to hotels, resorts, tourist inns, apartelles and pension houses. d. Financial Institutions - a company engaged in the business of dealing with monetary transactions, such as deposits, loans, investments and currency exchange. It shall include establishment whose primary functions are related to the custody, loan, exchange, issuance of money, extension of credit, or transmission of funds such as bank, pawnshop, money remittance, money changer and other similar establishments. e. Gas Station – a retail station for servicing motor vehicles especially with gasoline and oil. f. Internet Shop – a place which provides internet access to the public, usually for a fee. The fee for using a computer is usually charged as a time-based rate. Section 3. Scope and Application. The following business establishment are required to install CCTVs: a. Banks, financial institutions, pawnshops, money lenders, money remittance, money changers, and the like; b. Business establishment that are part of a national chain or have several branches in other parts of the country, such as restaurants/fast food chains, 24-hour convenience stores, drug stores, remittance centers and the like; c. Shopping malls and centers, supermarkets, hospitals and medical facilities, ports, public transport terminals, licensed cockpits, places of entertainment, and the like which draw a considerable number of customers/patrons; d. Car and motorcycle dealerships, gasoline/fuel refilling/service stations; e. Hotels, resorts, tourist inns, apartelles, pension houses and other accommodation establishment; f. Internet shops with not less than thirty (30) computer units; g. All other business establishment operating with not less than One Million (Php 1,000,000.00) Pesos worth of goods and merchandise; h. Other business establishment which the Sanggunian deems proper considering the nature of business and potential risk in their respective areas. Subject to availability of funds, government establishments such as Municipal Hall, Barangay Halls, Barangay Plazas, private and public educational institutions are strongly enjoined to comply with the provisions of this Ordinance. The CCTV shall be maintained in proper working order at all times, shall be in continuous operation and shall meet the minimum technical specifications set by this Ordinance. Section 4. Minimum Technical Specifications/Installation Guide. Commercial and service establishment are enjoined to install CCTV cameras that are capable of producing a recognizable, retrievable, enlargeable and reproducible photographic images of persons and with sufficient clarity for identification purposes. The CCTV system must be installed at a secured location with maximum area coverage. It must be mounted on a secured and concealed location to protect the video footages from theft and/or deliberate destruction. Whenever possible, a back-up file stored in the hard disk drive, DVD disk or Micro SD Card shall be recorded for archiving purposes. Whenever possible, a dummy CCTV camera shall be installed in a conspicuous area in order to deter possible criminal acts and to protect the camera and the video footages. Pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2014-119 dated September 14, 2014, the following minimum specifications of the CCTVs are strongly recommended:

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VIDEO RECORDER: Minimum of four (4) camera input; Minimum of 640 x 480 video resolution; 30 frames per second (FPS) recording per camera; Should have Hard Disk Drive/s enough to store video recording for all cameras for at least 1 month; Must have Time Stamping Feature; Must have an interface for storage back-up.

OTHER COMPONENTS: - At least four (4) cameras covering the areas of transaction and risk; - Provided that, at least one camera must be facing the street from the entrance (when applicable), with the actual number of cameras todepend on the size of the establishment and nature of business; - Should have centralized power supply for the DVR and Cameras; - Should have appropriate Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to provide standard and reasonable back up power to the Video Recorderand its cameras. Section 5. CCTV Coverage. All the establishment mentioned under Section 3 hereof shall be required to install CCTVs as to afford full coverage of the following: a. From the interior of the establishment: (i) All entrance/exit points; (ii) The center of business activity in the establishment, including the tellers, cashiers, cash registrars, sales counters, or areas leading to the vault/safe, according to the nature of business of the establishment; b. From the exterior of the establishment (when the establishment is not located inside a building which has its own exterior camera): (i) All entrance/exit points; (ii) From the entrance/exits, a clear view of the area to and from the street(s) abutting the establishment, including frontage thereof, taking into particular consideration the clarity of shots in relation to the angles thereof; (iii) Parking lots and drive-through lanes (when applicable). Section 6. Protection of the CCTV. The owners of commercial or service establishments shall ensure that the cameras are functional. They shall likewise install the recorder in a vandal-proof enclosure; Section 7. Preservation of the Recordings. Business owners are required to keep, store and preserve the daily video recordings from the CCTVs for a minimum period of at least sixty (60) days for review and reference purposes. The owners shall ensure that the mandated sixty (60) day safekeeping period of the actual recordings be observed. After sixty (60) day period, the recordings may be deleted or overwritten, and the owner shall not be held liable upon deletion of the records, unless its preservation is required by court, law enforcers or other competent authority. Section 8. Access to Recordings. If a crime has been committed, or the operator, employee, or owner of the establishment has reason to believe that a crime has been committed and has been recorded by the CCTV, the operator, employee, or owner of the establishment shall immediately contact the nearest police station, and shall provide access to the pertinent recordings to the police and other investigators. The operator, employee or owner of the business establishment shall also make available the camera recordings to the law enforcement authorities engaged in criminal investigation upon written request of the authorized or designated officer thereof with the particular time and day covered by the request therein specified. The captured video footage or images may be used at any time to satisfy the written order or subpoena of any court or body with competent jurisdiction. Section 9. Prohibition. The viewing of recorded or captured video footage of images shall be made with due respect to the privacy of individuals. It shall be unlawful for any person to allow the unauthorized or unofficial public use or public viewing of any saved video-recorded from a CCTV. However, owners of business establishments shall give the duly authorized local authorities or police access to the CCTV recordings or video tape/footage if the occasion warrants, provided that the assigned officer or person in authority must show the written authority issued to him for that matter. Section 10. Creation of Composite Team. The Local Government Unit of Buenavista through the Office of the Municipal Mayor shall create a Composite Team tasked to inspect and monitor the implementation of this Ordinance, to be composed of the following: (i) Municipal Mayor; (ii) Chief of Police –Buenavista Municipal Police Station; (iii) Sangguniang Bayan Member, Chairperson on the Committee on Peace and Order; (iv) Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO). The video surveillance system shall be subject to regular inspection by the composite team, who shall be authorized to inspect at reasonable times any video surveillance system to determine if the system conforms to this Ordinance. Section 11. Penalties. No business permit or permit to operate shall be issued to new business establishments mentioned in Section 3 hereof unless the CCTVs as herein specified are installed and fully operational. Establishments that are already operational and subject to the mandatory requirements of this Ordinance shall be given until March 31, 2018 to comply with the regulations herein set forth. If the video surveillance system of the business establishment that has been granted business permit does not so conform, the concerned establishment shall be given fifteen (15) days within which to bring the system back into conformance. Non-compliance shall be fined Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (Php 2,500.00). If the concerned establishment violates this provision for the second time, it shall be subject to cancellation or revocation of business permit. Section 12. Separability Clause. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court with competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. Section 13. Effectivity Clause. This Ordinance shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. CERTIFIED CORRECT: FIELAMOR P. RUIZ Secretary to the Sanggunian

RAQUEL A. SAMBAS EDGAR G. GALLO GENEROSO G. HABAÑA

SANGGUNIANG BAYAN MEMBER GREGORIO P. GABALES. JR. PERFECTO T. HABAÑA, JR. CHERYL F. FERNANDEZ ZENAIDA T. CARUMBA ARTHUR A. CARTEL, JR. Liga Vice President/Ex-Officio Member

ATTESTED BY: CECILE C. GUMARIN, MD Municipal Vice Mayor/ Presiding Office

ATTESTED BY: EUGENIO G. REYES Municipal Mayor Date:12/11/2017

IMT NEWS 9

February 11 - 17, 2018 Republic of the Philippines Province of Guimaras Municipality of Buenavista OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN -o0oEXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BUENAVISTA, PROVINCE OF GUIMARAS, HELD AT THE SESSION HALL ON NOVEMBER 29, 2017. PRESENT: Hon. Cecile C. Gumarin, M.D. Municipal Vice Mayor/ Presiding Officer Hon. Raquel A. Sambas Sangguniang Bayan Member Hon. Cheryl F. Fernandez -doHon. Edgar G. Gallo -doHon. Arthur A. Cartel, Jr. -doHon. Generoso G. Habaña -doHon. Perfecto T. Habaña, Jr. -doHon. Gregorio P. Gabales, Jr. -do Hon. Zenaida T. Carumba Liga Vice-President/Ex-Officio Member OFFICIAL BUSINESS: Hon. Paul C. Esmaya ABSENT: None

Sangguniang Bayan Member

MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE NO. 295 Series of 2017 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE-EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (LLEDAC) OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BUENAVISTA, PROVINCE OF GUIMARAS. Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Buenavista, Province of Guimaras, that: Section 1. This Ordinance shall be known as the “An Ordinance Creating the Local LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council (LLEDAC) of the Municipality of Buenavista, Province of Guimaras.” Section 2. The provisions of this Ordinance shall govern the creation of the Local LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council of the Municipality of Buenavista, Province of Guimaras.

Section 3. Composition. The Council shall be composed of the following: Chairperson: Municipal Mayor Co-Chairperson: Municipal Vice Mayor Secretary: MPDO Members: Sangguniang Bayan Members

Liga President All Department Heads Heads of the National Government Agencies in the municipality District Supervisors GSC College President Representatives from Civil Society Organizations and the Private Sector Section 4. Functions: a. To determine and recommend socio-economic development goals and policies which shall guide the formulation and implementation of the Municipal Development Plan; b. To recommend to the Executive appropriate and necessary measures requiring enactment by Sangguniang Bayan; c. To review the relationship of the legislative agenda to the executive agenda to ensure the integration of both; d. To receive and in appropriate cases, require reports on and study measures to improve the implementation of development assistance from multilateral and bilateral entities; e. To monitor the implementation by the Executive of all resolutions and ordinances, approved by the Sangguniang Bayan; f. To assess the effect or impact of approved measures on the citizens and others concerned; and g. To report and recommend to proper officials or agencies the result of their work and such measures it feels necessary and imperative to be undertaken. Section 5. Meetings. The Council shall meet on the first Monday of the first month of every quarter. Each member shall be duly notified of the time and place before the meeting. The Council shall meet quarterly. Section 6. Effectivity. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation. CERTIFIED CORRECT:

FIELAMOR P. RUIZ Secretary to the Sanggunian

SANGGUNIANG BAYAN MEMBER RAQUEL A. SAMBAS CHERYL F. FERNANDEZ EDGAR G. GALLO ARTHUR A. CARTEL, JR. GENEROSO G. HABAÑA PERFECTO T. HABAÑA, JR. GREGORIO P. GABALES. JR. ZENAIDA T. CARUMBA Liga Vice President/Ex-Officio Member ATTESTED BY: CECILE C. GUMARIN, MD Municipal Vice Mayor/ Presiding Officer APPROVED:

EUGENIO G. REYES Municipal Mayor Date: 12/11/2017

 

Republic of the Philippines City of Roxas OFFICE OF THE CI TY TREASURER

   NOTICE OF PAYMENT OF THE 1.5 % BASIC REAL PROPERTY TAX AND 1% SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND TAX IN THE CITY OF ROXAS FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2018       Pursuant to Section 233, 235, 246, 249, 250, and 256 of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, Notice is hereby served that the payment of One-Fiftieth (1.5%) Percent of Basic Real Property Tax, and the additional One (1%) Percent Special Education Fund Tax for Calendar Year 2018, shall become due and payable on the first day of January 2018.  The said taxes, however, may be paid in four (4) equal installments without interest at the option of the taxpayers, as follows:             1st Installment …………………….. on or before March 31, 2018             2nd Installment ……………………. on or before June 30, 2018             3rd Installment …………………….. on or before September 30, 2018             4th Installment …………………….. on or before December 31, 2018   A ten percent (10%) discount shall be granted to any taxpayer who pays on or before the deadline for the payment above prescribed, provided, that there is no tax delinquency on the same property. However, real property taxes due or applicable to the ensuing or incoming year paid on or before December 31, 2018, entitles the taxpayer to twenty percent (20%) discount.   Failure to pay the Real Property Taxes for Basic and Special Education Fund, on or before the scheduled installment dates, shall subject the taxpayer concerned to an interest of two percent (2%) each month of delinquency’ provided, however, that in no case shall the total interest on the unpaid tax or portion thereof exceed thirty six (36) months.    After the end of the year for which the taxes are due and the real property taxes are not paid, the remedies provided for by law to enforce collection thereof will be availed by this Office.     Real property owners are requested to pay their taxes at the Office of the City Treasurer, Ground Floor, City Hall, Roxas City.      22 January, 2018, Roxas City, Philippines.                           (SGD.) JOSELITO R. ALMODIENTE                                                             City Treasurer

(033) 514 5113

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