VP BINAY WINS LIBEL SUIT VS EX-MAKATI VICE MAYOR

MANILA-Former Makati Vice Mayor Roberto Brillante was found guilty again of libel against Vice President Jejomar C. Binay and was ordered to pay P500,000 in damages to the city’s former chief executive.

In a 13-page decision dated June 30, 2014, Judge Selma Palacio Alaras of the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 62 said Brillante "willfully, unlawfully and feloniously” disseminated a defamatory statement that caused “dishonor, discredit and public contempt” upon Binay.

Alaras ordered Brillante to pay a fine of P6,000 as well as P500,000 in moral damages to the Vice President.

Binay filed a libel suit against Brillante in 2006 after the latter released a press statement that accused the former mayor of allegedly bribing three Sandiganbayan justices to win a graft case.

The Sandiganbayan had dismissed a complaint filed by Brillante against former Mayor Elenita S. Binay and nine others for lack of probable cause.

Brillante, citing unnamed sources, had said in a radio program and a press conference that "lobby money" resulted in the dismissal of the case

In his testimony, Binay said Brillante's statement "was calculated to disseminate malicious imputations" and "clearly brought damage" to his name, reputation, integrity and honor as a public servant. 

Brillante, on the other hand, told the court his statement was done in "good faith" but the court said Brillante failed to act in “good faith” when he neglected to “substantiate or even attempt to verify his story before publication,” and his information were “mere gossips peddled by unnamed sources.”

It further said that Brillante showed malice, a critical element in libel cases, when he “made such remarks with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard as to the truth or falsity thereof.”

According to the court, journalists have a responsibility to report the truth, and in doing so must at least investigate their stories before publication, and be able to back their stories up with proof.

"There must be some foundation to their reports; these reports must be warranted by facts," the court said.

“There was no showing that accused (Brillante) made any attempt to talk to Mayor Binay to verify statements contained in the defamatory articles, especially considering the gravity of the accusations made against the latter.”

“Accused’s failure to verify the truth of the information from Mayor Binay himself is in itself an evidence of his lack of bona fide efforts to verify the accuracy of his information," it added.

While Brillante was found guilty of libel, the court imposed a penalty of fine instead of imprisonment because of the "wide latitude given to utterances against public figures" consonant to Administrative Circular No. 08-2008.

In 1993, Brillante was also slapped with a P500,000 fine for being convicted of five different counts of libel against Binay. The libel charges were related to the publication of the articles entitled "Binay accused of plotting slays of rivals," "Binay Slay Plan on (Augusto) Syjuco" and "Plea for Cory to Save Makati," all of which were published in January 1988.

Legarda on Glenda Onslaught: We Were Prepared, But We Can Still Do Better

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today noted better disaster preparedness efforts during the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda, but said that the country can still do better, especially when faced with stronger typhoons and other natural hazards.

Among the main concerns in the aftermath of Typhoon Glenda is the power outage across Luzon due to damaged poles and transmission lines.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has confirmed at least 38 deaths due to Typhoon Glenda. Most of the victims were hit by collapsed walls, falling debris and fallen trees that were uprooted due to strong winds, while others died of electrocution and drowning.

“The level of disaster preparedness has evidently improved, from forecasting, early warning to evacuation of families in high-risk areas. Weather bulletins were given out regularly and warnings of storm surges were sent out early. The local government units heeded these advisories and did the right thing of enforcing evacuation of families living in coastal communities,” said Legarda, United Nations Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific.

“However, we should not content ourselves with the outcome and we must strive to target zero casualty as we increasingly gain the resources and political will needed to address the constant risks of disasters,” she stressed.

“Let us find a way to prevent damages to critical infrastructure such as transmission lines because electricity and communication lines are more important in the aftermath of disasters. Meanwhile, community preparations for disasters should include regular pruning of trees, dredging of canals and esteros, and the practice of segregating garbage,” she added.

The Senator also called on communities to heed disaster warnings to avoid accidents.

“When warned of an impending hazard, we should take safety measures. Stay indoors and do not attempt to go out especially at the height of the typhoon to avoid accidents. We should also ensure the structural integrity of buildings and firewalls so that these structures would not collapse and cause death or injuries,” she said.

“National and local action must promote disaster prevention with ‘zero tolerance’ as a mindset and approach. On the other hand, citizens must do their part by paying attention to government warnings and community advisories, especially when there is a need to evacuate,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda Reminds Public on Disaster Preparedness: How to Prepare for Typhoons

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today reminded citizens on ways to prepare for a typhoon as more areas have been placed under Public Storm Warning Signal No. 3 due to Typhoon Glenda, which is expected to make landfall within the day over Albay-Sorsogon area.

Legarda said that since the Philippines is regularly visited by typhoons, “we have to heighten our preparedness measures especially that we are now experiencing stronger typhoons due to the changing climate.”

She stressed that citizens, especially those in areas with public storm warning signals, should regularly monitor weather updates and advisories for evacuation; while disaster preparedness and response agencies should be on alert for emergencies and concerned government departments ready to provide basic needs and relief items for residents in temporary shelters and affected areas.

The Senator reminded citizens of measures to undertake based on the Disaster Preparedness and First Aid Handbook, a manual produced by the Committee on Climate Change, which Legarda chairs, in partnership with various government agencies.

In areas under signal no. 3, winds of 101-185 kph are expected.

Residents in these areas are advised to seek shelter in strong buildings, evacuate low-lying areas, and stay away from the coasts and riverbanks. The sea and coastal waters will be very dangerous to all sea crafts and travel is very risky, especially by sea and air.

People should watch out for the passage of the eye of the typhoon, indicated by a sudden occurrence of fair weather immediately after very bad weather. When the eye of the typhoon hits the community, people should not venture away from a safe shelter, because after one to two hours the worst weather will resume with very strong winds.

Classes in all levels should be suspended and children should stay in the safety of strong buildings, while disaster preparedness and response agencies are in action with appropriate response to actual emergency.

In areas under signal no. 2, winds of 61-100 kph are expected.

Residents in these areas are warned of coastal waters that are dangerous to small sea crafts. People, especially those travelling by sea and air, are cautioned to avoid unnecessary risks and outdoor activities should be postponed. Properties should be secured before the signal is upgraded.

In areas under signal no. 1, winds of 30-60 kph are expected.

Citizens in these areas, especially coastal communities, are warned of waves that may gradually develop and become bigger and higher. They are advised to listen to the latest severe weather bulletin issued by PAGASA. Business may be carried on as usual except when floods occur.

What to do in case of typhoons

·      Stay indoors and keep calm.

·      Monitor TV and radio reports.

·      Secure your home.

·      Trim trees near dwellings.

·      Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

·      Go to the nearest designated evacuation center if your house is in a flood-prone area.

·      Have a flashlight and radio handy, with fresh batteries.

·      Stock up on food, potable water, kerosene, batteries, and first-aid supplies.

·      In case of flooding, turn off the main sources of electricity, gas and water in your home.

·      Stack furniture above the expected flood level. Keep appliances, valuables, chemicals, toxic substances, and garbage beyond the reach of floodwaters.

·      Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, creeks and coastal areas, slopes, cliffs, and foothills. Rain can trigger landslides, rockslides or mudslides.

·      Avoid wading through flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.

·      Do not operate any electrical equipment during a flood.

·      Do not use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded.

POLICE ARRESTED 4 KOREANS FOR ONLINE GAMBLING

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga- Four (4) Korean nationals were arrested by elements of the Intelligence Operations Section, Regional Intelligence Division 3 during a raid in a building at Clark Freeport Zone for  running an illegal online gambling operations.

           

            PCSupt. Raul D. Petrasanta, Regional Director, PRO3 said that the suspects were collared by operatives of the IOS-RID3 inside the building located at Ninoy Aquino Ave., Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga in the morning of July 11, 2014.

             

            Petrasanta added that the arrest was made by virtue of a Search Warrant issued by Hon Judge Norman V Pamintuan of RTC Branch 73, Olongapo City dated July 9, 2014 for violation of PD 1602 in relation to RA 8484 (Access Devices Regulation Act).

           

              Arrested Korean nationals were identified as HON Kim, YOUNG Jee Kim, BYOUNG Ik Kim, all residents of 5-11, 1^st St., Carmenville Subd., Angeles City and SEONGHYUN Kim, a resident of 76-10 Sunset Valley Mansion, Dawes St., Cutcut, Angeles City.

           

            Meanwhile, KIM Min Gi, who is the subject of the search was not around during the implementation of the search warrant.

           

            Seized from their possession and control were: Twelve (12) sets desk top computers; Three (3) pcs telephone apparatus; Three (3) pcs modem; Five (5) pcs router; Four (4) pcs Ethernet adaptors; Three (3) Internet phones; Three (3) USB Keys; One (1) USB; Seven (7) Credit Cards; and, assorted computer peripherals believed to be used in their illegal activities.

 

            Arrested online operators are now under the custody of IOS with seized items for proper documentation and referral to the prosecutor for Violation of RA 8484 and PD 1602 as amended by RA 9287 (Illegal Gambling).

 

            Petrasanta vowed PRO3’s relentless operations against individuals and groups involved in various illegal gambling operations in compliance to the directive of PNP Director General Alan Purisima.

Protected Areas Crucial to Food Security, Poverty Alleviation—Legarda

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today stressed the importance of the country’s protected areas in improving food security and addressing poverty.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said that protected areas are characterized by thriving biodiversity and have unique features that support agriculture, water supply and other economic activities.

“Establishing protected areas is not only an environmental issue, but also a gut issue. It is crucial to food security, water security and poverty alleviation because these areas are rich sources of basic resources,” she explained

The Senator noted that many protected areas are vital source of freshwater, which is important in agriculture. A study of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) showed that agriculture uses as much as 50% of freshwater in many countries and up to 90% in some developing countries.

Meanwhile, establishing marine protected areas allows for the full development of underwater species and recovery of the area, which result in replenishment of marine resources.

Legarda said that there are 113 areas in the country declared through Presidential proclamations as protected areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act. However, only 13 have proceeded to be legislated as such.

The Agusan Marsh, Aliwagwag Falls and Apo Island are among the 100 areas included in the proposed Protected Areas Declaration Act filed by Legarda.

The Agusan Marsh holds around 15% of the country’s fresh water resources. Parts of the marsh are used for traditional fishponds and rice paddies.

The Aliwagwag Falls in Davao Oriental supports about 17,000 hectares of rice land.

In Apo Island in Negros Oriental, the establishment of a marine sanctuary helped replenish fish stocks in the island, thus resulting in improved fish catch in the surrounding areas of the marine sanctuary. It has also become a popular snorkeling and dive spot.

“These are but a few of more than a hundred protected areas in the country and each has significant contributions to their respective communities and to the nation as a whole. Legislation for the remaining 100 protected areas must be approved to ensure improved conservation programs and appropriate funding,” said Legarda.

“As stewards of Earth’s resources, we are responsible for the sustainable use of our natural resources. We need to work together to conserve and, if possible, rehabilitate the natural resources that have been damaged by our irresponsible acts. We have to work double time because the protection of our environment is also crucial in our effort towards building resilience and adapting to the changing climate,” she added.

The proposed Protected Areas Declaration Act under Senate Bill No. 1901 is currently under review by the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The next committee hearing is scheduled on July 16, 2014 at the Senate.

Hacienda Dolores farmers petition against Porac land reclassification ordinance

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga-Farmers of the 2,000-hectare Hacienda Dolores in Porac town, Pampanga have filed a petition to revoke the land reclassification ordinance approved by the municipal council.  The farmers belonging to Aniban ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Hacienda Dolores (Aniban), affiliated to Aguman Dareng Capampangan (Amc) and Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (Amgl, Farmers Alliance in Central Luzon) said that the ordinance has actually “licensed” the fencing operations of Leonardo-Lachenal-Leoncio Holdings (LLL) and FL Property Management Corp. (FL), both partner corporations of Ayala Land, Inc. that plans to convert the lands as Alvierra, eco-residential, commercial, tourist and light industrial project similar to Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.  The groups submitted their petition to the municipal council while holding a protest in front of the Porac town hall.

“The land reclassification ordinance that allowed the land use conversion of farms cultivated by the people of Hacienda Dolores is totally undemocratic and partial to Ayala, LLL and FL, thus, it is being petitioned to be revoked by the affected Porac constituents,” Joseph Canlas said, Amgl chairperson.

The Hacienda Dolores agrarian dispute that intensified since 2011 has resulted the death of 2 farmers namely Arman Padiño and Menelao Barcia, serious injuries, illegal arrests and imprisonment of barangay chairman Antonio Tolentino.  

The groups’ petition cited that the ordinance was “railroaded”;  based on an false claim that the lands were “grasslands” and “without tenants,” thus, idle and unproductive; that the Dept. of Agrarian Reform (DAR) issued expemption and conversion orders of Ayta ancestral lands which are not under its jurisdiction but of the National Council for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP); that the municipal council discounted that the forefathers of present Hacienda Dolores farmers began cultivating the lands since before 1835 under Spanish colonial period, even under American and Japanese occupation; and that fences constructed by LLL and FL and restricting farmers to work on their lands are actually destroying their livelihood, caused their children to discontinue their education, demolition of their houses and reduction of their socio-economic well-being.

The groups claimed that more than a thousand residents of Hacienda Dolores signed the petition.  They added that farmers though became usual targets of violent attacks, have asserted their rights to land and vowed to continue their fight against Ayala Land, LLL and FL.  Hacienda Dolores farmers have set-up camp in fron of the DAR Region III office in the city of San Fernand and joined the recent seven-day march from Angeles city to Manila to demand free land distribution and non-extension of the Republic Act 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

“We are requesting the DAR region III office a dialogue regarding the issued exemption and conversion orders that were based on groundless claims,” Canlas said.

The groups said that LLL and FL do not have legitimate titles of the land they are presently occupying, hence, they could be held criminally and farmers could legally enter their lands.

“LLL and FL do not have a solid claim of the lands, so for this reason, they are actually land grabbers,” Canlas said.

“We challenge the municipal council of Porac to fulfill its mandate to its constituents by protecting their democratic rights and interests and not sell out to the rich and powerful such as Ayala Land, LLL and FL,” Canlas added.  

Legarda Laments Climate Injustice: PHL Low in GHG Emission But High in Disaster Vulnerability

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today called it an injustice that while the Philippines’ share in the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is among the lowest at 0.31%, it is unfortunately one of the top nations vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

“It is unfortunate that the Philippines and developing nations, including small island developing states, bear the brunt of climate change when in fact most developed countries are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases causing extreme changes in the climate,” she said.

Legarda, the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation, made the statement following recent talks between China and the United States on reducing their carbon footprints.

China and the US are the top GHG emitters. From 1990-2010, China’s average global share on GHG emissions was 17.15%, while the US share was 14.91%. In the same time frame, the Philippines’ average global share was 0.31%.

According to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), developed countries are chiefly responsible for the current level of GHG emissions because of their industrial activity in the past 150 years.

UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction chief Margareta Wahlström said that reducing GHG emissions is a “prerequisite to reducing disaster risk efficiently” because climate change has already made extreme weather events the new normal.

Legarda said that China and US, as well as other industrialized nations, can no longer delay action because they have also been experiencing stronger and more frequent weather events.

The 2012 Annual Disaster Statistical Review of the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) showed that China, the United States, the Philippines, India and Indonesia are the top 5 countries that are most frequently hit by natural hazards over the past decade.

“Big nations who are contributing to pollution must innovate and use science to reduce emissions to prevent vulnerable nations, and even their own countries, from being victims of deadly natural hazards that are intensified by climate change,” said Legarda.

She further stated that, “it is clear injustice to witness the devastating impact of climate change being borne by the poorest groups with least responsibility for having caused it and least capacity to adapt. We hope that industrialized nations would own up to their responsibility by advancing policies on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”

“The Philippines has been consistent in its disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation efforts but parallel initiatives from advanced nations are needed to help address the problem and to avert a potential global catastrophe,” Legarda concluded.

Ecija provincial police office, 22 Ecija cop stations get facelift under PNP’s ‘Oplan Hilamos’

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–The Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office and 22 police stations have received a much-needed facelift under the Philippine National Police’s “Oplan Hilamos.”

          Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, PNP provincial police director, said of these police stations, the repair and maintenance of 16 has been completed.

          Still on-going are the police director’s quarters and six other police stations.

          Nieves said a total of P4.1 million has been spent for the province under the program. Its release was facilitated by Interior and Local Governments Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Chief, Gen. Alan Purisima.

          Completed were police stations in the municipalities of Cabiao, Carranglan, Gen. Natividad, Gen. Tinio, Guimba, Jaen, Llanera, Lupao, Nampicuan, Quezon, San Leonardo, Sta. Rosa, Talavera, Talugtog and Zaragoza and the city police station in Palayan.

          Nearing completion are police stations in Gabaldon (80%), Sto. Domingo (80%)  and Licab and the cities of Cabanatuan (90%), Gapan (98%) and the Science City of Munoz.   

          “Oplan Hilamos” refers to the repair and maintenance of police stations, particularly leaking roofs, filthy toilets, broken floor tiles and dirty walls.

          The program was pursued by the Aquino administration to enhance public acceptance and perception of PNP offices and personnel.

          Last August, President Aquino approved the release of P170 million for the clean-up of 1,700 police stations nationwide.

Nieves said the clean-up will make police stations conducive places for learning.

VP BINAY SUPPORTS CALLS TO BARE DAP LIST, AUDIT DAP FUNDS

MANILA-Vice President Jejomar C. Binay on Thursday said he supports calls for the full disclosure of all projects funded by the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

In a speech during the regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila, the Vice President said full disclosure is “a good starting point” to prove “good faith” by those who conceived and implemented the controversial program.

“Let me state as a lawyer that the question of accountabilities of government officials would have to be reckoned as part of the legal and logical consequences of this groundbreaking decision. As you all know, the Supreme Court (SC) has placed the onus of proving ‘good faith’ on those who conceived and implemented the DAP,” Binay said.

“But where do we start? For me, a good starting point would be to make available to the public all the projects funded by DAP. This is after all, consistent with the tenets of full transparency that is the cornerstone of the Aquino administration and I do hope my colleagues will reconsider a reported decision to withhold the release of the so-called DAP list,” he added.

Binay said he also supports the proposal of some sectors for an independent audit of the DAP funds.

“And this should be done as soon as possible,” he said.

The Vice President said that speaking as a lawyer, the SC decision and the separate concurring opinions are “rather clear, if not brutally frank, on the matter of accountability.”

“There is no room to speculate or look for hidden clues in the decision of the high court,” he said.

Binay also called for continued vigilance on the so-called Napoles scam.

“It is essential that we see this cleansing of government to its just conclusion—public service without taint of self-interest, without a tinge of deception and political persecution,” he said.

Meanwhile, Binay also expressed disbelief over recent sentiments that life was better during Martial Law.

“It is a sentiment I will not accept. Yes there was peace and quiet, but it was, to paraphrase a famous expression, the peace and quiet of the graveyard,” he said.

“I will never trade one day of freedom for all the illusory trappings of tranquility obtained through force under the dictatorship,” the Vice President added.

DILG holds capacity building seminar-workshop for Northern Luzon SalinTubig recipients

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga-Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Central Luzon played host to the three-day capacity building seminar-workshop for Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (SalinTubig) beneficiaries in Regions 1, 2, 3 and Cordillera.

 

“The activity was meant to increase the capability of local government units (LGUs) and functionaries in operating and maintaining their water supply system particularly on enhancing their understanding of the concepts, processes, and methodologies involved in the operations and maintenance of the facility,” DILG Regional Director Florida Dijan said.

 

Attendees included municipal mayors, councilors, planning officers, accountants, and engineers and Project and Development Monitoring Unit staff from DILG.

 

Serving as the highlight of the seminar-workshop was a visit to the facilities of Muňoz Water District (MWD) and Central Luzon State University in Nueva Ecija where the participants had the chance to experience the actual operation of a water supply system, specifically the calibration of water meter, extraction of ground water, water testing, and the treatment of ground water.

 

At the end of the activity, each LGU was tasked to prepare and present the Profile of their Water Supply System based on the topics and guidance of the MWD experience.

 

This included their mission and vision as well as basic information regarding their water system and their tariff structure that will guide them in their operations.

 

“Salingtubig is designed to provide water supply systems for the 455 waterless municipalities, barangays, health centers, and resettlement sites across the archipelago; and enhance the capacity of LGUs and water service providers in the planning, implementation, and operation of water supply facilities,” Dijan explained.

 

“It covers LGUs prioritized based on poverty incidence, water borne diseases, and access to water from the priority list identified by National Anti-Poverty Commission using Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Listahanan (formerly National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction). Recipients must also be winners of the Seal of Good Housekeeping which is now known as the Seal of Good Local Governance,” Dijan added.

Employees’ Compensation Commission briefs Pampanga policemen, women on its programs

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga-Around 50 personnel of the Pampanga Provincial Police Office recently attended a seminar regarding the programs of the Employees’ Compensation Commission- an attached agency of Department of Labor and Employment.

 

“Under Republic Act No. 8291, police and soldiers are not covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). The good news is they are covered by the Employees Compensation (EC) program as mandated by the Labor Code of the Philippines,” ECC Central Luzon Information Officer Naomi Velasquez told attendees.

 

“GSIS is mandated to collect and process EC contributions and claims. Thus, in the event of work-related sickness, injury, or even death, covered uniformed personnel, and/or their immediate beneficiaries, may file an EC claim at any GSIS branch nearest to their places of work or residence,” Velasquez added.

 

Among the EC benefits available include loss of income benefit (or sickness benefit), medical benefit, carer’s allowance, and rehabilitation services under the Commission’s KaGabay Program such as physical restoration, skills training for re-employment, and entrepreneurship training.

 

“The risk of the nature of work of our uniformed personnel is recognized; hence, through the EC Program, they are assured to be protected with social benefits,” Velasquez said.

 

Aside from the ECP overview, DOLE Regional Office Labor Laws Compliance Officer Maria Regina Agustin likewise gave an overview on Republic Act 10361 otherwise known as the Kasambahay Law.

 

Apart from uniformed personnel, ECC also holds information forums in Freeport and Special Economic Zones as well as industrial parks.

Drilon releases details of P100-M DAP funds, invites public to scrutinize his DAP availment

MANILA-Heeding calls for transparency and accountability, Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today released documents pertaining to the P100 million he availed of under the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

"It is important for the public to be aware of how every centavo of the DAP funds was spent, and to where it all went. Let our people see everything, and judge," said Drilon.

“I have been an advocate of a transparent government. I believe that all projects which involve public funds should be disclosed to the public, and open to scrutiny anytime,” he stressed.

The Palace on Monday called on lawmakers to disclose how they spent the allocation they received under the DAP.

Drilon said he already released to the public and media where the P100 million DAP funds he availed of had gone to as early as October of last year.

Drilon reiterated that the P100 million under the DAP went to the construction of the Iloilo Convention Center, which President Benigno S. Aquino III inspected last June 27.

He said the construction of the Iloilo Convention Center was in line with the objective of the DAP "to boost growth" as the project will create more job opportunities, generate economic activities, promote tourism in the country, and pump-prime the economy.    

The Senate leader said that the project was funded upon his request to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on November 14, 2012. 

“We hereby request for the release of funds in the FY 2012 General Appropriations Act (R.A. 10155) in the amount of One Hundred Million Pesos for the construction of Iloilo Convention Center chargeable under the Department of Public Works and Highways,” Drilon said in a letter addressed to Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad.

The Senate leader said that a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) A-12-01294 was issued on December 12, 2012 to the Department of Public Works and Highwayscentral office as the implementing agency to fund the construction of Iloilo Convention Center in Iloilo Business Park, Barangay Airport, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. 

A SARO is a document that authorizes the agency to enter into an obligation or commitment, noted Drilon.

The Senate chief underscored that official records clearly show that every peso in DAP funds went to a worthwhile project which will expand tourism industry in the Western Visayas.

“Clearly, the record shows that the DAP funds I availed of went to a project that will benefit our people. The funds I availed of were not misused, nor were they channeled to a bogus non-government organization,” pointed out Drilon.

“The construction of Iloilo Convention Center is a dream of the Ilonggos and we are very thankful that the Aquino administration has made it a reality,” he concluded.

Apparel manufacturing firm extends lease in Clark, eyes expansion of operations

CLARK FREEPORT-Apparel manufacturing firm L&T International Group Philippines Inc. (LTIGPI) recently signed a 25-year extended lease agreement with Clark Development Corporation (CDC), pouring in an estimated $6.5 million worth of investments as it eyes expanded operations in the Freeport.

 

“Under the agreement, LTIGPI shall construct six 70,000-square meter buildings in its expansion area,” CDC President Arthur Tugade said.

 

Over 5,000 careers shall be generated upon completion of expansion by 2020.

 

LTIGPI is one of the outsourced manufacturers of Ralph Lauren, Nautica, and Victoria’s Secret. (Rosa Bianca R. Pamintuan)