MAKE COLLEGE TUITION TAX DEDUCTIBLE –ANGARA

MANILA-Due to the high cost of tertiary education in the country, Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara has filed a bill that seeks to allow college tuition fees and related expenses as tax deductions from the gross income of an individual.

 

"Access to tertiary education remains problematic and elusive especially to the poor and underprivileged Filipinos. This bill seeks to appease this problem by making tuition fees and allied expenses tax deductible from the gross income of the taxpayer," he explained.

 

The neophyte senator cited an annual poverty indicator survey released by the National Statistics Office in 2011 that shows that six million out of 39 million Filipinos aged between six and 24 are out-of-school youth or those who are not attending formal school or have not finished college or post-secondary courses.

 

“The same report also indicates that 29 percent of high school graduates could not attend college because of its high cost,” added Angara, whose advocacy is to broaden access to and improve the quality of education in the country.

 

Angara's Senate Bill 2228 aims to amend Section 34 of the National Internal Revenue Code of the Philippines to include payments for tertiary education tuition fees and allied educational expenses as allowable deductions in computing taxable income.

 

Under the proposed measure, educational deductions should not exceed P40,000 for the taxpayer or for each dependent not exceeding four for the taxable year.

 

The deductions of dependents for tertiary education, which includes post secondary courses from higher educational and technical and vocational institutions, must be claimed by only one of the spouses in the case of married individuals.

 

The purpose of tax deductions is to decrease the taxable income, thereby increasing the net income or the take-home pay of the taxpayers.

 

“Such initiative is also a way of encouraging the parents to send their children to school and for working students to continue their education because of the tax incentives they could get,” said Angara, chair of the committee on ways and means.

 

The lawmaker noted that in Malaysia, the allowable deduction on educational expense is up to 5,000 ringgit or P69,000 on the income of taxpayer who is enrolled in the tertiary level, and up to 4,000 ringgit or P55,000 on the income of taxpayer whose dependent is over 18 studying in the tertiary level.

 

Meanwhile, in Thailand, aside from tax deductions, an additional 2,000 baht or P2,700 per child is granted for educational allowance.

 

In the United States, tuition and related fees deductible is up to a maximum of $4,000 or P176,000 to the income of the taxpayer who shouldered the expense for his/her own, or for the spouse, or for the dependent.

 

"It is imperative for the State to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education as mandated by the Constitution. And given the limitations of government financial assistance such as scholarships, grants and student loans, providing tax deductions is an effective way of helping the poor and underprivileged Filipino families who have to spend a huge part of their small incomes to pay for education," Angara said.

 

“More importantly, we should not see this proposal as a possible revenue loss for the government. We should look at the bigger picture and think of the additional college graduates our country would produce and the significant contributions they could offer our society,” he stressed.

At NIA, it’s more fun in anniversary rites sans Noy

MANILA-Rank-and-file employees of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) are visibly elated and are having fun during the agency’s 51^st anniversary rites at the agency’s central office along Edsa Friday afternoon.

          Reason : there is no President Aquino around to ruin the party, he being a known KJ or killjoy, a term to describe party spoiler.

          During last Friday’s awarding rites for most outstanding irrigators’ associations, operation managers and project managers, employees were seen exhibiting unbridled emotion, raining the area with cheers. They were overjoyed that the Chief Executive was not invited to possibly – again – ruin their day with a sermon just like what he did last year.

          “Buti naman at wala siya dito. KJ siya kasi. Masisira lang ang araw namin. Baka manermon na naman (It’s a good thing he was not here. It’s because he’s a KJ.He would unmake our day. He might deliver another sermon),” one of the employees commented.

          He recalled that Mr. Aquino’s speech during last year’s anniversary rites where he lambasted then-administrator Antonio Nangel while everybody was in a jolly and upbeat mood still leaves a bad taste in the mouth of the NIA family, particularly the employees who were expecting him to announce an anniversary bonus.

It would be recalled that in June last year, Aquino scolded Nangel over the agency’s supposed failure to meet its targets. The President, in last year’s 15-minute speech, said he was “dismayed” with the NIA leadership because it was only able to irrigate 52,000 hectares out of its 81,170-hectare target in 2012, or a 65% accomplishment rate.

From 2001 to 2009, he said NIA failed to meet its yearly irrigation targets, getting as far as only 66%. He said in 2011, when he was already President, NIA was able to irrigate 32,830 out of its target area of 37,659 hectares or a high 87%.

“I will be honest with you, I am still dismayed because until now, it shows that there is little change happening in the National Irrigation Administration. We are already in the middle of our term and it is difficult if until now, you still don’t know what you want to do,” he told Nangel as Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala looked on.

He also failed to hide his disappointment over the non-implementation of Phase 2 of the Balog-Balog Irrigation Project in his home province of Tarlac.

After finishing his sermon, the President left in a huff, without even waving to the crowd who he failed to acknowledge at the start of his speech.

Prior to Mr. Aquino’s speech, the atmosphere inside the oven-hot venue was festive and upbeat as Nangel excitedly rattled off the agency’s accomplishments under his watch. He said that irrigation development in the country rose from 49% in 2009 to 56% in 2012 owing to the funding support from the Aquino administration.

          Employees called the presidential dressing-down as uncalled for and inappropriate as he ignored the agency’s having achieved corporate financial viability, the first time it has happened in 50 years.

A week later, he replaced Nangel with Claro Maranan.

In last Friday’s rites, the culminating activity of a week-long festivity, employees shouted themselves hoarse during the awarding ceremonies, marked by a fashion show of the 60’s and 80’s.  

          Maranan reported that among the accomplishments made by the agency has been improvements in its database and that it has bidded out the projects for 2012 and 2013. 

          He added that as of March of 2014, NIA’s accomplishment was around 72.54% that shows improvement in the delivery of irrigation development projects.

          This year’s anniversary rites, which carry the theme: Tulong-tulong, Sama-sama sa Pagsulong ng NIA sa Pandaigdigang Pagbabago ng Klima,” kicked off last June 16 with a business forum and the setting up of a tiangge and fun games.

          Maranan reported that NIA passed a two-day performance evaluation conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Food Security and Agriculture Modernization led by Secretary Francis Pangilinan. (Manny Galvez)

NPA Leader’s Son Caught in Crossfire

Camp Melchor F dela Cruz, Gamu, Isabela.  A suspected NPA rebel captured by villagers in Aguinaldo, Ifugao last June 4 turned out to be the son of the rebel leader operating in the area.

Jonathan Cudal, whose father is believed to be Romeo Cudal, a suspected NPA leader operating in the area was caught by villagers fleeing from the encounter site. When turned over to the Army and PNP troops, he told that he was with his father together with the rebels when the firefight happened. He further said that he visited his father to get his allowance and was given P6,000.  The troopers ensured that the Cudal was not hurt and was checked by a medical doctor.

Cudal was then turned over to LGU officials of Alcala, Cagayan and is now safely in home. According to BGen Roger Salvador, Commander of 501^st Infantry Brigade who is in charge of Army troops in Ifugao and nearby provinces, “Jonathan Cudal, in our opinion, has not committed any crime. Being a son of an NPA leader is not a crime in itself. On the contrary, he can be considered an unfortunate victim of this senseless rebellion.”

Salvador also added that what happened “that this is an example that this ongoing war should be ended quickly. We are just killing each. Even our children are also becoming victims and worst may even be killed in crossfire. That’s why I am again calling for the NPAs to go back to fold of the law, to avail of the government’s amnesty program and have a peaceful life not only for their sake but also for their own children.”

Drilon: Amendment to Dangerous Drugs Act to strengthen gov’t ability to prosecute drug cases

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today said that the proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act No. 9165) will boost chances of successful prosecution of drug-related cases in the country.

“The amendments to Section 21 of RA 9165 will reinforce the government’s ability to bring perpetrators to jail,” stressed Drilon. 

“It will also put a stop to the rampant cases of confiscated illegal drugs being recycled,” he added.

The Senate, shortly before its First Regular Session ended, approved Senate Bill No. 2273 and House Bill No. 2285, amending RA 9165, “in order to aid in successful prosecution of cases involving prohibited drugs.” The Senate leader said that he expects the amendments to Republic Act 9165 to get the President’s approval this month.

Under the new measure, the arresting officer is allowed to conduct an inventory of seized dangerous drugs at the place where the search warrant is served.

But in the case where a warrant of arrest is not available, the proposed measure gives the arresting officer the power to conduct an inventory at nearest police station or at the nearest office of the apprehending officer/team, whichever is practicable as long as the integrity and the evidentiary value of the seized items are properly preserved.

The proposed measure would allow the presence of at least two witnesses, instead of three as required under the current law, to conduct a drug inventory. Any inventory of drugs can now take place in the presence of the accused or his representative and of at least two of the following: an elected public official, a representative from the media or the Department of Justice.

The amendments would also expedite the production of evidence by requiring the immediate issuance of a certification of the forensic laboratory examination upon the receipt of confiscated drugs.

“With the amendments, the possibility of having these seized drugs recycled and make their way again to the market will be lessened,” the Senate chief said.

Drilon recounted during his time as justice secretary how he uncovered cases of confiscated drugs being recycled back into circulation by unscrupulous law enforcers.

“Back then when we presented policemen to submit the evidence in court, they made the excuse that the drugs confiscated were lost or somehow stolen. This weakened our chance of success of being able to prosecute drug lords,” he said.

Drilon urges automobile dealers to audit products amid approval of Lemon Law

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today encouraged automobile manufacturers, dealers, distributors and retailers to maintain a very high quality control of their products to avoid faulty motor vehicles getting into the hands of consumers.

The Senate leader said that under the proposed Philippine Lemon Law, which the Congress passed shortly before it went on sine die break, legal remedies and protection are made available to consumers who are sold defective motor vehicles.

“With the impending approval by the President of the Philippine Lemon Law, all manufacturers, dealers, distributors and retailers of motor vehicles in the country should now carefully audit and assess the quality of their products,” said Drilon.

“Because under the proposed law, they will be liable to pay a minimum amount of P100,000 as damages and they can be civilly and  criminally liable once a defective motor vehicle, or a lemon vehicle, is sold,” stressed Drilon.

Drilon considered the Lemon Law as among the landmark legislation passed during the First Regular Session.

“This is the kind of legislation that our consumers really need these days considering the influx of motor vehicles in the country,” said Drilon.

“We have been hearing complaints about defective vehicles and the Congress, despite the pork barrel scam controversy, was able to listen and act immediately on their concerns. We hope to enact more measures that would enhance consumer protection,” he added.

Once enacted, Drilon explained that buyers of brand new vehicles which do not conform to the manufacturer or distributor’s standards can report any nonconformity within 12 months from the date of the original delivery or up to 20,000 kilometers of operation after delivery, whichever comes first.

The proposed measure also protects the buyer of returned motor vehicles. The manufacturer or dealer is mandated to disclose in writing to the next purchaser of the same vehicles the nature of nonconformity which caused the return.

  

The manufacturer, distributor, dealer or retailer who violates the prohibition on resale disclosure shall be liable to pay a minimum amount of P100,000 as damages to the aggrieved party without prejudice to any civil or criminal liability they and/or the responsible officer may incur under existing laws, according to the proposed measure.

According to the measure, the consumer shall, in writing, notify the manufacturer or dealer the unresolved complaint, and the consumer’s intention to invoke his or her rights under the proposed Act.

The consumer shall bring the vehicle to the manufacturer for a final attempt to address the complaint of the consumer to his or her satisfaction. Upon receipt of the motor vehicle, the manufacturer or dealer shall attend to the complaints of the consumer including as may be necessary, making the repairs and undertaking such actions to make the vehicle conform to the standards or specifications of the manufacturer, distributor, authorized dealer or retailer for such vehicle.

Ecija’s oldest mayor quits post over failing health

NAMPICUAN, Nueva Ecija – This town’s incumbent octogenarian mayor, the oldest among 27 municipal chief executives in the province, has resigned his post, citing failing health.

          Dr. Abraham Pascua, assistant regional director for Central Luzon and concurrent provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Governments, said Mayor Ubaldino Lacurom has tendered his resignation to his ally and political benefactor, Gov. Aurelio Umali.

         Lacurom, a member of Umali’s Unang Sigaw Partido ng Pagbabago, submitted his resignation letter dated June 6 and received by the provincial DILG on June 9.

          Lacurom won a third and last term in last year’s mayoral elections. His daughter, Cora Lacurom-Villanueva, also won as vice mayor.

          They were the only father-and-son tandem to win in the polls while an uncle-and-nephew team of Mayor Nestor Alvarez and Vice Mayor Tekila Grace Alvarez won in last year’s polls in the Science City of Munoz.

          In his resignation letter, Lacurom – a retired Regional Trial Court judge, stated that he is now 81 years old and was afflicted with a mild stroke in August 2008. He cited that in 2011, he underwent angioplasty and was installed with a pacemaker at the Heart Center of the Philippines.

          Because of his health conditions, he said he “critically need to slow down” the pace of his physical and mental activities.

          But he said the paramount reason for his resignation is he wants to enjoy his pension as a retired RTC judge “for a few more years that I live in this world.”

          “Anyway, my successor to the position for the rest of my three-year term is my daughter Vice Mayor Cora G. Lacurom-Villanueva,” he said.

          In his letter, Lacurom thanked Umali for his full support to his administration for the past seven years and affirmed he and his daughter’s “unflinching loyalty” to Umali and his wife, third district Rep. Czarina Umali.

          Lacurom expressed the wish that if accepted by Umali, his resignation will take effect on July 1. 

Soldiers Encounter Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

CAMP GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Seven soldiers were killed while 13 were wounded in separate encounters with suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels in Sulu, today.

About 6:20 this morning, a military officer was killed in action after his troops encountered an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf rebels in Brgy. Kagay, Patikul, Sulu.

Ten minutes later six soldiers were killed while 13 were wounded after they were hit by an 81mm mortar launched by the lawless group in Brgy. Kabuntakas.

As of this report, the remaining troops are still in the area of operations while the casualties were evacuated to the nearest hospital for medical attention.

The three critically-wounded personnel from Brgy. Kabbon-Takas were evacuated to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City via a military chopper for proper medical treatment.

We are yet to inform the families of our members who were killed and wounded during the encounters in Sulu. Rest assured that they are being well taken care of.

The incident in Patikul would not hamper military operations against the Abu Sayyaf. The AFP continues to conduct its focused-military operations against these rebels to ensure the safety and security of the civilians in the area.

Our soldiers did not suffer in vain for they bravely sacrificed their lives in line of their duty to our people.

Police Arrest “BIG TIME” Drugr Pusher in Zambales

CAMP OLIVAS, San Fernando City, Pampanga- After a month-long surveillance, members of the Intelligence Operations Section, Regional Intelligence Division 3 arrested the Number 1 Most Wanted Person in the province of Zambales and a "big-time" drug pusher today, June 18, 2014 at Brgy Natividad, San Narciso, Zambales.

 

            Based on reports that reached this Office, at around 3:20 in the afternoon of said date, police operation was conducted against the suspect identified as Said ABUBAKAR y Otano. Suspect was seen by police personnel on board his single motorcycle cruising along Zambales National Hi-way, San Narciso, Zambales.

 

            Police personnel chased him and upon reaching Petron Gasoline Station, Brgy Natividad, San Narciso, Zambales flagged him down but suspect tried to elude arrest. However, he was arrested by the operating team.   

 

            ABUBAKAR, a native of Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur and a resident of Brgy Burgos, San Antonio,Zambales was arrested by virtue of Warrant for Arrest dated July 16, 2013 issued by Hon Judge Raymond Viray of RTC BR 75 for the crime of Violation of Sections 5, 6, 11 and 12 of RA 9165 with no bail recommended.

 

            Arrested person is temporarily under the custody of the Intelligence Operations Section for documentation pending his turned over to the court of origin.

 

             PCSupt Raul D Petrasanta, PNP Regional Director, PRO3 said that the police in Central Luzon will continue its operations on drug- supply reduction strategy in the coming days to maximize efforts to eradicate the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region.

AFP Forge Ties with Tzu Chi, Unilab

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The Armed Forces of the Philippines extended its network of partners for humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in signing two Memorandums of Understanding with private organizations today, June 18.

In a simultaneous signing ceremony held at the GHQ Conference Room, the AFP signed a MOU with Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, Inc., and United Laboratories, Inc.

Tzu Chi Foundation is one of the biggest providers of relief and recovery assistance in the areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda. The said MOU, signed by the AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T Bautista and Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Mr Alfredo T Li, seeks cooperation in providing houses for Yolanda victims.

Accordingly, the AFP will provide soldiers and engineers in preparing the site and in constructing the housing facilities in selected affected areas. The AFP will also provide assistance in coordinating with local government units and other stakeholders to support the construction.

“We thank the AFP for helping us in transporting relief goods from Mactan, Cebu to Ormoc and to Yolanda victims. This time we ask the AFP to help us in the construction of houses for the victims,” Mr Li said.

On the other hand, the MOU with Unilab, Inc. which was signed by its Senior Vice President for External Affairs Atty Jose Maria Ochave and General Bautista, will task the AFP to provide medical personnel, site preparation, and transportation for medical missions in times of calamities.

The two MOU’s will formalize on-going joint projects between the AFP and Tzu Chi, and Unilab as the military has been providing logistical support and manpower in relief operations during disasters.

“We look forward to more undertakings with our new partners. There will be more calamities and disasters that will affect our communities. But we are confident and we are comforted by the fact that we as a people stand united in the spirit of Bayanihan,” Gen Bautista said.

Pantabangan Dam nearing critical level, power cut-off looms in CL

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – Water level at the Pantabangan Dam yesterday fell below 180 meters, nearing critical level as low water threatens to cut off generation of power in the Luzon Grid operated by the National Grid Corporation of the Philipines.

          Engineer Josephine Salazar, operations manager of the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems which operates the dam said that as of 12 noon yesterday, water level at the dam was at 179.29 meters, down from 179.52 meters Tuesday.

          Yesterday’s elevation was just 7.79 meters higher than the critical level of 171.5 meters and just 2.29 meters above the minimum power generation level of the First Gen Corp.  which power plant generates  electricity to NGCP which transmits the same to distribution utilities.

          Last June 1, the dam’s level was at 182.35 meters.

          The low water level is expected to affect the cities of Munoz and San Jose and the towns of Guimba, Licab, Quezon  and Talavera and Victoria, Tarlac.       

          The dam has a volume of active storage of 163.1556 million cubic meters, down from 168.9539 mcm Tuesday.

          Salazar said they expect the water level to go down to 177 up to the end of this month.

“Based on our projection, it will hit 177 meters. But by the first week of July, we will meet the irrigation requirements so we will again close the intake gate,” she said, adding they see no problem when it comes to irrigation but the problem will come in the area of power generation.

          Salazar added that they are planning to undertake cloud-seeding operations in the affected areas.

           For over a month, UPRIIS cut off irrigation supply to some 100,000 hectares of agricultural lands in Central Luzon and resumed releasing water to its service areas beginning May 30 at the onset of the wet cropping season. UPRIIS has programmed for irrigation 114,026 hectares for the twin cropping seasons, up by 2,772 hectares from last year’s 111, 254 hectares.

Cristino Castillo, chief of  the UPRIIS’ dam and reservoir division, said that they released water at a rate of 80 cubic meters per second, up from 60 cms at the start of this month.

Richard Dipontorum, FGC plant manager, said at present, their power plant generates 60 megawatts of electricity, half of its maximum power-generating capacity of 120 megawatts. (Manny Galvez)

           

Drilon: Major banking overhaul seen to attract more direct investment into PHL

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon expressed confidence that the lifting of the cap on foreign ownership of banks will attract more investments, perk up the banking sector and ultimately, boost the economy.

The Congress, shortly before its First Regular Session adjourned, approved a measure amending Republic Act No. 7721, otherwise known as an Act Liberalizing the Entry and Scope of Operations of Foreign Banks in the Philippines, to allow the full entry of foreign banks in the country. The bill will be sent immediately to the Office of the President for approval, said Drilon.

“The immediate enactment of this measure will be a big boost to the administration’s emerging economic policy which is to open up the economy to direct foreign investments,” emphasized Drilon.

“If we really want to lure investors to come in, we have to amend the policies that block foreign investments, while we address the biggest investment turnoff which is corruption,” said Drilon.

Once the measure is enacted into law, Drilon explained that established and reputable foreign investors will be allowed to have full ownership of domestic banks in the country.

By doing so, Drilon said that he expects a significant increase in the flow of direct foreign investments which in return, will improve our financial and economic portfolio.

“I am confident that President Aquino will approve this measure for the benefit of our economy and our people. The additional resources to be generated from the measure can be tapped to fund social services and infrastructure projects much needed by our Filipinos,” he added.

Under the bill, all the privileges currently being granted to domestic banks will also be extended to locally incorporated subsidiaries of foreign banks.

The Senate leader concluded that the measure will align our country’s banking system with the forthcoming implementation of the ASEAN banking integration framework, which aims to facilitate infusion of foreign investment into various ASEAN communities.

Drilon lauds swift enactment of law extending PNR’s corporate life

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today lauded the swift approval and signing by President Aquino into law of Republic Act No. 10638 which extended the corporate life of Philippine National Railways (PNR) for another 50 years. RA 10638 was signed on June 16.

“I laud the President for acting promptly on this very important legislation which the Congress vigorously pursued despite the issues confronting some of its members with regard to the pork barrel scam controversy,” said Drilon. RA 10638 was among the 19 measures passed by Senate during the First Regular Session.

“Kung mapuputol ang serbisyo ng PNR dahil na-expire na ang charter nito ngayong Hunyo, ang laking perwisyo ang maidudulot nito sa publiko, sa mga biyahero,” he emphasized.

The Senate leader said the speedy approval shows that the government acknowledges that rail transit systems still play an “undeniably crucial role in the everyday lives of our citizens.”

“Any stoppage of the rail service will be of huge inconvenience for our commuting public, especially for our countrymen who hail from provinces and have to travel to Metro Manila on a daily basis,” said Drilon.

“It is important then for the government to ensure that the PNR continues to be a convenient, dependable and time-saving transit system for our people,” he added. 

Drilon, however, hopes that a sound and feasible modernization plan for Philippine railways will soon be legislated and prioritized by the government, saying that the rail service, once it is improved, will make a cheaper alternative mode of transportation which could aid in the decongestion of traffic in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Drilon said that he expects more proposed legislation to become law in the coming days such as the Picture-Based Health Warning Act, the amendment to Republic Act No. 7721 or the Act Liberalizing the Entry and Scope of Operations of Foreign Banks in the Philippines, the Philippine Lemon Law, the Free Mobile Alerts Act, and the Act Promoting the Reduction of Poverty Through the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, among others.

Legarda Urges Filipinos to Make Vigan City One of the New7Wonders Cities

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today urged Filipinos to keep voting for Vigan City to make it one of the New7Wonders Cities of the world.

Legarda said that Vigan City deserves to be included in the New7Wonders Cities not only to bring honor to the country but also to set a good example to other cities on how history and culture can stand out amidst modernity.

“The carefully preserved centuries-old structures in the Historic City of Vigan bring people back in time, but the city’s prosperity tells us that the citizens and the government of this UNESCO World Heritage Site have worked well and made good use of its autonomy,” she said.

She added that Vigan is the only UNESCO heritage city in the Philippines and was awarded the Best Practice for World Heritage Site Management by UNESCO in November 2012.

“The best practices that the people of Vigan have carried out to preserve history and promote culture while working towards sustainable development should be emulated and recognized. I call on Filipinos to support Vigan City’s bid to be one of the New7Wonders Cities,” Legarda stressed.

Vigan City is among the 28 finalists and there are three qualifying phases that it must go through before being named one of the New7Wonders Cities.

For the first phase where the 28 cities will be trimmed down to 21, voting can be done until 7 July 2014. For the second phase, where there will remain only 14 cities, voting will be between 7 July and 7 October 2014. For the final phase where the New7Wonders Cities will emerge, voting will be from 7 October to 7 December 2014.

Voting can be done online through the website: www.new7wonders.com/en/cities.

Senate Mini Olympics

Sen. Sonny Angara leads the opening ceremony of the Senate Mini-Olympics held at the Government System Insurance System (GSIS) gymnasium in Pasay City Tuesday morning. The Senate holds the mini olympics annually to foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among officials and employees. (PRIB photo by Joseph Vidal/17 June 2014).

7ID Receives 284 Candidate Soldiers

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The Division Training School (DTS) of the 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division (7ID), Philippine Army, held the opening ceremony and reception rites for the Candidate Soldiers Course Class (Cl) 362 & 363-14 cross-trained with (ctw) Jungle-Warfare-Mountain-Operations Course (JWMOC) this June 16, 2 pm, at the 7ID Grandstand in the said camp.

The Candidate Soldiers (CS) were the applicants who passed and qualified for the requirements and tests needed to enter the Philippine Army. The requisites include legal documents like NSO birth certificates; barangay, police, mayor’s, regional trial court, and NBI clearances and certification of legal beneficiaries, among many others. Entrance examinations include physical exams; the Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB); and the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) care of the Division Special Services Office (DSSO). There were 284 all-male CS who partook in the event.

Said program was spearheaded by Col Dionisio C Baudin Jr, Chief of Staff of 7ID.

Part 1 of the rites was initiated by the mass singing of the “Lupang Hinirang” as performed by the 7ID Band; it was followed by an invocation lead by Cpt Ferdinand H Abuyuan, the Division Chaplain. Maj Earl C Pardillo, the Executive Officer (Ex-O), DTS, 7ID, PA, headed the Presentation of Candidate Soldiers. The Declaration of Opening was then delivered by Lt Col Dennis R Pacis, Commandant, DTS, 7ID, PA. The highlight of the first length of the ceremony, was the Oath Taking of the CS which was headed by Col Wilfredo M Villahermosa, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, G7, 7ID, PA. A message of challenge and motivation was delivered by Col Baudin, entailing the benefits and hardships a soldier must face. 

“Today marks a very important part of your life, and that is being accepted as a candidate soldier. Hindi pa kayo sundalo na kumpleto, pero sa susunod na anim na buwan you will be trained to be one. Gentlemen this is not an easy task. I can say that from 32 years ago, I can find myself in the same situation as you are, when I entered the Philippine Military Academy summer of 1982. And I’m sure you are excited because after handling the basic requirements, and over thousands of applicants, you are here, 284 strong. That’s why I am congratulating you already. Hindi madali yung pinagdaanan niyo. Now the question is, sasayangin niyo ba yung pinagdaanan niyo?,” Chief of Staff, 7ID challengingly said.

Col Baudin also added, “Gentlemen hindi ito makukuha sa palakihan ng katawan. Hindi ito makukuha sa patalinuhan. Isa lang ang kailangan niyong baunin sa susunod na anim na buwan. Puso! Will you be able to surpass your own limitation?”

  To the parents and relatives of the CS, Col Baudin gave a message, “Kailangan nila ang suporta niyo. Hindi madali ang pagdadaanan nila. They will be getting their strength from you.”

“Today, we will separate the boys from the men. And we will only choose the men. We will discard the boys. Losers are those who think they are defeated. The hardships will end but the glory will not,” Col Baudin ended.

Part I of the ceremony was wrapped up with the mass singing of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” accompanied by the 7ID Band.

After the first part of the ceremony was the so-called “Reception Rites” care of the DTS. It is the Army’s tradition of ‘receiving’ the qualified applicants into the military profession. The 284 CS were divided into 8 groups at 8 stations, requiring 10 minutes per station. The stations included crawling, rolling-like-a-barrel, jogging in place, one man carry and jumping jacks, among others. A total of 80 minutes was allotted for the said rites.

Alcala says he’s not willing to go to jail over Napolist, maintains innoncence

SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija – “Why will I be willing to go to jail? I’m innocent.”

          Thus reacted Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala as he maintained his innocence over his inclusion in the so-called “Napolist.”

          Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of his visit at the central experiment station of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) here Monday afternoon, Alcala said he is not like Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. who earlier said he was willing to go to jail even if the legislator professed his own innocence in the  pork barrel scam.

          Asked if he would mouth Revilla’s statements contained in the latter’s privilege speech, Alcala replied: “I’m not willing to go to jail. I committed no sin. But I’m willing to face the charges that will be filed against me,” he said.

          Alcala made fun of the socalled Napolist, saying with the emergence of so many lists allegedly involved in the scam, the list now looks more like “pambalot ng tinapa (tilapia wrapper).”

          He stressed that he had  never dealt in any capacity with suspected “pork barrel” scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles in his long career in public service. “I am sure about myself that I never dealt with her, even during my incumbency as a congressman,” he said, referring to his twin terms in the House of Representatives as representative of his home province of Quezon.

          He said the supposed transactions happened between 2007 to 2009 when he was not yet the secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

          “Besides, the P10 billion involved not the DA but the Department of Agrarian Reform,” he said.

          Just the same, Alcala said he is ready to face any investigation related to the multi-million-peso Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

He said an impartial probe, one which would rely on evidence, not innuendoes, would eventually establish his innocence.

He said  “it is hard to rebut allegations if these are not documented, if they consist only of scribbled words in some lists, if there are no specifics.”

Alcala recalled that when he became DA secretary, among his first official acts was to strictly implement austerity measures and to purge the list of non government organizations (NGOs) transacting business with the agency.

He said that this housecleaning has in fact , he said, led him to formally ask the Office of the Solicitor General and the Department of Justice to  file appropriate cases against KPMFI, a suspected Napoles NGO.

While admitting his being linked to the pork barrel scam  is an “unnecessary distraction, “ Alcala said he remains focused in his job of helping farmers produce enough affordable food to all Filipinos in partnership with other agencies and research institutions such as the PhilRice.

            Instead of a Napolist, he said he is busy on a different kind of list, one which tallies rice harvests and support given to farmers. – Manny Galvez