BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO Nov 12-13 2012

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

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Issue No. 124, Volume III •

Cagayan de Oro City

Friday-Saturday

every Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

November 9-10, 2012

P15.00

Market Indicators

AS OF 5:57 PM NOV. 7, 2012 (Wednesday)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P41.18

5,437.84 points

35.77 points

X

X Briefly 9 cents

Banana recipes

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here has partnered with the private sector in creating a number of banana recipes in a bid to widen the industry’s opportunities for investors.

The various banana food creations were introduced to the public, especially to the potential investors, during the opening Wednesday of the two-day Mindanao Banana Congress at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

DTI Davao Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto said by value-adding, more consumers will be enticed to patronize banana products since they will get to enjoy products other than the traditional ones such as banana chips and banana crunch.

Food Cntrum

PANABO City -- Residents of Panabo City will have a new destination when it comes to their culinary needs by end of this year with the opening of the P30-million Food Centrum located along the highway.

The Food Centrum, which is part of the Annual Investment Plan of the city for 2013, is a multipurpose building located in a one half hectare property beside the Hall of Justice.

“The Centrum was constructed to accommodate the food vendors who now sell their products in a location which is being eyed by the city government as the venue for the Market Complex,” Panabo City Mayor Jose Silvosa, Sr. said.

Business forum

MALAYBALAY City -- The Bukidnon Kaamulan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BKCCI), in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), invites the business community leaders to its first general membership meeting and business development forum on November 21 at 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Loiza’s Pavillion, Malaybalay City.

The event would bring together business leaders from all over the province to share and discuss various challenges and issues faced in the business world today, said Ermedio J. Abang, DTI provincial director.

AYALA’S CENTRIO OPENS. Ayala Land Inc.’s (ALI) Centrio Mall begins commercial operations and is now open to the public starting today, Nov. 9. A joint project between ALI and the Anflo Group of Companies, the P4.7 billion Centrio Mall is a mixed-use complex which houses a shopping mall, a hotel, BPO/office building and a condominium tower.

Centrio Mall now opens

By NELSON V. CONSTANTINO, Editor-in-Chief

C

AGAYAN DE Oro’s stature as Mindanao’s main shopping destination takes another leap with the soft opening today of Centrio Mall, the newest among Ayala Land Inc.’s (ALI) chain of world-class shopping centers, located along Claro M. Recto Avenue, this city.

The P4.7 billion Centrio, an integrated mixed-use complex composed of a shopping mall, a hotel, a BPO/office building and a condominium tower, is a project of Cagayan de Oro Gateway Corporation, a joint venture between ALI and the Floreindo’s Anflo Group of Companies.

“Centrio Mall brings to

the city Ayala Malls’ signature offerings through its delightful mix of first-inthe-region brands, popular favorites, homegrown concepts, an exciting selection of dining and lifestyle options including the Ayala Malls U-First brand of customer service,” the company statement said. Centrio’s mini-park showcases the two preserved 60 years old acacia trees and a non-stop fountain CENTRIO/PAGE 7 which serve as relaxing vibes for mall-goers.

Coffee chain spending P60M on more stores Opens outlet at Centrio Mall

A LOCAL franchise holder of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is spending at least P60 million on four more stores it has planned to open in Mindanao before the year ends.

Allen Arvin A. Tan, managing director of Red Cherry ‘N Silver Tips Corp., said in an interview earlier this month that two of the four planned additional stores will open in Cagayan de Oro City -- one at Limketkai Shopping Mall and the other in the newly opened Centrio Mall,

a mixed-use joint venture of Ayala Land Inc. and Anflo Investment & Management Corp.

The coffee chain plans to open next month its third shop here at the Peak of the COFFEE/PAGE 7

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New 4ID chief vows to stamp out illegal logging in Mindanao

By BONG FABE, Correspondent

NEWLY-installed commanding general of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Maj. Gen. Nestor Amador Añonuevo was one of those who wrote the Memorandum of Agreement between the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the Environment department against illegal logging activities all over the country.

Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, commanding general of the Philippine Army, said that he expects Añonuevo and each Diamond soldier to be “exemplar of excellence” in “protecting our people from the consequences of environmental degradation.”

With Añonuevo at the helm of the 4th ID, the Diamond Division automatically becomes the lead

government agency tasked to stop all illegal logging activities in Mindanao, especially in the Caraga Region where illegal logging continues unabated.

Butuan City, the capital of the Caraga Region, was where President Aquino declared on Feb. 2011 a log ban as contained in Executive Order 23, which many blamed as the root cause of the continuing

illegal logging activities in the region.

Caraga is considered as the last forest frontier of the Philippines.

“Añonuevo as J3 (deputy chief of staff for operations) of the AFP led the framing of the MOA. Thus, I trust that you are in the best position to implement the duties of 4th ID to stop illegal logging activities in 4ID/PAGE 7

Maj. Gen. Añonuevo

NFA opens new buying stations in Bukidnon

By RUBY LEONORA R. BALISTOY, Contributor

MALAYBALAY City -- The National Food Authority (NFA) has opened two new palay buying stations in two towns of the province to take advantage of the harvest season and accommodate more farmers who want their produce sold to the grains agency.

“If the community can’t come to us, we will bring it to them,” said Victoria R. Duray, provincial manager,

NFA Bukidnon.

The newly installed palay (unhusked rice grains) buying stations are located in Barangay Namnam in San Fernando town and Townsite, Cabanglasan.

This is in addition to six procurement centers in the province run by NFA. Duray said the Namnam station in San Fernando operates with a six-ton capacity mechanical dryer as

part of the agency’s postharvest facility assistance program.

She said the new buying stations were opened late this year to address the peak procurement of palay in the two towns, which are also identified as rice-producing zones.

She, however, clarified that the two new stations are only satellite stations, which NFA/PAGE 7

InfPRES project empowers farmers 0917-7154399 088-856-8562/63

AMENITIES : ZORBIT * ATV * TREE TOP ADVENTURE BUGGY * BUNGEE * PICNIC GROUNDS PLAYGROUND * CAFE * LUGE * MINI GOLF ROOM ACCOMODATIONS

PAGADIAN City -- After decades of struggles and sacrifices, the dream of the village folks to have potable water supply (PWS)

and farm-to-market roads (FMR) have finally come true.

“Ang among dugay na kaayo nga gidamgo ang

natuman na dihang among nasaksihan ang pagtugyan sa PWS ug FMR sa among tagsa-tagsa ka mga barangay (Our long cherished dream is finally fulfilled as we witnessed the turnover of water supply system and FMR in our respective barangays),” said Bag-ong Mandaue punong barangay Dick Juban of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur. “Kaniadto. ang among mga mulupyo matag-tuig nag-antos pagkuha ug tubig pinaagi paglakaw sulod sa duha ka oras ug motungas sa bungtod aron lamang mokuha ug tubig apan karon naa na tubig sa among tugkaran,” he said.

Ug a ng a mong mga produkto sa uma dali na kaayo nga mapadala sa merkado tungod sa among FMR nga natagamtaman karon pinaagi sa InfPRES project nga gihatag sa Department of Agriculture,” Juban said.

(We now have easy transport of our local farm produce to the market because of the FMR that we have availed thru the InfPRES project of the Department of Agriculture.)

The Department of Agriculture 9 (DA) implemented PWS and FMR projects dubbed Infrastructure for Rural Productivity Enhancement Sector (InfPRES) in the municipality of Aurora with 24 barangays as its beneficiaries.

These barangays include: Bag-ong Mandaue, Bag-ong INFPRES/PAGE 7

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Motoring

Friday-Saturday I Nov. 9-10, 2012

3

BMW profit jumps 16 in Q3 thanks to strong Asian sales GERMAN luxury carmaker BMW shrugged off the eurozone debt crisis with a 16-percent increase in net profit to 1.29 billion euros (1.65 billion U.S. dollars) in the third quarter, the firm said Tuesday, largely thanks to strong sales in Asia.

“The BMW Group continued to perform successfully during the period under report despite difficult market conditions,” the carmaker said in a statement. Revenues during the three-month period from July to September rose by 13.7 percent to 18.8 billion euros.

During the period from Ja nua r y to September, profit after tax totalled 3.9 billion euros. The total number of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles delivered to customers up to the end of September climbed by 8.3 percent to a new high of 1,335,502 units. Sales of its 1 Series, X1, 5 Series and 6 Series models were particularly strong.

“We have had a good third quarter, setting new sa les volume, revenues and earnings records in t he face of a cha llenging market environment,” Chief Executive Norbert

Reithofer said.

BMW’s remarkable performance has been attributed to strong demand in North America and Asia, especially China, as sales in Europe marked a small increase of 0.8 percent in the first nine months this year.

However, sales in China during the nine-month period surged by 33.3 percent to 237,650 units. In Japan, the number of cars sold rose by 21.5 percent to 42,038 units. Sales in North America also rose by 7.4 percent to 264,207 units.

Unlike its competitors

who face slack demand and capacity cut, BMW focuses on luxury end of the market, which is less affected by recession and yields higher profit. The Munich-based company reportedly plans to increase sales in China by more than 10 percent next year.

However, despite what CEO Norbert Reithofer called a “good third quarter”, BMW has star ted to feel the pinch of the recession.

“Like the rest of the sector, we are now beginning to feel some headwind,” Reithofer said, adding that the company and the auto

sector as a whole “are likely to be confronted with adverse business conditions” in the fourth quarter.

But BMW still aims to achieve an earnings before interest and tax (EBIT)

margin between 8.0 and 10.0 percent in 2012.

“We are on course to achieve new record figures for sales volume and pre-tax earnings in 2012”, stated Reithofer.

AFTER a decade of rumors that were spreading throughout the local automotive industry, French carmaker Peugeot finally broke its silence and officially announced its arrival in the Philippine automotive market during a recent press conference held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.

Under the distributorship of Eurobrand Distributor Inc., the company will set up six dealerships by yearend and another six are RCZ sports car and Felix J. Mabilog Jr., president of Eurobrands planned for 2013. Eurobrands Distributor Inc.—the exclusive importer and distributor of Peugeot is the latest addition to the prestigious business enticars in the Philippines, with the Peugeot 508 mid-sized sedan.

ties of the Alvarez Group of Companies—the same people behind Columbian Autocar Corp. and Asian Carmakers Corp.

The man behind Peugeot is no longer a stranger in the automotive industry, but rather a successful pioneer.

Former Columbian Autocar Corp. head and now Eurobrand Distributor Inc. President Felix J. Mabilog Jr. said, “Peugeot will be with Eurobrands in the Philippines not only today, here and now, but for a long time to come.”

Mabilog added, “We at

Eurobrands are convinced we have in Peugeot one of the finest cars available in the market today. We believe that our Peugeot models can strongly compete with any brand in their class in style, quality, innovation and, would you believe, even in price. Ours are affordable premium cars. They still look distinctly European and, as we call it, delectably French, as expected in all French products.”

Joining Mabilog is former Philippine Star motoring editor Dong Magsajo, who is now the marketing

communications director of Eurobrands Distributor Inc. “Peugeot has been in the business for a long time. We are proud that we evolved for more than 200 years from weaving shops to steelworks, to the manufacture of tools and coffee mills, and onto bicycles and wheeled vehicles. Through the years, the Peugeot brand has grown in popularity and renown, adapting step by step to the changing world,” said Magsajo.

Peugeot’s entry in the Philippines highlights the EUROBRANDS/PAGE 7

Eurobrands reintroduces Peugeot

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DOE asked to heed recommendations adopted by Mindanao Power Summit

By Carl Ala, contributor

Davao City - Department of Energy (DOE) Sec. Jericho Petilla was asked to prioritize the Mindanao power crisis and to act favourably on the recommendations adopted by the Mindanao Power Summit last April.

"DOE can now have a fresh start with Petilla as its new head. Hopefully, he will prove to be an innovative and progressive leader, especially since unlike his predescessor, he seemingly has no conflict of interest within the energy sector.

He can start by focusing on the long-standing energy problem of Mindanao," a lawmaker said at the Kapihan sa Davao media forum the other day.

Party list representative and Makabayan senate bet Teddy Casiño in his appeal to newly appointed secretary said that among the recom-

mendations that should be looked into by Sec. Petilla are the permanent exemption from privatization of the Agus- Pulangui hydropower complex; , the creation of the Mindanao Power Corp. to oversee the operations of the existing and future power plants in Mindanao, the deployment of Napocor power barges to Mindanao, the development of renewable energy sources and the amendment of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) especially provisions on privatization.

“Ang nangyayari kasi e nagpulong at nagrecommend pa ang Mindanao Power Summit tapos di naman yata sineryoso.

Sayang lang ang oras at pera ng mamamayan kung ganun,” said the solon.

Casiño expressed alarm that the privatization of the energy sector continues in Mindanao, citing the sale of the Napocor power

barges that is supposed to be deployed in Mindanao.

“Former DOE Sec. Jose Rene Almendras promised five (5) power barges that would be deployed to Mindanao but they are still nowhere to be seen because the DOE wants to sell them first. We should not wait for these barges to be privatized since NAPOCOR can operate them so that the cost would not be too high,” he added.

He also expressed apprehension on the proposed Interim Electricity Market in Mindanao (IMEM) which aims to bring into the grid some 360MW of embedded supply but which would require a 30 centavo hike in prices just to set up.

The IMEM is similar to the existing wholesale electricity spot market in Luzon and is said to be also very dangerous because it may easily be manipulated by power players.

Cebu Pacific ranked 2nd most “Socially Devoted” airline in US social media list

MANILA - The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) was named 2nd most “Socially Devoted Brand” in the airline industry category

by Socialbakers, a leading social media analytics company. The awards event was held recently in New York, as a culmination of Engage 2012: The Socialbakers Conference.

In its blog, Socialbakers cited CEB’s 85.46% response rate on its Facebook page when it ranked the airline 2nd. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Alitalia complete the top three most socially devoted airline category at 1st and 3rd respectively.

The top brands were assessed by Socialbakers Analytics engine, taking into account all pages in Socialbaker’s top Facebook charts worldwide. Key factors in the awards were fan engagement, response rates

on wall posts and average response times.

“This recognition fuels our drive to further engage our passengers online, especially when it comes to seat sales, inquiries, weather updates, product innovations and new routes and destinations. We remain committed to bringing the latest news from CEB right to our guests’ mobile phones or computers, for their utmost convenience,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

CEB’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cebupacificair) currently has over 700,000 fans, while its Twitter account (@cebupacificair) has over 417,000 followers. Its YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/ cebupacificair) also has over one million views.

The Engage 2012: The Socialbakers Conference was a one-day event focusing on

social media, and included speakers from Nestle, Facebook and Microsoft.

In its 16th year of operations, CEB had flown over 65 million passengers. It provides access to the most extensive network in the Philippines with 32 destinations and hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, Kalibo, Iloilo and Davao. It flies to 19 key international destinations: Bangkok, Beijing, Brunei, Busan, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Incheon, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei or Xiamen.

Between 2012 and 2021, CEB will take delivery of 19 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders. It is slated to begin long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013, with the arrival of 4 Airbus A330 aircraft from 2013 to 2014.

Agus 4 In Hydroelectric Power Plant

GSIS ends optional health insurance State pension fund Government Service Insurance System today announced that beginning January 2013, it will no longer implement its optional health insurance plans, namely, the Hospitalization Insurance Plan and the Family Hospitalization Plus Plan.

The Hospital Insurance Plan grants medical care benefits to the policy holder in case of hospitalization due to sickness or injury; the Family Hospitalization Plus Plan covers expenses for room and board and fees for doctors, medicines and laboratory.

“The GSIS Board of Trustees reviewed both plans and concluded that while the GSIS offers similar basic benefits as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, PhilHealth’s package has additional hospitalization benefits including higher maximum rate for room and board and increased cap on medical reimbursements,” President and General Manager Robert Vergara said.

The GSIS said that only 7,316 accounts remain in force until the end of the year from the total 63,000 accounts. “For active accounts, we will accept and process claims for as long as they are filed within 60 calendar days from the last day of confinement.

The review forms part of the on-going effort of the Board and Management to rationalize its programs to avoid duplication.

Lanao Norte LGU hosts children’s congress Tubod, Lanao del Norte – More than 700 daycare children from the 13 municipalities of this fast-rising province participated in the 3rd Provincial Children’s Congress held on October 13, 2012 at MCC Gymnasium, Sagadan, in the capital town of Tubod.

The whole day event was highlighted by various individual contests like poem rendition, draw and tell, and a singing. Group competitions were also conducted such as chorale singing and modern dance.

Cash prizes were given to the individual category winners – P800 for first place, P700 for second place, and P500 for the third spot. A consolation prize of P200 were also given to non-winning contestants.

Winning municipalities were Kapatagan for the poem rendition, Bacolod for the singing competition, and Tubod for the draw and tell. In the group category, the singers from Lala won in the chorale singing and receive P3,000 as cash prize, while the dance group from Balo-i took the top spot in the modern dance competition. They also received P3,000 from the provincial government.

“The purpose of this event is to give these children time to bond and play with other children from other municipalities. They are also given a chance to showcase their talents to develop their self-confidence. In behalf of Governor Khalid Dimaporo, I would like to thank the volunteer daycare workers for giving their selfless service in taking good care of the children and molding them into better persons”, said PSWDO Head Annabelle Mendez.

The provincial government also gave out goodie bags to the kids which contain biscuits, chocolates, candies and fruit juices.

“Our volunteer day care workers each receive a onethousand peso honorarium from the provincial government of Lanao del Norte”, Mendez added.

The children’s congress for this year has the theme “Bright Child ay Siguraduhin, Responsableng Pamamahayag ay Palaganapin”. LAR-PIO/LDN

Photo caption: Children eagerly participate in the draw and tell contest during the 3rd Provincial Children’s Congress held on October 13, 201á2 at MCC Gymnasium, Sagadan, in the capital town of Tubod.

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Banking & Finance

One Network Bank 9-mo income up 11-percent A SOLID core performance for the first nine months of 2012 has led to ONB’s high income growth so far in 2012. After posting 118% growth from last year’s figure of P219 million, the operating net income after tax of P478 million has already surpassed the P437 million forecast for the end of the year.

If annualized, the net income level translates to a 39% return on average private equity, a 4% return on average assets and P3.47 earnings per share which is an increase of 27% compared to the P2.74 posted in the same period in 2011 - all of which illustrate the bank’s profitability.

As of end September 2012, ONB augmented its capital base to P2.91 billion, a feat for a rural bank as the figure way exceeds minimum capital requisite for commercial banks.

The revenue boost has primarily been driven by an improving trend in interest income derived from loans.

Loans yielded a substantial income of P944 M or an increment of 31% from last year.

Fee based income primarily obtained from service fees jumped to P540 million which is 68% higher than the P321 million level reported a year earlier.

As of end September

2012, ONB generated a loan portfolio of P13.5 B or a 69% increase from the same period last year and has serviced a pool of 94,990 borrowers with an average loan size of P142,000 .

This loan expansion, essentially backed up by the bank’s objective of reinvesting all profits, has been further reinforced by the P14 billion surge in deposit base which is a 46% hike from the P9 B level in September 2011.

The bank currently has a number of 585,000 depositors. Total resources, meanwhile, grew to P18 billion or a 48% ascent from the same period last year.

The third quarter of the year saw successful launching of the ONB Business Online Banking as well as the ONB MicroBranch.

Sustained growth is seen in the deployment of 2,000 ONB CashPoint POS terminals to merchants until 2013 and in the expansion of the PeraAgad ATMs.

Encouraged by this exceptional 3rd quarter performance, ONB, powered by 1,296 professionals with Head Office operations at the modern 7-storey ONB Center in Sasa, Davao City, takes on the last quarter of 2012 with more confidence.

At present, ONB operates with 86 branches in Mindanao and in Makati, 5 MicroBranches located in Davao City barangays and a f leet of 131 onsite and offsite ATMs. The recent approval by authorities for 5 more branches in the province of Iloilo marks ONB’s venture into the Visayas.

Furthermore, the bank has an ongoing merger application with RB San Enrique which has 6 existing offices in Iloilo soon to be absorbed by ONB. This paves the way for ONB to fortify its brand of modern and inclusive banking through the potential network of 97 branches all over the country by 2013.

Friday-Saturday I Nov. 9-10, 2012

5

GSIS ends optional health insurance plans by Dec. S TAT E p e n s i o n f u n d Government Ser v ice I n su r a nc e Sy s tem h a s declared that beginning Januar y 2013, it will no longer i mplement it s opt iona l hea lt h i nsu rance plans, namely, t he Hospita li zat ion Insu rance Plan and t he Family Hospitalization Plus Plan.

The Hospita l Insurance Plan grants medica l care benef its to t he policy holder in case of hospit a l i z at ion due to sick ness or injur y; t he Family Hospita lization Plus Plan covers expenses for room and board and fees for doctors, medi-

cines and laborator y.

“The GSIS Board of Trustees rev iewed bot h plans and concluded that w h i le t he G SI S of fe r s similar basic benefits as t he Ph i l ippi ne He a lt h Insurance Corporation, PhilHealth’s package has additiona l hospita lization benef its including h ig her ma x i mu m r ate for room and board and increased cap on medic a l r e i m b u r s e m e nt s ,” President a nd Genera l Manager Robert Vergara said.

T he G SIS s a id t h at only 7,316 accounts remain in force until t he end of the year from the

tota l 63,000 accounts.

“For active accounts, we will accept and process claims for as long as t hey are f iled wit hin 60 ca lendar days from t he last day of confinement,” Vergara said.

The review forms part of t he on-goi ng ef for t of t he Board and Management to rationa lize it s prog r a m s to avoid duplication w it h ot her agencies.

Ac t ive pla n holders may call the GSIS hotline at 847.4747 for any question on t he processing of claims including payment of ref unds for t he hea lth insurance plans.

PDIC to bid out Export Bank again AFTER a failed bidding last month, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. will again bid out the assets and liabilities of Export and Industry Bank (EIB).

In a statement, PDIC said it will set a new bidding date for EIB, after the Makati Regional Trial Court denied request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the sale of the bank’s assets and liabilities.

The court had issued a

three-day TRO on PDIC last October 18, on the basis of a case filed by groups that have claims against E-Securities, an EIB subsidiary. This led to the failure of the EIB bidding.

“The Board of Directors of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) has decided to proceed with the bidding for the rehabilitation of Export and Industry Bank (EIB) after the Makati Regional

Trial Court (RTC) Branch No. 146 denied the application for a temporary restraining order (TRO)/injunction to prevent the sale of the assets, branches and commercial bank license of EIB,” the PDIC said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ordered the closure of EIB last April due to insolvency.

Based on its latest valuation, PDIC said the bank has P12 billion in assets and P24 billion in liabilities.

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Opinion

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NELSON CONSTANTINO Editor-in-Chief DOLLY PELONE Advertising

Correcting Mistakes THINK a minute…

What do you usually do when you make a mistake?

If you’re doing a math problem in school and your answer is wrong, what do you do? Don’t you just go back, find your mistake and fix it? Or when you realize you’re on the wrong road to the market, don’t you just turn around and take the right road? In fact, the person who turns around the soonest is the smartest, because he doesn’t waste anymore of his time and energy going the wrong way.

There is nothing smart about being too proud and stubborn to admit we’ve made a mistake.

executive Editor

FELIX SANTILLAN RONALD B. MASTAIL Layout Artists

JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Uriel C. Quilinguing Editorial Consultants

RIZA O. ARES LIEZL A. DELOSO JOE PALABAO RENE MICHAEL BAÑOS

Speaking out

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI atty. roberto a. cantago jr.

Marketing Consultants Legal Counsels Member: -Philippine Press Institute -Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) -Misamis Oriental - Cagayan de Oro Association of Publishers (MOCAP), Inc.

The folly of relativism of less stature, whose Hints and traces leaders marital status is clearly ir-

FR. ROY CIMAGALA

I WONDER if people in general are aware of the folly of relativism. They may not even be aware of relativism itself, the menace we have been warned about quite strongly since the pontificate of John Paul II and now of Benedict XVI. In spite of its dominant presence in the world today, I believe people are still ignorant of it and therefore clueless as to what to do about it. They seem unable to point what’s wrong. The anomaly has become so widespread it seems it has become normal.

Its effects are actually all over. Abortion is now legalized in many rich and supposedly developed countries. Divorce is, of course, already a non-issue in many places. Contraception is also a given.

Marriage is now deformed and defaced in many ways as more and more people and societies are approving same-sex unions and are even open to have national leaders, let alone

regular.

There is now a growing sector of people who believe they should just be left alone on practically whatever they like to do, including infidelity, pornography, gossips, slanders, etc., as long as they don’t cause public trouble.

All these are manifestations of a relativistic culture engulfing the world today.

It’s a mindset and attitude that is based on the belief that everything is relative, nothing is absolute.

Everything is relative to one’s preferences or at worst the consensus of the people. Relativism makes us in the great variety of our situations and predicaments as the ultimate arbiter of what’s good and bad, what right and wrong. It’s not God anymore.

Or, another way of looking at it is that we make ourselves our own God. What’s right and wrong simply depend on us. They can be a negotiable affair, a matter of consensus. There can be no intrinsic good or evil applicable to everyone in all places at all times.

This is a very terrible predicament because in the DNA of relativism is the inherent weakness that unavoidably would lead us to subjectivism, disunity, fragmentation, conflicts.

Everyone would be left to his own preferences, often a result of feelings and other CIMAGALA/PAGE 7

IGNACIO BUNYE

WHAT are dormant accounts? Can you pre-terminate your bank loan without risking a subsequent penalty fee? What do you do when you receive a “notice of amendment”?

These may be some of the questions that you, as a depositor or as a borrower, may encounter throughout your relationship with your bank.

These questions are actually included in a primer published by the Bangko

Since God created life, He is the only One Who knows the right way through it. That’s why God the Son came to show us the right road.

Jesus came to show us how to live the correct way that works, so we could be happy and successful. He showed us how to have healthy, happy relationships; how to teach and love our children; how to enjoy a satisfying marriage for a lifetime; and how to use our special abilities to reach our full potential in our job and career.

Jesus shows us the honest, loving heart and character He created us all to

have. He showed that if our heart is ruled by His strong and loving character, then we will genuinely love others and not use them or hurt them.

It makes no sense to ask 2 plus 2 to equal 5. Just like it makes no sense to ask God to change the facts of right and wrong, only so you and I can live our own wrong way.

Think: what if just this one time God let me do the wrong thing I want to do? Then how would I feel if God let someone else do that same wrong thing to me or my family? Jesus shows us His right ways for our own happiness, not to be

JHAN TIAFAU HURST

strict and take all the fun out of life.

Jesus came to forgive us and show us the successful, satisfying life He created us for. So if you’ve not been livHURST/PAGE 7

Bank Transactions Sentral ng Pilipinas, in its ongoing efforts to reach out to financial consumers.

I am reprinting the contents of the primer to help those who are confused about some banking concepts and how to deal with them.

Frequently Asked Questions on Banks in General: What information should banks disclose with regard to charges they impose on depositors?

• The imposition of bank charges or fees and the rate or amount of such charges or fees.

• The required minimum monthly average daily balance (ADB) of deposits.

• Any change in the terms and conditions for the imposition of service charges and/or maintenance fees (e.g. increase in the amount of such charges and fees).

What are considered dormant or inactive ac-

counts?

• The following are considered dormant or inactive accounts: – Current or checking accounts showing no activity – withdrawal or deposit – for a year.

– Savings accounts showing no activity for two years.

What other conditions, if any, are applicable, in connection with the imposition of fees on dormant accounts?

• The deposit account balances have fallen below the required minimum monthly ADB. • The period of dormancy is properly disclosed among the terms and conditions of the deposit.

• The depositor shall be informed by registered mail with return card through his last known address, at least 60 days prior to the imposition of the dormancy fee.

What can the depositor who receives a notice of

Politics THE science of governance, the administration of public affairs, the conduct of the affairs of a State – these are some of the more general and common understanding of politics.

One thing nevertheless is certain – no matter how politics is defined, understood and/or practiced in this and that country, in the present or the past.

It’s fundamental and overall objective finality is the common good of man, the public welfare of society.

The more pro common good, pro public welfare is politics, the more genuine and admirable it is.

It other words, people are and remain at the center of politics as the latter’s corporate subjective beneficiary. The benefit of man as the primary concern and focus of politics remains independent of whatever individuals, certain leaders, specially these or those politicos opine, say, and/ or claim. Politics is for the

Think a minute

good of man – not exactly for the good of politicians.

To believe and/or do the opposite is a human disgrace, a social curse. And the more altruistic politicians are, the better they become.

The enactment of the needed laws, their observance, and the administration of justice in the event of their violation as stipulated by social justice – this composite agenda is the principal task of politics and wherefore the mandatory commitment of politicians under penalty of treachery.

Whenever politics become something else than people oriented, then the ultimate and standard corporate victim of such an errant phenomenon is the people.

Thus comes to fore the obvious truth that the essence and purpose of politics are thwarted by nothing and nobody else than politicos who are pro-selves, pro-relatives, pro-friends.

This is when they effectively become living impediments

to the satisfaction of the needs and the realization of the yearnings and aspirations of the people. And this is precisely when politics acquire a bad name, a disgusting impression. This is exactly what is happening in this otherwise dear and endearing country.

So it is that it has become a given in the Philippines that politics is equated with the pursuit of power and wealth, with the commission of graft and corruption, with the emergence of disgust and nausea – when it is in fact the Filipino politicians who are guilty of such a disgraceful and deviated impression of politics. This is precisely why many are those who become angry and agitated with mere mention of the word “politics”.

Of course there are exceptions but the rule remains: There are still good and upright politicians in the Philippines.

These however are few and far between.

amendment do?

• The depositor may manifest or register in writing his objection to the new fees or charges or to any change in the bank’s terms and conditions within 30 days from receipt of the written notice of amendment. Failure to do so would mean acceptance of such changes.

Can a bank require a borrower to pay interest on loan in advance for more than one year?

• No. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 2655 (Usury Law) provides that no person or corporation shall require interest to be paid in advance for a period of more than a year.

Are banks required to furnish their borrowers information on all interest and other charges pertaining to their loans?

• Yes. Republic Act No. 3765, the “Truth in Lending BUNYE/PAGE 7

Viewpoints

ARCH. OSCAR V. CRUZ (Ret)

It is enough to think of political dynasties, to be aware of the shenanigans that accompany elections, to take note of the trio of “guns, goons, and gold” that is the standard recourse of notorious politicians.

This is why truly good and very able Filipinos shun politics as some kind of an incurable disease. They should be made aware and convinced that there is a real distinction between politics and politicians. Otherwise, this country would be beyond redemption.

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Hurst... from page 6

ing for Jesus Christ, you can do the smart thing today: just admit that your way of living is wrong, and ask Jesus to take full charge of your life. It’s only when we start living our Maker’s way that we can start enjoying His good life—the way it’s made to work.

Just think a minute …

Bunye... from page 6

Act,” requires banks and all creditors to furnish to a person to whom credit is extended, prior to the consummation of the transaction, a clear statement in writing to be acknowledged and signed by the borrower the “true and effective cost of borrowing.”

Can a borrower pre-terminate his loan without the bank imposing a penalty fee?

• If the pre-terminated loan is a loan to a consumer (i.e. loan purpose is primarily for personal, family, household, or agricultural purposes), as defined under Republic Act No. 7394 (The Consumer Act of the Philippines), the borrower may prepay in full or in part the unpaid balance of his loan at any time without penalty.

This is in accordance with Article 137 of R.A. No. 7394.

If the pre-terminated loan is a non-consumer loan (such as commercial and industrial loans), the bank may impose a penalty fee on the borrower.

You may e-mail us at totingbunye2000@gmail.com.

Cimagala... from page 6

conditionings. Differences and conflicts become inevitable.

And to resolve or soften the impact of these unavoidable consequences, there can be no other recourse than to violence and even anarchy, or to a drift toward totalitarianism.

It’s ironic to note that relativism is often invoked as the soul of democracy. It gives the illusion that with it, people are respected for what they are. It’s a very tempting idea but detached from the fact that we are not our own being, but rather creatures of a Creator, God. And so a democracy that upholds this rotten spirit and does away with a transcendent God will be a democracy that will not be guided by an absolute law that comes from God. It will be a democracy that will surely contradict itself and plunge sooner or later to totalitarianism to keep itself above water.

That’s because that democracy will not anymore work for the common good, but rather for the good only of its stronger part, or the majority, and not all, of its people. But as an aside, we can still say that of all forms of government, democracy is still the best because “it ensures the participation of citizens in political options and guarantees them the possibility both of electing and controlling their rulers,” John Paul II said.

As to why relativism is

attractive to many people, we can posit the idea that it appears respectful of the views and opinions of people.

The problem is that many people have lost the sense of the absolute, have hardly any serious life of religion, and that’s why everything seems to be matter of opinion only.

There are also those, more intellectually gifted and convinced about relativism, who claim that if God exists then he is a God who is constantly evolving because a God who is not dynamic cannot be God. The flaw with this reasoning is that they equate the perpetual dynamism of God with the process of evolution. But God, if he has to be God, cannot anymore evolve even if he is also in constant dynamism. That thought contradicts the very essence of God. This is, of course, a mystery to us, due to the limitation of our reasoning. But we cannot deny that if God is God, then he is both stably perfect and dynamically acting. His action does not imply change in him.

Eurobrands...

from page 3 Columbian group’s f irm commitment to provide the Philippine market with cars that have only the best fuel savings and environmentfriendly technologies. As the world’s largest producer of diesel engines, Peugeot has perfected diesel technology to the extent that it has preserved and maintained its level of efficiency even as it has minimized its harmful effects. Peugeot’s revolutionary micro-hybrid technology, exclusive and unique to the brand’s diesel-powered cars, is a model of fuel efficiency and economy. Its cuttingedge diesel particulate filter system, a state-of-the-art technology Peugeot innovation, cuts drastically much of the harmful CO2 emissions that are the bane of dieselpowered cars.

Peugeot, the second-largest-selling automotive brand in Europe, will be competing in the premium luxury segment with four introductory models for the Philippines: the 3008 Compact Crossover, the 508 mid-sized sedan, the 5008 multipurpose vehicle, and the RCZ sports car.

PSA Peugeot Citroen world press and external relations manager Marc Bocque said, “We are grateful with Eurobrands as our distributor partner in the Philippines.

They have the best and experienced people, and we have Peugeot’s full support at their back.”

Peugeot has introduced new technologies that revolutionized car manufacturing throughout the world. Its cutting-edge research in diesel technology has introduced the HDi engine or High-pressure Diesel Injection system which preserves much of the diesel engine’s traditional characteristics—economy, range and toughness—while minimizing much of its disadvantages.

The high point for the HDi has been the introduction as a “world’s first” of the particulate filter (FAP), which completely eliminates particulates, of whatever size,

in turn minimizing harmful emissions and thus contributing to a cleaner environment. A newly introduced Micro-Hybrid technology furthers this achievement with higher fuel economy and lower harmful emissions.

4ID...

from page 2

your areas of operations, particularly in the Caraga Region,” Bautista said.

Bautista said that the military’s role evolves over time and its personnel must learn to adapt especially since the military and the country is now facing unprecedented non-traditional threats that undermine the security of the nation “brought about by the changing environment.”

“The AFP is partnering with the DENR and PNP in the intensification of the anti-illegal logging effort in Mindanao in coordination with the anti-illegal logging task force,” he said.

The DENR, AFP and PNP signed the MOA on October 30, giving the armed forces the lead role “in the conduct of planning, coordination, and execution of all anti illegal logging operations in Mindanao.”

“This is a challenge for the 4th ID especially in the Caraga Region. As the designated agency responsible for the said area of operation, we are expecting the 4th ID to rise up to the challenge of preventing illegal logging since Illegal logging activities magnify the negative effects of natural calamities,” he stressed.

The devastation in Iligan City brought about by Tropical Storm Washi (Sendong) on Dec. 16, 2011 was exacerbated by thousands of illegally-cut logs that rampaged along with mud and flood waters that destroyed thousands of houses and killed hundreds.

In Caraga, authorities conf iscate t housands of board feet of illegally-cut logs almost daily.

In Carmen, Surigao del Sur, police on October 13 seized 8,000 board feet of bandsaw-milled lauan lumber believed to be owned by Rolando Seblario, owner of Butuan-based Jeroking Enterprises.

Añonuevo, for his part, said that as an officer and gentleman, he has no other recourse but to follow commands. Now that he is commanded to done the antiillegal logging czar’s hat in the military establishment in Mindanao, he simply said: “this is a responsibility we are taking seriously.”

Añonuevo assumed command Tuesday of the 4th ID from its officer-in-charge, Brig. Gen. Romeo Gapuz, who took the reins from Maj. Gen. Felix last Sept. 4.

NFA... from page 2

intend to accommodate all palay deliveries during peak harvest seasons.

Maria Socorro Mellomida, NFA Bukidnon public information officer, said that the six permanent palay buying stations are located in Aglayan, Ma layba lay City; Valencia City, Musuan; Maramag, Bukidnon; Maramag town proper; Kalilangan and Wao, Lanao del Sur. Mellomida also cited that these permanent procure-

ment centers have an aggregate capacity of 1.2 million bags, with a total of eight mechanical dryers capable to dry 120 bags.

NFA’s procurement program aims to even up the grains supply and prices.

“As a government entity, NFA will continue to be at the forefront of the country’s rice marketing to ensure stability in the supply and prices of its staple cereals, which is in full support to President Benigno Aquino III’s rice self-sufficiency goals through the AgriPinoy Program,” Mellomida said.

InfPRES... from page 2

Maslob, Balintawak, Cabilinan, Campo-1, Gubaaan, Inatagan, Inroad, Kahayagan, Kahayagan East, Kahayagan West, Kauswagan, La Victoria, Lintugop, Lubid, Mahayahay, Mandaue, Monpila, Napo, San Juan, Sapalobok, Tagolalo, Waterfall.

“A total of 28.9 kilometer FMRs that served 2,741 households were constructed in 15 barangays of Aurora while 1,892 farmers in the 9 barangays of the municipality benefited from the PWS,” said Mayor Enrique Cabahug Jr. The project was done with funding-counterparts from the Local Government Unit of Aurora and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Total project cost was pegged at P103 million of which, for the FMR, Aurora LGU shared its counterpart of 37.7%, the DA, 12.3% and 50% from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

For the PWS, Aurora shared 47.7%, DA with 2.3% and ADB shared 50%.

‘The DA InfPRES project in Aurora is the biggest in the region and second in the entire country,” Cabahug claimed.

Cabahug said the projects empowered rural farmers to improve agricultural production and maintain health and well-being by availing access to clean, and safe drinking water.

“People are now enjoying the sweet fruit of their struggles and sacrifices”, he said.

Aurora is composed of 44 barangays; it has a population of 47,117 and 9,163 households.

Centrio... from page 1

The entire complex occupies 3.7 hectares right in the city’s central business district. It also sits in front of Gaisano City Mall and a few block s away f rom homegrown Limketkai Mall.

Aligned with Ayala Malls commitment to bring forth innovative and world–class shopping centers, Centrio Mall showcases a contemporary and distinctive architecture w it h verda nt landscaping accented by two old acacia trees at the center providing a relaxing vibe to the entire shopping experience.

“With four state of the art cinemas, Timezone and a vibrant activity center which will be home to one– of–a–kind shows and events, unparalleled entertainment is in store for the city of Cagayan de Oro,” the company said.

Providing a live-work and play environment, Centrio is a 3.7 hectare mixed

use, master planned community consisting of the newly opened Centrio Mall, an urban lifestyle hotel, residential condominiums, and an office development.

With its delectable finds, unique offerings and events, Centrio Mall elevates the shopping, dining and entertainment adventure of this vibrant city of Northern Mindanao.

The company also said Centrio Mall shall ultimately be the convergence center of residents and tourists with iIts unique mix of first-inCDO retail brands, new and home-grown dining concepts, basic shopping from the anchor stores, and wide array of top-tier retail brands and dining options make Centrio Mall the region’s preferred shopping and dining destination.

In an earlier interview, ALI vice president and head of operations for commercial business group Rowena Tomeldan said Ayala malls a lways prov ide slots for locally-grown brands.

“Whenever we open a new retail center, we make it a point to advocate 10-15 percent of local concepts,” Tomeldan said.

Among the noted homegrown brands that put up their stores at the Centrio includes, among ot hers, Technomart, Bigby’s, Oro Graphic, Candy’s, Bettina, Thai Me Up, Spacecom, Mags, Vanity Works, Solidmark, Nai Cha, St. Jude Optical, Children’s World, Treasures, Parasat Payment, Delecta, Ilash Salon, Oro Shawarma, and Barkadahan Grill.

With over 300 stores, the mall has 64,000 sqms. gross f loor area (44,000 sqms gross leasable area), inclusive of an anchor department store, Robinsons, and the Rustan’s Fresh Supermarket.

Meanwhile, Ayala’s new chain of lifestyle boutique hotels called Kukun, just adjacent to t he Centrio, including one opening soon, is now rebranded as Seda Hotel.

7

Coffee... from page 1

Gaisano Mall Davao, said Mr. Tan during the opening of its second outlet in the city at SM Lanang Premier.

The fourth in Mindanao this year will be in General Santos City although Mr. Tan said that the exact location has yet to be finalized.

He said the company is also looking to add up three more stores in Cebu where it already has four.

Mr. Tan, who brought the brand to Cebu in 2007, said earnings have been “moderately high,” but declined to elaborate.

The company, he said, has decided to be aggressive in opening more stores in Mindanao because coffee-drinking “has become lifestyle” among consumers on the island.

Mr. Tan said he is “satisfied with the current sales level and even more with its potential to grow in the (Mindanao) market.”

Wa lden Chu, president of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Philippines who joined Mr. Tan during the store opening at SM Lanang Premier, noted good demand for the company’s products. “We always see to it that we offer the best to our customers,” he said.

To maintain the quality of its coffee, Mr. Tan said all stores worldwide get their roasted coffee beans from only one source: its roasting facility in southern California. “We control the process,” he said.

Mr. Tan added that the company builds on product quality with promotional campaigns. This includes one that entitles a customer to a 5% rebate that can be used when he comes back and buys a product. – C.Q. Francisco

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Branch 44 Initao, Misamis Oriental IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION SPEC. PROC. NO. 2012-1124 FOR THE CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE RECORD OF BIRTH AT THE OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR; CHANGING THE ENTRY FOR THE SEX OF THE PETITIONER FROM FEMALE TO MALE, LYN JHIE C. ACASO Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF LIBERTAD, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Respondent. x------------------------------------------------------- / ORDER Let this case be heard on February 8, 2013 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning, at this court sitting at the Hall of Justice, Poblacion, Initao, Misamis Oriental. The Civil Registrar concerned and any person having or claiming any interest under the certificate of live birth whose cancellation/correction is sought may, within fifteen (15) days from notice of the petition, file his or her opposition thereto.

At the expense of the petitioner, let a copy of this Order be published once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Misamis Oriental.

Further, let a copy of this Order and the petition be posted at the bulletin boards of the entrance door of this court, Hall of Justice, Initao, Misamis Oriental and Municipal Hall, Libertad, Misamis Oriental.

Finally, let a copy of the petition and this Order be furnished to the Office of the Solicitor General and the Office of the Civil Registrar concerned.

SO ORDERED. Initao, Misamis Oriental, October 19, 2012.

(Sgd.) ARTHUR L. ABUNDIENTE

Acting Presiding Judge BWM: NOV. 9, 16 & 23, 2012

8

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Agri News

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Agri sector posts 1.9% growth in Jan-Sept

THE country’s agriculture sector grew by 1.93 percent under the supervision of the during the first nine months of the year, with a total DA-NIA. As for other major crops, value of P956 billion at current prices. the BAS said higher producAgriculture Secretary Pro- the DA and National Irriga- tion levels were registered by ceso J. Alcala said the mod- tion Administration (NIA) coconut, pineapple, coffee, est growth was bannered in Cagayan Valley while tobacco and rubber. The by the crops, livestock and Central Luzon recovered crops sector grossed P566 poultry subsectors, citing from last year’s crop damage billion at current prices. estimates by the Department due to typhoons.

The livestock subsector, of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau “Our efforts are paying which shared 15.6 percent of Agricultural Statistics off,” said Alcala as he is con- to total agricultural output, (BAS) during a media brief- fident that palay harvest for grew by 0.86 percent, with a ing Tuesday at the sidelines the entire year could reach gross value of P150.9 billion. of the ninth National Organic 18 MMT, with a forecast The poultry subsector Agriculture Congress in production of roughly 6.5 continued to post positive Cebu City.

MMT for the fourth-quarter gains at it further increased The crops subsector, palay crop. by 4.6 percent, with a total which accounted for 50.7 He said the projected production worth P121.7 bilpercent of tota l output, fourth quarter palay out- lion. The sector contributed increased by 3.33 percent, put would include those 14.3 percent to total output as palay (paddy rice) and from 100,000 hectares under during the first nine months corn production grew by the third-cropping scheme, of 2012.

6.9 percent and 7.5 percent, where thousands of farmers Finally, the fisheries subrespectively, during the first were encouraged to planted sector dipped by 2.5 percent nine months of 2012 versus in September, as the DA as commercial fishery catch the same period last year. t hroug h t he Phi lippi ne continued to decline. The Tot a l p a l ay h a r ve s t Crop Insurance Corpora- BAS said it was due to a amounted to 11.5 million tion (PCIC) provided free combination of factors that metric tons (MMT) while crop insurance coverage of included a “fish moratorium” corn output was estimated P10,000 per hectare, and the in Zamboanga Peninsula, at 5.9 MMT. DA through its National Rice lesser fishing efforts in sevThe BAS said the Ilocos Program offered free certi- eral areas (Cagayan Valley, region recorded improve- fied seeds to participating Quezon province, Western ment in yield, early harvests farmers. The initiative was and Eastern Visayas, and and more plantings during undertaken in partnership Soccsksargen) due to rough the period. Early plantings with irrigators’ associations seas, unstable fuel prices, were encouraged in support covering areas served by and lesser appearance of of the “5-in-2” program of major irrigation systems some species.

US team visits banana-cocoa intercropping project in Davao DAVAO City -- A team from an international nonprofit organization based in Washington D.C. has visited the Cocoa Banana Extension Center (CBEC), one of projects of the Federation of Cooperatives in Mindanao (FEDCO) in Asuncion, Davao del Norte as part of the CocoaBanana Agri-Enterprise Development (CBAED) project.

FEDCO chief executive officer, Rene Dalayon said the Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA), which is implementing

CoCoPal Farming System project in Mindanao, also discussed with the Magastos Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MARBMCO) in Purok 3, Magastos Asuncion, Davao del Norte, on how they are going with their banana-cacao intercropping project.

He said ACDI/VOCA has granted recently P3.2 million budget to fund the CBAED project.

Dalayon clarif ied to the ACDI/VOCA people, who came last Oct. 23, that FEDCO does not intend to cut or replace bananas with cocoa but is venturing into its production in

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addition to bananas.

He s a id C BA E D i s aimed at cushioning the impact of the crisis that recently hit the banana industry.

“We don’t intend to cut or replace our bananas with cocoa. The crisis that recently hit the banana industry has only opened our eyes and made us realize that putting our eggs in one basket can be too risky especially for smallholder farmers who cannot afford to lose huge amount of money,”, he said.

After seeing the market potential of cocoa, FEDCO is now venturing into cocoa production in addition to ba na nas. The cocoa production would serve as back-up to the banana production, he said.

Da layon said t he CBAED project was targeting to help 2,000 farmers in developing 10 hectares for cacao-banana plantations in the municipalities of Sto. Tomas and Asuncion in Davao del Norte.

He said FEDCO initially provided free intensive trainings on cacao-banana intercrop farming technology to about 40 Coco Pal Farmer Leaders (CFL).

“We are targeting to complete the CBAED project on February 2013,” he said. (PNA)

Enhancing BPI-PQS capability for banana export to USA Cagayan de Oro City - The Bureau of Plant Industry-Plant Qua ra nt ine Ser v ice (BPI-PQS) hosted a training/workshop for t he Minda nao w ide BPI-PQS Inspectors on the implementation of banana export program to the United States of America (USA) held at Pearlmont Inn, t his cit y on September 18-20, 2012. 50 plant quarantine officers from the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, and General Sa ntos pa r t icipated in the training. The training aims to enhance the capability of the BPI- PQS for the purpose of banana ex por t to t he USA. As such, the participants are expected to gain knowledge on the systems approach for banana in the Philip-

pi ne s b a s e d on US system and Internat iona l Sta nda rd for Phy tosanitar y Measures (ISPM); familiar with different pests a nd diseases of banana and to be able to detect their presence in the commodity; to ga i n k nowled ge on fruit f ly management program and the operationa l work plan for banana export; as well as the guidelines for accreditation/regi s t r at ion pro c e s s e s for a packing house facility. In Region 10, Plant Quarantine Officer In-charge Manuel Barradas (lower photo standing center) mentioned t hat they are stringent in t he implementation of plant quarantine procedures and measures thus allowed the reg ion’s ba na na for e x p or t ac c e pte d to

the US market. Above photos show Mr. Kelan Evans (upper photo) from the US Department of Agriculture gracing the occasion; and (lower photo) the lecturers from Animal and Plant Health I n s p e c t ion S e r v ic e (APHIS) Ms. Welly A. Ousley (seated lef tmost) who lectured on Systems and Procedures Requirements of USDA; Ms. Merle Pa l a c pa c , w ho le ctured on Comprehensive Work Plan for the R P re sponsibi l it ie s to be undertaken by BPI-PQS for US market; w it h Dr. Helen Bignayan from UPLB; and DOLE consultant Mrs. Tuazon; and the participants. # RR E. Pa a s a (w it h re p or t and photos from Ricardo Pondoyo, Plant Quarantine Off icer, R-10)

Usapang Palay launched in Lanao Norte TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – Usapang Palay, a rice information and technology update sortie for farmers was formally introduced by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office No. 10 (DA-10) to the province on October 24-25, 2012 at the Macapagal Training Center, Pigcaran, in this town.

During the activity, Mr. Louie Ofngol, Agrarian Reform Program Officer II of DA-10, briefed the guidelines in the conduct of the abovesaid undertaking to the municipal agricultural officers and agricultural technicians from the 22 local govern-

ment units throughout the province.

According to him, the said initiative is seen to boost the passion of farmers to learn and value the best farming practices in order to achieve higher yield on rice production in rural communities. Such, he added, would fuel the attainment of goals and objectives under the department’s f lagship program – Food Staple Sufficiency Program.

Likewise, he explained that the Usapang Palay will be a half-day affair that will run for about 2-3 hours with an interaction between farmers

and that of technical experts.

In which, this would cover an exchange of experiences, consisting of excellent practices employed and challenges encountered in the production of rice.

Prioritized beneficiaries, he added, will be those riceproducing barangays with yield below 3.8 tons per hectare as well as farmers who have not undergone any training since the year 2011.

The implementation of the Usapang Palay will be backed up by the DA-10, chargeable against the agency’s extension fund. # Ma. Eleanor R. Sarsalejo, PIO LDN

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Highlands Prime swings to profit in third quarter

Filinvest Land properties hit record-high prices THE SELLING prices of property projects in Filinvest City, the f lagship development of listed Filinvest Land, Inc. have risen by as much as 28.89% in the 10 months ending October 2012 versus year-ago levels following the completion last year of the South Metro Manila Sky way Project extension connecting Parañaque and Muntinlupa, a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange showed yesterday.

“Lot prices at Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa City have soared in recent months with the completion of the Skyway extension from Sucat to Alabang in April 2011,” Filinvest Land said.

The Skyway is a six-lane elevated toll expressway built above the existing South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) from Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City to the Alabang interchange in Muntinlupa, according to the Skyway’s Web site. Until April last year, the Skyway

Lawmakers... from page 11

a d u l t ’s a n d a c h i l d ’s mouth,” Rodriguez said.

Aside from lead, Rodriguez said the sample glasses a nd mugs were a l s o fou nd to c ont a i n other harmful chemicals such a s a rsen ic , ch ro m iu m , a nt i m o n y a n d c a d m iu m i n a m ou nt s that are above safe levels.

“EcoWaste Coalition said that the presence of these chemicals increase the chances of multiple exposure to ha za rdous chem ica ls a mong consumers and it also pointed out that none of the products were properly labeled or conta i ned a warning about the presence of toxic ingredients,” Rodriguez said.

He said there is a need t o lo o k i nt o t h i s a n d ensu re t hat produc ts containing lead are removed from the market and are prevented from entering the countr y as the health and even the lives of Filipinos are at stake.(PNA)

only stretched until Sucat interchange in Parañaque.

Filinvest Land said a total of 2.6 hectares of land in Filinvest City were sold to buyers from January to October this year at P75,000 to P87,000 per square meter-depending on location and permitted floor-area ratio (FAR).

These prices are much higher compared to the price range of P53,200 to P67,500 per square meter recorded last year, the company said.

The property firm also noted that a certain lot was recently sold at P115,000 per square meter, the most expensive pricing for a property in Filinvest City.

“This is significantly higher than the previous highest price achieved during the height of the property boom in 1997, right before the Asian Financial Crisis,” Filinvest Land said without elaborating.

Annabelle D. Arceo, Filinvest Land investor relations officer, said in a

telephone interview yesterday that the lot will be allotted for a future office development.

“I can’t disclose the buyer, but the lot was around 2,400 square meters and it will be used for an office building,” she said while declining to cite the company’s previous highest lot price pre-1997.

Meanwhile, despite a surge in selling prices, Filinvest Land said that Filinvest City lots remain “very reasonable” based on accommodation values, which is calculated by dividing the selling price per square meter of a property by its FAR. Accommodation values in Filinvest City are pegged at around P10,000 per square meter versus a reported P18,000 to P20,000 per square meter accommodation values in Makati City and Bonifacio Global City, and a P15,000 per square accommodation values in Ortigas Center, Filinvest Land said.

LEISURE PROPERTY developer Highlands Prime, Inc. swung to prof it in the third quarter from a net loss the previous year on t he back of a surge in revenue contribution of the firm’s residential projects, the company said in a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) showed.

The Sy-led firm, which was 35.76%-owned by Belle Corp. as of end-September, sw ung to a net income of P12.84 million in the third quarter from a net loss of P21.47 million last year, while revenues from real estate sales amounted to P165.34 million, more than four times last year’s P37.80 million.

“The realized revenues for t he cu r rent per iod were bet ter due to t he contribution of the residential lot projects which accounted for 51% of the total realized revenues.

Condomi niu m a nd log cabin projects contributed 49% of the total,” Highlands Prime said in its end-September financial report.

Cost of real estate sales in the third quarter rose by more than four times to P105.10 million from P23.98 million.

H i g h l a n d s P r i m e ’s t hird qua r ter resu lts brought its nine-month net income to P29.24 mill ion, compa red to la st year’s net loss of P49.37 million, while revenues from real estate sales more than doubled to P419.92 million from P195.78 mil-

lion.

Year-to-date cost of real estate sales doubled to P239.86 million from P115.40 mi l lion in t he sa me compa rat ive si xmonth periods.

Highlands Prime was incorporated in 2001 as Highlands Prime Leisure Properties, Inc., according to information posted on PSE’s Web site.

The company shifted

We are in urgent need of local residents for the following positions: STOCK CUSTODIAN / INVENTORY STAFF  A Graduate of BS-Accountancy or related courses  Female; 23-30 years of age, systematic & with initiative  Attentive and keen to details and computer proficient both in MS Excel and Word; ability to handle pressures  Team player, matured & can work with less supervision  With at least one year experience in inventory / custodian works, EXPERIENCE IS A MUST

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

 Graduate of any four year course (preferably Marketing / IT / Computer related courses)  Female / Male ; 25-35 years of age; computer literate  Proficient in oral and written skills, resourceful  Ability to deal with customer’s complaints, and inquiries, articulate, hardworking, aggressive  Willing to travel & must have the ability to create/handle corporate accounts; with great attitude and can handle rejections  Must have at least 1-2 years of sales related experience in office equipments  EXPERIENCE IS A MUST

We offer competitive salary, allowance, incentives, insurance, medical and other fringe benefits.

QUALIFIED applicants must APPLY IN PERSON at:

New DATCHE Phils. Traders Corp.

JR Borja cor., Capistrano Sts., Cagayan de Oro City, (088) 323-2611 / (08822) 722-765 or email at cdo@datchephils.com or mbadelles@datchephils.com

Bring application letter, resumé, TOR & 2pcs. 2x2 color picture

www.datchephils.com

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Cagayan de Oro City 2012-458 OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL SHERIFF

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10th Judicial Region Cagayan de Oro City 2012-469 OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT SHERIFF

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE File No. 2012-301

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE File No. 2012-287

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act No. 3135 as amended, filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (PAG-IBIG), Cagayan de Oro City, as mortgagee, against JOSEPHINE N. PEPITO married to NELSON P. PEPITO, with postal address at Block 8, Lot 3, Lourdesville Homes, Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City, or at Kinura, Kalilangan, Bukidnon, as mortgagor, which as of August 24, 2012 amounts to TWO HUNDRED FORTY SIX THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SEVENTY FOUR PESOS & 57/100 (Php 246,674.57) inclusive of interest, and penalty charges, but exclusive of attorney’s fees equivalent to ten (10%) percent of the total indebtedness plus the expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned will sell at public auction on November 29, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Hall of Justice, Cagayan de Oro City, to the highest bidder for cash or manager’s check and in Philippine Currency, the following property with all the improvements found thereon, described as follows:

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act No. 3135 as amended

by Act No. 4118, filed by HDMF (PAG-IBIG), Cagayan de Oro Branch, as mortgagee, against JEFFREY M. SARADOR married to CRISTINE E. SARADOR, as mortgagors, Lot 3, Blk. 21, Pag-Ibig City, Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental, which as of August 24, 2012, amounts to THREE HUNDRED NINETEEN THOUSAND THIRTY SIX PESOS & 27/100 (Php 319,036.27) inclusive of interest, and penalty charges, attorney’s fees and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned will sell at public auction on December 6, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Room 110, Hall of Justice, Cagayan de Oro City, to the highest bidder for cash or manager’s check and in Philippine Currency, the following property described below with all the improvements found thereon, described as follows:

TCT No. 80034 “A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 3, Block 8, Psd-104305-017110, Being a portion of Lot 3045, Cad-237, Cagayan Cadastre) Situated in the Barrio of Carmen (now Balulang), City of Cagayan De Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of EIGHTY EIGHT (88) square meters, more or less”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated date, time and place.

In the event the auction sale falls on a holiday, the same will proceed on the following working day, without further notice, posting and publication.

Prospective buyers may investigate for themselves the title hereinabove described and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Cagayan de Oro City, October 21, 2012.

“A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 3, Blk. 21, Psd-10-057664, Being a portion of Lot 1, Pcs-10-003972. Location Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental. With an area of 120 sq. m., more or less.xxx

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROVINCIAL SHERIFF BY:

MA. TERESITA QUIBLAT-INSO Sheriff IV BWM: NOV. 2, 9 & 16, 2012

TCT No. T-51162

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated date, time and place.

In the event auction sale cannot take place for whatever legal reason, the same will proceed on the following working day, without further notice, posting and publication.

Prospective buyers may investigate for themselves the title hereinabove described and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Cagayan de Oro City, October 23, 2012.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROVINCIAL SHERIFF

BWM: NOV. 2, 9, & 16, 2012

to its present designation in 2002.

Highlands Prime said last April that it had allot ted P80 0 mi l lion in capital expenditures this year to bankroll two new proje c t s ju st sout h of Met ro Ma ni la . A n add it iona l P4 0 0 m i l l ion had been earmarked for a condominium project in Tagaytay City, the 128-unit Woodridge Place Phase II.

ENRIQUE M. TALAG, JR. Sheriff IV

34 Years of Service

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG ALL THE HEIRS OF THE CO-OWNERS WITH CONFIRMATION OF SALE IN FAVOR OF JOENA B. AYALA

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the Late BUENAVENTURA LABNAO, who died on November 4, 1994 in Cagayan de Oro City, without any will; left a parcel of Land, designated as Lot 1377, Cad 237, Cad-237, Cagayan Cadastre. Containing an area of (4,705) square meters situated in Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City and covered by Original Certificate of Title No. 6995 issued by the Office of the Registrar of Deeds for the City of Cagayan de Oro; is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG ALL THE HEIRS OF THE CO-OWNERS WITH CONFIRMATION OF SALE IN FAVOR OF JOENA B. AYALA, made and entered into by and between; EFLEDA LABNAO BUHAWE, of legal age, married and resident of Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City, herein referred to as HEIR; ENERIO LABNAO, of legal age, married and resident of P Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City, herein referred to as Heir; FRANCIS LABNAO, of legal age, single and resident of P Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City, herein referred to as Heir; EDNA LABNAO JUAREZ, of legal age, married and resident of P Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City, herein referred to as Heir; and VIVIAN LABNAO, of legal age, married and resident of P Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City, herein referred to as Heir; For and in consideration of the sum of TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P200,000.00), Philippine Currency. Containing an area of (545) square meters, as per Doc. No. 129; Page No. 027; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2012 under notary public Atty. Samuel Arnado.

BWM: NOV. 2, 9, & 16, 2012

10

BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O

Friday-Saturday I Nov. 9-10, 2012

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REPORT OF

MOFCCCII PRES. ROBERTO CHING for July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2012 on the occasion of the 14th Induction of MOFCCCII Officers

“As your president, it is with great honor to report to you the activities and milestones of your chamber. Promoting social awareness and responsibility has always been one of your Chamber’s thrusts.”

Roberto Ching

MOFCCCII President 2010 to 2012

ON EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

empower participants to attain their productivity and profitability targets.

Community Service

Foremost among these was the year long process of intervention with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on the Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company’s petition for rates adjustment in collaboration with Konsumanteng Kagay-anon, Inc.

As a socio-civic chamber primarily aimed at helping make our community a better place to live in, it is with utmost satisfaction and gratitude I report to you MOFCCCII cannot be said to have been wanting in this regard.

First and foremost, we were in vanguard of helping our less fortunate town mates recover from the effects of the deadliest disaster to hit our beloved city in this century: Tropical Storm Sendong.

From Day 1 after the disaster MOFCCCII was already mobilizing to help the victims of the flash floods: organizing and taking major role in coordinating relief efforts with the various Filipino-Chinese associations here in Manila and abroad like Phil. Amity Club, PhilChinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FilipinoChinese Shin Lian, Overseas Chinese Alumni Association and World News Publication, under the umbrella group CDO Chinese-Filipino Community.

We started relief operations at Oro Grace Christian School, then later moved to Kong Hua School in Kauswagan and conducted many relief operations in relocation centers and the disaster areas themselves, even reaching as far as Iligan City through the Lanao FilipinoChinese Chamber of Commerce.

But we did not stop there. We pledged and delivered 300 units of housing for flood victims at Calaanan, then helped them clean up their areas with the help of the CDO Volunteer Fire Brigade, LKKS, Gaisano, Mitimco, Jimar and Oro Graphic fire trucks.

Earlier, we facilitated the donation of two forty foot vans full of medical equipment and supplies worth 35 million pesos to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center through Dr. Dave Zarate and the World Medical Relief. Thanks to Pres. Emeritus Steve Gaisano for advancing freight and handling costs, and Pres. Robert Ching, PP Jose Un, Jr., IPP Efren Uy, EVP Lucio Tan for the customs duties.

Not the least, the community also benefitted from our Medical Mission and Blood Letting project SHED BLOOD, SAVE A LIFE held November 27, 2010 at the Macasandig Covered Court where we managed to raise 232 units/packs of blood donated to the Phil. National Red Cross and over 1,000 patients benefitted from free cholesterol screening, FBS, medical exam, ECG, skin treatment and fat analysis, bone density scan, free medicines and giveaways at the Macasandig Barangay and Health Center with the participation of MetroBank Purple heart and the Drug Store Association of the Phil.

ON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION Besides being a civic-oriented group, MOFCCCII is also a chamber dedicated to business development and promotion in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental.

Both members and the greater business community in the city and the province benefitted from no less than 23 projects and activities we undertook in the area to

Under the final rates translation filed by CEPALCO with the ERC, electricity rates for all types of customer categories were reduced starting July 2011 with residential customers getting the biggest reduction at 17 centavos per kilowatt hours, followed by commercial (.13), streetlight (.05), 138kV bulk power (.04), industrial (.03), and 69kV bulk power (.01). This reduction will continue for the next three years and benefits not only MOFCCCII members but all 118,139 business and residential customers within CEPALCO’s franchise area.

Among our other projects was our collaboration with the Association of Barangay Councils integrating barangay clearance with the renewal of business permits for a one-stop shop processing; and various other meetings and seminars with agencies and organizations like the BIR, DILG, Oro Chamber, PNP, PRA, MinDA, MART, FIFA, DOT, Promote CDO Foundation, USAID, DTI, Philippine Army and NICA. Environment Even before the Tropical Storm Sendong disaster stressed the need for a more judicious stewardship of the environment, MOFCCCII was already undertaking projects in this direction.

Among these was World Arbor Day tree planting at Malasag Eco-Village and Alwana Business Park.

MOFCCCII also joined City Mayor Vicente Emano for “Han-ay Kagayan Events” at Rodelsa Circle last June 30.

International Relations Not the least in our external relations, MOFCCCII facilitated the transportation and logistics for the BIMPEaga Delegates from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines held September 15, 2011 at the Xavier Sports and Country Club.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS Heritage and Culture Besides promoting external relations with the rest of the local, national and international community, your chamber is also proud to be a repository of our FilipinoChinese heritage and culture.

For the first time, the Philippines celebrate the Chinese New Year as a non-working holiday throughout the country on January 23, 2012 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 295 issued last Nov. 24, 2011 by Pres.

Aquino.

Your chambers is proud to be part of the initiative which made this a reality when it lobbied with Congressman Rufus Rodriguez last February 3, 2011 who authored

House Bill # 1062 which eventually resulted in the declaration of the Spring Festival as a non-working holiday. This is one of the most revered and festive events celebrated not only in China but also in the Philippines by both Chinese- Filipinos and ordinary Filipinos as well.

Earlier, MOFCCCII also celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival at Grand Caprice Restaurant on September 25, 2010 and again on September 3, 2011 at the same venue.

This was followed by our celebration of China’s Founding Anniversary on October 1st, 2010 and again on the same date a year later.

Not the least, we had our belated Christmas Party and Lunar New Year Celebration last January 29, 2011, where the Kong Hua School Students with some MOFCCCII officials and members as guests performed the famous Broadway and Hollywood Musical “Flower Drum Song”, concurrently with the Chinese Lunar Year motorcade to welcome the Year of the Rabbit.

Fellowship Of course, MOFCCCII would not be a complete chamber without fellowship among its members. Besides our traditional Chinese festivals, we also had a Unity and Harmony Fellowship on November 7, 2010 at the Go Resort courtesy of Dir. Charles Go; Arbor Day Celebration courtesy of PPres. Alarico Lim; another at the Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on July 24, 2011 courtesy of Pres. Emeritus Steve Gaisano; Valentine’s Day at Marco Hotel Ballroom on February 14, 2012 with the MOFCCCII officers and families sponsored by selected officers and finally our general membership meeting and election on May 12, 2012.

Membership We are proud to report that the MOFCCCII membership grew by 12 percent from 226 in 2010 to 252 total members by 2011.

Awards and Citations Not the least, we are proud to report that your chamber is the proud recipient of no less than Eight awards and citations from various government and private entities during the past two years for its involvement in various civic, government and service undertaking. A complete list is contained in my printed report provided to all members for their reference.

With your fervent efforts and involvement, together we have risen up to the challenge. Amidst the waves of calamities, your Chamber continues to be one with the people in rebuilding lives, and making our world a better place to live in.

All these could not have been possible without our dear members’ full support and encouragement. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

In unity, there is strength and harmony.

UNITY BEGETS HARMONY! It’s more fun in MOFCCCII. Get involved.

A Helping Hand, ready to reach out to the community.

Fountain of life, representing the growth of Spring.

BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O

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Lawmakers call for probe on poisonous products LAWMAKERS are calling for a congressional probe on reports that products containing lead still abound in markets in the country.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), author of House Resolution No. 2812, said lead was a highly poisonous metal affecting every organ and system in the body and if ingested, could pose health risks.

“Long exposure to this chemical could lead to severe damage to the brain and kidneys, miscarriage for pregnant women as well as damage to nervous connections, among others,” Rodriguez said.

Rodrig uez a nd his brother, Rep. Ma ximo Jr. (Part y-list, Abante Mindanao) filed measure calling for an inquiry on reports that mugs and drinking glasses being sold in tiangges in Metro Manila contain big amounts of lead.

Rodriguez said a recent test conducted by a toxic chemicals watch group EcoWaste Coalition showed that many of the lead-containing mugs and drinking glasses are being sold in bazaars.

Rodriguez said based on the results of a chemical analysis on the 50 samples of products from sidewalk vendors in Manila, 64 percent of the samples contained from 20,700 to as much as 44,400 parts per million (ppm) of lead.

“This is nearly 500 times higher than the 90 ppm threshold under the US Consumer Product Improvement Act of 2008. This result is very troubling as many of these products come in direct contact with both

LAWMAKERS/PAGE 9

Congress watch

Friday-Saturday I Nov. 9-10, 2012

11

Anti-RH bill solons vow amendments of the Freedom of Information and the Bicameral Meeting Transparency Bill, as well as the repeal of the controversial Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“The Aquino administration has kept on harping about its anti-corruption campaign.

Yet the Congress leadership -- composed of allies of the President -- is taking eons to

act upon bills that would enable such transparency. Well Mr. President, guess what, we’re running out of time,” Palatino said.

Starting Tuesday, there are only 34 working days remaining before Congress adjourns on December 21, Palatino said.

To give way to the campaign period, Congress will resume session for only 15

working days next year, from January 21 to February 8.

“Transparency and accountability are part and parcel of good governance. Espousing an anti-corruption agenda without passing enabling laws is a conundrum beyond comprehension,” Palatino said.

The FOI Bill will be discussed on November 13 at the committee level.

PRIVADO NATIONWIDE LUXURY SALE

RODRIGUEZ

LAWMAKERS opposed to the Reproductive Health bill served notice on Tuesday that any amendments to the controversial measure would have to be made “line by line, page by page.”

Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez also predicted that there would be no more time to pass the RH bill since Congress goes on a long break in December and the campaign period for the May 2013 elections begins in February.

Once the period of amendments for the RH bill is opened in plenary at the House of Representatives, “if they want it amended, we will do it line by line, that will be until kingdom come,” Rodriguez vowed.

Manila Representative Amado Bagatsing aired the same warning, saying the “omnibus amendment” introduced

by the RH bill’s authors is not allowed.

“It has to be page by page, line by line, that’s how legislation goes. We have just been used to shortcuts,” he said.

Rodriguez also said proponents of the bill need to be present during session to ensure they have the numbers should voting be necessary.

“The problem is there’s no more warm bodies,” he said.

The Cagayan de Oro lawmaker warned he would question the amended substitute RH bill that was circulated among the House members.

If the version of the bill put forward on the floor contains any changes, the measure should go back to the committee, he said.

Meanwhile, Kabataan party-list Representative Raymond Palatino urged the House leadership to expedite the passage

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