Outrageous Senator-Judge Meriam Santiago attacks Private Prosecutor Atty Aguirre for his misbehavior

Day 26: Corona Impeachment - Sen. Judge Meriam Santiago on a rage

Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard will conduct joint patrol in West mandated under the newly-created National Coast Watch System (NCWS) Philippine Sea as

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Navy (PN) will jointly conduct offshore patrol on West Philippine Sea (WPS), a task mandated under the newly-created National Coast Watch System (NCWS) by virtue of Executive Order No. 57, signed and issued by President Benigno C. Aquino III last September.

Addressing the PCG graduating class of Advance Boarding Officers' Course (ABOC) conducted by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Mobile Training Team held at the PCG headquarters last week, newly-named PCG chief of staff Commodore Aaron T. Reconquista said, of late, the PCG has been mandated with a leading role in the West Philippine Sea in terms of enforcement of national laws particularly relative to customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ).

Reconquista underscored the US team of instructors for sharing their expertise, knowledge and skills with the PCG, particularly the members of PCG special operations group (SOG) headed by Cdr. Marco Antonio Gines, who, undoubtedly acquired knowledge and skills from the four-week training course – two weeks spent in training instructors-counterparts, and two weeks in training new 26 students on advance boarding course. "We are indebted to the US government for extending to us this assistance and to the United States Coast Guard (ASCG) mobile training team facilitated by the US embassy staff," he said.

He extended the warm felicitations and words of thanks of the whole PCG headed by its commandant Vice Admiral Edmund C. Tan to US embassy deputy economic counselor Mr. Brent Christensen, US charge' d Affaires Ms. Leslie Basset, Export control and Boarding Security (EXBS)regional advisor Mike Mcnamara, US naval attache to the Philippines Capt. Jack Sotherland, and the entire USCG Mobile training team for the time they shared with the PCG, who benefited from the training course.

The conduct of the ABOC is really quite timely, said Reconquista. "Today's terrorists are not particularly concern about converts, and rather than wanting a seat at the table, they want to destroy the table and everyone sitting on it,!" stressed the PCG chief of staff.

Reconquista, an alumnus of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), disclosed that the 2nd USCG cutter will be handed over to the Philippine Navy soon. Expressing excitement, he told US brass present at the rites, "perhaps through your representation, the 3rd USCG cutter would be for the PCG, as the trend in maritime law enforcement is shifting to law enforcer operators like the Coast Guard, in contrast to the aggressive nature of the 'gray ships."

President Benigno Aquino III created the National Coast Watch System (NCWS) to expand the country's naval and maritime security operations to preserve the Philippine territory, protect its people and resources from maritime threats, through Executive Order No. 57 that has made the NCWS the 'central inter-agency mechanism' for a more coordinated approach on maritime issues, and security operations, to enhance governance of the country's maritime domain.'

China Order the Philippines over Spratly



Former Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Wang Yingfan warned that dragging the United States in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) would be unacceptable to China and Beijing "certainly would react" if that happened.

"We could forge good neighborly relations and work out something that's beneficial and acceptable to both sides… You are happy and we are happy. Maybe, you're half-happy and we're half-happy, but it's acceptable to both sides," Wang said in a media forum on Wednesday organized by the Chinese Embassy.

Wang ignored the previous incidents of poaching and firing of Chinese Naval Force to the Filipino fishermen fishing in the Sea of Palawan.

Wang, who served in Manila from 1988 to 1990, said there was nothing wrong with the Philippines acquiring used US warships for defense purposes and that "any nation must do something (to improve) their own national defense."

"It's understandable. No problem," he said. "I know your Navy is very much backward in equipment. If you buy warships from the United States, I would understand."

But Wang, who said he still advised his government on regional issues despite his retirement, asserted that allowing the United States to meddle in the six-nation Spratly Island dispute was another story.

More complicated

"If it really happens that the United States and your country would talk about the South China Sea and how you should work together, I think that would be something which cannot be accepted by the Chinese," he said.

"If (the Americans) involve themselves in the territorial dispute, there will be problems with China. If that happened, the Chinese government certainly would react," he added.

That is why it would be "wise for the nations concerned in this region, including the Philippines, not to introduce Americans into the disputed waters," Wang said.

Six claimants

"That would make the issue more complicated and more difficult to settle among ourselves," he said.

The Spratlys are a chain of up to 190 isles, reefs, coral outcrops and banks believed to be sitting atop large deposits of oil and natural gas.  A Chinese report quoted by US authorities estimates there are 225 billion barrels of oil in the area.

The isles and their waters are claimed wholly or in part by China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

President Benigno Aquino III has said the gas deposits in the disputed territory are so enormous that they would dwarf the Malampaya oil and gas fields.

Wang Yingfan and another retired Chinese diplomat, Wang Chungui, who was ambassador to Manila from 2000 to 2004, are in the Philippines on a weeklong goodwill visit as part of the two countries' friendly exchanges, the embassy said.

'Deng Xiaoping solution'

Wang Yingfan pushed for the so-called "Deng Xiaoping solution" to the dispute—setting aside the territorial quarrel in favor of joint exploration and development.

Xiaoping solution is unfavorable and unacceptable to the Philippines as the whole Spratly's Archipelago is under the territory of the old Sultanate State of Sulu during the 1400 years. The Chinese invasion to the Philippines territory in Spratly wouldn't mean that they would have the rights over the wealth in the Spratly but just a forever dream as the Philippines will never surrender to China's power.

The late Deng, who led China from 1978 to 1992, steered the world's most populous state toward a market economy in the 1980s.

Wang Yingfan stressed "it is the time for cooperation, not confrontation, not fighting."

"I talked with some important people in your government that we should work hard to find ways that are acceptable to both sides, that we must work hard to prepare the ground so that we could share the resources together," he added.

"The response was very encouraging. They said they would consider this kind of thinking. So with patience, with goodwill and with hard work, we could find a way out that's agreeable and acceptable to both sides."

'China's Solution will come but not the UNCLOS'

Instead of wasting time talking about the Spratlys dispute, Wang said it would be better if Filipinos "spend your energy on economic development."

He said "it would take some time before we could find a solution (to the dispute)" but he was "optimistic that that will come."

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario has said a "rules-based" approach based on international law is the key to settling the dispute and that the Philippines expects nothing less from the other Spratlys claimants.

Following a recent meeting between the Philippines and China in Beijing, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the two sides had agreed to promote bilateral relations, such as on energy, science and technology, disaster mitigation, law enforcement and maritime cooperation.

The Chinese foreign ministry has said both countries have agreed not to let their quarrel over the Spratlys "affect the broader picture of friendship and cooperation" between them.

China had warn the Philippines several times that the Philippines would pay the price after Philippine Navy catch the Chinese poacher who is illegally killing green turtles in the West Philippines sea, recently Chinese government mouthpiece even call for  the China government to sanction the Philippines by economic disruption and even fired several Filipino fishermen in the Philippine waters during the last year.

China's belligerent behavior towards the Philippines have recently slow down after the USA pronounced its full support to the Philippines if there is any invasion from external force to the Philippine territory.

Though invasion happened as the china controlled few islands and shoal near the Palawan Island under Palawan jurisdiction; still the Philippines failed to drive away the current illegal occupation of china in around Sabina shoal.

China loosen its tight grip over the Spratlys archipelago after US intervene of its aggression in the 1400 year old territory of the Sultanate State of Sulu which is the Spratly Archipelago.

China won't give up its territorial claim in the West Philippine Seas

Manila, Philippines – Two former Chinese envoys to Manila said it would be hard for China to just give up its claims over the disputed islands in the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea), thus, it could be sometime before a solution on the territorial conflict is reached.
“The Chinese will not agree, no leaders will agree to do that,” said Wang Yingfan, who, together with Wang Chungui, met with the local press in a roundtable discussion Wednesday night at a hotel in Manila.
A former vice minister of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yingfan served as ambassador to Manila from 1985 to 1990. He was also appointed as Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations from 2000 to 2003 and Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress from 2003 to 2008.
Wang Chungui was the Chinese envoy to the Philippines from 2000 to 2004. His 30-year diplomatic career has been concentrated on Asia.
The visit of the Chinese diplomats signals the start of what has been designated by the leaders of the two countries as “Years of Friendly Exchanges between China and the Philippines” from 2012 to 2013.
According to Wang Yingfan, between China, the Philippines, and other claimant countries, it could be sometime before a solution on the West Philippines Sea is reached.
However, when that day will come, he is not that optimistic the sovereignty issue would be resolved.
By:
(Roy C. Mabasa)

US appache Helicopter left in Pakistan found in China

This was sold by Pakistan to China.. after US special forces left this during the Osama bin Laden  in a covert  raid last May in the garrison town of Abbottabad, Pakistan .. China for sure will copy the design and most possibly the top secret military equipment inside

Philippines Tops As Investment Site

JETRO Competitiveness Survey In Asia
February 13, 2012, 12:46am



MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has emerged as the most competitive country among seven Asian economies as an investment destination and doing business whether in manufacturing or services sectors, the latest survey conducted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) revealed.

Trade and Industry Undersecretary Cristino L. Panlilio said that JETRO came out with this Philippine Competitiveness survey by comparing the Philippines with six other Asian countries wherein the Philippines bested China, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar in most categories. Competitiveness indicators included in the survey are financial costs, sufficient labor supply and reasonable salary (for manufacturing and non-manufacturing personnel).

The survey was conducted by JETRO on Japanese-affiliated Firms in Asia and Oceania for the period August-September 2011.

“We are the cheapest in almost all categories of doing business,” Panlilio said.

The Philippines garnered favorable ratings in terms of competitiveness advantage on business environment in comparison to other Asian countries, the report said.

Based on the survey results, the Philippines has the cheapest rates when it comes to labor, rentals and land prices. The Philippines also has the least problem on the competency of its labor pool.

In terms of sufficiency of labor supply, the Philippines emerged to have the most plentiful number of workers and second to Malaysia when it comes to the availability of executives.

“In terms of employment retention, we have the best loyalty record. In terms of problems of workers competency, we have the least problem,” Panlilio said. .

“The implication of this project is that even in Asia, we are now very competitive. In fact, we are the most competitive when it comes to those factors of business or investment decision making,” Panlilio said.

Specifically, the JETRO survey showed that when it comes to problems on increasing financial costs in the Philippines, the country had the lowest percentage rating of 4.6 percent while China had 64.1 percent. Comparatively, ratings of Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Thailand and Malaysia ranged from 51.9 to 61.5 percent.

In terms of problems in shortage of land/offices, rising land prices/rental, the survey results showed this is not a major problem in the Philippines considering that the 5.8 percent rating is way far lower than the 32 percent rating of India, which is the highest. Ratings of Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam ranged from 9.8 percent-18 percent for this particular indicator.

On problems in skyrockettng payroll costs, again the Philippines had the lowest rating of 18.2 percent with Vietnam having the highest 61.3 percent. Malaysia was second lowest with 27.5 percent while ratings of Indonesia, India and Thailand ranged from 40.8 to 48.1 percent.

On sufficiency of labor supply, the survey showed the Philippines had the lowest rating of 3.2 percent followed by India, 4.2 percent and Indonesia, 4.4 percent respectively, in terms of difficulty in recruiting general staff.

This particular rating means there is a large pool of general staff which MNCs can recruit or hire. Ratings of China, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam ranged from 28.6 percent to 36.7 percent with Vietnam having the highest rating when it comes to difficulty in recruiting general staff.

On the difficulty in recruiting executives, Malaysia had the lowest rating of 37.9 percent followed by the Philippines 39 percent. Myanmar had the highest rating of 64.3 percent while the ratings of Thailand, China, Indonesia, India and Vietnam ranged from 40 to 52.8 percent.

Another indicator is low rate of worker’s employment retention where the Philippines had a rating of 30.6 percent, the lowest among ratings of other Asian countries. Vietnam had 48.7 percent rating so far the highest, while ratings of Thailand, China, India and Malaysia ranged from 33.6 percent to 42.5 percent.

The Philippines boasts of highly competent and English-proficient labor force. Thus the rating of 37.9 percent the lowest which means our country does not have a major problem when it comes to worker’s competency compared to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, China, Vietnam and Myanmar, with ratings from 40.9 percent to 56.3 percent with Myanmar having their highest percentage when it comes to problems on worker’s competency.

For the manufacturing sector only, when it comes to difficulty in quality control Philippine ratings of 26.7 percent, the lowest so far among other Asian countries in the report, proved that manufacturing firms had minimal problems on quality control compared to India with the highest rating of 45.5 percent. Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and China with rating of 28.7 to 43.4 percent.

Reasonable salary, another competitiveness indicator, showed that the Philippines had 5.3 percent rating salary base-up rate for 2011-2012. Malaysia followed with 4.5 percent. Vietnam had the highest rating of 17.1 percent for said indicator while Thailand’s rating was third from the lowest at 6 percent, followed by Indonesia, 9 percent; China, 11.4 percent and India,, 12.8 percent

For the annual salary (including bonuses, allowances, benefits like SSS, Pag-Ibig etc) of the manufacturing staff, the Philippines ranked third from the lowest giving an annual salary of $4,048.

The lowest was Vietnam with annual salary of $2,196 followed by Indonesia, $3,980. Annual salary ranges of India, Thailand, China and Malaysia were from $4,495 to $6,340 with Malaysia giving the highest annual salary for its manufacturing staff.

0n annual salary (including bonuses, allowances, SSS, etc) for manufacturing engineers, again, Vietnam’s annual salary of $4,793 was the lowest, followed by the Philippines, $6,494.

Malaysia had the highest annual salary for manufacturing engineers at $16,092 while annual salaries of Indonesia, China, India, and Thailand ranged from $9,937 to $11,464.

On annual salary (including onuses, allowances, SSS, Etc) for mfg managers, still Vietnam’s annual salary of $11,526 was the lowest annual salary of $5,199 again followed by Indonesia and the Philippines at $6,852 and $7,324, respectively. Malaysia had the highest annual salary for non-mfg staff at $14,554 while annual salaries of India, Thailand and China ranged from 10,088 to $12,334.

On annual salary (including bonuses, allowances, SSS, etc) for non-manufacturing manages, again Vietnam continued to be giving the lowest annual salary of $14,977 for non-mfg managers, followed by the Philippines and Indonesia at $19,187 and $23,068, respectively.

Consistent for annual salaries, all categories, Malaysia had the highest annual salary at $35,117 while annual salaries of India, Thailand and China ranged from $25,179 to $27,610.(Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat)

Ninoy International Airport is no longer the worst airport in the world

MANILA, Philippines - Transportation and Communication Secretary Mar Roxas on Monday said passengers will see significant improvements in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 by end of this year.

Aside from the rehabilitation of the terminal, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is aiming to decongest Terminal 1 soon.

Currently, the terminal serves around 7.5 million passengers each year, when its capacity is only at 5.5 million.

Fortunately, talks with Takenaka, the Japanese contractor of NAIA-3 is going well, and the government hopes to seal the deal soon.

In fact, Roxas will go to Japan by end of the month to possibly finalize the deal. Once this is settled, works on NAIA-3 may be started immediately.

Only 52% of NAIA-3 is being utilized at the moment. The government hopes to finish the remaining 48% before the year ends.

Once fully operational, 2 million passengers from NAIA-1 will be transferred to Terminal 3.

It can be remembered that the congestion and state of the facilities in NAIA-1 has earned it a top spot as the world's worst airport by a travel site.

Roxas said, they will recognize such feedback and use it as a challenge to improve facilities and service.

Currently, the NAIA-1 Upgrade Project, which includes structural retrofitting, mechanical, electrical, fire protection and plumbing improvements, and the construction of new and more check-in/immigration counters, improved toilet facilities, a walkalator and additional rapid exit taxiways, are all underway.


source: ABS-CBN News

AFP Multi-role Vehicle Contract to Purchase Done within this March

MANILA, Philippines - The review of the P10 billion defense contract for the purchase of two Multi-Role Vessels (MRVs) from South Korea will be completed in a month's time, a senior South Korean official said yesterday. MANILA, Philippines - The review of the P10 billion defense contract for the purchase of two Multi-Role Vessels (MRVs) from South Korea will from be completed in a month's time, a senior South Korean official said yesterday.

South Korean defense attaché to the Philippines Col. South Korean defense attaché to the Philippines Col. Kim Yi Kon said the review of the contract to purchase, entered into by the previous defense leadership, is now underway. Yi Kon Kim said the review of the contract to purchase, entered into by the previous leadership on defense, is now underway.
In his remaining weeks as defense chief, then secretary Norberto Gonzales ordered the deferment of the bidding process to favor a government-to-government acquisition for the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In his remaining weeks as defense chief, then secretary Norberto Gonzales ordered the deferment of the bidding process to favor a government-to-government acquisition for the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The rush was largely due to Gonzales' eagerness to strike a huge military deal with friendly states to re-equip the AFP major commands before the P330 billion AFP modernization program expires this year. The rush was largely due to Gonzales' eagerness to strike a deal with a huge military-friendly states to re-equip the AFP major commands before the P330 billion AFP modernization program expires this year.
Gonzales then noted that out of the staggering defense budget to purchase military hardware only P30 billion were used. Gonzalez then noted That staggering out of the defense budget to purchase military hardware is only P30 billion Were used.
Aside from the two MRVs for the Navy, bankrolled by the 2009 and 2010 AFP modernization program, Gonzales also was able to strike a deal with the Polish government to purchase eight brand-new combat utility helicopters for P3.2 billion. Aside from the two MRVs for the Navy, bankrolled by the 2009 and 2010 the AFP modernization program, Gonzales was Also Able to strike a deal with the Polish government to purchase eight brand-new combat utility helicopters for P3.2 billion.
But when the administration of President Aquino came in, a review of these multi-billion defense contracts entered into by Gonzales was ordered, in effort to cast aside speculations that these were part of the midnight deals by the Arroyo administration. Pls but the administration of President Aquino Came ins, a review of These Multi-billion defense contracts entered into by Gonzalez was ordered, in its efforts to cast aside These speculations That Were Part of the midnight deals by the Arroyo administration.
“We are not saying that something is wrong with these defense contracts which have not been perfected yet. "We are not saying That something is wrong with defense contracts Which These have not been perfected yet. We are just reviewing these to determine if all are aboveboard,” Defense spokesman Eduardo Batac said in an earlier interview. We are just reviewing to determine if These are all aboveboard, "Defense spokesman said Eduardo Batac Earlier in an interview.

Kim said that once the review is completed and approved by the new defense leadership, it would take sometime before these two MRVs can be delivered to the Philippine Navy . Kim said that once the review is completed and approved by the new defense leadership, it would take sometime before These two MRVs Can be delivered to the Philippine Navy.

Kim made the statement during a media briefing on the preparations for the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. Kim made the statements During a media briefing on the preparations for the 60th anniversary of the outbreaks of the Korean War.
The Philippines, as among the countries that fought during the Korean War, was represented by the Philippine Marines to the five-day Wonju Tattoo International Military and Marching Bands Music Festival at Gangwan-Do, South Korea. The Philippines, as the Among the countries That fought During the Korean War, was represented by the Philippine Marines to the five-day Wonju Tattoo International Military and Marching Bands Music Festival at Gangwan-Do, South Korea.
Marine spokesman Capt. Marine spokesman Capt.. Alden Gwyn Amargo said the crowd was impressed by the showmanship of the Philippine Marines, compared to the large delegation from their counterparts from Russia, Mexico, Thailand, New Zealand, Taiwan, the US and the South Korean Marines. Gwyn Amargo Alden said the crowd was impressed by the showmanship of the Philippine Marines, compared to the Large Delegation from on their counterparts from Russia, Mexico, Thailand, New Zealand, Taiwan, the U.S. and the South Korean Marines.
He said the Philippine Marine band had earned admiration from their counterparts for their musical and drill performances. He said the Philippine Navy band Had Earned on their counterparts from Admiration for and drill on their musical performances.
“Of the 11 participating military and marching bands, the Philippine Marine Corps Marine Drum Bugle Team has the least number of performers. "Of the 11 participating marching bands and military, the Philippine Marine Drum Bugle Corps Marine Team has the least number of performers.

Military finalizing plan to acquire 1 squadron of F-16 fighter jets

A RANKING military officer said the Armed Forces high command is already discussing the details on the procurement of one squadron of F-16 “Fighting Falcon” jet fighters from the US.

Maj. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, Armed Forces deputy chief of staff for plans and programs (J-5) said although the acquisition of jet fighters was not included in the first batch of approved big-ticket items the project is now being discussed thoroughly.

“Since we decommissioned our [fighter] jets in 1995 there had been a long gap. So we need [jet] fighter capability. We’re proposing the procurement of at least one squadron. We are talking here of 14 to 24 F-16s,” Deveraturda said.

Earlier, reports said the Department of the Foreign Affairs (DFA) had already started negotiations with the US government for the acquisition of F-16.

But Deveraturda said the Armed Forces has no update yet about the ongoing process of negotiations.

Earlier, the military announced that four of the eight utility helicopters, that were bought by the previous administration under the Armed Forces Modernization Program, are already in the country.     Deveraturda said four of the eight Sokol (Falcon) helicopters from Polish-Italian defense supplier Augusta PZL Swidnik have arrived at Clark Field in Pampanga and are now being assembled.

“The four utility helicopters will soon be inspected by the Air Force. These are a great addition to our capability, and we hope to use them soon,” Deveraturda said.

He said the remaining four are being expected to be delivered at the third quarter of this year.

Deveraturda said the delivery of the four helicopters set into concrete action the eight-year modernization program that Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin charted for the Armed Forces.

Gazmin wants to acquire armored vehicles, radar systems, missile-guided and multi-role vessels and aircraft that include fighter jets under the program with a projected total cost of at least P70 billion.

Since the amount needed is too large, he said the acquisition will be pursued through a Congress-approved Multi-Year Obligation Agreement (MYOA), with a government to government as the procurement mode.

Deveraturda said the military is also hoping to sign the contract for the delivery of another Hamilton class cutter from the United States until March this year.

BCDA remits P2.137B for modernization of AFP

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star) Updated December 14, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - State run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) remitted P2.137 billion to the National Treasury for the AFP Modernization Fund for the first 11 months of the year.

In a statement, BCDA President and CEO Arnel Casanova said the share of AFP Modernization Fund came from the net proceeds of non-sale transactions such as lease and joint-venture agreements of former Metro Manila military camps, the biggest two of which are the former Fort Bonifacio and a portion of the Villamor Air Base now developed into Bonifacio Global City and Newport City, respectively.

Under Executive Order 309, the AFP gets 50 percent of net proceeds from non-sale transactions.

Casanova said that that BCDA is set to remit P323 million before the end of the year.

Casanova said that the BCDA has generated a total of P52.816 billion from the disposition of Metro Manila camps from the period May 1993 to November 2011 and has remitted a total of P33.306 billion to the National Treasury covering the proceeds from both sale and non-sale transactions. Of the remitted amount, P21.555 billion went to the AFP, broken down to P12.059 billion for the AFP Modernization Program and P9.496 billion for the replication of military facilities.

Of the generated P52.816 billion, the AFP Share had 41 percent of the proceeds at P21.555 billion; BCDA share had 20 percent at P10.684 billion; and 14 percent represented the share of the 14 government beneficiary agencies under A.O. 236 at P7.143 billion. The remaining amount represent payments in the form of taxes and fees, replication of non-military facilities, relocation of informal occupants, and construction of site development projects.

Meanwhile, BCDA and its subsidiary in charge of developing the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ), the John Hay Management Corp. (JHMC), will undertake the construction of a mini-hydro power plant that is expected to generate ample power supply for its current and future locators.

Casanova said that both the BCDA and JHMC have yet to come up with the details to undertake the project but in principle, the plan to construct the mini-hydro power plant is sound and will definitely help market the John Hay Special Economic Zone as the top choice to do business in the north.



“Having our own power plant that supplies reliable and uninterrupted electricity will definitely increase the attractiveness of the JHSEZ to prospective investors,” Casanova said.

For her part, JHMC President and CEO Jamie Eloise M. Agbayani said the site where the mini-hydro plant will be built is on the areas of Camp 6 and Camp 7 which are part of the JHSEZ property.

“The area is around four hectares and approximately some 20 minutes from Baguio City,” Agbayani said.

DND seeks 138 military modernization projects by 2012—defense chief

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of National Defense is hoping to sign up a total of 138 modernization projects for the Armed Forces of the Philippines by July 2012, Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Friday.
Gazmin told reporters after the launch of Defense Acquisitions System Assessment at Camp Aguinaldo that these projects, worth about P70 billion, would include fighter jets and multi-role vessels.
He added that they would seek to secure a multi-year obligation authority for the projects to be able to enter multi-year contracts that would include the delivery of purchased equipment up to 2020.
These projects will address different concerns like internal security operations and territorial defense.
Starting Saturday, assessment teams will visit different countries to evaluate the equipment that the military needs to acquire.
“Starting tomorrow, marami nang lalabas na mga assessment teams papunta sa mga iba-ibang countries para sa ganun magkaroon sila ng evaluation ng mga equipment na kailangan natin. Kunyari, sabihin natin barko, barko ng europe, barko ng amerikano, barko ng asia, titingnan natin yun ieevaluate natin kung ano yung pinakamagaling at kung ano yung pinaka-affordable sa atin, yun ang uunahin natin, not necessarily sa US,” Gazmin said.
He said the teams would visit the countries which were offering military equipment on sale –Italy, Spain, United States, Korea, France and United Kingdom.

Department of Nat'l Defense signs five-year agreement with Italy

Maestrale class, ASW frigates with 3.100 tonnes displacement and 122.7m in length (photo : Maltashipphotos)

MANILA, Philippines - The procurement of military equipment from Italy-based suppliers will be fast-tracked under an agreement between the Philippines and Italy.

National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Italian Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola signed the five-year agreement when Gazmin visited Italy last Jan. 30.

In a statement, Gazmin said the arrangement will help expedite the procurement from Italy of supplies with the help of the Italian Ministry of Defense.

“This arrangement is a result of our efforts to explore any and all avenues for a more efficient procurement process for our modernization program,” he said.

AMX ground attack aircraft (photo : code20photog)

The agreement is valid for five years from signing and will be automatically extended for another five years unless there is a written notice of intention to terminate.

However, the signing of the arrangement does not mean that the Philippines would buy defense equipment from Italian firms.

Gazmin said the agreement is merely intended to establish a system for “future transactions.”
Gazmin and members of the DND Defense Acquisition System team left for Italy last Jan. 28 and returned home last Feb. 3.

Other key defense officials who joined the week-long trip were Defense Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations and Materiel Fernando Manalo, and Bids and Awards Committee chairman Patrick Velez.

Piaggio P-180 surveillance aircraft (photo : piaggioaero) 

They inspected combat-ready defense materiel including Maestrale and Soldati-class deep patrol water vessel, the Piaggio 180, a single platform defense materiel that can perform the functions of a special mission aircraft, light lift aircraft and long range patrol aircraft.

Also inspected were the medium lift tactical aircraft C27J, Italian Navy Coast Watch and Air Defense 3D Radar Systems, AMX ground attack aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle Falco and armored personnel carrier.

Philippine officials and Italian suppliers also talked about an information technology system that would allow the transmission of data.

The system would allow the delivery of data from any defense material platform to personnel in mission up to the commander-in-chief. The system can enhance the defense awareness of the military and civilians.

C-27J medium transport aircraft (photo : Aviationnews)

Gazmin said the arrangement with the Italian government includes a service agreement and training of Philippine military personnel.

These are aimed at ensuring the medium- and long-term effectiveness of the equipment that may be bought from Italy.

“We would like to assure the Filipino people that all possible negotiations are premised within the national government’s established ideals of transparency, accountability and good governance,” Gazmin said.

The Philippines has bought 18 basic trainer aircraft from Alenia Aermacchi, an Italian firm that designs and produces military trainers. The delivery of the 18 units was completed last year.

Falco MALE unmmaned aerial vehicle (photo : Militaryphotos) 

The DND seeks to approve the contracts of 138 modernization projects worth P70 billion by July.
The projects include big-ticket items like fighter jets and long-range patrol aircraft for the Air Force, multi-role vessel for the Navy and coast watch radars.

Aside from Italy, other countries that have offered defense equipment to the DND are the United States, Korea, France and United Kingdom.

from:

Philippine Star

Philippine Sokol Helicopters had arrived

 

Ordered 8 W-3A units for its Combat Utility Helicopter (CUH) requirement in 2010 at a contract of more than $64 Million, The 1st 4 units were received in February of 2012 with the last 4 scheduled for delivery on the 2nd quarter of 2012


-------------------------------------------------------

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday disclosed the arrival of four brand new Combat Utility Helicopters from the Augusta PZL Swidik of Italy and Poland on February 14, 2012.

The PAF hierarchy said the brand new helicopters arrived at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga, and is the first batch of the eight helicopters that the PAF is to receive from the Polish aircraft manufacturer.

Major General Catalino G. Dela Cruz, PAF Commanding General, said the delivery of the new helicopters is a welcome addition to the fleet of the PAF.

He said that the formal blessing and turnover of the PAF’s newest acquisition will be announced following the completion of assembly and rigid test flights to be conducted on the new helicopters.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Ernesto G. Okol, PAF Public Information Office director, the “Sokol” or Falcon in Polish, can be fitted with various equipment – depending on the mission – that makes it an ideal utility helicopter for the PAF.

It is NVG (Night Vision Goggle)-capable and is equipped with an SN 350 Autopilot, he added.

Compared to the Huey helicopters, he said the “Sokol” is a more capable utility platform.

Okol explained that while the Huey can carry only seven passengers, the “Sokol” can accommodate 10 passengers with a maximum takeoff weight of 14,110 pounds, an endurance of three hours and 19 minutes, and it can reach a maximum range of 402 nautical miles in a single flight, with airspeed of about 140.5 knots.

The “Sokol” is fitted with gun mounts for the M60D MG on both sides, and when utilized during search and rescue (SAR) or over water operations, it can be equipped with pilot-controlled Emergency Floatation Gear attached to the lowest portion of the aircraft.

It can also perform various missions other than combat to support the country’s peace and development efforts.

“The CUH project is worth P2.8 billion, and has undergone the rigid screening process prior to its procurement,” Okol said.

Philippine Airlines for sale per Lucio Tan who own's 94% of the company's share

Malacañang on Monday welcomed plans by taipan Lucio Tan to sell national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL).
“We welcome the additional investment of whoever would like to buy PAL because it would mean additional investments to the country,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.
Lacierda said that an additional investment in PAL would mean “improved services.”
“Considering that PAL is our national brand, the additional investment would improve the branding of our national carrier,” he added.
Transportation Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II also said he supported any move that would result in the infusion of fresh capital into PAL, which has struggled against low-cost local carriers over the past decade.
“The government will always welcome more capital in the airline industry in order to strengthen its competitiveness,” Roxas said in a text message.
He said the government would keep its hands off the discussions between private sector stakeholders.
“Who partners with whom is a private matter…so (government) will not micromanage,” said Roxas, a former senator and a senior member of the administration’s economic team.
“Government interest is sufficient capital so that safety and reliability are assured,” he said.
Tan, who owns 94 percent of Asia’s oldest airline, has confirmed reports that he was in the thick of discussions for the sale of PAL with two separate groups—that of San Miguel Corp. and its corporate rival, the group of Manuel V. Pangilinan.
PAL president Jaime J. Bautista has said the firm’s shareholders had long been in search of new investors willing to infuse fresh capital into the airline.
The additional funds would be used to expand the company’s fleet of aircraft and improve its other services.
Bautista himself has denied any knowledge of discussions between PAL’s controlling bloc and either Pangilinan or San Miguel. However, unconfirmed reports earlier this month said Bautista had direct participation in the negotiations.
While San Miguel has confirmed having been approached by PAL to “participate” in the latter’s refleeting program, the Pangilinan group has been mum about it.

Dad shoot daughter's Laptop becuase of Facebook wall comment

Philippine Political condoms

Money in the Philippines you may not know

Quality: Frosted proof

Material: 2.21 troy ounces 900/1000 fine gold

Text on sealed cachet: The 1977 Five Thousand Piso Gold Coin of the Philippines.

The proof coin contained within this sealed cachet was struck by The Franklin Mint on March 24, 1977 the first day of minting of this Proof coin.

Minted under the authorization of the Central Bank of the Philippines by the Franklin Mint, Franklin Center, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Signed G.S. Licaros (Governor, Central Bank of the Philippines) and Charles L. Andes (Chairman of the Board, The Franklin Mint).

Obverse: President Ferdinand E. Marcos and First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, The New Society, “V Anniversary”, 1972-1977
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n commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Philippines's national hero Jose Rizal, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas minted one peso coin to start  "New Generation" coins currency series

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Ten Thousand Peso Commemorative Gold Coin (1992)

6th Anniversary - Restoration of Democracy

Obverse: President Corazon C. Aquino; Republic of the Philippines, 10000 Pesos

Reverse: Philippine map superimposed on Constitution and dove of peace flying towards the light; Democracy Restored; VI Anniversary; 1986, 1992

Shape: round

Edge: reeded

Material: gold

This is the largest coin denomination ever issued in the Philippines. I am still looking for more information on this very rare coin.

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2500 Peso Gold Commemorative Coin – General MacArthur

100th Anniversary of the Birth of General MacArthur

Obverse

Lettering: IKASANDAANG TAONG KAARAWAN

General Douglas MacArthur – 1880-1980

Reverse

Lettering: REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS

LEYTE LANDING

OCTOBER 20, 1944

2500 PISO

500/1000

FINE GOLD *

Country : Philippines

Year: 1980

Value: 2500 Piso (2500 PHP)

Metal: Gold (.500)

Weight: 14.57 g

Shape: Round

Orientation: Medal alignment

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Philippine 100,000 Peso-Bill - Guinness Book of World Records Largest Legal Tender

One Hundred Thousand Piso Commemorative Banknote

with BSP Certification of Issuance

Obverse: Cry of Pugadlawin, Philippine Centennial Commission Logo, BSP Logo

Reverse: Declaration of Independence Day

Width: 356mm

Height: 216mm

Pieces Issued: 1000

This banknote was issued during the Centennial of Philippine Independence in 1998. It is as large as a legal-sized bond paper. Produced in Germany, the banknote has 21 security features including a hologram, making it very hard to counterfeit. Today, it is worth many times more. It is recognized by the Guiness Book of world Records as the world's largest legal tender banknote.

The 100,000-peso centennial note, measuring 8.5"x14", is accredited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest legal tender note in terms of size. 1,000 pieces were issued during the celebration of the centennial of Philippine independence in 1998

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Two-thousand Piso Commemorative Banknote

Obverse: President Joseph Estrada being sworn into office in front of the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan with his wife Loi Estrada, scroll with the Malolos Constitution, seal of the Central Bank

Reverse: Re-enactment of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite during the Philippine Centennial Celebration with President Fidel Ramos and his wife Amelita Ramos, Philippine Centennial Commission logo

Length: 216mm

Width:133mm

Composition: 20% abaca, 80% cotton fiber

Pieces Issued: 300,000

Text

Obverse: "Ang panunumpa sa tungkulin ni Pangulong Joseph E. Estrada sa Simbahan ng Barasoain, Malolos, Bulacan, noong ika-30 ng Hunyo, 1998", "Simbahan ng Barasoain, Lunduan ng Unang Demokratikong Republika sa Asya", "Malolos Constitution 1898", "Republika ng Pilipinas", "Dalawang Libong Piso", "Ang salaping ito ay bayarin ng Bangko Sentral at pananagutan ng Republika ng Pilipinas"

Obverse: "Pagdiriwang ng Sentenaryo ng Kalayaan sa Kawit, Cavite na pinangunahan ni Pangulong Fidel V. Ramos nnong ika-12 ng Hunyo, 1998", "Sentenaryong Salapi", "Dalawang Libong Piso"

The security features of this banknote include a 3-dimensional cylinder mould-made portrait watermark of the two presidents, and the years 1898-1998, iridescent band, color-shift windowed security thread, latent image, and perfect see-through register.

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President Joseph "ERAP" Estrada GOLD P1000 Commemorative Bill

 This was issued to honor the 100 year celebration of the Philippine Independence. This is an extremely rare collectible given by Erap to his closest relatives and supporters. It's gold plated and features the face of Erap at the front and  the back features just like the reverse of the regular P1000 note. It's gold plated and features the face of Erap at the front with the serial number of the bill as JE6301998. It comes with a special case with the seal of the presidency in front and has "his excellency, Joseph Estrada, Pangulo ng Pilipinas" printed inside.

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50 Peso Commemorative Coin (1981)

Pope John Paul II visit to the Philippines

Obverse: Bust of Pope John Paul II, "Papa Juan Pablo II", "Pagdalaw ng Papa sa Pilipinas", 1981

Reverse: , "Lorenzo Ruiz Martir na Pilipino", "50 Piso", "Republika ng Pilipinas"

Material: Silver

Weight: 27.5 grams

Diameter: 39.0 mm

Mintage: 10,000 pcs

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The Republic of the Philippines, an archipelago in the western Pacific 500 miles (805 km.) from the southeast coast of Asia, has an area of 115,830 sq. mi. (300,000 sq. km.) and a population of *64.9 million. Capital: Manila. Migration to the Philippines began about 30,000 years ago when land bridges connected the islands with Borneo and Sumatra. Ferdinand Magellan claimed the islands for Spain in 1521.

 The first permanent settlement was established by Miguel de Legazpi at Cebu April 1565. Manila was established in 1572. A British expedition captured Manila and occupied the Spanish colony in October 1762, but returned it to Spain by the treaty of Paris, 1763. Spain held the Philippines despite growing Filipino nationalism until 1898 when they were ceded to the United States at the end of the Spanish-American War. The Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth under the United States in 1935, and attained independence as the Republic of the Philippines on July 4, 1946.

 The peso (Filipino: piso) ( code: PHP) is the currency of the Philippines. It is subdivided into 100 centavos (Spanish) or sentimo (Filipino). Before 1967, the language used on the banknotes and coins was English and so "peso" was the name used. The language was then changed to Tagalog (the name of the Filipino language then) and so the currency as written on the banknotes and coins is piso.

 The peso is usually denoted by the symbol "". This symbol was added to the Unicode standard in version 3.2 and is assigned U+20B1. Due to the lack of font support, the symbol is often substituted with a simple "P", a P with one horizontal line instead of two (available as the peseta sign, U+20A7 (₧), in some fonts), as "PHP", or "PhP".

+

 The Philippine peso was established on May 1, 1852, when the Banco Español-Filipino de Isabel II a (now the Bank of the Philippine Islands) introduced notes denominated in pesos fuertes ("strong pesos", written as "PF"). Until October 17, 1854, when a royal decree confirmed Banco Español-Filipino's by-laws, the notes were in limited circulation and were usually used for bank transactions. The peso replaced the real at a rate of 8 reales = 1 peso. Until 1886, the peso circulated alongside Mexican coins, some of which were still denominated in reales and escudos (worth 2 pesos).

 In 1967, the CBP adopted the Filipino language on its currency, using the name Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and in 1969 introduced the "Pilipino Series" of notes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 piso. The "Ang Bagong Lipunan Series" was introduced in 1973 and included 2-peso notes. A radical change occurred in 1985, when the CBP issued the "New Design Series" with 500-piso notes introduced in 1987, 1000-peso notes (for the first time) in 1991 and 200-piso notes in 2002.

 Coin production commenced in 1861 and, in 1864, the Philippines decimalized, dividing the peso into 100 centimos de peso. The peso was equal to 226⁄7 grains of gold. In 1886, Philippine colonial authorities started the gradual phase-out of all Mexican coins in circulation in the Philippines, citing that Mexican coins were by then of lesser value than the coins minted in Manila.

 The coins are minted at the Security Plant Complex. Banknotes, passports, seaman's identification record books, land titles, checks, official ballots, official election returns, passbooks, postal money orders, revenue stamps, government bonds and other government documents are printed in the Security Plant Complex or the National Printing Office.

MONETARY SYSTEM

4 Quartos = 1 Real

8 Reales = 1 Peso

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