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De Lima nominated for the ombudsman post

Roy — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:32:35 +0000

Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary Leila de Lima was nominated for Ombudsman before the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) by Assistant State Prosecutor Romeo Swenson because he said he beilieves that de Lima is most qualified to head the anti-graft agency. “Secretary de Lima has shown he incorruptible stand, integrity beyond reproach and character par excellence in serving the public,” Senson said.

De Lima, however, said last week that she is not interested in the ombudsman post and that she will be more fulfilled if she stays in the DOJ, adding that she will decline any nomination. She said she wanted to stay in the justice department where she feels she could e more effective.

“I’ve been here for just less than a year,” De Lima said, “I’m just starting. There are many, many more problems, challenges to face. The mandate of the DOJ is broader, so I feel I can do a lot more.” Under the JBC rules, a nomination for a vacancy will be accepted only when the nominee accepts the nomination.

The eight-man council recently officially opened the acceptance of applications and nominations for the post of the ombudsman. It gave interested parties a non-extendible period of 10 days or until May 16 to submit applications and nominations. JBC said it already received a nomination for lawyer Ernesto Francisco Jr., and former Pampanga governor Eddie Panlilio.

JBC also expected to receive a nomination for Dean Jose Manuel Diokno, son of the late senator Jose Diokno. He will be endorsed by the Free Legal Assistance Group. The council will make the official list of nominees for ombudsman public, after all nominations and applications have been received.

The Ombudsman Act (RA 677) said that the ombudsman should be “a natural citizen of the Philippines, at least 40 years old, of recognized probity and independence, member of the Philippine Bar, and must not have been a candidate for any elective national or local office.”

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New CDC head assumes post

Roy — Wed, 04 May 2011 18:39:14 +0000

Antonio B. Remollo, former mayor of Dumaguete City, is the new head of the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) replacing Benigno Ricafort, Ateneo law school dean Cesar Villanueva assumed post as CDC chairman, replacing Rizalino Navarro.

Ricafort left to Remollo’s charge a Freeport hosting some P77 billion worth of investments of foreign and domestic firms. He also reported that Clark now employs 60,000 personnel, which is a far cry from the average 24,000 Filipinos employed by the Americans before they left the former US Air Force base.

Ricafort started as CDC board member in 1993 until former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed him CDC head in 2008.

Meanwhile, Remollo had been mayor of Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental from 1998 to 2001. In an interview, Remollo said he would keep the current vice presidents of the CDC although they would be under probation for six months to one year. He said he would retain those proven efficient and dedicated to their work.

Remollo disclosed that he is eyeing enough area in Clark for the construction of a “new Malacañang” as well as buildings to accommodate national government offices. He did not confirmed though if it was motivated by President Aquino, although there were other sectors, both private and public, who wanted to move the country’s government seat to Clark.

One of the top priorities of Remollo, he said, would be the development of Clark as a major tourism destination. “Tourism here could be developed to the maximum also by hosting sports activities as well as promoting medical tourism. We should have a really attractive theme park here,” he said.

Remollo is eyeing particularly the 300 hectares of land by the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The area include a resort with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an “officers’ club” building with conference rooms, a hotel, and a football field. Said facilities have been noted to be underutilized and deteriorating under the management of the air force.

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Clark airport to get a boost from US lawmakers

Roy — Mon, 02 May 2011 04:20:52 +0000

During their visit to the Clark airport, president and CEO of Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) Victor Jose I. Luciano asked the two US senators for help in the transformation of Clark airport into an “aerotropolis” that will bring in investors from the United States.

US Senators Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, President Pro Tempore of the US Senate, and Thad Cochran of Mississippi, both members of the committee on appropriations, were at the CIAC corporate offices recently and made a quick tour at the expanded Terminal 1 of the Clark International Airport.

Luciano made a presentation to the two senators at the CIAC Boardroom where he pointed to them the development of a logistics and services hum in the Clark airport area which was patterned after the logistics hub in Dallas Forthworth, Texas where the development of two cities created an “aerotropolis.”

Luciano said, “The airport-driven economic powerhouse brought in hundreds of companies around the airport in Dallas. This is where we would like to seek the US government to help us plan to make the Clark Civil Aviation Complex an aerotropolis.” He asked the two senators to help promote Clark to American investors.

Senator Inouye said Luciano should join the APEC meeting in Hawaii this year to make a pitch for the development of Clark airport and make same kind of presentation he showed to them. This year’s annual APEC Leader’s Meeting will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii in November.

The two US Senators visited the Philippines to look into the transformation of the two former US military bases, the Clark Air Base in Pampanga and the Subic Naval Base in Olongapo, and see how they were turned into productive civilian use.

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President Aquino’s Labor Day announcements

Roy — Mon, 02 May 2011 00:28:44 +0000

A mix of wage and non-wage benefits for the country’s workforce was announced by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Labor Day.

The president said over a million government workers can receive another salary increase in June, or a month earlier than schedule, due to the government’s prudent fiscal management. For the private sector, he gave instructions to the regional wage boards to hasten deliberations on proposed salary adjustments for workers in the private sector within this month.

Aquino also announced a P4.23-billion rice subsidy program and P2-billion in farms implements support for small farmers and fishermen, totaling over P6.23 billion.

He made the announcements during the breakfast dialogue with representatives of public and private labor groups and employers to mark Labor Day at the Palace. During the said breakfast meeting, the president offered a quarterly dialogues with labor groups and employers to find solutions to the concerns of the industry, as well as craft better labor policies.

Aquino stressed that his administration is working hard to address the concerns of the labor sector for higher pay and improved benefits, although he admits that these cannot be solved overnight.

As for the public employees he said, “Government workers will have a salary increase this June, and not July. We advanced the release by a month because I know this will be a big help especially as school enrolment approaches. We won’t postpone this if we can afford to give it today. That’s our promise from the start, and that will remain our policy,” he said in Filipino.

The salary increase for state workers is originally scheduled on July, it the third tranche under the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 3. Aquino said the early release of the wage increase for government workers was made possible due to government savings.

For the employees in the private sector, Aquino said the wage board in the National Capital Region is expected to make a decision on proposed wage adjustment next week, while other regional wage are expected to issue their decision this month. “We cannot promise that within the month everybody would be finished but we will be pressing them to finish within the month,” he said.

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Arroyo couple asked to appear before DOJ

Roy — Sun, 01 May 2011 07:07:44 +0000

The Department of Justice (DOJ) subpoenaed Ang Galing Pinoy Party List Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo and his wife Angela ordering them to appear before the justice department to answer the charges for the P73.85-million tax evasion cased filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) April 7.

The former presidential son and his wife were ordered to appear before the DOJ at 2 p.m. on May 12 and 26. They were also told to submit their counter-affidavit and supporting documents. Arroyo is said to be in the US with his mother, former president and Pampanga Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The subpoena, dated April 28, was issued by a three-member panel of prosecutors tasked to handle the preliminary investigation of the case. The panel is composed of Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Lagrimas Agaran, Assistant State Prosecutor Ma. Christina Barot, and Assistant State Prosecutor Mederlyn Presa-Mangalindan.

The BIR filed the complaint last April 7 against the Arroyo couple after gathering ample evidence. The tax agency accused the couple of wrongful declaration of taxable income and non-filing of income tax returns.

The BIR said Arroyo only paid P2.4 million, P1.7 billion and P376,000 in taxes for the year 2004, 2006 and 2007, respectively, when he and his wife bought several properties worth millions from 2004 to 2009 – including residential houses in the United States, in Lubao, Pampanga and at La Vista Subdivision in Quezon City.

BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said the agency patterned its investigation on the method used by the US authorities against gangster Al Capone and found “substantial underdeclaration of income by over 30 percent.”

Henares said, “Under the Tax Code (NIRC), underdeclaration of taxable income of more than 30 percent is considered a prima facie evidence of fraudulent return.” Arroyo also supposedly did not file income tax returns (ITRs) for the taxable year 2005, 2008 and 2009, while his wife did not file ITRs from 2003 to 2009.

If found guilty, the couple could face imprisonment of up to four years and fine of at least P30,000 for each count of underdeclaration of taxes, and imprisonment of up to 10 years and P10,000 fine for each count of non-filing of income tax return.

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PLDT counters Globe’s claim

Roy — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 02:02:45 +0000

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) said the claim of Globe Telecom that the deal between PLDT and Digital Telecommuncations Phil. Inc. (Digitel) would result into the monopoly of the telecom industry is only Globe’s way of protecting its interest at the public’s expense. PLDT criticized Globe’s effort to stop the deal that would allow the telecom giant to take over third-ranked mobile brand Sun Cellular.

PLDT said that the acquisition of Sun would actually result in a more efficient use of network facilities, which would lead to better services at lower costs. “Globe wants to create the impression of an impending monopoly by PLDT, which is not the case,” said Ray Espinosa, regulatory affairs head of the company. “What they really want is for the government to make up for their inefficiencies.”

Earlier, Globe asked the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to intervene in the deal between PLDT and Sun Cellular operator Digitel. Globe claimed that a monopoly would emerge from this deal and this could only work for the detriment of the industry and consumers. Globe also said that the deal would give the combined entity 3.5 frequencies for every one that Globe has, creating an imbalance.

Espinosa countered that based on the data available at the NTC, PLDT is in fact 23-percent more efficient than Globe in terms of frequency use. This means PLDT, which has 45 million subscribers, need more frequencies than Globe. He said Globe should instead allow market forces to work and let the consumers decide for themselves which is the better network.

With the claim that the PLDT-Digitel would give them 70 percent control of the market that would eventually kill competition, Espinosa said that at the end of the day, it all boils down on to which network can offer the better service, regardless of the size of the company.

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Ayala Corp. allots P79 billion for its capex

Roy — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:51:18 +0000

Giant conglomerate Ayala Corp. allots a record-high P79 billion for its capital expenditures this year. The company said it is in an excellent position to delve into various investment opportunities. It is particularly eyeing the power and infrastructure sector.

During the annual stockholders’ meeting, chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said that while the company is quite successful in its traditional markets which continue to grow, the favorable economic environment has “also ushered a renewed interest to invest in sectors that are critical to sustaining and raising the country’s growth trajectory, particularly with the government’s emphasis on increased private sector participation in the infrastructure and power sectors.”

He added that the group’s ultimate goal is to broaden its customer to reach and diversify its portfolio in a manner that creates developmental impact and economic value both for the corporation and the society as a whole.

The company first took a plunge in the power industry in 2010. It is now aiming to build its power portfolio using both renewable energy sources and traditional fossil fuels. “We are in the process of developing focused platforms across various technologies such as solar, wind, both large-scale and mini hydro, as well as thermal energy with the intent of balancing cost of energy delivery with sustainable practices,” Zobel said. The group aims to put up power facilities that can generate over 1,000 megawatts of electricity over the next five years.

The conglomerate remains on the lookout for opportunities apart from the power industry, like in the transportation infrastructure space, particularly whose which may have strategic value with other business units.

The company is bidding for a contract to operate and maintain the 17-kilometer Line 3 of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT3), which has an estimated cost of P6.3 billion. The MRT3 is one of the infrastructure projects being offered by the government under the public-private partnership (PPP) program.

Meanwhile, president Fernando Zobel de Ayala, for his part, said the highly diversified conglomerate has a healthy cash level, which stood at P29 billion as of end-December last year. “We maintain a highly flexible funding position that allows us to make sizable investments in new sectors moving forward without impairing value-enhancing initiatives such as our ongoing buy-back program, dividend payouts and meeting our funding requirements.”

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Nograles resigns as PDIC head

Roy — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:07:11 +0000

At the height of the controversy surrounding the closure of the Aguire-led Banco Filipino Savings & Mortgage Bank, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) president Jose Nograles has resigned from his post as head of the state-run deposit insurer.

Sources were quick to clarify that the decision of Nograles to quit was not in any way connected to the issue of Banco Filipino that was ordered closed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and placed under PDIC receivership last March 17.

Reports say he submitted his resignation letter to the President, citing “differences in policies,” through Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima last Friday. He will stay in office until end of May this year only. He has gone on a 2-week leave from the agency. Nograles term would have ended in 2012.

According to some reports, the PDIC chief has been reportedly unappreciated by some members of the president’s economic team. He was also unseated earlier this year as director of the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB).

Under his stewardship, the PDIC became an ISO-certified agency for claims settlement operations, which a first in its history. Nograles is also credited for a number of policy and strategy innovations in the agency, such as amending the agency’s charter that strengthened its regulatory powers over banks, as well as increasing the maximum deposit insurance coverage to P500,000 from P250,000 per depositor.

During his term, the PDIC was able to ensure the stability of financial system from the aftermath of the global financial crisis in 2008, which resulted in a number of bank closures. The most notable of which was PDIC’s handling of the Legacy bank fallout.

Before his term as PDIC head, he was a senior executive vice-president of Land Bank of the Philippines. Nograles was an appointee of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as PDIC president in 2008. He is the brother of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles who used to head the House contingent in the Commission on Appointments.

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Splash reported 500-percent growth in 2010 profit

Roy — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:36:54 +0000

Splash Corporation reported its profit up to 500 percent to P144 million in 2010 from P23.74 million in 2009. The leading personal care manufacturer reported to the Philippine Stock Exchange that its big financial figures last year can be attributed to its strong performance across all its business segments – domestic, international and direct selling.

Splash president Eric Domagas said, “We posted higher net income due to efficient use of plant assets, tighter control on expenses, (and) launch of our new products.” He added, “We are confident that the company will continue to post double digit growth this year. We believe in the continued growth of our direct selling and international business segments.” Net sales for 2010 were recorded at P2.99 billion, up by 9.8 percent from 2009’s P2.72 billion.

The company’s capital expenditures in 2010 were registered at P69 million, from a previous P21.3 million in 2009. For 2011, the company’s board approved higher capex amounting to P426 million, most of which will be spent for plant capacity expansion, improvement of facilities and enhancement of information systems for international and direct selling operations.

Splash’s skin whitening captured the growth in product sales in 2010, reaching P1.3 billion, followed by skin exfoliants at P1.04 billion and hair products at P542.3 million. International operations recorded net sales of P407.98 million last year, up by 67.5 percent from P243.58 million in 2009.

The company has also set up subsidiaries and offices in the Middle East, Indonesia and Asean region, which helped it gain a foothold in international sales. Meanwhile, direct selling business recorded a big growth in net sales reaching P40.8 million last year from P3 million in 2009.

Splash direct selling head Glenda Pingol said, “Splash direct sales will be very aggressive in its effort to build its pioneer network for the year 2011.”

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DTI intensifies awareness campaign on benefits of FTAs

Roy — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:24:19 +0000

The Department of Trade and Industry said that many among our exporters are not really aware of the trade opportunities under the country’s free trade agreements (FTA). That is why it is intensifying its information awareness campaign focusing on the government’s priority exports.

Gregory L. Domingo, DTI Secretary, said that the basic information awareness campaigns from March to November this year will focus on sectors such as motor vehicle parts and vehicles, food, garments and textiles, minerals, coconut products, construction and related materials, wearable, home style and IT/BPO. “More targeted information sessions will enlighten our businessmen to engage or expand their business according to what is viable in our FTA markets,” he said.

The trade secretary stressed that by understanding emerging and new markets, as well as instruments such as the FTA, will help exporters address new challenges in the global business environment. For 2010, the Philippines achieved a record of over $51 billion in export revenues.

At present, the country has FTAs with ASEA, China, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. An FTA with India is already in the work and due for implementation on the last part of the year. On March 31, a second round of information sessions targeting specific sectors will be launched at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

Domingo said export companies have not yet fully utilized the FTAs “because businessmen are not properly informed of the business opportunities that the country has gained from our FTA.” Last year, the agency was able to conduct information campaigns in 11 cities, benefitting some 2,000 businessmen.

International Trade Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. said, “Exploring the FTA markets is one of our core strategies to increase our exports over the next six years and sustain its steady growth. He said that this year’s sectoral sessions will include presentations on market opportunities, including non-tariff measures, in the country’s FTA markets; tariff rates on top exports for each sector under the FTAs, rules of origin, open forum, as well as business testimonials from those who have benefitted from FTAs.

“The FTAs are strategic tools or pathways for growth and competitiveness. Not only do these open markets for our goods and services, but they also compel us, as a people to take a hard look at our economic structures and implement the much needed reforms to put our economy in step with the global environment,” he added.

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PLDT to buy majority stake in Digitel

Roy — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:48:27 +0000

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) seeks to regain its dominance in the telecommunication industry as it buys competing company Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. (Digitel).

PLDT said it forged a deal to acquire 51.55% of the third-ranked Digitel valued at a value of P69.2 billion ($1.6 billion). The deal includes a share swap and the assumption of debt and advances by Digitel from its parent JG Summit Holdings Inc. It is expected to be completed by the end of June.

Jose Mari Lacson, analyst at Campos, Lanuza & Company Inc. said, “PLDT is not out to kill the competition, but growth of Globe will be limited,” noting that PLDT said it intended to keep Digitel’s cheap call and text offerings. Lacson said that after the deal, PLDT’s mobile phone market share would rise to 70%

Digitel had shaken the mobile phone market with cheap cal and text packages when it introduces its Sun Cellular brand, which prompted PLDT and second-ranked Globe Telecoms to follow suit. The price war had slowly eroded telecoms’ margins in a saturated mobile market, with penetration at around 90% against population estimated to be nearing 100 million.

According to PLDT, the transaction, which involves its acquisition of 3.277 billion Digitel common shares from JG Summit and certain other parties, would result in cost efficiencies and improve network usage. The telecommunications giant said it would spend more in 2011 and 2012 to grow its broadband business amid stiff competition.

PLDT said it will make a mandatory offer to minority investors to buy the rest of Digitel, by giving shareholders an option to sell at a discount to market at P1.60 apiece, or swap their holdings for PLDT shares at a premium of P2,500 per share.

Chairman Manuel Pangilinan said JG Summit would hold about 12% in PLDT after the transaction, while stakes of existing PLDT shareholders would be diluted.

“JG Summit is the ultimate winner. They get a good price for an investment that has not really delivered in terms of dividends,” Lacson said.

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Sign saying “No Poor Allowed” is a hoax

Roy — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:37:07 +0000

Many were surprised, and dismayed, when a photo of a poster circulated on the web saying that poor people are not allowed in Greenbelt 4, a post mall in Makati City. The text on the poster read: “This is a private controlled environment. Poor people and other disturbing realities strictly prohibited. Thank you! Greenbelt 4 Ayala Land Corporation.”

The photo went viral in Twitter and Facebook, and many were offended, but a large number doubted the authenticity of the sign. Some believed that it could be a hoax and that Ayala Land would not do such a thing to tarnish its image.

It didn’t take long before an officer from Greenbelt spoke out and denounced as fake the sign that prohibits poor people in Greenbelt 4. The signage appears to be displayed in a dim area against the backdrop of what appears to be the garden portion of Greenbelt 4.

Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), owner and operator of the Greenbelt Malls, immediately issued a statement on its Facebook page hours after the photo was uploaded on the web. The company made clear that “the signage is not authorized and is not part of Greenbelt’s official mall signage.”

“The Ayala Malls management does not tolerate such pranks and is currently investigating the matter. We shall be coordinating with the proper authorities for corresponding actions to be taken,” ALI said “We would like to reassure everyone that Greenbelt is for the enjoyment of the public and the community it serves,” it added.

Armin Tan, the mall’s building engineer, noted an on the sign which proved that it is not authentic. The sign says “Ayala Land Corporation” whereas the real name of the company is “Ayala Land Inc.” He said the mall is investigating the source of the image and will come up with its findings in the next few days.

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Senate doctors said Ligots are fine

Roy — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:50:10 +0000

Upon the order of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate doctors, led by Dr. Mariano Blancia Jr. went to the Ligot couple’s residence to check the true health status. They proceeded to house of the Ligots in an “undisclosed” location to check if their declaration of “being sick” were true.

The doctor said former military comptroller Jacinto Ligot and her wife Erlinda were in good health and were not “sick” like their lawyer said in the letter sent to the Senate making them unavailable to attend the Senate hearing today.

Because of this, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Teofisto Guingona III recommended that the couple be cited for contempt. “I recommend that they be cited for contempt and their commitment orders be issued,” he said. He added that the Senate needs nine votes to detain the couple at the Senate.

Dr. Blancia said, “During our examination to Mrs. Ligot, all our findings were normal,” he also noted that Mr. Ligot was in good condition, and that his claim of suffering from flu earlier was a self-proclamation. Biance cited that Mrs. Ligot consulted here physician yesterday where she was diagnosed for severe palpitation, acute gastroenteritis and diarrhea. “But they could have attended the hearing today,” the Senate physician proclaimed.

Earlier, a letter was sent by the couple’s lawyer, Rafael Zialcita, to committee chairman Guingona about the health condition of the couple, asking for understanding because they won’t be able to attend the hearing. Zialcita’s letter read, “We regret to inform you that our clients will not be able to attend today’s hearing. We have been informed by our clients last night Mrs. Ligot is apparently suffering from severe palpitation and acute gastroenteritis,” and further continues, “As for retired Lieutenant Colonel Jacinto Ligot, he likewise can’t attend as he is now down with flu.”

Enrile, who was disappointed on the no-show stunt by the Ligots, requested the Senate doctors to go to them and check their “true health status.”

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House of Representatives voted for Ombudsman’s impeachment

Roy — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 03:23:37 +0000

After eight hours of marathon debates, the House of Representatives voted 212-46 for the impeachment of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. Four abstained from voting. The House impeached Gutierrez, eight months since the first of the two impeachment complaints was filed against her in July.

Among those who voted “no” were former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya and Deputy Speaker Jesus Crispin Remulla. Most of the “no” votes came from the opposition bloc.

House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, wife of Sen. Bong Revilla and Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar, son of Sen. Manny Villar were among those who abstained from voting.

At the start of the plenary debates at 5 p.m. yesterday, 212 congressmen, majority of which are from the administration bloc, were already present to ensure they have sufficient votes for the articles of impeachment to make Gutierrez stand trial in the Senate. Only 95 votes were needed to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate.

Gutierrez is accused of betrayal of public trust for allegedly sitting on major corruption and human rights cases involving Mrs. Arroyo and some of her officials.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, vice chairman of the House justice committee, said in his sponsorship speech seeking a favorable vote for House Resolution 1089 to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, “We need to impeach and make Gutierrez accountable. Why? Because she herself said that our impeachment proceedings are farcical.”

Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. said the impeachment is the “will of the sovereign people” and dismissed allegations that the Aquino administration had a hand on it. “It was a product of complete impeachment proceedings, a first in our nation’s history. Despite initial setbacks… no short cuts were taken and every procedure was diligently observed,” he said.

“I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in making history today, and stand up and rise to the challenge of performing our constitutional duty as the true representatives of the people,” he added.

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PALEA filed a new strike notice

Roy — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:35:58 +0000

Looks like the worst is yet over from flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) as its ground crew union filed a new notice of strike last Friday before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Citing unfair labor practices, the Philippine Airlines Employees’ Association (PALEA) through its president Gerry Rivera, accused the PAL managers of talking with employees individually, convincing them to accept the mass layoff which will be implemented because of the planned outsourcing of the airline company. The said outsourcing of some services by PAL has already been approved by Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

Rivera said they decided to file the notice of strike because the said attempt by the management to convince union members individually constitutes interference in their right to self-organization. “These are issues separate although related to the question of the mass layoffs recently decided by the labor secretary,” he added.

The new notice of strike is the second by PALEA this year. The first was last January wherein the union, representing more than half of the company’s rank and file employees, threatened a strike when it learned of the airline’s management’s plan to outsource its services.

Services that would be outsourced would include in-flight catering operations, airport services and call center reservations, which is said to affect 2,600 employees. The PAL management, for its part, said the outsourcing of services will help them save on costs and make the company more competitive.

Last October, DOLE ruled that the outsourcing plan was “a legal exercise of management prerogative,” which prevented the PALEA from pushing through with the first strike plan. In their recent notice however, PALEA charged management with bargaining directly with union members which it said “is tantamount to interference with, restraint, and coercion of employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization.”

Rivera said the mass layoff, which will lead to the dismissal of 62 percent of the present union leadership is tantamount to union busting. “The 1,000 union members who will remain then will be the subject of the next round of outsourcing which is already in management’s drawing boards and will be perfectly legal using the Baldoz decision as a precedent,” he said.

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Jollibee to expand its operations in China

Roy — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 02:11:51 +0000

The country’s biggest homegrown fastfood company, Jollibee Foods Corp., is expanding its operations in China this year as it plans to open 60 more new stores, which accounts for the bulk of its international expansion program. Jollibee Foods Chairman and Chief Executive Tony Tan Caktiong said during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting, “Our foregoing expansion priorities are still in China. We are still looking in India and Indonesia.” He added, “We are already in Vietnam. In Europe, we do not have particular plans yet but we have a lot of inquiries.”

For its expansion in China, Ysmael V. Baysa, chief financial officer of the company said that they will spend P600 million of a P4.8-billion capital outlay. Aside from the planned 60 new stores in China, Baysa said they will also be opening 40 more new stores in other foreign countries, while it plans to open 100 new stores here in the Philippines.

Jollibee Foods also owns pizza chain Greenwhich and Chinese fastfood chain Chowking. For Greenwhich, the company will be setting up 30 new stores, while it 40 new stores for Chowking are also in their plan expansion this year. “For both Greenwhich and Chowking, we have been focusing on renovation in the past six months because it helps boost same-store sales,” said Chowking and Greenwhich President Ariel P. Fermin.

For the first two quarters of the year, Jollibee Foods recorded high profits, which it credits to the high spending in the past election. “The trend is that the second quarter is stronger than the first quarter. We think it must be caused by election spending,” said Baysa. The company system-wide retail sales, both from company-owned and franchised stores, rose by 8.4% to P16.3 billion year-on-year. The challenge that they see now, according to Baysa, is the higher commodity prices of sugar and dairy products like milk and cheese.

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Aquino plans not to live in Malacañang

Roy — Sun, 30 May 2010 22:57:15 +0000

Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is insistent about staying in his Time Street residence and not reside in Malacañang palace, once he is finally proclaimed as the country’s next president. This in spite of his neighbors’ and close-in security’s fears of added security risks, and of course, the additional traffic and noise that his continued stay will bring in the Quezon City subdivision.

However, he promised to reconsider on his campaign promise of not staying in Malacañang like his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino. “I will hopefully talk to the officers of our neighborhood association. We’ll be examining the situation also. Times Street lacks certain facilities, we want to make life easier for everybody, including the media,” he said.

Aquino’s concern, aside from the “negative vibes” he gets on living in the palace, he does not the like the feel of being an “isolated leader” should he stay there by the river and its heavily guarded gates. “You are the servant and the servant has to be in touch with masters. Malacañang affords more and more isolation, which might not help in becoming a good governor and will promote the good governance we want. There has to be some way of maintaining or touching base with the people,” he added.

Likewise, he also mentioned that none of this family would be living in Malacañang as well, including his nephews, Joshua and Baby James.

There were reports that there is an ongoing renovation work at the Arlegui mansion inside the Malacañang compound, but Aquino said that he has no knowledge of such work, and that the said remodeling could be the initiative of the current administration.

He is open to the offers of a transition program, while he wants to have as little contact with the departing administration as possible. “We are forming the Cabinet. The Cabinet will be the ones who will comprise the transition team, who will need to know all the data with regards to the current situation, potential problems, bright spots if any, so we are guided accordingly,” Aquino said.

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Jollibee buys China fastfood chain

Roy — Sat, 08 May 2010 12:48:06 +0000

Homegrown fastfood giant Jollibee Foods Corp. continues to extend its presence in China as it recently acquired one of the local beef noodle there. In its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Jollibee said it will be investing RMB30 million ($4.39 million) to secure 55 percent stake on the San Pin Wang restaurant chain.

Another RMB20 million in investment in anticipation of expansion was sealed in a joint venture agreement signed by Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. and Guangxi Zong Kai Food and Beverage Investment Co. Ltd. But this would be after the venture becomes fully operation in January 2011.

Jollibee said that San Pin Wang, with a chain of 34 restaurants in Nanning and Liuzhou, Guang Xi Zhuang Minority Autonomous Region in the People’s Republic of China, has projected annual sales of RMB100 million in 2010. It is profitable and without outstanding debt even. The company operates two commissaries.

Jollibee chairman and chief executive officer Tony Tan Caktiong believe that they can make San Pin Wang grow to a very large and successful fastfood chain in China. “San Pin Wang provides food and service of superior value to the consumers of Nanning and Liuzhou. We wish to bring this brand to consumers in many parts of China, beginning with the neighboring provinces in South China,” he added.

At present, Jollibee operates two brands in China. These are Yonghe King, which is based in Shanghai and Hong Zhuang, which is based in Beijing. These operate 165 stores and 46 stores respectively in China. The company’s sales in China account for 9 percent of its system wide sales, or sales both by company-owned and franchised-stores, which amounted to P63.73 billion last year.

Jollibee remains to be the country’s largest fastfood network in the country at present. It has a total of 1,569 stores in the Philippines as March 31, and it has also established its presence in Vietnam, US, Brunei and Dubai. The Jollibee Group also carries the brands Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Delifrance and Manong Pepe restaurants.

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Gibo quits party chairmanship to protest Arroyo’s lack of support

Roy — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:38:51 +0000

Recent news on presidential aspirant Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro’s resignation as chairman of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD came as a shock to everyone. It was clarified though, that despite his resignation of party chairman, Gibo remains to be the presidential bet of the ruling party.

Developments on his resignation from the chairmanship reports that Gibo’s action was a sign of protest against the lack of support from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Allegedly, the Teodoro camp is not receiving the support it needs from the president ever since the official campaign period started last February 9.

Sources said that this (lack of support) is most evident in his low level of spending on political advertisements, as compared with those of the other presidential candidate. His total spending from February 9 to March 2 was said P60 million, which is even lower than that of Bagumbayan bet Senator Richard Gordon, who was said to spend P67 million.

Based on the study by Libertas, using data of media research firm, AGB Nielsen, Teodoro was only fifth in TV ad spending, where he spent only half of what Senator Manny Villar spent on the first month of the presidential campaign. Tallies where as follow:

TV ads from February 9 to March 2, 2010
1.    Manny Villar (NP) P120 million
2.    Joseph Estrada (PMP) P88 million
3.    3. Noynoy Aquino (LP) P87 million
4.    Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan) P67 million
5.    Gibo Teodoro (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) P60 million.

Reports said that the former defense chief was not able to spend as much as he would like on TV ads because President Arroyo, who is the titular head of the party, has not been giving funds to the party. There were also rumors that First Gentleman Mike Arroyo was supporting Nationalista Party bet Villar.

This was also said to be one of the reasons why Teodoro quits his post as chairman of Lakas.

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SGV launched the Search of the Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines

Roy — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:18:51 +0000

Every year the SGV Foundation conducts the Search for the Philippines’ Entrepreneur of the Year (EoY) to encourage more entrepreneurs to help bring progress to the country. Recently, it just announced the start for this year’s search.

Nominees for this search must be Filipino entrepreneurs whose business have been in operation for at least two to five years, depending on the category, and must still be active at the time of the nomination.

There five award categories up for grabs, these are: small business entrepreneur, social entrepreneur, woman entrepreneur, industry-specific entrepreneur and master entrepreneur. From the winners of each category, one will be chosen as the Entrepreneur of the Year 2010, who will represent the Philippines in the 2011 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year awards.

The SGV foundation is attached to Ernst & Young’s local accounting affiliate, SyCip Gorres Velayo (SGV) & Co.

For 2010, the foundation has chosen agribusiness sector for the industry-specific category. Maria L. Balmaceda, SGV Foundation, Inc. spokeswoman said they have chosen agribusiness to encourage entrepreneur in this sector “given this difficult time in our country” as a result of the dry spell brought about by the El Niño weather phenomenon.

The SGV Foundation will be accepting nominees until May 31 only, in order to give way for screening and due diligence. They will announce the finalist on September, and the awarding is slated to be held in sometime October.

Ambassador Jesus P. Tambunting, chairman and president of Planters Development Bank, bagged the Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines 2009 award. He will be flying to Monte Carlo, Monaco on June 1 for the World Entrepreneur of the Year awarding to face off with entrepreneurs of the year awardees from other countries.

The last time the country bagged the global recognition was in 2004 when Tony Tan Caktiong, president and chief executive of Jollibee Foods Corp. won the award.