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Looking for Paypal Alternative?

Roy — Wed, 25 May 2011 06:23:13 +0000

Paypal is one of the most common and widely online payment payment system. Entrepreneurs, more often than not, apply for Merchant Accounts to get the added features not available to personal accounts, and both buyers and suppliers somehow trust those with merchant accounts better than those with personal accounts. A merchant account would get more transactions easier, as long as the entrepreneur is professional in his dealings with his buyers and suppliers.

However, in spite of the popularity of Paypal, there are some who are still looking for PayPal Alternative because either they can’t get approved, they do not have credit cards, or their country is not included in the Paypal’s list.

And there are a lot of them, actually. If someone is looking for other online payment portals aside from Paypal, a simple search through Google or Yahoo could give them a long list of the different online payment sites.

There are some Credit Card Processing Companies who might even recommend you online payment portals where you can a merchant account. Or you may also check the website Free Merchant Account Advisor because they reviewed different payments sites. That way you can choose the best alternative for Paypal that fits your requirement.

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Foreign firm to present power supply options to the country

Roy — Sun, 15 May 2011 05:26:39 +0000

A United Kingdom company is offering the Philippines its power solution to help avoid power disruptions in the country.

The British Embassy in Manila said Aggreko, a developer of power solutions, will be coming in the country next week to make a presentation of its product. The embassy said the company’s expertise could help address the possible power shortage in the near future which poses a threat to businesses operating in the country.

Aggreko is bringing to the country its more than 45 years of experience in the power solution industry. The company is said to be the world leader in the supply of temporary power and temperature control services. It will present its alternative solutions to potential power disruptions when it makes its presentation to the country next week.

The target participants in its presentations include the construction industry, food and beverages, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, government and institutions, mining and mineral processing, ports and telecommunications, among others.

Aggreko owns the world’s largest power rental fleet which consists of diesel and natural gas generating sets. Company experts will be in Manila to present different power supply options to help businesses avoid opportunity lost and other costs that could be brought about by power disruptions.

The company will be organizing the seminar presentation in partnership with the British Embassy in Manila, through UK Trade & Investment. The aim of the seminar is to inform industries in the country of the different power supply options available in case of unavoidable future power supply shortages.

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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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Philippine-China trade and conference fair set on June

Roy — Sun, 01 May 2011 08:56:27 +0000

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)-Guangzhou and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) recently signed a cooperation agreement to co-organize the Manila-Guangzhou Trade and Investment Conference slated to be held on June.

The event, which is aimed to further boost the Philippine-China trade and investment relations, is expected to gather around 500 business leaders, industry captains and government officials from both countries.

Part of the activities of the conference will be a product promotion through a virtual trade fair which would feature top export products of China, and business matching activities. There will also be office and factory visits to be arranged for the estimated 200 businesses and industry leaders comprising the Chinese delegation.

PCCI President Dr. Francis Chua said, “The Philippines and Chinese’ economies are open to mutual cooperation in trade and investments. While initially, the idea behind the conference is to promote Chinese-manufactured products for export to the country, we are making it a point to ensure that local enterprises and industries get maximum exposure and gain from the visit of top-level Chinese businessmen. That is why we are arranging business meetings and site visitations on the sidelines of the conference.”

China is the country’s top trading partner with export receipts reaching US$51.39 billion in 2010. Data from the National Statistic Office (NSO) show that the combined markets of China and Hong Kong in 2010 accounted for about 19.52 percent of the Philippines’ total exports.

Guangzhou Vice President of CCPIT Madame Li San Jian said, “China is a very big market. With increasing domestic demand and infrastructure development, Philippine export products such as mineral-and-metal-based resources as well as processed and fresh food products can easily gain entry into the Chinese market.”

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DOH says dengue cases may reach 20,000

Roy — Sun, 01 May 2011 06:15:14 +0000

The Department of Health (DOH) reported that the number of dengue cases in the country is almost reaching the 20,000 mark. The report reflected in the National Epidemiology Center (NEC) shows that from January 1 to April 12, the figure reached 17,228 for individuals who have contacted dengue. Said figure is 0.33 percent than the 17,172 cases recorded during the same period in 2010.

Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, DOH program manager for Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases, however said that the number of dengue cases by week in on the decline. “If you look at the figure, it’s going down. That can be expected because it is summer. But the total figure in general is high.”

Lee Suy said the labor department expects that the public may take advantage of the summer time to prepare for expected further increase in dengue cases during the rainy days. He said the public should start getting rid of used tires, empty cans and bottle caps that can hold water, which can become breeding sites of dengue-causing mosquitoes.

The record for this year’s death toll from dengue stands at 12 thus far. For 2010, the total casualties were 36. The highest number of dengue cases this year was from Metro Manila, with a notable increase of 124.93 percent, as it doubles last year’s figure.

Quezon City posted the highest most number of cases, among the cities within Metro Manila, with 815, followed by Manila with 635 and Caloocan City with 584. The most number of deaths from dengue was registered in Valenzuela City with eight, marking the highest in terms of death count in the region.

The highest percentage of increase was posted by Muntinlupa at 745.45 percent, with 93 cases compared to 11 in previous year. Taguig follows with 409.09 percent increase. Central Luzon and Calabarzon posted 3,250 and 3,016 cases respectively.

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Philippine seeks investment-grade rating

Roy — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:51:12 +0000

The Philippine government believes that the country deserves a better credit rating, that is why it is wooing the three major credit rating agencies for an upgrade in its credit scores, amid the improving fiscal situation and external liquidity.

The three credit rating agencies – Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Ratings, and Standard & Poor’s (S&P), were met separately by finance secretary Cesar Purisima when he went to New York and Washington D.C. recently.

Purisima presented fiscal and monetary data on the Philippines that he believes would encourage them to review and increase the country’s credit scores. Philippines is rated three notches below investment grade by Moody’s and two notches below by Fitch and S&P.

He also said the country has a credit score lower than Indonesia yet the fiscal situations of the two countries are just the same. Purisima also cited the country’s declining debt-to GDP [gross domestic product] ratio and deficit-to-GDP ratio. “Our debt rations and deficit are declining and our financial sector is well managed, and so we deserve better ratings,” he said.

During the meeting with the credit rating firms, Purisima said the three did not give a hint if they would change the country’s credit ratings soon, but he express optimism that the Philippines would finally get an investment-grade credit rating before the end of Aquino’s term.

The finance chief said the country has been able to borrow from the international markets at interest rates comparable to those applied to financing initiatives by investment-grade rated countries. Still, he stressed that getting a credit rating upgrade would be important in getting more foreign investments for the Philippines. “Much more funds will come in to the Philippines if we get investment grade,” Purisima said. He noted that some big-ticket business ventures have been using credit ratings in their decision-making.

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Globe asks NTC to intervene in the PLDT-Digitel deal

Roy — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:37:16 +0000

Globe Telecom, in its letter to the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC), is asking the agency to take a look, and intervene, in the recent acquisition of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) of a majority stake of Digital Telecommunications Phils. Inc. (Digitel). Globe warned that the PLDT-Digitel is threatening to free competition and gravely places at risk the public good, because other significant market influence of PLDT as a result of the deal.

Atty. Rodolfo Salalima, acting as counsel for Globe, referred to Republic Act No. 7925 or the new Telecoms Policy Act, which was enacted into law on March 1995 because of the need for the country to liberalize and demonopolize and to veer away from the monopoly of the dominant carrier which, because of its dominant clout, power, and influence, constricted and stifled, instead of led, the growth and expansion of public telecommunications services in the country.

Salalima quoted the then Senator John Osmena in his sponsorship speech of Senate Bill 11 (which is now RA 7925) that “our telecommunications system has been cited as backward, inadequate, and a major constraint to the global competitiveness of our industries.”

“(NTC) must intervene and act now. It cannot and must not shirk from its legal obligation to intervene in the PLDT/Digitel deal and regular, if not forestall, the deal’s grave implications and impact on free competition and, in the long term, the common good. The inherent police power of the state can and must also be utilized for the common good,” he added.

Salalima stressed that the NTC must start leveling the playing field now in the name of free competition or risk a return to the monopoly of old and precisely abandoned by RA 7925, adding that PLDT’s cellular market share, because of the deal, has now grown to 70 percent, while that of Globe is 30 percent.

PLDT recently acquired 51 percent of Digitel, which owns the Sun Cellular brand, from the Gokongwei Group, and hopes to purchase the remainder from small shareholders during a mandatory tender offer.

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Globe to invest $500 M to improve mobile network

Roy — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 06:57:15 +0000

Mobile service provider Globe Telecom is investing $500 million to improve the quality and capacity of its mobile network infrastructure throughout the country. Company officials said the network quality will be top priority of Globe this year.

As part of the company’s network transformation program, Globe is making one of its biggest network investments in quality and capacity to date, where the significant amount will be used for capacity buildup, network modernization and optimization. These upgrades would provide subscribers better experiences in call, text and data services in 2G, 3G and 4G.

Globe earlier announced a major expansion of its current 4G footprint with the country’s first commercial rollout of 4G mobile technology. At its initial phase, Globe utilized the global standard HSPA+ Globe allots or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access for its 4G mobile network.

HSPA+ is a 4G wireless mobile, high speed broadband technology that allows for peak theoretical download of up to 21 Mbps with upgradeability for 84 Mbps which would complement the company’s existing 4G WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) network. Under the Globe HSPA+ network, subscribers are expected to enjoy browsing at a typical speed of 4-6 Mbps with even faster peak speeds.

Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said, “Our customers are looking for better network quality, and this is what we are giving them. We are making a substantial investment in our network to improve the quality of our services to our subscribers. Certainly, the network on which our services are delivered play a pivotal role in achieving superior customer experience.”

By continuously enhancing their network facilities and operations, Cu explained, their subscribers will enjoy better quality and greater reliability for calls, text messaging and data services. “This year, we are making significant investments in upgrading and expanding our networks. One tangible result of which is the commercial rollout of 4G for mobile, making us the first Philippine operator with a 4G mobile network in the country,” he added.

The 4G HSPA+ rollout expands the foray of Globe into new and up-to-date network technologies to provide its subscribers with high-speed broadband access with the added convenience of full mobility.

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PNOC-EC eyes expansion of coal production

Roy — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:35:27 +0000

The Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) earmarked P900 million for the expansion of its coal mining ventures in Zamboanga Sibugay in Western Mindanao. The state-run oil exploration company said that its board of directors has already approved the special budget “to fund the development of existing coal mine” that will enable it to double its annual production of steaming coal to 500,000 metric tons.

The expansion is in line with company’s mandate to develop more sources of indigenous energy for the country’s needs. PNOC-EC’s coal mine in Zamboanga Sibugay is said to produce the highest grade of coal quality in the country. Developments in the mine are underpinned by the company’s coal operating contracts 41 and 152 as awarded by the Department of Energy.

Aside from its Zamboanga Sibugay mine, the company is likewise engaged in coal exploration and development activities in Isabela and Surigao del Sur via coal operating contracts 122, 141 and 140. PNOC-EC also operates coal terminals in Zamboanga Sibugay, Cebu, Batangas, and North Harbor for its integrated coal trading activities. These locations have been serving as handling facilities for local as well as imported coal which the company supplies to power plants and cement factories.

PNOC-EC is also into oil and gas exploration. It currently holds interest along prospect areas in Cagayan, Ragay Gulf, Offshore Mindoro, Calamian, West Calamian, West Balabac and East Sabina. Its biggest venture in oil and gas development to date is still the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project. Its Service Contract (SC) 38 for the Malampaya field is only the acreage in the production phase; while the rest are still exploration blocks.

The company is also aligning a budget of $100 million for its next round of investment in the Malampaya project. Given its current financial standing, PNOC-EC noted that it is all set for capital infusion once the project consortium-members comes off for a “cash call.”

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Isuzu Philippines temporarily shuts down production operations

Roy — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:22:00 +0000

Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) temporarily stopped its operation, starting from April 18 and will resume production on May 2. The work stoppage was due to the shortage in parts and components supply which are coming from Japan. The country’s all-commercial vehicle assemble is still optimistic though that it would be able to sustain its 17 percent growth target for the year in spite of what happened to Japan.

IPC executive vice-president Yuki Kato said during the exclusive Isuzu Truck show dubbed “On the Right Truck to a Better Future” held recently at the World Trade Center, the temporary work stoppage will not lead to layoff but the 300 production workers will be asked to take this opportunity to avail of their leave credits.

IPC is the latest among local car firms who have announced a temporary shutdown of operations as an aftermath of the Japan disasters that disrupted the supply chain for the auto sector globally. The others were Ford Group Philippines, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. and Toyota Motor Philippines.

The company official stressed that their work stoppage would only be limited to eight working days, since there’s no work on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, IPC does not work on weekends and that May 1, being Labor Day, is a holiday.

Kato further explained that they cannot yet go back into full commercial operation even if they resume production on May 2 because Japan has a week-long holiday on the first week of May. “Perhaps, we will have a clearer picture on the second week of May,” he said.

The work stoppage would effectively translate to a 50-percent reduction in production volume of IPC for the month of April because they would be operating only for two weeks for the month. The average production volume of the company is between 900 units to 1,000 units of various IPC commercial vehicles.

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Ayala invests in hydro-electric power

Roy — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 05:33:57 +0000

Another venture that the Ayala group is breaking into is the hydroelectric power generation partnership. The conglomerate, through its wholly owned subsidiary Michigan Power Inc. (MPI) has entered into a joint venture agreement with Sta. Clara Power Corp., an independent power producer specializing in run-of-the-river power plants. Ayala Corp managing director John Eric Francia confirms this as stated in the company’s disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

MPI and Sta. Clara will be developing a run-of-the-river (ROR) hydroelectric power projects across the Philippines. MPI will take a 70-percent stake in the venture and has committed an initial equity infusion of about P600 million.

A run-of-the river hydroelectric power plant operation involves “borrowing” some river water to turn its kinetic energy into electricity and returning the same unpolluted water back into the river. Francia said, “It is considered as green because it does not produce harmful emissions. Like other renewable power technologies, it is economical as it depends on the free energy of nature as fuel.”

Speaking on the joint venture agreement, president and chief operating officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala said, “This venture builds on our current portfolio of renewable energy assets, which focuses on solar, wind and hydro power technologies. This is an important component of our plan to create a portfolio of power assets over the medium term that blends conventional and sustainable energy sources and contribute to the country’s energy requirements.”

The Ayala group has ventured into power generation as a key platform for future growth especially as demand for electricity is expected to rise in the years ahead. And since the company has yet to build its expertise in the industry, part of its strategy is forging partnership with other institutions.

In the next five years, the conglomerate plans to build a portfolio of power generation assets that will include both renewable and conventional with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. Francia said that it is all “in line with Ayala’s campaign to augment the country’s power supply primarily through renewable and clean energy.”

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Saudi grants Royal Clemency to Filipino drug mule

Roy — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 07:51:05 +0000

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Monday that the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia on November 2009 for involvement in smuggling shabu into the country was granted pardon and freed Sunday.

The DFA did not release his name, in deference to the request of his family for family.

The OFW was apprehended by Saudi law enforcement agents in February 2008 after he received a postal package with shabu hidden inside. The DFA said, smuggling and selling of illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia are crimes punishable by death.

The Philippine embassy in Riyadh exerted utmost efforts in ensuring that his legal rights were respected during the investigation process and in trial. He sentenced to death by a tribunal of three judges in November 2009. Through the Philippine embassy, the OFW filed an appeal.

Through the help of the Philippine post in Riyadh, two members of the tribunal reduced the penalty from death to 15 years imprisonment, 1,500 lashes, and a karama (fine) of 100,000 Saudi Riyals. The Embassy, citing the new ruling, included the name of the OFW in the list submitted to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud for the grant of Royal Clemency.

The DFA said, “The Embassy’s efforts were favorably acted upon, and he was ordered released after serving a total of three years in detention.” The OFW tearfully thanks the Embassy upon his release, for its relentless efforts for his freedom.

Charge d’Affaires (CDA) Ezzedin H. Tago said, “His release is testament to the hard work and tireless dedication of the men and women of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh in safeguarding the welfare of every Filipino in Saudi Arabia.”

He is the third Filipino sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia whose released was successfully secured by the Philippine Embassy.

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Eastern Communications receives ISO 9001:2008 certification

Roy — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 21:33:34 +0000

The country’s telecommunications pioneer that provides landline, data, Internet and broadband services Eastern Communications, announced that it has received the International Organization for Standardization ISO 9001:2008 certification for its quality management system.

The ISO 9001:2008 is an international recognition of standards that defines quality. Receiving this certification is an indication that the organization conforms to a quality management system, which can consistently provide a product or service that meets customer and applicable regulatory requirements.

Eastern Communications is the first telecom company in the Philippines to receive the certification for its entire system of operations. Eastern directors for QA, regional sales and customer care Bernie Bernardino said that the certification means assurance that Eastern’s products and services conform only to the highest international standards in the industry.

“The achievement of the ISO 9001:2008 certification is indeed a major milestone for Eastern Communications, as it is the only major telecommunications company in the country today that has this recognition from the International Organization for Standardization in all its sales, network and support functions,” he said.

Bernardino said the certification was not received overnight. It took nearly a year to accomplish with Eastern’s certification partner, TÜV SÜD, an international service corporation focusing on consulting, testing, certification, and training, represented by its auditor, Lance Xavier Dy.

Dy said that there are around 700 companies from the public and private sectors and abroad comprising international and multinational business have received ISO 9001:2008 certification. “I hope Easter Communications continues to improve and engage in ISO 9001 as a culture rather than mere compliance to the international standard,” he added. “The certification should help the company strive for greater heights.”

Bernardino said, “The certification introduces the new world-class brand of Eastern Communication today as one of our competitive advantages. It demonstrates further our continued commitment to the highest level of quality management and design to ensure the delivery of quality telecommunications solutions and services.” He added that the certification also means Eastern is committed to innovating on the way it serves its customers and greater efficiency in all its vital operating areas.

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Sutherland is PEZA’s 2001 Employer of the Year

Roy — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:18:57 +0000

For the 3rd time, Sutherland Global Services Philippines is name Outstanding Employer of the Year by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). The 2011 Outstanding Employer honor was given to Sutherland at the recent PEZA Investors’ Recognition Night, which reflects the value that the company gives its people.

From 150 employees in 2005, Sutherland today has more than 13,000 employees, a growth of over 86,000 percent. However, the secret of success of a business enterprise is not just the quantity of employees but also more importantly, the quality of employment.

With their 3rd outstanding employer award, the company is assured the honor of being included in PEZA’s Hall of Fame in next year’s awarding. This is a distinct recognition given only for a handful of companies which have won the award three times.

The Outstanding Employer Award is sponsored by the PEZA in cooperation with Philippine Ecozones Association. It is given to organizations that generate the most number of jobs, hold high regard for the welfare of their workers, and maintain harmony between labor and management.

Sutherland Philippine’s management team, chairman and CEO Dilip Vellodi said, “To win this prestigious award year after year is a very strong testament to the dedication of our employees in the Philippines, who have all helped in making this happen.”

Vellodi added, “Since our launch in 2005, our operations in the Philippines have become a strategic component of our global service delivery model. The country’s favorable economic environment, business-friendly government policies and above all the technically skilled and committed workforce have been driving forces in our ability to rapidly scale our operations across several locations in the country.”

The business process outsourcing (BPO) company was also awarded the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) for Commitment to Quality Management during the 11th PQA awarding rites conducted annually by the Department of Trade and Industry. Sutherland holds the honor of being the first and only BPO company who has been given the award in the last 10 years.

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Azkals to play in Manila

Roy — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:56:32 +0000

The popular football team Azkals will play in the country on July. Team coordinator Patrick Ace Bright confirmed on Thursday that the first qualifying match between Philippine’s Azkals and Sri Lanka for the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on July 3.

“This will not be the last time the Azkals will play here in the Philippines. We still have an upcoming match against Kuwait and we look forward to bringing the game here in Panaad (Park and Stadium),” Bright said. The Azkals will play a home and away game where the June 29 match will be in Sri Lanka.

Bright also added that by having the game in Manila, the will be able to transport its logistics to the country easily.

Philippine Football Federation (PFF president Mariano Araneta said that Panaad Stadium was also considered as a probably venue for the match against Sri Lanka. But he explained that PFF also wanted to hold the match here, since the country has not hosted an international match for quite some time. The latest of which was the 1991 Southeast Asian Games held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium where the Philippine Team reached semifinals.

Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman and PFF Advisory Council member Monico Puentevella said that since the capital of the Philippines is Manila, Manileños should be given the see the Azkals too. “I hope we don’t threaten the games here with the 30 percent amusement tax the next time it will be staged here. The Azkals will surely generate millions with this game in Rizal,” he said.

It could be recalled that last February, the match between the Azkals and Mongolia in Bacolod City, the Bacolod City Council passed a resolution charging the organizers with a 30 percent amusement tax on the ticket sales of the match. Fortunately, the city council waived the tax later upon the request of the PFF.

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Immigration barred 34 OFWs from leaving

Roy — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:04:46 +0000

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) barred 34 prospective overseas Filipino workers from leaving the country. The passengers were prevented from boarding a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight to Bangkok after confessing that they were OFWs disguised as business travelers after intense questioning from immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

BI airport operations chief Lina Andaman Pelia said, “They were offloaded for not having the required clearances and employment permits from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).”

The Bangkok-bound passengers said they were supposed to find employment in Thailand. Some of them had work in Dubai and other Middle East countries. They were allegedly travelling on a business visa that was provided by a company in Dubai that was supposed to process their work permits in Thailand.

BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. commended the immigration officers for their vigilance and asked them to be more careful and step up their efforts in not allowing undocumented OFWs. The immigration office, however, refused to divulge the names of passengers as the anti-human trafficking law prohibits the public disclosure of both the traffickers and their victims.

During the course of their investigation, the immigration officer found out that the travelers were going to work for the Super Giant Touring Carnival owned by Apirom Properties Company Ltd., an affiliate of the Big Fun World based in Dubai and where many of the passengers previously worked.

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Architect board topnotcher crowned Bb Pilipinas Universe 2011

Roy — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 01:57:19 +0000

A 24-year old beauty and brain lady who hails from General Santos City was crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2011. Shamcey Supsup, a magna cum laude graduate from UP Diliman who finished B.S. Architecture and June 2010 Architecture Licensure Exam board topnotcher, bested 39 other candidates for the right to represent the country in the upcoming Miss Universe 2011 to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil this September. Supsup is also a high school salutatorian from the Makati High School.

Aside from the crown and the prestige, Supsup also won several awards like Best in Talent, Miss PAL, and Miss Cream Silk.

The coronation, which was held on April 10, 2011, Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum, was hosted by actors KC Concepcion and Derek Ramsay together with beauty queens Lara Quigaman (2005 Miss International) and Miriam Quiambao (1999 Miss Universe 1st runner up).

Supsup, who stands 5’7” beat 14 other semi-finalists after answering the question, “What worthy cause do you identify yourself with and why?” with “I think the one worthy cause I can identify myself with is valuing education. Because I believe education is something that cannot be taken away from you. You can have money, you can have fame, but in the end, it can be taken from you. But education will always be there to help you.”

Though an early favorite, she was surprised, but nevertheless ecstatic for winning the crown. “I still can’t believe it. It was just like a dream. Whatever happens, it happens for a reason and God has a plan for every one of use… there’s so many beautiful and incredibly talented women,” she said.

Last year’s Binibining Pilipinas first runner-up Diane Necio won Binibining Pilipinas Miss International. Bicolana beauty Necio will represent the country in the Miss International competition to be held in Chengdu, China later this year. Named as Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism was Isabella Manjon.

Mary Jean Lastimosa took 2nd runner-up while Janine Tugonon won 1st runner-up. Best in Swimsuit was won by Queenieric Rehman and Luzelle Felipe took the Best in Long Gown title. The People’s Choice for the Face of Bb. Pilipinas 2011, based on text votes which closed on Sunday at 7 p.m., went to Angelia Ong.

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Johnson & Johnson fined $70 million by US authorities

Roy — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 05:23:45 +0000

Multinational firm Johnson & Johnson was fined by the United States authorities $70 million on for bribing doctors in Europe and paying kickbacks for contracts under a United Nations (UN) relief program in Iraq.

According to the US Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission, the cosmetics and drug giant has paid doctors and hospitals in Greece, Poland and Romania for contracts and to promote its drugs and medical devices.

The company was also said to have paid kickbacks between the years 2000-2003 for 19 contracts under the UN Oil for Food Program, which provided humanitarian supplies to Iraqis while the country was still ruled by Saddam Hussein.

Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay US authorities $70 million to settle the charges, including $48.6 million to the SEC and $21.4 million to the Justice Department. US prosecutor Mythili Raman said that the company had “cooperated extensively” during the investigation.

SEC enforcement director Robert Khuzami said, “The message is plain; any competitive advantage gained through corruption is mirage. J&J chose profit margins over compliance with the law by acquiring a private company for the purpose of paying bribes, and using sham contracts, offshore companies, and slush funds to cover its tracks.”

Based on the investigation conducted by the authorities, Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiaries Cilag AG International and Janssen Pharaceutica made $858,000 dollars in payoffs to Saddam Hussein’s governments to win $9.0 million in contracts under the deeply corrupted Oil for Food Program.

The kickbacks were said to have been concealed from the United Nations by inflating Janssen and Cilag’s contract prices by 10 percent. The SEC also said that the company was under a related investigation by Britain’s Serious Fraud Office and that a resolution was also expected.

Johnson & Johnson is the 15th largest company in the US in terms of market capitalization.

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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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Globe continues providing low-cost rates for families of OFWs

Roy — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:00:06 +0000

In its effort to alleviate the plight of Filipino families who have love ones working abroad, Globe Telecom announced that it will continue to provide more affordable rates for international services.

Head of Overseas Filipino Communities and Alliances, Consumer Marketing of Globe Telecom Richie Sison said “In these times of uncertainties in other parts of the world, we recognize the need to stay in constant touch with friends and relatives who are overseas, with more options available, making IDD calls from the Philippines to the world has become even more affordable.” He added, “The mobile phone is still the most immediate way of contacting loved-ones abroad and we are making our international services available to ease the worries of our kababayan both here and abroad.”

The Globe IDD Sakto Calls promo will be maintained until April 30 to allow families of OFWs more flexible talk time with their loved-ones abroad. The IDD Sakto Calls give callers one of the lowest IDD rates in the country. For just 15 centavos (P0.15) per second, families here can call their loved-ones in United States, Hawaii, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, Thailand, Kuwait, Equatorial Guinea, United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia. These are mostly places with great numbers of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). In other countries, the rate is 30 centavos (P0.30) per IDD second. These rates are about half the price of regular IDD calls.

Globe IDD Sakto Calls requires no registration. Subscribers only need to dial 12800 + country code + area code + phone number to call an international landline. For international mobile phone numbers, just dial 12800 + cellphone number. Without the 12800 prefix though, they will be charged with the regular IDD rate of US$0.40 per minute. This service is best for quick hi’s and hello’s and in giving updates and other short messages because of its exact, pay-per-use per second charging.

Other low-cost Globe products are tipIDD card for those who want the best per-minute rates, available in denominations of P25, P100, and P200. It offers rates as low as P2.5 per minute to US, Canada and Hong Kong.

For those who want to keep in-touch via text messaging, there’s ITXT50 which gives subscribers 100 international texts good for 10 days to 190 destinations worldwide for just P50. To register for the service, just text ITXT50 to 8888.

Globe Telecom is relentless in growing partnerships to provide the world-widest coverage and the most affordable offers to its subscribers. Globe currently has more than 25 international call and text products and offers in 17 countries that give lower rates for calls to the Philippines, and over 600 roaming partners from all over the world.