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Former Bataan gov off the hook
The Sandiganbayan announced on Sunday that it has cleared former Bataan Governor Leonardo Roman of a P3.66-million graft charge stemming from the anomalous construction of a mini-theater at the Bataan State College in 2004. Citing the prosecution’s failure to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the anti-graft court’s Second Division acquitted Roman of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or RA 3019 in a 41-page ruling. “As the prosecution, in this case, failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt all the elements of Section 3(e) of RA 3019 under which the accused was charged, accused Roman should be entitled to an acquittal,” said the Sandiganbayan. To recall, the case against Roman involved the alleged awarding of a P3.66-million mini-theater project of the Bataan State College in 2004 in favor of V.F. Construction despite no allocated budget or appropriation for the project. He was also accused of colluding with his co-accused executive assistant Romeo Mendiola, treasurer Pastor Vichauco, budget officer Aurora Tiambeng, and accountant Numeriano Medina by giving unwarranted benefits to V.F. Construction for the release of the sum. Filed before the Ombudsman, the case stemmed from a complaint-affidavit dated 1 September 2004 accusing Roman and his cohorts of the crime of malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents. Roman served as the governor of Bataan from 1986 to 2004. In 2006, the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint for lack of probable cause. The Supreme Court affirmed the Ombudsman’s decision to drop the criminal charge. The Ombudsman, however, filed the case before the Sandiganbayan in 2015 following the SC’s ruling to reverse the criminal charge of graft. Based on the prosecution’s probe, Roman entered a contract with V.F. Construction to construct a mini-theater and rendered his authorizations, approvals, and certifications for the P3.66-million payment. Investigation revealed that Roman certified the project as fully completed and issued the payment to the construction firm in two installments. However, more than five months after the final payment was made to the construction company, the CoA discovered that the mini-theater, contrary to Roman’s declaration, was incomplete. The structure, it said, was only 50.7 percent complete. In clearing Roman, the Sandiganbayan stressed that it was “not convinced” by the prosecution’s theory that the erstwhile governor’s execution of a contract and approval of the payment with the V.F. Construction despite the lapses was tantamount to graft. “The evidence on record is insufficient to prove beyond reasonable doubt that there was bad faith, manifest partially, or gross inexcusable negligence on the part of the accused when he committed the questioned acts,” the Sandiganbayan said. According to the Sandiganbayan, while Roman may have committed mistakes in the performance of his duty, the fact remains that the evidence is insufficient to prove a serious breach of duty that was committed flagrantly, palpably, and with willful indifference or blatant and extremely careless manner. The post Former Bataan gov off the hook appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dirty brew
Harmony with the communities where San Miguel Corp. — which gained fame for its renowned beer — has put up its energy plants is not what the company is projecting, as most plants have been the subject of massive complaints from residents. According to a survey by think-tank Center for Energy, Ecology and Development, most of the complaints are related to the effects on the environment of the projects. For instance, in 2017, communities and civil society organizations launched the Break Free 2017 campaign to oppose the expansion of fossil fuel industries at the project site of SMC’s Limay Coal Power Plant. Residents of Limay, Bataan complained of being exposed to the emissions of the then 300-megawatt, or MW, coal plant and the 140-MW plant of the Petron Bataan Fuel Refinery. The groups’ claim that the plant’s testing operations may have resulted in ash spills was found to be accurate by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which issued a Cease and Desist Order. Before SMC acquired the Masinloc power plant in 2018, the plant was already subjected to opposition, which led to delays in its operation during the 1990s. Environmentalists, farmers, and fishermen at the time staged protests, claiming that contaminated water from the plant would reduce the fish catch. The Masinloc power plant was then owned and operated by state firm National Power Corp. and was billed as the solution to the long brownouts that Luzon suffered daily. Using his emergency powers, then-President Fidel Ramos endorsed the quick construction of the project, displacing over 1,000 individuals in the process. It was then discovered that the plant produced over 385,000 tons of ash yearly, putting local communities’ health at risk. The previous owners of the Masinloc power plant claimed to have spent over $1 billion for its realignment to make it more environmentally friendly. SMC considered the power asset as allowing them to increase their footprint in clean coal technology. There were then also complaints from residents whom CEED said were directly impacted by some of SMCGP’s coal power plants. The residents alleged harassment and intimidation by various individuals for them to give up their properties. In 2016, SMCGP proposed to construct and operate its Limay Power Station in Limay, Bataan. A portion of the power plant site was thereafter fenced off by private individuals who claimed to have sold the property, and people were prohibited from entering or accessing the crops they had planted in the area. The situation was the same in Sariaya, Quezon in 2018, after SMCGP proposed the construction of a circulating fluidized bed coal-fired power plant in the municipality. In Mariveles, Bataan, where SMC’s Mariveles coal-fired power plant units 1 to 4 will rise, residents found themselves ousted from the property they were living on, through rights, at the peak of the Covid-19 lockdowns by alleged landowners claiming the property had been sold. SMC’s mining business is also facing its fair share of opposition. Its Daguma Agro Minerals Inc., or DAMI, was granted a coal development and production operating contract in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat by the Department of Energy back in 2002. The contract included the 17,000 hectares of collective land that the SMC mining companies planned to explore. San Miguel Energy Corp. acquired full ownership of DAMI, which was owned by a group headed by businessman Ben Guingona. DAMI has coal mines in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, in areas known for being rich in mineral deposits. DAMI’s projects in South Cotabato were opposed by environmental advocates, the local Catholic diocese, and the host communities, due to environmental and encroachment concerns. DAMI uses the strip mining method, a form of open-pit mining that is forbidden by South Cotabato’s 2010 environment code. The provincial board of South Cotabato rejected a resolution that would have endorsed DAMI’s mining operations since it violated South Cotabato’s ban on open-pit mining. The provincial board, however, moved to amend the code and lift the ban. Local officials are now under fire as they kept residents unaware of SMC’s tree-clearing operations. South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., in response, vetoed the lifting of the ban on open-pit mining. The classic sound bite of the company of leaving no one behind is hard to discern from the way SMC treats communities it considers as getting in the way of its massive projects. The post Dirty brew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM opens new mall in Bataan
SM Investments Corp., the listed holding company of the Sy Group, through its property arm, has expanded its footprint in southern Luzon with the opening of another mall......»»
Safer, stronger communities with AboitizPower’s mangrove projects
As communities feel the effects of a warming world, the importance of propagating and protecting mangroves stand out in the efforts to mitigate carbon emissions buildup. While already being able to sequester three to five times more carbon than forest trees, mangroves also do a lot more, serving as a habitat for various species in coastal ecosystems — hence, sustaining the livelihoods of fisherfolk — and as a protector of vulnerable communities against erosion and storm surges. In celebration of the International Day for Conservation of Mangroves, Aboitiz Power Corporation recognizes the tremendous importance of mangroves, as well as the exemplary efforts of its business units and stakeholders in helping conserve and restore mangrove forests in their communities. Quarterly collaborations In Maco, Davao de Oro, AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine, Inc. celebrated Philippine Environmental Month last June with another one of its quarterly collaborations with the public sector and civil society organizations in cleaning the coast and planting mangroves within its vicinity. “The first mangrove tree planting and clean-up drive took place in 2019, and since then, it has become a recurring event for TMI,” said TMI safety, health and environment supervisor Chrisyl Garcia. “By organizing these activities on a regular basis, TMI is able to contribute to the restoration of mangrove habitats and the overall well-being of coastal ecosystems.” “By conducting these events, TMI aims to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and engage community members, volunteers, and employees in hands-on conservation efforts. The initiative has likely fostered a sense of environmental responsibility among participants,” she added. On that single June day, a total of 110 kilograms of residual waste were collected, while 550 mangrove seedlings were planted. Over the years, TMI's mangrove-planting and clean-up drive has consistently gained momentum, with increased participation from volunteers from the Diocese of Maco, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, the 1001st Brigade, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office and local private company Gas Island Petroleum Corp. “These stakeholders have played a crucial role in leading discussions on how to effectively plant the mangroves. Their expertise and experience have been invaluable in guiding the participants on the proper techniques and methods of planting mangrove saplings. They share their knowledge about the ideal planting locations, appropriate species selection, and necessary care and maintenance practices for the newly planted mangroves,” Garcia said. This collaboration has enhanced the success and impact of TMI's mangrove-planting and clean-up drives, ensuring that the activities are conducted in a well-informed and efficient manner. “Overall, the consistent involvement of volunteers and leaders in discussing mangrove planting techniques underscores the collective effort and shared commitment towards the preservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems,” said Garcia. [caption id="attachment_162206" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] Volunteers from public, private and civil society organizations work together at TMI, not just in planting mangroves, but also in fostering strong partnerships and creating a platform for knowledge exchange and shared responsibility in mangrove conservation.[/caption] Adopt-a-mangrove Meanwhile, in Mariveles, Bataan, GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. kickstarted its own efforts in mangrove conservation by signing a memorandum of agreement with development partners for an estimated P7-million “5 Hectares Orani Mangrove Adoption and Protection Project” that is expected to start implementation in September. Under the MOA, GMEC partnered with the provincial government of Bataan, the municipality of Orani, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association to improve the existing conditions of the mangrove areas in the allotted five hectares for a period of five years, subject to possible renewal. “Through this initiative, we envision to improve the existing conditions of the mangrove areas in the province of Bataan, starting in the municipality of Orani,” said GMEC associate vice president for community relations Arcel Madrid. “Adopting a mangrove site is vital for coal-fired power plant companies like GMEC because mangrove forests play a significant role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration.” “With these efforts, GMEC will also help uplift the lives of our community partner, the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association, by providing a sustainable fishing ground and viable alternative livelihood to improve their socio-economic status,” he added. In the longer run, GMEC looks forward to more mangrove site adoption projects and other corporate social responsibility endeavors that are aligned with local and national development goals. [caption id="attachment_162207" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Representatives from GMEC, the Provincial Government of Bataan, the Municipality of Orani, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association sign an MOA on mangrove adoption and protection.[/caption] Coastal stronghold At the coastal area of Punta Dumalag, Davao, the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park stands as a sanctuary, not just of pawikan (turtles) and rare bird species, but also of mangrove biodiversity. “It’s unbelievable how [the] Aboitiz [Foundation] has developed Punta Dumalag Cleanergy Park to what it is today,” said frequent visitor Cyra Quilaneta of Junior Chamber International Davaoeña Daba-Daba. “The highlight for us [in visiting the park] is the education and experience it provides our members and their guests, especially the youth. We get to appreciate the importance of mangroves by seeing its functions personally — trapping [coastal] trashes and [supporting] turtle hatcheries.” The team at AboitizPower distribution unit Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. spearhead the activities at the Cleanergy Park, which include educating students and guests by hosting tours, as well as assisting them with mangrove-planting. “JCI Davaoeña Daba-Daba, together with JCI Davao, is an organization that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly #14: Life Below Water. By protecting and restoring mangroves, we contribute to overall sustainable development,” Cyra said. To date, 18,138 mangroves have been planted at the Cleanergy Park. However, several natural and man-made factors have rendered its survival rate at only 30 percent. “While [the] Aboitiz Foundation and its partners have made commendable strides in mangrove protection, the task is far from complete. Mangrove protection requires collective effort to be effective. Mangroves face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change impacts, pollution, and unsustainable resource extraction,” Cyra explained. “To ensure the long-term viability of mangrove ecosystems, ongoing efforts are necessary. Continuous awareness, education and action of more groups and organizations is crucial.” “Sustainability remains at the core of AboitizPower and our business units have concretized this through their efforts in caring for mangrove ecosystems and the wider environment,” said AboitizPower president and CEO Manny Rubio. “I commend our team members for helping harness the collective efforts of the company, various partners and host communities in bringing us closer to our aspiration of a better and cleaner tomorrow.” The post Safer, stronger communities with AboitizPower’s mangrove projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bataan gov’t welcomes transshipment port proposal
Bataan is bidding to host the first-ever transshipment port in the country after the successful negotiation of the provincial government with a private infrastructure firm to undertake the multi-billion-peso project. Governor Jose Enrique S. Garcia, Freeport Area of Bataan Director Atty. Joey Angeles and officials of Premium Megastructures Inc. signed on Tuesday the Certificate of Successful Negotiations signaling the local government's acceptance of the proposed Bataan Transshipment Hub. PMI also received a Notice of Award from the provincial capitol to begin consultations with stakeholders, gather valuable input and undertake comprehensive studies in order to obtain the Notice to Proceed with the development of the BTH. “As PMI embarks on this ambitious journey to create the first future-ready transshipment hub in the Philippines, PMI extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial Government of Bataan, the local government of Mariveles, and the people of Bataan for its trust in this collaborative project,” PMI said in a statement. PMI is committed to excellence, sustainability, and ethical practices in undertaking this project, the company added. PMI still has one hurdle to overcome before it can start the ball rolling for the ambitious project. “The next step will be the Swiss challenge,” Angeles said in a text message to this writer. Under the Swiss challenge, another company may submit a better proposal to the Bataan government which the original project proponent has to beat or countermatch to formally clinch the negotiated contract. No details of the BTH were given, but the PMI's website says the transshipment port "promises to usher in a new era of innovation and efficiency in the logistics industry, bringing about a much-needed transformation that will benefit businesses and consumers alike.” PMI also described the BTH as "a game-changer for the Philippine economy by introducing cutting-edge technology in bringing in larger import-export volumes, streamlining supply chains, improving market access, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing logistics infrastructure efficiency." A teaser video of the proposed BTH can be seen on the PMI website. It shows a sprawling containter terminal with several berths and equipped with gantry cranes. The post Bataan gov’t welcomes transshipment port proposal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Decommissioned Navy ship runs aground near Bataan shore due to strong waves
The decommissioned Philippine Navy ship, BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81), has run aground near the shore of Sitio Crossing, Barangay Poblacion, Morong, Bataan around 8 a.m. on Friday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The vessel is set to be used as a mock enemy target against a joint team of marines from the Philippines and the United States in a scheduled ship-sinking exercise this week, during the semi-annual Marine Aviation Support Activity 2023. The PCG reported the vessel was under tow en route to Subic, Zambales for the MASA’s maritime strike exercise. The coast guard added that MT Lake Caliraya’s tow lines snapped due to strong waves, brought about by the current weather disturbance, causing the vessel to drift. PCG-Bataan is currently conducting a rescue operation for three crew members aboard the motor tanker—which had no stored fuel onboard. The maritime strike involves the conduct of live fire maneuvers wherein the combined forces will have to sink a decommissioned PN vessel. This was supposed to take place approximately 10 to 12 nautical miles west of the Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqi Beach on 14 July. Marine Corps Public Affairs Office director, Capt. Jarald Rea, earlier said this year’s MASA is focused on the aligned procedures, tactics, and communications among marines, navy, and air forces. “A semi-annual activity of the Philippine and US military, MASA 2023 hopes to further improve interoperability, allowing both forces to operate seamlessly and effectively in joint operations,” Rea said. Decommissioned in 2020, the BRP Lake Caliraya was the Navy’s first motor tanker acquired from the Philippine National Oil Company. This maritime event is supposed to be the second sinking exercise conducted by the Philippines and the US this year, with the first one was back in April when a PN corvette formerly known as BRP Pangasinan, was sunk off the coast of Zambales after being used as a mocked target by Filipino and American forces during the Balikatan Exercises. The post Decommissioned Navy ship runs aground near Bataan shore due to strong waves appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alternergy tapped under Villar deal
A unit of Alternergy Holdings Corp. of former Energy Secretary Vicente Pérez Jr. has formalized an agreement to supply renewable energy to a company owned by the Villar group. Solana Solar Alpha Inc., a subsidiary of Alternergy Group’s Solar Pacific Energy Corp., will supply Kratos RES Inc., a unit owned by Villar Group’s Prime Asset Ventures Inc., with 10 megawatts of clean power from the soon-to-be-built Solana Solar Power Project located in Hermosa, Bataan. Under the deal, Solana Solar can expand its RE supply to Kratos RES up to 20 MW. RE transition set “We are pleased to partner with Kratos RES to help its electricity end-consumers achieve their sustainability goals and transition their power supply to renewable energy,” Alternergy chairman and Solana Solar Chairman and president Pérez said. Meanwhile, for Solar Pacific Chief Executive Officer Mike Lichtenfeld, the partnership will help “provide reliable and cost-competitive electricity supply to malls, offices, complexes, and manufacturing facilities served by Kratos.” “By partnering with Kratos, we are proud to assist these sectors make sustainability part of how they operate,” Lichtenfeld said. The 20MWAC/28WDC Solana Solar Power Project has recently secured financing commitments from a leading Philippine commercial bank and a commitment for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction from a leading EPC provider. Early works activities have started with the full-swing construction to commence in the coming months. Alternergy has been investing a significant amount to expand its clean energy portfolio. It aims to develop up to 1,245 MW of additional wind, offshore wind, solar, and run-of-river hydro projects. Alternergy was involved in the development of the 33-MW Bangui Bay wind farm in Ilocos Norte — the first commercial wind farm in Southeast Asia at that time. The post Alternergy tapped under Villar deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Puregold buys 14 Divimart stores
Amid an ongoing business expansion, Puregold Price Club Inc., a supermarket chain owned by retail tycoon Lucio Co, has acquired 14 DiviMart branches nationwide. In a report to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, the company disclosed that the buyout deal with DiviMart Supermarkets includes “leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment and merchandise inventory.” The stores are located in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Bataan, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija and Olongapo, as well as the cities of Pasig and Manila. Puregold pointed out that this new investment will provide the company instant access to Divimart stores that may eventually be converted into Puregold stores “under a sublease transaction.” 18 other branches evaluated Additionally, the company is also evaluating 18 other Divimart locations that can be transformed into Puregold stores. “The consideration for the acquisition is below 10 percent of the Corporation’s book value,” it also noted. In 2022, Puregold booked a double-digit increase in its bottom line due to the increase in consumer demand as economies reopened. The company’s net income increased by 13.5 percent to P9.287 billion from P8.180 billion the past year. It was Driven by a 12.3 percent to P184.303 billion net sales jump from P164.125 billion a year ago. The post Puregold buys 14 Divimart stores appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan defends nuke waste release
The Embassy of Japan said 1.3 million tons of liquid waste from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant had been undergoing treatment and monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The treatment is before the waste’s “safe disposal” into the Pacific Ocean by the operator of the power plant, Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power Company. Environmental group Bantay Nukleyar recently asked the Philippine government to protest the disposal of nuclear waste into the ocean. In a statement, the embassy said the IAEA had determined that the disposal plan complied with the safety requirements for nuclear waste using an advanced liquid processing system, or ALPS. The process supposedly removes harmful radioactive substances from the liquid used to cool down the nuclear reactors. In 2021, the Japanese government approved the disposal of nuclear waste which could fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Scientists said it would take decades or up to 40 years to fully dispose of the waste through ALPS. Also in 2021, the plant’s operator asked the IAEA to review its disposal plan. IAEA will check the radioactive content level of the liquid waste before allowing its disposal into the ocean, the embassy said. “We do not see a need to conduct any further technical review missions to Japan prior to the release,” the IAEA said. Bantay Nukleyar’s protest came amid proposals to activate the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, which was built in the 1970s in response to the 1973 oil crisis. The plant never operated amid the fear raised by the 1986 nuclear plant disaster in Chernobyl, Ukraine. The post Japan defends nuke waste release appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
35, including MARINA, PCG personnel, charged for oil spill
The National Bureau of Investigation and the mayor of the municipality of Pola, Oriental Mindoro filed charges against 35 respondents consisting of public and private individuals before the Department of Justice yesterday, in connection with the oil spill from the sinking of the MT Princess. In the briefer sent by DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesman Atty. Mico Clavano yesterday evening, the complainants are the NBI Environmental Crime Division and Mayor Jennifer M. Cruz, of the municipality of Pola, Oriental Mindoro. The charges are multiple counts of falsification by private individuals and multiple use of falsified documents under Article 172 in relation to Article 171 (7) of the Revised Penal Code. The document allegedly falsified is the certification of public convenience of the sunken ship full of oil. The RDC Reield Marines Services Inc., directors of the sunken ship, are presumed to be the authors of the falsified documents as they were in possession of the same and made use of the document, according to the complaint. They also benefitted from the use of the said fake document that allowed the ship to sail. The captains of the vessel, according to the complaint, are also likewise liable as they are considered general agents of the shipowner. Philippine Coast Guard personnel are also purportedly allegedly liable as they conduct pre-departure inspection for domestic oil tankers prior to voyage, and that includes checking the validity of the CPC. The specific persons charged from RDC include seven incorporators and directors from the MT Princess crew, six crew members from the PCG and 19 coast guard personnel of different ranks. The complaint further stated that the those charged from RDC and PCG are also facing multiple falsification of Public or official documents under Article 171 (4) of the RPC, for allegedly falsifying the construction certificate and tonnage measurement certificate and the (b) certificate of ownership and (c) certificate of Philippine Registry. It said officials from MARINA and RDC Reield Marines Services Inc., allegedly conspired for the purpose of illegally registering the MT Princess empress with false documents. The specific persons charged for Article 171 (4) of the RPC are two directors of Region V head of Marina Shipyard Region V and two company officials from RDC. For Perjury under Article 183 of the RPC, two company officials allegedly perjured supporting documents to apply for a tonnage measurement certificate. Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said the construction certificate, the tonnage measurement certificate and the certificate of Philippine Registry indicated that the MT Princess Empress was constructed in Bataan when in fact it was constructed in Navotas. -- The post 35, including MARINA, PCG personnel, charged for oil spill appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ignore loose cannons
Filibusters, obstructionists, and rabble-rousers have indicated plans to gang up on the Maharlika Investment Fund bill once President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signs it into law by challenging the measure before the Supreme Court. A left-wing party list said it “will definitely” challenge it by questioning the constitutionality of the MIF bill, on the grounds that it was rushed. The sourgraping group will be joined by the discredited oppositionist in the Senate who was absent during the vote on the bill as he took a recess a day earlier than his colleagues. The group termed the urgent certification by Malacañang of the bill as an “abuse of presidential certification of emergency,” which is a product of their imagination since the President regularly endorses his pet bills. Instead of defending the work of the legislature, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said he will assist as a “source of some facts, information and arguments” in assailing the edict before the SC. Pimentel also ridiculously demanded that President Marcos veto the bill and return it to Congress. Knowing that it was a priority measure, Pimentel now wants the Chief Executive to make a fool of himself by rejecting the MIF and tossing it back to Congress. He argues that it will give lawmakers a “chance to take a second look at the measure to address the concerns raised by many sectors.” Had Pimentel not played truant, he would not need the second look that he is now demanding. Legal experts said the High Tribunal will not allow itself to become part of the farce of the detractors and will respect the separation of powers principle. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, who voted against the MIF bill, ceded that an SC challenge will not prosper. Petitions challenging the bill’s constitutionality, once it becomes a law, have no issues that will require a Supreme Court review, he simply explained. “Congressional wisdom and expediency are not justiciable issues before the Supreme Court. Thus, I am dousing cold water on projected petitions to challenge the constitutionality of the MIF,” Lagman acknowledged. The legislator recalled the case of former Bataan Rep. Enrique Garcia v. the Executive Secretary in which the SC made clear that it will “not delve into the policy or wisdom of a statute.” Lagman’s view is that if there would be a need for changes in the law, the right step will be “to seek its amendment or repeal by the legislature itself.” The detractors’ rumblings are thus part of their frantic effort to gain relevance using the MIF as a springboard that in turn exposes their vested interest. The oppositors to the bill should consider that the SC is too busy with more important concerns to be bothered by their political play. Had they been doing their job, Pimentel and company would have introduced relevant provisions to the bill that should have tightened its safeguards against abuse. While the majority of the legislators had the good judgment to craft a law that would raise the interest of investors in the country, the slackers are trying to pull it down to salvage their names from obscurity. The MIF will benefit the nation — as the majority of the economic officials explain it — and the detractors of the bill have nothing to offer but hatred. The post Ignore loose cannons appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl’s 100th Power Mac
Power Mac Center is celebrating its biggest milestone yet — the opening of its 100th location nationwide in the brand-new SM City Bataan. This store is an addition to the wide network of PMC and The Loop retail branches, as well as Mobile Care Service Centers nationwide. PMC’s strategic locations enable the company to provide the best Apple experience to all Filipinos wherever they are across the archipelago. “With every location we reach, we aim to make a home for communities that share our passion for technology and build great experiences for them. As we open our 100th home, we celebrate those communities and look forward to serving more in the future,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC director of product management and marketing. Established in 1994, Power Mac Center is a recognized Apple Premium Reseller, Apple Authorized Education Reseller, Apple Authorized Training Provider, and Apple Authorized Service Provider in the country. It also recently obtained “Apple Premium Partner” status, which is the global tech giant’s newest and highest distinction of reseller retail stores globally, with the opening of the Philippines’ first APP store in Power Plant Mall. PMC SM City Bataan at the Second Level Cyberzone is the second branch in the province and the seventh overall location in Central Luzon, following branches in SM City Pampanga, SM City Telabastagan, SM City Clark (Mobile Care service center), Vista Mall Bataan, SM City Olongapo Central and Harbor Point Mall. The post Phl’s 100th Power Mac appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoE mulls NGCP audit within year
The Department of Energy may order within the year the holding of the long-delayed comprehensive system and performance audit of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the country’s lone transmission system operator. “We will be issuing the necessary orders to commence this, of course within the year. We’re just waiting for all the audit reports to be in and accepted by the Energy Regulatory Commission,” Lotilla said in a recent interview with reporters. Lotilla reiterated that a comprehensive review is needed to get to the bottom of all the country’s transmission problems, which usually causes power interruptions. “Our job is to make sure that we have the proper, called for comprehensive study and audit that will be the basis for finding out what is the solution for finishing three major interconnection projects,” the Energy chief said. “We need to finish these projects first and foremost because these will free up stranded power. There’s 600 megawatts or even more that gets stranded in Bataan, for instance,” he explained. ERC holds review Currently, the ERC is conducting a full regulatory performance audit of the NGCP, while Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management and National Transmission Corporation will also launch a contract performance review of the operator. The DoE had floated anew the call to subject NGCP to a comprehensive audit after the Luzon grid was placed in yellow and red alerts early this month due to the tripping of the transmission line that caused some power plants to fail. For its part, the NGCP already relayed that it will continue to open its gates to any government-funded audit of its systems and operations. However, NGCP spokesperson Atty. Cynthia Alabanza said Thursday that the China-backed company will only open its doors on the condition that any audit proceedings will follow its regulatory framework. “On the audit, for as long as it is within the regulatory framework that NGCP works under its franchise and concession agreement, we are open to that,” Alabanza said. The NGCP holds a 25-year franchise to solely operate the power transmission assets of the government and secure power reserves for contingency. Among others, NGCP is undertaking the P52-billion Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project or MVIP. The DoE previously said the project will launch within the first half of the year but will be pushed back anew to an indefinite date still within the year. The MVIP will link together all three major Philippine islands to create one grid. The NGCP was authorized by the ERC to start building the project way back in 2017. It was initially scheduled to be completed in 2020 but it was delayed due to the pandemic. Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara stated if NGCP had completed the Visayas-Mindanao connectivity project, Mindanao might have augmented Luzon’s electricity delivery. Still, Reyes pointed out that the resulting power outages have threatened the lives of the people, who are in critical need of life support services and medical attention throughout the summer months. He then emphasized that the reliability of power supply is necessary for the delivery of medical services and other life-affirming medical treatments, and these power interruptions caused by the lack of proper ancillary service agreements “clearly stems from NGCP’s failure to recontract these services early on.” The post DoE mulls NGCP audit within year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Traditional fuel still needed — APC
Despite strong initiatives to drive up renewable energy development in the country, Aboitiz Power Corp. or APC said traditional gas-fired power plants will continue to play a “critical role” in attaining energy security in the country. In a recent television interview, AboitizPower president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio pointed out that these plants provide “dependable energy,”, especially during the summer months when electricity demand is an all-time high. “Existing thermal plants will continue to have a significant role to play in terms of providing reliable and stable power for the country,” Rubio said. “Energy demand has bounced back quite significantly. We are seeing record peaks in the last few weeks given the hot weather,” he said. However, Rubio pointed out that supply and demand margins currently remain thin as the only new investment for base load capacity was GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co.’s 1,336-megawatt power plant in Mariveles, Bataan. GNPower Dinginin, the biggest coal-fired power plant to be built in the country, operates under the private limited partnership of APC Therma Power, Inc. and AC Energy Holdings Inc. For Rubio, increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix should be “calculated and well-managed” and not “urgent and aggressive” due to “potential unintended consequences and standing tradeoffs.” Rubio also noted that small modular reactors can also help the country’s transition to a cleaner energy mix. Small reactors in mix “I believe that small modular reactors will have a role to play in the Philippine energy setting,” he said, adding that APC is in continuous discussion with SMR technology providers, including multinational NuScale Power Corp. “I think the timeline will still be around mid-2035 when we can see this to be operating in the Philippines,” he said. Nuclear energy technology is seen as a source of reliable and clean baseload power, considering the weather-independence of its fuel and its zero CO2 emissions. APC is currently expanding its RE portfolio to 4,600 MW in the next 10 years, resulting in a 50:50 balance between its RE and thermal capacities. The company has a pipeline of more than 1,000 MW of RE projects, including developing wind and solar farms throughout the country, as well as geothermal. APC operates coal plants Pagbilao units 1 and 2 via Therma Luzon, Inc. and Pagbilao Unit 3 via a joint venture with TeaM Energy called the Pagbilao Energy Corp. The post Traditional fuel still needed — APC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Who says ‘walang iwanan?’
While there are laws that limit a ship charterer’s responsibility in an oil spill, a company mouthing solidarity during the pandemic and beyond appeared to have lost its voice and its sense of community following the oil spill tragedy in Mindoro. Considering the strong proof that San Miguel Corp. is responsible for the toxic cargo of the star-crossed MT Princess Empress, the Asian conglomerate has been amazingly keeping its distance and silence on the disaster that has afflicted the areas around Oriental Mindoro, including the ecological treasure Verde Island Passage. During the pandemic, SMC’s battle cry was “Walang Iwanan,” which residents of the devastated communities are now waiting to be fulfilled. Lately, reports from environmental monitors indicate that the polluting slick has reached the main tourist spot of Puerto Galera. A Philippine Coast Guard report referred to an analysis by French outfit Cedre showing that the oil scooped from the sea off Mindoro is industrial fuel of the same quality found in the tank of the SL Harbor Bulk Terminal operated by a San Miguel subsidiary, San Miguel Lighterage and Shipping Corporation. The oil samples were forwarded to the Center for Documentation, Research, and Experimentation on Accidental Water Pollution based in France by a French oil spill expert sent to Oriental Mindoro. “Cedre compared the samples collected on the shoreline to two reference oil samples considered representative of the fuel onboard the MT Princess Empress before the accident — the first oil sample collected at sea in the direct vicinity of the wreck, and the second sample gathered from the tank of SL Harbor Bulk Terminal in Limay, Bataan, where the vessel acquired its industrial fuel oil,” the PCG report stated. The sunken MT Princess Empress, owned by RDC Reield Marine Services, was carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil that leaked and is now spreading in the waters off Oriental Mindoro, Batangas, Palawan and Antique. The catastrophe inflicted on nature had Oriental Mindoro bearing the brunt of its effect and the efforts to contain the damage had turned to the Verde Island Passage, a body of water between Batangas and Mindoro which is a global center of marine biodiversity. Local governments in the affected areas reported a total of 37,871 families in 187 barangays in Oriental Mindoro, Batangas, Palawan and Antique suffering the effects of the spill as a result of fishing bans and the negative impact on tourism. Humanitarian and ecological groups said efforts to contain the oil spill and hold accountable those responsible for it should be speeded up as Puerto Galera’s waters were recently declared unsafe for swimming. The economic disruption is happening in the middle of the summer peak season for tourists. “Puerto Galera and other areas in the VIP affected by the oil spill are set to lose millions in expected income from tourism. The continued spread of the oil slick will cause more damage unless it is completely contained by the government. Damage already done must be compensated for by those responsible, whom the government must identify,” Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Protect Verde Island Passage convenor, said. The chief ecology advocate in the area said residents rely on income brought by tourists who wish to see the beauty of the Verde Island Passage. In total, Gariguez’s group estimated that communities have foregone P1 billion in income as a result of the spill, which would constitute a reasonable percentage share of the record P4.5-billion group income of the top Philippine corporation. The company had said during the health emergency that it had responded to the challenge of helping the nation in times of need. That promise seems to have lost its fizz like stale beer. The post Who says ‘walang iwanan?’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
8 AFAB buildings produce solar power
Eight buildings located at the Freeport Area of Bataan in Mariveles town are now capable of producing solar power, with total capacity of 2.84 megawatts after leading agro-solar energy supply and solutions company Citicore Power Inc. completed the works ahead of schedule......»»
Petron
On Dec. 14, 2020, Petron Corp., the Philippines’ largest oil refining and marketing company, announced a planned shutdown of its $3.5-billion refinery in Bataan. .....»»
Bishops caution vs. revival of Bataan nuclear power plant
Diocese of Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos has expressed concern over the planned revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as part of the government’s intention to use nuclear energy as an additional source of power supply. Bishop Ruperto Santos (CBCP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) “We welcome and accept that there is a need for a study, but we want the government to be transparent and for its assessment to be open to the public. The plan must also be for the common good and must benefit public interest,” Santos said over Church-run Radio Veritas. “Let us remember that Russia conducted a study on the BNPP and found the power plant to be absolutely outdated. The use of nuclear energy will be dangerous for Bataan and for the country as a whole,” he added. The Church leader called on authorities to focus its attention and the country’s resources, instead, on the worsening coronavirus disease situation in the country. “The number of cases of coronavirus in the country has gone really high, but we do not have the capability to address it. We lack hospitals, medicines, and support for our health care workers. The government must pour its resources on the health crisis, which should be given priority,” Santos stressed. San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, vice chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Commission on Social Action Justice and Peace (CBCP-NASSA), earlier, expressed alarm over the Department of Energy’s intention to use nuclear energy as an alternative source of power. A study by the Department of Energy (DoE), the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), and the Korean Electric Power Company (KEPCO) said, the country will need to spend more than $1 billion in a span of four years to revive the 631-megawatt BNPP which was built in 1984......»»
Numerous Individuals and Businesses Profit from Trump Media Stock
Former President Donald J. Trump’s social media company, Truth Social, had a successful first official trading session on the Nasdaq, with shares surging and approaching.....»»
Jollibee invests $28 million in beverage tech firm
Filipino-owned Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. is investing $28 million for a 10 percent stake in beverage technology company Botrista Inc. to support the growth of its coffee and tea business......»»