DZME 1530khz Radyo Uno Now heard live on the internet! TradeExpress Asia Plus latest news online www.DZME1530.com THE NEWSPAPER FOR GOV'T AND BUSINESS LEADERS SUBSCRIBER'S COPY Vol. III No. 25 January 2007 Manila, Philippines A S&P Publication Unemployed reach 3m MORE than three million generation drive was launched after hand, has also risen to more than 20 By THE TRADEEXPRESS STAFF ballots may yet turn out to be swing Filipinos will remain jobless this year percent from 17 percent three years votes which will seal the fate of Mrs. Arroyo took over as president, and millions more will have only part- ago. And of the unemployed, more alarming. candidates in the May elections. the result is nowhere near the target. time work as the Philippines grapples than half a million are in their early The unemployment problem is To stem the tide of rising In a recent report, the Economic with a simmering unemployment 20s. expected to be among the top issues unemployment, the Arroyo Planning Office of the Philippine problem that may yet turn into a full- In terms of percentage, the which will be thrown at the Arroyo administration has launched a series Senate summed up the mismatch: blown crisis. unemployment rate may not be administration by political of initiatives to provide at least one “From 2003 to 2006, the number Officially, the unemployment immediately shocking but in opponents when the election period million new jobs annually to match of labor entrants grew more rapidly rate stands at just over 8.0 percent absolute terms, an army of three gets underway next month. the number of people who join the than the number of jobs created by on a labor force of about 36 million. million unemployed people roaming Considering that all the labor force every year. However, the economy. During the said Underemployment, on the other urban areas in search of work, is very unemployed are of voting age, their since the one-million-a-year job (Turn to page 2) P125 minimum wage increase seen as crucial issue in polls THE minimum wage increase of P125 daily which was approved by the Lower House of Congress last month is expected to become a hot political issue in the May elections after President Arroyo indicated she would veto the measure if it is adopted by the Senate. The Senate needs to approve the measure before it goes to Malacanang for signing into law. The increase to be spread from 2006 to 2008 in tranches of P45, 40 and P40 is vigorously opposed by the business sector which fears that it would stifle economic growth in the next two years. Workers’ groups, on the other hand, expressed disappointment that the wage hike was staggered instead of being given in full. They said it would not be enough to cope with the rising cost of living in most areas of the country. Members of Congress who are allied with the labor sector are likely SERIOUS PROBLEM. Everyday, thousands of young people queue before recruitment offices looking for work. The scene above is replicated in key areas of Metro Manila as (Turn to page 3) well as factories in the Calabarzon area. The idle workforce is expected to swell when hundreds of thousands of graduates finish college next month. SMUGGLING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS TradeExpress marks second China tagged main source of contraband year of service
CHINA has been identified as meats and raw meats such as pork member of the OIE, also known as left out in monitoring incoming THE little paper that says a lot the main source of smuggled and poultry. the World Organization for Animal shipments because they have no is now two years old, and going agricultural products which pose a Local producers reported that Health. jurisdiction over imports that are not strong. serious threat to the viability of the continued inflow of smuggled Trade Express Asia learned that declared as agricultural products. TradeExpress Asia burst into domestic producers. goods was responsible for to evade quarantine inspection, Imports of agricultural the scene in January 2005 without Agricultural products which depressed prices of their products most shipments are usually declared products such as pork and poultry fanfare. Our first headline read, find their way into the local market resulting in huge losses for the as non-agricultural products such have been banned because of ‘More choices, cheaper prices’ – an without payment of proper taxes and sector last year. as plastic items and other consumer occurrences of foot and mouth analytical look at the economic clearance from quarantine officials Sources said that local goods although they are shipped disease and avian flu in China. benefits Filipinos can gain from trade include vegetables, processed authorities are having a hard time in refrigerated containers. However, sources noted that liberalization. The inside pages monitoring shipments of agricultural Quarantine officials of the imports of meats and vegetables featured a mish-mash of articles one products from China since it is not a department of agriculture are usually (Turn to page 2) wouldn’t normally read in the dailies What's Inside and our readers’ feedback were encouraging. Palau's economy Prices to fall further; inflation at 4-5% Before long, we became ‘the newspaper for government and business leaders’ – and, mind you, in full swing Page 3 PRICES of goods and services mainly to the stronger peso and payments of $72 million to the Asian we didn’t make that claim entirely falling prices of crude in the world are expected to fall further this year Development Bank for various without basis. TradeExpress Asia market. following a sharp decline in the rate loans. is being read in the corridors of Opening of inflation to a record 4.3 percent Other developments: - External debt dropped slightly government, in the offices of last month in what is generally seen - The international reserves of to $54 billion at the end of the third industry leaders and private Page 4 the third eye as a positive indication of how the the Central Bank reached an all-time quarter while the ratio of debt to GNP companies, in hotel lobbies and economy will perform in 2007. high of $23 billion at the end of the fell to 44.5 percent from 50.7 percent airline lounges, as well as by the Government economic year equivalent to 4.4 months of in 2005. diplomatic community, the academe Banks are awash planners forecast the inflation rate imports. Monetary authorities noted and other sectors of society. in 2007 to stabilize in the range of 4- - The Philippines exited from the that the stronger peso should keep In coffee shops and sitting with cash Page 6 5 percent from 6.2 percent last year. IMF program by prepaying loans domestic prices of products with rooms where TEA is available as The low inflation was attributed totaling $220 million, and advancing (Turn to page 3) (Turn to page 10) Published by S&P Strategists Corporation * E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] * Tels: 634-0270 / 634-6436 * Fax: 634-0275 2 TradeExpress Asia January 2007 Unemployment (From page 1) period, the country’s labor force grew by an average of 2.7 percent, or an additional 925,000 workers every year. “The number of jobs created, on the other hand, averaged only 752,750. This means that every year, 172,000 people are added to the already swollen ranks of the unemployed.” Economic analysts have estimated that to meet the job target, the economy will have to grow 7-8 percent annually. Last year, economic growth was less than 6 percent although it was still within the government’s target for the year. The Senate report noted, however, that the kind of growth that the government should pursue is “one which produces employment for as many people as possible.” It also suggested the adoption of a UN Development Program study that recommended making the agriculture sector the linchpin of the job generation program. TradeExpress Asia! From Virginia Food Inc. The government through Greetings to the department of agriculture has already identified the development of two million hectares of agricultural land which is expected to provide at least two million new jobs. Tapped to spearhead the program are Chinese agribusiness firms which have committed to provide funding and technology to the agricultural sector. Initially, Chinese firms plan to invest up to P9 billion in cassava and sugar plantations to provide raw materials for the production of ethanol. At present, the agriculture sector is the second biggest employer with a labor force of about 12 million, next to services with close to 16 million.
China tagged (From page 1) from China still continue. Many restaurants in Metro Manila still offer the specialty Peking duck from China although this has been banned years ago. Local producers have urged the department of agriculture and the Bureau of Customs to conduct a 100 percent inspection on all refrigerated shipments from China. If shipping documents declare that the contents of a refrigerated container are items that don’t need to be refrigerated, then there is something definitely wrong with the importation, a DA official said. As a result, agriculture producers have been lobbying for President Arroyo to revive the anti-smuggling task force to help curb smuggling. They recalled that when the task force was operational, smuggling of agricultural products was effectively checked. However, the task force was abolished following complaints from legitimate importers that it was interfering with the importation process and adding to their cost of business. January 2007 TradeExpress Asia 3 Palau's economy grows by 6%
By NAZARIO RODRIGUEZ, JR. in PALAU PALAU’s national economy continues but revenue performance continues to expand at a healthy The IMF officials said that the could be strengthened. pace, according to a team from the power shortages could constrain Accordingly, fiscal deficit in 2006 International Monetary Fund (IMF) growth, particularly if the tourism was 1.25 percent of GDP or two that concluded a weeklong regular sector is not addressed properly. It percentage points of GDP lower than assessment visit to the country last would be recalled that the country in 2005. month. experienced power outages due to The IMF officials said, Two members of the team, the breakdown of almost all the 30- however, that every major tax Senior Economist of the Asia and year old or so power generators that recorded either declining or Pacific Department Wafa Fahmi prompted the government to ration stagnant revenues in 2006, despite Abdelati and Division 9 Economist the supply on an eight-hour-on and solid increases in the underlying tax Erik Lueth, held a press briefing on five-hour-off basis. bases and no changes in the tax Wednesday at the Palau Pacific At present, three power laws, which they said points the Resort regarding the result of the generators have been leased from need to strengthen tax IMF visit. Singapore while awaiting the major administration. They suggested the The IMF officials said that repairs being done on the old introduction of taxpayer PGMA AND NOLI DISTRIBUTE CELAs IN PASAY. President Gloria Macapagal inflationary pressures remain generators that broke down. They identification numbers and Arroyo and Vice President Noli De Castro distribute Certificate of Lot Awards modest but power shortages and fall- also said that the fall-out of PSB (CELAs) to beneficiaries of the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) in improving the audit and penalty Malibay, Pasay City, who are members of the Hannibal Resettlement out from the failed Pacific Savings could have a significant impact on system. Program. With them are: Bishop Bernardino Cortez, auxiliary bishop in the Bank (PSB) pose downside risks. economic activity. Abdelati said that at present, Archdiocese of Manila (far right) and some Cabinet secretaries (at the “Most indicators suggest that “To support growth in the back). De Castro concurrently serves as chairman of the Housing and there is no individual TIN but only Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). economic activity expanded by 5-6 coming years the team saw a need for businesses. She said that to revise foreign investment percent in fiscal year 2006 and that economic growth could be much reconcile with Palau’s declared goal legislation and enforcement in a way government officials. inflation, while slightly elevated at lower last year compared to the last of financial self-reliance over the that prevents special interests from The team reiterated the need to 4.5 percent is on a downward trend,” three years if proper legislation medium-term. a statement said. setting up ‘fronts,’ thereby evading could be done. pass financial legislation that would The team met with Finance provide the Financial Institutions It explained that in principle, this taxation,” the press statement said. The officials said that the Minister Elbuchel Sadang, members Commission with a mandate to better growth momentum should carry over It said that preliminary data absence of revenue measures in the of the OEK, private sector protect depositors in the future. into FY07, aided by robust global indicate that fiscal consolidation current FY 2007 budget is hard to representatives and senior growth and large private and public investment projects.
Prices to (From page 1) imported components while a moderate outlook for agriculture should help ensure stable food prices. The average inflation rate last year was lower than the forecast of 6.9-7 percent for the year. In 2005, the inflation rate was recorded at 7.6 percent. The country’s exit from the IMF program was hailed by the multilateral institution as a sign of a stronger economy. “The Philippines’ ability to repay the Fun early reflects a stronger balance of payments position, achieved through impressive fiscal reforms that have substantially reduced the fiscal deficit and debt,” the IMF said.
P125 minimum (From page 1) to bring up the wage hike issue to the electorate to put pressure on the government to accept it. If granted by the government, the measure will boost the average daily minimum wage to slightly over P400, but still short of the estimated P684 needed by a family of six to meet the daily cost of living. In opposing the measure, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) warned that it could drive many businesses underground to survive. ECOP noted that the legislated wage hike completely disregarded “the stark realities of the Philippine labor market which is characterized by increasing chronic unemployment and underemployment, shrinking formal sector and an expanding informal sector.” The employers’ group also feared that the move would spark a cost-push inflation, more unemployment while making Philippine products less competitive in the international market. Labor officials have estimated that up to one million jobs could be lost if the legislated minimum wage hike is Greetings to TradeExpress Asia on its Second Anniversary! implemented. 4 TradeExpress Asia FEATURES January 2007
politicians, celebrities, and tunity has presented itself to unload musicians who want to keep in it) is “A blog always listens”. For This thing called blog touch with their end audiences. those of us who always had some Blogging has come a long way deep insights to share (we think), in the last ten years. From a handful but had to swallow their By PANKAJ TANEJA in CHANDIGARH of what can be compared to modern words because some loudmouth blogs in the mid nineties, to an friend always had a how-I-slew-the- estimated 60 million blogs dragon-and-saved-the-princess (staggering!!) today. The trickle tale to recount, blogs are heaven turned into a torrent with the coming sent. A blog is where you talk for a of software tools around the turn of change while others listen, and if the century which allowed lay users they want to react/respond to your to create their own blogs. The writing thoughts, they can do so in the form itch seems to have become a global of polite comments to your blog pandemic with an estimated post AFTER you have finished. doubling in the size of the blogging Another thing that charact- brigade every 6 months. This erizes blog writing is a lack of popularity has spawned a whole new structure. A blog is a book where one breed of businesses that have been is writer as well as publisher, a built around blogging such as newspaper where one is editor, a blogging tools, blogging sites, blog newspaper called Me Times (or search engines, blog statisticians, Myself Daily). Imagine the freedom! No structures to be tied down by, I DON'T know quite when, but impressions, daily experiences, and even blogging news! Mind did not want to be. But as all blogging, isn’t it??...err...boggling. no popular appetite to satiate, no somewhere in the past couple of changes assert themselves, the old inner musings etc. but most of these outpourings went into personal So why the spate of bloggers? toes to avoid stepping on, and no years the words “blog” and must yield to the new, the cycle of commas and full stops to pull you “blogging” silently tiptoed into my life must go on etc., once “computer diaries and only a select few - Why is that even flamboyant columnists, writers, famous people cowboys, the perennial outdoor down from glorious literary net consciousness. Initially it hater” turned “net junkie” became flights! Language, grammar, literary occupied only the fringes of my “blogger” and soon “compulsive - ever had an audience for their type, crowd around computers writings. But with the advent of the (much to the disgust of the steed) to form, structure, thoughts, attention and I never spared it much blogger”
By DONG A. DE LOS REYES in MANILA
‘TWAS some years back in Agoo, La present-day reality. Union where a psychic healer prayed smack Nope, those weren’t the things I was over my brows to pry open the so-called third supposed to see with the enhanced sense of eye. I was told not to womanize too much as vision. such a habit causes the peephole into another For starters, I’m supposed to see reality to gather wool— most likely pubic disembodied spirits and ghosts. hair—over the extra eye. I reasoned with the healer that only a nun could drop a habit and Fine by me. An eyeful of ghosts and she’ll probably be taking a bath or indulge in wandering spirits might be quite a sight. And something more interesting to watch. in the following days after the third eye’s gala opening, I was having a grand time with So that thingy between the eyebrows is spirits. Well, a lot of ‘em were not unlike the now open for business. Open but not as djinn in the Aladdin tale, trapped in a suitable gaping though as the splayed thighs of a vessel to keep their powers intact. The spirits maiden doing a split maybe a banana split. I communed with even came in fancy labels I was told that the extra sense of sight and high-sounding names. Carlos Primero. would allow me to heal ill folks. I shirked from Absolut Vodka Currant Flavored. Ginebra that task, stymied at the prospect of actually San Miguel. San Miguel Pale Pilsen. Johnnie causing afflictions to fade away. With a toast Walker. Lambanog Quezon. Each packed followed by a thirsty swig of suds, I made the quite a kick even as I tried to shun their point clear: “Here’s to the wound that never intoxicating company. heals! The more you scratch it the better it Too, reliable informants let me in on a feels.” wicked secret—certain local government I was warned that with that augmented officials throughout Metro Manila are in sense of sight I’d be seeing things out of the cahoots with ghost employees who bob up ordinary, even out of this Third World. Did I like pop up ads on certain days when their sound excited at the possibility of seeing powers are at their peak, usually at the 15th ladies without a stitch on even if they’re and 30th of each month. wearing an entire closet of wardrobe? ‘Tis sad I’m not yet imbued with the Would I be flabbergasted at the sight of powers to exorcise such ghosts, even ghost their original unaltered bods showing through projects that can rake in tunnels of monies despite the layers of silicone injections on for the powers that be behind ‘em ghosts. the upper labia and the mammaries, about I’m told that taxpayers unwittingly proffer three tablespoons of add-on make-up, and offerings of hard-earned cash in a puny bid four or five kilograms of blubber and suet to appease such wraiths and malignant liposuctioned off the thighs and tummies? presences. Thus I wondered aloud at the possibility The third eye is still peeled open and is of setting my extra eye on such horrors and still seeing wonders and horrors unfold like abominations now well ensconced in the curtains on a theater of the absurd. January 2007 TradeExpress Asia 5 6 TradeExpress Asia OPINION E-mail: [email protected] January 2007 EDITORIAL VFA review is in order
REGARDLESS of whatever stand the Philippine and US governments take at this time on the nuances of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), it has become increasingly clear that a review of the agreement is in order. Whether it is a treaty or an executive agreement is not the issue. What is at issue are the ambiguity and contradiction of key provisions of the agreement. Needless to say, however, the VFA should be appreciated in its entirety. But a closer look at some of its provisions indicates that some of them may not be in sync with each other. Take a look at the following provisions: Article II – It is the duty of United States personnel to respect the laws of the Republic of the Philippines and to abstain from any activity inconsistent with the spirit of this agreement, and, in particular, from any political activity in the Philippines. The Government of the United States shall take all measures within its authority to ensure that this is done. In My Notes By SAMUEL V. SENOREN Article V 1. (a) Philippine authorities shall have jurisdiction over United States personnel with respect to offenses committed within the Philippines and punishable under the law of the Philippines. Why only few take the money 2.(a) Philippine authorities exercise exclusive jurisdiction over United States personnel with respect to offenses, including offenses relating to the security of the Philippines, punishable under the laws of the Philippines, but not under being stretched to 72 months. But In their view, the foreign the laws of the Philippines. clients are not really biting. Why is competition is China. Name a 6. The custody of any United States personnel over whom it so? product and China has it. And sells the Philippines is to exercise jurisdiction shall immediately THE situation prevailing in the Part of the explanation was it dirt cheap too. reside with United States military authorities, if they so banking system is one instance summed up by a business associate Garments made in China. request, from the commission of the offense until completion which businessmen and budding who feared that if he took out a Shoes made in China. Electronic of all judicial proceedings….. In extraordinary cases, the entrepreneurs normally wish and business loan, he may have items made in China. Motorcycles Philippine Government shall present its position to the United long for. Banks are awash with cash difficulty paying it back and end up made in China. And practically States Government regarding custody, which the United States while lending rates have fallen with much less than without the everything that Filipino Government shall take into full account. In the event Philippine sharply. loan. He worried that he might not manufacturers produce and sell in judicial proceedings are not completed within one year, the There should be increased be able to sustain a business the domestic and export markets. United States shall be relieved of any obligations under this expansion or even make a new A visit to any of the malls in paragraph. The one year period will not include the time activity in the business sector, especially in areas which provide business viable. Metro Manila will readily confirm necessary to appeal. Also, the one year period will not include In short, there seems to be an that local products have been any time during which scheduled trial procedures are delayed new jobs for the rising population such as in manufacturing or apparent lack of confidence among displaced by the competition from because United States authorities, after time notification by many business people. China. Philippine authorities to arrange for the presence of the construction. But is such activity accused, fail to do so. happening in frenetic pace that Such lack of confidence stems The cost to produce goods in comes with an economic boom? from a whole range of issues that China is so scandalously low that it 10. The confinement or detention by Philippine authorities generally deter businessmen from translates to dumping prices for its of United States personnel shall be carried out in facilities Hardly, and many now wonder if the positive signs of growth as aggressively promoting their products in the export market. On agreed on by appropriate Philippine and United States businesses. But issues of politics the other hand, Filpino authorities. United States personnel serving sentences in the manifested in the exchange rate, the low inflation rate or the robust stock or peace and order are old hat. manufacturers have to run the Philippines shall have the right to visits and material gauntlet put up by government assistance. market among others, are for real. There is a litany of concerns which evoke fears but the most functionaries from the barangay A cursory reading of the aforementioned provisions will Banks are literally forcing clients to take the money and use it. notable of them have something to captain to the tax collector. Thus, show that the Philippines cannot exercise jurisdiction over do with foreign competition. The their cost of doing business soars. US personnel who are not in its custody as exemplified by the Even consumer loans are being telemarketed or even texted. Auto ongoing debate on the minimum So how can they compete and case of Daniel Smith. daily wage increase of P125 is only survive? financing which used to have a (Turn to page 8) Smith is held within the US embassy grounds over which maximum term of 60 months is now icing on the cake. the Philippine government has no jurisdiction. A more appropriate provision of the custody issue within the context of jurisdiction would be detention in agreed ViaThePen By FRANK GREGO premises within Philippine territory which may not have to be necessarily a jailhouse. So where is the exclusive jurisdiction of the Philippines as so provided in the agreement? Jack the Ripper reborn It now looks as if signing of the VFA was rushed during the last months of the Ramos presidency to make it a fait accompli for the incoming Estrada administration. Former President Estrada who was ousted two years later wiggling in a salivating, stimulating was dredged up, and the debris in a military-backed revolt may have handled the VFA issue dancing that conveyed to the four made the accused claim that she had differently. Jack the Rippers in the Visiting no reason to complain because she THE world over, some men still Forces Agreement that she was was a graduate degree holder of the entertain the hedonistic notion that game to have it that night with any arts of attracting the opposite certain types of women deserve to of them. Her special attraction, gender. TradeExpress Asia be raped. And even put to death! though, was to the less lettered 21- Her impious videotapes with a This intemperance has fashioned year-old high school graduate who foreigner were circulated in Metro Publisher: Samuel V. Senoren out several legendary characters in was the most handsome of the four. Manila sidewalks to convey a Editor: Denn A. Meneses criminal literature based on the true By sheer parental difficulty he dubious and ill-refined breeding. Correspondents story of the serial rapist, Jack the joined the military to content himself Her mother’s rough Tagalog Ripper. Manila: Constantino C. Gantinao III, Soledad S. Antonio, even just with the lowly rank of lance language of “balls” that the justice Tess R. Bigornia, Abe C. Marzo, Butch F. Guina The women he murdered were corporal for early job security. secretary had none seemed to Quezon City: Alejandro Danao Jr., Rose De La Cruz the promiscuous; the solo strollers Otherwise his parents would have confirm it. Bangkok: Connie S.P. Estampador in the thick of night; those who spurred him to pursue at least a four- She never raised a finger of Palau: Nazario Rodriguez Jr. drunk too much, dated too often, or year college degree to start as Saipan: Jonathan V. Perez protest against the tapes. And since Sydney: Willy Aguino have had it with various partners probationary second lieutenant by it is a universal principle in Mississippi: D. E. Wilson prior to matrimony. He spared not commission entry. argumentation and debate that an even a housewife whom he Overwhelmed by the night’s allegation that is not denied is Columnists rightfully believed to have a fascinating delirium on the dance deemed admitted, most sane Edgar E. Serrano, Frank Grego, Raul S. Gonzalez, Ber Pacheco bounden duty to please her Val G. Abelgas (Los Angeles) floor, she complained by daybreak observers believed in the videos. husband, yet she obstinately of blatant and wanton violation of Only a handful women’s group Illustrators declined his nocturnal needs. Terence F. Senoren, Archie D. Almeida her self-proclaimed honor. As usual members tried, though reluctantly, The swinging Zamboanguena to anyone who throws mud against to react against the muckraking for Chair: Maritess G. Concepcion petite was a victim of Jack the Ripper anyone will likewise be thrown back its membership has dwindled in the by another passion and fashion of with mud. Only the Pope who Advertising: Toni O. Barsana streets in the last stages of their murder – the murder of her self- travels in a glass encasement will show of support. The prosecutors TradeExpress Asia is a controlled circulation newspaper distributed to selected leaders in government, business and industry. proclaimed honor. be spared of this universal axiom. It is published by S&P Strategists Corp. with editorial and business offices at 18th Floor, Prestige Tower, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas were tormented by their own Center, Pasig City. Tel.: 634-6436/634-0270 Fax: 634-0275 E-mail: [email protected]. Entered as Third Class Mail at Ortigas Though she was drunk, yet she Many issues were stacked conscience at the last minute, and Center Post Office under Permit No. BPSPM-05-31-NCR. was swaying, wriggling and against her. Her bedroom history (Turn to page 8) January 2007 OPINION TradeExpress Asia 7
Memories & Malacanang By RAUL S. GONZALEZEyeOpener By BER PACHECO Lower the prices Wordsmen at play of basic commodities
Here are examples of mischiefs “In the twenty days that at work. First, from Lederer’s The followed the confusion about Miracle of Language (1991 mokusatsu, more than 150,000 men, WHATdo business companies think of Congress legislating an (Note: This article was orig- Pocketbooks) on “How One Word women and children were lost. One increase in the minimum wage of workers? The answer is simple. It is inally written in May 1996 for the can Change the World.” word misinterpreted.” election year and this popular move will endear them to their constituents particularly the mass base of voters, not even taking into account its effect author's Believe You Me column in “Victory in Europe came on *** the defunct The Evening Paper.) on the economy in general. May 8, 1945, and… on July 26, Charles Lamb said: “I never *** “PRAY tell, where is the Churchill, Truman, and Stalin issued knew an enemy of puns who was queen?” demanded the king home this ultimatum to Japan: Surrender not an ill-natured man. A pun is a One time in a taxi, I engaged the driver in a conversation which turned from the hunt. “In…in bed, sire,” unconditionally or accept the noble thing per se; it fills the mind, it out to be an intelligent one. I asked him what he thinks of the salary stammered the Squire, “with consequences.” is perfect as a sonnet.” increase for workers that was approved by the Congressmen. He said they just want to get ‘pogi’ points and nothing good will come out of it because diabetes.” “Wot!!” glowered the “Needing time (to soften) the No wonder Safire collected and he believes that a corresponding increase in the price of all commodities King, visage darkening. “Is that tenacity of some Japanese generals celebrated puns, as in “A Barrel of will just follow. The sad part, the driver continues, is that many could lose bloody Greek bloke here again?” and the pride of its citizens, the Puns” from his What’s the Good their jobs because many companies will be forced to reduce their workers Well, for four days and four Imperial Cabinet issued a statement Word? (1982, Times Books). explaining that they were the peace or stop operations as business owners would say they cannot afford to nights last week, I too was in bed – “The Pun Never Sets on give the required increase to their workers. The driver talking sense also with Flo, as our Waray maid put it to offer mokusatsu. Britain’s Empire” was the headline “Mokusatsu can mean either said that these Congressmen could do better and do some hard work and callers. Now, if it was Jean who on a dispatch from London by Alan thinking in finding ways to lower prices of basic goods, gasoline, and cost picked up the phone, she would ‘We are considering it ‘or ‘We are L. Otten of The Wall Street Journal ignoring it.’ Most Japanese of sending their children to school. “I don’t know how they will do it. have said – a note of jealousy, a tone as he reported a rash of puns in the Kaya nga nandiyan sila sa Kongreso para mag-isip at magtrabaho, eh!” of disapproval, in her voice – that it understood that the reply to the British press: surrender ultimatum contained the he exclaimed. And then he blurted a bright idea. “Eh kung igive-up na was with Dick and Bill and Will I was “In The Observer, a travel piece lang kaya nila ang kanilang pork barrel. Mas mabuti pa!” curled up in bed. first meaning, but there was one about staying in private, homes on *** Just so you don’t get any wrong notable exception. The man who the island of Crete was labeled Will those days of glory for our Philippine basketball team as Asian ideas, it was the flu that sent me to prepared the English translation of ‘Off the Cretan Path,’ and a news champion ever come back? There was a time in the 50’s when our Philippine bed; and it wasn’t the guys Jean the statement used ‘ignore’ in the story about film stars running for team placed 3rd in the world basketball competition held in Brazil. What is mentioned with whom I was curled broadcast monitored by the English- Parliament in India was headed ‘Film happening today is sad because there seems to be no unity, only chaos in up, but the books they wrote. speaking press. Stars Want to Lead Castes of our basketball associations. Politics and power play are taking over the Dick is Richard Lederer who “Believing that their proposal Millions.’ had been rejected and unaware that heads of many of our basketball officials and other sports organizations writes a language column for “In the Sunday Telegraph, a that we never can really prove our under-developed prowess in the world Writer’s Digest and is the author of the Japanese were still considering music reviewer panned a the ultimatum, the Allies proceeded of sports. Running the affairs of amateur basketball or professional sports such best sellers as “Anguished performance as ‘Haydn Seek,’ in general may very well be left in the hands of sportsmen or people who English,” “Get Thee to the to open the atomic age. On July 28, prompting listeners to write, asking American newspapers reported that were once participants and active in domestic or international sports events Punnery,” “Crazy English,” etc. Bill, about “Handel with Care’ and ‘Black of the country. Politicians per se have no business meddling in the of course, is William Safire whose the Japanese had ignored the peace Liszt.’ The Guardian was not to be offer; and on August 6 President management or internal affairs of any sports activities except perhaps help venerable column “On Language” outpunned: ‘Distillery Deal fund the projects. They are better to enact laws that will boost the morale appears in The New York Times and Truman ordered an atomic bomb Scotched’ was one wry headline. dropped on Hiroshima. A new era in and build a strong RP team that would produce gold medals in future yes, Teddyboy, in Today. Will is the “Here in the colonies, The Olympic Games. word maven, punster and human history was irretrievably begun. Washington Post led off a story in *** racounteur Williard Espy who its Style section with ‘Lettuce Now What is the real purpose behind those posters or billboards in public authored such readables as “The “The destructive power of the Pick Garden Salads.’ A Times feature places showing the names and faces of incumbent politicians and those Game of Words,” “Almanac of bomb was an emblem of the about an electric car was titled ‘Nuts planning to run for public office? To extend Christmas greetings and Words at Play,’ and “Thou Improper, destructive potential of language and Volts’, and a piece on remind people to register so they can vote? Very subtle move but Thou Uncommon Noun.” With all misused and misunderstood. The psychiatrist Erik Erikson’s fears that everybody knows that this is a clear step of early positioning for the of them, like most of you, I share a dead and missing from the bombing civilization was threatened by a elections. Is this not a violation of the election code and circumventing a fascination with speech – and the of Hiroshima numbered 92,000. repression of the urge to have Comelec rule? Many of our clever politicians think they can fool every power it can unleash: a passion for Another 42,000 victims were claimed children was headed ‘Oedipus Juan dela Cruz of this country of their antics and moves. They are headed words – and the miracle they can three days later by the blast at Wrecks.’ The Washington Star for a big disappointment if they will only rely on their popularity and not work; and a love of language – and Nagasaki. Concurrently, Russia editorial denounced ‘Catching work on their accomplishments. the exquisite mischiefs that can be declared war on Japan and invaded Tuna without Porpoise.’ The Los made with it. Manchuria. (Turn to page 10) *** I fully agree to the strengthening of security at the Manila International Airport and all the airports in the country but not the increase of P200 in airport fees to be imposed to passengers. Before such move, what is needed Prima Facie By EDGAR E. SERRANO is a full accounting to the public of the actual income brought in by rentals, concessions, airport fees and expenses incurred in managing the airport. Transparency by airport officials will draw support and not doubt from the public. Upgrading OFWs' competencies *** The mayoralty race in Manila is something to watch. This early, when the campaign period has not started, Manilans can already feel the heat land a job and earn money to pay facilities of local colleges and among the protagonists. Will it be Ali Atienza, the son of incumbent mayor for a college education. training centers established and run Lito Atienza, who has a limited public service record but will just rely on the The meeting also purposively by local government units where political strength and machinery of his father and of the GMA administration? Mayor Atienza who is being groomed in the senatorial line-up of the LAST January 10, owners and enhances access by students and available, subject to the standard facilitates and directs the upgrading requirements of TESDA. administration party is said to decline the offer in order to focus on the administrators of private technical campaign of his son. There is Senator Alfredo Lim, former mayor of Manila and vocational schools in the of qualifications of trainers and The Philippine Overseas administrators of TVET through and former Manila top police officer as well as former team mate of Mayor country met to forge a strategic Employment Administration (POEA) Atienza but turned political rival. Lim, according to some barangay leaders alliance with the government sector scholarship grants that are available and the manpower recruitment to them from government. is not that popular because of his not so charismatic personality but will to pursue an aggressive human agencies have both admitted the bank on his good record as police officer and mayor. Then there is Vice resource development program During the half day conference, country is having difficulty Mayor Danny Lacuna, veteran Manila politician who is said to be popular nationwide. Memorandum of Agreements were providing skilled workers abroad and liked among Manilans. He is at a disadvantaged point though because The National Technical signed between TESDA with the despite the huge demand for of his lack of funds and logistics for the coming campaign. Can his Vocational Education and Training League of Municipalities of the overseas staff by 2007. popularity and track record as a good politician sustain him to win over his (TVET) Conference held at the Philippines and the Liga ng mga According to the POEA, opponents who are influential and monied like another candidate, former Manila Hotel aims to expand the Barangay sa Pilipinas, the bottom- “There appears to be some difficulty Manila Congressman Mark Jimenez? We shall see how Manilans will implementation of the Ladderized line objective being, to forge a in meeting the demand for certain judge them when they cast their votes this May. “strong partnership between the Education Program (LEP). types of skills, mainly due to *** government and private sector in scarcity of qualified workers to meet The Ladderized Education It is the prayer and hope of many, that the Filipino people this time Program makes possible the fusion education and training that aims to stringent qualification standards/ help produce the right quantity and competency requirements set by show maturity when they exercise their right to vote and choose good of technical and vocational persons of integrity to the elective positions. That they will not allow education under the Technical quality of workers.” employers”; it identified professions Under the agreement, TESDA as nurses, Math and Science having an election that will be ruled by guns, goons and gold. Our country Education & Skills Development is in dire need of leaders the likes of the late Vice Presidents Emmanuel Authority (TESDA) and the degree shall issue scholarship certificates teachers, construction workers, oil to qualified constituencies of each and gas personnel, and electricians Pelaez and Fernando Lopez, Senators Manuel Manahan, Claro M. Recto, programs under the Commission on Ninoy Aquino, Lorenzo Tanada, Jose Laurel, and Jose Diokno, Manila Higher Education (CHED). municipality thru the Local Chief as among those where supply of Executives under the PGMA- qualified labor is tight. mayors Arsenio H. Lacson and Antonio J. Villegas, among a few. Let them LEP grants Filipinos the facility be our models in choosing our candidates come election. to enter and exit our educational Training for Work Scholarship At long last, a concerted effort system, while acquiring the skills Program (PGMA-TWSP) and LEP. is being done, both by the private producing half-baked graduates OFWs that education and training and competencies they need to The agreement also enjoins and government sectors, to that could not even land a decent is a continuing process that has to ascend and reach successively Local Chief Executives to provide broaden the reach and scope of our paying job. be pursued with gusto individually higher job platforms; each job access to the training facilities, tools educational system which has long Much work though is still by each and everyone. platform empowers an individual to and equipment and/or school been described as a diploma mill needed to open up the minds of ([email protected]) 8 TradeExpress Asia LIFE January 2007 MUSINGS This I believe
By DENN A. MENESES to do, what lies on the surface or I believe in love at first sight what lurks underneath. I believe that and the flightiness it endows the there is more to life than just being, senses, the sweet smell of romance doing, wanting, hoping; taking the hovering in the air, the earthy thrill He does not believe who does journey and enduring the ride, of adventure looming in the not live according to his belief. wishing upon a star and making horizon, the bizarre sensation that Dr. Thomas Fuller things happen, getting over the is at once mesmerizing but If you cannot find the truth humps and driving off into the altogether confounding. I believe where you are, where else do you sunset. in seizing the moment when it expect to find it? Belief consists in I believe that there is a thin comes, taking the chance when it accepting the affirmations of the shred that separates love from hate, matters, breaking the chain when it soul; unbelief, denying them. right from wrong, good from evil, cracks, mending the heart when it Ralph Waldo Emerson wisdom from madness, contentment is broken, giving in and letting go God is great, even the animals from greed, happiness from when it is time. feel it. loneliness. When does pride end I believe that the simplest and prejudice begin? Isn’t truth Gabriel Garcia Marquez things bring us the purest joy, and stranger than fiction? Is making we need not look so far ahead to situations are those that actually fill I believe that there is one sense more important than hurting realize that the most wondrous our spirits with bliss – touching a leaf, omnipresent, omnipotent God who I BELIEVE that there is more to another person’s sensibility? Is pleasures are right there at our feet climbing a hill, running after sparrows, hears every word uttered in life than what we are or what we are innocence the better part of – within our reach, within our sight, counting a rainbow’s colors, staring supplication and bequeaths every not, what we could have been or worldliness? Can valor take the just a fleeting glance away. In our at the moon, rising with the sun, human being with the unique gift of what we still aspire to be, what we place of virtue? Doesn’t crime have insatiable thirst for worldly gain, we munching on chocolates, simply prayer. Without faith in our hearts, should have done or what we intend a corresponding punishment? fail to notice that the most mundane having fun. isn’t it a meaningless existence? We see blindly, and we trod along aimlessly. We get lost somewhere in the dark, and we grope our way out of it without purpose, weighed down with fear, almost consumed by panic. We sink into depths of wretchedness, and can we swim back to shore by our lonesome? Can threatening to cloak our veneer with we save our middling selves from the misery of our own cynicism? I believe that there is more to life than meets the eye, and the heart invariably sees what the eyes usually don’t. We only need to look inside ourselves more often, to think more deeply and love more freely, to sing our lungs out and dance up a tempest, cry a little and laugh a lot, work hard and breathe easy, speak our mind and listen intently, walk with confidence and stand at attention, do what is right and hope for the best, never stop dreaming, just keep on believing. Life is truly beautiful, and anything is infinitely possible, if we only believe.
Jack the (From page 6) entertained serious doubts on the veracity of the case, and the credibility of their witness. The complaining witness cried astounding incompetence on the part of the fiscals. She charged that her lawyers were cajoling with Jack the “Rapists” in the Essex. The secretary upheld the stand of his fiscals, and rebuked the woman witness for the People of the Philippines. Penultimately, only one of the four was found to be the Jack. The three others were merely Rippers of the curtain inside the van for them to watch the beastly acts in full view. The element of conspiracy that the act of one is the act of all has failed to pass through the thick fog that blurred the vision of the trial judge. –[email protected]
Why only (From page 6)
And to add insult to injury, Chinese products are shipped to the Philippines without payment of the proper import duties and taxes. Smuggling is so blatant that it has become synonymous with China. So instead of producing, businessmen shutter their factories and turn to trading. Unfortunately, trading does not provide the number of jobs that manufacturing does. So, the ranks of the unemployed swell as they make a beeline for the nearest consular office to get an entry visa. But that is another story. January 2007 REAL ESTATE TradeExpress Asia 9
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With family rm and 3 BR lanzones, coconut & narra trees. *House & Lot - Valle Verde 2 - and Boardwalk upstairs; den, music room, maid's Lot Area: 2,500 sqm Lot area - 600 sqm, floor area -400 5-Star Grand Lobby and resort- and driver's room downstairs; 6 Price: P1,400/sqm or P3.5 million sqm, 2-storey, 6BR, 6TB, maid's inspired swimming pool individual toilet and bath. With 600 negotiable gallon overhead tank, 2-4 car room w/ own TB, lanai, water tank, Nice environment and wide open (Owner willing to swap with golf P22m spaces covered garage. shares or income earning *House & Lot - Greenhills - Lot Ideal for expats Lot Area: 301 sqm property in Metro Manila.) area - 970 sqm, floor area -600 sqm, Floor Area: 260 sqm 2-storey, 4BR, 6TB, maid's room Price: P4.6 million negotiable w/ own TB, lanai, water tank, narra finishing P55m Inspection by appointment only. Broker: Land Treasures Realty Your Broker SOL S. ANTONIO, President (REBL No. 7254) 5th floor Padilla Bldg., Emerald Ave., JAYE FLORES GUINA FULL HOUSE PROPERTY VENTURES CORP. Ortigas Center, Pasig City Call 634-0270 Call 759-3608 or 0917-8906147 Tel: 636-0646 Cell: 0919-4099337 The emerging foreign retirement industry By EUGENE C. YU THERE comes a time when the Under the guiding hands of its of protection they need should also developments. Our country’s birth of an asset becomes Chairman, Gen. Edgar B. Aglipay, tourism industry, and create a be considered. tourism industry will have a greater recognizable only because of a need. PRA partnered with the Philippine tremendous impact for the increase The role of the real estate increase in patronage as the retirees Due to its great potential and Retirement Inc., under the helm of in growth and development of new industry travel more or decide to make the importance, the country’s Foreign “Chief Architect of the Retirement facilities. We, in the real estate industry Philippines their host country. Retirement Industry has reached its Industry” Ernesto Ordonez, Why and how do we contribute to should have a better understanding It would be the foreign retirees full growth and the Philippines is on President of PRI. The highly- the industry? of the importance, tasks, potentials that would enhance the development its way to becoming one of the important Summit prompted the Not too many Filipinos are and the priorities that the Foreign of new tourism facilities. Take the retirement havens of the world. Chamber of Real Estate and Builders aware of the retirement industry Retirement Industry requires. The case of the success of Boracay. The Philippine Retirement Associations, Inc. (CREBA) to now existing in the country. This is CREBA leadership has adopted this Majority of the facilities are owned Authority (PRA) was conceived forge a commitment to prioritize, because of limited work exposure, industry as one of its priority by foreigners who decided to make under Executive Order (E.O) No. 1037 promote, and assist the local lack of knowledge and connection programs. It has been established the Philippines their home. The in July 4, 1985 and along with it came retirement industry. of their businesses to the industry. that majority of high-end, leisure and facilities they built attract patrons the Letter of Instruction (LOI) No. Everybody wins But everyone should be made aware vacation development projects are from their homelands. 1470 for the issuance of the Special The biggest beneficiaries of the of its economic relevance. It would sold to foreign markets. We can tap The expats are the ones who Retirement Resident Visa. Through program are the country, its create retirement homes, the foreign retirees that are already have the funds, the heart, the time these, the retirement industry has economy, and the Filipino people in professional services, living here and those that would be and connections including the now matured into a multi-billion general. In the Philippines, foreign transportation, medical facilities, coming to the country. The $20,000 expertise and quality of running the dollar industry. retirees can avail of a lower cost of insurance, capital investments, deposit requirements are allowed to business. Their decision to invest During its inception, PRA was living, high conversion rate of their communication, tourism, wellness be converted to purchase/invest on in the country creates jobs, under the Office of the President but currencies, availability of domestic centers and many other PRA accredited investment projects. enhances and exposes the natural was subsequently transferred to the labor and business opportunities. downstream support facilities. It would be the real estate opportunities in the countryside, Department of Trade and Industry The country is endowed with A financially capable foreign industry that could pave the way for and helps improve the (DTI) under the auspices of the abundant health and medical retiree would be needing all these strengthening and establishing the transportation and linkage facilities. Board of Investment (BOI). Today, workers like nurses, physical for their start up and residency in Retirement Industry of the Let us be aware of the relevance PRA is one of the leading therapists, caregivers and doctors the country. PRA in its desire to Philippines. In highly developed and importance of the retirement government agencies that brings which we export worldwide. They protect the foreign retirement countries like USA, Japan, and industry. It is important that we foreign retirees and investors into basically take care of the retirees in industry has created policies for Europe, the retirement industry plays welcome the retirees and investors the country. other parts of the world. investments. It must be done only a vital role in terms of finance, shelter, and make this country a world-class At the Philippine Retirement Instead of sending out the through PRA-accredited entities. human resources and social retirement paradise. and Investment Summit, Retirement country’s OFWs, these retirees can The PRA members are urged to Inc. – a private sector, non-stock come here and avail of cheaper, patronize only PRA-accredited non-profit (NGO) corporation which better and more practical spending service providers to protect and The biggest beneficiaries of the program are was done in close association and in their cost of living. The new sustain the quality and security of the country, its economy and the Filipino people full support of the PRA – was businesses that could be created by their investments. in general. In the Philippines, foreign retirees launched. During the event, younger retiree businessmen may The first thing that a foreign can avail of a lower cost of living, high President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo generate more export revenues, retiree usually asks before he makes conversion rate of their currencies, availability of declared, “The Philippine Retirement create more labor demand, and the major decision to come here is domestic labor and business opportunities. And Industry is now a key flagship project increase food productivity. They where to retire for their residency. significantly, the country is endowed with to be led by the Private Sector with would bring in more capital funds in But how and who would provide abundant health and medical workers which we strong support from Government”. the country, help support the them their expectations and the kind export worldwide. 10 TradeExpress Asia EVENTS January 2007
WINNIPEG'S GAWAD KALINGA TEAM. A group of young Filipino-Canadians based in Winnipeg, Manitoba will build houses for poor families in Bacolod City on February 11-18 this year as part of the Gawad Kalinga program. Shown in photo are: (Left Back Row) Councilor Mike Pagtakhan, Janellyn Marcial, Ramon Toralba, Randy Viray, Adrian Salonga, Jennifer Reyes; (Middle Row) Mary Grace Panganiban, Lyn Tesoro, MUNTINLUPA MAYOR JAIME FRESNEDI touches base with his constituents in Posadas Village. Shown in Sheila Giron, Maureen Cruz (Front Row) Bahandi Gabuna, Steven Giron and Richard photo with the mayor is his wife Lor. The residents of the upscale village thanked Mayor Fresnedi for the Cuevas ( not in picture) support the local government extended in the construction of its new deep well facility.
Wordsmen at (From page 7)
Angeles Herald Examiner’s analysis Scot Morris of Omni magazine to original meaning was (1) Reply of the impact of the metric system solicit contributions from his readers Simply Via Postcard, or (2) was labeled ‘Take Us to Your Liter.’ on “etymologies made out of whole Remember, Send Valuable Present. A piece in Harper’s on the difficulty cloth.” Here are some that Espy – (1) Peter Labente; (2) Beverly environmentalists were having on published in The World’s Gotten Fogarty the insect issue was titled ‘Of Mites Out (1989, Clarkson N. Potter): Matrimony: Combined form of and Men.’ Politician: From the Greek poly the words mattress and money. – J.L. As usual, Safire’s piece drew (many) and the French tete (head or Newak comments and contributions. A New face, as in tete-a-tete: head-to-head Tomatoes: Once considered Jersey man, Michael Feldstein, or face-to-face). Hence, polytetien, poisonous, they were called “love describes the people who record the a person of two or more faces. – apples” and grown as ornamentals exact times of athletes running races Martin J. Pitt. in American colonial gardens. thus: “These are the souls that time Condom: Originally from the Thomas Jefferson proved the fruit men’s tries.” A Pennsylvia reader, Latin contra Domine, which means both harmless and delicious by Don Meads, referred to the title of a against, or contrary to, the ways of publicly consuming it. Afterward, seminar on gold investing as “Ingot God. – Kenneth Newton. people seeing the plants would point We Trust” and described a and say, “Tom ate those.”- Darrin prolonged election in the College of Bra: An acronym for “breast VICE PRESIDENT DE CASTRO VISITS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN BULACAN. Vice Duling President and concurrent Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Cardinals “Long Time No See.” remolding apparatus.” First sold through the Sears, Roebuck catalog Council (HUDCC) Chairman Noli De Castro visits one of the eleven classrooms Fiat: Acronym for the donated to the community of Northville 8 in Bangkal, Malolos, Bulacan. The A New Yorker, J. E. Brydges, in 1908. – Willie K. Friar. command given to an Italian volunteered a Daily News’s caption donation of the classrooms was a joint undertaking of the National Housing mechanic, “Fix it again, Tony.” – Authority, Congressman Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado (1st District, Bulacan), of a photo of naked children in a Obscene: Derived from the early days of motion pictures when David S. Lione Malolos Mayor Danilo Domingo, Prima Plastic Corporation and J.F. Proximo road race: “All the Nudes Fit to Holdings & Dev't. Corp. Sprint.” the Hays office censored those portions of movies that were My favorite headline, on the Trade (From page 1) considered unsuitable for the Today, as TradeExpress Asia other hand, is the one Tuding Guinto general public. The segments to be reading material, the paper quickly paper – the monthly dose of non- used over a Chronicle society page enters its third year in service, a few cut were called “objectionable disappears from magazine racks and partisan political views, sharp more companies are starting to trust story about some charity dances: scenes,” which was eventually newspaper shelves ahead of other business analyses, profound literary “Matrons hold Quezon balls.” us with their hard-earned contracted to “obscene.” – Michael publications with similar orientation. reflections, smart lifestyle advertising money. We can do no *** Niomi. Our readers tell us they like the interactions and interesting less than earn that trust as well by Easily more inventive than RSVP: Not an abbreviation for fact that what they leisurely read in personality sketches interspersed giving our readers and clients the Lederer and Safire is Espy who got respondez, s’il vous plait. The this paper, they get only from this with stories from overseas. kind of reading fare that they richly deserve.
Re-opening (From page 12) Floridablanca, according to Capuno. Capuno said that aside from the total environmental damage on the mining sites, two major river systems in Pampanga—the Porac- Gumain River and the Mancatian River—will be polluted once the mines operate. Capuno said affected Aeta communities have voted last year to oppose the mining operations but a series of events appears to favor the mine proponents. Nelson Mallari, CLAA chairperson told GLNS that mining companies are rushing to open pit mining concessions with the passage of the Mining Act of 1995 and the Supreme Court’s decision that removed all legal obstacles for unabated mining in the country. He assailed the government’s “total disregard” of the rights of indigenous peoples who will be displaced by the mining operations. (GLNS/Bulatlat) A belief is not merely an idea that the mind possesses; it is an idea that possesses the mind. - ROBERT OXTON BOLT January 2007 STYLE TradeExpress Asia 11
STYLE SPEAK What are your expectations this year?
THERE appears to be a that matter in our daily life. The among others. ations in 2007, mainly in terms of perceptible air of optimism around economy is stable with GDP growth However, these are forecasts of the following: 1) economy, such as as we start 2007 which believers of forecast at just under 6 percent this economists and political analysts. prices, inflation or the strong peso; the Chinese calendar describe as the year. The peso continues to gain May I now find out from you how 2) politics, such as the forthcoming Year of the Boar. Indeed, most people strength with its value projected at you view or feel about the whole elections and plans to change the I’ve talked to said they believe 2007 below P49 to the US dollar this year. range of situations in 2007. constitution; 3) social issues, such By MARITESS G. CONCEPCION will be better and kinder to them. The elections in May are reported My question: as population growth, poverty, etc. to be on track and hopefully, and peace and order. Such optimism is not entirely What are your own expect- baseless judging from the numbers consumer spending should pick up, The answers:
! I expect domestic prices to ! Without a credible, doable and our lives, the repercussions of which be stable this year and inflation at effected population control are really a function of how well or single digit despite the forthcoming program, our country will have bad politicians toy with it. I expect elections. The peso will continue to difficulty feeding, educating and the May elections to push through be strong with increased freeing its people from the clutches and its outcome will surely tell on remittances from OFWs and more of poverty. the economy. But as long as reforms foreign investments. ! On insurgency, we need a are kept in place, the economy will ! The May elections should be strong leader to lick the problem. I continue to grow. a good test of the country’s vibrant am pleasantly surprised that ! The ticklish population growth democracy. It should also be an President Arroyo has the will and and control issues will remain as accurate gauge of the growing the guts to fight insurgency within such. However, I believe that people “political maturity” of the Filipino a specific timeframe. I believe that can always be responsible while still voter, otherwise they will be the AFP under Gen. Esperon will be keeping their faith. I see population doomed to electing showbiz people. despite efforts to foster unity. I think able to address the problem ! I expect the economy to carry growth as an increase in labor force On the outcome of the elections, I the move to change the effectively. To deal with terrorism, the momentum it gained in 2006 and and market. But I think people who predict that the Administration Constitution could start as early as our leaders should exert their utmost to improve further this year. The want to be poor will remain poor. ticket will win 7-8 seats in the Senate next year. efforts in deepening and widening peso as well as the stock market had Government measures to alleviate at best and 5-6 at worst. In the Lower ! The government and the our strategic security and defense seen their most robust performance poverty must be aimed at teaching House, GMA’s party will get 60-70 Church should start working alliance with the US with whom we in years. I believe that whatever people how to earn a decent living. percent of the seats. The opposition, together to come up with a long term have a mutual defense treaty. economic gains we have achieved ! A strong economy might not many believe, will continue to be population control policy, which is — Tony Rodriguez so far are not mere sugar coatings, really be a panacea to crime and splintered as in the 2004 elections a win-win situation for both parties. Management Consultant but are the results of painstaking insurgeny, but will surely be a great economic reforms implemented by help in addressing these problems. sobrang utang na loob na dapat that if the government is able to the government. — Rodrigo J. Senador, MD, bayaran. We are tribal by nature, address the unemployment problem ! Politics will always be part of MBA/II tulungan ang mga kamaganak at and fair application of justice, Medical Practitioner kaibigan to the detriment of others. insurgency and terrorism can be We continue to elect bad officials effectively dealt with. which lead to bad governance. We are the problem, not the Constitution or anyone else. ! Poverty and population growth are products of corruption. No serious effort is made even if we have enough resources to educate citizens on family planning. By — Joey Torres properly allocating and utilizing public funds, the government Entrepreneur should be able to support small and ! While the peso continues to medium industries to provide gain strength, I cannot help but ask employment to the population. why prices of basic goods are still ! Insurgency is a very serious high. The OFWs keep sending their problem that our government money but their dependents get less should address immediately. pesos for what they used to receive. Insurgent impose taxes on I expect the housewife to face a more legitimate businessmen and difficult 2007. hardworking farmers. Again, pera ! The forthcoming elections will pera ang usapan. The government’s never improve our economic plan to encourage new businesses condition considering the quality of in the provinces such as call centers candidates. Puro pang sarili at should be supported by all. I believe ! If we are able to put a closure to all the political issues as well as minimize graft and corruption, the economic gains of the Arroyo Administration can be sustained. I think President Arroyo should focus the remaining years of her term on further strengthening the economy. Any real success comes with nothing short of hard work. ! The elections will inspire our citizenry by giving them some kind of breathing space. But they should vote for candidates who can help our country rather than those with on the government. money or power. ! I think the government ! Changing the Constitution is through the Philippine National long overdue. I need it should be Police and other law enforcement done quickly through a agencies are doing all they can to constitutional assembly so that maintain peace and order. Dealing reforms can be introduced to make with insurgency is better done by us more competitive globally. improving the economic and social ! Our population agency conditions of our people. On should focus its campaign on the terrorism, this is a global issue which middle and lower strata of society needs the cooperation of the because they need to be fully international community. New laws educated on family planning. should be passed immediately to ! Our citizens should take the address the issue of terrorism. initiative of improving their — Rick Fulgencio condition rather than relying solely Businessman 12 TradeExpress Asia January 2007 Re-opening of mines alarms residents in Zambales villages By ABNER BOLOS in ZAMBALES
IT was as if a giant used a This time, he could not contain shovel to gouge the face of the his rage. “Hinabol nya ng itak yung mountain in Barangay Buhawen, nagbu-bulldozer,” (He chased the San Marcelino, Zambales. Below the bulldozer operator with a long knife) towering rocky façade, reddish-black his son, Romy Pulagay, 42, told liquid formed a pool of poison. GLNS. It has been 15 years since The mine is popularly known Benguet Mining Corporation ceased here as Dizon Mines, named after open pit mining operations in this the powerful family who actually village, but its legacy of destruction managed the open-pit mining remains. concession. DONG PUNO AT POSADAS VILLAGE IN MUNTINLUPA. Lawyer and TV personality Ricardo 'Dong' Puno Apo Kutis, 63, a full-bloodied Residents estimate that at least was a guest of the Posadas Village Homeowners Association when the latter inagurated its new deep Aeta recalls that this was once a lush 500 has. of the mountain were well facility recently. At left is the association's president Ariel Rivera. hunting ground with its streams leveled by the mining company in teeming with fish and where his residents say. lake. The company stopped full- officials and company three sitios (sub-village) of scale operation after the Pinatubo family grew rice, root crops and Lahar from the Pinatubo representatives and told that the Buhawen—Naban, Tikis and eruption but maintained a skeletal vegetables. In 1965, he was asked to eruption covered the Kakilingan company plans to resume Sayasay. What was left is a hellish force from its peak of 2,000 workers, vacate his “gasak” (farm) to make River and submerged the village operations. landscape of rock and desert. residents say. way for the mining exploration. Chemicals used to extract gold, center of Buhawen and portions of Benny Capuno, 37, a protestant Unlettered and helpless, he silver, copper and chromite have the adjoining villages of Aglao, Pili Apu Kutis said that if he had pastor and village resident told GLNS reluctantly obliged. He moved his poisoned all nearby rivers and water and San Clemente. his way, no mining company will that two mining companies also operate in land that they regard as family near the village center and sources. A lake covering some 1,000 owned by the Dizon family intends their own or part of their ancestral cleared another portion of the hectares now stands in what used to operate open pit mining covering Before the Mt. Pinatubo domain. mountain to farm. Sometime in 1980, to be a prosperous farming some 1,118.5 has. in Porac and eruption of 1991, the company Floridablanca, Pampanga. bulldozers arrived in his farm and constructed a huge dike separating community. A lone church spire The Aeta’s worst fear is that began tearing away his plots of the mining site and the village center. protrudes above the water. The dike mining operations will resume. Last The first one called Pisumpan sweet potatoes and vegetables. But not to protect the village, separates the mining site from the September, village elders were called Mining by residents will cover 405 to a meeting by local government has. in Sitios Lilip, Tapi and Kuyukot in Barangay Camias, Porac at the foot of Mt. Negron. The second one covers 713.5 has., lying between Barangays Sapang Uwak and Inararo, (Return to page 10) Issues in May polls are local, analysts say LOCAL issues are expected to dominate the elections in May which may determine who will join the 14th Congress when it opens in July. Analysts pointed out that even if 12 seats in the Senate are up for election, they would not be sufficient to provide a “national” character to the mid- term polls unlike in a presidential elections. Thus, it was noted that making the impeachment of President Arroyo an issue in the choice of congressional candidates may not be understood by voters. What is important in local elections, analysts said, is basically the delivery of basic public services in provincial, municipal and congressional districts. A leading opposition group, the United Opposition (UNO), plans to require its congressional candidates to sign a commitment to support the impeachment of Mrs. Arroyo if they win. Meanwhile, Sen. Edgardo Angara who is seeking reelection is asking political parties to ensure that the elections will be clean. “Candidates seeking public office and parties vying for electoral primacy are key elements of the electoral process. But over and above these is the need to make sure that the May 2007 elections are clean, fraud- free and untainted,” he said. A widespread public impression that the results are less than honest would have serious consequences on the country’s democracy, he added.