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Prison chief confirms parole for 3 convicts in rape-slay case

THE HEAD of the country’s prison system yesterday confirmed that three of the seven convicts involved in a 1997 celebrated rape-slay case in Cebu had been granted parole.

The convicts in the rape and murder of the Chiong sisters were freed for good conduct, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director-General Nicanor E. Faeldon yesterday told senators during a hearing. He denied having approved their release.

Mr. Faeldon also said he had approved the process that nearly freed former Calauan Mayor Antonio L. Sanchez, who was sentenced to seven life terms in 1995 for the rape and murder of two University of the Philippines students in 1993.

The prison chief told the Senate justice committee he had issued the approvals “after I continuously consulted with the lawyers.” He suspended Mr. Sanchez’s parole because he had to review his case, he said.

The Senate body is investigating the parole granted to about 1,900 inmates convicted of heinous crimes. BuCor suspended the ex-politician’s release after a public uproar.

Mr. Faeldon argued that the law disregards the type of crime committed in the grant of parole.

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra disagreed with the prison chief’s interpretation. “The proper interpretation in so far as the exclusions are concerned, would be to exclude those convicted of heinous crimes from the benefit of the good conduct time allowance law,” he told senators at the same hearing.

Mr. Faeldon said inmates Ariel Balansag, Aberto Caño and Josman Aznar, who were convicted for the rape-slay of Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong, had been granted parole, but denied signing any release orders. “I cannot remember ordering the release.”

Senator Richard J. Gordon, who heads the justice committee, said 1,900 ineligible inmates should be put back in jail.

Mr. Guevarra earlier suspended the parole program amid an uproar against the planned release of Mr. Sanchez.

Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri has said he would file a bill amending the law that expands the application of early release for good conduct. The measure would specifically bar its application to heinous crimes such as murder, drug trafficking and kidnap for ransom, he said.

Mr. Guevarra said he got an order from the presidential palace to hold Mr. Sanchez’s release until legal issues were settled. It was the Justice chief who first announced the plan to release Mr. Sanchez along with thousands of convicts for good conduct, which he said could not be appealed. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Oil companies to cut petroleum prices

OIL COMPANIES are cutting the prices of petroleum products for the second straight week on Tuesday, according to separate advisories.

Gasoline and diesel will drop by 10 centavos a liter, while kerosene will slip by 15 centavos a liter.

The price cut will take effect at 6:00 a.m. today for most of the oil companies.

Last week, oil companies cut the prices of gasoline and diesel products by 10 centavos a liter, but raised kerosene prices by 10 centavos a liter.

This week, Seaoil Philippines, Inc. was among the first to enforce the price cut at 6:00 a.m. on Monday.

Last week, international crude prices fell, driven by concerns over the intensifying trade war between the US and China and its impact on the world economy.

Latest Department of Energy data showed year-to-date adjustments stand at a net increase of P4.75 a liter for gasoline, P3.35 a liter for diesel and P1.40 a liter for kerosene. — Victor V. Saulon

Storm Liwayway strengthens but not expected to make landfall

TROPICAL STORM Liwayway (international name: Lingling) has strengthened with maximum sustained winds of up to 65 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h as of Monday morning, according to weather bureau PAGASA. Forecast indicates the storm will not make landfall in the country as it moves in a northwest direction. The trough of Liwayway is expected to bring scattered light to moderate rains with at times heavy rainshowers in the Bicol Region, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, and Batanes. Storm signal #1 has been raised over Batanes as of Monday afternoon. The southwest monsoon will also bring rains over Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan and Western Visayas. Liwayway is seen exiting the Philippine area by Wednesday or Thursday.

2 cops under probe in Balaoan vice-mayor’s murder

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) has started the preliminary investigation into the double murder and multiple counts of frustrated murder complaint against two police officers in connection with the killing of Balaoan, La Union vice-mayor Al-fred O. Concepcion and his bodyguard on Nov. 14, 2018. In a statement, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it filed the complaint against Senior Police Officer (SPO) 1 Dario Cahigas and SPO2 Arnold Calzado and two other unnamed personalities last July 30. Mr. Concepcion along with her daughter and Balaoan Mayor Aleli U. Concepcion were ambushed while on their way to the Municipal Hall. Mr. Concepcion and his bodyguard were killed while the mayor and her bodyguards were injured. The bureau said the investigation led by Angelito DLP Magno of NBI-Ilocos Regional Office was able to establish the participation of the two police officers in the ambush. “We have yet to establish the motive and also the possible mastermind. As of now, we’re still banking on these evidences and findings that we have submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor,” Mr. Magno said in a press conference. The municipal mayor said a P10 million reward will be given to anyone who can provide vital information to the whereabouts of the perpetrators and the masterminds. The next investigation is set on September 16. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Comelec junks Eusebio’s case vs Sotto

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) 2nd Division announced on Monday it dismissed former Pasig mayor Robert “Bobby” C. Eusebio’s case against incumbent Mayor Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” N. Sotto, citing no valid grounds in the election protest. In a message to reporters on Monday, Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez said, “The 2nd Division’s unanimous decision, promulgated on the 30th of August 2019, cited the insufficiency in form and substance of the election protest filed by Eusebio.” In the decision, the Comelec said Mr. Eusebio’s protest “failed to reflect a detailed specification of the acts or omissions complained of showing the electoral frauds, anomalies or irregularities in the protested precincts.” Sworn statements used in the protest as proof were “self-serving” and “one-sided” in Mr. Eusebio’s advantage, Comelec said. Mr. Eusebio, who was mayor from 2007-2013 and 2016-2019, filed his protest after Mr. Sotto won by a landslide during last May’s elections. — Gillian M. Cortez

Pasig River rehab agency now chaired by DENR

PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte has issued an executive order transferring the chairmanship of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The EO, signed on Aug. 28, cited Republic Act No. 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 mandating the DENR to exercise jurisdiction over all aspects of water pollution, and to take measures, using available methods and technologies, to prevent and abate such pollution. The EO also noted that the DENR, through an administrative order, has been tasked to lead the Manila Bay Task Force in improving the water quality of the Manila Bay. There is a need for close coordination and oversight of all ongoing efforts relative to the clean-up and rehabilitation of major waterways in Metro Manila, the EO said. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Cebu City gov’t allocates P300 million to open new roads, improve relocation sites

THE CEBU City Government will spend over P300 million for road openings, lot acquisition, and site developments before the year ends. Jose C. Daluz III, special assistant to the mayor, said the executive department has proposed P150 million for the opening of 10 kilometers of roads, P100 million for site development, and P57 million for lot acquisition — all under the city’s P2.5 billion Supplemental Budget-2. “It’s very important to open more roads… to create economic activity for Cebu City, we have to open up more roads. It will also decongest the traffic problem that we have,” he said. Most of the road openings will be in the mountain areas of the city connecting to the urban parts. The P100 million site development would cover improvements in relocation centers such as the 93-1 lot in Barangay Busay. Mr. Daluz said some of the relocation centers do not have proper access roads and water supply. The P57 million will be spent to complete the payment of the lot acquisition in Barangay Quiot, which was initiated by the previous administration, and for an area in Barangay Inayawan to various projects. — The Freeman

Permanent tele-hearing facilities to be set up in 3 Davao courts

THREE COURTS in Davao City will be equipped with videoconferencing facilities for the conduct of remote hearings involving persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) as part of the Justice Sector Reform Programme: Governance in Justice (GOJUST) program. “Right now we are still awaiting for the equipment and refurbishment of the rooms as it still a temporary set up,” Ingrid L. Gorre, key expert-case management specialist of GOJUST, said in an interview on Sept. 2 after the pilot run of the remote hearing implementation at the Davao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 16. GOJUST is a government project with support from the European Union. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will set up three counterpart rooms at prisons within Davao City for what it calls “tele-hearings.” The tele-hearing concept was proposed by the BJMP-Davao Region management in 2017 in consideration of “high-value” PDLs such as members of groups like the Maute, Abu Sayaff, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and New People’s Army (NPA). In January this year, the Supreme Court issued a resolution for the implementation and pilot-testing of the tele-hearing project between three Davao City jails and the Hall of Justice. “This is a very momentous day for the courts because this is an initial project with BJMP who found the need for this videoconferencing trial with end purpose of securing the concerns not only on the part of the accused but also on the part of the judges, prosecution, not to mention the savings on time and transportation in coming from the jail to the court back and forth,” Mr. Carpio said in an interview. Monday’s tele-hearing, involving two cases, lasted for 15 minutes. The tele-hearings aim to eliminate not just safety and security risks, but also for PDLs with serious or grave medical condition. — Maya M. Padillo

Nationwide round-up

1 New Zealander, 2 Chinese arrested

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently arrested three foreigners, one from New Zealand who is wanted in his country for sexually abusing children and two Chinese working without visas. In a statement, NBI said it arrested on Aug. 23 pedophile Alan James Linton at his residence in Valencia City, Bukidnon. BI Commissioner Jaime H. Morente ordered the arrest of Linton following information from the New Zealand police that he resides in the country and has two convictions for charges of child exploitation. Meanwhile, the NBI in Catbalogan City, Samar arrested on Aug. 28 Wu Zhijie, 26, and Wu Jiajiang, 51, who were caught selling retail goods without proper working permit and visa. Mr. Morente issued a mission order for the arrest of the Chinese nationals following complaints from small Filipino traders alleging the foreigners “were robbing their business opportunities.” The three are currently detained pending deportation. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Malacañang says it has accepted Clavite’s resignation

THE JULY 17 resignation letter of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director-General Harold Clavite has been accepted by the President, Executive Secretary Salvador S. Medialdea said in a statement Monday. “Mr. Harold Clavite in his letter dated 17 July 2019 manifested his intention to submit his irrevocable resignation to the President citing personal reasons. He also said that he already gave 3 years to the country and it’s time for him to go back to his family. This was elevated to the President and thereafter accepted,” Mr. Medialdea said. “We recognize the service Mr. Clavite has rendered and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” he added. Mr. Clavite, however, said he did not submit a resignation letter to the President. “My July 17 letter was addressed to ES (executive secretary), not the President. While awaiting response, I did not send my resignation letter to the President,” he said, noting that Mr. Medialdea asked him not to resign after hearing his side on problems relating to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and PIA. “If they used that statement to make such decision, then I accept that. I just think it’s not fair that after hearing my side and asking me to write down all the details, they would do such without even talking to me. And now that I’m gone, what happens to those complaints I raised against PCOO and Mr. Benjamin Felipe? Is he gonna be rewarded now and become the new head of Agency?” Mr. Clavite said. Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar has designated Director Abner M. Caga as officer-in-charge of the PIA, according to a copy of his Department Order No. 008 obtained by BusinessWorld on Monday afternoon. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Nation at a Glance — (09/03/19)

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

Nation at a Glance — (09/03/19)

Meralco shines bright at the 2019 Quill Awards

Meralco, the Philippines’ largest electricity distribution utility and the only four-time Quill Company of the Year recipient, was once again among the most decorated companies in the recent Philippine Quill Awards.

The company won two top awards during the formal ceremony held at Marriott Grand Ballroom, and placed second runner-up in the Company of the Year race, a testament to the company’s continued strength in business communication excellence.

This year, Meralco hauled a total of 22 campaign awards, bagging 9 Excellence and 13 Merit trophies.

Among Meralco’s major highlights of the evening were the Top Award for Communication Skills given to Meralco Typhoon Watch 2018 and the Top Award in the Communication Research category won by the Evaluation of One Meralco Foundation’s Household Electrification Program (HEP).

Meralco Advisory, the company’s monthly information campaign, was also recognized as a Finalist for Top Award in the Communications Management Category.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, the Philippine Quill Awards is considered the country’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication – emphasizing the excellent use of communication in achieving goals and in making a difference in society.

Running your business the Alibaba Way (Panel Q&A)

1. Take the essence of 9-9-6. (1:52-2:05, 2:16-2:40,1:05-1:11, 1:34-1:47)
Since 9-9-6 is very much influenced by Chinese culture, it might be difficult to incorporate it here since we’re used to a different system. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t use it. Take what 9-9-6 is really built on, which is drive for and dedication to the company’s mission.

“Make sure that everyone in your team knows how important the mission of the company is. Because if it’s just, ‘Hey, we’re going to do this thing so that we can make one million, ’they won’t care,” said Bisnar. “You really need to find that deeper purpose… And that will create a better mentality than 9-9-6, I think.”

Reinforcing the company vision therefore allows you to make adjustments to your system. For instance, Bisnar, instead of 996, employs 183: employees are required to show up at the office for 3 days only, holding office hours from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

“Take all the traffic hours, you get happier people, but you also stretch efficiency,” he said. “You can incorporate that same mentality with the 9-9-6, giving them freedom and integrating responsibility. So what we do [is] we don’t count the hours, we look at the output of the people.”

2. A well-oiled team requires knowing your employees. (3:36-3:47, 3:51-4:07)
It’s been established that communication is important to your functions as a team. However, you may be limiting this within the professional space. Make sure that you ask your employees about their personal lives as well.

“It’s not all about work for me. I make sure that I ask about their families, how their day is, or what their challenges are,” said Chua-Magleo. “If one person’s a great employee and suddenly his performance is not leveling up, that means he might be facing some challenges, whether personal or at work.”

3. Utilize the benefits of a developing VC market. (5:33-5:54, 6:25-6:44)
At first glance, an immature VC market may be disadvantageous to startups. On the contrary, it actually allows small companies to grow at a healthy pace.

“I look at it as an opportunity, thinking… ‘I have the opportunity to grow my business to a size that [doesn’t] need to compete. Because… if there’s just one company that has so much money, they’ll just burn cash and you cannot compete,” said Sy.

By building a solid foundation at a steady speed, you gain a bargaining chip against VCs that may want to invest in the future.

“If you build your business right, you will have it in a position of strength so that you won’t be bullied by VCs. It’s like, ‘We’re giving [you] the opportunity that we’re growing so you have to invest in us now, or you’ll be left behind.”

4. Strengthen your revenue sustainability. (9:43-10:25)
Getting funding is arguably one of the biggest challenges for all startup founders. Aside from balancing the books to remain operational, there’s also the added tasks of courting possible investors.

To help ease the pressure of these endeavors, there are a couple of ways to squeeze out some extra revenue.

For example, Bisnar and his co-founders initially didn’t take salary as founders. He also recommends taking on sideline jobs such as business coaching. These steps may not bear profits by the millions, but it could be enough to make your sheets presentable to investors.

“At least when you talk to the VCs, you’re not in a negative position. Because if I were a VC and you’re bleeding one million per month, he’s just going to eat you up. He’s just going to say, ‘You’re going to die in six months, then I’m going to buy 50 percent of your company for just a few millions.’”

5. Explore alternative ways to get funding (12:02-12:19, 11:32-11:58)
If you feel that the traditional ways of getting funding aren’t quite working out, there are other ways that you can try out. The recently-passed Securities Regulation Code offers great opportunities for crowdfunding. You can even try approaching institutions who aren’t investing professionally but have the resources to do so.

“Find high net-worth individuals that can be moved by your cause, and they can have more negotiable terms. Because they care, they’re not doing it professionally,” said Bisnar. “And if he or she likes your mission, then that’s a potential opportunity.”

Those interested in applying for the Alibaba eFounders Program can find more information at this link. The upcoming program class will take place from Dec 2 to 12. The deadline for applications is on Oct 7.

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