THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) wants to keep the authority over the deployment and reassignment of officers in the planned Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR).
Under the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), such power is given to the BAR’s chief minister.
In a position paper delivered on Tuesday, Feb. 20, to the House of Representatives’ committee on local government, joint with committees on Mindanao affairs and peace, reconciliation, and unity, PNP Director for Plans Edwin C. Roque said that “while the employment and deployment powers are encompassed with the operational and control powers granted to chief minister, the power to assign and reassign police are ought to be properly exercised by police commanders.”
Mr. Roque added that the implementing rules and regulations of the law, if enacted, should provide clearly if the members of the Bangsamoro police can be assigned outside the BAR and if the law enforcers from outside the region can be assigned to the region.
Moreover, Mr. Roque said the proposed BBL should include a provision that would indicate that the general minimum qualifications of the PNP would remain the basis in recruiting members of the Bangsamoro police.
“This will give full significance to the legislative intent to create a Bangsamoro police that is an integral part of PNP,” Mr. Roque said.
He referred to House Bill (HB) 92 authored by Deputy Speaker Bai Sandra A. Sema, a copy of which the PNP received just that morning, instead of the consolidated bill on the Bangsamoro.
Meanwhile, Zamboanga Rep. Celso L. Lobregat, a member of the joint committee, also pointed out that under the current national system, the operational control and jurisdiction over the police force “is exercised by municipal mayor or city mayor.”
“Why should you give it now to the chief minister, ’di ba? Instead of devolving, parang naging (it becomes) centralized,” Mr. Lobregat said in a chance interview on the sidelines of the committee hearing.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lobregat said the committee is looking to conduct a line-by-line voting on the provisions of the substitute bill before the lower chamber goes on a seven-week break in March, but acknowledged that the proposal “will not go to plenary.”
The proposal for a basic law for the Bangsamoro, which is a consolidation of HBs 92, 6475, 6121, and 6263, will create a new political and geographical entity that will replace the existing Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte may consider going back to the peace table with communist groups, but he will only do so with recommendation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Presidential Spokesperson Herminio Harry L. Roque, Jr. said.
Mr. Duterte said on Monday, Feb. 19, that the Norwegian government had asked him to renew the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army NDF-CPP-NPA).
“The Norwegian officials came here to explore the possibility of talking again. I have to consult my military people. Why? It’s them who get killed. I told them, ‘I will talk to the military. If you would agree, I might…’” Mr. Duterte said.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Mr. Roque clarified that such a possibility “is still unclear” because of the “ongoing attacks from the communist rebels.”
However, should the military propose the resumption of the peace talks to the President, Mr. Roque said Mr. Duterte “may listen” to them.
“Ang Presidente po nakikinig naman sa militar. So kung magre-recommend po ang militar na ituloy, tingin ko naman ay pakikinggan din iyan ng ating Presidente. Pero wala pong ganyang rekomendasyon sa ngayon po. (The President listens to the military. So, if the military would recommend to resume the peace talks, I think the President will listen. But there is no recommendation for now),” Mr. Roque said. — Arjay L. Balinbin
THE SENATE committee on ethics yesterday dismissed complaints filed against Senators Panfilo M. Lacson and Antonio F. Trilanes IV, and “dismissed without prejudice to refiling” the complaint against Senator Leila M. De Lima. Majority Leader Vicente C. Sotto III, committee chair, said the cases were junked due to lack of jurisdiction. As for Ms. De Lima, he said the ethics complaint against her may be revived if the courts would uphold that she has violated disobedience to summons under the Revised Penal Code. Former Customs commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon filed the complaint against Messrs. Lacson and Trillanes in September last year in connection with the Senate investigation on the illegal drug shipment at the Bureau of Customs. Meanwhile, three ethics complaints were filed against Ms. De Lima by House leaders for allegedly preventing a former aide to attend a congressional investigation. Four cases against Senators Trillanes, Richard J. Gordon and Ana-Theresia Baraquel-Hontiveros remain pending at the committee. — Camille A. Aguinaldo
THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment Western Visayas office (DoLE-6) is preparing to hold a job fair for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the region who were recently repatriated from Kuwait. “There will be a jobs fair that will be done for those returning OFWs para makahanap sila ng trabaho (so they can find work),” said DoLE-6 Director Johnson G. Cañete. He said the activity will help returning OFWs find jobs. The death of OFW Joanna Demafelis of Sara, Iloilo, whose body was found in a freezer in an abandoned apartment in Kuwait, has prompted President Rodrigo R. Duterte to order a travel ban to the Gulf state. Mr. Cañete said livelihood assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will also be given to repatriated workers. “If there are undocumented OFWs that arrive and will be repatriated we have also the National Reintegration Center for OFWs who will give services. The assistance DoLE provides is limited as the beneficiaries should first get their benefits from OWWA,” he said.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Meanwhile, Mr. Cañete said addressing unemployment remains a major challenge in Western Visayas, as job opportunities “are not that much.” “Every year, we produce graduates so the tendency is for the unemployment rate to go higher. We find that most of our graduates will find themselves unemployed at the end of the day,” he said. Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the unemployment rate in the region increased from 3.2% in October 2016 to 5.6% in the same period last year. The number of unemployed individuals in the region has also ballooned to 183,000 in 2017 from 108,000 the previous year. “Truly, Western Visayas has a problem with unemployment,” said Mr. Cañete. The higher unemployment rate, he added, is also partly due to jobs mismatch. The DoLE official said they are working closely with other government agencies to address the situation. — Louine Hope U. Conserva
WITH NO other proposals submitted to challenge the P18-billion development plan of Universal Hotels and Resorts, Inc. (UHRI) at the South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña said they are now preparing to endorse the contract for approval by the city council. “It’s supposed to be submitted to the council anytime now for their approval. The bidding has been unchallenged. There was one or two others that inquired about it, but did not push through. I think it’s going to push through,” Mr. Osmeña told reporters. The deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to contest the UHRI proposal was last Feb. 14. UHRI is proposing to lease the eight-hectare lot on Kawit Island at the SRP to build a hotel, restaurant, casino, convention center, yacht club, and waterpark, among other facilities. Mr. Osmeña said once the deal with UHRI is closed, the city will then push through with the sale of another three-hectare lot at the SRP. — The Freeman
FOREIGN AND local food manufacturers and processors have expressed interest to locate at the 63-hectare Anflo Industrial Economic Zone (ecozone) in Panabo City, according Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI) Vice-President Ricardo F. Lagdameo. The ecozone, managed by DLI’s sister company Anflo Industrial Estate, is located beside a DLI mixed-use project. Mr. Lagdameo said they are in talks with more foreign firms, but he is optimistic that there will also be local companies coming in. “The likelihood that the next investor would be foreign is high. But there are several local companies that have expressed interest and these are mostly in food manufacturing and processing as well. I would like to see more local food manufacturer and food processor locating because it is also a sign of how they are leveling up their businesses,” Mr. Lagdameo told the media in a recent interview. At present, the sole local locator at the ecozone is Sagrex Foods, Inc., which is setting up a facility for frozen plantain for export. — Maya M. Padillo
FIFTEEN years — and 1.5 million units sold worldwide — after the introduction of the BMW X3 Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV), the third generation of this “athlete” sibling of the five X Series brands (which include the X1, X4, X5 and X6) on Feb. 9 debuted in the Philippines.
And SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. (SMCACDC), the new importer, distributor and service provider of BMW automobiles in the country, made it clear even before the latest models rolled onto the stage that this reiteration of the X3 would be best enjoyed by owners and drivers that were like the X3 themselves: Strong-willed, dynamic individuals “on a mission.”
SMCACDC President Maricar C. Parco summed it up when she said: “We are excited to open 2018 with a positive outlook towards BMW’s growth in the country. We start that tonight with the unveiling of a BMW masterpiece that is on a mission like no other. The new X3 unifies the distinctive ‘X’ character, exceptional handling that is expected from a BMW, dynamic performance to push boundaries, and allows its driver to pursue his passions like never before.”
SMCACDC itself is on a mission to regain for BMW the top spot as the country’s bestselling European car brand, a position rival premium car maker Volkswagen has been holding since 2016. In last year’s sales figures furnished by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc., Volkswagen retained its number one spot by a mere 13 vehicles (1,363 vs. 1,350).
The unveiling of the new X3 seems to hint that this SAV would be the one to overcome that final hurdle to the top, as members of Spartan Race Philippines, the local arm of what is claimed to be the world’s largest obstacle course racing event, climbed bare-handed up 20-foot ropes to remove the curtains, signaling the rollout of the two variants of the X3, the xDrive20d xLine and the xDrive20d M Sport.
Marketing and product planning director of SMCACDC Karl B. Magsuci provided the pertinent details of the new X3.
“While this new X3 follows its predecessor’s rugged off-road looks with its sporty presence, the new generation brings this design language a step further with a more sophisticated, more muscular look,” he explained.
“The xLine trim with radiator grille and other exterior details in satin aluminum and specifically designed 19-inch light-alloy wheels emphasize the robustness of the SAV, while the xDrive20d M Sport model focuses its attention to the dynamic gifts of the all-new X3 with M aerodynamic features, a particularly dramatic design on the 19-inch light-alloy wheels, and the new exterior paint shade of Phytonic Blue.”
Mr. Magsuci also revealed that the chassis of the new X3 is lighter than the previous model by 50 kilograms, thanks to the use of aluminum material in the engine and suspension components. The 40:20:40 split folding rear seat back rest is also able to expand boot capacity from 550 liters to as much as 1,600 liters.
In addition to the latest version of the BMW iDrive system fitted as standard, the Professional navigation system opens up the touch screen and gesture control — functions which have so far been exclusive to the current BMW 7 Series and new BMW 5 Series. The 10.25-inch touch-sensitive central display provides a quick summary of important information, and offers users intuitive access to whatever they are looking for. Gesture control allows numerous infotainment system and telephone functions to be operated intuitively using finger and hand gestures.
Moreover, the Parking Assistant makes parking easier as the system measures potential spaces while driving past at a low speed and aids the driver in steering, acceleration, braking and gear selection to automatically position the car into parallel and lateral parking spaces. This function can be overridden by the driver at any time.
Mr. Magsuci also explained that the improved eight-speed Steptronic transmission and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system complement the powerful 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine that produces 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
Post-TRAIN Law prices for the two X3 variants were also revealed at the launch: The xDrive20d xLine costs P4.390 million while the xDrive20d M Sport goes for P4.590 million.
CHINA-HEADQUARTERED vehicle manufacturer Foton opens the door to a new age of mobility powered by cleaner, more powerful, yet more fuel-efficient engines adhering to the more stringent Euro4 emission standard.
Marketed as Blue Energy, the new-generation engines are conceived and built for Foton by Columbus, Indiana-based diesel power plant expert Cummins. The company had signed an agreement with Foton to form the Beijing Foton Cummins Engine Co., Ltd. (BFCEC) in 2006. Today, its plant in China makes more than 400,000 engines a year.
Said Foton Motor Philippines President Rommel Sytin at the recent Blue Energy launch: “Foton is always committed to provide exceptional product lines through scientific and technological innovations, and Blue Energy is the continued expression of this promise… [It is] a product of earnest R&D that serves up a host of benefits such as power, durability, reliability, excellent efficiency and clean operation.”
The Foton initiative allows it to keep in lockstep with the government fiat for the introduction of cleaner-emission vehicles as mandated by the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System, and DENR Administrative Order No. 2015-04.
Two variants of the Euro4 power plants are made available locally — the Foton Cummins ISF 2.8 and 3.8. Both are engineered to promote low intake temperature, prevent abnormalities in combustion, and operate more quietly — while providing improved low-end torque pulling power. The heightened performance is complemented with fuel efficiency.
The engine is attached to a more efficient turbocharger; an improved exhaust-gas recirculation system to yield lower emission and promote more thorough burning of fuel; a new, computer-governed common rail direct injection system that results in optimized air/fuel mix; a diesel oxidizing catalyst and particle oxidizing catalyst which basically convert carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and particulates to carbon dioxide and water; and an improved turbo intercooler. Less particulate matter is emitted, and the risk of engine damage has been slashed.
Introducing the new Foton Tornado M4.2C light-duty truck are (from left) chairman of the House Committee on Transportation Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento, Foton Motor Philippines President Rommel Sytin, and Foton International’s Milo Gao.
Foton Motor Philippines still has an existing portfolio of Euro3 vehicles, and the Blue Energy variants will sport a blue and silver decal to visually distinguish them. The firm says that three variations of the popular Tornado light-duty truck, Toplander A/T SUV, Traveler and Toano vans, and Thunder A/T pickup will get Blue Energy options.
MODERN LIGHT-DUTY TRUCK
In addition to its Blue Energy engines, Foton also presented its new light-duty truck, the Tornado M4.2C. Priced at P1.19 million (for the cabin chassis), the vehicle is powered by the previously mentioned ISF 3.8 Foton Cummins Blue Energy Euro4 engine. The turbocharged (with intercooler) 14-foot truck musters 500 Nm and 154 hp, and features a computer-controlled Bosch common rail direct injection system. For cleaner operation, the engine boasts exhaust gas recirculation technology, plus DOC (diesel oxidizing catalyst) and POC (particle oxidizing catalyst) for enhanced fuel efficiency and lower emission.
The new Tornado variant is touted as the most advanced in its class — boasting safety technologies and features such as WABCO braking technology and a reverse sensor and camera, according to Foton Motor Philippines executive vice president Anna Maria Parado. A redesigned panoramic windshield provides increased visibility, while an additional passenger-side mirror enhances blind-spot coverage. The height of the truck’s headlights can be adjusted; three-point ELR seat belts come standard.
Within the spacious, comfortable cabin is an advanced LED touch screen at the center of the vehicle’s infotainment system. This accommodates the imaging when reversing, and makes possible Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music. The system is also GPS-ready, and features an MP5 and SD card slot. Steering wheel buttons for cruise control, entertainment, and radio and call functions are also available. Air-conditioning is standard. Dual overhead compartments are ideal receptacles for delivery documents and other valuables, and the center seat backrest can be collapsed to reveal cup holders and an additional storage compartment. The steering column can be tilt-adjusted, and the seats are ergonomically designed — with the driver’s seat adjustable in four ways, while the passenger seat can be reclined.
The Tornado M4.2C has a high-strength steel chassis that allows higher payload capacity and heightened stability — particularly when loaded. A rivet-less upper-frame chassis means easier fitting of various cargo body configurations, and a corrosion-free alloy fuel tank and air cylinder ensures many years of worry-free use. The company also highlights its robust after-sales service, underscored by a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
“The Philippines now joins Singapore and Vietnam as the first countries to implement Euro4 as emission standard — well ahead of other ASEAN neighbors like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand… that’s something we can be proud of,” said Mr. Sytin.
NEARLY three years have passed since Toyota Motor Philippines introduced the current Hilux pickup, so it can only be expected that the model has now been updated.
Launched on Feb. 13 was the new Hilux Conquest, available in both four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive configurations, each of which can be ordered with manual or automatic transmissions. Prices for the Hilux Conquest lines are set between P1.311 million and P1.745 million.
Whichever spec is chosen, the latest Hilux variant is identified by a larger dark grille, a busier fascia with reshaped recesses for the fog lamps, daytime running lights, a prominent sport bar on the cargo bed, a bed liner, and black side-view mirrors with built-in turn signals. Also new are the truck’s wheels, which have grown to 18 inches in diameter.
Hilux’s Conquest variant sports unique trim; large tailgate badge makes sure these cannot be missed.
Other additions sported by the Hilux Conquest are smart entry, cabin furniture in black, and a multimedia unit with a 6.5-inch touch screen panel and control buttons on the steering wheel. Body colors offered are Super White, Attitude Black Mica and Nebula Blue Metallic, all of which are adorned by a big “Conquest” graphics on the tailgate, as well as blacked-out trim all throughout.
All mechanical components of the Hilux remain the same in the Conquest line, including the model’s four-cylinder diesel engine that’s boosted by a variable-nozzle turbocharger with an intercooler.
THE new Peugeot Traveller MPV and a diesel-powered version of the Peugeot 3008 GT Line SUV have been added to the brand’s range in the Philippines. The Traveller sells for P3.390 million while the 3008 diesel is priced at P2.790 million.
The new Traveller — billed by the company as a “VIP shuttle” — is now marked by the same exterior design elements found on Peugeot’s new generation of SUVs and sedans. Inside, the van has seats that can be rearranged to make room for more cargo, or to allow the second row to face the third row. Designed to fit seven people, the van’s cabin has plenty of storage cubbies and is equipped with a pair of captain’s seats, a retractable sliding table, tri-zone climate control, two concealable glass roof panels, 12-volt and 220-volt power sockets, and USB ports.
Powering the Traveller is a 2.0-liter BlueHDI diesel engine that, according to Peugeot, is “known for its fuel efficiency… [and] provides the right amount of power and torque.”
Peugeot 3008 now looks like a proper SUV.
The latest 3008 has the same 150-hp, 370-Nm BlueHDI diesel engine.
Similar to the model’s gasoline-fed variant, the 3008 GT Line diesel has Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, essentially a combination of a digital dashboard, elevated seating position, and a multifunction touch screen display. The feature also includes scent diffusers, seat massagers, cabin mood lighting and driving modes.
Both the Traveller and the diesel 3008 are now available at Peugeot dealerships.
If you’re one of those who feel suffocated in the age of social media, you must be cheering every time you detect even the faintest sign of life in the arts, particularly literature. In a time when hardbound tomes have given way to inane memes, and discerning essays to click-bait garbage, just the feel of physical paper is enough to give some of us an orgasm.
If, at this point, it still isn’t clear to you that I’m talking about books, you may go back to your Facebook page now. I understand and will not judge you.
If, on the other hand, you salivate at the mere mention of published writing, let me tell you that the Woodstock (Coachella for those who share OOTD pics on Instagram) of bookworms is in town. Now, there’s a possibility you haven’t heard of this, as news about the event has gone viral online. Like I said, many of those who will greatly appreciate what I’m about to share wisely stay away from the Internet, so there’s little to no chance you will have gotten wind of this.
I’m referring to the Big Bad Wolf book fair from Malaysia, which opened its doors in the Philippines — World Trade Center in Pasay City, to be exact — on Feb. 16 and will be here until the midnight of Feb. 25. I say “midnight” to underscore the fact that this massive book sale is open 24 hours a day. I went at 2 a.m. last Sunday and the place was packed with people who presumably detest social-media influencers.
I’m sure you’ve been to a book sale. Heck, we even have a store called Booksale. But Big Bad Wolf is another kind altogether. For one, the items are really cheap, discounted at 60-80% of their original selling prices. Many of the books you’ve been eyeing at Fully Booked or on Amazon may be had here for just half or even a third of the price.
For another, the venue is vast. As in car-show-hall vast. If you’re visiting and you only have an hour to spare, forget it. Just go another time. You can easily kill three hours here and not notice it at all.
Because the location is huge, there are enough sections to confuse and infuriate a benighted Internet troll. You have kids? Bring them. They’ll get lost in the Children section. For the corporate executive? There’s the Business and Leadership section. For the homemaker? There’s the Cooking and Baking section.
Ah, of course there’s a two-table Transportation section for car enthusiasts. Most of the books here are from British publishers, and many are admittedly old, but quite a number of them are still worth a place on your motoring bookshelf. There are dozens of car- or motorbike-related titles that are so affordable you’ll immediately regret not bringing enough cash.
But to spare you the agony of having to decide which books to take and which ones to leave, below are my top 10 picks from the motoring titles. There are many more. I have no doubt you can come up with your own favorite list.
Just a tip: Please avoid taking selfies. It’s irritating to those who are there to actually buy books.
1. How To Drive: The Ultimate Guide, From The Man Who Was The Stig (P480);
2. 50 Cars That Changed The World (P290);
3. Car Design Asia: Myths, Brands, People (P1,150);
4. The Limit: Life And Death In Formula 1’s Most Dangerous Era (P230);
5. The Encyclopedia Of Formula 1 (P390);
6. Car Emblems: The Ultimate Guide To Automotive Logos Worldwide (P230);
