CHACHA WIN! VOTE: 24-2-1 Economic Charter Change allow foreign investors to own 100% in the Philippines

House committee  okays cha-cha

Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (Neg. Occ., 6th District), a co-author of the bill seeking an amendment to the economic provision of the 1987 Constitution, said it was approved by the Committee on Constitutional Amendments of the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon.

The principal author of the bill is House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

Voting 24-2-1, the Committee on Constitutional Amendments approved Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 aiming to insert “unless otherwise provided by law” in the economic provision of the Constitution.

Davao City Rep. Mylene Garcia-Albano, who chairs the committee, said the approved resolution will be forwarded to the plenary for second reading.

Those who voted against the resolution were Bayan Muna party-list Reps. Carlos Isagani Zarate and Neri Colmenares, while Pampanga Rep. Oscar Rodriguez, abstained from the voting.

The resolution aims to amend economic provisions on the 60-40 rule that limits foreign ownership of certain activities in the Philippines.

The resolution will include the phrase “unless provided by law” in the foreign-ownership provision of the Constitution, particularly land ownership, public utilities, natural resources, media and advertising industries.

Under Article XII of the Constitution, foreign investors are prohibited to own more than 40 percent of real properties and businesses, while they are totally restricted to exploit natural resources and own any company in the media industry.

The amendments to the Charter will be approved through separate votings by the both Chambers -- the Senate and the House of Representatives -- with a three-fourth votes required from them.

The Cha-cha debate will start after Congress resumes session on May 5 as they are prepared to go on Lenten recess on March 15.

Belmonte and Alvarez said the amendments are purely for the economic provisions.

Belmonte stressed that he will not allow any member to insert any provision other than what is specified in his resolution.

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China oil hungry giant to attack Spratlys

Arguments over who owns what in the South China Sea have rumbled on for decades, ever since the doomed Chinese government of Chiang Kai-shek in 1947 issued a crude map with 11 dashes marking as Chinese almost the entire 1.3 million-square-mile waterway. The Communist Party toppled Chiang but kept his map and his expansive claims, though it trimmed a couple of dashes.

Today, China’s insatiable thirst for energy has injected a highly combustible new element into long-running quarrels over cartography, arcane issues of international law and ancient shards of pottery that Beijing says testify to its “indisputable sovereignty” over the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea).

China, which imports more than half its oil, will nearly double its demand for the stuff over the next quarter-century, according to the International Energy Agency in Paris. Its demand for natural gas — which is believed to be particularly abundant beneath an archipelago of contested islands and reefs, known as the Spratlys, just west of here — is projected to more than quadruple.

With consumption soaring and the price of imports rising, China is desperate for new sources to boost its proven energy reserves, which for oil now account for just 1.1 percent of the world total — a paltry share for a country that last year consumed 10.4 percent of total world oil production and 20.1 percent of all the energy consumed on the planet, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy.

As a result, Beijing views disputed waters as not merely an arena for nationalist flag-waving but as indispensable to its future economic well-being.

“The potential for what lies beneath the sea is clearly a big motivator” in a recent shift by China to a more pugnacious posture in the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea), said William J. Fallon, a retired four-star admiral who headed the U.S. Pacific Command from 2005 until 2007. China is wary of pushing its claims to the point of serious armed conflict, which would torpedo the economic growth on which the party has staked its survival. But, Fallon said, such a thick fog of secrecy surrounds China’s thinking that “we have little insight into what really makes them tick.”

A big factor in this uncertainty is a meshing of Chinese commercial, strategic and military calculations. Like other giant energy companies in China, the China National Offshore Oil Corp., or CNOOC, the owner of the new Chinese rig, pursues profit but is ultimately answerable to the party, whose secretive Organization Department appoints its boss.

Hainan China Mounted Nuclear Weapon Facing Manila

When China’s largest offshore petroleum producer launched a $1 billion oil rig this summer from Shanghai, Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, the commander of Philippine military forces commented that China of 1,500 miles away in the South China Sea, began preparing for trouble.

The drilling platform, said China, would soon be heading in the 38 general’s direction - southward into waters rich in oil and natural gas, and also in volatile fuel for potential conflict.

China pointing the Map down south adjacent to the City of Puerto Princesa Palawan, Province of the Philippines. China is willing to face war and conflict just to drill the oil and gas with or without approval from the Philippines government as they claim the area as undisputable and it core interest.

Regardless of the UNCLOS provision of 200 Nautical Miles Exclusive Economic Zone for the Philippines and other neighboring country within the proximity of the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea), china believed their map is right and will surpassed / overpower the United Nations International laws of Sea as they have their own laws and concept.

Red Alert- Philippines for the unexpected attack of China

Few information leaked that china is preparing to sink the new Philippines Navy Warship Flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a newly acquired and refurbished from the USA high endurance Hamilton Class Cutter Frigate.

Chinese nuclear submarine armed with nuclear missiles has been mounted in Hainan island south of China and high powered weapon are now facing Manila for ready to attack anytime.

Leaked information mentioned that China will target to paralyze the Philippines by attacking the BRP Gregorio del Pilar prior of their planned launching of the $1 billion Dollar oil rig in the area near Pruerto Princesa this year or early next year in 2012.

The Philippines is not yet aware of this china’s plan. The United Nations is now the only chance to intervene or to mediate prior the leaked information to happen.

The cooling of the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) issue is the preparation of China for their ready to launch $1 billion Dollar oil rig and a simultaneous attack to destroy the BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

“We started war-gaming what we could do,” said Sabban, a barrel-chested, American-trained marine who, as chief of the Philippines’ Western Command, is responsible for keeping out intruders from a wide swath of sea that Manila views as its own 200 Nautical Miles Area from the shore but that is also claimed by Beijing.

Frigate for Philippines to be equipped with latest gun

BRP Ramon Alcaraz will have two Mk38 Mod 2 automatic cannon systems

A frigate purchased by the Philippines from the United States will be among the first ships in the world to be equipped with state-of-the art cannon systems.

The Mk38 Mod 2 is designed to counter high-speed maneuvering surface targets and will be installed also in almost all US surface ships by 2015. It was commissioned by the US Navy following the terrorist attack on the USS Cole in 2000.

A statement issued by the Philippine Embassy in Washington said the long range cutter, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, will be equipped with two Mk38 Mod 2 automatic cannon systems.

"The Pentagon has awarded a $1.8 million (₱ 74.4million) contract for the purchase of modern weapons systems that would be installed in the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the second high-endurance cutter that the Philippines recently acquired from the United States," the statement said.

Capt Elson Aguilar, Naval Attache at the Office of the Defense and Armed Forces Attache at the Philippine Embassy, was quoted as saying that acquisition of the 25mm autocannons are part of a $24 million contract with BAE systems for the purchase of 21 units of the remotely controlled naval gun systems and spare parts for both the US and Philippine navies.

The BAE contract involves the purchase of 21 units of the remotely controlled naval gun systems and spare parts for both the US and Philippine navies, according to Capt. Elson Aguilar, Naval Attache at the Office of the Defense and Armed Forces Attache at the Philippine Embassy.

Two 25mm autocannons will be fitted on the BRP Ramon Alcaraz as part of the frigate's air and surface defense system.

The BRP Alcaraz, which is expected to arrive in the Philippines in November 2012, is a sister vessel of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, aa 115 meter-long, 3,250 metric tons Hamilton Class ship. The two vessels are the biggest and among the most modern in the country's fleet. The Del Pilar is equipped with 76mm rapid fire guns aside from the 25mm automatic cannons. Both have helicopter decks.

The Alcaraz will be deployed at a time of tension between the Philippines and China over a group of islands in the South China Sea (West Philippines Sea).

The embassy said the new weapon systems are upgraded versions of the Mk38 M242 Bushmasters (25mm cannons) that were removed from the vessel prior to its turnover to the Philippines. The remotely controlled chain gun system can fire as many as 180 25m rounds per minute at targets as far as two kilometers.

He added that the autocanon can be fired manually if the sensors are damaged or if the vessels lose power.

"The Mk38 Mod 2 will allow the Alcaraz and the Del Pilar to track and fire at targets automatically in both day and night using single shot, low speed or high-speed automatic fire," Aguilar said, adding that the autocannon can be fired manually if the sensors are damaged or if the vessels lose power.

Aguilar said the vessel is presently awaiting the general overhaul of her port main diesel engine and further installation of navigational and electronics equipment.

The Alcaraz is set to undergo a general overhaul of her port main diesel engine and further installation of navigational and electronics equipment, which is expected to take 11 weeks.

According to Aguilar, both the Alcaraz and the Del Pilar are capable of conducting patrols for long periods of time and withstanding heavy weather and rough sea conditions.

The two Mk38 Mod 2 systems will complement the existing weapons system that consists of the Mk75 76-mm Oto Melara main battery and four M2HB .50 caliber machine guns.

The addition of the modern ships to the Philippines fleet will be a big boost for the navy which had long suffered the reputation of being among the most poorly equipped in Southeast Asia.

The weapons system for the BRP Del Pilar (PF15) will be covered under a separate contract, Aguilar said.

The 378-foot-long Alcaraz was commissioned in 1968 and served with the US Coast Guard as the USCGC Dallas until it was decommissioned and turned over to the Philippines in May. It is being refurbished and refitted at a cost of $15.15-M.

It is the second Hamilton-class cutter acquired by the Philippines under the Excess Defense Article and Military Assistance Program.

The first, the Del Pilar, was turned over to the Philippine Navy in May 2011.

The Alcaraz was named after Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a Philippine Navy officer who distinguished himself during World War II when the patrol boat he commanded was credited for shooting down three Japanese aircraft.

CHACHA WIN! VOTE: 24-2-1 Economic Charter Change allow foreign investors to own 100% in the Philippines

                                              House committee  okays cha-cha

Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (Neg. Occ., 6th District), a co-author of the bill seeking an amendment to the economic provision of the 1987 Constitution, said it was approved by the Committee on Constitutional Amendments of the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon.

The principal author of the bill is House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

Voting 24-2-1, the Committee on Constitutional Amendments approved Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 aiming to insert “unless otherwise provided by law” in the economic provision of the Constitution.

Davao City Rep. Mylene Garcia-Albano, who chairs the committee, said the approved resolution will be forwarded to the plenary for second reading.

Those who voted against the resolution were Bayan Muna party-list Reps. Carlos Isagani Zarate and Neri Colmenares, while Pampanga Rep. Oscar Rodriguez, abstained from the voting.

The resolution aims to amend economic provisions on the 60-40 rule that limits foreign ownership of certain activities in the Philippines.

The resolution will include the phrase “unless provided by law” in the foreign-ownership provision of the Constitution, particularly land ownership, public utilities, natural resources, media and advertising industries.

Under Article XII of the Constitution, foreign investors are prohibited to own more than 40 percent of real properties and businesses, while they are totally restricted to exploit natural resources and own any company in the media industry.

The amendments to the Charter will be approved through separate votings by the both Chambers -- the Senate and the House of Representatives -- with a three-fourth votes required from them.

The Cha-cha debate will start after Congress resumes session on May 5 as they are prepared to go on Lenten recess on March 15.

Belmonte and Alvarez said the amendments are purely for the economic provisions.

Belmonte stressed that he will not allow any member to insert any provision other than what is specified in his resolution.

VISA spenders up for (It's more fun in the Philippines)

Inside a click briefing, Visa land manager for the Philippines in addition to Guam Iain Jamieson explained this kind of current spike in incoming wasting ended up being coordintaing with this strong growth regarding business through cardholders from the Philippines, where by Visa charge cards reach several trillion. Of these charge cards, several. 5 trillion are usually debit in addition to pre-paid charge cards in addition to two. 5 trillion are usually bank cards. Entire repayment volume within this current market reach about $4 million in 2011, he explained.

Jamieson explained the volume of Visa cardholders experienced improved simply by 17 percent within this current market in 2011 together with some sort of 12 percent climb in repayment volume in addition to 16-percent growth in e-commerce transactions. They furthermore known some sort of 27 percent climb in spending on worldwide transactions as additional Philippine inhabitants traveling offshore with regard to buying, sightseeing or even business or even create on the internet expenses through offshore suppliers.

The Visa primary furthermore known that incoming wasting simply by dangerous cardholders possess surged simply by double-digit degrees considering that Late not too long ago and it has until now recently been sustained.

"When we all check out incoming current market, 1 / 2 of sum put in can be arriving upon charge cards. Whenever we notice double-digit growth through incoming buyers, then containing beneficial ramification for the land, inch Jamieson explained.

They documented that there were an abrupt switch to help double-digit amount growth in incoming wasting simply by outsiders considering that Late regarding not too long ago smacking 12-13 percent or even in relation to double this 6-7 percent growth this year.

"The completely new country wide travel advertising campaign has some pieces to help enjoy within this, inch Jamieson explained, putting that individuals today experienced additional causes to find out fantastic spots from the Philippines.

The new travel commercial ended up being showcased previous to Christmas not too long ago. "It just happens to be. It's an excellent engagement ring with it, inch Jamieson explained.

The Visa land primary explained he at first idea this kind of surge in dangerous wasting would certainly butt down simply by February as westerners keep coming back using their company exotic getaways yet this kind of we hadn't occured.

By February, Visa's top ten greatest dangerous spenders are usually from the following nations around the world:

U . s .;
Korea;
Quarterly report;
Uk;
Okazaki, japan;
Canada;
Norway;
Singapore;
Sweden;
Indonesia.
Depending on current tendencies, he additional that Australians are actually progressively more considering this Philippines, which usually Jamieson assigned to immediate flights through Qantas.

Pertaining to Visa, he explained it's essential to check out these types of tendencies. "We possess wonderful spots in addition to spots to check out in addition to we all would like to make sure that we all be able to the proper individuals from the proper nations around the world, inch he explained. Visa, also, has introduced some sort of advertising campaign to help motivate dangerous visitors to acquire neighborhood currency from the automated teller machines using their Visa charge cards when they reach the bottom.

In the meantime, Jamieson known that of sixteen percent regarding repayment volume through Philippine cardholders may be originating from e-commerce, mostly from the arranging regarding air travel like having Cebu Ocean in addition to Philippine Airlines. This proportion has doubled during the last all 5 many years.

This year, Visa wants repayment volume ongoing to build simply by mid-teens in proportion whilst issued charge cards have emerged growing simply by over 17 percent.

Average transaction benefit every using Visa charge cards is in about $75 as you move the sum can be possibly 50 percent or even fewer with regard to debit in addition to pre-paid charge cards. Jamieson explained the common benefit would most likely additional diminish as consumers would be convenient making use of charge cards for the littlest transactions in addition to being those who otherwise can not acquire bank cards will be able to admittance debit in addition to pre-paid charge cards.

Longest White beach in the Philippines

ou may still find not any major resorts constructed in the community nevertheless nearby officers anticipate organizations to be build after your construction of the town's airport is actually concluded.

Administrators mentioned around 50 people have previously bought properties across the whitened beach.

San Vicente Gran Mum. Carmela Alvarez is convinced the city will probably shortly be a perfect traveller area.

In the meantime, most tourists be in your San Vicente city appropriate as well as within the seaside city regarding Port Barton.

Businesses, which is build across the whitened beach, may also be likely to supply thousands of tasks pertaining to residents regarding San Vicente.

Golfers in clark

The Philippines, a popular destination for Korean golfers, is taking part in the country's largest golf trade show here to promote its golf courses and other leisure facilities as part of efforts to attract 1 million Korean visitors this year.

The Korean office of the Philippines Department of Tourism said it has set up 10 exhibition booths at the Korea Golf Fair 2012, the country's largest golf convention. The fair, which began Thursday and will last through Sunday, is being held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province.

The Philippines tourism office said it has and will award visitors to its booths with free airline tickets and other rewards through a prize draw.

``To attract more than 1 million tourists from Korea, we will take full advantage of the ongoing golf exhibition,'' said Maricon Basco-Ebron, director of the Philippines Department of Tourism Office in Korea. ``There are many world-class but affordable golf courses throughout the Philippines. We will make more efforts to promote those in Manila and Clark, which have been extremely popular with Korean golfers.''

She also said during the four-day trade fair, the Southeast Asian country will showcase a number of attractive tourism assets in Palawan, which was designated as one of the New7 Wonders of Nature.

``At our exhibition booths, we will hand out brochures and other tourism-related materials to visitors free of charge. They can also win prizes if they participate in a range of our promotional events,'' the director said.

For instance, those who play on a mini-golf course set up inside the exhibition hall and score above average will be given dried mango and other souvenirs from the Southeast Asian nation. Among visitors that enter for an event, one individual will be selected through a draw and awarded with two complimentary round-trip tickets for the Incheon-Manila route. Another will be given two free round-trip tickets between Incheon and Cebu.

On the last day of the trade show, the winners will be announced. They will be individually notified by the Philippines tourism office.

``There are so many beautiful and distinguished golf courses in Manila and Clark. Restaurants and other amenities at golf courses are ready to serve Korean golfers,'' The director said. ``We strongly encourage golfers to visit the ongoing golf fair and obtain valuable travel information on the Philippines, as well as win various prizes by taking part in our promotional events.''

The country's bid to attract more tourists through the "It's more fun in the Philippines" slogan has started to bear fruit by perking up foreign onshore spending, global payments firm Visa said.