DTI: No price hike for Noche Buena goods
Consumers warned of holiday price hikes
"We will suspend the suggested retail price (SRP) for sugar until December 31 so there won't be a shortage in the market," Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo told reporters yesterday following a National Price Coordinating Council meeting.
He said this was aimed at ensuring that retailers would not worry about sanctions. Sugar's prevailing market price had hit P64/kilo as of the end of last month, well over the SRP of P52/kilo.
Mr. Domingo similarly noted that last Tuesday's increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices -- P33 to P638-P700 per 11-kilo tank -- did not reflect world market rates so that fresh hikes could be expected.
"The full increase hasn't been implemented. A small hike is expected," he said.
With two major inputs expected to become pricier, the Philippine Baking Industry Group (Philbaking) said it would have to hike loaf and pan de sal prices again by mid-month.
"There will be some adjustments due to the increased cost of sugar, liquefied petroleum gas and shortening," Philbaking President Walter Co told reporters.
As such, loaf prices will increase by another P1-P1.50 while a 10-piece pack of pan de sal will cost 50 centavos more, Mr. Co said.
This would follow price hikes last month by several bread firms including industry leader Gardenia Bakeries Philippines, Inc. Loaf prices were increased to P49-P55.50 from P48-P54.50 while pan de sal packs also became pricier, with some costing P35.50 instead of P35.
Other officials, meanwhile, said price hikes were unlikely for other commodities like pork, chicken, fish, vegetables, dairy products and processed meat with suppliers promising ample supply.
"There are no plans for increases until the end of the year ... for milk and processed meat" Trade Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya said.
Chicken, pork, fish and vegetables, added Agriculture Salvador S. Salacup, are also forecast to have "stable" prices.
Mr. Domingo said the Trade department would continue monitoring prices and could re-implement the sugar SRP starting next year.
"In January, we will see if sugar prices have come down and then we will reestablish the SRP," Mr. Domingo said.
To address the supply gab that has put pressure on prices, he went on to recommend that import schedules be revised.
"We have to change the timing of our importation," Mr. Domingo, said noting that cheaper contracts are to be had in February to April.
"We will definitely need to import next year. We will meet with the Sugar Regulatory Administration and the sugar industry for a long-term solution [to high sugar prices]," he added.
The Trade chief said the government had waited for the milling season to end this year before bringing in 250,000 tons of sugar.
The importation was unable to arrest the rise in refined sugar prices, with the commodity now retailing 45.5% higher in Metro Manila wet markets from a year earlier, according to Agriculture department data.
A sugar industry group, however, opposed plans for early importation as could prematurely depress local prices.
The milling season usually ends in June and only then can the supply gap be truly determined, Philippine Sugar Millers Association Executive Director Archimedes B. Amarra said.
"I agree we have to import but we don't know how many tons yet," Mr. Amarra said.
Milling has begun and supply entering the market should lower prices soon, he claimed.
LPG strikes yearend hike at P37
THE price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) under Shellane increased by P37 per 11-kg. tank, from P740 to P777, since midnight of Dec. 1.
Clarissa Estencia of Jet Sales Corp., a dealer of Shellane LPG, said the increase is nationwide as determined by Shell Corp., a multi-national oil company that owns it.
However, Beverly Navaja of Evergas Trade Sales, which sells Gasul brand LPG of Petron Corp., said they kept the price at P727 per 11-kg. tank since Nov. 9.
Auto LPG prices up, too; new hike set next week
"Yan ang masamang balita, kasama po sila. Ang kanilang per liter ngayon, kung hindi ako nagkakamali, nasa P29.40 per liter," Ty said in an interview on dzBB radio.
(That is the bad news. Taxi drivers will also be affected by price hikes in LPG products. Autogas will now cost about P29.40 per liter.)
While he did not say how much Autogas cost before Wednesday's price hike, figures from the Department of Energy showed Auto LPG prices were as low as P18.50/liter (Regasco Gas Corp., last adjusted June 8).
On the other hand, the Department of Energy (DOE) figures showed the most expensive Auto LPG was at P31 per liter (Flying V, last adjusted Aug. 10).
Many taxi operators have had their units converted to use LPG fuel, which is cheaper and cleaner.
Ty said the price adjustment was due to the rising trend in world prices of LPG fuel.
"Pataas ang trend sa international market price, yan ang trend ngayon (The trend in the international market price of LPG is still going up)," he said.
Another hike in December
Meanwhile, Ty said a second price hike for this month is likely to take place next week.
On Wednesday, LPGMA members had imposed a P3/kilo hike on LPG products, jacking up prices of 11-kg LPG tanks to between P603 and P613.
A second price hike of P2/kilo is due next week, he said.
"The advice we got from our suppliers was that the next price hike will be next week, P2 per kilo. There will be no more price hikes for the month after that. But at the end of the month we will check prices to see if there is a need to adjust prices in January," he said in Filipino.
But Ty said these prices are still lower than that of the major oil players, which act as the LPGMA members' suppliers.
He said LPG prices of the bigger firms stand at about P680 per 11-kg tank.
"Kami sa kanila bumibili mas mataas sila, di namin maintindihan at di nila pinapaliwanag (We get our supplies from them. We do not understand it and they do not explain it)," he said.
Bicameral body moves ruling on Energy chief to last session
Tighter watch on poultry smuggling urged amid bird flu
50 OFWs can't yet go to South Korea: Cimatu
1 in 4 Pinoys with HIV is an OFW --labor group
Nothing to fear about blood bank safety–DoH
More diarrhea cases reported in Cebu
CEBU CITY -- About 50 new patients were brought to the Danao City District Hospital on Wednesday, bringing to 263 the total number of diarrhea cases reported in the city since November 1.
Danao City Health Officer Arturo Allego pointed out, though, that some patients have been discharged. He also said that aside from three confirmed fatalities, no new deaths have been reported.
Assistant City Epidemiologist Dorinda Macasu-col said most of these households, which compose three percent of Cebu City's total households, are in the mountain barangays, where residents get their water from deep wells and communal water tanks.
Second notice of strike against VECO looming
The Visayan Electric Company Employees Union is contemplating to file another notice of strike amidst the alleged defiance of the management to the order of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz for the payroll reinstatement of the union president.
It's Ralota vs. Sanchez for ABC president in Cebu City
Now it's down to two. The battle for the presidency of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) of Cebu City will be between T. Padilla barangay captain Michael Ralota and Busay captain Eliodoro "Yody" Sanchez.
This as Capitol Site barangay captain Manuel Guanzon, who had expressed interest on the position decided to run for vice president instead after learning that Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña endorsed Ralota for the post.
In yesterday's meeting between Ralota and Guanzon, the latter decided to give way to Ralota as being agreed on the straw balloting conducted by Osmeña.
Before the straw ballot, they agreed to honor whatever would come out of it and support, who would be picked.
Ralota reportedly edged Guanzon by a slim margin in the straw ballot, but Osmeña did not say exactly how the votes went.
Ralota and Sanchez filed their certificate of candidacy yesterday morning before the Nomination and Credential Committee at the Association of Barangay Councils Office. The deadline for filing will be today.
"Modagan lang ko kay lain man pud nga modaog si Kapitan Ralota nga wala'y kontra. Nindot man gyud ang election kung naay kontra," Sanchez said.
Ralota, for his part, said he has a good chance of winning considering that he has already the support of the majority of the barangay captains.
But Ralota said he will have to wait for the outcome of ABC elections on December 7.
"Mapilde o modaog magpabilin man gihapon tang kapitan. Amigo ra man gi-hapon mi ni Yody," Ralota said.
Basak-Pardo captain David Tumulak will be running for vice-president while Apas barangay captain Ramil Ayuman will be running for auditor.
Others, who filed their certificate of candidacy as board members were Jessielou Cadungog of Tejero, Rodulfo Estela of Mambaling, Doming Lopez of Tinago, Roger Ruizo of San Roque and Lorenzo Basamot of Camputhaw.
ABC Executive Secretary Tessa Paradiang-Cang said that other barangay captains will be filing their COC today.
Meanwhile, Ralota said the 14 barangay captains, who have not paid their annual dues, can still participate in the elections next week.
Barangays are required to give 2 percent of their internal revenue allotment (IRA) share to the ABC as annual dues.
Ralota, the incumbent vice president of the ABC, said that the board of directors of ABC, has decided to allow the captains to vote provided that they will make a promisory note that they will settle their obligations with the ABC.
The 14 barangays who have not paid yet their ABC dues are Agsungot, Cambinocot, Cogon-Pardo, Kamputhaw, Kinasangan, Labangon, Lahug, Pahina San-Nicolas, Pasil, Quiot, Sambag II, San Nicolas Proper, Sapangdaku, and Sirao.
Cris wants ombud to probe PJ
BUSINESSMAN Crisologo Saavedra yesterday asked Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez to investigate Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu Province, 3rd district) for accusing Assistant Ombudsman for the Visayas Virginia Santiago of violating the office's rules of procedure.
Capitol still lacks Naga permits for Balili
CAPITOL is still securing local permits from Naga City for the landfill in the Balili property.
Capitol spokesperson and revenue generation consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda said it's a challenge to meet their target to operate in January next year.
If they fail to achieve the target, he said they have already set-up contingency plans such as selling the ash to cement companies. But he reiterated that no specific companies have been named yet.
He said, however, they are not yet sure if the coal ash from Kepco can already be used.
CH to buy fire extinguishers
To ensure an efficient incident response program, the Cebu City Government is buying 6,000 fire extinguishers as recommended by the City Disaster Coordinating Council.
Lapu-Lapu has new police chief
The new chief of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Station, Senior Supt. Anthony Obenza, formally assumed office yesterday afternoon in a simple turnover ceremony at the city session hall.
461 new police recruits take oath
At least 461 new police recruits took their oath yesterday morning at the Police Regional Office-7 at the Camp Sergio Osmeña.
Son of radio commentator shot dead
A 43-year-old son of a radio commentator, while on a pedicab in sitio San Rafael, barangay Tangke, Talisay City, was shot dead yesterday morning by a still unidentified man.
Neilman Aton, a resident of 77 Bliss, Labangon, Cebu City, who drives a taxi for a living, succumbed to six gunshot wounds.
Aton is son of Mike Aton, a member of Sugboanong Komentarista nga Nagpakabana (SUKNA).
PO1 Rosauro Pasumala, one of the investigators, said Aton was on his way to the garage of Spider Taxi in barangay Tangke when an unidentified man came from nowhere and sprayed a barrage of bullets on him.
The gunman ran to a nearby bridge where he disappeared.
Police as of yesterday afternoon was still clueless as to the motive of the crime, but Superintendent Henry Biñas, chief of the Talisay City Police Station, said they are looking at the angle that the victim might have a conflict with his assailant.
As of yesterday, investigation of the incident was still on going.
Aton's body is set to be autopsied to find out what caliber was used in the shooting.
Pasumala said that based on initial investigation, Aton rarely went to his house in Labangon.
Meanwhile, his older brother SPO4 Jack Aton of the Mabolo Police Station said the victim was already living in Talisay City hence he wasn't usually seen in their house in Cebu Ctiy.
Lifestyle check urged on agent
A SPECIAL investigator of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was named in a complaint for ill-gotten wealth and graft, filed yesterday at the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.
Modesta Maglasang, in her complaint, alleged that Arnel Pura of the NBI 7 has acquired P25 million worth of properties, "manifestly out of proportion" to his salary from the NBI.
Colon Rerouting Implemented
Due to the yearly night market in Colon starting yesterday, the Cebu City Traffic Operation Management has implemented a traffic rerouting.
Starting at 6:30 p.m. up to 2:00 a.m. the portion of Colon Street from D. Jakosalem up to the intersection of Osmeña will be closed for vehicle traffic.
As a result passenger jeepneys with route nos. 01B, 01C and 01K will be turning left to P. Del Rosario St., right turn to Junquera St., left turn to Colon St., left turn to Mabini St., to their usual route, then to their point of destination.
Passenger jeepneys with route nos. 01F, 02E, 10C, and 12B traversing along Colon St. shall right turn to D. Jakosalem St., left turn to Sanciangko St., to their usual route then to their respective point of destination.
Public vehicles with route nos. 08E, 08G, 09A, 09H, 10D, and 11D passing Colon St., shall right turn to Leon Kilat St., right turn to Magallanes St., and to their usual route, then to their point of destination.
PUJs with route no. 12C shall turn left to Borromeo St., left turn to Sanciangko St., then back to their point of origin.
Passenger jeep with route nos. 09J, and 10M in going to the reclamation area shall turn right to Leon Kilat St., left turn to Magallanes St., right turn to Manalili St., left turn to Lincoln St., right turn to F. Gonzales St., left turn to M.C. Briones St., left turn to M.J. Cuenco Ave., to their usual route, then to their point of destination.
Passenger jeep with route no. 10F shall make a right turn to Sanciangko St., right turn to Panganiban St., then to their point of origin.
Those vehicles with route nos. 11A, 08F, and 12F, shall make a left turn to Sanciangko St.,left turn to Panganiban St., right turn to Colon St., to their usual route, then to their point of origin.
13C PUJs shall right turn to Zamora St., right turn to Jakosalem St., left turn to Sanciangko St., to their usual route, then to their respective point of destination.
Motorists, drivers, and other road users are advised to follow the traffic signs installed on the rerouting area.
The situation will continue every night until the Colon Night Market is over.
Aquino risks impeachment over RH bill: lawmaker
CBCP exec question results of survey on RH bill
Pope lauds PHL bishops' efforts vs contraception, corruption
GSIS says pension disbursements totaled P18.78B
The state-run pension fund attributed the increase in disbursements to the growing number of GSIS pensioners on top of the implementation of the 1.5-percent increase in pension benefits.
Since January this year, the 1.5-percent increase in pension benefits has been in effect but applying only to those who started contributing to GSIS since 2005.
The pension fund for government employees, which has close to 280,000 active pensioners, has disbursed an average of P1.7-billion pension benefits on a monthly basis.
"Pensioners of this state-run firm remain the highest earning retirees in the country today," the GSIS said.
Apart from their monthly pension, pensioners are also entitled to cash gifts at the end of the year.
The GSIS said its domestic pensioners could withdraw their monthly pension, cash gifts, and even the proceeds of their pension loan from any Megalink, Bancnet, or Expressnet automated teller machines (ATMs) nationwide.
Pensioners living abroad, however, could also withdraw the same benefits and loan proceeds from any ATM abroad with a VISA Plus Network at the currency of the country they are in.
In the past, domestic and foreign pensioners had to make personal appearances to withdraw their pension benefits.
For pensioners outside the country, both old-age and survivorship pensioners can already renew their active status through SKYPE or through the 262 GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (G-W@PS) kiosks all over the country.
By the first semester of 2011, the GSIS will deploy additional 500 kiosks in all division offices of the Education Department, provincial capitols, city halls, clusters of municipalities, and government agencies across the country.
GSIS president and general manager Robert G. Vergara said they are studying ways to make it more convenient for pensioners to renew their status.
"Our vision is to harness technology so that, eventually, all our pensioners need not come to the GSIS office for renewal of their active status. They can just do it in the comfort of their own homes through technology-enabled means," he added.
He reaffirmed the mandate of the pension fund to provide retirement benefits to GSIS stakeholders especially those pensioners who have rendered years of public service.
2011 'anti-growth' budget slammed in Senate
DSWD to spend P4B to give away P21B to the poor
Senate passes P1.64 trillion budget
Late US solon who helped bare Marcos corruption conferred Legion of Honor
Arroyo allies undaunted by 'Cablegate'
Alleged coup plotter joins Aquino gov't
Danny Lim to RAM: Unite vs anti-Aquino 'interest groups'
House panels OK amnesty grant; Senate concurrence seen
Maguindanao governor cries in court
A day after massacre, meeting held to plan cover-up, says witness
De Leons insist Tony Boy Lejano is innocent
Lacson's intel background helps him hide: DOJ
Robredo on Lacson reward: 'Money can be put to better use'
Lacson will surrender if arrest warrant dropped, his lawyer says
Problem of rights violations 'structural'—CHR chief
Bong, Miriam want increases in SUC budgets
Malacañang rushes search for new Comelec chair
Comelec told to collect materials for Roxas poll protest
HK to hold inquest over bus hijack
The inquest is scheduled to last 25 days starting from Feb. 14, she told AFP, less than a month after Hong Kong police concluded their probe into the poorly handled fiasco which dented relations between Manila and Hong Kong.
Officials in the southern Chinese territory have criticized Philippine authorities' handling of the hijacking by lone gunman Rolando D. Mendoza, and a subsequent decision to spare officials involved from tough punishments.
The coroner's court investigates the circumstances behind a person's death but does not make recommendations concerning liability and has little power to compel witnesses from outside Hong Kong to testify.
"One of my questions will never be answered -- why did Mendoza turn cold-blooded?" hostage survivor Li Yick-biu told the South China Morning Post.
"The coroner can find out the cause of death, but the answer to this we'll never know," he added.
A Philippine consulate spokesman could not be immediately reached.
Hong Kong police sent four delegations to Manila to gather evidence, including from the bus where the victims died and to conduct ballistic tests and interviews with eyewitnesses.
The hostage-taking on Aug. 23 saw sacked police officer Mendoza seize a busload of Hong Kong tourists in Manila in a desperate bid to win his job back and be cleared of extortion charges.
Eight of the tourists and the hostage taker were killed and seven tourists wounded when police commandos launched a rescue attempt in a drama played out live on television.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong should course through the government any request for witnesses for its public inquest, a Palace official said yesterday.
"If they will send a request [for witnesses] it should go through normal government to government process," Deputy Spokesman Abigail D. Valte said in an interview at Malacañang.
"We have already provided the information from the reports that came from us. I'm not aware if there's a request from Hong Kong or the people in charge of the inquest to send witnesses," Ms. Valte said.
President Benigno S. C. Aquino III, after reviewing the report of the committee that probed the incident led by Justice Secretary Leila M. de Lima, ordered the filing of appropriate charges against eight people including police and government officials.
Peso moves up on news of China's manufacturing expansion
Philippines to overtake India as world's call center capital
Aboitiz Oks sale of shipping unit to Negros Navigation
For $105 Million: Aboitiz sells off shipping companies
After a failed buyout agreement with the KGLI-NM Holdings Inc., two years ago, the Aboitiz Group has decided to finally get-out from the shipping business, following the company's announcement to sell its entire stake on Aboitiz Transport System Corporation (ATS) to Negros Navigation Co. Inc., (Nenaco).
East Timor leader pushes for ASEAN membership
Malaysia testing dengue vaccine as deaths surge
Complacency fuels new AIDS surge in West: UN
Donaire plans to take risks vs Ukrainian foe
Bolts zap Barako Bull, 73-70
The Meralco Bolts held Barako Bull without a field goal in the last four minutes, squeezing out a 73-70 win to secure a playoff for a quarterfinals berth in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City tonight.
Prisaa opens today
THE Southwestern University (SWU) Lady Cobras are ready to defend their crown as the Private School Athletic Association (Prisaa) regional volleyball champions as the event opens today at the Aznar Coliseum.
Today's opening will be led by president Fr. Vic Uy and the different point persons of the different provinces and the more than 600 athletes competing in the weekend.
"We will have a modest opening ceremony followed by a solidarity meeting of all officials," said SWU athletic director Ryan Aznar.
Lakers' skid at 3 with loss at Memphis (AP)
The Lakers had "Get back on track" written on the board in their dressing room. Mike Conley and the Memphis Grizzlies wouldn't let tha happen against them. Conley scored 10 of his season-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Los Angeles Lakers 98-96 on Tuesday night, sending the defending champs to their third straight loss.
Rondo's 23 and 12 lift Celtics over Cavs (AP)
Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics weren't even in the showers when an announcement stirred the few Cavaliers fans who stayed until the bitter end. "On Thursday night, the Cavs will host the Miami Heat," the loudspeakers blared. Boooooooooo. Your turn, LeBron. Rondo scored a season-high 23 points with 12 assists and the Celtics shook off some rust from a long holiday weekend.
Duncan has triple-double, Spurs now 15-2 (AP)
Tim Duncan has lobbied Spurs coach Gregg Popovich numerous times to play point guard in the past. Each time he's been denied. Don't expect Popovich to have a change of mind any time soon, even after San Antonio's All-Star forward matched his career-high for assists while recording his first triple double in nearly two years.
Knicks pull away after Nets' Harris hurt (AP)
The New York Knicks tried to say that 19 games is too early for celebration. For this franchise, though, it's awfully late in the season to still have a winning record. Amare Stoudemire scored 35 points and the Knicks broke open a close game right after New Jersey lost point guard Devin Harris to injury, beating the Nets 111-100 on Tuesday night.
Sixers hand Blazers fourth straight loss (AP)
Once again, the Philadelphia 76ers finished well, while the Portland Trail Blazers did not. Elton Brand scored 18 points while Jrue Holiday and Andres Nocioni added 11 each to help the Sixers past the Trail Blazers 88-79 on Tuesday night. The Sixers have won consecutive games for the first time since March 24-26, 2010.
Magic bench keys 90-79 win over Pistons (AP)
A little time has passed. Some of the players have changed. None of it ever seems to matter, because the Detroit Pistons always give the Orlando Magic a hard time. "Always," Magic forward Rashard Lewis said. Only now the end result is different. On a night Dwight Howard was contained offensively, it took a strong push from two reserves to help the Magic pull away for a 90-79 victory.
Despite flu, Granger's 37 spark Pacers (AP)
Slumped over in his chair, staring aimlessly at the locker room floor Tuesday night, Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers had little energy thanks to a nagging case of the flu. Despite the illness, Granger still was the dominant player against the Sacramento Kings. The talented small forward scored a season-high 37 points for the Pacers, who used a strong third quarter to pull away from the Kings.
KC hosts peace video conference
No honeymoon for Regine, Ogie
Charice sings 'Jingle Bell Rock' at X'mas in Rockefeller
Finger length predicts prostate cancer risk: study
Tiny blood vessels show pollution, heart disease link
How to deal with young picky eaters
'Can't talk now Dad, I'm ovulating': study
Pagasa: One or two more tropical cyclones to enter PHL this month
Pagasa weather branch chief Robert Sawi said based on climatological data, the track of tropical cyclones during this period are likely across Southern Luzon and Visayas area.
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