By: Dante Salvaña   Subic Bay Freeport – Sinabi ni Senatorial candidate at SAGIP Partylist Representative Rodante Marcoleta na mas marami siyang magagawa para sa bansa kung mananalo siya sa pagka-senador sa darating na 2025 elections. Ito ang pahayag  sa isang press conference na idinaos ng mambabatas sa Essa Restaurant ng Riviera Hotel dito sa Subic Bay Freeport Zone noong Enero 6. Sinabi ni Marcoleta na nakakadismaya ang pagtatrabaho sa Bicameral Conference Committee. Binanggit niya na hypothetically pagsasalita, ang parehong mga bahay ng pambatasan ay may tig 15 opisyal bawat isa na inaasahang makilahok sa mga talakayan, ngunit dalawa lamang ang gumagawa ng mga desisyon. Yan ang chairman ng appropriations at chairman ng finance committee. “Silang dalawa lang nag-uusap. Kaya yung final form ng ating budget, kamukha ng nangyayari ngayon, produkto ng dalawang tao lang. Naiimagine mo ba ang pormalidad ng pagtalakay at pagdedebate sa buong spending bill, P6.325 trilyon pesos sa apat na buwan!” sabi niya. Pagkatapos ng lahat ng diskusyon na iyon, dalawang tao lamang ang magpapasya sa badyet. “Katapustapusan, dalawang tao lang poporma non. Bakit nagkaroon ng AKAP? Bakit tinanggal ang subsidy ng gobyerno sa PhilHealth?” aniya, binanggit na ang mga tanong na ito ay dapat na itanong sa mga pagpupulong. Ipinahayag ni Marcoleta na maririnig ang kanyang boses kung manalo siya sa senatorial race ngayong 2025 elections. Binanggit din ng mambabatas na suportado ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang kanyang kandidatura. Ang opisyal ay may suporta rin ng Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) sa kanyang senatorial bid gayundin ang Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), na naging dahilan upang siya ay isa sa pinaka hinahangad na kandidato ng mga relihiyosong grupo ng Pilipinas. Ang isang billboard niya at ng KOJC Founder na si Pastor Apollo Carreon Quiboloy ay makikita rin sa South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Northbound, na may mga salitang  “Para sa Diyos at sa Pilipinas nating mahal”. Parehong tumatakbong senador sina Quiboloy at Marcoleta ngayong taon.

Subic Bay Freeport – The MV Silver Dawn, a luxury cruise ship by Silversea Cruises, made its maiden call at this premier Freeport carrying around 1,000 passenger tourists, on December 31. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño shared that the Silversea Cruises is part of the prestigious Royal Caribbean Group, and is an ultra- luxury and expedition travel brand based in Monaco. “This is the maiden visit of the MV Silver Dawn to the Port of Subic. We can expect that 596 passengers, as well as 411 crew members of the ship, will spend their New Year’s Eve here,” he said, hoping that the people of Subic Bay Freeport will welcome them during their stay here. SBMA Port Operations Senior Deputy Administrator Ronnie Yambao said, “As the Chairperson of the SBMA Cruise Ship Industry Committee, we are eyeing to breach the pre-pandemic level of cruise ship arrivals in Subic Bay to reach 20 in 2025.” He added that the MV Blue Dream Star, among many other cruise ships that have confirmed its arrival in 2025, will be here on April 11, May 3 and July 8 and bring 1,053 passengers on board. “Next is the Viva Vie Odyssey on September 23. The ship will bring in 924 passengers at double occupancy, along with 370 crew members,” he added. Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco recently expressed her confidence in the cruise tourism industry of the Subic Bay Freeport zone. During a meeting with the SBMA and other officials from Zambales at the Subic Bay Yacht Club, Frasco said that Subic Bay’s cruise tourism can be expanded to include homeporting and creating dedicated cruise port initiatives. Frasco was in Subic Bay Freeport as part of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Central Luzon leg. She added that Zambales can develop their billeting facilities via the Mabuhay accommodations and homestays, integrating Tourist-Oriented Police enforcers for the Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program with barangay tanods in Olongapo City to ensure tourist safety, and promote dive tourism.          

By Ruben Veloria   Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SBMPC) is among the 30 companies inside this Freeport that were honored during the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Mabuhay Business Awards this year held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on December 13, 2024. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the 30 awardees were recognized, out of the 1,909 locators, for there exceptional contribution to the business growth of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone this year. Aliño added that the SBMA Mabuhay Awards embodies the agency’s commitment to recognizing the outstanding contributions of these companies who have significantly enriched the domestic economy; hence, “Mabuhay” symbolizes life, enthusiasm and positivity. Recipient of the Loyalty Business Award, SBMPC is the oldest cooperative in the area, with more than 2,000 members from various companies in the Freeport, the nearby Olongapo City, Zambales, and Mariveles, Bataan. Other recipients in the same category were Idess Interactive Technologies Inc., MOF Company Subic Inc., Royal Duty Free Shops Inc., and Mikuni Terminals Mechatronics Philippines Corporation. For the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) of the Year Award, the awardees were the MJY 88 Medical Clinic, La Banca Travel and Tours Corp., and the Grand Food Venue Corp. that owns Xtremely Xpresso, Subic Ben’s Kitchen and Iron Grill Asian Fusion. For the New Business of the Year, the recipients were Skarya Builders Inc., Maritime Expert General Services Corporation, Bistro Italiano Corp., Good Manufacturing Leathers Inc., Intelligent Outsourcing Inc., MSK Group Work Incorporated, Strategic Channel for Career Development Corporation, Swire Agrotech Agricultural Products Inc., Pure Petroleum Corporation, Sands of Triboa Resorts and Spa Inc., Subic Bay Yacht Club., Norden Subic Entrepreneurs Inc., and Grainpro Philippines Inc. For the Top Importer of the Year, the award was given to Raizen Asia PTE. LTD., while the Top Exporter of the Year went to the Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc. For the Eco-Innovation Award, the SBMA hailed the Subic Smart Community Corporation. Subic Bay Town Center, Inc. bagged the Health and Wellness Business of the Year award. For the Corporate Social Responsibility Award, the SBMA hailed the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation. For Business Developer of the Year, the awardees were Aolly Home Inc., and  Sachi Subic Inc. For the Excellence in Occupational Health and Safety Practices, the top performer was Tong Lung Philippines Metal Industry Co. Inc. Meanwhile, a Special Award was given to the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce Inc. Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato W. Lee III said that these 1,909 companies not only contributed to the business growth of the Subic Bay Freeport, but also provided employment to 162,891 workers. “Aggregate investments amounting to P577.99-billion as of third quarter of 2024 accrued to the SBMA and the Total Operating Revenue generated from 1992-2023 has amounted to P64.36-billion. In the first half of 2024, the SBMA released a total of P204.7-million Net Revenue Shares, higher than last year’s same period,” he said.      

CAMP GEN. MACABULOS, Tarlac City – Police has arrested a total of 667 law offenders, and confiscated illegal drug worth P1-M during anti-criminality campaign for the last quarter of 2024. According to Tarlac Police Provincial Director P/Col. Miguel Guzman, the arrests were accomplished from October 1 to December 20, 2024 after conducting manhunt operations against target drug personalities and wanted persons. Based on the records provided, 294 wanted persons, including one Regional Most Wanted Person, and 13 Municipal Level Most Wanted Persons, were arrested for the crimes of murder, homicide, attempted murder, attempted homicide, rape, qualified rape, among others. During the implementation of search warrant, 12 individuals were arrested, while 128 individuals through anti-illegal drug operations. The drug operation yielded 100.925 grams of suspected shabu and 1,190.84 grams of suspected marijuana, with a total street value of more or less P1,000,000.00. Meanwhile, police also rounded 161 individuals, and confiscated P49,972.00 bet money used in illegal gambling, while 37 malefactors were netted during police response. In the conduct of search warrant and police response, 31 firearms were confiscated, and accounted 200 surrendered loose firearms for safekeeping while their owners are in the process of renewing their license. Guzman assures the residents of Tarlac that the police organization, especially the Tarlac PPO is holding its untiring commitment to reduce, if not eradicate, all forms of criminality in the province. He further averred that Tarlac police will continuously maximize its efforts to maintain peace and security to attain a peaceful community to live, work, and do business.      

Subic Bay Freeport – The Bureau of Immigration (BI), in coordination with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) arrested six undocumented Chinese nationals at Trillo Bay Villas here on December 12, 2024. According to the SBMA, the six were apprehended after BI officials, together with SBMA operatives, implemented mission orders to arrest the suspects inside Kim’s Apartment, a rented apartment inside the villa. The six Chinese nationals identified as Yongfeng Huang, Guo Jun, Hong Xiaojun, Bai Shiping, Guo Shiquan, and Gan Ning, were arrested for violation of Rule 9, Section 1 of SBM-2015-010 for being undocumented. Huang was the only one who was able to present a passport. All six were taken to the BI head office in Intramuros, Manila where they will be detained while their case is being processed. The BI officials said that the arrested suspects were apprised of their constitutional rights under RA7438 “in the language they can fully understand and in a manner that they could fully comprehend.” Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs and Manager of the Labor Department Atty. Melvin Varias said that the six are among the 57 Chinese nationals who used to work for TeleEmpire Incorporated and were documented during their employment at the said accredited back office solutions provider in Subic Bay Freeport. Of the 57 Chinese nationals who worked there, six of them returned to their home country, while 51 were unaccounted. Of the 51 unaccounted, 20 were arrested during a raid in Kalayaan at a house that was used as an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility. The recently arrested six were part of the 51 unaccounted employees. Atty. Varias added that the agency and the BI are in close coordination to ensure that all the undocumented Chinese nationals who worked for the said company will be documented and accounted for.  

By: Dante M. Salvaña   Clark Freeport – Renowned businessman and senatorial candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson is eyeing to create more ecozones in the area as part of his thrust of making the country an economic powerhouse in Asia. During a press conference held at the Choi Garden Park PH, Manong Chavit said that creation of ecozones in the Philippines would further boost the number of businesses investing in the country, adding that this would lessen the bureaucracy. He said that he once proposed to create an economic zone in Ilocos Sur, but was not supported by the government. He added that the economic zones he established in South Korea is currently flourishing and continuous to churn out jobs. He recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the construction of the K-Beauty Industrial Complex in Incheon, which serves as a hub for the creation of beauty and aesthetic products. He said that this new complex will create more jobs, while offering educational opportunities for Filipino students to gain expertise in one of the world’s leading cosmetic markets. The K-Beauty Industrial Complex will focus on research, production, and trade, creating a space for growth and innovation within the beauty sector. By aligning with South Korea’s advanced cosmetics industry, Singson aims to equip the Philippine workforce with skills that are competitive globally. The former Ilocos Sur governor said that ecozones are engines for economic growth and job creation, citing that the country is full of potential but has been plagued with bureaucracy, red tape, and corruption. “Our country is full of potential, but the bottleneck caused by government inefficiencies often holds us back from realizing our full economic potential,” Singson noted. Despite these obstacles, he is determined to push for reforms that will streamline processes and attract investments. Singson’s vision extends beyond industrial growth. During his recent visit to Ilocos Sur last week, he addressed pressing issues like unemployment and the challenges posed by the PUV Modernization Act. With the phaseout of traditional jeepneys, he pledged to support transport cooperatives with funding to transition to electric vehicles. In addition to supporting the transport sector, Singson announced the launch of “VBank,” an initiative aimed at increasing financial inclusion across the country. VBank will allow more Filipinos to access banking services, including debit and credit cards, especially in underserved communities. The platform will also serve as a payment option for modernized PUVs and a tool for the proposed “Chavit 500” initiative, designed to provide financial aid to lower-income families and small businesses. Through these efforts, Singson hopes to create a more inclusive economy and provide practical solutions to the everyday challenges faced by Filipinos.

Citing their significant role as partners for development,  the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently commended at least 43 landowners in Pampanga for sharing their property for the implementation of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project. In a simple ceremony, BCDA OIC-Senior Vice President Richard Brian M. Cepe, representing President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang, distributed 68 Transfer Certificate of Titles (TCTs) to the landowners affected by the SCMB railway, which is formerly known as the Subic-Clark Railway Project or SCRP. The event was held at the Benigno Hall inside the Capitol Complex in the City of San Fernando and was graced by Board Member Sajid Khan Eusoof and Board Member Fritzie David-Dizon, representing Gov. Dennis G. Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay Baby” G. Pineda, respectively. Also present from BCDA was Vice Pres. Jocelyn L. Caniones, project director of SCRP. Cepe thanked the landowners from Porac and Floridablanca towns, extending BCDA’s appreciation of their full cooperation for the realization of major infrastructure projects initiated by the national government. Cepe said that one of the biggest challenges in implementing infrastructure projects is securing right-of-way, noting BCDA’s experience in building the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx). He also said  that the cooperation of the project-affected landowners paved the way for the speedy completion of the project. “Isa sa mga pinakamalaking hamon sa pamahalaan ay ang pagseguro ng tinatawag nating right-of-way, kaya napakalaking tulong po na kayo ay handang magpaubaya at makipagtulungan upang mabilis na maisakatuparan ang proyektong ito,” Cepe said addressing the landowners. Cepe also said that the SCMB railway is part of the Marcos’ administration’s “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program.  The national government aims to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor to generate more economic opportunities with the assistance of the US and Japan. “Sa pamamagitan ng tren na ito, ating pag-uugnayin ang apat na sentrong pang-ekonomiya, mula sa pantalan ng Subic, sa paliparan ng Clark, hanggang sa mga pantalan ng Maynila at Batangas. Napakalaking bagay po nito upang mapabilis ang komersiyo at daloy ng mga produkto at serbisyo. Sa ganitong paraan, mas makakahikayat tayo ng maraming namumuhunan sa ating bansa,” Cepe said. The BCDA also expressed gratitude to Gov. Dennis G. Pineda and Vice Gov.  Lilia for their support to the project and for soliciting the cooperation of the Kapampangans. Meanwhile, Board Member Dizon read a brief message from Vice Gov. Pineda lauding their constituents’ cooperation in the implementation of this national project. “The Transfer of Certificates of Titles is a symbol of our commitment to ensuring that the rights of our citizens are protected and respected. As these certificates will be turned over, we recognize the challenges that our lot owners have faced and we acknowledge the patience and resilience they have shown. We also recognize the importance of this project in driving economic growth and development in our province,” Vice Gov. Pineda said. She added that the provincial government thanks the stakeholders including its partners in the national government and private sector. In response to the efforts of BCDA and the provincial government, Chairman Randy Guevarra of Barangay Calantas, Floridablanca said that they support the project with utmost trust that it will bring more economic activities in Pampanga. “Ang amin pong mga ka-barangay ay buong-pusong nakipagtulungan sa ating gobyerno dahil alam namin na magbibigay ito pakinabang sa mga kabayanan dito. Nagpapasalamat din po kami kina Gov. Dennis Pineda at kay Vice Gov. Nanay Baby sa kanilang malasakit sa Pampanga at sa aming mga kabalen,” Guevarra said.      

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently forged partnership with its counterparts to establish the Inter-Agency Task Force for Maritime Incidents and Emergency Response (IATF-MIER) which primarily aims to ensure efficient handling of environmental emergencies in the country’s premier free port. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of the task force was signed at the Corporate Boardroom of the Administration Building last November 21 by and among the SBMA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Customs (BOC), PNP Maritime Group, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA). SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the creation of the IATF-MIER is timely because of recent incidents of oil spills that happened along the coast of Bataan, wreaking havoc on its marine life, as well as in the livelihood of maritime stakeholders in the area. He added that the IATF-MIER is a whole-of-government approach towards maritime-related incidents as the task force is composed of government agencies that have specialized in their fields of expertise, and would collaborate with other pertinent units to prevent any incidents within our navigational waters. Aliño also said that the IATF-MIER will also undertake information and education campaigns for communities in nearby coastal areas to heighten awareness in the prevention of maritime incidents and in the provision of emergency response in the shortest record time possible. Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao added that the SBMA Seaport Department has already procured oil spill equipment to handle environmental emergencies such as oil spill incidents that have become more frequent these past few months. These include a sopep oil spill kit that has a capacity of around 416 liters, foam-filled oil spill boom, and a PCG-certified oil spill dispersant. Yambao also said that the procurement of the oil spill response equipment is crucial for effective preparedness and response to pollution-related incidents with the impact of oil spills taken into consideration. In 2025, the Seaport Department has planned a P100,000,000-project for the installation of oil spill equipment in various port terminals, including the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) Compound, Ship Repair Facility (SRF) Compound, Boton, and the New Container Terminal (NCT)/ Leyte. The said equipment will aid the IATF-MIER during oil spill response incidents. Among the tasks of the IATF-MIER is the identification of potential emergency situations that can cause illness or injury to humans and the environment under a code of guidelines for preparedness and response, to address emergency situations, and propose mitigation efforts for associated adverse environmental impacts or effects to humans and prevention of accidents. Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Manila has donated equipment that will augment the emergency response of the IATF-MIER. The Deed of Donation was formally signed following the MOU signing of the task force. Aliño said that the donation of six units of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones that will be paired with Starlink Mobile Internet will boost the monitoring and response capabilities of the SBMA Seaport, Fire and Law Enforcement departments. “The US Embassy has also provided comprehensive training to our personnel for the effective and proper use of the said drones,” he added. The chairman expressed his gratitude to the US Embassy in Manila because the equipment donated will be used not only for the Subic Freeport, but also when the agency sends a contingent to areas that require emergency response support. The signing of the IATF-MIER MOU and the donation of the UAVs and Starlink Mobile Internet were part of the pocket activities during the 32nd anniversary of the SBMA.     PHOTO CAPTION:   Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño receives the six units of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that will be paired with Starlink Mobile Internet units from the representatives of the US Embassy. The said equipment will boost the monitoring and response capabilities of the SBMA’s Seaport, Fire and Law Enforcement departments.

  STA MARIA, Bulacan — In its ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities involving unauthorized LPG operations, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 3-RSOT, in coordination with the Bulacan PFU and local police, successfully executed a search warrant at the Marilao Industrial Compound, Barangay Mahabang Parang, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, on November 21. The search warrant was issued by Hon. Adonis A. Laure, Acting Presiding Judge of the Third Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court, Branch 21, for violations of Republic Act No. 623, as amended by R.A. No. 5700, which regulates the use of duly marked containers. Authorities confiscated various equipment and materials used in illegal LPG refilling operations, including original, repainted, and refilled Pryce Gas LPG cylinders; weighing scales; refilling hoses and machines; LPG pumps; compresors; and storage tanks. The estimated value of the seized items is P5,708,455.00. During the operation, the on-site checker, identified as “Olga,” was present; however, no other individuals were apprehended. The confiscated items have been transported to the RFU 3 office for documentation and further investigation. “While no arrests have been made, we assure the public that efforts to locate and apprehend the suspects are ongoing, and we urge them to surrender voluntarily. This operation highlights our commitment to enforcing regulations against unauthorized LPG activities to ensure public safety, dahil ang gusto ng pulis ligtas ka” concluded Brig.Gen.Torre.