All posts by Alvin Baking

SIM Card Registration Law Takes Effect in the Philippines

In an effort to curb spam texts and calls, the Philippines has passed Republic Act No. 11934, also known as the SIM Card Registration Act, requiring all SIM card holders to register their personal information with telecommunications companies. The law, which takes effect on December 27, 2022, aims to help authorities trace and hold accountable those who send unwanted and often fraudulent messages.

Under the new law, all SIM card holders must provide their full name, address, and identification number to their telecommunications provider. The registration process is simple and can be done online or at a physical retail location.

Telecommunications companies are required to verify the information provided by SIM card holders and ensure that it matches government-issued identification. The companies will also be responsible for maintaining a database of registered SIM cards and making it available to authorities upon request.

The Philippine government believes that the SIM card registration law will significantly reduce the amount of spam texts and calls received by individuals and businesses. It will also make it easier for authorities to track and prosecute those who engage in illegal activities using anonymous SIM cards.

While the law has been met with some criticism, with some arguing that it infringes on privacy, the government maintains that the benefits of the law far outweigh any potential drawbacks. In a statement, the government said, “The SIM card registration law is a necessary measure to protect the public from the harm caused by spam texts and calls. It is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and security it provides.”

Telecommunications companies are encouraged to educate their customers about the SIM card registration process and to make it as convenient as possible. Customers who do not comply with the law may have their SIM cards deactivated. All new SIM cards shall be deactivated by December 27, 2022.

The SIM card registration law is a major step forward in the fight against spam texts and calls in the Philippines. It will not only protect individuals and businesses from fraudulent and annoying messages, but also help authorities track and prosecute those who engage in illegal activities using anonymous SIM cards.

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andreas klippe with bbm

Flood Expert Meets with Philippine President to Discuss Flood Protection Measures

Flood Control Asia RS Corp. CEO and Flood Expert Dr. Andreas Klippe recently had the opportunity to meet with Philippine President Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos at the ASEAN-EU Business Summit in Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The discussion focused on how to protect critical infrastructure against flood damage.

During the meeting, Dr. Klippe shared his expertise on flood prevention and mitigation techniques, including the use of flood barriers and smart infrastructure systems. He also highlighted the importance of proper planning and risk assessment in protecting against flood damage.

President Marcos expressed his appreciation for the valuable insights shared by Dr. Klippe, and stated that he is willing to discuss further with Flood Control Asia RS to implement effective flood protection measures in the Philippines.

Flood Control Asia RS Corp. is Philippine Based company located in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. RS is a leading provider of flood protection solutions with a track record of successful projects in numerous countries in Europe, America, and Asia, particularly in Qatar, Singapore, China, Hongkong, India, and the Philippines. The company is dedicated to helping communities and businesses reduce the impact of flood events and protect critical infrastructure from flood damage.

This meeting highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges such as flood protection. Flood Control Asia RS looks forward to continuing its work with the Philippine government to safeguard against flood damage and ensure a safer and more secure future for all.

FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS WITH THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT

In 2021, two hospitals, particularly Jose C. Payumo Memorial District Hospital in Dinalupihan, Bataan, and Masantol Main Health Center, in Pampanga, were granted with special funding from the German Government to protect COVID-19 referral hospitals from the danger of flood.

(From Left to Right) OIC of JCPMDH Dr. Melinda Layug, Dinalupihan Mayor Gina Garcia, German Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency Anke Reiffenstuel, Bataan Governor Albert Garcia, RS Pres. & CEO Andreas Klippe, and RS Executive Vice President Ma. Fatima Usi attended the Press Conference for the Flood Protection Project of JCPMDH.

The RS Technology is the best solution to protect these critical infrastructures because of their lightweight and easy-to-operate demountable flood barriers.

To date, Flood Control Asia RS Corp. has ongoing projects that involve designing, manufacturing, and installing flood protection devices in five public schools in the Philippines. The flood mitigation project is expected to be completed by January 2023.

THE ASEAN-EU BUSINESS SUMMIT

President Ferdinand Bong-Bong Marcos attended the ASEAN-EU Business Summit in Brussels with the goal of promoting economic cooperation and business opportunities between the Philippines and the European Union. As the leader of the Philippines, President Marcos is vesting interest in finding ways to strengthen the country’s economic ties with the EU and other countries around the world, and the ASEAN-EU Business Summit is providing an opportunity to do so. The 10th ASEAN-EU Business Summit’s theme is “Deepening ASEAN-EU Trade: Sustainable Development for All”.

According to EU-ASEAN Business Council, the European Union has poured millions of dollars in funding and technical assistance on various programmes, notably those that go towards ASEAN’s regional integration process and on climate change action. And, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU was a major donor of COVID-19 vaccines and other related support to Southeast Asia.

During President Marcos’ Closing Keynote of the business summit, he stipulated that strengthening of economic ties between ASEAN and EU members is a key to progress by exchanging ideas, products, technology, and manpower.

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German Club Manila – Home Away From Home


Whether you are a German national or interested with the German culture, the German Club Manila is the best place to experience authentic German food and beverages. The club prides itself on being a home away from home, as it caters to its multinational members and honored guests.

Established in 1906, the “Deutscher Klub” (German Club) Manila is the oldest German circle outside of Germany. According to German Club Manila President Bernd Schneider, they currently have about 500 members, wherein half are Germans, and the others are Filipinos and other nationalities. And they are open to all who wish to be a member of this prestigious club.

The restaurant is a suitable venue for business meetings and corporate functions, as it is being the regular venue for “Economic Forum for Trade and Industry” and similar presentations.

President Schneider is encouraging Germans who are visiting the Philippines, to contact the German Club Manila and arrange temporary privileges for their enjoyment of first-rate dining and bar facilities.

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2nd CILA Bowling Tournament


The 2nd CILA bowling tournament was held at SM City Clark, Pampanga. It was opened by the Clark Investors and Locators Association president Joselito Go, where he welcomed all participants, and presented the rules and regulations. It was followed by the oath taking of all the teams’ captains.

The tournament is consists of the different companies under CILA, including the last year’s champions, the Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc.

This year’s bowling tournament is participated by the following companies:

  1. SMK Electronics (Phils.) Corp.
  2. PTT Philippines Trading Corp.
  3. Clark Water Corp.
  4. Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc.
  5. PLDT Clark Telecom
  6. Viskase Asia Pacific Corp.
  7. HBA Design (Phils.) Inc.
  8. Omni Aviation Corp.
  9. Widus Hotel & Casino
  10. Royce Hotel & Casino
  11. Wallem Innovative Solutions Philippines, Inc.
  12. CRL Environmental Corp.
  13. Clark Electric Distribution Corp.
  14. SIA Engineering (Phils.) Corp.
  15. L & T International Group Philippines, Inc.
  16. Nanox Philippines, Inc.
  17. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Medical Center
  18. Dr. Klippe Philippines Corp.

The elimination will last for four weeks, the top 8 teams will advance to the next round.

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DOTr and Germany’s BMVI Signed Maritime Cooperation


German State Secretary Michael Odenwald of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, have visited the country, along with a delegation of German business community.

The event was hosted by the Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, on July 4, 2017, at the Philippine International Convention Center, Manila.

The highlight of the event was the signing of a letter of intent for a Maritime Cooperation between the Philippines and Germany, that was commenced by Secretary Arthur Tugade and State Secretary Michael Odenwald.

The cooperation has the following agenda:

  1. Conduct of regular talks to discuss proposals;
  2. The development and implementation of certain projects of mutual interest;
  3. The organization of training courses in the field of business and maritime transport;
  4. The exchange of information concerning the investigation of marine accidents;
  5. Cooperation in marine pollution prevention; and
  6. Cooperation in the field of ports and maritime equipment, research, training, and staff development in the field of maritime transport.

Sec. Odenwald also expressed their interest in helping the Philippines develop its maritime, rail and aviation sectors.

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Clark Investors Held Their Annual Golf Tournament in Clark


Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) recently concluded their Annual Golf Tournament at Mimosa Golf and Country Club in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. The tourney was a fundraising event that will benefit schools in Angeles City.

CILA President Josh Go is encouraging all locators inside Clark Freeport Zone to join CILA and experience the excitement of their leisure and CSR activities.

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metro manila traffic officer

Using Mobile Phones While Driving is Now Against the Law

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The use of Mobile devices while behind the wheel is now illegal under the Republic Act 10913 (also known as the Anti-Distracted Driving Act).

However, motorists can still use their mobile phones when they do it hands-free.

According to LTO Executive Director Romeo Vera Cruz,

They can use headphones. They can use their smart phones without holding it because the law states that drivers should not be distracted in driving even during the stoplight or temporary stop.

Vera Cruz also mentioned that the use of navigation app, such as Waze, will also be regulated. LTO Law Enforcement Director Francis Ray Almora said “If they are using Waze, the device should not be positioned in a way that would distract the driver,”.

Following the implementing rules and regulations of RA 10913 defines “distracted driving” as “performance by motorists or drivers in a running motor vehicle or even temporarily stopped at the red light.”.

Under Section 5 of the new law, using smartphones or other gadgets is not considered to be distracted driving “if done using the aid of a hands-free function or similar device… provided that the placement of the mobile communication device or hands-free device does not interfere with the line of sight of the driver”.

However, the motorists are exempted from the law to use their mobile phones while on the road to make an emergency call like health care, police hotlines, fire department and other agencies with emergency services.

Violators will be fined P5,000 for the first offense, and can lead to revocation of license plus P20,000 penalty, for the fourth offense.

The law also indicated that Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine National Police and Local Government shall assist LTO in effectively implementing the said Republic Act.

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$40-B Solar Power Plant Project Launched in Clark

Pampanga, PhilippinesClark Development Corporation (CDC) president Arthur Tugade and Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) president Arnel Casanova led the inaugural ceremony and were assisted by Robert Driscoll, president of Sindicatum Group, parent company of Sindicatum Renewable Energy Co. (SREC), and Jose Leviste Jr., MSPI chairman.

Tugade said CDC continues to seek and provide dependable, sustainable and efficient power supply in Clark, adding that the solar project would help ensure adequate and cheap power supply to current and future locators within the Freeport Zone.

It is estimated that the output from the Clark solar project will support 25,000 jobs within the Freeport.

The project is interconnected through Clark Electric Development Corporation (CEDC), and as such will supply most of its power to the local area served by CEDC, including the locators in the Freeport Zone. The project is also registered with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), and will supply power not required by CEDC to support the Luzon grid.

The plant was completed last Monday, March 7, after the completion of final tests required by NGCP.

Full operation will start this month once it is registered with the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and given approval to connect as a generator by NGCP.

The Clark solar power project is part of CDC’s efforts to reduce carbon footprint inside Clark and supports the development of Clark Green City (CGC), which will be a major new integrated city involving commercial, industrial and residential developments.

SREC is a Singapore-based developer, owner and operator of renewable clean energy projects in South and Southeast Asia.

The Clark Solar project is the first of several solar projects being developed by SREC in the Philippines.

SREC has leased land and is developing an additional 75-MW of solar projects, including a 25-MW project which will be built on land leased from BCDA near the new Clark Green City.

Sindicatum Group president Robert Driscoll said Sindicatum is also investing in another solar energy project in CGC.

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Chinese Bank Hit by $4.9B Loan Fraud

A series of loan frauds has ripped holes in the balance sheets of a range of lenders, from the large — Agricultural Bank of China — through to the phalanx of small commercial lenders.

The latest victim to emerge is Bank of Liuzhou where $4.9B (Rmb32.8-B) in fraudulent loans were discovered by the bank late last year, according to the state-backed China Business Journal. That represents more than 40 per cent of the bank’s total assets of Rmb80-B at the end of 2014 — a dent so large on the bank’s balance sheet that it is likely to require government intervention.

“I guess local government may have to swap the bad loans with asset injections to address the solvency issue,”

said Liao Qiang, director of financial institutions ratings at Standard & Poor’s in Beijing.

Fraud, which often takes the form of forging collateral, is also a result of corruption, where local government enterprises bribe small banks to grant them huge loans. Cases such as these have left banks and investors nursing big losses. Poor internal controls make the fraud harder to catch early.

In the case of Liuzhou, a new chairman at the bank in 2014 discovered the massive pile of debt accrued by one borrower during the tenure of the previous bank head.

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Pacquiao apologises for comparing LGBT Community to animals

>MANILA: Eight-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao apologised on Tuesday (Feb 16) for describing homosexuals as “worse than animals” after his remarks sparked a firestorm of criticism in his native Philippines.

Nearing the end of a glorious decades-long boxing career, the 37-year-old is reinventing himself as a conservative Bible-bearing politician before the country’s May elections, when he is running for a senate seat.

In an uploaded video on his Facebook account he mentioned with his arms crossed:

“I’m sorry for comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt,I love you all with the love of the Lord. I am praying for you.”

Pacquiao also said he was not condemning homosexuals but was standing by his conservative Christian faith.

Earlier this week, Pacquiao told to a local television station:

“It’s common sense. Do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female. If men mate with men and women mate with women, they are worse than animals.”

Gay marriage is outlawed in the Philippines due to strong opposition from the Catholic Church and 80 per cent of the country’s 100 million people subscribe to the faith. Gay marriages are officiated at small churches but are not recognised by the mainstream church or the state.

The country’s most popular gay comedian, Vice Ganda, posted #PrayForMannyPacquiao to his 6.7 million followers on Twitter as he tore into the boxer.

“Some people think they can judge people, like God, just because they’ve attended a prayer meeting and read the Bible,”

he said.

“The Senate needs experts on politics and law, not blind prophets.”

Singer Aiza Seguerra, who recently married her actress-girlfriend, called on voters to boycott Pacquiao, who is also preparing for his last boxing fight in April, calling him an “ignorant, bigoted hypocrite”.

“You might have done our country proud but with your statement, you just showed the whole country why we shouldn’t vote for you,”

Seguerra said in a post on Instagram.

Pacquiao gave the television interview as part of his campaign for one of 12 seats in the nationally-elected senate.

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