DOTr to Effect Stricter Sanctions to Erring Contractors of Government Projects

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In an effort to ensure on-time completion of government projects, as well as to uphold the safety of the public during construction, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will be firm in implementing sanctions against erring private contractors.

This is in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte, who observed that the delay in government projects is brought about by the lack of personnel working on the project. The President raised this concern during the 22nd Cabinet meeting held on 5 February 2018.

Upon the instruction of the President, the DOTr, through Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement Reinier Paul Yebra, immediately issued a memorandum to stipulate in government contracts that a work slippage of more than thirty (30) days would result in non-payment, cancellation of contract, blacklisting of the erring contractor, and the engagement of another contractor to finish the project. This is in addition to the grounds provided in RA 9184 (the Government Procurement Act).

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the Department will not allow irresponsible contractors to take part in government projects, as it will not only result to delays but inflict further suffering of the people who are anxiously waiting for improvements.

“Kung hindi niyo kayang gawin ng maayos at hindi kayo sumusunod sa timeline, ‘wag na kayong kumontrata sa gobyerno! Iyong mga tinatamaan diyan ayus-ayusin niyo na ang pagtatrabaho, dahil hindi kami magda-dalawang isip na tanggalin kayo dyan. Hindi namin sasayangin ang pera ng taumbayan sa mga gaya ninyo”, said Tugade.

The order shall immediately take effect and will be cascaded to contractors who are presently engaged with government projects.

Last Call for Runners to Sign Up for ColorManila's CM Paradise Run for Clark and Laoag

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ColorManila, the country’s number one fun-run organizer, which dominated headlines in various countries early January for CM Paradise Run, will now bring the same exciting franchise to Clark, Pampanga, this Sunday, on March 18, and to Laoag on March 24, 2018.

As for the experience that runners can look forward to, expect CM Paradise Run to take you through various color stations with palm trees, garlands and hammocks in the race route serving as backdrop to the paradise atmosphere.  This will be capped off with the CM Color Festival, where runners will get to groove and dance to the fresh music of the DJ, as everyone simultaneously throws colored powder in the air.

Popular actor and vlogger Xian Lim, was on of those spotted in the 21K race route early January at the SM MOA Grounds, enjoying the CM Paradise Run, along with thousands of other runners.  He in fact posted about his experience in his very own social media accounts.

ColorManila VP Justine Cordero says, “We are happy to bring the CM Paradise Run franchise to Clark and Laoag this March 2018.  We saw how the over 10,000 participants enjoyed this treat last January, and we want those who are in Northern Luzon, such as Clark and Laoag, to get to try this fresh and exciting concept.”
  
Cordero continues, “This is also a perfect opportunity to bond with friends and family, a perfect IG-worthy experience, specially for those who are into social media posting.”

CM Paradise Run for both the Clark leg on March 18, and the Laoag leg on March 24, have three (3) race distances, 3K, 5K and 10K.  As for the kits, runners for both events can choose from the Deluxe Kit, Rockstar Kit and the Superstar Kit.  

The Deluxe Kit, which is priced at P750, comes with a dri-fit shirt, sunglasses, race bib, color packet and a finisher’s medal.

While the Rockstar Kit, priced at P1,050, comes with a dri-fit shirt, sunglasses, race bib, color packet, finisher’s medal, drawstring bag and headwear.

Finally, the Superstar Kit, priced at P1,500, comes with a dri-fit shirt, sunglasses, race bib, color packet, finisher’s medal, drawstring bag, headwear and a finisher’s singlet

Registration is still ongoing for both CM Paradise Run - Clark leg and CM Paradise Run - Laoag leg. For more information, visit www.colormanila.com.

REGISTRATION STILL ONGOING AT COLORMANILA.COM


Photo Caption: Popular actor and vlogger Xian Lim enjoying CM Paradise Run last January 2018, 
as seen on his IG account @XianLimm

PPA Set to Remit Highest Dividend in its Entire Corporate Life to National Coffers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is set to remit more than P3 billion in dividend, its highest contribution to the National coffers since 1986.

The state-owned agency’s dividend for 2017 also eclipsed by at least 30% all the dividends it remitted to the government at least in the last decade, including its erstwhile record of P2.158 billion remitted in 2015.

PPA is mandated to remit 50% of its annual net income to the National Government after it was granted fiscal autonomy during the term of President Corazon C. Aquino.

According to PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago, the agency was able to post record-breaking figures due to the reforms implemented by the new administration.

“This is a clear manifestation that we are reaping the benefits of the reforms management implemented in the last two years, that include among others, reduction of documentary requirements, faster turnaround time of trucks and vessels in ports, and modernization of strategic ports,” Santiago exclaimed.

“The continuing review of other processes involving port operations, compliance with the Quality Management Standards, and adoption of world’s best practices in port operations will definitely boost PPA’s financial standing in the next couple of years,” Santiago stressed.

“With the higher dividend, we can guarantee that the National Government can easily implement its anti-poverty measures, particularly in the areas of infrastructure spending and healthcare benefits,” Santiago added.

Compared to the 2016 dividend it remitted to the government last year, the 2017 figure is higher by 54% from P1.956 billion due to the strong performance of the Manila ports composed of the Manila International Container Terminal operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc., the Manila South Harbor, run by Asian Terminals, Inc., and the North Port, managed by Manila North Harbour Port, Inc., complemented by the PPA’s 24 other Port Management Offices, which likewise posted favorable performances in the past year.

The agency's total expenses for 2017 increased by some 11% as a result of increased productivity in project implementation at a rate of 90% compared to 7% a year earlier.

“This is a very welcome development for the PPA considering that it has forecasted earlier that growth is at best flat for 2017 due to concerns clouting the country’s mining industry and the volatile foreign exchange rates,” Santiago said.

In the last couple of years, the PPA is a regular member of the ‘Billionaires Club’ of Government Owned and Controlled Corporations contributing billions of pesos in dividends. With this incoming all-time high dividend by PPA, it is expected to maintain its inclusion in the elite list of GOCCs.