BulSU OSO Proudly Presents Pamamalakaya and Pondohan 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ahoy! Come and join BulSU Office of the Student Organizations (OSO) as we navigate the ship on the first fresh wave of Pamamalakaya and Pondohan 2016 (PAP '16) This is one of the newly pondered project of the BulSU OSO, a daylong event, in line with the Freshie Week themed Handog ni BulSU para kay Bunso of the University which will help the university-wide and college-based student organizations to officially acquaint every BulSUan about their corporality, to recruit members, and to serve as an opportunity in boosting their pecuniary status for the Academic Year 2016-2017.

Pamamalakaya and Pondohan was conceptualized based on the general and annual theme of the BulSU OSO exploring the boundless breadth and depth of the sea. Pamamalakaya is a biblical term where some disciples were sent and Jesus said "Come & follow me", "and I will send you out to fish for people" – Mark 1:17 NIV (only the notion of the verse was adapted and not the religion aspect) Pondohan is a place where caught fishes will be delivered and it will be market through the middle men.

Look what is in store for us in Pamamalakaya and Pondohan 2016 (PAP '16) — happening this August 11, 2016 @BulSU Activity Center; 12:00nn- 6:00pm

For more inquiries, you may reach us through our official facebook page, BulSU OSO. You may also email and contact us at bulsuoso@gmail.com. Let us see your feedbacks by using our official hashtag #BulSUOSO #PAP2016.

Lamudi Ranks Most Searched Neighborhoods in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Familiar neighborhoods top list of most-searched areas in the Philippines, according to latest Lamudi data

The first half of 2016 saw the continued dominance of Metro Manila areas or neighborhoods among places in the Philippines most searched for by online property-hunters. Sixteen of the top 20 areas or neighborhoods viewed by users of the Lamudi website were in Metro Manila, with interest shifting slightly among the areas as the year progressed.

Fairview in Quezon City was top among the areas or neighborhoods searched by online property-hunters. This Quezon City district was the most searched area in Metro Manila and the Philippines in the first half of 2016, according to Lamudi data. Although Fairview remained the most searched area from April to June 2016, search volume for this popular Quezon City location dipped 22% from Q1 to Q2 2016.

Fairview is followed by the Fort Bonifacio area in Taguig. Home to Bonifacio Global City, this area generated almost 150,000 page-views of properties in the first half of 2016. Furthermore, interest for this location among online property-hunters increased 14% from Q1 to Q2 2016.

Fort Bonifacio was followed two other Quezon City locations: Tandang Sora and Batasan Hills. However, similarly to Fairview, it looked that online property-hunters’ interest for these areas also waned between Q1 2016 and Q2 2016. Page-views for Tandang Sora dropped 38% between the first two quarters of 2016, while those for Batasan Hills dropped 15% during the same period.

Fifth on the list is the highly popular BF Homes in Parañaque. Properties in this gentrifying residential area, home to many restaurants, generated almost 130,000 page-views in the first half of 2016. In addition, search volume for BF Homes increased 9% between Q1 2016 and Q2 2016.

Wrapping up the top 10 most searched areas/neighborhoods in the Lamudi website are Legaspi Village (Makati), Novaliches (Quezon City), Talon Dos (Las Piñas), Poblacion (Makati), and Cubao (Quezon City).

From highest to lowest, the top 11 to 20 most-searched areas/neighborhoods included Talamban (Cebu), Malate (Manila), Don Bosco (Parañaque), Banilad (Cebu), Guadalupe (Cebu), Commonwealth (Quezon City), Salcedo Village (Makati), New Manila (Quezon City), Lahug (Cebu), and Bel-Air (Makati).

Together, these 20 areas/neighborhoods made up more than 24% of all searches conducted in the Lamudi website in the first six months of 2016. There were a total of 4,536 areas/neighborhoods all over the Philippines included in this data analysis.

According the Lamudi, the results of this analysis offer insights on which specific locations property-hunters are researching for online. Although certain locations definitely are easily remembered due to high real estate activity, notably by major property developers (e.g., Legaspi Village, Salcedo Village, and Fort Bonifacio), some definitely are constantly in prospective homebuyers’ mind, perhaps because they have been popular residential areas for many years (e.g., BF Homes, Tandang Sora, Batasan Hills, New Manila).

Fox Sports Philippines to Air WSOF Global Championship 3

Wazzup Pilipinas!

FOX Sports, synonymous with being the exclusive provider of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) worldwide, is now home to World Series of Fighting Global Championship (WSOF-GC) in Philippines.

A programming license agreement was reached between WSOF-GC and FOX Networks Group, seeing FOX Sports Philippines as the Official Media Partner for the Manila event this Saturday, July 30, and the exclusive Philippine Pay TV home for the 2016 WSOF Global Championship Events. WSOF Global Championship 3 airs July 31 at 10am on FOX Sports Philippines, with multiple repeats the following week, and will likewise be available via linear streaming and via video-on-demand via www.FOXsportsasia.com and FOX Sports Play shortly after.

Jude Turcuato, SVP and GM of FOX Networks Group Philippines said, "FOX Sports has always aligned itself with the biggest, top-tier international sports properties. At the same time, we realize the value of local relevance and being able to cater to the Filipino sports fan. We are excited to work with World Series of Fighting Global Championship, to help further their global brand to this market, and we hope to contribute in growing MMA in the Philippines through this partnership.”

“Today marks a huge step in the direction that WSOF Global is taking on airing our events around the world,” stated Dunesa Hesser, Owner of WSOF-GC. “We may not have the brand that UFC has, but we certainly have the talent. Our first fight with FOX Sports Philippines airs the day after the live event, which includes a main event with our reigning heavyweight champion, Evgeny Erokhin, on a 9-fight KO win streak, against 11-2 Richard Odoms, who was previously signed with the UFC but was released due to injury before he could make his debut there. Our event also showcases a 4-man tournament featuring four of the best flyweights in the world, as well as undefeated prospects from Philippines, Pakistan, and India. This exposure will be great for our company, the fighters, and for FOX Sports, as we continue to be the leading brand in the Asian market.”

Globe Denounces PCC’s Extra Judicial Stance and Mob Rule

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe reiterated its stance to provide its customers with better mobile internet services using the various frequencies it can now access through its joint buyout of the SMC telco assets. To date, Globe has fired up 20 sites using the 700 MHz frequency which were never used and stockpiled by SMC. On top of the 700 MHz, Globe also fired up 669 sites using the 2600 MHz through carrier aggregation in various parts of Metro Manila, Visayas and Mindanao. All these frequencies are using LTE technologies that will enable faster mobile internet browsing.

To use these frequencies using its current network, Globe is investing bulk of its $700 million in capital expenditure this year to retrofit cell sites, purchase new antenna systems specifically for 700 MHz, and install upgrades in new software that will make the use of multiple frequencies more efficient and optimized.

“By immediately using the additional capacities from these frequencies, coupled with additional network investments, our customers in various parts of the country are starting to feel the improvements in their mobile internet experience. This only affirms the urgency to meet customers’ demands. The additional capacity can only be generated by using a new set of frequencies, sadly it is the PCC that is exerting all efforts for us to prevent using these idle frequencies,” said Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo.

Recognizing this urgency, Globe cooperated with all regulatory bodies including the SEC, NTC, and the PCC in providing all documentary requirements and disclosures, to ensure regulators the transaction is above board. However, based on its pronouncements to the media, the PCC has decided to block the deal by declaring it is “not deemed approved”. The PCC has also accused Globe of “its refusal to cooperate”, stating that its application is deficient.

Castelo said, “The PCC is not forthright in saying what is deficient in our notice. The PCC acted in bad faith and dragged their response, saying all sorts of excuses, even going against their own rules to justify a review of the transaction that is not within their transitory provision.”

“For the PCC to subject the telcos to mob rule is appalling. By asking for public comment on a so-called ‘review of the transaction’ is highly irregular and against the rights of the private parties involved,” adds Castelo.

Contrary to the press release of the PCC, it is merely the application for TRO that was not granted in the case Globe filed against the PCC in the Court of Appeals. The case is still set for deliberation, and technically, the Court of Appeals can still issue a writ of preliminary injunction, and eventually decide the case on the merits in favor of Globe. “We are still in the initial stage of the legal proceedings”, Castelo adds.

Congress Champions Band Together for Anti-Discrimination Law

Wazzup Pilipinas!

House Bill #51 was filed by Dinagat Islands Lone District Rep. Kaka Bag-ao in the House of Representatives. A senate version was filed yesterday by Senator Risa Hontiveros.

The said bill, penalizing discrimination against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, was first filed by Akbayan Rep. Etta Rosales sixteen years ago. Although supported largely by human rights and LGBT groups, the bill remained at a standstill in the lower house during the past congresses.

The meeting this morning was attended by old and new champions: L-R: An Waray Rep. Binky Noel, Batanes Rep. Dina Abad, Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Toff De Venecia, Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman, Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, and Senator Risa Hontiveros.

"We will win Anti-Discrimination Law in the 17th Congress", committed Hontiveros.

WSOF-GC 3: Philippines 10-Fight Event is Set for This Saturday July 30 at Smart Araneta Coliseum

Wazzup Pilipinas!

World Series of Fighting – Global Championship (WSOF-GC) has officially arrived in Philippines and is bringing 10 exciting fights featuring fighters from 11 countries from 5 continents. The event will be held this Saturday, July 30, at Smart Araneta Coliseum, home of The Thrilla in Manila, starting at 6pm PHT (Philippines Time UTC +8).

WSOF-GC 3: PHILIPPINES will host a heavyweight championship main event. The match up will pit WSOF Global Champion, Russia’s Evgeny Erokhin (14-4), vs WSOF Global #1 Contender, USA’s Richard “The Black Eagle” Odoms (11-2).

Evgeny Erokhin won the inaugural WSOF Global World Heavyweight Championship back on February 7 in Tokyo, Japan, with a first round TKO victory over former Bellator contender, Brandon Cash. Evgeny brings an impressive win streak into the decagon with nine straight wins via knockout, including wins over Brett Rogers, Mike Kyle, Jeff Monson, and Tim Hague.

Richard Odoms made his debut with WSOF Global in Tokyo in February and was on hand to witness Evgeny win his championship. Odoms had a very powerful first round KO stoppage, flattening Japan’s Yusuke Kawaguchi in the first round with a knee to the head. Odoms has won three straight fights, with two of those wins coming by first round KO/TKO.

An interesting fact about each of these warriors is that when they aren’t training, they protect and serve with their respective police forces at home. Evgeny is a police officer in Khabarovsk, Russia; while Richard wears the badge in San Antonio, Texas.

SAP Digital Experience Report Reveals Only 50% of Ph Consumers Delighted with Digital Experience

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The SAP Digital Experience Report states that around 50% of consumers in the Philippines are either unsatisfied or ambivalent toward the digital offerings delivered by some of the Philippines’s largest and well-known brands.

At a media briefing held on July 26, 2016 at the SAP Philippines office at the NAC building in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Ryan Poggi, Managing Director of SAP Philippines, shared the finding of the report to the members of the media.

Joining the media briefing was Bennett Aquino, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development from the Consumer Business of Globe Telecom, who also shared some facts and explained the efforts of his telecommunication company in addressing the evolving needs of the consumers as influenced by the fast-changing and developing technologies.

Melissa Lim, Integrated Communications Specialist from the Global Corporate Affairs from Singapore,  moderated the event.

I took a video of the entire media briefing which includes the talks of both Poggi and Aquino including the Question and Answer portion where members of the media got to inquire more about the report.

IsraAID Philippines Expands Its Operations in the Country

Wazzup Pilipinas!

IsraAID Country Director Netanel Nisan recently held a bloggers conference at Barbara's Restaurant in Intramuros, Manila to announce their expansion of operations in the Philippines.

IsraAID plans to expand its operations in the Philippines which originally initiated only at Tacloban and Ormoc when their IsraAID emergency response team arrive din the country to provide post-tragedy assistance after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November 2013. Since then, they provided medical care, relief, aid, livelihood support and psycho-social support, in addition to reconstruction projects of health centers and school buildings.

Their assistance from ranged from food security and agricultural livelihood assistance and training (such as protective structures and dripping irrigation), to mental health and psycho-social support (MHPSS programs) for the people of Tacloban and Ormoc, where they trained community leaders and educators so that the knowledge remained within the community for further sharing among each other and new beneficiaries for a more sustainable approach in the recovery efforts.

Netanel highlights the further need for psycho-social support to deal with the trauma that the survivors are still enduring from the 2013 tragedy where many of them lost families, relatives, livelihood and properties.

They collaborate with institutions and government agencies like the local Department of Education.

Included in the photo is Barbara Gordon Delos Reyes, sister of Butch Gordon and mother of JC Delos Reyes (who previously ran for President of the Philippines, as well as Senator, in separate election years, is part of the IsraAID Board together with three other members. Barbara's brother, Richard "Dick" Gordon, was successful in his ran for Senator this year 2016.

Below is our exclusive interview with Netanel after he bloggers conference. Please watch out for our video coverage of his entire talk during his presentation that will be uploaded soon at our YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

For more information, please check out their social media pages and official website at

http://www.Facebook.com/IsraAID Philippines and http://www.IsraAID.co.il

For doonations, please visit IsraAID.org/Donate

MaFIA Proudly Presents National Finance Congress 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If you want to learn how to modernize your ways, optimize your resources, nourish your goals and empower yourselves as the youth of today, then join us this August 6, 2016 at De La Salle University Manila as the Management of Financial Institutions Association (MaFIA) brings you: NATIONAL FINANCE CONGRESS 2016. 

Making it bigger and better with some of the most respected speakers in the industry including Mr. Francis Kong and Mr. Hans Sicat. Join us as we get rich together! 

For further details and updates, please like their Facebook page (National Finance Congress), and follow their Twitter account (DLSU NFC), or contact Kyra Ang 09178291627 or Precious Amante 09174690603.

Duterte Government Achieves Twitter Milestone for #SONA2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Over 280,000 tweets during the live TV broadcast of President Duterte’s first-ever State of the Nation Address (SONA)

With much anticipation from Filipinos worldwide, newly-elected Philippine President Rodrigo ‘Roa’ Duterte delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) and Twitter served as a platform for Filipinos around the world to share their thoughts and reactions on this momentous event. In fact, Filipinos and Philippines’ watchers sent over 280,000 Tweets during the live TV broadcast (from 2pm to 6pm today), peaking at over 3,000 Tweets per minute when he talked about the implementation of Reproductive Health Law at 4:29pm during #SONA2016.


Embeddable chart: http://reverb.twitter.com/view/475509772371776894

Embed code: <iframe src='http://reverb.twitter.com/view/475509772371776894' width='768px' height='432px'></iframe>

There were several notable conversations on Twitter about the President’s first public address since the inauguration. In addition, the most shared and liked Tweets reflected the points raised during the President’s 92-minute speech that resonated the most among Filipino citizens.

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/vicegandako/status/757511876221677568

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/coleengarcia/status/757495367499849729

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/bongbongmarcos/status/757493906636468224?lang=en

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/Cinephilliacy/status/757489430848425984

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/allanplusdale/status/757491562515304449

“The ability to connect, comment and discuss with others in real-time, especially on a significant event like the President’s first State of the Nation Address is important for the Filipino democracy,” said Pratiksha Rao, Head of Media Partnerships, Twitter Southeast Asia. “This is why we are honored to partner with the current administration and empower them with the necessary platform and tools to make its digital governance efforts possible within and beyond the country’s borders.”

As expected, many Twitter users also made light of some highlights during the speech, welcoming the President’s serious message with humor.


Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/OhGerald/status/757484504176918528

Embeddable Tweet:https://twitter.com/IamEthylGabison/status/757487124429975553

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/NicoleCurato/status/757441315801935872


Finally, video Tweets from the @PresidentialCom account gave behind-the-scenes access to the latest happenings at Batasang Pambansa before the start of #SONA2016.

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/PresidentialCom/status/757486972768137217

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/PresidentialCom/status/757482564227506176

#SONA2016: Commendable But Lacks Human Rights Lens

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's first State of the Nation Address (SONA) has laudable parts but lacked a strong human rights framework.

"I commend President Duterte's commitment to implement the RH Law to the full extent of the law and expand the coverage of the PhilHealth. Together with the enactment of other important health measures, I am hopeful that we will soon provide universal healthcare for the people," Hontiveros.

The neophyte Senator also praised Duterte's recognition of The Hague ruling over the West Philippine Sea. Hontiveros said the ruling must be used by the government to mobilize allies and international public opinion to assert the country's sovereignty and in advancing genuine peace and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, Hontiveros welcomed Duterte's declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF. "At a time when it is easier to wage war than seek peace, President Duterte's decision is a bold move. I challenge the armed communist left to match this gesture by imposing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire,"the Senator said.

However, Hontiveros lamented the lack of human rights lens in Duterte's SONA. She expressed her concern over the President's order to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to double or triple its anti-crime and anti-illegal drugs efforts and put all alleged criminals and drug pushers "below the ground."

"It could be percieved as public endorsement of more extrajuidicial killings. I am afraid that President Duterte's statement might further embolden some overzealous police elements and vigilantes to disregard the rule of law and circumvent our juidicial system," she explained.

Hontiveros also took exception with President Duterte's warning "not to use human rights to destroy the country."

"It's dangerous. The statement puts human rights advocates and criminals in one basket. It makes human rights defenders target of random killings done in the name of fighting crime," she said.

"President Duterte must understand that safeguarding human rights is not anathema to the effort to protect the people from crime. The day we abandon human rights is the day we commit the highest of crimes: the failure to recognize the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all people," Hontiveros concluded.

BrainGain Workshops on September 3

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Everyone is invited, especially you and your parents, followers on a rare opportunity by which we will be joined by two international neuroscience experts who will share with us the latest neuroscientific development in education and how neuroscience can impact parenting / classroom learning.

Dr Steve Miller (Chief Scientist, Nervanix, Ph.D., Physiological and Experimental Psychology from the University of North Carolina, USA)

Ms Cheryl Chia (Founder and Research Director, BrainFit Studio, Masters, Physiotherapy Studies (Paediatrics) from the University of Queensland, Australia)

Join the experts for this important discussion on

September 3, 2016 at the Bayanihan Center (Pioneer St, Mandaluyong)

(Morning) Parents of Big-Schoolers 5 and up

Register Online thru http://bit.ly/PCSNURTURE – Early Bird Special P800/attendee till Jul 30 only!

(Afternoon) Parents of Pre-Schoolers 5 and below

Register Online thru http://bit.ly/PCSBUILD – Early Bird Special P800/attendee till Jul 30 only!

Neuroscience is currently so dynamic that this connection, although secure, will inevitably grow and change and strengthen. The parent and educator’s role will increasingly take on an added and “brain-based” dimension — that of remaining open to and curious about a growing field of information.

Register Online and Reserve a Slot Now!

Data Privacy Act Cannot Be Used As Shield Against FOI

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Data Privacy Act of 2012 cannot be used by government officials as protection against the Freedom of Information Executive Order issued by President Duterte last week, this was said by the Data Privacy Commission” in a position paper in reaction to concerns that the Data Privacy Act will be used by Government Officials to deny access to information.

In the Position Paper the Data Privacy Commission said that, “A government official who abuses his position or takes undue advantage of his functions for personal benefit will not be able to use the Data Privacy Act to restrict access of the people to information”

It also added that Data Privacy Section (7) of the FOI Executive Order, “is not intended to shield government officials but is for the protection of any personal data that may be contained in government records that is not relevant to the freedom of information request, particularly when it affects private citizens.”

Section 7 should not be viewed as restricting the freedom information upheld by the Executive Order. It defined information and public records broadly, which would include all government records, even those containing personal data of citizens. Section 7 is a recognition of the responsibility of government to protect personal data under its custody, and gives due regard to the equally important right to privacy.

According to Data Privacy Commissioner Raymund Liboro, “We laud the signing of the Executive Order on the Freedom of Information as an important step towards greater transparency and people’s participation in government. The right to information on matters of public concern is a fundamental right provided in the Constitution and the right to privacy must always be balanced with the right of the people to be provided information on matters that affect their lives. The Executive Order was well-written to observe these two fundamental rights”. Commissioner Liboro Said.

About the National Privacy Commission - The National Privacy Commission is an independent body mandated to administer and implement the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and to monitor and ensure compliance of the country with international standards set for data protection.

Department of Energy's Response to Duterte's SONA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here is the response of the Department of Energy (DOE) to the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte last Monday (July 25, 2016) at the Batansang Pambansa Complex.


a) Stand on Coal

The Department of Energy supports President Rodrigo R. Duterte on accelerating economic growth by implementing energy policies that will meet the country’s specific requirements, especially baseload capacities.

The DOE is mandated to ensure energy supply as the country is still in the process of industrialization. It should be emphasized that the Philippines, as a developing country, has low carbon emissions. The country must therefore use whatever energy resources are available and affordable for power generation.

b) Direct access to electricity by the marginalized sectors and informal settlers as well as settlers in relocation sites:

(Please refer to attached PR on DOE Strengthens Partnership with MERALCO)

Oil Industry

a) Oil Price Adjustments:

STATEMENT: Prices of petroleum product will decrease by 10 cents (gasoline), 35 cents (diesel) and 30 cents (kerosene) due to weak demand in Asian market caused by heavy rains in large oil-consuming countries like China and India, and the stronger peso. Chevron, Eastern Petroleum, Flying V, Petron and Seaoil implemented price rollback today (26 July) at 12:01 a.m., while City Oil, Jetti, Phoenix Petroleum, PTT and Shell effected rollback at 6:00 a.m.

Power Industry

a) Ilijan Underpayments of San Miguel:

STATEMENT: The termination will have no effect on the operations of the Ilijan plant, as the plant is being operated by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) through KEPCO Ilijan Corporation.

The contract termination promotes consumers’ interest as the collection of outstanding amount will translate to a reduction of NPC stranded debts that will be recovered through the universal charge. The unpaid amount of SPPC forms part of the privatization proceeds to be utilized to liquidate the financial obligations of National Power Corporation (NPC) pursuant to the EPIRA. This was noted by the Commission on Audit in its qualified opinion for PSALM’s 2014 Annual Report wherein it cited that collections from SPPC are not sufficient to pay for the capacity fees and energy fees due to IPP, fuel expenses and other related expenses necessary for the operation of the said Power Plant, and for the amortization of the outstanding loans of PSALM.

DETAILS: The management and control of the contracted energy output of the Ilijan Plant was transferred to San Miguel Corporation (SMC) on 26 June 2010 as it posted the highest bid of USD870 million (USD870,000,473) and complied with all the Administrator Conditions Precedent. SMC later assigned the IPPA Administration Agreement (AA) to its wholly-owned subsidiary South Premiere Power Corporation (SPPC).

Under the terms of the Ilijan AA, SPPC has the obligation to pay PSALM generation payments and fixed monthly payments.

b) Universal Charge Application of Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM):

STATEMENT: The Department of Energy is studying all options how to lower the universal charge being passed on to consumers. This is one of the mechanisms that the DOE is considering to lower the price of electricity. We hope to come up with a win-win solution for all affected stakeholders.


DETAILS:

a. Universal Charge Remittances, Interests & Disbursements Charge Remittances, Interests & Disbursements

As of 31 May 2016, remittances of collecting entities (CEs) to PSALM amounted to PhP94.817 billion with interest earnings from deposits and placements of UC funds amounted to PhP0.147 billion. On the other hand, UC fund disbursement amounted to PhP94.496 billion. Below are the details of UC remittances, interests and disbursements:

UC Collections as of 31 May 2016 (in Billion PhP)

Particulars	Remittances	Interests	Disbursements	Balance
Special Trust Fund –  Missionary Electrification (ME)   NPC-SPUG	55.260	0.044	55.289	0.015
Special Trust Fund – ME Renewable Energy Developer Cash Incentive (REDCI)	0.246	0.000	0.141	0.105
Special Trust Fund – Environmental Charge (EC)	1.721	0.095	1.491	0.325
Special Trust Fund – Stranded Contract Cost (SCC)	37.590	0.008	37.575	0.023
TOTAL	94.817	0.147	94.496	0.468

      Source: PSALM

Accounting for the inflows and outflows of the UC fund leaves it with a balance of about PhP0.468 billion as of 31 May 2016.

b. Remittances for CY 2016

For the period November, 2015 to May, 2016, PSALM received Php13.945 billion in UC remittances broken down as follows:

UC Remittances to PSALM for the period November 2015 to May 2016 (In Php Billion)

 

Month	UC-ME (NPC-SPUG)	UC-ME (REDCI)	UC – EWR	UC - SCC	Total/Month
November	0.906*	0.010*	0.015	1.142	2.073
December	0.844	0.010	0.013*	1.048	1.915
January	0.917	0.010	0.015	1.145	2.087
February	0.858	0.009*	0.014	1.075	1.956
March	0.826	0.009	0.013	1.031	1.879
April	0.904	0.010	0.015	1.126	2.055
May	0.870	0.010	0.014	1.086	1.980
Total	6.125	0.068	0.099	7.653	13.945

Source: PSALM * Difference of .001 with previous reports was due to rounding off

c. Disbursements for CY 2016

For the period November, 2015 to May, 2016, PSALM disbursed a total amount of Php13.810 billion to UC beneficiaries as follows:

UC Disbursements of PSALM for the Period November 2015 – May  2016 (in Php Billion)Month	ME (NPC-SPUG)	ME (REDCI)	UC-SCC1/	Total/Month
November 2015	0.906*	0.003	1.143	2.052
December 2015	0.834	-	1.036	1.870
January	0.925	-	1.151	2.076
February	0.857	0.002	1.075	1.934
March	0.823	0.006	1.026	1.855
April	0.915	0.004	1.149	2.068
May	0.872	0.007	1.076	1.955
Total	6.132	0.022	7.656	13.810

For the period January to May 2016, PSALM disbursed PhP4.392 billion to NPC-SPUG to fund missionary electrification functions, chargeable against the UC-ME fund. This is pursuant to the following ERC Decisions/Orders:

Date	Particulars	ERC Case No.
12 August 2013	ERC Decision on CY 2011 True-up Adjustments (PhP4.651 billion)	2012-085 RC
10 October 2013	ERC Decision on CY 2010 True-up Adjustments (PhP2.566 billion)	2012-046 RC
03 November 2013 & 17 August 2015	ERC Order on CY 2015 UC-ME Subsidy	2014-135 RC
20 April 2015	ERC Order on CY 2014 UC-ME Subsidy (PhP2.763 billion)	2012-85

In accordance with the ERC decision dated 28 January 2013 under Case No. 2011-091 RC, the amount of PhP5.477 billion was transferred from the UC-SCC STF to the UC-SCC SFA for the period January to May 2016.


d. ERC Approved UC Rates

The table below shows the ERC-approved UC rates being implemented as of 31 May 2016:

Type of UC	PhP/kWh
UC-ME	0.1561
UC-EC	0.0025
UC-SCC	0.1938
Total	0.3524

c) SPEX/Malampaya Arbitration:

STATEMENT: The Department of Energy’s thrust is to take a nationalistic approach, which requires a unified stand by the various agencies of government involved to protect the rights and interests of Filipinos.

DETAILS:

Updates on COA (Commission Proper, Local Proceedings):

·        Pending resolution of the Motion for Reconsideration filed by SPEX & Chevron.

·    COA held hearings on June 7 and 27, 2016, in which SPEX and Chevron presented additional documents and witnesses, including former PM Cesar Virata, former DOE Sec. Raphael Lotilla, and former DOE Undersecretary Rufino Bomasang.

·        SPEX and Chevron filed their Memorandum on 04 July 2016.

Updates on International Chamber of Commerce Arbitration (Venue: Singapore)

·        The GRP challenged the jurisdiction of the ICC tribunal.

·       May 2016 - ICC Tribunal decided to first hear the jurisdictional issues and will hold hearings thereon in November 2016.

  

Updates on International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes Arbitration (Venue: Washington, USA)

·        June 27,2016 – SPEX filed the Request for Arbitration (RFA)

·      June 28, 2016 – ICSID acknowledged receipt of the RFA and notified the Office of the Solicitor General and the PH Embassy in Washington DC about said filing of the RFA.

·        July 20, 2016 – ICSID registered the RFA.

d) Agus-Pulangui Privatization Stand per Conversation with Electric Coops:

e) DOE Discussion with PSALM/Department of Finance on Continuing Privatization of Power Assets:

STATEMENT (d/e): The Department of Energy anchors its directions on the merits of the EPIRA. For Malaya Thermal, it is targeted to be bid out by 2018. The DOE will consult the legislative body on privatizing the Agus & Pulangi Hydro Complexes.

Meanwhile, the sale of Bataan Thermal and Bataan Gas Turbines is still pending subject to the resolution of the court involving their assets.

DETAILS:

Indicative Privatization Schedule

Schedule of Privatization for Generating Assets as of 30 June 2016

Asset Type/ Plant Name	Rated Capacity (MW)	Bid Date		Turnover Date
Owned Generating Plants
Malaya Thermal	650.00		1st Semester 2018	2nd Semester 2018
Agus 1 & 2 Hydro	260.00		2017 Subject to consultation with Congress as provided under the EPIRA
Agus 4 & 5 Hydro	213.10
Agus 6 & 7 Hydro	254.00
Pulangui Hydro	255.00
Decommissioned Plants
Sucat Thermal	850.00		2nd Semester 2016	2nd Semester 2016
Bataan Thermal	175.00		Sale/disposal is subject to resolution of court cases involving the asset
Bataan Gas Turbines	120.00

Source: PSALM

PSALM requested DOE for “no objection” on the transfer of ownership and physical possession of PB 104 to SPC Island Corporation (SIPC) relative to its privatization. The DOE in its memorandum dated 27 June 2016 advised PSALM that it does not object to the said transfer of PB 104 to SIPC in line with the agreements reached during the 22 December 2015 PSALM Board Meeting.

f) DOE Direction for NEA on Continuing Mess at Albay Electric Cooperative:

STATEMENT: The Department of Energy (DOE) will continue to closely monitor the concerns of ailing distribution utilities/electric cooperatives to finally resolve their financial obligations and help them improve their operations. Coordination with PEMC is continuing.

DETAILS:

1. Financial and Operational Parameters

NEA classified ALECO in 2015 as one of the ailing ECs based on the following financial & operational parameters which are not complied with under RA 10531 guidelines, as per its latest submission of data on April 30, 2016:

·      Insufficient Cash General Fund to cover the one month working capital for power and non-power cost;

·        The EC’s collection efficiency is only 84.43% which is below the 95% standard of NEA;

·        The EC posted a net margin of Php 8.529 million;

·    The EC’s networth is negative Php76.254 million, its liabilities is almost Php2.731 billion;

·       The EC posted a systems loss of 20.46% which is higher than the 13% systems loss cap.

2) Financial Status (Payables)

·       ALECO has a total of Php1,161.884 million power payables:

Agency	Amount (Php’000)
APRI	Php 29.400 Million	As of  June 30, 2016
PEMC - Current             - Arrears TOTAL	Php 124.907 Million Php 982.844 Million PhP 1,107.751 Million	As of July, 2016
PSALM	Php 2.320 Million	As of April 30, 2016
NGCP	Php 22.413M	As of  June 30, 2016

As of March 11, 2016, ALECO’s Operations Manager, Mr. Balgemino informed DOE that the Concession Agreement is sufficient for PEMC to defer the payment arrears amounting to PhP 1.240 billion. Mr. Balgemino also informed DOE that the Concession Agreement is sufficient for PEMC to know that APEC is now taking care of the business of ALECO. On APEC’s current arrears in the amount of PhP78.678 million, APEC sent a request for restructuring of their current power payables with payment terms of twelve months starting March 15, 2016 on top of their current bills.

Renewable Energy

a) Additional Approval on 2nd wave of Feed-in Tariff for Solar:

STATEMENT: The Technical Audit teams will assist us in deciding on the area and the rate to be considered in hosting renewable energy (RE) projects.

The area, meaning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, can even include specific islands that can accommodate more RE projects and consider an energy mix of baseload, mid-merit and peaking plants. The rates will be evaluated so that these will result in minimal cost to consumers.