DOTr Files Graft Case Against Former DOTr Officials, BURI

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) today filed a graft case, or a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, against former Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, other former DOTC officials, and Busan Universal Rails Incorporated (BURI) officers, for entering into an alleged anomalous contract for the Metro Railway Transit 3 (MRT-3).

In a 29-page complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman earlier this morning, DOTr Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement Atty. Reinier Paul Yebra cited four components of the MRT-3 project (Project) of the case which are: maintenance of the MRT-3 Systems; general overhauling of 43 units of light rail vehicles (LRVs); total replacement of the signaling system; and additional maintenance works.

According to Usec. Yebra, the DOTr finds it anomalous that while the joint venture of Busan (Busan JV) was the one who participated in and won the bidding, the entity doing the actual maintenance works of the MRT-3, and receiving payments therefor is BURI, which is a totally different entity.

"We want to know the truth. We find it anomalous that the project was awarded to Busan JV, but the one receiving payments and doing MRT-3 maintenance works is BURI, a totally different entity," Usec. Yebra said.

Usec. Yebra explained that the Notice of Award was issued to Busan JV on 23 December 2015. However, interestingly and disturbingly, on the same day, former DOTr Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Chairman Camille Alcaraz requested the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to facilitate the registration of a Special Purpose Company consisting of the members of the Busan JV for the Contract Award of the Project. BURI was later on incorporated on 04 January 2016.

"It shows that the respondents conspired and confederated with one another to enter into a contract that is grossly disadvantageous to the government," he said.

"At the end of the day, our concern goes to our commuters. We can hear and feel their pleas. That is why the DOTr, through the leadership of Secretary Tugade, will do everything to serve the public with the truth and justice that they deserve," Usec. Yebra added.

Last 17 October 2017, DOTr served a Notice to Terminate it's contract with BURI due to: Poor performance; Failure to put in service and subsequently ensure the availability of the contractually obligated number of trains, and more importantly, it failed to put in operation reliable and efficient trains; Failure to implement a feasible procurement plan for spare parts, and in fact, failed to procure and store the required volume of spare parts which affected its ability to affect immediate repairs on defective trains and other facilities of the MRT-3 system, and; Failure to comply with the contractual requirements of a complete and up to date Computerized Maintenance Management System.

BURI was given 7 calendar days to respond and submit a verified position paper stating why the contract should not be terminated. After which, the DOTr shall have 10 days, upon receipt of BURI's response, to decide whether or not it will issue an Order to terminate the entire contract.

Travel in Style with BPI Credit Cards

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A tie-up with Qatar Airways and SSI Group, Inc. for exciting deals on major flights and travel essentials

BPI Credit Cards, Qatar Airways and SSI Group, Inc. collaborate to offer special discounts off airfares via installment plans; and travel essentials. Sealing the deal are (from left) Jenelyn Lacerna, Vice President for BPI Credit Cards; Rohan Seneviratne, Country Manager for Qatar Airways; and Michelle Suarez, Head of Marketing Communications for Stores Specialists, Inc.

BPI Credit Cards is collaborating with Qatar Airways, the world’s fastest-growing airline, and SSI Group, Inc. (SSI), the country’s leading specialty retailer, to offer installment plans and discounts on airfares, as well as travel essentials.

For the first time, Qatar Airways is offering Philippines travelers not only discounted fares to Europe and the United States, but also interest-free options for those who pay with their BPI Credit Cards.

Major travel essentials such as luggage from premium brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Lipault Paris, can also be purchased at a discount using BPI Credit Cards.

“Traveling has always been popular among our clients,” said Jenelyn Lacerna, Vice President for BPI Credit Cards. “With Qatar Airways offering deals via installment, these aspirational purchases have become more reachable and affordable. At BPI, we always strive to look for the best deals for our clients by partnering with the best service providers and retailers.”

Rohan Seneviratne, Qatar Airways Philippines Country Manager said the partnership with BPI Credit Cards complements the airline’s brand and values.

“This is the first time we are offering installment deals for our Philippines clientele. We are delighted to partner with BPI, a bank that similarly upholds the trust of clients, addresses their needs, and helps them reach their aspirational travel goals. In the same way, we at Qatar Airways value our clients by aiming to become the people’s airline of choice, through our unrivalled service, latest-generation aircraft, and now another convenient way of paying for their dream vacation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Stores Specialists, Inc. Head of Marketing Communications Michelle Suarez, said offering discounts on travel essentials, such as premium luggage, benefits not only those in the partnership, but also the customers who can now travel in style without having to spend as much.

“We are happy to offer special rates to BPI credit card holders since this allows them to purchase what they need to make that dream trip a reality. This helps promote the premium brands that we carry, too,” said Suarez.

Exclusive deals

There will be an Exclusive Preview Sale on Qatar Airways flights and travel essentials from SSI Group, Inc. premium brands for BPI Gold and Platinum Cardholders on October 20, 2017, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Central Square in Bonifacio Hight Street Central, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The travel sale will be open to all BPI Credit and Prepaid Cardholders at the same venue from October 21 to 22, 2017, 11 am to 8 pm.

Exciting deals await BPI Credit Cardholders, including discounts and Real 0% installment deals on ticket purchases for up to six months. There will also be discounts on travel essentials for those getting ready for their dream trips.

The online sale for Qatar Airways’ airfares for BPI Credit Cardholders will begin on October 23 and will last until November 5, 2017. Visit www.qatarairways.com for more information.

First and Exclusive: Matchmaking Guru Patty Stanger Returns in ‘Million Dollar Matchmaker’ this November on Sony Channel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

New reality series premieres November 1, weeknights at 7:55pm

The world’s most popular matchmaker, Patti Stanger, begins anew with a group of millionaires for a final chance at finding love in the new reality show Million Dollar Matchmaker, premiering on Sony Channel this November.

Every week, two new millionaires check into an exclusive high-end resort where Patti has taken over the 21st floor so she can focus her eyes and ears on her unsuspecting clients who are hoping to leave with the love of their life. During their stay, they learn a few “love lessons” designed by Patti to point them in the right direction to true love. Each millionaire then will go on the same date twice with two potential matches to see if there is chemistry. Everything seems so simple, but there’s a catch! The dater must choose the millionaire back or they will be forced to check out alone.

Despite her expertise, Patti finds her hands full as she goes head-to-head with some of her unmatchable clients. And if Patti can’t help them find love by the end of their stay, no one can.

Million Dollar Matchmaker premieres on November 1 and can be seen weeknights at 7:55pm on Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is available on Cablelink Channel 39, Cignal Channel 120, Destiny Cable Channel 35, G Sat Channel 48, and SKYCable Channel 35.