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Balibago News Jan-2013

31 Jan 2013 - Suspect in Mexico rape-slay set for inquest

PAMPANGA -- The suspect in the killing of seven-year-old Ryza Mae Pagcu Gomez in Barangay Tangle, Mexico town is set for preliminary investigation on February 7.

Pampanga provincial police director R’Win Pagkalinawan said on Wednesday that the police now have witnesses who will testify against the suspect, who allegedly raped and then set on fire the victim last January 20.

31 Jan 2013 - Pampanga ranks 4th with most registered guns

PAMPANGA -- A ranking official from the police provincial office of Pampanga said the province ranks fourth in the country with the most number of registered firearms.

Superintendent R'win Pagkalinawan, police provincial director, said this is another factor that led to the inclusion of Pampanga in the list of high risk areas relating to the upcoming 2013 midterm elections.

31 Jan 2013 - enator to donate daycare center in Balibago

ANGELES CITY -- SENATOR Jamby Madrigal has vowed to donate classrooms and a daycare center to Barangay Balibago.

During her visit, Madrigal told residents that she will implement the projects after the election, whether she wins or not, in the senatorial race.

31 Jan 2013 - CSF gets best health practice awards

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando was recognized on Wednesday by the Department of Health (DOH) as it was conferred the “Best Effort for Health and Practice” and “Dengue Control and Prevention” awards during the Central Luzon Health Excellence awarding ceremonies held at the Holiday Inn in Clark Freeport.

The two major awards, according to DOH regional director Leonita Gorgolon, were in recognition of the city’s strong programs on health, disaster management and dengue prevention and control.

30 Jan 2013 - Australian national commits suicide

An Australian national was found hanging from a stairway of the Regency Park Townhouse located inside the Clark Freeport last Monday.

Senior Superintendent Jose Hidalgo, officer-in-charge of Angeles City police, said Paul Brian Conlon, 50, chief executive officer of ICE International Technologies, PhilExcel, was found dead by his housemaid identified as Elizabeth Castillo, 49, of Barangay Anunas, Angeles City.

30 Jan 2013 - Malacanang dismisses case vs village chief

ANGELES CITY -- The Office of the President has dismissed the abuse of authority and misconduct in office cases filed before the City Council against Balibago chairman Rodelio Mamac by the owner and two managers of a night club.

In its decision dated January 18, 2013, Malacańang also ordered the setting aside of Resolution Number 6300, a decision passed by the City Council calling for Mamac’s suspension from office as village chief.

30 Jan 2013 - Mayor: New leader should takeover

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said it’s time new blood takeover the governance of Angeles City at least after the current term.

“I am certain more qualified leaders could take our places come in the future as we have, right now, 376 students at the City College and of this, 123 are full-time academic scholars. I am sure one of them could be the next leader of the city,” said Pamintuan on Tuesday.

30 Jan 2013 - Fire razes house in resettlement site

MABALACAT CITY -- A morning fire razed on Wednesday a residence and other properties worth P300,000 at the Mawaque Resettlement Center in Barangay Sapang Biabas here.

Superintendent Ferdinand Perez, city’s police chief, said the fire department is still evaluating what caused the fire that destroyed the house owned by Lou Esguerra along 15th Street in said resettlement.

30 Jan 2013 - Central Luzon has 2 million tourist arrivals in 2012

PAMPANGA == An official of the Department of Tourism regional office said Central Luzon has hit the two million mark in terms of tourist arrivals last year.

“Central Luzon’s domestic visitor arrivals made it to the millionaires’ row as figures gathered from hotels and other accommodation entities showed a total of 2 million visitors in 2012 -- the second time in a row that the region hit the millionth mark. Last year, the region garnered a high at 1.7M arrivals,” DOT regional head Ronaldo Tiotuico said.

30 Jan 2013 - Alphamed to provide cheaper, reliable services

PAMPANGA -- An official of the newly opened Alphamed Diagnostic Laboratory said Wednesday that the company would provide Kapampangans cheaper but reliable services and accurate results on medical tests and examinations.

During the grand opening of the laboratory long MacArthur Highway in Barangay Quebiawan San Fernando, which was graced by Governor Lilia Pineda, Dr. Ronald Panganiban said that Alphamed covers a vast array of diagnostics, ranging from simple blood tests to high technology ultrasound and life-saving examinations conducted by a trusted pool of medical specialists and expert technicians.

30 Jan 2013 - PCIC awards P19-M checks to farmers, coops

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) awarded some P19,857,990 worth of checks to farmers, irrigator associations and cooperatives as indemnities for the damages by the continuous rains brought by Habagat late last year in Central Luzon.

The awarding was held at the Oxford Hotel in Angeles City the other day, led by PCIC president Jovy Bernabe and Butil Farmers Representative Agapito Guanlao.

29 Jan 2013 - Soon to improve Clark Circumferential Road

ANGELES CITY -- Improvements and widening of the alternate road leading to the MacArthur Highway from the Clark Freeport Zone’s Friendship Gate are all set after the city council passed a resolution reclassifying it from local to national road.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said he already signed the SP resolution and the only impediment is the submission of deeds of donations (DOD) from five families along the 8.5-kilometer road, officially called the Clark Circumferential Road, from Clark’s Friendship Gate to the MacArthur Highway at Paning’s in Barangay Telabastagan, City of San Fernando.

29 Jan 2013 - Guv: Let's work for peaceful polls

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda has enjoined all candidates in Pampanga province to work hard for peaceful elections, during the covenant signing held at the San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor on Tuesday.

According to Pineda, she signed the treaty as a manifestation of her serious advocacy to make Pampanga the most peaceful province during the campaign and election periods.

29 Jan 2013 - Real estate chief willing to talk with Lakeshore homeowners

PAMPANGA -- Some residents of The Lakeshore hit the management and branded the renowned project as "just a successful marketing campaign rather than a world-class reality."

Some 10 of an estimated 2,500 residents occupying at least 150 fully-completed houses in more than 2,900 lots at the posh, high-end enclave raised their concerns to the management.

29 Jan 2013 - Pamintuan mulls creation of cancer center for indigents

ANGELES CITY - Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is now in talks with private sector supporters in the plan to put up a coronary center and chemotherapy facility here for indigents, following the success of the city's Renal Care Unit (RCU) that now serves the needs of patients with kidney problems.

Pamintuan said the success of RCU has inspired more people in the private sector to help the city address other health needs of indigents.

29 Jan 2013 - Lazatin backs initiatives for total gun ban

ANGELES CITY - Representative Carmelo Lazatin (first district) is in support of initiatives for a total gun ban in the country, in a bid to help in reducing gun-related crimes and violence perpetrated by both registered and loose firearm owners.

Lazatin said such implementation of a total gun ban must also be done with strict implementation of laws running after loose firearms in the country, adding that such action would also help police authorities in minimizing gun-related incidents during the election season.

29 Jan 2013 - Village councilmen questioned over paid ads

ANGELES CITY - The president of the Councilmen's League of Angeles City (CLAC) has accused village council members of engaging in "dirty politics," and asked them to explain to "all former and present barangay officials, and the people of Angeles where they got the money to pay for paid advertisements."

The accused councilmen are William David of Barangay Lourdes Northwest, Roy Ogurida of Barangay Cutcut, Renato Coronel of Barangay Salapungan and Oliver Chaneco of Barangay Sto. Domingo.

29 Jan 2013 - Police: Candaba town ‘peaceful’

PAMPANGA -- Local police here recently clarified that this town is peaceful and its inclusion in the Commission on Elections (Comelec) watch list is not "accurate".

Superintendent Benjamin Medina, town's chief of police, in a previous interview said there are no recorded election related violent incidents in the Municipal Police Stations (MPS) here for the past few elections.

29 Jan 2013 - Folks welcome Pelayo's congressional bid

PAMPANGA -- Residents here warmly welcomed Candaba mayor and fourth district congressional candidate Jerry Pelayo during a consultative meeting held in Macabebe on Monday.

"Ang maganda kay Mayor Pelayo ay mayroon siyang bitbit na programa at malinaw ang gusto niyang mangyari sakaling maupo siya bilang congressman. Nakakatuwa dahil narito siya para makinig sa aming mga pangangangailangan," Mario Sunga, a resident of Macabebe, said.

28 Jan 2013 - Mabalacat exec faces graft charges

MABALACAT CITY -- Graft charges were lodged against Mabalacat Vice Mayor Noel Castro before the Ombudsman over the alleged illegal acquisition of a parcel of land in Sitio Talimundok, Barangay Bundagul, this city.

Maglalang charged Castro of violation of RA 3019, or the "Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act," and violation of the Revised Penal Code, Article 217 "Malversation of Public Property."

28 Jan 2013 - Lazatin discloses Congress attendance

ANGELES CITY -- The camp of first district Representative Carmelo Lazatin revealed Lazatin's comprehensive attendance record in the House of Representatives from July 2010 to December 2012, in response to allegations from the camp of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan that the congressman is among the top absentees in Congress.

In a certification signed by House of Representatives Secretary General Marilyn Barua-Yap dated January 21 2013, it was revealed that for the third regular session of the 15th Congress, which covers the period from July 23, 2012 to December 19, 2012, Lazatin has only incurred five absences without notice in Congress.

28 Jan 2013 - Mayor to lead inauguration of footbridge

PAMPANGA -- The blessing and inauguration of the footbridge along Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Jasa) in Barangay Dolores San Fernando is set on February 4 and will soon benefit pedestrians and ease traffic congestion in the area.

Mayor Oscar Rodriguez said the new facility will cater to students and pedestrians in the area and will provide a safe means of traversing the busy Jasa.

28 Jan 2013 - Angeles honors gender-sensitive villages

ANGELES CITY -- The City Government here recently recognized the excellence and innovation of several barangays for their campaign to become gender-sensitive and gender-responsive.

After eight months of the search, Barangay Balibago won the most outstanding gender-sensitive barangay, followed by Barangay Lourdes Sur East and Barangay Lourdes North West in second and third place, respectively.

28 Jan 2013 - P2-M service vehicles distributed to barangays

PAMPANGA -- The distribution of service vehicles to Sta Rita’s 10 villages was completed, and it aims to boost each village's government's service capability to their constituents.

Mayor Yolanda Pineda led the turnover of four new vans here to barangay captains at the Sta. Rita Parish Church over the weekend. The service vehicles form part of the P2 million funds that aimed to provide the barangays with their own utility vehicles.

28 Jan 2013 - Mayor hosts city's 'vin d'honneur'

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan hosted Friday the City Government's version of vin d'honneur at the City College of Angeles (CCA) Covered Court.

Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting, members of the City Council, department and program heads of the City Government, businessmen from the Angeles City Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (AC-FilChi), former-barangay and current barangay captains, representatives from the academe, business sector and other non-governmental organizations were among the guests during the post new year reception.

28 Jan 2013 - Lawmaker’s camp welcomes investigation

ANGELES CITY -- The camp of Representative Carmelo Lazatin welcomes investigation from any government body, third party, or any private citizen who wishes to look into the projects of the lawmaker.

IC Calaguas, chief of staff of Lazatin, made the statement following reports that the camp of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has sent a complaint letter to Commission on Audit Region III Assistant Commissioner Winnie Rose Encallado questioning the procurement of 30 multicabs, which were distributed to different villages in Pampanga's first district, through Lazatin's Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

28 Jan 2013 - 2013 economy anchored on results of May polls

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) and businessman Rene Romero opined over the weekend that the "good and vibrant year" the private sector projected for economic year 2013 will still depend on the results of the May 13 polls.

Romero, who also co-chairs the Central Luzon Competitiveness Council, said "credible and peaceful elections" will buoy up the country's economy further, after its gains in the latter part of last year, just after the filing of certificates of candidacies of bidders for national and local posts.

27 Jan 2013 - Council lauds lawmakers for additional courts

ANGELES CITY -- The City Council has passed a resolution extending gratitude for the efforts of Senator Francis Escudero and Representative Carmelo Lazatin (first district, Pampanga) to create six additional Regional Trial Court (RTC) branches here.

In a resolution sponsored by Councilor Willie Rivera and Councilors Jesus Sangil, Alfie Bonifacio, and lawyer Arvin Suller, the City Council thanked Escudero and Lazatin for sponsoring Senate Bill 3056 and House Bill (HB) 5532, respectively.

27 Jan 2013 - Audit commission complaints filed vs lawmaker

ANGELES CITY -- Representative Carmelo Lazatin is facing complaints before the Commission on Audit (COA) in connection with the alleged overpricing of multi-cabs his office distributed to villages in the first district of Pampanga.

John Sladky, former chairman of Barangay Agapito del Rosario, recently wrote a formal complaint letter to Assistant Commissioner Winnie Rose Encallado, head of regional COA based in San Fernando, Pampanga.

27 Jan 2013 - Mabalacat residents hit Public Works department

MABALACAT CITY -- Residents along the MacArthur Highway here assailed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for implementing a road widening project without prior notice and compensation of affected properties.

The residents, led by Lawyer Anthony Manalang of the Public Attorney's Office in Angeles City, aired their complaints in a letter sent to the City Council here.

27 Jan 2013 - Board Member 'curious' on election hotspots

PAMPANGA -- Reelectionist second district Board Member Salvador Dimson Jr. on Friday expressed "curiosity" over the towns of Lubao, Guagua and Sasmuan being placed by police under the elections "hotspot" watchlist recently.

The three second district Pampanga towns -- along with Candaba and San Simon in the fourth district; Mexico and Arayat in the third district; and Magalang and Mabalacat City in the first district -- are among the latest to be included in the watchlist, which Superintendent Charlie Cabradilla of the Regional Special Operations Task Group clarified was "based on past records of election-related violence in previous polls."

27 Jan 2013 - Mayor awards cleanest, brightest villages

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recently awarded the winners of the "Buenas Angeles 2012," the search for the cleanest and brightest barangays of the city, at Marquee Mall's Event Center last January 24.

Pamintuan congratulated all the winners and commended all barangay captains and kagawads in their efforts to make their area beautiful not only during the event but also throughout the year.

27 Jan 2013 - Election officer reminds candidates on security rules

PAMPANGA -- The municipal elections officer of Candaba recently reminded local candidates that they are only entitled to two police or military security details in relation to the upcoming midterm elections.

Maria Rosario Lalic said that under the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution, including rules and regulations, incumbent officials are allowed to the services of law enforcers to ensure their safety during elections period.

27 Jan 2013 - Gumba is new water district prexy

PAMPANGA -- City of San Fernando Water District general manager Jorge Gumba was elected as new president of the Pampanga Association of Water Districts (PAMAWD).

He vowed to strengthen the groups’ corporate social responsibility programs with its member water utilities in Pampanga.

27 Jan 2013 - Mayor thanks DPWH for tail dike works

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Joselito Naguit of Sto Thomas thanked over the weekend the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the ongoing works at the San Fernando-Minalin-Tail Dike.

Several villages in the town of Santo Tomas were submerged with floodwaters after the dike was breached during the heavy rains brought about by southwest monsoon last year.

27 Jan 2013 - Lawmaker: Scholarship program continues

PAMPANGA -- Third district Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. assured Sunday the scholarship beneficiaries that he will continue with educational assistance program.

Gonzales issued the statement following reports that beneficiaries have stopped receiving their assistances.

27 Jan 2013 - Power to be interrupted in Floridablanca

PAMPANGA -- The San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company (SFELAPCO) has announced that power in its Floridablanca franchise area, including Basa Air Base, will be interrupted on Tuesday, January 29, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In an advisory SFELAPCO Corporate Communications Officer Irwin Nucum said the power interruption is based on the work schedule of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

27 Jan 2013 - Water district donates to typhoon victims

PAMPANGA -- Employees of the City of San Fernando Water District have donated some P30,000 to Baganga Water District in Davao Oriental to help in the speedy rehabilitation of the water supply facilities of families affected by Typhoon Pablo.

City of San Fernando Water District general manager Jorge Gumba said employees contributed their own money for the assistance fund in response to the Philippine Association of Water Districts’ (PAWD) call to help in the assistance efforts in the area.

27 Jan 2013 - Capitol to hire barangay social workers

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda said Saturday that she is planning to employ social workers in all barangays in Pampanga.

Pineda said barangay social workers (BSW) will focus on the implementation of the socials development programs and projects by the Provincial Government and various local government units.

27 Jan 2013 - Town completes P2M service vehicles for barangays

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Government of San Fernando has completed the distribution of service vehicles to its 10 barangays, in an effort to boost the delivery of basic services of the villages to their respective constituents.

Mayor Yolanda Pineda led the turnover of four new vans here to barangay captains at the Sta. Rita Parish Church over the weekend. The service vehicles form part of the P2 million funds aimed to provide the barangays with their own utility vehicles.

26 Jan 2013 - 3 suspected rebels nabbed; guns seized

PAMPANGA -- Three alleged members of a break-away group Hukbong Mapagpalayang Bayan (HMB) were arrested Friday for illegal possession of firearms and assorted ammunition.

Central Luzon Police Regional Office Director Edgardo Ladao identified the suspects as Arman Maniago alias “Ka Arman” of Barangay Telepayong; Renato Gutierrez and Romeo Gutierrez of Barangay Candading, all in Arayat town; and Mauricio Baltazar, incumbent village chief of Gen. Luna in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.

26 Jan 2013 - Butil launches P2-M milk feeding program

PAMPANGA -- The Butil Farmers Party, in coordination with the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Municipal Government of Arayat, launched the first-ever P2 million worth community-based Milk Feeding Program here.

The event was led by Butil Representative Agapito H. Guanlao, at the Glorietta Center in Barangay Plazang Luma, Arayat.

26 Jan 2013 - Dong distributes P90,000 startup fund for entrepreneurs

PAMPANGA -- Third District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. led the distribution of P90,000 to 18 beneficiaries who would like to start up their own micro businesses, as part of his “Sulong Trabaho nang Dong Gonzales” (STRA-DG).

Each of the beneficiaries received P5,000 as startup capital for their businesses. The beneficiaries are expected to start food cart businesses, sari-sari stores or use the finances to increase capital on their existing businesses.

26 Jan 2013 - Thousands gather for INC Unity Games

PAMPANGA -- Thousands of brethren from the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) recently gathered at the Pampanga Sports Complex in San Fernando for the elimination round of the Church’s Central Luzon leg of the Unity Games 2013.

According to Brethren Joel Mapiles, who is also Capitol’s Provincial Information Officer, the 2013 Unity Games is a multi-sport and multi-region event and the largest athletic competition hosted for members of the INC.

25 Jan 2013 - Teachers deny P650 daily salary

ANGELES CITY -- Some 10 public school teachers from Northville 15 Integrated School in Barangay Cutud here denied receiving P650 daily wage, as stipulated in the job order appointment papers of the City Government, when they participated in the Cultural Heritage Mapping Project of the City Tourism Office.

According to the teachers, they were given a P650 allowance for the entire period of the Cultural Heritage Mapping, contrary to what was stated in the job order appointment papers that the "mappers" received P650 each daily.

25 Jan 2013 - 37,387 families benefit from DSWD

PAMPANGA -- A Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) official announced Thursday that some 37,387 poor Kapampangan families will receive a total amount of P15,000 annually.

DSWD Regional Director Adelina Apostol, in a meeting with Governor Lilia Pineda and other provincial officials, said the beneficiaries will be getting benefits under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

25 Jan 2013 - Administrator: We will act on evacuees’ land titles

PAMPANGA -- City Administrator of San Fernando Ferdinand Caylao said Friday that the City Government will look immediately into Governor Lilia Pineda’s request on the release of land titles of former evacuees at the Bulaon Resettlement Center in San Fernando.

The "marching order" was made by the governor during her recent visit at the resettlement site, where she asked Mayor Oscar Rodriguez to seek the assistance of Vice President Jejomar Binay on the concern of the residents there who disclosed that at least 60 percent of those resettled have not received their land titles since the time they have been relocated from nearby Bacolor during the onslaught of lahar in 1995.

25 Jan 2013 - Chamber of commerce orients new members

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) hosted its 26th Orientation of new members attended by 28 representatives from 18 companies at the Carworld Conference Centre here last Thursday.

The orientation is regularly done every quarter prior to the chamber's Quarterly General Membership Meeting (GMM) where the representatives of the companies are officially inducted and welcomed into the chamber's growing roster of membership.

25 Jan 2013 - Coop office supports countryside development

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO) is pushing for countryside development by empowering small business owners.

The PCEDO, through Governor Lilia Pineda, distributed loan assistance under the Negosyu king Panyulung Program (NPP) amounting to P1.9 million to some 215 beneficiaries in Pampanga.

25 Jan 2013 - SFES, UA top 'Kaganapan' painting tilt

PAMPANGA -- Students from San Fernando Elementary School and the University of the Assumption High School Department topped in their respective categories in the "Kaganapan 2013" on-the-spot streamer painting contest held Friday.

The young artists from the two City of San Fernando-based schools each took home the top prize of P5,000.

24 Jan 2013 - Checkpoints intensified

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Police Office (PPPO) has directed all police stations in the province to intensify the conduct of checkpoints in their respective areas of responsibility.

Every police station is strictly required to carry out a minimum of four checkpoint operations a day to intensify the Philippine National Police’s campaign toward gun ban, said Senior Superintendent R’Win Pagkalinawan.

24 Jan 2013 - UPS gears for nutrition promotion in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- The UPS Philippines employees of Clark Freeport banded together to support a school-based agriculture, mentoring, and feeding program at the Sto. Rosario Elementary School here in celebration of the 10th annual Global Volunteer Month.

Some 203 UPS employees and their families recently dedicated one day to preparing the plots and organic fertilizers, as well as repairing fences, for both the vegetable garden and the tree nursery of the school.

24 Jan 2013 - City bares outstanding Fernandinos

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando presented Wednesday evening this year’s batch of outstanding Fernandinos.

The Outstanding Fernandino Awards (Tofa) 2013 executive committee headed by Dr. Lourdes Javier said during a pre-awards thanksgiving dinner at Heroes Hall that the exemplary Fernandinos were carefully screened and selected based on the highest standards.

24 Jan 2013 - Councilor denies collecting P1M from City

ANGELES CITY -- A councilor here has denied reports that he is collecting some P1 million from the City Government representing reimbursement for his dental missions last year.

Councilor Alfie Bonifacio, a candidate for vice mayor here, said the funds were submitted as program design for medical and dental mission last year that was never implemented and consummated.

24 Jan 2013 - CDC board approves 3-year permit

CLARK FREEPORT -- To improve the delivery of services to its stakeholders, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Arthur P. Tugade said the Board of Directors approved the issuance of business permits valid for three years.

Tugade said the extended period required for the renewal of permits, known as the Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE) or the Registration Certificate (RC), will be a boon to locators who have to renew their permits annually.

24 Jan 2013 - Police confident on peaceful polls

Local police here expressed optimism that the conduct of the 2013 midterm elections in the locality of Candaba will be peaceful and orderly.

Superintendent Benjamin Medina, the newly assigned chief of police here, noted that all candidates representing the participating political parties had joined the crusade for the conduct of a safe and fair elections come May 13 this year.

24 Jan 2013 - Traffic enforcer dies in Apalit road accident

PAMPANGA -- A 64-year-old traffic enforcer in Apalit died on Tuesday after figuring in a road accident while on active duty.

Police reports said the incident transpired in front of the RED Camia Supermarket, corner Villena Subdivision, (North Bound Lane) along MacArthur Highway in Barangay San Vicente.

23 Jan 2013 - 7-year-old girl raped, set on fire

PAMPANGA -- The body of seven-year-old Ryza Mae Pagcu Gomez of Block 24, Lot 63, Boulevard St., Royal Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Tangle Mexico who was reportedly raped and then set on fire was discovered by her grandmother in a grassy area in Barangay Tangle here Tuesday.

One of the three suspects behind her gruesome death was arrested and charged.

23 Jan 2013 - 4 Jasa bridges to be completed this 2013

PAMPANGA -- Officials of the regional public works and highways department clarified that construction of four bridges along the western Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Jasa) toward Subic will be completed by June this year and not in 2014 as what is contained in the billboards within the project sites.

Pampanga Chamber and Commerce and Industry Inc. executives led by president Jim Jimenez said the group has been receiving a lot of queries on the projected date of completion of the bridges in Bacolor, Sta. Rita and two in Lubao.

23 Jan 2013 - Suspected member of crime group dies in encounter

A suspected member of an organized crime group operating around Sta Ana was shot dead in an armed encounter by combined elements of the municipal police station (MPS) and the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) last Tuesday.

Chief Inspector Paul Ynigo Gamido, town's police chief, identified the suspect as Orlando "Samboy" Garcia, married and a resident of Barangay San Nicolas, this town.

23 Jan 2013 - Councilor pushes for village leaders’ retirement benefits

ANGELES CITY - Councilor Jesus Sangil pushed anew his resolution urging the National Government and the local government unit to create a law extending retirement benefits and other privileges to "long-serving" barangay chairmen and councilmen.

Sangil, an independent candidate for vice mayor here, said barangay officials should also enjoy other social services under the Government Service Insurance System, Pag-Ibig Fund and others accorded to government officials and employees.

23 Jan 2013 - Local candidates to sign peace covenant today

PAMPANGA -- Candidates for various elected positions in Candaba are set to sign a peace covenant in a simple ceremony to be held at the Poblacion Parish Church today, Thursday.

The peace covenant is organized by the local police in coordination with the Commission of Elections and Department of Interior and Local Government, both at the municipal level, which is aimed at ensuring the conduct of safe, honest and peaceful elections.

23 Jan 2013 - Village chief bares 12-point People's Agenda

ANGELES CITY -- Balibago chairman Rodelio Mamac has bared a 12-point agenda, which he said should be implemented for the people of Angeles City.

He said public office is a public trust. "Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives."

23 Jan 2013 - Radioman files complaint vs mayor before Palace

ANGELES CITY - Radio broadcaster Med David sent a complaint letter against Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan to the office of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on Tuesday.

The letter, dated January 9, 2013, stated the alleged irregular projects of the City Government under the Pamintuan administration that were the subject of a report supposedly made by the City Project Monitoring Committee (CPMC) during the meeting of the Local Development Council (LDC).

22 Jan 2013 - Kabalen OFW dies in Algeria

PAMPANGA -- Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a Kapampangan working at the BP-Norway Statoil and Algerian state-owned oil company Ain Amenas was one of the six Filipinos believed killed in the recent hostage drama in Algeria staged by Islamic militants.

The Kapampangan casualty was identified by authorities as Illuminado “Bong” Santiago from Royal Homes Subdivision, Barangay San Vicente, Apalit

22 Jan 2013 - Bam Aquino vows to bring advocacies to Senate

PAMPANGA -- Senatorial aspirant Bam Aquino said Tuesday he would elevate his prime advocacies to the Senate if given the opportunity by Filipinos this May at the polls.

During his visit to this city Tuesday morning, particularly at the Laus Group of Companies headquarters where he dropped by for interviews at dwRW 95.1 FM and CLTV 36, the President’s nephew and youngest senatorial candidate at 35, said he “would elevate his programs for the youth and micro, small and medium entrepreneurs to a higher level.”

22 Jan 2013 - 407 cops promoted to next rank

PAMPANGA -- At least 407 newly promoted Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel took their oath at the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon parade grounds here on Tuesday.

The oath-taking and mass pinning of the newly promoted Police Commissioned Officers and Police Non-Commissioned Officers was administered by Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao, PRO-Central Luzon director.

22 Jan 2013 - P2.7M allotted for DHVTSU-Mexico scholars

PAMPANGA -- Representative (Third District) Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. released some P2.5 million in scholarship assistance to 1,000 students of the Don Honorio Ventura Technological University (DHVTSU) Mexico Campus today, bringing his total assistance to the school at P50 million since the start of his term.

Gonzales distributed the scholarship assistance Tuesday with DHVTSU officials led by president Enrique Baking.

22 Jan 2013 - CDC prexy embarking on ‘crusade’

CLARK FREEPORT -- Newly installed Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Arthur Tugade said he is embarking on putting the firm and this Freeport in line with President Benigno Aquino III’s governance promise.

During a forum with selected members of the Kapampangan media on Monday, Tugade said his “crusade” is meant to “improve the corporation financially and make an impact on culture, values and how the very things have to be done at CDC.”

22 Jan 2013 - PB race touches on gender issues

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board race in the third district of Pampanga will be touching gender issues, after the women predominantly holding positions are being targeted by old-time politicians.

Board Member Monina Laus said she is confident that the electorate would still support her candidacy after she has performed well as a provincial legislator.

22 Jan 2013 - Mayor leads oathtaking of transport officers

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan administered Monday this year’s oath taking ceremony of the newly elected board members of the Pangkalahatang Samahan ng mga Driver sa Angeles (Pasada) at the Mayor’s Office.

The ceremony marked his administration’s campaign in strengthening his support to all public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and tricycle drivers.

22 Jan 2013 - Bill for additional Angeles RTCs set for plenary hearing

ANGELES CITY -- The House Representatives Committee on Appropriations approved Tuesday first district Representative Carmelo Lazatin’s bill proposing the creation of six additional regional trial courts here.

House Bill 5532 was approved by the Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Negros Occidental first district Representative Jocelyn Limkaichong, via omnibus approval.

21 Jan 2013 - Arayat a peaceful town, says top cop

ANGELES City -- An American tourist and a Filipino bar worker were found dead in separate places here the other day.

Chief Insp. Leoncio Senense, head of the Pampanga Criminal Investigation and Detection Team, identified the American as James Hugh Coble, 47, of Apartment 3E Elben Villas, Clark View Subd., Bgy. Malabanias, and the Filipino bar worker as Jeempee John Hije, 23, of Bgy. Mawaque, Mabalacat City.

21 Jan 2013 - Arayat a peaceful town, says top cop

PAMPANGA -- Senior Superintendent R'Win Pagkalinawan, Pampanga police officer-in-charge, said Monday that this first-class municipality is "one of the province's most peaceful towns."

This announcement earned praises from three-term Mayor Luis Espino during Monday’s signing of a Peace Covenant between candidates (mayors, vice mayors and councilors) in the upcoming May 13, 2013 elections.

21 Jan 2013 - Capitol to spend P25M for student scholarships

Governor Lilia Pineda said Monday that the Provincial Government will be spending at least P25 million for the scholarship grants of poor but deserving Kapampangan students this year.

"Naglaan po tayo ng P25 million para sa scholarship ng ating mga estudyante para magkaroon sila ng pagkakataong makatapos sa pag-aaral at makatulong sila sa kanilang mga pamilya," she said during a meeting with the local officials from the towns of Apalit, San Simon, Sto. Tomas and Minalin.

21 Jan 2013 - Comelec junks nuisance petition vs mayoralty bet

MABALACAT CITY -- Noli Castro Jr. of the PDP-Laban is qualified to run in the upcoming mayoral race in Mabalacat City after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division junked for "lack of merit" the petition to disqualify him as a "nuisance" candidate.

Comelec presiding commissioner Lucenito Tagle noted in the decision that the "instant petition of Vice Mayor Noel Castro is based solely on the fact that petitioner and respondent bear the same surname. But then similarity of names alone does not suffice as ground to declare a candidate as a nuisance. More so when allegations of petitioner are unsubstantiated and based only on conjectures."

21 Jan 2013 - Gonzales’s scholars reach 30,000

PAMPANGA -- Indigent students benefiting under the "Iskolar ng Dong" program of third district Representative Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. has now reached 30,000.

Gonzales, increasing the number of beneficiaries from 27,000 in 2012, said the new increase in the number of scholars is part of his commitment to expand the scholarship program for indigents here.

21 Jan 2013 - Democracy in Angeles 'dead'

ANGELES CITY -- Transport leader Reynaldo Gueco said Monday that Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan killed democracy here, following the libel case he filed against Gueco and radio broadcasters Med David and Fred Cortez for airing criticisms about him in a local radio program.

"During the time of Martial Law, Mayor Pamintuan was one of those who fought to bring democracy back, but now, he is the one killing it," Gueco said. "It's sad to think that in Angeles City, people who air their opinions about the mayor, get charged with libel."

21 Jan 2013 - Partido Abe dismayed by Lazatin's absences

ANGELES CITY -- Partido Abe Kapampangan expressed dismay on Monday over the embarrassment and notoriety being cast on the first district of Pampanga, particularly Angeles City, because of the reputation of its congressional representative, Carmelo Lazatin, as the number 5 among all House of Representatives members with the most number of absences.

"While Mayor Pamintuan has brought numerous honors to Angeles City, Lazatin is dragging us down to ignominy because of his apparent disinterest towards his responsibilities," said Partido Abe deputy secretary general William Aguilar.

21 Jan 2013 - Hizon backs Aquino plan for city hospital in San Fernando

PAMPANGA -- Businesswoman Angie Hizon is supporting the plan of former PhilHealth chief Dr. Rey Aquino in putting up a "city hospital" here, drawing inspiration from the Angeles City's dialysis center housed at the Ospital Ning Angeles (ONA).

Hizon said the project will be a great boost in ensuring quality and affordable health services to Fernandinos, adding that a permanent dialysis center will also ensure that proper medical support and care will be given to people with kidney problems.

21 Jan 2013 - Councilman backs bill to extend village, SK officials' term

ANGELES CITY -- Councilmen's League of Angeles City Vice President and Barangay Cutcut councilman Roy Lozano Ogurida recently expressed his support for the bill seeking to postpone the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections until October 2015, thus, extending the terms of barangay and SK officials from three years to five years.

Ogurida said that extending the terms of barangay and SK officials will contribute to the stabilization of the economy and help decrease government spending.

20 Jan 2013 - Angeles mayor files libel vs broadcaster

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has formally filed a libel case against block-time broadcaster Medardo "Med" David, host of "Gulpe de Gulat" aired over local radio station gvFM-AM before the Angeles City Prosecutor's Office.

Also included in the complaint were co-hosts Reynaldo "Rey" Gueco and Fred Cortez.

20 Jan 2013 - 8 towns, city placed under election watchlist

PAMPANGA -- At least eight towns and one city in the province have been identified by law enforcement authorities as election hotspots or high risks areas.

Superintendent Charlie Cabradilla, an official from the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG), said included in the list are the towns of Candaba, San Simon, Mexico, Arayat, Sasmuan, Guagua, Magalang, Lubao; and Mabalacat City.

20 Jan 2013 - Lazatin: Pampanga college bill for approval

ANGELES CITY -- House Bill (HB) 4450, the proposal that seeks to convert Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) into a State University is now set for approval, said its author Representative Carmelo Lazatin (Pampanga, first district) said.

Lazatin said the bill is expected to be passed once sessions in Congress resume this January.

20 Jan 2013 - Vice guv 'vindicated' on quarry revenues

PAMPANGA -- Vice Governor Joseller "Yeng" Guiao admitted over the weekend that he "now feels vindicated" over quarry revenues after it peaked to a historic and record-breaking P650 million last year.

Guiao, branded as "quarry fighter and overseer," said he is overjoyed with the 30-month quarry revenues under the administration of Governor Lelia Pineda, after being informed of the projection that it will hit the P770 million mark at the end of his term.

20 Jan 2013 - Tugade orders PSD revamp

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president and chief executive officer Arthur P. Tugade has ordered the re-assignment of several key personnel at the Public Safety Department (PSD).

Affected PSD officials were Ruben Luzong, from Senior Traffic Management Officer to Senior Operations Officer; Jesus Marquez, from Field Commander to Senior Traffic Management Officer; Rufino Baniqued, from Training Officer to Senior Intelligence Officer; Albert R. Sama, from Senior Intelligence Officer to Senior Investigation Officer; Hazel Robles from Investigation Officer to Tactical Operations Center Desk Officer; Ronald Pablo from Patrolman to Investigator; and Angelo Miclat from Enforcer (Special Reaction Unit) to Investigator.

20 Jan 2013 - San Fernando councilor nominated in TOCP

PAMPANGA -- Councilor Jimmy Lazatin has been nominated in the search for The Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines (TOCP).

Lazatin said he has officially been informed by TOCP proponents JCI Philippines and the Philippine Councilors' League of the nomination, a crack to be with 10 best legislators, which comes after being nominated as one of the outstanding alumni of the University of the Assumption in this city.

20 Jan 2013 - P8-M village rice mill to rise in Sta. Rita town

PAMPANGA -- An P8-million integrated modern rice mill and drier facility will soon rise in Barangay Diladila here in a bid to boost palay-post harvest services and reduce farm expenses for farmers here and the whole of Pampanga’s second district.

This as the Butil Farmers Party is set to ground break for the full construction of the farm facility on a 300,000-square meter property here. Butil Rep. Agapito Guanlao said the village-type rice mill will include driers and other palay post harvest facilities that will greatly speed up palay post harvest processing.

20 Jan 2013 - TriNoma Clark Airport Lounge

CLARK FREEPORT -- Last Thursday, the Clark International Airport Corporation has finally opened the TriNoma Clark Airport Lounge, where passengers can take a P200 bus ride all the way to the Clark airport and vice-versa.

The TriNoma Clark Airport Lounge will provide for a flawless transport service between Manila and Clark airport 24/7 in the face of the increasing passenger volume at the Clark airport, now one of the busiest airports in the country. With over 1.3 million passengers recorded in 2012 the number is expected to increase this year given the fact that the airport has now become too small for the ever increasing passenger volume.

19 Jan 2013 - Team Tapang eyes council majority

ANGELES CITY -- Reelectionist Councilor Mike Tapang said Saturday that his "Magserbisyu Tamu" Team Tapang will aim for the majority of the Municipal Council seats in Porac during the midterm elections.

Tapang presented his line-up, sans a mayor and vice mayor, during a breakfast forum at a restaurant in this city.

19 Jan 2013 - 5,300 students get P25-M educational grants

PAMPANGA -- Some 5,300 poor but deserving students from the fourth district towns of Candaba, San Luis, Sto. Tomas, Minalin, Masantol, Apalit, San Simon and Macabebe received Saturday scholarship grants amounting to about P25 million.

The grants of P5,000 each were distributed by Representative Anna York Bondoc-Sagum and Board Member Nestor Tolentino, together with congressional aspirant Rimpy Bondoc, at the former's district headquarters in this town.

19 Jan 2013 - PamCham hosts free work-life balance seminar for members

PAMPANGA The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham), in partnership with the Mary the Queen Academy of Pampanga, held a free work-life balance seminar for members, which served as a prelude to the Seminars, Workshop & Trainings (STW) sessions for the year 2013.

PamCham, in a statement, said that the event held over the weekend is part of the group's commitment to provide avenues of development for its member companies and their employees.

19 Jan 2013 - Robbers strike in Lubao

PAMPANGA -- Unidentified robbers were able to cart away several valuable items from the 454 General Merchandise located at the EDL Building in Sta. Cruz, Lubao town recently.

A belated report said the robbers entered the store by forcibly opening the left sliding glass window at the building's second floor.

18 Jan 2013 - CSF cleans for Guinness

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando led by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez will aim for a Guinness World Record as it embarks on a massive and simultaneous citywide clean-up drive from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on February 1 this year.

The projected biggest clean-up drive ever will involve an estimated 200,000 participants and volunteers from schools, city hall, the private sector, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, barangays, non-government organizations, common folk, and government agencies like the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Public Works and Highways, Agriculture, Budget and Management, Education, Health, Social Welfare and Development, Tourism and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

18 Jan 2013 - DOST to establish rain gauges

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its regional office in San Fernando, and the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) will establish in this city three Automated Rain Gauges (ARGs) as part of its implementation of the "Hybrid Weather Monitoring System and Production of Weather and Rain Automated Stations" in selected host local government units.

The memorandum of agreement for the establishment of the ARGs, which are designed to monitor real time rain amount, duration and intensity in specific areas or localities, was forged by DOST regional director Victor Mariano, ASTI director Denis Villorente and Mayor Oscar Rodriguez at Heroes Hall recently.

18 Jan 2013 - Mayor vows ‘world-class governance’

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan vowed on Friday to continue a “world-class governance and leadership.”

The mayor issued the statement during a luncheon speech before members of the Rotary Club of Angeles City at a restaurant here even as he warned against a “backslide to the days of unbridled patronage politics.”

18 Jan 2013 - Gov intensifies fight vs waste

MABALACAT CITY - Governor Lilia Pineda has intensified the fight against waste, warning mayors in the province to implement religiously their respective solid waste management program.

The governor said she will ask constituents in Pampanga not to vote for candidates for mayors who have no concrete program on garbage.

17 Jan 2013 - Official wants council finances bared

PAMPANGA -- Councilor and vice-mayor wannabe Jimmy Lazatin reiterated Wednesday his request for the Office of the City Accountant to make public the 2012 financial statements of the fourth City Council.

During the 138th regular session of the august body, Lazatin said he has officially verbalized his request for the disclosure late December last year, which was acted upon by City Council secretary Lynn Lagman in a letter to city accountant Gisel Rivera dated January 11, 2013.

17 Jan 2013 - Vice mayor: Council awards a legacy, challenge to next leaders

PAMPANGA -- Vice Mayor of San Fernando and mayoralty aspirant Edwin Santiago said Thursday that the consecutive awards and national finalist entry of the City Council is a legacy and a challenge he and the 12 lawmakers will leave to the next batch of leaders in the august body.

San Fernando’s City Council has just entered into the regional Hall of Fame as “Most Outstanding Sanggunian” in the component city category by the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine Councilors League, after it won the award for three consecutive terms from 2006, 2009 and 2012.

17 Jan 2013 - Mabalacat candidates sign peace covenant

MABALACAT CITY -- Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales led Thursday other candidates vying for different positions in this new component city in signing a peace covenant.

Superintendent Ferdinand Perez, Mabalacat chief of police, said they have coordinated with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) to ensure a peaceful election.

17 Jan 2013 - P5-M hospital complex opens in Floridablanca

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda led Thursday the inauguration and blessing of a new P5-million operating complex at the Romana Pangan District Hospital (RPDH) in Barangay San Jose here.

The project was funded by the Capitol as part of the construction and rehabilitation of the 11 district hospitals and the main provincial medical center.

17 Jan 2013 - Lazatin among Top 10 absentee congressmen

ANGELES CITY -- Just a week after Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan was voted in the Top 10 World Mayors by the London-based City Mayors Foundation (CMF), it was revealed that Pampanga’s first district representative to the Philippine Congress, Carmelo Lazatin, is among the top 10 absentee congressmen.

In a news report published by Rappler.com, Lazatin was named as among the top 10 members of the House of Representatives with the most number of recorded absences in 2012.

17 Jan 2013 - Clark corporation executives waive benefits

CLARK FREEPORT -- Members of the Management Committee (ManCom) of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) voluntarily waived some of their benefits in support of CDC’s improved fiscal management program initiated by president and CEO Arthur P. Tugade.

In a press statement Vice President Noel Manankil of CDC’s Finance Group, said the state-owned firm is expected to save more than P2 million a year from their benefits with the move by the ManCom.

16 Jan 2013 - Arayat village councilman slain

PAMPANGA -- A village council member in Arayat town, Larry Batas, 39, barangay kagawad of Sto. Nino, Tabuan, was gunned down by two unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects in front of his house Tuesday night.

The victim had just arrived home around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday onboard a Mio Soul motorcycle (9662-TO) when he was shot by the suspects.

16 Jan 2013 - Eco-friendly aircraft arrives in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark International Airport became part of aviation history when the world’s first Airbus A320 with Sharklets arrived on Wednesday, carrying 180 passengers from Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia.

The newly designed wing-tip devices of the Airbus A320 with Sharklets reduce fuel burn and emissions by improving the aerodynamics of the aircraft.

16 Jan 2013 - Tarzan camp: EdPam asks Ombudsman for ‘more time’

ANGELES CITY -- The camp of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on January 7 asked the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Adoracion Agbada to extend the time period allotted for the submission of the counter affidavit for the graft and corruption charges filed against Pamintuan and three others before the Ombudsman.

The charges are regarding the controversial 2,506 job order employees of the City Government under the Pamintuan administration.

16 Jan 2013 - Mayor: Extension request ‘not a sign of weakness’

ANGELES CITY -- “It is a legal option that is made available by law to any respondent to a case, and we availed of it to enable us prepare our answers in an airtight fashion,” said lawyer Alberto Pamintuan III, son and legal counsel of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

Pamintuan III was referring to a motion filed by his father’s camp last January 7 seeking a 15-day extension to the respondents’ filing of counter affidavit on the charges filed before the Ombudsman by tabloid stringer Robledo Sanchez on alleged illegal hiring of job order employees by Pamintuan.

16 Jan 2013 - Japanese killed in accident

PAMPANGA -- A Japanese national died after accidentally falling from the 9th floor of a building located along Recto Highway inside Clark Freeport on Monday.

A belated report here by Senior Superintendent Jose Hidalgo, officer-in-charge of the Angeles City police, identified the victim as Harno Tanaka, 61, Japanese national and vice president of SNEXT company located inside the Clark Freeport.

16 Jan 2013 - Police: Checkpoints lessen street crimes

PAMPANGA -- The leadership of the Provincial Police Office (PPPO) claimed that checkpoints being conducted by the Regional Special Operations Task group (RSOTG) had resulted in lesser crime incidents in the province.

He stressed intensified police operations in various municipalities have prevented lawless elements from doing illegal activities.

16 Jan 2013 - Delinquent taxpayers urged to settle RPT dues

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Yolanda Pineda has called on taxpayers in Sta Rita to settle their real property tax (RPT) payments as the town has recently implemented a computerized tax collection system that would weed out delinquencies in tax payments.

Pineda said failure to comply with payments, particularly for those who have delinquencies for over two decades, may force the Municipal Government to put the property in question under auction.

15 Jan 2013 - Capitol targets P1-B collection on real property tax

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government is targeting at least P1 billion in real property tax (RPT) collection following the intensified implementation of the Integrated Taxation Management System (iTax) in the province.

Engr. Romeo Dizon, provincial assessor, said the province’s RPT collections have already reached some P500 million, and could still be improved with the continuing efforts by local officials to automate transactions on real properties.

15 Jan 2013 - Passport processing back to normal: DFA

PAMPANGA -- THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Central Luzon said Tuesday that the processing of passport applications and renewals at its centers in Robinsons Starmills in the City of San Fernando and MarQuee Mall in Angeles City is back to normal after it suffered from backlogs recently.

DFA Regional Director Art Romua said the backlogs encountered by the agency rooted from the breakdown of printing machines at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas where passports are printed and embedded with security codes and features.

15 Jan 2013 - Guv hosts ‘Buntis Checkup’

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda hosted on Tuesday a province-wide checkup for pregnant women, providing medical services and identifying possible risk pregnancies in an effort to reduce maternal risks and child mortality in Pampanga.

The “Buntis Checkup” was held at the Escolastica Romero District Hospital, where hundreds of pregnant women from all over the province attended the event and availed of free medical checkup from volunteer and provincial doctors.

15 Jan 2013 - San Fernando’s most wanted arrested in Ilocos Sur

PAMPANGA -- The most wanted person in the City of San Fernando, believed to be responsible behind the killing of two persons and the wounding of another, was arrested in Ilocos Sur last Monday, reports said.

Senior Superintendent R’Win Pagkalinawan, acting director of Pampanga Provincial Police Office, said the city police, with the coordination of authorities from Abra province, arrested Bendicto Pasiguin in Barangay Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

15 Jan 2013 - Education office asked to give update on JO teachers probe

ANGELES CITY -- Representative Carmelo Lazatin has asked the Angeles City Division of City Schools Superintendent Luz Arriola for an update on the investigation on 10 public school teachers from Northville Elementary School who were allegedly hired as job order employees of the City Government under the administration of Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

In a letter addressed to Arriola, Lazatin cited reports claiming that several people, whose names were included in the list of job order employees in the Cultural Mapping Program of the City Tourism Office, denied receiving salaries of P600 to P650 per day.

15 Jan 2013 - City of San Fernando volunteers hurdle rescue training

PAMPANGA -- Some 30 volunteers from the City Government of San Fernando received their diplomas and graduated from months of training to become fully certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

In rites at the Ninoy Aquino Amphitheater of Heroes Hall, the members of the San Fernando Rescue Unit (Safru) were lauded by their trainors led by Project proponent Michael Angelo and Mt. Everest rescue team leader Ted Esguerra.

14 Jan 2013 - City admin: Ghost employees do not exist

ANGELES CITY -- The City administrator welcomed Monday the execution of affidavits by relatives of several barangay officials claiming to be “ghost employees” of City Hall, even as he said the complainants may only be incriminating themselves.

“The complainants may indeed be ‘ghost employees’ because they are nowhere in our roster of job order (JO) workers and payrolls,” Dennis Albert Pamintuan said.

14 Jan 2013 - 89 unlicensed guns turned over to police

PAMPANGA -- A total of 89 firearms of various calibers were turned over to the custody of the Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO) headquarters in this city for “safekeeping.”

PPO Director R’win Pagkalinawan and Cagayan Police Director Moro Virgilio Lazo presented Monday the firearms to the media during a briefing.

14 Jan 2013 - Husband of patient slams hospital for P11,000 charge

ANGELES CITY -- The husband of a dialysis patient at the Renal Care Unit (RCU) of the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC) slammed the hospital recently for charging his wife with an amount of P10,000.

According to Dumantay, his wife’s attending physician, Dr. Ramon Suarez, asked him to prepare P10,000 for his wife’s dialysis treatment for which Dr. Suarez allegedly asked Dumantay’s son to give the P6,000 to him without a receipt and instructed the latter to pay the remaining P4,000 at the hospital cashier.

14 Jan 2013 - Buy-bust nets 2 suspects for illegal drugs

ANGELES CITY -- Elements of the city’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (CAIDSOTG) nabbed recently two suspects in a buy-bust operation and confiscation of illegal substance.

After verifying sources and conducting initial investigation, police operatives conducted a buy-bust operation wherein two suspects initially identified as “Choychoy” and “Amor” were arrested within the vicinity of No. 3033 Claveria St., Barangay Sta. Trinidad, here.

14 Jan 2013 - Councilor: Provide affordable dentistry for masses

ANGELES CITY -- City Councilor Alfie Bonifacio said he wants to make dentistry affordable to the masses.

Bonifacio, who is a dentist by profession, said his group has already extended free tooth extraction and oral care services to more than 100,000 persons since he assumed office as councilor three years ago.

14 Jan 2013 - Ibon-Ebon fest photo contest set

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Government of Candaba has encouraged professional and amateur photographers to participate in the photo contest, which is part of the upcoming 6th Ibon-Ebon (Bird-Egg Festival) in this town.

Leny Manalo, municipal administrator, said photographers will be taking pictures on wild birds that must be shot in Candaba from January 12 to 25.

14 Jan 2013 - Development of prime sectors to pep up 2013 economy

PAMPANGA -- The private sector in Pampanga has identified prime sectors that need government support to eventually beef up the positive growth of the local economy this year.

Recently, both Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. chairman emeritus Levy P. Laus and vice-chairman Rene Romero expressed optimism that 2013 will be a promising and big year for business and investments, as economic indicators started pointing up in the last quarter of the year 2012.

13 Jan 2013 - Labor department sets dates, pay rules for 2013 holidays

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) has identified and set the pay rules for holidays this year.

According to DoLE-3 Director Raymundo Agravante---through labor communications officer Jerry Borja---Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz promulgated the implementing guidelines for Proclamation No. 459, Series of 2012, “Declaring the regular holidays, special (non-working) days, and special holiday (for all schools) for the year 2013” to avoid complexities and disseminate in advance information about holiday dates and rules to both employers and workers in the labor sector.

13 Jan 2013 - San Pedro: Clark Airport Lounge

CLARK FREEPORT -- Tomorrow the Clark International Airport Corporation will finally open the Clark Airport Lounge at the TriNoma in a bid to further improve accessibility of the Clark airport, now one of the busiest airports in the country.

With the opening of the Clark Airport Lounge at the TriNoma, passengers from Metro Manila and the rest of the South will have a seamless transport system – the ease of access – that will take them to Clark and then on to any part of the world. Connectivity will also play an important integral part in the development of the Clark airport, which registered over 1.3 million passengers last year.

13 Jan 2013 - 'Ghost workers' file affidavits vs EdPam

ANGELES CITY -- Relatives of several barangay officials here submitted affidavits supporting the graft charges filed against Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan in relation to allegations of "ghost employees" at the City Government.

The four new complainants are Irene David, wife of Barangay Lourdes Northwest councilman William David; Joan Lozano, sister of Barangay Cutcut councilman Roy Ogurida; Marlene Coronel, wife of Barangay Salapungan councilman Renato Coronel, and Roberto Miranda, friend of Barangay Santo Domingo councilman Oliver Chaneco.

13 Jan 2013 - City honors 1st socialist mayor

PAMPANGA -- The City Government of San Fernando led by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez yesterday honored San Fernando’s and the Philippines’ first socialist mayor, Vivencio Baron Cuyugan, with simple rites commemorating his 118th natal day.

The commemoration coincided with the unveiling of the City Marker and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Cuyugan residence ---now a heritage and historical site--- in Barangay Del Pilar.

13 Jan 2013 - OFWs cry for help on breach of contract

PAMPANGA -- Ten Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Candaba are seeking the assistance of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) in the region involving unpaid salaries and breach of contract.

OFW Francis Michael Concepcion narrated that he and his fellow OFWs were recruited by RRJM International Manpower Services Inc. to work for Saudi Arabian Airlines.

13 Jan 2013 - Folks highlight rice planting tradition in ‘Malsikiti’ Festival

PAMPANGA -- Farmers, artists, businessmen and locals here highlighted the importance of old-fashioned palay planting tradition in the “Malsikiti” Festival in Barangay San Agustin here as participants donned farm clothes and waded on rice paddies to plant young palay saplings.

Now on its 6th year, malsikiti, which literally translates to “planting rice” is held twice every year during the dry and wet cropping seasons around the famed “Bale ng Juan” (John’s House) here through the efforts of Miss Saigon choreographer Andy Alviz.

13 Jan 2013 - Trinoma-Clark airport passenger lounge opens

CLARK FREEPORT -- Passenger volume is expected to increase at the Clark International Airport with the opening of the Trinoma-Clark Airport Lounge on January 15.

Clark International Airport Corporation president Victor Jose Luciano said this will improve the connection of Clark with Metro Manila and other areas in Southern Luzon.

13 Jan 2013 - Police nab man in Arayat for ammo, drugs

PAMPANGA -- Police operatives here arrested a suspect over the weekend in an early morning raid that resulted in the confiscation of suspected illegal substances and ammunition.

Elements of the Arayat Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) of the Pampanga Police Office implemented a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Celso Baguio of Gapan City against suspect Jeffrey Tuazon, 27, of Purok 2 Barangay San Agustin Sur here.

12 Jan 2013 - Mayor assures more health coverage

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan recently assured that more indigent residents here will be covered under the PhilHealth indigent program to help the agency meet its universal health coverage program for 2013.

Pamintuan assured PhilHealth officials here through a message read through Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting that 20,000 PhilHealth coverage cards are set to be distributed starting this month.

11 Jan 2013 - Capitol funds P6-M rice processing complex

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga has funded the construction of the P6-million rice processing complex in Barangay Salapungan, Candaba town.

The project is part of the agricultural support being provided to farmers by the province under the leadership of Governor Lilia Pineda.

11 Jan 2013 - IT investors in Asia visit Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Some 120 foreign investors from various countries in Asia will visit Pampanga today (Saturday) to determine the viability of the Internet connectivity investment even in the remote places that cannot be reached by existing telecommunication companies.

Dr. Joey Aranal, IPSTAR Solutions Philippines Corporation president and chief executive officer, said the foreign visitors are potential investors.

11 Jan 2013 - Koreans revalidate P4.6-B flood control project

PAMPANGA -- A group of Korean consultants had started the revalidation of the proposed P4.6-billion flood control project in low-lying areas in the fourth district of Pampanga.

The foreign consultants hired by Korea Eximbank were led by Park Duck Hee, project manager; Kim Zun Seok and Lee Dong Hun, deputy directors; Taedong Park, president: overseas business division; Jean Young Heo, deputy general manager; and directors Yong Hoom Choz, Jang Jzongho and Kim Dohoon.

11 Jan 2013 - Liga chief distributes P250,000 educational grants

PAMPANGA -- Liga ng mga Barangay-Pampanga Chapter president and ex-officio Board Member Melchor Pingol distributed Friday a total of P250,000 in educational assistance to 100 students coming from the 505 barangays of the province.

The grants -- P2,500 each per student -- is intended to augment the school expenses of the recipients this second semester of school year 2012.

11 Jan 2013 - Obama signs bill on Clark vet cemetery restoration

CLARK FREEPORT -- Bipartisan legislation introduced by US Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) to restore the Clark Veterans Cemetery, which is the final resting place in the Philippines for more than 8,300 US service members and their dependents, was signed into law recently by US President Barack Obama.

Guy Hilbero, Mabalacat Tourism officer and executive officer of the 26th US Cavalry and Philippine Scouts Memorial Regiment based here, said the law will place the 20-acre Clark cemetery under the responsibility of the American Battle Monuments Commission.

11 Jan 2013 - Several dead in fire at Dryen Hotel

SUBIC FREEPORT -- A fire broke out around 3:00 am at Dryden Hotel that could only be extinguished around 6:00 am.

Several foreigners and 2 Filipinas are believed to be among the dead.

10 Jan 2013 - Tugade creates body to probe Clark robbery

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE -- Newly-designated Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President-CEO Arthur Tugade has ordered the creation of a special administrative committee (SAC) headed by Asst. Vice President Bernardo Angeles Jr. to look into the reported hold-up of a Chinese national last Dec. 20 at the corner of M.A. Roxas Avenue and C.M. Recto Street here.

The victim was identified as Zhung Zhi Quiang, a casino financier who had just withdrawn P4 million from a branch of the Banco De Oro at SM City Clark when the car he was riding was flagged down by the suspects, one of whom was allegedly a traffic enforcer here identified as Allan Mamawan.

10 Jan 2013 - Clark to host 2nd Don Bosco ‘Blue Run'

CLARK FREEPORT -- All roads lead to the CDC Parade Grounds here on Jan. 26 for the “Blue Run Year 2: I struggle, I win,” a family-oriented fund raising activity organized by Don Bosco Pampanga Batch 1988 in cooperation with the Don Bosco Alumni Association (DBAA) – Pampanga Chapter.

Event chairman and technical director Melvin Fausto of Batch 1988 said the “Blue Run” aims to raise funds for the various activities of the DBAA. Proceeds from last year’s “Blue Run” benefitted indigent families living in nearby Mabalacat City, he said.

10 Jan 2013 - Mayor asks SC: Stop GMA trial on plunder

PAMPANGA -- Guagua Mayor Ric Rivera has asked the Supreme Court (SC) last Wednesday to stop the trial of former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In a supplemental petition, Rivera and 39 other petitioners from the second district asked the SC to “immediately issue a temporary restraining order or a writ of preliminary injunction enjoining the respondent Ombudsman from prosecuting the case, and the respondent Sandiganbayan from proceeding with the case and from continuing with the arrest and detention of Macapaga-Arroyo.”

10 Jan 2013 - Councilor calls for fast-track of CIA expansion

ANGELES CITY -- City Councilor Jesus Sangil has called for the fast-tracking of the expansion project at the Clark International Airport (CIA).

Sangil filed a resolution enjoining the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) to fast-track the implementation and completion of the Phase 2 of the expansion project of the present passenger terminal.

10 Jan 2013 - Capitol funds rice processing complex

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government is now funding the construction of a P6-million rice processing complex in Barangay Salapungan, Candaba town.

The project is part of the agricultural support being provided to farmers by Governor Lilia Pineda.

9 Jan 2013 - 4 suspects face robbery charges

MABALACAT CITY -- Four men are facing robbery charges in connection with the break-in at an outlet of LBC money transfer here last January 1, where some P750,000 cash was stolen.

The suspects, who are still at large, are identified as Requino Bulanit Dacmeg Jr. of Isabela; Arvil Palale Samonte of Baguio City; Bryan Ay-Em Ban-Ang of Isabela; and Ken Cawasan Gupak Jr.

9 Jan 2013 - 45 dialyzers donated to Angeles renal care unit

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Renal Care Unit recently received from Councilor Jericho Aguas the 45 units of dialyzers and safety AV Fistula needle set needed by patients undergoing dialysis.

The dialyzers were solicited by the Filipinos in New Jersey whom the councilor’s wife Isabel Granada-Aguas met during her trip late last year.

9 Jan 2013 - Youth leaders undergo training

PAMPANGA -- Some 60 youth leaders from Bacolor, Mexico, Sta. Ana, Arayat and this city recently attended the Magsilbi Tamu Youth (MTY) Leadership Training at the Ninoy Aquino Amphitheatre of Heroes Hall here.

The leadership training of the youth leaders from the third district towns, which ran from December 5 to 6, included workshops and seminars in which the MTY Pampanga youth leaders came up with relevant outputs and plans on various issues facing their respective communities.

9 Jan 2013 - Officials call for support of PhilHealth programs

ANGELES CITY -- Local government officials called on the public and fellow officials to support the PhilHealth programs, particularly the upcoming “PhilHealth Run 2013: Nationwide Run for Mother and Child Protection” in February 17.

Governor Lilia Pineda said the success of PhilHealth’s programs greatly depends on the support of government officials, public hospitals, doctors and the private sector.

8 Jan 2013 - Pamintuan is Top 8 World Mayor

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan now joins the ranks of the best mayors around the globe as he was ranked eighth among the top 10 awardees for the 2012 World Mayor Prize.

The City Mayors Foundation, organizers of the World Mayor Project, came out with the top 10 awardees on Tuesday who were judged based primarily by the arguments and persuasiveness of testimonials bestowed upon the chosen mayors.

8 Jan 2013 - Quarry revenues close at P650M

PAMPANGA -- Quarry collections at the Capitol closed at P649,782,500 at year-end, as revenues in December 2012 were recorded at P19,145,000.

According to Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Officer Engr. Art Punsalan, the record-breaking feat was achieved by the Kapampangan A Lulugud At Matapat, through improved collection measures and efficient operations.

8 Jan 2013 - Magalang councilor opposes P1.5-M budget for training

PAMPANGA -- Council member Elizabeth P. Gonzales of the municipality of Magalang has decried the “railroaded” passage last December 13 of the supplemental budget amounting to P10,852,247.08, part of which was appropriated for Personnel Development and Advancement Program (P1,520,000), which she is opposing.

While Gonzales supports the Extra Cash Gift line appropriation (P6,356,908.33) and Statutory Obligations and Special Account (P2,975,338.75), she strongly opposes the line appropriation for Personnel Development and Advancement Program amounting to P1.5 million.

8 Jan 2013 - Guv leads groundbreaking of Candaba birthing station

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda led the groundbreaking ceremony of the P4.9-million birthing station inside the municipal hall extension located in Barangay Bahay Pare this town on Tuesday.

Engineers working on the site said the new health facility will be constructed in a 250-square meter lot and is projected to be completed within three months as stated in the contract.

8 Jan 2013 - More indigent scholars get assistance

PAMPANGA -- Representative Aurelio Gonzales (3rd district) led the distribution of P350,000 in cash assistance to some 234 scholars under his “Iskolar ng Dong” program.

Gonzales led the distribution at Barangay Dela Paz Norte here attended by the scholars and their parents.

8 Jan 2013 - Clark Chamber of Commerce’s letter to mayor questioned

ANGELES CITY -- The Office of the City Mayor said a letter from the Metro Clark Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCI), which asked for the reduction of the city budget, has been questioned by many of those whose names were included as signatories.

Marco Nepomuceno, regional director of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI); Arsenio Valdes, past president of the Environmental Practitioners Association; Cynthia Gueco, past president of Rotary Club Kuliat; Gerry Tayag of Taguete Realty Inc.; and lawyer Alejandro Buan, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Angeles Chapter, denied signing the document or giving permission for their electronic signatures to be pasted in the letter.

7 Jan 2013 - Ombudsman asks mayor for counter-affidavit on graft case

ANGELES CITY -- Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Adoracion Agbada, in an order dated December 5, 2012, asked Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan to submit a counter-affidavit for the graft and corruption charges filed against him by local mediaman Robledo Sanchez.

Pamintuan and company are being charged with two administrative cases, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and grave misconduct, and two criminal cases, violation of section 3(e) and 3(g) of Republic Act 3019, otherwise known as Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Violation of Article 217 (Malversation of public funds or property; Presumption of malversation) of the Revised Penal Code.

7 Jan 2013 - Provincial Board supports Integrated Coastal Management bid

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board, particularly the Environment Committee chaired by 4th District Board Member Nestor "Bay" Tolentino, expressed support to the proposed Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) that seeks to address issues on marine and coastal areas.

Tolentino, in response to the presentation made by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) head Arthur Punsalan, said its approval would further promote the interest of the Kapampangans living in coastal villages.

7 Jan 2013 - Board member leads distribution of aid for indigent students

PAMPANGA -- Second District Board Member Olga Frances “Fritzie” David-Dizon led the distribution of scholarship assistance to some 100 indigent students amounting to P250,000 to help poor but deserving students meet school expenses.

This came after the request of lawmakers to increase the number of recipients from 50 to 100 was approved and granted by Governor Lilia Pineda.

7 Jan 2013 - Training program to equip locals on engine repair, maintenance

PAMPANGA -- Guagua Councilor Ton Torres and Governor Lilia Pineda have sponsored a district-wide skills training to equip locals on how to repair and maintain small engine parts and machinery.

Torres said the program dubbed “Small Engine Mechanic Training” was recently implemented in Guagua, Lubao and Floridablanca with an average of 50 to 70 participants.

7 Jan 2013 - Mayor to honor supportive Candabeńos

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Jerry Pelayo of Candaba is planning to honor Candabeńos who have contributed to the success of his three-term administration.

Pelayo divulged this during a recent meeting with the executive committee (Execom) of the 6th Ibon-Ebon Festival held at the 'Bulwagan' inside the municipal hall.

7 Jan 2013 - Lawyer against tollways fee hike

PAMPANGA -- A militant lawyer who is the lone oppositor to proposals to hike tollway fees proposed way back in 2011 by five tollway operators appealed yesterday for public support in his crusade.

“This is an urgent call, therefore, on all tollway users and motorists that if they want to ensure that the toll fees they pay are fair, reasonable and affordable, they should participate and play an active role in the hearings being conducted by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB),” said lawyer Ernesto Francisco.

6 Jan 2013 - Pinatubo lake ‘not a playground’

MABALACAT CITY - The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Luzon warned tourists going to Mount Pinatubo to take precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents.

The warning came following the reported death of a tourist identified as Lito Julao, 44, of Barangay San Joaquin here who drowned at the lake on January 2 at the vicinity of a resort owned and managed by a Korean firm.

6 Jan 2013 - Traders ask mayor to reduce 2013 budget

ANGELES CITY -- Local businessmen have asked Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan to reduce the executive budget for 2013, saying it should be based on the actual collections of the city for 2011 and not on the estimated revenues from permits and licenses.

In a letter dated December 21, local businessmen advised the City Government “to moderate the budget for 2013 for the said item (business taxes and licenses) to the 2011 actual collection figure of P249 million.”

6 Jan 2013 - Clark airport posts 1.3M passengers

CLARK FREEPORT - The Clark International Airport (CRK) posted a record of 1.3 million passengers in both international and domestic for 2012.

This is a 71-percent increase from the previous year, making it the fastest growing airport of the country, said Clark International Airport Corporation president and chief executive officer Victor Jose I. Luciano.

6 Jan 2013 - Groups feed 53 kids at Angeles orphanage

ANGELES CITY -- The Green Youth Brigade (GYB), together with the Metro Angeles Real Estate Board (Mareb), conducted a feeding program for some 53 kids at “Ang Duyan Ni Maria,” an orphanage located at Number 359, Leticia Street, Josefa Subdivision, Malabanias, Angeles City.

The GYB is a network of youth-based community, people's organization, non-government organization, and environmental advocates.

6 Jan 2013 - Police authority to confiscate plate numbers questioned

PAMPANGA -- Private motorists in Candaba are questioning the authority of the local police in confiscating plate numbers of motorcycles that they think violate specific laws.

The motorists said they recognize the mandate of the police in maintaining peace and order in the locality, but insofar as regulating problems on motorcycle registration and expired drivers’ licenses, among others, the police cannot just claim authority because these are under the jurisdiction of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

6 Jan 2013 - Kabalen dart player retains world ranking in HK battle

PAMPANGA -- Bryan Eribal III of Barangay Balubad, Porac town retained his world ranking as he finished 17 overall in the recent World-Soft Darts Championship 2012 at the KTEC Kowloon International Trade Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong that was participated in by 128 players from different countries.

Eribal, an endorser of Toby’s sports products, defeated top players from Japan and other nations en route to entering Round 32. The 33-year-old top dart player is the number one in the country.

5 Jan 2013 - Cavite gunman built house on a hill in Pampanga

PAMPANGA -- Ronaldo Bae had built himself a large house on a hill here a few months before he went on a shooting rampage in Kawit, Cavite, on Friday and killed eight people, including four children.

The newly built two-story house in Purok 6 in Barangay (village) Ascomo here occupies 300 square meters on a 500-sq m lot. It is away from where his neighbors live.

5 Jan 2013 - Artists seek support for Filipino musical ‘Katy!’

PAMPANGA -- The Spotlight Artists Centre has sought the support of Kapampangan art lovers in the upcoming restaging of the original Filipino musical “Katy!” this January 17 to 27 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

This as the main cast of the musical visited SM City Pampanga's Trade Hall to promote the production with a sneak peak performance from theater talents Isay Alvarez who plays the role of Katy; Dulce and Gian Magdangal among others.

5 Jan 2013 - Old Pampanga church bells are a lasting symbol of the holidays

PAMPANGA -- The old churches of Pampanga, including the 440-year-old Saint Augustine Parish in Lubao town, are fast becoming the major drawer of tourists from both the country and abroad.

There are at least 10 old churches being promoted by Gov. Lilia Pineda, including the ones in Lubao, Santa Rita, Bacolor and San Luis towns.

4 Jan 2013 - Obama to sign law putting Clark cemetery under US responsibility

CLARK FREEPORT -- US Pres. Obama is expected to sign soon a law putting under the “responsibility” of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) the 20-acre Clark cemetery in this freeport which used to be a base of the US Air Force in the country.

This, after the US Congress in the last minute signed into law “The Dignified Burial of Veterans Act of 2012.”

4 Jan 2013 - Traders warned on permit deadline

PAMPANGA -- The local government unit (LGU) here warned business owners that it would impose closure order to commercial establishments that fail to secure business permits and pay other necessary local taxes on or before January 20.

Leny Manalo, chief of staff of the Office of the Mayor, asked the members of the local finance in a meeting held Thursday to identify delinquent taxpayers who failed to settle obligations on the said date.

4 Jan 2013 - Clark corporation chief underscores global competitiveness

CLARK FREEPORT -- Newly appointed Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Arthur Tugade has stressed global competitiveness among employees of the state-owned corporation.

During the flag-raising ceremonies Wednesday, Tugade told CDC officials and employees that there are three traits effective in making the state-owned firm to globally competitive

4 Jan 2013 - Free eye screening benefits cataract patients

PAMPANGA -- An eye specialist from the San Luis District Hospital (SLDH) conducted on Friday a free eye screening for the benefit of the indigent residents in this town.

Dr. Brandon Santos, an ophthalmologist, said the free eye consultation was held to reach out to poor patients from the barangays of Pasig, Lanang, Mandasig, Paralaya, Pescarodores, San Agustin and Bambang, who usually visit him in the district hospital every Friday at SLDH.

4 Jan 2013 - 36 arrested for violation of firecrackers law

PAMPANGA -- A total of 36 persons were arrested by the police in Central Luzon before the New Year’s day revelry started, and they were charged with violation of Republic Act 7183 regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

This, as the police reported that illegal firecrackers worth P695,000 have been confiscated by the police in the region before local folk ushered in the year 2013.

3 Jan 2013 - Board member seeks protection for local fishermen

PAMPANGA -- A local legislator said equal protection should be given to Kapampangan fishermen in coastal towns, like those in neighboring provinces that are protected by an ordinance involving fishing regulation.

Fourth district Board Member Nestor Tolentino, also the concurrent chairman of the Committee on Environment, said this can only be attained with the approval of the proposed Provincial Environmental Code.

3 Jan 2013 - Hundreds expected in Sasmuan's 5-day dance ritual

PAMPANGA -- After putting away the Christmas decorations and ushering in the New Year, the people of Sasmuan and devotees from all across Pampanga will officially end the Yuletide season with a five-day dance ritual in honor of the town's patron saint.

Starting this Sunday, a mix crowd of devotees, people with disabilities and tourists will form part of the endless sea of participants to this year's “Kuraldal Atlung Ari.”

3 Jan 2013 - Mayor reports year-end accomplishments

ANGELES CITY -- 'We delivered what we promised.'stated Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, reporting his administration’s accomplishments for the year 2012.

The mayor noted that his administration accomplished what has been promised in the Contract with the Angeleńos (CWA).

3 Jan 2013 - Parish to donate relief goods to typhoon victims

PAMPANGA -- Members of the Lord's Baptism Parish in Barangay Pasig,Candaba in this town will donate relief goods to typhoon victims in Compostela Valley.

Aristotle Maniago, parish priest, said they were able to collect a variety of goods from parishioners who attended the masses held before the end of December last year.

2 Jan 2013 - 1st woodcarving contest launched

PAMPANGA -- Woodcarvers and furniture makers organized the first-ever on-the-spot woodcarving contest as part of the Dukit Festival over the weekend to promote the woodcarving industries in Guagua.

Myrna Bituin of Betis Crafts, one of the main organizers of the event, said the contest brings together different woodcarving talents of the town into one competition centering on art and creativity.

2 Jan 2013 - Lawmaker hails ‘Thy Womb’

PAMPANGA -- Senator Loren Legarda hailed Kapampangan movie director Brillante Mendoza’s latest film “Thy Womb,” saying it is a creative and fearless contribution to Filipino filmmaking.

Legarda said the film deserved the seven awards it garnered at the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

2 Jan 2013 - Mayor to distribute 20,000 PhilHealth cards

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan will start the distribution of 20,000 Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) cards to indigent beneficiaries in all 33 villages here this month.

“More than 20,000 indigent residents of Angeles City will soon receive their PhilHealth card, which is good up to December 31, 2013. With this, the beneficiaries will be able to avail of discounts on medical services in PhilHealth-accredited hospitals and clinics, including the Ospital Ning Angeles (ONA) and the various Rural Health Units (RHUs) of the city government. This serves as the new year's gift of Mayor Ed Pamintuan to all indigent Angeleńos,” a press statement said.

2 Jan 2013 - Koreans pay respects to local war veteran

PAMPANGA -- A group of foreign nationals paid respects to a surviving local Korean War veteran in Candaba on Wednesday.

Park Sun Man, leader of the Korean visitors, made a surprise visit to the house of Victoriano Manalastas in Purok 6, Barangay Pansinao here.

2 Jan 2013 - BFAR: Fishpond structures in waterways illegal

PAMPANGA -- An official from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said most of the fishpond structures established within major waterways in the province are not authorized.

BFAR Law Enforcement Division Chief Edwin Borromeo recently said Fishpond Lease Agreements (FLA) involving major waterways emanate from their office.

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