Sonic waves can disrupt and destroy particles w/o destructive residue.
Amalgimaization can refute soil into a fungal or herbal inhibitor. But if soil is rich in mineral and even carbonated stone, sonic disruption can cause disentigration process upon stone and can be even powederized into desired mixture for beverages or even be used as bread flour.
Proper sonic disentigreation must be considered. It must be said that, "Man doesn't live in bread alone but in the word of God. The sonic waves used are actually the referenced names of God in auido and symbolic form, and used in different ratios, aesthesized ratios to which name indicates each fruit from the Yggdrasil tree corresponding each vitamins for each cross-referenced name.
The bread mixtures can have different flavors according to this degrees. As much as the sonic trail is indicated the name or word of God in detail can speciify more elicit bread mixtures upon different stones. Sonic pulverazization is possible.
Sonic waves is also capable of fleshly recoverey or self-healing. In minute content, or speech ratio, it can heal and register to the brain's self-impact recogniztion. In radial or choir degree, where the subject is surrounded, it can completely heal and invoke paradigm healing and empowerment.
Once sonic delevelization is possible and rafial sonic hypnotism and sonic druidization, food supply will never be a problem as long as there are stones and rocks around.
Now in the age of moses, the atmosphere of Jerusalem actually has a natural process of manna synthezization. To which manna crystallizes into the wheat and grasses of the ground after each word of God speaks in their exodus days. A testament of God's knowledge is so supreme and ever so knowledgable.
MANILA, Philippines ? The principal of the Jose Corazon de Jesus Elementary School in Tondo, Manila, Monday said that the number of students who have been treated for symptoms of food poisoning since Saturday morning has gone up to 112.
Trinidad Galang, the school principal, said in a report to the Department of Education that 19 students were hospitalized on Saturday while an additional 93 sought treatment the following day.
As of Monday, 35 students were still confined either at the Jose Reyes Medical Memorial Hospital or a nearby clinic, she added.
The students, who ranged from grades one to five, complained of stomach pains, diarrhea, fever and nausea after eating mais con yelo, egg sandwiches and hot dogs at the school canteen on Friday.
Results of fecal tests done on the children showed that they tested positive for gastroenteritis and amoebiasis.
Meanwhile, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus has ordered DepEd National Capital Region Director Teresita Domalanta to conduct an investigation of the suspected case of food poisoning.
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim also gave a similar order to city health and education officials.
City schools superintendent Dr. Luisa Quinones said that based on the initial findings of city health officer Dr. Lorraine Sanchez, the school canteen was ?clean? and had complied with sanitary requirements.
?In preparing the mais con yelo, they used branded products from the supermarket which were not expired. The water used was found to be safe,? Quinones said, adding that the hot dogs and egg sandwiches were also freshly prepared.
She added that Galang had said in her report that most of the students who were affected lived in areas near a sewer on Reina Regente, with the principal implying that the victims could have ingested contaminated drinking water.
?At this point, I cannot say our school cannot be blamed but because there are no conclusive findings yet, we must look at all angles. The city health department is already coordinating with Maynilad to check the [water] pipes,? Quinones said.
The school canteen will be closed for three to five days while an investigation of the incident is ongoing.
MANILA WATER NEWS (Nov 13-15)
MAYNILAD-MWSS ARBITRATION:
MWSS borrows P780 million to finance maturing obligations , Nov 13, Manila Times
Hike in water rate looms, Nov 13, Inquirer News Service
Maynilad seeks court protection against creditors, Nov. 14, Inquirer News Service
Debt-laden Maynilad seeks help from court, November 15, Manila Times
Maynilad files for corporate rehab due to debt payment problems, Nov 15, The
Philippine Star
Maynilad files for corporate rehab, Nov 15, BusinessWorld
Benpres ends quarter with P1.14-B loss, November 15, Manila Times
Benpres incurs PhP1.145-billion loss in 9 months, Nov 15, BusinessWorld
CHOLERA OUTBREAK:
'No cholera in Camanava' , Nov 14, The Philippine Star
DOH: No outbreak in Camanava areas, Nov. 13, Inquirer News Service
Dengue, not gastroenteritis, bugging Valenzuela residents, Nov 15, Inquirer News
Service
UP study: Malabon water unsafe, Nov 15, Inquirer News Service
MAYNILAD-MWSS ARBITRATION:
MWSS borrows P780 million to finance maturing obligations
November 13, 2003, Manila Times, Arnold S. Tenorio
METROPOLITAN Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is selling some P780
million in bonds to pay for its maturing obligations. The debt papers enjoy full
government guarantee in case the state water agency fails to pay for these IOUs, which
would mature in a year's time.
First Metro Investment Corp. is the sole underwriter of the MWSS bond issue. As sole
underwriter, First Metro would have to put up the balance, if not the whole P780 million,
in case no one buys the MWSS bonds.
MWSS finance manager Estrellito A. Polloso said the bond issue came on the heels of a
failed attempt by the state water firm to borrow in dollars. He said MWSS earlier sent out
requests for proposals, but no one was interested.
MWSS requires foreign exchange to pay for the concession fees, which West-zone
operator Maynilad Water Services Inc. stopped paying more than two years ago. MWSS
has since assumed payment of the fees owed to its creditors, and in the process incurred
debts, including a $30-million loan from Keppel Bank.
Polloso said MWSS has accumulated P7.02 billion in receivables from Maynilad.
Of that amount, P6.2 billion pertains to the principal amount representing concession fees
due the MWSS' creditors from March 2001 until October this year.
The P800 million represents interest and other expenses incurred by MWSS after it
assumed payment of Maynilad's dues.
Polloso said the proceeds of the bond issue would be eno ugh to cover obligations
maturing from now until March next year.
MWSS administrator Orlando C. Hondrade said the state water agency had to borrow
since it cannot draw on Maynilad's P780-million performance bond immediately.
MWSS however plans to draw on the performance bond to offset Maynilad's debts to the
state water agency.
Hondrade said MWSS would draw on the bond 15 days after the three- man arbitration
panel handed down its decision preventing Maynilad from surrendering the West-zone
water concession to government.
The arbitration panel earlier decided against the return of the concession, and ruled that
there was no basis for the termination of the concession.
Consequently, the panel didn't award any of the two parties.
Had the panel ruled that a termination of the concession was justified, it could have made
an award in favor of any of the two parties. If government were held responsible for the
termination, MWSS would have paid Maynilad P21 billion in compensation. If the other
way around, Maynilad would have compensated government some P4 billion.
Hike in water rate looms
Nov. 13, 2003, By Christine Gaylican , Inquirer News Service
A VICTORY for the government, a defeat for water consumers.
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System admitted Thursday that higher water
rates may be slapped on customers of the Maynilad Water Services Inc. after an
international arbitration panel ordered the water firm to pay the government 6.77 billion
pesos in concession fees.
MWSS Administrator Orlando Hondrade said in a phone interview that "higher tariffs for
Maynilad customers are possible" as a consequence of the decision of the Paris-based
ICC International Court of Arbitration.
"Part of the consequence is that the MWSS may honor the rate rebasing figures earlier
approved by the MWSS-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO). But we are still waiting word
from Maynilad," said Hondrade.
In a published news report, Benpres Hold ings chief operating officer Angel Ong said the
arbitration panel's decision "suggests a higher tariff will result."
Prior to the result of arbitration, the MWSS board was set to allow Maynilad to increase
its rates from the current 19 pesos per cubic meter to 26 pesos.
The hike to 26 pesos per cubic meter is expected to generate revenues for water firm that
would allow it to finance major expenses over the next five years.
The rate hike may also prompt the Maynilad to pay the 6.77 billion pesos in fees which it
has reportedly refused to pay the government since 2001.
Hondrade, however, said the Maynilad had no choice but to remit the unpaid concession
fees within the next 15 days.
In his earlier statement, Ong said there was no basis for a refund to Maynilad customers.
Benpres is the major stockholder of Maynilad.
The Freedom from Debt Coalition has been pressing the Maynilad to return 2.43 billion
pesos (not 6 billion pesos as earlier reported) in supposed fees which Maynilad illegally
collected.
Meanwhile, a grouping of civil society groups and party-list representatives warned the
Macapagal administration not to give in to the demands of the Maynilad for exhorbitant
water rates.
The Philippine Water Vigilance Action Network or Bantay-Tubig said the Maynilad
would only be looking for a bailout from government and consumers.
"Maynilad's shareholders have no plans to put in additional investments and they may
insist on higher water rates to achieve [financial viability]," said Bantay-Tubig
spokesperson Jude Esguerra in a statement.
Maynilad seeks court protection against creditors
Nov. 14, 2003, Doris C. Dumlao, Inquirer News Service
THE LOPEZES' Maynilad Water Services Inc. has sought court protection from its
creditors after an international arbitrator ordered it to pay more than 6.77 billion pesos in
concession fees to the government.
The suit, filed with the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Nov. 13, seeks to allow
Maynilad to avoid liquidation and pursue a rehabilitation plan.
"Maynilad filed a petition for corporate rehabilitation because it now foresees the
difficulty of meeting its debts when they fall due as a result of the international
arbitration panel's decision," Maynilad's parent firm Benpres Holdings Corp. said in a
disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.
It was the International Arbitration Court that last week ordered Maynilad to pay 6.77
billion in dues to the government and to maintain its 25-year water concession agreement.
Maynilad had notified the government last year it would give up the franchise after
failing to win regulatory approval to raise water rates. It alleged that the government
failed to comply with the terms of the concession agreement.
After President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's administration disputed the allegations,
Maynilad took the case to arbitration.
The arbitrators also allowed the state regulator, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage
System, to draw on a 120- million-dollar performance bond put up by Maynilad when it
bid for the franchise.
Benpres guarantees 60 percent of the Maynilad performance bond, while the balance of
40 percent is guaranteed by Benpres' Maynilad joint venture partner, the Ondeo-
Degremont Group of France.
Benpres said Maynilad's recourse to the courts "will enable Maynilad to ensure
continuous delivery of water services to its consumers."
Benpres said that Maynilad would also seek a clarification of the arbitrator's decision.
The terms and conditions of the continuation of the concession agreement, it stressed, had
failed to take into account the financial impact of such a decision.
"In particular, Maynilad is seeking the arbitration panel's guidance on the rate rebasing
exercise conducted by the MWSS-Regulatory Office that has a negative effect on the
economic viability of the concession," it explained.
"Furthermore, Maynilad is also asking the arbitration panel to consider the impact of
authorizing MWSS to draw on the performance bond in the light of the recommendation
of the arbitration panel for the parties to seek extra-judicial solutions," it noted.
Maynilad is saddled with about 350 million dollars in debts, including those owed to
foreign lenders like Citibank NA, Credit Lyonnais, Chase Manhattan, Credit Industriel et
Commercial, Fortis Bank and KBC Bank NV.
Maynilad is 59-percent owned by Benpres, while about 20 percent is owned by Ondeo, a
French utility firm formerly known as Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux of France. It covers the
west zone consisting of Manila, Pasay, Las Piñas, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela,
Navotas, Parañaque, Bacoor, Kawit, Imus, Cavite City, Noveleta, Rosario and parts of
Taguig and Quezon City.
Debt-laden Maynilad seeks help from court
November 15, 2003, Manila Times, Honey Madrilejos-Reyes
THE Maynilad Water Servic es Inc. (Maynilad) has filed a petition for corporate
rehabilitation before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court so it could stagger payment of
its huge debts.
The utility firm said the petition was inevitable as it foresees the difficulty of settling its
debts when they fall due as a result of a recent decision of an international arbitration
panel allowing the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to draw on
a $120-million performance bond.
If the court approves the plan, Maynilad would be able to stagger its debt servicing. "This
course of action will enable Maynilad to ensure the continuous delivery of water to its
consumers," said Enrique I. Quiason, corporate secretary of Benpres Holdings Corp.
(BHC), in a report to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) submitted on Friday. Benpres
is the holding firm of Maynilad.
Contacted for comment on Maynilad's petition, Macra Cruz, MWSS deputy
administrator, said they were not aware of the application for rehabilitation, adding they
only learned about it when The Manila Times asked for an interview on the matter.
Quiason also said Maynilad was seeking explanation from the arbitration panel regarding
issues on its dispute with the state-owned MWSS.
"Maynilad is seeking clarification on the terms and conditions of the continuation which,
in their view, fails to take into account the Maynilad wants the arbitration panel's
guidance on the rate-rebasing scheme carried out by the MWSS-Regulatory Office that
has a negative effect on the economic viability of the concession.
"Maynilad is also asking the arbitration panel to consider the impact of authorizing the
MWSS to draw on the performance bond in the light of the recommendation of the
arbitration panel for the parties to continue to seek extrajudicial solutions," Quiason
added.
The MWSS has said Maynilad owes it some P7 billion.
Maynilad only has until November 22 to settle its obligations, unless the court approves
its petition for corporate rehabilitation.
Maynilad is 59-percent owned by Benpres, the flagship company of the Lopez family,
and 40 percent by Ondeo Philippines, which is affiliated with the French firm Suez
Lyonnaise des Eaux. With the privatization of the MWSS in 1997, Maynilad won a 25-
year concession contract to supply potable water to the western half of Metro Manila.
The Ayala Group's Manila Water Co. has the concession to service the eastern part.
Maynilad announced in December it was terminating its contract with the MWSS as it
accused the government-owned corporation of failing to help in the recovery of losses.
Under the original contract, Maynilad was supposed to assume the $800- million loans
obtained by the MWSS from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
Records showed, however, that Maynilad's woes stemmed from its inability to trim down
its nonrevenue water rate, which stood at 68.1 percent as of July this year. Of the 2,343
million liters a day (mld) that Maynilad supplied in July, it was able to bill only 748.4
mld.
The dispute was eventually elevated to the Paris-based International Arbitration Court,
which is expected to make a ruling within three months.
Maynilad files for corporate rehab due to debt payment problems
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña, The Philippine Star 11/15/2003
Hobbled by its inability to service debt obligations on time, Maynilad Water Services Inc.
was forced to file a petition for corporate rehabilitation before the Quezon City Regional
Trial Court last Thursday.
This was disclosed by Maynilad majority shareholder Benpres Holdings Corp. to the
Philippine Stock Exchange.
A Filipino-French joint venture, Maynilad is about 59 percent-owned by Benpres, the
local flagship of the Lopez family while about 20 percent is owned by Ondeo, a French
multinational affiliated with Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux. Another 20 percent is held by
Lyonnaise Asia Water Ltd.
Benpres corporate secretary Enrique Quiason said Maynilad filed the petition because "it
now foresees the difficulty of meeting its debts when they fall due as a result of the
international arbitration panel's decision to allow the Metropolitan Waterworks and
Sewerage System to draw on the performance bond."
This course of action will enable Maynilad to ensure continuous delivery of water
services to its consumers, Quiason said.
The International Appeals Committee, an internationally recognized arbitration panel,
ruled that Maynilad would have to maintain its 25-year water utility concession for the
western part of Metro Manila, covering about six million people.
The panel also ordered Maynilad to settle the P6.77 billion in unpaid concession fees and
allowed the government to draw on the $120- million performance bond that is primarily
guaranteed by Benpres to ens ure payment.
Benpres said the payment of the performance bond is part of the debt restructuring plan it
is now working out with its creditors. It has guaranteed up to 60 percent of the
performance bond.
The panel also ruled that neither Maynilad nor MWSS has grounds to terminate the
concession and ordered both parties to continue from where they left off prior to the
arbitration.
Quiason also said Maynilad has sought clarification on the terms and conditions of the
continuation of the concession agreement which in their view failed to take into account
the financial impact of such a decision.
In particular, Maynilad sought the arbitration panel's guidance on the rate rebasing
exercise conducted by the MWSS-Regulatory Office that has a negative effect on the
economic viability of the concession.
Furthermore, Maynilad asked the arbitration panel to consider the impact of authorizing
MWSS to draw on the performance bond in the light of the recommendation of the
arbitration panel for the parties to cont inue to seek extra-judicial solutions.
In Dec. 2002, Maynilad filed a notice of termination of its concession agreement with the
Philippine government and sought the return of at least $303 million it allegedly invested
in the privatized water utility.
The decision to return the concession agreement was actually made by Benpres. Benpres,
which also has interests in broadcasting, telecommunications and property, has around
$600-million worth of debt that it is seeking to restructure.
Benpres' financial stability was shaken late last year when a Supreme Court division
ruled that subsidiary company Manila Electric Co. should refund its customers for
allegedly overbilling them since 1994.
The pretermination move by Maynilad was opposed by MWSS as it cited violations by
the water concessionaire of its own contract.
MWSS said Maynilad is liable for its failure to reconstruct and rehabilitate the Balara-
Novaliches aquaduct, among other violations.
When it took over, Maynilad's concession was hailed as a landmark in the Philippines'
efforts to privatize more of its utilities and improve vital services.
Maynilad offered to lower tariff rates when it took over the west zone in 1997. It also
promised other supposed benefits which include the following: 100 percent water cover
coverage within 10 years, no real increase in water rates within the first 10 years, $7.5
billion in new investments over 25 years, uninterrupted 24 hours per day water service
that meet Department of Health standards, waste water program to dramatically improve
public health and environmental conditions with 80 percent coverage within 25 years;
and some $4 billion in income tax revenues over 25 years.
Maynilad files for corporate rehab
BusinessWorld, November 15, 2003
Lopez-led Maynilad Water Services Inc. is seeking corporate rehabilitation, saying it may
not be able to pay its loans after the international arbitration committee ordered it to pay
PhP6 billion in concession fees fo r its water distribution operations.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Maynilad's parent firm, Benpres
Holdings Corp., assured that the water concessionaire will be able to continue providing
consumers its water services if it undergoes rehabilitation.
"Maynilad filed a petition for corporate rehabilitation because it now foresees the
difficulty of meeting its debts when they fall due as a result of the international
arbitration panel's decision to allow MWSS (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage
System) to draw on the performance bond. This course of action will enable Maynilad to
ensure continuous delivery of water services to its consumers," the disclosure quoted
Enrique I. Quiason, Benpres corporate secretary, as saying.
The petition for corporate rehabilitation, filed last Nov. 13, was assigned to Branch 90 of
the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
Mr. Quiason also said Maynilad is asking for clarification on the terms and conditions on
the continuation of its concession with MWSS.
Maynilad returned its water concession contract to MWSS in December 2002, saying that
the government refused to help make it viable. The company then brought the case to the
arbitration committee.
Reasons cited by Maynilad for calling the contract termination were MWSS's violation of
the concession agreement and noncompliance with obligations under the agreement, as
well as non- implementation of rate adjustment.
However, the arbitration committee last week ruled that there was no ground to terminate
the concession agreement. It also required Maynilad to pay concession fees for the past
32 months, estimated at approximately PhP6.77 billion.
The international panel decided that MWSS could draw on Maynilad's performance bond
to assure that the fees will be paid. This bond was guaranteed by Benpres, which owns
59% of Maynilad, and Ondeo Services, and Lyonnaise Asia Water Ltd., each holding a
20% stake in the water company.
The water distributor is now seeking reconsideration of the panel's decision to allow
MWSS to draw on this performance bond.
Mr. Quiason added that "Maynilad is seeking the arbitration panel's guidance on the rate
rebasing exercise conducted by the MWSS-Regulatory Office that has a negative effect
on the economic viability of the concession." -- Anna Barbara L. Lorenzo
Benpres ends quarter with P1.14-B loss
November 15, 2003, Manila Times. Honey Madrilejos-Reyes
BENPRES Holdings Corp., the flagship company of the Lopez family, ended the first
nine months with a loss of P1.145 billion, much higher than the loss of P459 million it
recorded in the same period last year.
The loss was mainly due to the consolidation of the Maynilad Water Services Inc.
account, which led to similar increases in general and administrative expenses (from
P241 million to P1.866 billion) and costs of sales and services (from P164 million to
P2.873 billion). Interest and other expenses increased by 148 percent to P3.194 billion,
inclusive of a P1.50-billion provision for additional liabilities resulting from guarantees
and commitments.
The company, meanwhile, posted revenues of P6.32 billion from January to September
compared to P1.478 billion in the same period last year.
Net sales and services grew from P304 million to P3.977 billion due to Benpres's
consolidation of the account of Maynilad. As earlier reported, the Maynilad account was
treated as preoperating in prior periods.
On Friday, Maynilad filed a petition for corporate rehabilitation before the Quezon City
Regional Trial Court.
Maynilad foresees difficulties in meeting its debts when they fall due as a result of the
recent decision of the international arbitration panel allowing the Metropolitan
Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to draw on its $120-million performance
bond.
Maynilad owes MWSS about P7 billion, which will fall due on November 22.
Meanwhile, Benpres's equity in net earnings of investees increased 130 percent to P1.710
billion on the strong performance of First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPHC).
Benpres also logged in a P126- million gain on the sale of Customer Contact Center, Inc.
Its core investments ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. and FPHC performed to expectation
during the nine- month period. Consolidated gross revenues of ABS-CBN grew 24
percent to P9.67-billion, while net income was up to P888.8 million. For its part, FPHC
booked profits of P3.269 billion, 136 percent higher than the previous year. Revenues
increased 84 percent to P28.94 billion year-on-year, on the strength of contributions from
its power generating assets. (See related story on B8).
THE Lopez-controlled Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) has filed a petition for
corporate rehabilitation before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QCRTC).
It said the petition was inevitable as it now foresees the difficulty of meeting its debts
when they fall due as a result of the recent decision of the international arbitration panel
allowing the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to draw in the
US$120-million performance bond.
Once the court approves the corporate rehab, Maynilad would be able to phase all its
obligations in an orderly manner.
"This course of action [corporate rehabilitation] will enable Maynilad to ensure
continuous delivery of water services to its consumers," said Enrique I. Quiason,
corporate secretary of Benpres Holdings Corporation (BHC), in a disclosure to the
Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Friday. BHC is the parent firm of Maynilad.
Quiason also said Maynilad is seeking explanation from the arbitration panel regarding
issues relating to its dispute with the state-controlled MWSS.
"Maynilad is seeking clarification on the terms and conditions of the continuation which
in their view fails to take into account the financia l impact of such a decision," he
explained.
In particular, Maynilad wants the arbitration panel's guidance on the rate rebasing
exercise conducted by the MWSS-Regulatory Office that has a negative effect on the
economic viability of the concession.
"Furthermore, Maynilad is also asking the arbitration panel to consider the impact of
authorizing MWSS to draw on the performance bond in the light of the recommendation
of the arbitration panel for the parties to continue to seek extra-judicial solutions," added
Quiason.
MWSS earlier said Maynilad owes the water regulator some P7 billion.
Maynilad only has until November 22 to settle its obligation, unless the court approves its
petition for corporate rehabilitation.
Maynilad is 59-percent owned by Benpres, the flagship project of the Lopez family, and
40 percent by Ondeo Philippines, which is affiliated with French firm Suez Lyonnaise
des Eaux.
Benpres incurs PhP1.145-billion loss in 9 months
BusinessWorld, November 15, 2003
Lopez- led Benpres Holdings Corp. reported a net loss of PhP1.145 billion from January
to September, more than double the P459 million loss it posted in the same period in
2002.
Although revenues for the period rose more than four times to PhP6.323 billion against
PhP1.478 billion last year, this was not enough to make up for the higher costs and
expenses which amounted to PhP8.012 billion.
In a statement, Benpres attributed the increase in revenues to bigger ne t sales and services
which totaled PhP3.977 billion following the consolidation of the account of Maynilad
Water Services, Inc. into the company.
Unaudited financial statements showed that Benpres' total assets as of Sept. 30 stood at
PhP41.342 billion, with cash and cash equivalents at PhP2.022 billion.
Benpres subsidiaries earlier reported favorable growth in their respective industries.
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., the media arm of Benpres, reported a 24% climb in its
nine-month earnings to PhP9.76 billion.
First Philippine Holdings Corp., the power generating unit of the Lopezes, closed the
January-September period with a 136% hike in net income to PhP3.269 billion. -- Anna
Barbara L. Lorenzo
CHOLERA OUTBREAK
'No cholera in Camanava'
By Jerry Botial, The Philippine Star 11/14/2003
Caloocan, Malabon and Navotas health officials said yesterday there is no cause for
alarm as there are no reported cases of cholera in their respective areas.
The statement belies reports attributed to an urban poor group claiming some 10 children
and adults have been afflicted. They said that simple diarrhea and gastro- intestinal cases
of lower severity in their area could have simply been mistaken for the potentially fatal
water-borne disease. They said that, in any case, the gastro figures they have on records
are, more or less, normal.
Dr. Alex Cruz, speaking for Dr. Erlinda Mauricio of the Caloocan City Health Office,
told The STAR that as far as their records show, there are no cholera cases in their
jurisdiction.
"What we have are simple cases of diarrhea and we assure the public that the number of
cases are "regular" and not alarming. The number of cases are not increasing and we are
monitoring on a daily basis," Cruz said.
Dr. Isauro Garcia, Malabon assistant city health officer, said that records from September
to November this year showed no reported cases of cholera, a deadly water-borne disease
that could kill a patient within 24 hours. "People are probably mistaking cholera from
simple diarrhea. Ito lang huli siguro ang sinasabi nila. Both diseases lead to dehydration
and to death in its severest state," Garcia said. The official said he has tried reaching Rey
Baltazar of the Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Maralitang Lunsod (KPML) and Longos
barangay official Arceli Binondo, sources of the news accounts, for confirmation but
failed. He said they are now monitoring the health centers and reported cases in the local
hospitals.
Meanwhile, Malabon Acting Mayor Mark Allan Jay Yambao said they are conducting an
investigation to verify the news reports adding that the local health office reported no
such cases.
Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, for his part, said that although his waterlogged town, like
Malabon, was not included in the cholera hit list, he is not taking things for granted and
has mobilized the local government's resources to prevent the disease from breaking out
in his town. "Prevention is the best and most powerful defennse against sickness. I enjoin
the people of Navotas to make sure we maintain a clean and healthy environment within
our homes and in our community."
Ma. Nita Gionson of the Navotas Health Office said they recorded only one death caused
by gastroenteritis in October this year. Some 300 cases were reported in all 14 barangays
but she said this was normal and this was not cholera.
Meanwhile, Maynilad Water Services Inc. assured customers in Caloocan and Malabon
that the water supply in their areas is safe, as confirmed by the daily sampling conducted
by the water concessionaire's central laboratory.
Engr. Ireneo Gonzales, manager of the northwest business area which has jurisdiction
over Camanava, said the samplings have been intensified in the wake of reports that there
had been cholera cases reported due to contaminated water in Caloocan and Malabon.
"Samplings conducted at Barangays 25 and 38, where the contamination on reportedly
occurred, showed normal levels of chlorine," Gonzales said. – With Katherine Adraneda,
Pete Laude
DOH: No outbreak in Camanava areas
Nov. 13, 2003, By Blanche S. Rivera, Inquirer News Service
THERE was no evidence of gastroenteritis outbreak in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and
Valenzuela, the Department of Health said Thursday.
But Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit assured the public that the government was checking
the water systems in the area.
Dayrit admitted that Camanava, whose water is also being supplied by Maynilad Water
Services Inc., was a high-risk area due to the congestion and unsanitary environment.
He said the DOH would visit hospitals in the Camanava area to verify reports on alleged
10 cases of cholera in the place, which sits next to Tondo where 759 people had been
downed by gastroenteritis.
"It has the same conditions (as Tondo) ... If it is an early sign of infection, we have to
identify where it's coming from," Dayrit said.
He said it was possible that infection was already starting but was not yet manifesting in
the number of cases. The urban poor group Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Maralitang
Lungsod recently reported the cholera cases in Camanava.
The DOH, however, said that even if the 10 cases were verified, the figures were still
within the baseline level set by the DOH.
Dengue, not gastroenteritis, bugging Valenzuela residents
Nov 15, 2003, By Edson Tandoc Jr., Inquirer News Service
THE THREAT of gastroenteritis and cholera hitting northern Metro Manila is of little
concern to Valenzuela City, which is more worried about the rising cases of dengue
fever.
As of Friday, reported dengue cases in the city this year reached 424.
The city remains under a month- long, City Council-declared state of calamity over the
"dengue outbreak."
Thirteen new cases were recorded in the first week of November, city health officer
Antonio Olegario has told the Inquirer. In October, 74 cases were reported.
However, Olegario said the spread of the mosquito-borne disease appeared to be slowing
down.
According to him, the declaration of a state of calamity has allowed barangay officials to
buy fumigatio n machines to combat the insects.
But Olegario said their battle against dengue was far from over. On Friday, city doctors
met with city Mayor Bobbit Carlos to plan their next move.
UP study: Malabon waterunsafe
Nov. 15, 2003, By Tina Santos, Inquirer News Service
DRINKING water in the Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela area has been found to
contain more than 16 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 ml., about 14 times more than the
national standard of less than 2.2 coliform bacteria per 100 ml. of water.
This was the result of a test conducted on drinking water in areas north of Metro Manila
affected by the recent upsurge of cholera cases, particularly in Barangay Longos,
Malabon, according to the University of the Philippines Natural Sciences Research
Institute.
The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in drinking water is "cause for concern as many
diseases can be spread through fecal transmission," said a statement from the Freedom
from Debt Coalition.
The militant nongovernment organization also belied a Department of Health report that
there was no evidence of an outbreak of gastroenteritis in the Caloocan, Malabon,
Navotas and Valenzuela (Camanava) areas.
The urban poor group Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Maralitang Lungsod had earlier
reported the outbreak of cholera cases in Camanava.
But the DoH said that even if the 10 cases were verified, the figures were still within the
baseline level set by the health department.
The FDC, however, accused the DoH of being irresponsible when it downplayed the
threat of water-borne diseases.
It also said Maynilad Water Services Inc., which supplies water in Camanava, should also
be held accountable for the disease outbreak.
"They (Maynilad) were very quick in washing their hands off by passing on the blame to
illegal connections, and passing on the responsibilities to housing authorities, even
without the benefit of an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the incidents,"
said the FDC in a statement.
The FDC said most of the pipes in Malabon were made of asbestos and galvanized iron
(GI), which have already been weakened by old age, constant flooding and salty water.
"Maynilad obligated itself to replace the existing old pipes but didn't," the FDC statement
said, adding that the water firm failed to maintain enough water pressure to prevent the
ingress of contaminated water into their pipe networks.
The group also accused Maynilad of overcharging its clients of about 2.4 billion
For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are great, You who distress the righteous and accept bribes And turn aside the poor in the gate. Therefore at such a time the prudent person keeps silent, for it is an evil time.
Seek good and not evil, that you may live; And thus may the LORD God of hosts be with you, Just as you have said!
Hate evil, love good, And establish justice in the gate! Perhaps the LORD God of hosts May be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
Therefore thus says the LORD God of hosts, the Lord, "There is wailing in all the plazas, And in all the streets they say, 'Alas! Alas!' They also call the farmer to mourning And professional mourners to lamentation.
"And in all the vineyards there is wailing, Because I will pass through the midst of you," says the LORD.
Alas, you who are longing for the day of the LORD, For what purpose will the day of the LORD be to you? It will be darkness and not light;
As when a man flees from a lion And a bear meets him, Or goes home, leans his hand against the wall And a snake bites him.
Will not the day of the LORD be darkness instead of light, Even gloom with no brightness in it?
"I hate, I reject your festivals, Nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies.
"Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; And I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings.
"Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps.
"But let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
"Did you present Me with sacrifices and grain offerings in the wilderness for forty years, O house of Israel? 26"You also carried along Sikkuth your king and Kiyyun, your images, the star of your gods which you made for yourselves. "Therefore, I will make you go into exile beyond Damascus," says the LORD, whose name is the God of hosts.
The Sins of Society 'For thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel, Seek ye Me, and ye shall live: 5. But seek not Beth-el, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beer-sheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Beth-el shall come to nought. 6. Seek the Lord, and ye shall live; lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el. Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth, Seek Him that maketh the seven stars
