Firecrackers banned in Munti, LGU encourages locals to report violators

In the city of Muntinlupa, all kinds of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are prohibited and the city government encourages locals to report offenders to authorities.

Through the City Ordinance 14-092, it is unlawful to manufacture, sell, and use firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices within the territorial jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said that the ordinance was passed to protect the health of the people and the environment from the harmful effects of firecrackers.

Navarro added that the local government targets to lower down statistics of firecrackers-related injuries this season. Last December 2015 – January 2016, the City Health Office recorded 13 cases of injuries incurred from Piccolo (6), Kwitis (2), Five Star (1), Pla Pla (1), and unknown pyrotechnic devices (3).

The Ospital ng Muntinlupa and other local hospitals are already prepped up for firecrackers-related cases.

She said that the Bureau of Fire Protection, Business Permits and Licensing Office, Public Order and Safety Office, along with barangay counterparts have been conducting inspections to markets and sidewalks across the city.

Locals are encouraged to report illegal distribution and use of firecrackers to authorities in the following hotline numbers: POSO (02) 887-0527 / (0917) 536 8493.

Penalties for violation of the firecrackers-ban ordinance are as follows: First Offense (a fine of P1000 or imprisonment of not more than one month), Second Offense (a fine of P3000 or imprisonment of not more than six months), and for Third Offense (a fine of P5000 or imprisonment of not more than six months).

Establishments to be apprehended will have revocation of permit and license to operate in pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance.

However, commercial establishments and barangays are allowed to conduct or sponsor “community fireworks display” in a designated area approved upon prior approval of authorities for the benefit of city residents.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi invites Muntinlupeños to celebrate the New Year using alternative noise-making equipment and not resort to using firecrackers.

NEW SENIOR HIGH BLDG IN MUNTI INAUGURATED: A four-storey building with 12 classrooms adds up to the list of completed infrastructure projects for schools constructed by the local government of Muntinlupa. Congressman Ruffy Biazon and Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (inset) led the inauguration of the new building as a Senior High School facility in Muntinlupa Science High School, Tunasan last December 1. The city government continuously invests in building school facilities in support to the education of the locals.

AYALA LAND EXPANDS IN SOUTH: Ayala Land Inc. opens its new shopping mall, the South Park – Ayala Malls, set to house a BPO company and an RRCG P2P Terminal in Alabang, Muntinlupa last November 29. Ayala Land Inc., execs and local government officials attended the mall’s soft launching and vowed to be partners for development. Shown in the photo are: (second from left to right) Department of Transportation Asec. Mark de Leon, Ayala Land Inc., Executive Committee Board Director Tony Aquino, Congressman Ruffy Biazon, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Ayala Land Inc., Bobby Dy, City Administrator Allan Cachuela, and Business Permits and Licensing Office Gary Llamas. (MUNTINLUPA PIO)

SAN PEDRO ARRAIGNED AT SANDIGAN FOR GRAFT CHARGES

Former Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro  and 11 others has been arraigned at the Sandiganbayan for graft charges over the anomalous purchased of Troley Bags in year 2008 amounting to 22 million which was supposed to be distributed to elementary schools in Muntinlupa.

Based on the filed information by San Pedro’s Former BAC Secretariat Abel Sumabat who is now under the Witness Protection Program of the Department of Justice, the procured 40,000 pcs, trolley bags from a private company without holding public bidding.

The Ombudsman said that the trolley bags was also not included in their Annual Investment Plan (AIP).

San Pedro filed a motion for reconsideration at the Sandiganbayan, but was denied dated April 21, 2016.

According to the Sandigan Bayan, “After a careful evaluation of the accused separate motions, we find the contentions therein not sufficient to set the findings of probable cause, and we rule that there exists probable cause to justify the issuance of warrant of arrests with respect to all accused”.

The resolution was issued by Second Division Senior Member Associate Justice Napoleon Inoturan and was concurred in by Division Chairman Associate Justice Teresita-Diaz- Baldos and Junior Member Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi.

Aside from San Pedro’s 22Million Trolley bag case, the Filed Investigation Office under the Ombudsman is now conducting a fact finding investigation of more than 100 Graft complaints by Sumabat which was filed last February 17, 2012. This includes the OMB Lifestyle check Panel has already commenced its investigation on the alleged-ill-gotten wealth of San Pedro and his family and the lifestyle case was docket as OMB-C-12-0504.

Furthermore, even the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), has already conducted the audit and assessment of the dummy companies used by San Pedro and his relatives to a mass millions of money from the coffers of the City Government of Muntinlupa.

The case of San Pedro at the BIR for violations of the 1997 National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) is currently ongoing investigation.

Sumabat has been under the WPP for four years now, and has been praying that the bars Justice rolls out in favor of the Muntinlupeños whom San Pedro is indebted with.

618 drug surrenderees to get livelihood, scholarship from Munti city government

In the prime days of war against illegal drugs in the country, the local government of Muntinlupa gives alternative programs for the rehabilitation of drug dependents who surrendered to local authorities.

618 surrenderees screened by the city government will be receiving assistance such as scholarship, enrollment in technical-vocational institution zero-interest loan financing for business start-ups, among others.

Muntinlupa Public Information Office Tez Navarro said that drug users assessed and identified as Mildly and Moderately Affected were given options to avail alternative social services.

Navarro added that the LGU’s effort aims to help in the reintegration of the drug surrenderees as upright citizens to their own communities.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi supports the crackdown campaign against illegal drugs and pushes efforts for the reintegration of surrenderees to society.

Fresnedi advocates not only the arrest of drug personalities but also their recuperation as he sees the campaign against drugs to be effective only if the arrested personalities will undergo recovery and rehabilitation program.

As of October 24, 2016, the total number of households visited during the Operation Tokhang was 6,522 while 3,109 individuals were recorded to surrender.

Early Childhood Education Program Pinalakas sa Munti

Ang paaralan ang ikalawang tahanan ng ating mga anak, kaya naman binibigyan ng pamahalaang lungsod sa pamumuno ni Mayor Fresnedi ang bawat guro ng karagdagang kaalaman at kasanayan upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng kanilang mga mag-aaral.

Noong Hunyo 14 - 15, 2016 nagsagawa ng pagsasanay tungkol sa tamang pagbibigay ng paunang lunas (Update on Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support) ang mga guro ng Day Care Centers sa lungsod, ito ay sa pangunguna ng Early Childhood Education Division o ECED na ginanap sa Villa Avanzueda, San Pablo Laguna.

Katuwang ang Social Services Department at ang mahuhusay na tagapag sanay ng Muntinlupa City Disaster Risk Reduction Office ng lungsod naibigay nito sa mga guro ang tamang kaalaman na makakatulong sa oras na hindi natin inaasahan, lalong lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad.

Makakasiguro ang ating mga magulang na ligtas ang ating mga anak sa kanilang pag-aaral dahil mayroon tayong mga guro na may angkop na kasanayan at kaalaman na maibabahagi hindi lang sa  mga bata gayundin naman sa kanilang mga magulang.

BY:-RBR

(PC) ECED

Watchers on guard for VCMs and ballots’ safekeeping in Munti

Poll Watchers’ eyes are now glued in Voting Counting Machines and official ballots in Muntinlupa as election paraphernalia’s transportation in polling precincts begins.

Five days before the national and local elections, Commission on Elections – Muntinlupa assures locals that developments are all in place according to plan.

Official ballots were brought first to Muntinlupa City Hall Treasurer’s Office from the National Printing Office in Quezon City, escorted by PNP personnel, while VCMs were transported from Mutinational Village in Parañaque City to various schools which will be used as voting precincts last May 4.

There were no glitches and problems occurred during the Final Testing and Sealing of the machines. VCMs are now housed in Muntinlupa school’s principal offices.

COMELEC – Muntinlupa director Atty. Ronald Sindo said election paraphernalia are guarded by PNP on a 24/7 shift. Sindo said poll watchers are also welcome to post guard.

The local election officer reminded locals of prohibitions in the upcoming elections.

COMELEC will implement a No Smoking Policy within the school premises, voters will not be allowed to carry mobile phones or cameras inside the polling precinct to be used in taking pictures, there shall be no more than two watchers in the precinct, and there should be no campaign paraphernalia on Election Day.

A Refresher Course was conducted last May 3 at Muntinlupa Sports Complex to update Board of Election Inspectors on latest instructions from COMELEC.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encourages poll watchers and the public to take part in making the May 9 elections a peaceful voting event.

Fire razes Munti residential area, 500 families affected

A three-hour fire displaced more than 500 families in Garcip Compound, Cupang in Muntinlupa City, midnight of April 22.

The fire, which was raised to Task Force Alpha, broke out at 12:38am and was placed under control at 3:20am, according to a spot report from Muntinlupa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

MCDRRMO chief Analyn Mercado said there were no casualties related to the incident and investigation is still on-going as to the cause of fire.

Mercado added that the local Social Service Department is closely working with the Philippine Red Cross in delivering assistance to fire victims. SSD and PRC currently provide hot meals for victims in Garcip Compound.

Affected families are sheltered in evacuation areas and some stay in tents near the area where the fire situation transpired.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi called for an emergency meeting with the City Council to settle an ordinance releasing calamity fund to aid financial support to affected families. Fund to be released will also cover victims of recent fire incident in Lovely Compound in Cupang.

Fresnedi encouraged locals to stay safe and take preventive measures in avoiding fire accidents.

Munti delegates participate in Palarong Pambansa 2016

A sea of colors covered one of Albay's open field as thousands of student-athletes participate in the country's most esteemed sporting competition.

18,000 delegates flocked in the Opening Ceremony of Palarong Pambansa 2016 hosted by Albay province last April 10 held at Bicol University Oval, Legazpi City.

The National Sporting Competition unites the 'best of the best' athletes from 18 regions across the Philippines who will take part in the 21 sporting activities and other special events.

Muntinlupa Schools Division Superintendent Mauro de Gulan said 65 delegates from Muntinlupa City will compete in sports events including Futsal, Sepak Takraw, Athletics, Swimming, Table Tennis, Badminton, Billiard, Baseball, Wushu, and Wrestling.

De Gulan expressed his gratitude to the City Government of Muntinlupa, led by Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, for their support to local participants and also extending the assistance by hosting for the 819 NCR delegates.

NCR delegates are housed in Ligao West Central Elementary School, Ligao City.

DEPED secretary Br. Armin Luistro, together with Albay governor Joey Salceda led the ceremony to officially start the sporting competition. PBA player Terrence Romeo also participated in the program on the relay of Palarong Pambansa Torch.

To know the latest update in the National Sporting Competition, visit fb.com/ALBAYpalaro2016.

Peace Covenant Signing for local candidates in Muntinlupa

As part of the Secure and Fair Election (SAFE) campaign, the Commission on Election, Muntinlupa Police Station, Civil Military Operations Battalion, Philippine Army, and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting work together to organize a Peace Covenant Signing for the local candidates in Muntinlupa on April 7.

The activity which aims to invite candidates for May 2016 elections to express their mutual intention to have a secure and fair poll will be held at Our Lady of Abandon Parish Church, Poblacion, Muntinlupa City from 9:00am – 11:00am.

The Peace and Covenant Signing will be started with a Holy Mass followed by messages from the organizing agencies. Participating candidates are expected to waive an agreement to be part of a strong manifestation of providing the Muntinlupa City electorate with sense of security and fairness comes May 9, 2016 national and local election.

A symbolic release of white balloons will end the program to be led by the mayoralty candidates in Muntinlupa.

Attending the event are PPCRV Muntinlupa head Hyacinth Fernandez, COMELEC NCR director Atty. Temie Lambino, NCRPO regional director PDIR Joel Pagdilao, SPD district director PCSUPT Eusebio Mejos.

Heavy traffic is expected as thousands of supporters will join the Peace Covenant 2016. Motorists are advised to take alternative routes.

Leaflet distributor arrested, one at-large for libel case in Munti

An arrested housewife and her live-in partner at-large face libel case for distributing leaflets with defamatory remarks attacking Muntinlupa’s local chief executive last February 20.

Muntinlupa security officers’ on-duty in Doña Anastacia Avenue, Victoria Homes, Tunasan confronted suspects namely Gemma Aquino, 40 y/o, housewife, and Raul Aquino, 36 y/o, laborer, together with other three minors at around 10:20am while in the act of dispensing flyers containing libelous content against incumbent Mayor Jaime Fresnedi.

Members of Public Order and Safety Office apprehended the suspects and retrieved 180 pieces of leaflets containing derogatory information about the local exec and his administration placed in two (2) bags.

Gemma is detained in Muntinlupa Police Precinct while Raul is still at-large while the arrested minors are brought to local Social Development Center.

The suspects’ case was already filed in Fiscal’s Office for Inquest Proceedings.

The local exec did not give any comment on the issue and just let the judiciary do the investigation.

 Authorities encouraged civilians to report these instances to local police or public order officers to apprehend suspects disseminating malicious information against any individual or organization.

Munti Business Renewal extended until Jan 30

The Business Permits Renewal in Muntinlupa City is extended until January 30 to accommodate clients rushing on last-minute filing.

Business Permits and Licensing Office chief Gary Llamas announced the extension of the registration being conducted at Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Tunasan which started last January 4. Llamas encourages business owners to pay fees on the given schedule to avoid penalties.

The shuttle service will still be available for business owners going to the venue. Pick-up points are located at Muntinlupa City Hall, Putatan and Muntinlupa City Public Market, Alabang.

Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. recently visited the on-going renewal of business permits last January 14 to observe the City Government’s process flow in business registration.

Abalos lauded Muntinlupa’s innovation in Business One Stop Shop which hastens the client’s transaction with the local government. He also commended the leadership of Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi in steering a business friendly environment in the city.

Muntinlupa Business One Stop Shop – Single Window Transaction was hailed as Runner Up in the 4^th International Best Practice Competition by Asian Productivity Organization, in cooperation with the Development Academy of the Philippines last November 2015.

Requirements for the application include: Barangay Clearance for Business, BIR Monthly/Quarterly Payments for 2015, Audited Financial Statements duly filed before SEC/BIR (for the period covering 2 years prior), previous Mayor’s Permit, Assessment & Validated Official receipts, certification of Gross Sales, valid and subsisting Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC), among others.

For the full list of necessary documents, you may visit BPLO’s facebook page at fb.com/bplo.muntinlupa or you may reach their tel no. 862-BPLO(2756)/851-BPLO(2756).

MANDA MAYOR LAUDS MUNTI PRACTICE

MANDA MAYOR LAUDS MUNTI PRACTICE: Business Permits and Licensing Office chief Gary Llamas (left) explains to Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos (center) together with Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (right) the process of Muntinlupa Business One Stop Shop during the Business Permit Renewal last January 14 at Muntinlupa Sports Complex. Abalos lauds the local government’s innovation on business registration which recently hailed as Runner Up in the 4^th International Best Practice Competition by Asian Productivity Organization, in cooperation with the Development Academy of the Philippines.

Munti to launch 1st MJRF Fishing Competition

In its effort to enhance the right of the people for a balanced ecology, the City Government will be conducting the 1^st Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi Fishing Competition” on local waters this January 30 and February 6.

The competition will be held in two venues: Urban Farm and Fish Pond in Katarungan Village, Poblacion (Jan 30) and Jamboree Lake in NBP Reservation (Feb 6) with three major categories and two special prizes.

Fishermen getting the biggest, heaviest, and most number of catch will win major awards including trophies and P2000 each. While participating folks with the first catch among the competitors and most diverse pool of fish will win P1,000 and a trophy.

The competition in Katarungan Village will be limited to competitors residing in the area and NBP Reservation only but that in Jamboree Lake will be open to all Muntinlupeños. The fishing competition will start at 6:00AM and will be ended in a boodle fight for all the participants.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi invites everyone to join the upcoming fishing event and wishes for a fair game from the competitors.

The 1^st MJRF Fishing Competition also hopes to promote the historical site and urban farming project of the local government. Fresnedi administration revives the city’s landscapes and further environmental projects such as lake seeding, river clean-up and many others.

Interested fisher folks and enthusiasts may contact the Lake Management Office or the Office of the City Administrator with tel no. 862-2525 loc. 105/146 /147/148 for more details.

Muntinlupa prepares for NCR Palaro 2016

The Department of Education - Muntinlupa officials, together with the City Government, wrap up final phase preparations last January 6 for the upcoming Regional Athletic Meet.

Muntinlupa City is set to host the National Capital Region Palaro 2016 with the theme "Kabataang Manlalaro: Dangal, Galing, Gilas Ipamalas" on February 8-13.

3,400 athletes from 16 School Divisions are estimated to participate in the sports competition which comprises of 22 sports and five Paragames.

The Opening Ceremony of NCR Palaro 2016 will be held at Filinvest Field, Alabang on Febuary 8 where the traditional lighting of torch and parade of participants will commence.

Classes in elementary and secondary level in billeted schools where the sport events will be held are suspended in the duration of the Regional Athletic Meet.

Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Mauro de Gulan said affected schools may conduct make-up classes before or after the NCR Palaro.

Dr. de Gulan spearheads the preparation, together with Education Support Services Division chief Dr. Jocelyn Marcial, on prior arrangements such as participants’ accommodation, traffic management, crowd control, game regulations, logistics, and other pressing matters.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encourages Muntinlupeños to watch the sports activities to support local athletes and revitalize the love of sports among communities.

The local exec also hopes that participants from the region will have a good time in the city during the regional athletic meet.

Muntinlupa City ranks 3rd in last year's NCR Palaro which was held at Parañaque City.