DOE to Finalize Natural Gas Policy

IN CONSULTATION: Energy Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos listens to inputs for the proposed Philippine Natural Gas Regulation (PNGR) during the public consultation at the DOE Headquarters in Taguig City.

The Department of Energy (DOE) held on Friday (27 October 2017) the public consultation on the implementing guidelines of the Philippine Natural Gas Regulation (PNGR), a policy issuance that would govern the entry and development liquefied natural gas (LNG) regas terminal and its related facilities in the Philippines.

Standing on behalf of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos said, “the PNGR will serve as the regulatory framework in the promotion of the Philippines as an LNG emerging market characterized by a liberalized/competitive environment and market-based pricing.” 
Usec. Marcos said, “Also, the implementation of the PNGR is hoped to pave the way in meeting the target of the Secretary to have the ground breaking for an LNG import facility by 2018.”

With the policy in place, he added, “the Philippines can readily start importing LNG to safeguard the anticipated drop in the supply of the Malampaya natural gas in 2022 coupled with the forthcoming termination of its concession by 2024.”

The recent public consultation drew clarifications on implementing guidelines concerning permit application, permitting and clearances of other government agencies, reporting requirements and import and supply requirements.

Additional topics on gas quality standards, import accreditation validity period, anti-flipping protection, the effect of Executive Order 30, the third party access (TPA), transmission and distribution of gas, aggregation, incentives and the gas mix were also discussed.

It was attended by 47 companies and institutions representing local and foreign stakeholders as well as prospective businesses interested in venturing into the natural gas industry in the country.
Previous public consultation focused on the regulatory framework covering the definition of terms, structure and operations of upstream, ownership, franchising, roles and responsibilities of the DOE and the Operator, competition and gas pricing policy, incentives, insurance, establishment of evaluation committee and other relevant laws.

The DOE encourages the public to engage in making the proposed policy more comprehensive by sending their comments and suggestions to doe.oimb.ngmd@gmail.com until 10 November 2017. A copy of the proposed policy is downloadable at the DOE official website (www.doe.gov.ph).

​​Adriano Moraes Not Underestimating Filipino Foe in Upcoming Title Defense

Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes may have just reclaimed the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Championship nearly three months ago, but he is already preparing for the first title defense of his second reign as the division’s kingpin.

The 29-year-old Brazilian champion is slated to put his coveted gold-plated strap on the line against Filipino prospect Danny “The King” Kingad in the co-main event of ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD, which takes place at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on 10 November.

Moraes may be riding a wave of momentum after snapping archrival Kairat Akhmetov’s perfect 23-bout winning streak via unanimous decision and unifying the ONE Flyweight World Championship in a title unification rematch this past August, but he will not overlook Kingad as his Filipino foe is a legitimate threat to his second title reign.

“Danny Kingad is a great competitor and he has earned the highest level of my respect. If anything, there is no chance of me underestimating him. That would be unwise,” he stated.

A true warrior from the mountains of the Philippines and one of the top prospects to come out of Baguio City with an immaculate record of 5-0, Kingad is a tremendous striker who possesses well-rounded grappling skills.

Due to his outstanding run in local promotions, ONE Championship noticed Kingad and gave him a spot on the undercard of ONE: Global Rivals in Manila in April 2016.

Kingad came out on top of his maiden ONE Championship assignment by scoring a first-round technical knockout of Malaysia’s Muhamad Haidar.

The young Baguio City native had an impressive follow-up to his ONE Championship debut by submitting compatriot Eugene Toquero with a first-round armbar in December 2016.

In his most recent trip to the ONE Championship cage, Kingad turned in a complete performance, putting his wide range of techniques on full display in a unanimous decision conquest of Malaysia’s Muhammad Aiman this past April.

“He is a young martial artist, undefeated, and a Wushu champion with good takedowns and good hands,” Moraes evaluated. “He is talented, and he has had good matches with the organization.”

Against Kingad, Moraes stressed that he will be preparing for the best version of his Filipino counterpart.

“I am preparing for the best Danny Kingad possible, and that is the only way I can prepare to be at my best. I believe this match is going to be a battle between two top-notch martial artists. It is going to be a battle from start to finish,” he expressed.

Moraes is eager to remain as the organization’s 61.2-kilogram titleholder and prove that he is the best flyweight on the planet at the expense of an undefeated standout like Kingad.

“It will be my first time in Manila. I am very excited to compete against Danny Kingad. Deep in my heart, I know that I am the best out there. I am here to prove it. I feel great to defend my belt in Manila, expecting to hear the words, ‘And still,’ once again,” he ended.

​​​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

DOTr Oplan Byaheng Ayos All Set for All Saints Day/ All Souls Day Exodus

All four transportation sectors-- road, aviation and airports, maritime, and railways-- of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are all set to provide tight security, ensure efficient travel, and effectively respond to the needs of the public during the UNDAS season.  

The Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT), through Task Force Alamid, has rigorously conducted clearing operations to ensure that roads are clear from obstructions that cause traffic congestion.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has deployed personnel starting October 27 until after All Soul’s Day at the South Luzon Expressway with deputized personnel along Sta. Rosa exit, C-5, and Nichols. LTO likewise deputized toll personnel to assist at Sta. Rita, San Fernando, and Dau exits along NLEX.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has likewise begun conducting inspection of different bus terminals in Metro Manila.

Airports Facilities Inspection

For its part, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) officials and personnel conducted an inspection of the facilities of NAIA Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 for the yearly All Saint’s Day/All Souls’ Day exodus.

Meanwhile, all Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) personnel were placed on heightened alert while their leaves and days off were cancelled. Additional information booths were also put up in major airports such as in Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Laguindingan, Zamboanga, Kalibo to assist travelers.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) also set up Passenger Rights and Assistance Desks in all commercial and provincial airports to monitor airline activities and address passenger complaints. 

Tight Security at Rail systems 

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Railways’ contingencies consist of tightening security due to the influx of passengers in key stations and deployment of additional personnel to assist passengers as well as opening of help desks.  It also re-arranged train schedules to accommodate the bulk of the travelers during the Holidays. 

The MRT-3 management has readied its personnel to receive the rush of commuters, implementing tighter security measures to avoid any untoward incident. 

On the other hand, the LRT-2 management shall operate eight running trains with seven-minute headway during UNDAS break. Two reserve trains at Santolan and Recto stations will be on standby to anticipate the increase in passenger ridership.  A nurse shall likewise be on duty from 6AMto 2PM and 2PM to 10PM at Katipunan and Recto stations.

All Ports Ready for Byaheng Ayos

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) established security fast check lanes for passengers carrying minimal belongings or small items. These lanes would also cater to persons with disabilities, senior citizens and pregnant women.  

Aside from implementing strict security measures, PPA would offer first aid services 24/7 within the ports while extra tents and chairs would be provided for waiting passengers.

Aside from the PPA, DOTr attached agencies such as the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have implemented similar security measures to ensure the readiness of their respective organizations during the observance of All Saint’s Day/ All Souls’ Day. 

Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: UNDAS 2017 also entails the issuance of public advisories such as safety tips, common types of violations at expressways, and safety and security regulations in airports, seaports, and other transportation. Tarpaulins bearing emergency and hotline numbers will be posted in conspicuous areas of the agency’s jurisdiction.

The DOTr Hotline 7890, which is manned by the DOTr Office for Commuter Affairs, shall likewise be available to the public 24/7.

DOTr attached agencies and offices were also instructed to submit a post-UNDAS report to the DOTr management for evaluation.