Stamp collectors, PHLPost join forces to launch biggest Stamps Exhibit in Cebu City

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) join forces with Philippine Stamp Collectors Society (PSCS) to launch biggest Stamps Exhibit in Cebu City entitled “Manna Filatelica 2024 Stamps Exhibit” from August 23 to 25, 2024 at SM Seaside in Cebu City.

PHLPost invites students and the public to visit the displayed never before seen stamp collections and spend the weekend holiday with your love ones.


Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and learn a diverse range of stamp collections featuring captivating topics such as “Flora and Fauna,” “Only in the Philippines,” “Transition of Nations: How Countries Came To Be,” “Flowers on Souvenir Sheets from Canada,” and many more.

The Cebu City leg highlights the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Philippines showcasing international themes connecting collectors worldwide. It is an enlightening experience for both avid philatelists and those new to engage in the exciting hobby of stamp collecting.

 

Where is Alice Guo and Whose Heads Will Roll?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Former Mayor Alice Guo, who was identified as a Chinese national falsely claiming Filipino citizenship, has reportedly fled the Philippines despite being subject to a hold departure order (HDO). Guo's departure comes as she faces mounting legal challenges related to her alleged involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).

The controversy surrounding Guo erupted when an investigation revealed that she had been misrepresenting herself as a Filipino citizen. Sources indicate that Guo, who served as mayor of Bamban from 2016 to 2022, may have used fraudulent documents to assume a position of power in local government. The discovery has led to widespread condemnation, with many questioning how such a significant breach of the law could have occurred without detection for years.

Adding to her legal woes, Guo has been implicated in a major POGO operation based in Tarlac. Authorities allege that she played a key role in facilitating the operations of these offshore gaming firms, which have been under scrutiny for involvement in illegal activities such as money laundering, human trafficking, and tax evasion.

In light of these allegations, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an HDO against Guo to prevent her from leaving the country while investigations were ongoing. However, reports now confirm that she managed to leave the Philippines, raising concerns about the enforcement of such orders and the potential for political or bureaucratic lapses that may have enabled her escape.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is currently under fire for its failure to prevent Guo's departure, and an internal investigation has been launched to determine how she was able to evade the authorities. Speculation is rife that Guo's connections, both locally and internationally, may have facilitated her flight from justice.

Meanwhile, the government has intensified its crackdown on illegal POGO operations, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasizing the need for stricter regulation and enforcement to protect the country's sovereignty and uphold the rule of law. The case of Alice Guo is expected to serve as a litmus test for the government's commitment to these principles.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working with international counterparts to track down Guo and bring her back to face charges in the Philippines. The DOJ has expressed its determination to pursue all legal avenues to ensure that Guo is held accountable for her actions.

The unfolding scandal has also reignited discussions about the integrity of the country's immigration and citizenship processes, with lawmakers calling for comprehensive reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

NAIA airport rehabilitation comes additional fees for consumers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) rehabilitation comes with additional fees for consumers. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is taking over this September and it is time we are informed of these! Airfare might go up, as well as airport passenger fees. 

Proposed revision to MIAA Administrative Order: 

Passenger/Terminal Fee Increase: 

DOMESTIC - P200 to P390

INTERNATIONAL - P550 to P950

“It is unacceptable that Filipinos using the airport will have to immediately pay higher fees even before seeing any improvement in the airport. Many Filipinos who use the airport are those who sacrifice to be away from their family to work abroad or [those] who were able to save a little to go on a short vacation to rest” 

“Now that the government has chosen a concessionaire from the private sector, why is the capital expenses needed to fix the airport going to be advanced by passengers?” 

The Naia upgrade project includes the rehabilitation of passenger terminals and airside facilities such as runway, aircraft parking area and airfield lighting, and the provision of facilities that will enable intermodal transfers at the terminal.

Kaya ba natin to? 

The rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is a significant project that promises to improve the airport’s facilities and overall passenger experience. However, the involvement of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), set to take over in September, raises concerns among consumers due to the proposed additional fees.

Overview of Proposed Changes:

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has proposed a revision to its Administrative Order, which would lead to an increase in passenger or terminal fees:Domestic Flights: Current fees of P200 are proposed to increase to P390.
International Flights: Current fees of P550 are proposed to rise to P950.

Consumer Concerns:

The primary concern is that these increased fees are set to be imposed on passengers immediately, even before any visible improvements to the airport infrastructure have been made. This has sparked criticism, especially given the socio-economic profile of many travelers:

OFWs and Budget Travelers: 

Many Filipinos using NAIA are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who endure long periods away from their families to work abroad. They view this fee increase as an additional burden. Similarly, local tourists who have saved up for a short vacation might feel the pinch of these higher costs.


Fairness of Cost Allocation: 

There is a growing sentiment that it is unfair for passengers to bear the brunt of the airport’s capital expenditures. The question being raised is why the financial burden of upgrading NAIA should be passed on to consumers rather than being absorbed by the concessionaire or through other funding mechanisms.

Scope of the NAIA Rehabilitation:

The upgrade project, which SMC will oversee, includes several key components aimed at modernizing NAIA:Passenger Terminals:

Rehabilitation efforts will focus on enhancing the existing passenger terminals to improve comfort and efficiency.

Airside Facilities: 

This involves the refurbishment of runways, aircraft parking areas, and the installation of upgraded airfield lighting, all of which are critical for the airport’s operations.

Intermodal Transfer Facilities: 

New facilities are planned to enable seamless intermodal transfers, allowing passengers to switch between different modes of transportation more easily.

The Public Debate:

As this project moves forward, the debate centers around whether these improvements justify the immediate financial impact on passengers. While the long-term benefits of a modernized airport are clear, the short-term burden on consumers raises important questions about the fairness and timing of these fee increases. The broader issue is whether the costs associated with national infrastructure projects should be passed on to consumers, especially in a country where many people are already financially stretched.

The public is now questioning if they are ready and able to absorb these new costs, especially without seeing immediate improvements in return. This situation calls for transparency from the government and SMC about the timeline for these enhancements and whether alternative funding options were considered.


When will fees apply?

Any budget alternatives?