DOE and 35 other government agencies to sign MOA on Government Office Retrofit Program
By Bradley De Leon
The Department of Energy (DOE), in its drive to implement the cleaner, judicious and efficient utilization of energy, will take a big step in reaching its goal by signing a Memorandum of Agreement on Government Office Retrofit Program with 35 other government agencies on Tuesday, October 5. It will involve replacement of existing T12 (40 W and 20 W) and /or T8 (36 W and 18 W) fluorescent tubes, standard electromagnetic ballasts and luminaries of their respective offices with T5 (28 W and 14W) fluorescent tubes, electronic ballasts and efficient luminaries. The Government Office Retrofit Program is included in the Efficient Lighting Initiative, one of the components of Philippine Energy Efficient Project (PEEP). The MOA signing will take place at the DOE head office in Taguig City.
In the said MOA, the DOE will provide the winning bidder the necessary technical assistance to install the attached schedule of works for its timely and smooth implementation. On the other hand, the selected agency will provide assistance and access to the electrical as- built plan of the building to the winning bidder. It will dispose linear fluorescent lamps, magnetic ballasts, and other waste materials in accordance with applicable laws rules and regulations on the disposal of solid waste. It will also provide personnel, facilities and storage area necessary for the satisfactory conduct and implementation of the works and activities specified. Together, the DOE and the selected agency shall conduct technical inspection and physical inventory of the project. They will also issue certificate of acceptance certificates following satisfactory completion of installation. And, with a third party, they shall conduct monitoring during installation.
Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras will sign the MOA with the heads of the 35 agencies including the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to be represented by its Director- General Atty. Jose A. Fabia.
Northrail contract renegotiation to depend on DOTC review - Palace
The contract renegotiation of the North Rail Project will depend on the result of the ongoing review by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Malacanang said Monday.
In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the status of the $503-million North Rail project which remains unfinished is being reviewed by DOTC Secretary Jose De Jesus to find out if there is a need to renegotiate its existing contract.
“The results of the review are forthcoming,” Lacierda said.
Lacierda said the DOTC reassumes jurisdiction over the project after the previous administration gave administrative jurisdiction to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
He recalled that Sen. Franklin Drilon recently exposed the alleged overpricing of the project, making it the most expensive railway in the world at $25 million per kilometer.
Lacierda said there are also allegations that $299 million was added as a “cost overrun” to the $503 million original contract price given to contractor China National Machinery and Equipment Corp. Group (CNMEG).
The 32.2-kilometer North Rail project runs from Caloocan City in Metro Manila to Malolos City in Bulacan province. (PCOO)
Palace calls for sobriety over reproductive health issue
As the issue on reproductive health heats up, the government is calling for sobriety in efforts to promote a healthy dialogue on the methods of family planning.
In a media briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Malacanang welcomes any actions that would promote a dialogue on the issue instead of being confrontational.
“We are calling on all parties, the church and those who are for reproductive health to be sober in their actions and statements,” he said.
Lacierda said President Benigno S. Aquino III is looking forward for a meeting with the bishops.
The President, he said, is expected to clarify with the Catholic bishops that his position on responsible parenthood is not pro-abortion, which is totally against the Constitution.
Earlier, President Aquino expressed willingness to help underprivileged Filipinos in planning their families, leaving to couples the choice of the birth control method they want to use.
“I think the government is obligated to inform everybody of the responsibilities of their choices. At the end of the day, government might provide assistance to those who are without means if they want to employ a particular method,” the President explained.
“But after saying that, I will not embark on a situation that forces couples to go one way or another,” the President added.
Lacierda said the Palace will study the pending Reproductive Health Bill, noting that the President has yet to read it. There are two versions of the Reproductive Health Bill pending approval in Congress and the Senate. (PCOO)
