Subic to host INAP conference in October

The country’s premier Freeport will once again be hosting the INAP General Assembly and Symposium 2024 this October. 

This came after the International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) and Port of Kochi officials led by Chief Takanori Asai paid a courtesy visit to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.

 

Aliño said that the agency and INAP are already discussing plans of holding the conference here anchored on environmental maritime protection and disaster preparedness.

“As one of the founding members of INAP, it will be our honor to host this year’s assembly and welcome old and new faces to our shores. We endeavor to showcase not only our port and maritime facilities, but more importantly, to extend our famous hospitality, culture and friendship,” Aliño said.

He cited that environmental maritime protection and disaster preparedness is a very timely topic to discuss, adding that a shared discussion between the ports on these topics would benefit all members.

INAP members include the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka, Port of Dangjin and Mokpo New Port in South Korea, Port of Kochi in Japan, Port of Qingdao in China, Port of Tanjung Perak in Indonesia, Port of Chittagong in Bangladesh, and Port of Subic Bay, Port of Cebu, and Port of Davao (Philippine Ports Authority) in the Philippines. 

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations Ronnie Yambao delegated Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Atty. Martin Kristoffer Roman to take the lead in organizing the symposium, including the approval of theme and program itinerary. 

He added that the two-day symposium will be held tentatively on October 23 and 24, which will commence with the general assembly on the first day and a day tour around Subic Bay Freeport.

Chairman Aliño said that it has been ten years since the SBMA hosted the INAP General Assembly and Symposium, and that it would be beneficial to the delegates to see the new facilities and developments in the Port of Subic.

“The last time Subic Bay Freeport hosted INAP was in November of 2014 wherein more than 200 invited guests from the maritime industry attended the conference. Hopefully, more guests will arrive to take part in the general assembly,” Aliño said.

Founded in 1998, INAP was formed to promote cooperation and information exchange among affiliated ports, enhancing the port network, integrating individual affiliates, exchanging information on port development, and strengthening economic and cultural relationships. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA hits all-time high in Operating Revenue of ₱4.116B in 2023

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has once again breached its record on operating revenue with a total of ₱4.116 billion as of December 2023, an all-time high record in the history of the agency.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Aliño, this figure also marks the second consecutive year that the agency breached the ₱4-billion mark in operating revenue. He added that in 2022, the agency recorded an operating revenue of ₱4.057 billion.

“This is a stellar record for the SBMA. Last year’s ₱4.116 billion operating revenue is higher than 2022’s operating revenue by ₱59 million, which is 1.5 percent higher. Kudos to the men and women of the SBMA for achieving this goal,” he added.

The report from the SBMA’s Finance Group noted that there was an increase in revenue in 2023 despite the effect of the receipt of payment from Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines as compliance with the Order of the Court.

In 2023, the SBMA also recorded its highest monthly operating revenue of ₱415 million in April, which trumped the previous record of ₱395 million in January of 2022. “This is the SBMA’s first breach of the ₱400 million monthly revenue mark,” Aliño said.

Meanwhile, Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado said that the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for 2023 is 23 percent higher compared to the same period the previous year.

“As of December 31, 2023, the net income before tax with subsidy is ₱2.72 billion, which is lower by 5 percent or ₱111 million compared to the same period last year. But the net income without subsidy and gain on forex revaluation is ₱1.933 billion, 38 percent or ₱532 million higher compared to the same period last year,” he added.

The SBMA Finance Group also reported that there was an increase in revenues from the Land and Billing Leases and the Seaport Operations, with a record of ₱1.590 billion and ₱1.595 billion, respectively. The biggest revenue increase was derived from the hospitality and entertainment sector, recording ₱40 million in revenues, a 122 percent increase from 2022’s ₱18 million.

The report also cited that Housing Leases also increased from 2022’s ₱71 million to 2023’s ₱77 million, while the Airport Operations recorded a jump from 2022’s ₱106 million to last year’s ₱165 million. Despite the increase of revenues, the Regulatory Income of the SBMA dipped by 25 percent from 2022’s ₱585 million to last year’s ₱437 million.

“As for Miscellaneous Revenues, the SBMA recorded an increase of 8 percent, from 2022’s ₱196 million to last year’s ₱213 million,” the official stated.

Chairman Aliño lauded the agency’s commitment in providing service to the stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, adding that these stellar records will be broken in the coming years as long as the SBMA continues to stay true to its vision and mission.

“As long the SBMA commits to maintain investor confidence by pursuing continuous improvement, leveraging on technology and providing robust infrastructure, and as long as the agency empowers people and communities through shared stewardship and sustained good governance, Subic Bay Freeport is certain to become the preferred sustainable investment hub and eco-tourism destination in Asia Pacific by 2030,” he said. (MPD-SBMA) 

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Subic hosts NCAA Season 99 Beach Volleyball Tournament

Subic Bay Freeport plays host once again to the NCAA Season 99 Beach Volleyball Tournament, the host of the prestigious collegiate event since 2012.

The tournament kicked off yesterday (January 24), culminating on the 28th at the Subic Bay Sand Courts, once the battleground of the best beach volleyball players from Southeast Asia during the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2019.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator for Administration Atty. Ruel John Kabigting cited that admission is free for any beach volleyball fan who wish to root for their teams during the games. He added that the continued hosting of Subic for the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament is a testament of the agency’s thrust to help budding athletes become part of the national talent pool.

“Subic Freeport is incomparable to any other place in the country. The sand, sea and mountains are great venues for various sporting events such as triathlons, duathlons, epic bike races, marathons, and of course, beach volleyball,” he said.

 “We are proud and honored to be the host of the event, and I hope that Subic Freeport remains the host for this event for the centennial season next year. It is also a great honor for us to cultivate the younger generation of athletes and make Subic their second home,” he added.

The official thanked the tournament organizers for promoting Subic Bay Freeport as their preferred sports destination, citing that their continued patronage of the area shows how much they trust the agency. He added that the SBMA is complete in terms of emergency responders, as well as competent security officers that keep the event safe and secure.

Jose Rizal University is the host of the tournament with Management Committee chairman Paul Supan leading the organizing of the event. Supan said, “We have an exciting tournament ahead of us. This year, we brought back our junior division so there are now three divisions: mens, women's and junior.

He added that the reason why the organizing committee chose this Freeport is that Subic provides the appropriate atmosphere and ambience of holding the beach volleyball event. He added that one of the players to look out for is Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Louie Ramirez who is a promising talent to become part of the national team.

According to NCAA Beach Volleyball Event Chairman Peter Cayco, 12 persons represent each of the 10 schools. However, since some schools brought their staff along with them, the delegation is now at 200, yielding a full capacity for billeting  hosts Bayfront Hotel and Terrace Hotel.  This also caused a spill over to nearby hotels such as Subic Park hotel and Seorabol Grand Leisure Hotel.

“The spill over to other hotels happened since some of the players came along with their family and friends. This is certainly good for the economy since Subic Bay Freeport is a brand name in the sports tourism sector,” he added. (MPD-SBMA)

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PBBM to Aliño—take care of SBMA and its people

Newly installed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño has vowed to take good care of the agency and its people.

This was his statement during a press briefing at the SBMA administration building on Monday. The Agency Chief shared that he was given the mandate by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to look into the needs of Subic Freeport stakeholders and help resolve problems of the business communities inside.

“The President also instructed me to steer Subic Bay Freeport to the next level, which means go forward. With the help of the Board of Directors, who are all very professional, I believe that we can achieve that goal hand-in-hand,” Aliño added.

Aliño replaced former Pandan, Antique Mayor Jonathan D. Tan as the chairman and administrator of the government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) this month, with his promotion as the Senior Undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The new chief took his oath of office before President Marcos on January 12 at Malacañan Palace.

“In my case, I am 73 years old, the legacy I want to leave is a good mark, all for the glory of God, country, and for SBMA, and for its people who have significantly helped me. I am also leaving this good mark for my family. I promised them that after my stint, regardless of time, hindi nila ako ikahihiya. For me its very important,” he said.

A devout Catholic with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the De La Salle University, Aliño was also the former chairman and president of the STAR Group of Companies which offers port operations services for bulk and break-bulk cargo with Subic Bay as one of its locations, Grain Terminal Services Inc and sister company Mega Subic Terminal Services Inc .

Aside from his achievements in port operations, Aliño was also involved in other business industries such as supply chain, power and energy, construction, industrial trading, entertainment and tourism.

The new SBMA head was also chairman of the Subic Bay Yacht Club from 2015 to 2018 and in 2023. He also remains active in civic and non-government organizations like the Marinducare Foundation, a group providing livelihood and civic assistance to poor communities in Marinduque, the hometown of Aliño’s parents. (MPD-SBMA)

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Hongkong Trade Council visits Subic Bay for fresh investment prospects

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) visited Subic Bay to explore possible trade and investment opportunities  in this premier freeport. 

The HKTDC, thru the efforts of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), was able to discuss business prospects with various Subic Freeport companies and locators that are aligned with their specific industries in Hong Kong.

SBMA Business and Investment Group (BIG) Senior Deputy Administrator Renato Lee III expects that future business partnerships and investments would spur economic growth since Subic Bay Freeport is envisioned as an alternative port for Hong Kong, which would ensure the flow of commerce between the 2 ports. 

“Hong Kong is a powerhouse in the shipping industry and we want a piece of that. With the country’s plan to build a smart port, Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) can provide support if ever a spillover occurs. We want to be part of their plan to become a global shipping center,” Lee said.

Meanwhile, SBMA’s Business and Investment Department (BID) for Manufacturing and Maritime Manager Karen Magno added that the meeting between SBF locators and the HKTDC is an offshoot of the agency’s participation in the Hong Kong Belt and Road Summit last year.

HKTDC is the organizer of the Hong Kong Belt and Road Summit that was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center last September 13, 2023, where some 6,000 government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs and startups from 70 countries and regions exchanged insights on multilateral co-operation, and explored concrete business opportunities.

Magno added that the council also met with the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) at the SBMA Corporate Board Room. The delegation consisted of Deputy Director of Research Louis Chan, Research Economist Henry Cheng, HKTDC Manila Office Marebeth Barros, and Marketing Manager Paolo Carlos, while the SBFCC was led by President Benjamin Antonio III and Vice President Dante Pollescas.

The Hongkong council expressed their interest in studying and marketing the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to the businesses in their home country, while conducting research on manufacturing, import/ export, logistics, energy, port operations, financing, information technology and other possible aspects.

“The council wants to know more about the current economic and industrial development in the Philippines including the latest trends in Filipino trade and investments, the Filipino start-up ecosystem, and the role of Hong Kong as a business and investment platform to help Filipino companies and start-ups to tap into Mainland China and other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) markets,” Chan said.

The official added that the council is also keen about gathering more information on the areas of potential HK-Philippines collaboration and partnership such as: Fintech, health-tech, biotech, cleantech, agritech, foodtech, ESG; services, trade and investments; supply chain recalibration; and Greater Bay Area, RCEP, and the Belt and Road Initiative.

The HKTDC is a statutory body with over 50 offices worldwide and 13 in Mainland China, which was established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade while promoting the city as a two-way global investment and business hub. (MPD-SBMA)

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President Marcos Jr. appoints businessman Eduardo Aliño as new SBMA chief

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed and sworn in Eduardo L. Aliño as the new chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Aliño took oath before Marcos as the new SBMA head in a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace in Manila Friday, January 12. 

Aliño replaces former SBMA chairman and administrator Jonathan Tan who will assume a new post at the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Tan was also sworn in on Friday as DILG undersecretary.

Aliño is the chair of the Subic Bay Yacht Club, as well as president and chairperson of the S.T.A.R. Group of Companies, a major player in integrated supply chain services and port operations.

He is also the president and chairperson of Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services, Inc. and Mega Equipment International Corp., among other posts.

Tan, on the other hand, served as mayor of Pandan, Antique from 2010 to 2019.

Tan is also a businessman who owns the JDT Construction and Supply and serves as president of JDT Trading. (SNL)

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LOOK: SBMA Official Statement on Yosemite Trader in Subic Bay

This pertains to the news that have circulated in social media and other media platforms regarding the vessel Yosemite Trader which had allegedly reached the Port of Subic on January 9, 2024.

Yosemite Trader, an oil products tanker that is registered in the United States, applied for Entry Clearance at the Seaport Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority on January 2, 2024, through its ship agent Parsh Marine Philippines, Inc. The vessel carried 5million gallons of F-76 which is a type of military fuel for ships that are equipped with the latest turbine engines.  The cargo was to be transferred from a US military facility at Red Hill, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation, a commercial fuel storage facility in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

In the morning of the scheduled arrival however, ship agent Parsh Marine requested for the cancellation of the vessel’s Entry Clearance, accordingly due to the absence of a “diplomatic clearance" from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

It is clear therefore that Yosemite Trader has not entered the waters of Subic Bay, and was not able to discharge its cargo at the storage facility as earlier reported.

 

----------End of Statement----------

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Bahrain royalty eyes future investments in Subic Freeport

Her Royal Highness Princess Shaikha Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Princess of Bahrain, is eyeing possible future investments inside this premier Freeport during her visit at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) administration building on Wednesday (January 10).

According to SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Group (BIG) Renato Lee III, the Senior Royal of Bahrain has expressed her interests particularly in the airport, port expansion, fuel depot, renewable energy, cyber security and tourism sectors.

Princess Shaikha and her entire delegation were given a briefing by members of the SBMA Business and Investment Group regarding the business climate here and the benefits of investing in Subic Bay Freeport.

“The Bahraini Princess expressed her interest in investing in Subic Bay Freeport since her companies, Green Aventurine Holdings, Future8 L.L.C. and Nfinity8 Group, deal with investment management for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, and serve as regional intermediaries for cross-border investments,” Lee said.

The SBMA official also shared that the groups’ portfolio includes real estate, commodity trading, oil and gas services, footwear manufacturing, investment management, marketing and advertising, trade and product distribution, e-commerce, and startup support.

Lee lauded the visit of Princess Al Khalifa, citing that the renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur is known as an epitome for women empowerment. “We are grateful that Her Highness graced us with her presence in Subic Freeport, hopefully we will be doing business with her in the near future,” he added.

Princess Al Khalifa is an essential figure in public relations and marketing, with the goal to create a shared space of inclusivity for sustainable asset management and business growth with her utmost trust in the power of the young generations.

A young visionary whose entrepreneurial boldness and ideals have steered the company to its full potential, the princess aims to build a conglomerate of nine different sectors while unifying numerous startups across various geographies. She is also an executive team member of the European Women’s Association and continues to inspire young girls globally with her entrepreneurial ventures in various fields. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA hails Subic companies for outstanding 2023 accomplishments

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) hailed the companies investing inside this premier Freeport for their outstanding performance this year at the Mabuhay Awards 2023 held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Friday, December 15.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan led the awarding ceremony as the agency handed out trophies to 20 companies who have shown exemplary and innovative accomplishments during the year 2023.

The ceremony commenced with the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) category with Smile Concepts Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic winning the Micro category, Consummare, Inc. for the Small category, and Autokid Subic Trading Corporation for Medium category.

The chairman also presented the trophy for New Business of the Year to F & V Global Food OPC, followed by the awarding of the Service Business of the Year.

For the Service Business of the Year category, Exact Star Subic Bay Corporation doing business under the name and style of Buwelo won the Information and Communication Technology Industry. 

This was followed by the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) for the Logistics Industry Special Achievement Award.

For the Service Business of the Year in General Business Industry Special Achievement Award, Supportive Manpower Services, Inc. bagged the trophy, with Victory Gym and Athletic Club, Inc. winning the Health and Wellness Business of the Year.

Royal Duty Free Shops, Inc., meanwhile, won the Service Business of the Year, Leisure Industry Special Achievement Award.

The second part of the award ceremony includes the awarding of the Top Exporter of the Year to Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. 

The Top Importer of the Year went to Swire Agrotech Agricultural Products, Inc., which was formerly known as Subic Agrotech Agricultural Products, Inc. The

Eco-innovation award was given to Pacific Ace Subic Bay Corporation formerly known as CD Ventures for their green building, promoting the preservation of the environment while merging with business.

Browave (Philippines) Corporation and Da Fu Yuan Corp. both won the Business Developer of the Year, while the Corporate Social Responsibility Award went to Jobin SQM, Inc. for their exemplary CSR initiatives which benefitted their host indigenous Ayta community.

Four companies won the Loyalty Business Award for the Longest Running Company inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which include the Subic Technics, Inc., Subic Duty Free Shop, Inc. (Meat Plus Café), Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC), Absolute Service, Inc. Philippine Branch, and Brent International School Subic, Inc.

Chairman Tan said that the SBMA will never falter in recognizing investors and companies inside the Freeport for their notable achievements, contribution to the community, and their innovative ways of bringing Subic Freeport into a modern and eco-friendly zone. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA-HCPTI deal to spur growth in Subic Port

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan predicts that the P5.5-billion joint venture between the agency and the Harbour Centre Port Terminal Inc. (HCPTI) will spur growth in the port businesses of this premier Freeport.

During the inauguration of the Subic Port at the Naval Supply Depot (NSD) here, the 10-year Subic Port joint venture will revitalize the ports, yards, and cargo handling inside this Freeport. The JV also includes the development, operation and management of several ports inside the former US naval base.

“Our goal at SBMA is in line with HCPTI’s goal of creating more employment opportunities, generate new income, boost the tourism, attract more foreign and local investments, and expand the trading business in Subic,” he said.

He added that the upgrade of the port facilities is expected to improve cargo processing efficiency, reduce ship turnaround times, and increase the volume of bulk and break bulk cargo handled.

HCPTI Chairman Regis Romero II said that with the inauguration of the Subic Port operation, the country is now able to provide enough buffer from global inflation and regional conflicts. He cited that unrest in Ukraine and Israel has put a damper on the global economy.

“Sustainability in business may face threats due to some uncertainties, especially from external forces like the unrest in Ukraine and Israel. But I remain confident, considering that our economy can withstand external shocks which has been proven many times over – from the 1997 Asian financial crisis to the 2008 global economic meltdown and all the way to the recent covid-induced market slump and worldwide inflation,” Romero said.

“Thanks to the fact that our economy is driven by consumption such that the nation can consume what it can produce. To a large extent, it makes our economy virtually self-sustaining. But to ensure economic expansion amid the growing domestic requirements, we have to trade beyond our borders and attract foreign capital and technologies,” Dr. Romero II stressed, apparently hinting at the priority goals of the SBMA-HCPTI joint venture. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA takes over aviation services company for failure to pay almost 20M dues

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has taken over the facilities of Aviation Hub Asia, Inc., an aviation services company inside this premier Freeport, for failing to comply with the agency’s lease agreement.

According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan, the SBMA Board of Directors has approved Resolution No. 23-10-0296 that pre-terminates the lease agreement of Aviation Hub Asia on October 3, 2023.

The issuance of the resolution from the Board came after the company failed to settle unpaid lease rentals, comply with development commitments, and the non-submission of Performance Bond.

The erring company has an outstanding obligation amounting to P19,122,335.97 and US$106.02 in unpaid lease rentals, penalty on performance bond, among others.

The company has continuously failed to comply with its development commitment and non-submission of Performance Bond within the period stated in the Notice of Default with Demand to Pay dated September 30, 2022. The SBMA pre-terminated and cancelled the company’s lease agreement and repossessed their properties.

The properties that the company leased included portions of a hangar area, office space, shed and open space located at Building 8066, Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) Southwest Apron, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Tan said that the development commitment that the company failed to comply includes the renovation of five maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hangars and offices, storeroom and pilot briefing rooms, two additional new aircraft hangars for refurbishment and MRO within three years from the signing of their lease agreement dated March 19, 2019.

SBMA served a notice of re-entry into, repossession and take-over of leased premises with demand to pay dated October 17, 2023 that was received on November 3, 2023. The notice took effect on Monday, some 30 days from the receipt of the notice.

This is in line with the SBMA Chairman's determination to clear out erring locators engaging in the practice of landbanking or failing to do good with their development commitment. 

With this action, Tan believes that new and honest investors will be in the offing. (MPD-SBMA)

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Japanese industrial park to double dividends for SBMA

Japanese developer partners at the Subic Techno Park (STEP) have agreed to double the dividend payments for the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which will amount to almost US$1-million.

This was revealed by SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan. The consensus came about during a STEP board meeting held in Tokyo, Japan on November 17, 2023.  STEP is a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between the SBMA, Japan International Development Organization (JAIDO) and Toyo Construction Co. Ltd. (TOYO) that was executed in April 1996. The JVA was executed for the planning, development, construction, operation and maintenance of STEP’s 74-hectare industrial estate inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

As agreed in the JV, SBMA will maintain the 49.97% share equity and Japanese developers led by STEP President Ichiro Tsuji and his associates will have 50.03% equity.

Moreover, Tan cited that last year, the SBMA only received dividends of almost half million USD from STEP. This year, the official shared that the agency stands to receive dividends in the amount of $999,333.64.

Chairman Tan and SBMA Director Kenneth G. Rementilla led the SBMA delegation during the Tokyo board meeting recently. The two represented the agency and are nominees to the STEP.

President Tsuji disclosed that over the years, STEP has worked diligently to achieve its vision as evidenced by the presence of eight major Japanese locators and ten smaller companies, collectively occupying more than 70% of the leasable areas within the industrial estate.

“This, in turn, has led to the employment of approximately 10,000 local and foreign workers, who significantly contribute to the growth of the local economy,” he added.

Meanwhile, companies inside the STEP are now expanding their operations due to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (Create) law. One of the companies, Nidec Subic Philippines Corporation, is set to generate employment from its P4.2-billion expansion project in this Freeport.

Nidec Subic President Takeshi Yamamoto said that the company’s expansion project is already seen to generate close to 5,000 jobs until the last incentivized year as the Japanese manufacturing firm currently has a workforce of 622.

Japanese firm Sanyo Denki also held a groundbreaking for a 30-hectare complex for its US$10 million expansion of its computer parts manufacturing this year inside the STEP. Sanyo Denki is expected to hire additional 1,000 workers initially for the production of computer parts that are exported globally. (MPD/SBMA)

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Senate gives SBMA's 2024 budget a speedy nod

Without any hesitation, the Senate has approved the proposed budget of P681 Million for fiscal year 2024 of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) during a plenary session at the Senate of the Philippines on Tuesday.

The proposed budget sponsored by Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito was approved without further interpolation by the Senate during Plenary Session No. 30 presided by Senate President Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri.

According to Ejercito, the recommended appropriations for the SBMA for fiscal year 2024 will focus primarily on the rehabilitation of Subic Bay Freeport and its facilities, and will fund two continuing projects, mostly road and infrastructure projects.

Minority Floor Leader Senator Koko Pimentel readily approved the proposed budget citing that he will no longer post questions regarding the said budget stating that it was a reasonable amount of subsidy.  

Senator Pimentel also expressed his admiration for SBMA Chairman Jonathan D. Tan noting the official’s friendly, pleasant and unassuming disposition, and as a former mayor, Sen. Pimentel said that Tan is competent to run the Freeport zone.

Pimentel also shared that the SBMA Chief also revealed his plans on how to fight smuggling “to the fullest extent of his authority as SBMA Chairman and Administrator.”

Meanwhile, Senate President Zubiri said that the Senate is in the process of amending the CREATE law purposely to return the powers to the economic zones which is now a priority measure of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He added that the Ways and Means committee of the House has just passed and approved the version, “which basically brought it back to the old regime, because the new regime was not working unfortunately.”

He then congratulated the SBMA for the two-minute interpellation and approval of the Agency budget. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA takes over leased land of erring truck trading company

In consonance with the objective of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to attain increased economic activity, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan has adopted a position to buckle down on erring locators, giving way to upright investors for more revenues and employment opportunities.

Earlier today, the agency Chief thru SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Atty. Ramon Agregado led the repossession of the leased premises of the Nile Niigata Subic, a truck trading company located along Boton Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

In a letter to Nile Niigata President Muhammad Kafeel, Chairman Tan cited that the lease term of the company had already expired last January 31, 2022.

He further noted that the company has unsettled accounts with the SBMA amounting to almost P5Million. The said arrears represented the company’s unpaid lease rentals, Common Use Service Area (CUSA) fees, and the five percent share of the Aeta indigenous cultural community which had already accrued interests and penalties as of November 8, 2023.

Tan also mentioned that despite the foregoing defaults, he granted a final grace to fully settle their outstanding obligations and comply with the rules of the SBMA, on or before October 31. “Unfortunately, they failed to make a settlement despite the utmost liberality the SBMA has extended,” he added.

“While we try to understand the financial predicament of our locators, still, this is a business we need to run efficiently for our stakeholders and the country in general. This is why we are hell-bent and determined now more than ever, on taking over properties of erring locators so we can offer them to other legitimate companies that can help steer the country’s economy on an upward trend. The “how” is called “tough love.”

Nile Niigata was engaged in trading, import and export of trucks, buses and heavy equipment, including spare parts. It is also into trading of industrial construction and agricultural machineries and equipment, including conversion and repair parts. The company occupied 1,588 square meters of area of leased property, with a direct lease with the SBMA. (MPD-SBMA)

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