PH airspace to be shut down on May 3, 17 for system repair – CAAP

BY MARTIN SADONGDONG

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Corrective maintenance activity will be conducted at the country's Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) on May 3 and May 17.
• This will prompt the suspension of its operations for several hours which also means the shut down of the country's airspace.
• The corrective maintenance activity will mainly affect flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Clark International Airport (CRK), and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), and several flights at the other 42 CAAP commercially operated airports.

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The entire Philippine airspace will be shut down for several hours on May 3 and 17 as necessary repairs and upgrades will be conducted by the government to fix the issues hounding the country’s air traffic management system (ATMS), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced.

(File photo via Manila Bulletin

In a statement Tuesday, May 2, the CAAP said that a corrective maintenance activity will be carried out at the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) which will result to the suspension of its operations from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. on May 3; and from 12 midnight to 6 a.m. on May 17.

“However, if the activity is finished earlier, the issued Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will be lifted, and operations at the ATMC will resume as normal,” the CAAP said.

The ATMC is a facility which houses the Communications, Navigations, Surveillance / Air Traffic Management System (CNS/ATMS) that manages and supervises the air traffic activities within the Philippine Flight Information Region (FIR).

“The corrective maintenance activity is necessary to repair the Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR), replace the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), and upgrade the Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) A/B power supply,” the CAAP said.

The AVR refers to an electronic device which functions as a protection against surges as it regulates the voltage delivered to devices. The UPS, on the other hand, ensures that an equipment has a backup power supply in case of power failure.

The ATMS repair and upgrade will enable the UPS and AVR to serve as “each other’s backup in case the other power supply encounters a problem,” the CAAP noted.

The CAAP said that the corrective maintenance activity will affect flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Clark International Airport (CRK), and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), and several flights at the other 42 CAAP commercially-operated airports.

“The CAAP has already coordinated with and advised concerned stakeholders such as air carriers and airport operators Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), and GMR–Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) in advance regarding the intended corrective maintenance activity,” the CAAP said.

“Mitigating measures and flight schedule adjustments have been discussed with stakeholders to ensure the smooth conduct of the imperative maintenance activity,” it added.

It can be recalled that the Philippine airspace was shut down on New Year’s Day, January 1, when the ATMC was hit by a power outage due to the malfunctioning of its equipment. The incident affected nearly 300 flights and around 65,000 passengers. 

This was followed by a power outage at NAIA Terminal 3 on Labor Day, May 1, from 1:05 a.m. to 8:46 a.m. which affected around 50 flights and 9,000 passengers.

The CAAP assured the public that operations at the ATMC will resume as normal once the maintenance activity is completed.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the safety and efficiency of our air traffic management system,” it said.

'It's Showtime' opens in high spirits as it returns to 12NN timeslot

The favorite noontime show trends worldwide...

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Vice Ganda thanked the viewers for their continuous support and prayers as their wish was granted. She said,"Hindi lang naman tayo ang nagwish at nagdasal para dumating ang araw na ito. Ang daming madlang people ang nagdasal to make this happen. Ang dami sa kanilang nagrerequest at nagsasabi ng kanilang damdamin na sana mas mahaba yung oras. Namimiss namin yung dati nilang ginagawa. Sana hindi kami mabitin. So ito na iyong dinasal ninyo, ibinigay na sa atin."

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'It's Showtime'

The hosts of "It's Showtime" prepared explosive numbers as the noontime show returned to its 12NN timeslot last Monday (May 1).

Vice Ganda thanked the viewers for their continuous support and prayers as their wish was granted. She said,"Hindi lang naman tayo ang nagwish at nagdasal para dumating ang araw na ito. Ang daming madlang people ang nagdasal to make this happen. Ang dami sa kanilang nagrerequest at nagsasabi ng kanilang damdamin na sana mas mahaba yung oras. Namimiss namin yung dati nilang ginagawa. Sana hindi kami mabitin. So ito na iyong dinasal ninyo, ibinigay na sa atin."

In the same episode, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Karylle, Kim Chiu, Ogie Alcasid, Ryan Bang, Amy Perez, Ion Perez, Jackie Gonzaga, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, Cianne Dominguez, MC, and Lassy were joined by the past contestants, and winners of its hit segments, "Miss Q &A," "Reina ng Tahanan," "Showtime Sexy Babe," "Tawag ng Tanghalan" as well as the 'Batang Cute-po' of "Isip Bata" and members of Hashtags.

Vice Ganda

Aside from the new timeslot, the show also announced changes in "Isip Bata," wherein P25,000 will be added to the pot money of the next game if the contestant fails to win the current jackpot prize.

The Unkabogable star also launched her new single, "Rampa," while the semifinals of the country's longest-running singing competition, "Tawag ng Tanghalan," has also started. See who among the 12 semifinalists will reach the 'Huling Tapatan' on Saturday (May 6).

Meanwhile, netizens expressed their delight over the show's new timeslot the hashtag #ItsTimeforShowtimetrended worldwide.

Don't miss the excitement and fun on "It'sShowtime," 12 NN on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel,TV5, Kapamilya Online Live, ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube channel, and Facebook page, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV. Catch its online show, "Showtime Online U," 11:45 AM on Kapamilya Online Live.

Gasoline price cut by P1.50/liter; diesel by P1.30/liter

LPG prices rise by P0.85/kg

BY MYRNA M. VELASCO

May 1, 2023 02:34 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Consumers will have a mixed spending cargo this week as the price of petroleum products at the pumps will be on rollback; while cooking fuel LPG will be increased by P0.85 per kilogram.

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Motorists can rest easy this week, as the price of gasoline products will be on rollback by P1.50 per liter, while diesel prices will also go down by P1.30 per liter, based on the announcement by oil companies.

Industry players also sent notices for a price cut of P1.40 per liter for kerosene, an essential commodity support to key industries, primarily the aviation sector.

As of this writing, the oil firms that already advised on their price cuts had been Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, Seaoil, Cleanfuel and Chevron Philippines effective May 2 (Tuesday); while their competitor-firms are all anticipated to follow.

The domestic oil companies will be trimming their prices this week based on the costs swing of the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), the pricing index for fuel commodities being traded in the regional market.

Conversely, for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which is the preferred cooking fuel of most Filipino households, this will rise by P0.82 to P0.85 per kilogram (kg) or aggregate P9.02 to P9.35 for the standard 11-kilogram cylinder.

The LPG firms that already announced price hikes include Petron Corporation, Phoenix Petroleum at P0.85 per kg; while Solane has a leaner increase of P0.82 per kg - all effective on May 1 and that pricing adjustment will stay for the rest of the month.

Additionally, Petron and Phoenix Petroleum advised that the prices of their autoLPG products for vehicles will go higher by P0.48 per liter this month.

For the oil products at the pumps, experts noted that the softening of prices in the world market last week had been generally anchored on reinforced sentiment of global economic slowdown – which was strongly manifested by reported decline in capital goods spending of the United States, a mammoth oil consumer.

Fears of economic recession have been a recurring theme igniting downward pressure on global oil prices since last year; and until this time, there are no concrete projections yet that markets can steadily lean on to when it comes to the world’s overall economic health.

The downswing in international oil prices has been permeating in recent weeks despite earlier announcement by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and ally-producers (OPEC+) that they will be cutting down production starting this May.

Flights cancelled, more flight delays expected as power outage hits NAIA anew

BY AARON RECUENCO

May 1, 2023 08:25 AM

  

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The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was hit with another power outage early morning of Monday, May 1, which is reminiscent of the New Year’s Day technical glitch that caused blackout and led to hundreds of thousands of passengers being stranded due to flight cancellations.

In a statement, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said the power outage hit the NAIA Terminal 3 at 1:05 a.m. 

The power outage, according to the MIAA, forced the use of standby power in supplying electricity to critical facilities enabling computer systems of airlines and Immigration to function partially and enable processing of both inbound and outbound passengers.

“As a result, delayed flights shall be expected,” the statement read.

As of 8:10 a.m. at least 40 domestic flights were cancelled for the Cebu Pacific alone based on the latest flight advisory released at 8:10 a.m. They are:

5J 504/503 Manila-Tuguegarao-Manila
5J 325/326 Manila-Daraga-Manila
5J 383/384 Manila-Cagayan-Manila
5J 196/197 Manila- Cauayan-Manila
5J 703/704 Manila-Dipolog-Manila
5J 637/638 Manila- Puerto Princesa-Manila
5J 911/912 Manila- Caticlan-Manila
5J 553/554 Manila-Cebu-Manila
5J 617/618 Manila- Panglao-Manila
5J 483/484 Manila- Bacolod-Manila
5J 951/952 Manila-Davao-Manila
5J 793/794 Manila- Butuan-Manila
5J 859/860    Manila- Zamboanga-Manila
5J 993/994 Manila- General Santos-Manila
5J 781/782 Manila- Ozamiz-Manila
5J 909/910 Manila-Caticlan-Manila
5J 449/450 Manila-Iloilo-Manila
5J 659/660 Manila-Tacloban-Manila
5J 887/888 Manila- Cotabato-Manila
5J 773/774 Manila- Pagadian-Manila

But the MIAA said its Engineering team is now looking into the cause of power failure along with technical personnel from Meralco. 

“The MIAA Management apologizes to air travellers for the inconvenience that the situation may have brought to them,” the statement read.

“MIAA operations personnel are now continuously doing the rounds of Terminal 3 to provide assistance to passengers and answer inquiries they might have,” it added.

The dignity of work

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

ON the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker which is celebrated on May 1, we are reminded of this often-ignored dignity of our work, all kinds of work, big or small, as long as it is not sinful work. It is a matter that needs a lot of airing out and clarification, especially these days when a lot of confusion and error hound this very important aspect of our life.

Work is a gift of God for us. It is part of our human nature. It’s not a punishment due to our human limitations, let alone, our sins. As we learn from the Book of Job, “A man is born to labour, and a bird to flight.” (5,7) In fact, a man who refuses to work for no good reason would undermine his humanity.

Work is what we need for our human development, both personal and social. But more than that, given our dignity as image and likeness of God, children of his, sharers of his divine life and nature, our work is actually a participation in the ongoing providence and governance of God over all his creation.

In effect, our work, no matter how ordinary and small it is, is where we have our usual encounter with God. It’s where the drama of whether we are with God or not, whether we give glory to him or not, whether we truly love him or we simply are loving and indulging on ourselves, takes place.

Our work is meant to foster our dignity as persons and children of God. It’s never an enslaving element in our life. It is what would truly humanize and Christianize us. Wherever we are, we should see to it that everyone has the proper understanding of work and always has work to do. 

Whether one is at home doing the usual household chores or immersed in the different levels of the world of business or the farms, schools, etc., he should know the true nature and purpose of work and act accordingly.

That way, whatever one’s work is, he is certain that he is affirming and developing his human and Christian dignity while working. A certain sense of joy and fulfillment would fill his heart.

For those who have people working for them, they have to make sure that their workers are happy with their work. Business leaders, for example, should give due attention to their workers and make due investments for the proper human and Christian development of their workers. In this, they should not be passive, but should take the initiative to know their workers’ condition and see how they can be developed.

It is usually in the world of business that a lot of violations and abuses are committed in the area of work. Businessmen should not worry only about profits and market shares. They should actively look into the overall welfare of their workers who, with their inferior position in the organization, are usually prone to be taken advantage of.

Other than simply interested in the technical aspects of work, businessmen should see to it that their workers are properly motivated and remunerated. The relation and interaction between bosses and workers should be abiding, close and warm. Without compromising the professional aspect, the relationship should be family-like. Everyone should deal with everybody else as persons and not just as some kind of automatons.

PAGASA records ‘dangerous’ heat index in 6 PH areas on Sunday

BY CHARIE MAE F. ABARCA

Apr 30, 2023 08:08 PM

  

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Six areas in the Philippines sizzled with a “dangerous” heat index on Sunday, April 30, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) disclosed.

The humid weather condition continues to prevail in most parts of the country following the onset of warm and dry season in March. The state weather bureau, on Sunday, said amid this weather condition, six areas in the country logged a “dangerous” heat index.

These areas are Catarman, Northern Samar (44°C); Baler, Aurora (42°C); Clark Airport, Pampanga (43°C); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (44°C); Masbate City, Masbate (43°C); and NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila  (43°C).

Heat index pertains to the “apparent temperature” that humans perceive. Heat indices between 42°C and 51°C are considered dangerous as it could potentially cause heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke.

PAGASA’s latest forecast showed that the heat index in Science Garden, Quezon City could hit 43°C on May 1, 2023.

Climate Talks PH spotlights energy, climate action

German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel

The German Embassy Manila, in cooperation with the Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy (CASE) for Southeast Asia project, on April 18 hosted the first edition of Climate Talks Philippines Manila at Yspace at the Yuchengco Museum, Makati City with the theme "Responsible climate action and enabling decarbonization in the Philippine energy sector: Pathways for a sustainable future."

Following the Climate Talks in Tacloban City, the event served as a platform for members of government, the business community, and the private sector, to come together and discuss the necessary steps, roles, and possible contributions in relation to responsible climate action. Climate Talks are an instrument of Germany's diplomacy to bring together, experts, stakeholders and civil society to exchange and find solutions to the current climate crisis.

The event's opening ceremony began with a speech by German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel, and welcoming remarks by Department of Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella. German State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action Jennifer Lee Morgan delivered the event's keynote speech, highlighting her visit to Tacloban and the city's experiences of Typhoon Haiyan back in 2013. She underscored that Germany has a lead role in climate action and called for solidarity with vulnerable communities through new funding arrangements for Loss and Damage as decided at COP27.

The subsequent discussion was held among a distinguished panel with Morgan and Fuentebella who were joined on stage by Atty. Angela Gia Ibay, Climate Change and Energy Program Head of the WWF Philippines, Dr. Faye Abigail Cruz, Laboratory Head of the Manila Observatory, and Caldwell Gregory Hoey, Renewable Energy Director of the MATEC Maschinen & Technik Inc. The panel was moderated by Ruth Yu-Owen, President of Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc.

The panel gave initial reactions to the speeches by Morgan and Fuentebella, agreeing that the implementation of the Loss and Damage approach can contribute to support the Philippines' own energy transition. Morgan explained Germany's path to a comprehensive renewable energy supply, including the experience of phasing out coal, saying, "The German government pulled together various stakeholders, scientists, business, local authorities, from the states that had the coal, NGOs, and they negotiated actually a coal phase out date of 2038 that they recommended to the government."

She said this kind of work across different sectors could be an opportunity for dialogue about financing the accelerated decommission of coal between the Philippines, banks such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and countries like Germany. Germany also shut down its last nuclear plant last April 15.

When asked for the stance of the Philippine government, Fuentebella pointed out that the Philippines, as an archipelago, is confronted with challenges different to Germany. He also underlined that the Philippines is exploring how to combine its excess of offshore wind with generation of green hydrogen or ammonia.

Responding to how external factors affect the private sector's role in the renewable energy development, Hoey said "I believe that's [economics] usually the biggest driver of how we want to implement renewable energy projects right now and because fuel price is up, it means all our energy costs are as well. Inquiries and corporate requirements for implementing renewable energy have probably risen double in the last three years alone."

Dr. Cruz highlighted the relations of climate action and energy use, stating, "In the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report, it was highlighted that it's not just through supply but also in the demand that you can reduce your emissions. And so this is actually a good opportunity to tell people that they do have a role." This then poses the question of how to mainstream mass behavioral change.

In terms of public policy, the Philippines' Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act enables development planning of local government units (LGU) to integrate energy and involve different actors in the process. Speaking about her experience working with LGUs, Atty. Ibay said, "You can track that, you can make a pathway for clean energy to come in as part of your development, and then fully understand how to work with the electric cooperatives, how to work with businesses, promote solar energy in certain areas."

The event was concluded with closing remarks by the Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the Philippine Climate Change Commission, Robert E.A. Borje, who commended Germany for hosting the Climate Talks Philippines.

Borje explained that the Philippine's transition to a low carbon economy relies on 4 Ps: clear policies, programs that matter, partnerships and progress. In order to achieve this progress, measures needed to be coherent and coordinated, encouraging stakeholders' compliance.

To conclude, Borje reinforced that, "We all can contribute and galvanize our work. Climate justice needs to be the bedrock of all our actions."

Conserve water: Here comes El Niño

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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It is time to prepare for more dry days ahead in many parts of the country. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has advised that the El Niño phenomenon may develop in May-June-July but may start to affect the country toward the end of this year.  It may start to develop as a weak event and its effects may not be felt immediately. The probability that it may become a strong event is 41 percent.

El Niño is caused by the warming of sea surface temperature in the Pacific and can affect air and sea currents. According to the state weather agency, “El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts (such as dry spells and droughts) in some areas of the country. However, over the western part of the country, above-normal rainfall conditions during the southwest monsoon season (habagat) may also be expected.”

There is a “high probability” that most parts of the country may experience “below-normal” rainfall in October this year, based on the latest rainfall forecast of PAGASA.
In the rainfall forecast made public during the climate outlook forum on April 27, PAGASA said that the rainfall will be “generally below-normal in most parts of Luzon and Visayas, while it will be near-normal in Mindanao and the rest of the country.”

With the weather agency anticipating a 41 percent chance of El Niño reaching a “strong” level from November to January next year, people should evaluate their use of water and make plans to cut off unnecessary use of this precious resource.

Many times in the past, and in many parts of the world, restrictions on the use of water were imposed when the dry weather condition brought on by El Niño occurred.  City governments would restrict the watering of gardens and plants, and schedule the activity on specific days of the week only.  Other cities prohibited filling up of private pools, and even business activities that involve a high water consumption.

The dry spell will deplete water supplies that will severely affect agricultural production. In 2019, El Niño caused a massive decline in rainfall and caused water shortage in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces and damage to agriculture that was reported to reach billions of pesos.

Last week, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) proposed that local government units (LGUs) impose restrictions on businesses and other activities with high water consumption such as car wash stations and those that use inflatable pools, to conserve water in preparation for the expected “strong” El Niño phenomenon.

San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) President Francis Zamora said he will call for a meeting with other Metro Manila mayors to discuss the proposal. “We will discuss the steps that we will take to ensure the regulated water use of establishments that have high water consumption amid the expected strong El Niño in the coming weeks or months.”

The responsibility to conserve water rests on everyone.  Small initiatives will lead to big results.  Start with these measures: Use a glass of water when brushing teeth; reduce time under the shower; use a pail of water and a rag to wash the car; collect rain water.

Let’s not act only when government imposes restrictions on the use of water.  We should start now.

Enorme Auswirkungen für Millionen Menschen: Steuerklassen 3 und 5 vor dem Aus

Erstellt: 30.04.2023, 06:44 Uhr

Von: Robin Dittrich

Die Steuerklassen 3 und 5 stehen in Deutschland vor dem Aus – das betrifft Millionen Ehepaare. Erhalten Arbeitnehmer dann weniger Netto vom Brutto?

Bremen – Von der Bundesregierung wird eine Abschaffung der Steuerklassen 3 und 5 geplant. Wer in Deutschland heiratet, hat die Wahl zwischen den Steuerklassen 3, 4 und 5. Eine Umstellung von den Klassen 3 und 5 auf 4 hätte für Millionen Menschen in Deutschland finanzielle Auswirkungen.

Welche Auswirkungen hätte ein Wegfall der Steuerklassen 3 und 5?

In der Regel verdienen Ehepartner in Deutschland nicht die gleiche Summe. Für viele Paare ist es deshalb sinnvoll, nicht in derselben Steuerklasse zu sein. Die meisten Paare entscheiden sich laut dem Statistischen Bundesamt deshalb noch immer dafür, die Kombination aus den Steuerklassen 3 und 5 einzugehen. Insbesondere, wenn ein Partner deutlich mehr verdient als der andere, bringt das finanzielle Vorteile. Jedoch nicht für den Wenigerverdienenden – der hat dadurch höhere Abzüge als eigentlich nötig.

Diese Abzüge werden am Ende des Monats durch die Vorteile der Steuerklasse 3 wieder ausgeglichen. Verdienen beide Partner doch ein sehr ähnliches Gehalt, bietet es sich an, dass das Ehepaar die Steuerklasse 4 wählt. Durch einen Wegfall der Steuerklassen 3 und 5 sollen vor allem Frauen weniger benachteiligt werden. Diese sind größtenteils der schlechter verdienende Teil eines Ehepaares, auf dem Papier sieht das erzielte Einkommen dann noch schlechter aus. Lisa Paus von den Grünen hofft, dass durch eine Steuerreform „die ökonomische Gleichstellung von Frauen gestärkt wird.“

Weniger Netto vom Brutto? Diese Auswirkung hat die Steuerklasse 4 für Ehepaare

Wer im Jahr 2023 ein monatliches Bruttoeinkommen von 4000 Euro hat, kinderlos ist und in der Steuerklasse 3 ist, erhält rund 2911 Euro Nettolohn – das sind fast 73 Prozent des Bruttolohns. Hat der Arbeitnehmer allerdings die Steuerklasse 4, werden netto nur noch 2598 Euro erhalten – das Nettoeinkommen verringert sich auf 65 Prozent. Verdient der andere Ehepartner „nur“ 3000 Euro und liegt in der Steuerklasse 5, erhält dieser nur rund 1725 Euro netto, also knapp 57,5 Prozent des Bruttolohns. In der Steuerklasse 4 würde sich der Nettolohn auf 2050 Euro erhöhen, also auf 68 Prozent des Bruttoeinkommens.

Steuerklasse 1: Alleinstehende

Steuerklasse 2: Alleinerziehende

Steuerklasse 3: verheiratet / ein Schwerverdiener

Steuerklasse 4: verheiratet / Standardfall

Steuerklasse 5: verheiratet / Geringverdiener

Steuerklasse 6: mehrere sozialversicherungspflichtige Jobs

Gemeinsam würden beide Ehepartner 4648 Euro netto in der Steuerklasse 4 statt 4636 netto in den Steuerklassen 3 und 5 erhalten. Deutlich krasser wäre die Differenz, wenn der schlechter verdienende Partner 2000 Euro brutto erhält – in Steuerklasse 4 hätten die Ehepartner dann fast 100 Euro weniger pro Monat. Am Ende des Jahres gleicht sich dieser geringere Verdienst durch die Einkommenssteuererklärung ohnehin wieder aus. Sind beide Ehepartner in der Steuerklasse 4, soll zumindest eine hohe Nachzahlung verhindert werden. Vier Millionen Ehepaare sollen sich aktuell in den Steuerklassen 3 und 5 befinden.

Gov’t talks to power firm to end Occidental Mindoro blackouts

The state electrification agency ordered Occidental Mindoro’s sole electricity provider to run its three generators, despite possible financial losses,to end the province’s power crisis. The company shut down two ofits power plants after failing to getits fuel subsidy from the National Power Corp. and also because it was unsure it could pass on its fuel costs to consumers.

By: Madonna T. Virola, Nestor Corrales - @inquirerdotnet

Weeks of power outages in Occidental Mindoro, with some days lasting up to 20 hours, ended on Friday after the owner of three power plants in the province resumed full operation despite facing potential financial losses.

The Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (Omeco) said on its Facebook page that there were no more reports of blackouts in the province as of Friday night.

“Full capacity na! (Now at full capacity),” said Omeco, referring to the three power generators operated by Occidental Mindoro Consolidated Power Corp. (OMCPC), Omeco’s sole power supplier.

Omeco said it had successfully supplied the peak demand requirements of 29 megawatts to 30 megawatts to the province, which grappled with hourslong daily power outages since early this month.

According to Omeco, all three OMCPC power plants were running at full combined capacity of over 30 MW.

These are the 5-MW power station in Sablayan; the 7-MW plant supplying electricity to Mamburao, Paluan, Sta. Cruz, and Abra de Ilog towns (Mapsa); and the 20-MW station supplying power to the municipalities of San Jose, Magsaysay, Rizal and Calitaan (Samarica).

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said in a statement on Saturday that with all three plants operating, OMCPC would be able to supply about 30 MW to 32 MW to Omeco, “which should result in the substantial lessening, if not complete elimination, of blackouts in the province.”

Occidental Mindoro had a population of 525,354 in 2020, according to a census by the Philippine Statistics Authority. There are around 90,000 electricity subscribers in the province, over 83,000 of which are residential.

Since April 13, OMCPC has been operating only one power generator—the 7.5-MW Samarica power plant—because it did not receive its fuel subsidy from the National Power Corp. (Napocor).

The subsidy is given to private power providers as a form of incentive for operating in off-grid areas like Occidental Mindoro. It is also intended to lower the electricity cost for people in areas not connected to the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao power grids.

In a report to Malacañang on Friday, the NEA said that Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda met with OMCPC owner Luis Manuel Banzon on Thursday to discuss remedies to the province’s power crisis.

As a result of the meeting, the company “agreed” to run its three power plants, the NEA said in a statement.

The NEA did not mention the nonpayment of Napocor’s fuel subsidy to OMCPC.

But it said that during the Thursday meeting, it was determined that the “apparent reason” OMCPC was not operating its Sablayan and Mapsa generators was because it was unclear whether OMCPC’s fuel costs could be passed on to consumers through Omeco.

Potential losses

The NEA said OMCPC would run its three power plants despite potential financial losses and not having an approved rate from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for its Samarica power plant which would enable the company to recoup its losses.

“Banzon’s decision was driven by his desire to help alleviate the power crisis in the province,” the NEA said.

But in a press statement from Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, OMCPC appeared to have been pushed by the NEA to run its power plants.

“Upon the orders of the NEA administrator, the NEA said OMCPC agreed to run its three power facilities notwithstanding any potential financial losses to Banzon and despite not having an approved rate from the ERC for the Samarica power plant which would allow him to recoup his cost of operations,” Garafil said.

“Banzon, while initially hesitant, agreed to operate the power plants … notwithstanding the expected financial losses, to supply residents in the province with electricity,” she said.

The ERC had given provisional approval to the power supply agreements (PSAs) of Sablayan and Mapsa with Omeco while OMCPC was still processing its PSA for Samarica, according to Garafil.

“Before requesting that OMCPC operate its power stations, the NEA official sought the clearance of Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, who green-lit the arrangement,” she said. 

Garafil said OMCPC was not operating two of its power plants because of the issue of whether its fuel cost was “a pass-through cost.”

The ERC earlier explained that pass-through costs are amounts collected from electricity end-users other than the distribution charge, which is the fee for using the facilities that deliver electricity to consumers.

—WITH A REPORT FROM MEG ADONIS