Increased Risks Seen Affecting Philippine Growth

By Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star) 

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In its quarterly report on the Philippines, Global Source revised downwards its 2015 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.1 percent instead of the previous projection of 6.7 percent made in May. Photo by Paulo Alcazaren

MANILA, Philippines - New York-based think tank Global Source Partners slashed the country’s economic growth projections amid increasing foreign investor caution, more volatile global financial markets, and risks of a stronger El Niño weather disturbance.

In its quarterly report on the Philippines, Global Source revised downwards its 2015 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.1 percent instead of the previous projection of 6.7 percent made in May.

“External risks have increased since our last report. Our outlook, which sees GDP growth at 6.1 percent in 2015 and 6.5 percent in 2016, is one of guarded optimism,” the think tank said.

Global Source pointed out weak export markets have dampened sales across several product lines.

It also cited the impact of the Greek debt debacle as well as the stock market crash in China in lowering the country’s GDP growth outlook.

“As well, continuing anxieties over Greece and its repercussions on the euro plus fears of herding out of Asian/emerging markets equities have increased volatilities in financial markets with players watchful of potentially disruptive capital outflows as the US normalizes monetary policy, expected later in the year,” it added.

Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

On the other hand, it explained “guardedness stems not only from exports’ vulnerability to softening external demand but also from what we think is increasing investor caution, especially on the part of foreign businesses, as seen in lower investment pledges and translations into actual foreign direct investments (FDIs).

The baseline case considers measures to help cushion the impact on farm output of an El Niño-induced drought, the policy stance of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and that the markets have already priced in the impending interest rate hike by the US Fed.

“We expect any capital outflows associated with such gradual adjustments to be manageable in light of the BSP’s more than ample foreign exchange reserves to cover importing and debt servicing requirements,” it said.

For the second quarter, the company sees the country’s GDP falling below six percent due to uncertainty about government spending, wider trade deficit, and declining investment pledges.

Global Source said its worst-case scenario involves a repeat of the first quarter performance reflecting lethargic government spending and the drag from net exports accompanied by large crop losses from a severe El Niño.

Risks also include the erosion of consumer and investor confidence due to disruptive financial price adjustments as well as more and more investors sidelined by a hazy 2016 political outlook where no clear frontrunner emerges among multiple contenders.

“Weather forecasters are warning of a possible severe El Niño episode by 4Q15, raising the specter of ravaged crops and price spikes. Mixed into this unpleasant brew is politics, where the immediate issue is a possible multi-contender presidential race in 2016 with no clear frontrunner, specifically one who can assure bureaucrats of continuity in the executive branch, key in our view to unlocking promised state spending,” the think tank said.

Under its best-case scenario, the think tank expects President Aquino to inspire greater confidence by rallying supporters behind presidential candidate Mar Roxas on the promise of reform continuity, ensuring the credibility of the vote and the count, and laying the foundation for next stage reforms that would allow the next president to hit the ground running.

“The tactic is a clever one intended to translate popular support for the President, who has managed to spring back from low ratings in the wake of the Mindanao crisis early this year, into votes for Mr. Roxas, who is lagging in presidential preference polls. If it succeeded in painting the other contender, vice president Jejomar Binay, who is hounded by allegations of corruption, as one taking the “crooked” path, so much better,” Global Source said.

The think tank sees inflation averaging 1.6 percent instead of 2.2 percent this year, which is below the BSP target of two to four percent. It sees the BSP keeping interest rates steady this year with the overnight borrowing rate at four percent and the overnight lending rate at six percent.

Global Source is also looking at a weaker peso at P46.1 to $1 instead of P44.65 to $1 this year.

MUTYA NG PILIPINAS 2015 Swimsuit Competition

How 1951 Case Proves Grace Poe is Filipino

By David Dizon, ABS-CBNnews.com

Is Senator Grace Poe Filipino?

Attorney Katrina Legarda, a law professor and consultant on children's issues, said the case of a foundling after World War II supports Poe's claim that she is a natural-born Filipino.

Speaking to ANC's Headstart, Legarda cited the case of Anthony Hale, a foundling who lost both parents in the Second World War.

She said several Filipinos took care of the boy and tried to get him a Philippine passport. The Department of Foreign Affairs said the Department of Justice must first issue an opinion if the boy could be given a Philippine passport since he is a foundling.

The DOJ then issued an opinion which stated that, following international conventions, a foundling is presumed to have assumed the citizenship of the place where he or she is found.

Since then, the DFA has been issuing Philippine passports to foundlings in the Philippines in recognition of the 1951 DOJ opinion.

Legarda said foundlings in the Philippines cannot travel abroad to adoptive parents if they are not given passports. "Adoption does not give you citizenship. Adoption just makes you a legitimate child of your adopters. Period," she said.

She also noted that actors Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces could not have adopted Grace if she was not a natural-born Filipino because domestic law does not allow adoption of foreign children.

"The courts cannot have jurisdiction over foreigners when it comes to adoption proceedings," she said.

Legarda said it is now up to critics to prove that Poe is not a natural-born Filipino.

THE OSMEÑA CASE

In the interview, the lawyer also disputed losing senatorial bet Rizalito David's claim that Poe is considered stateless not because she is a foundling but because she lost her US citizenship and did not regain her Filipino citizenship.

"Well, that's kinda impossible. The Declaration of Human Rights, which came out in 1948, which we are a signatory, does not want people to be stateless and everyone has a right to nationality. When she took her oath on October 20, 2010, she reacquired the Filipino citizenship she had prior to when she married which is natural born. She retained and has always retained her natural- born Philippine citizenship. (She never lost it?) No, parang dual citizenship," Legarda said.

She cited the case of another prominent politician, the late President Sergio Osmena, who also married an American. This meant that their sons were dual citizens because the father was Filipino and the mother was American.

She said the Supreme Court even ruled that Emilio 'Lito' Osmena could stay as governor of Cebu even though he is a dual citizen. Osmena ran for president in 1998 but lost to Joseph Estrada.

In Poe's case, Legarda said it was only natural for her to assume the citizenship of her husband since his business was abroad.

Poe, however, decided to return to the Philippines after her father's death in December 2004 and said she would stay.

Legarda said Poe enrolled her children in Philippine schools, took a job in her father's business and even bought a house and lot.

"You cannot do that if you are not a Filipino citizen...If she bought a house and lot, she was a dual Filipino at the very least," she said.

LOSING US CITIZENSHIP

The lawyer said she sees no problem with Poe using her American passport until 2009 even though she had a Filipino passport.

"Sometimes, it is just easier," she said.

She also rebuffed David's claim that Poe only lost her US citizenship in the last quarter of 2012 based on the US Registry. David has claimed Poe cannot sit as senator because she does not fulfill the residency requirement of two years for a sitting senator.

Legarda said that under American law, a person can lose his or her US citizenship by voluntarily performing "an act with intent" such as accepting the post of chairwoman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

She noted that it takes time for government agencies to come out with updated information.

"When she took her oath, she already lost her US citizenship. Automatic. The publication of that could take two years," Legarda said.

The lawyer said the residency requirement should not be confused with citizenship.

She said that while Poe lost her US citizenship in 2010, the latter was already staying in the Philippines in 2004.

"She has been here at least 11 years in residence because their kids are here. And that was when she told me: 'I'm going back, attorney, to live here because my mother is alone,'" she said.

THE RIGHTS OF FOUNDLINGS

Legarda said she cannot understand why Poe's foundling status is even an issue.

"Really? Is it your fault that you are born?" she said.

"What? The child flew in all along and dropped? Appeared just like the Holy Virgin Mary?"

She said some people do not give importance to foundlings because they do not understand that foundlings would soon become adults.

"If you really believe that foundlings have no citizenship at birth, that means that no foundling can be a lawyer, can be a doctor, can be a broadcast journalist because you have to be natural-born citizens. You cannot take advantage of public school education. It is not just politicians. The foundling has to have the citizenship, natural born, of the place where she was found," she said. 

The Philippines - Documentary

Camiguin Island: A Story of Volcanoes, Hot Springs and Georgous Beaches

BY HARLY LIMLINGAN MARCUAP 

There is not enough to decide whether or not a place is beautiful. There are areas in the world that are big, yet are too plain that when you visit, you’d quickly get bored. On the other hand, there are places which, despite their very small size, offer seemingly endless attractions all worth visiting.

One such place is the pearl-shaped island of Camiguin. The name of the island was derived from the “kamagong” tree which are aplenty in the land of the Manobos (the earlier inhabitants of the island) in northeastern Mindanao. This historical account is supported by linguists since the local language “kinamigin” is closely related to the Manobo language. In recent times, however, most of the indigenous population has shifted to speaking Cebuano since migrants from Cebu and other nearby provinces have made it the official language of trade.

Camiguin also played an important role during the first few years of Spanish colonization. In 1521, after landing in Homonhon and Limasawa, Ferdinand Magellan and his men headed their way to Camiguin. Then in 1598, this time following the visit of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the first Spanish settlement in the island was established. Catarman, located southwest of Mambajao, was the major trading center of Camiguin until 1871 before the violent eruption of Mt. Vulcan. The catastrophic event wiped out communities and sank some coastal settlements beneath the sea.

Carved out of Misamis Oriental, the small province today, the second smallest in the country in terms of population and land area, is politically divided into 5 municipalities: Mambajao the capital, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay, and Catarman. About 23 kilometers in length and nearly 15 kilometers wide, the island has a rugged mountainous topography molded by at least 4 volcanoes: Hibok-Hibok, Timpoong, Butay, and Guinsiliban.

The province’s economy depends mainly on fishing and farming, famous for products such as abaca (hemp weaved for clothing, furniture, and accessories) and lanzones, a grape-sized tropical fruit in which the sweetest variety grow in the island. Ultimately, Camiguin’s tourism industry is a boon to the local people, providing a livelihood to many while satisfying the island’s vacationers.

Camiguin Map | Photo from tripnatripkoto.blogspot.com

How to Get to Camiguin

From Manila
Although there is a small domestic airport in the capital Mambajao, currently there are no direct flights from Manila to Camiguin. The most convenient option is to book a flight from Manila (MNL) to Cagayan de Oro City (CGY).

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly daily to Cagayan de Oro from Manila. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours.

From Laguindingan Airport, transfer to a van bound for Agora Market. Magnum Shuttle Service to Agora Market can be found outside the arrival area; fare is ₱200 per person. From the terminal at Agora, ride a bus bound for Balingoan Port. The fare from Agora to Balingoan is around ₱150 with a travel time of 2.5 to 3 hours.

Get off the bus at Balingoan Bus Terminal and walk to Balingoan Port which is just beside the terminal. Passenger ferries from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port in Camiguin are available from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The regular fare is around ₱170 with a travel time of approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival at Benoni Port, there are jeepneys and vans going to Mambajao; travel time is about an hour.

From Cebu
Cebu Pacific flies from Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Camiguin Airport (CGM) departing at around 6:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and then Friday to Sunday.

What to See in Camiguin

Mt. Hibok-HibokMambajao, Camiguin

An active stratovolcano with an elevation of about 1300 meters (~4300 ft) and a base diameter of roughly 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), Mt. Hibok-Hibok is a popular hiking destination in Camiguin. Teeming with an abundance of ferns and mosses, the trail to the summit is mostly through a low-dense forest dotted with bushes.

Ardent Hot Springs in Mambajao is the usual jump off point when climbing the volcano, taking about 3-5 hours to reach the top. From the peak, a nice view of the mossy Ilihan Crater (site of the 1950 eruption), White Island, and the islands of Siquijor and Bohol can be seen.

Ilihan Crater Camiguin and White Island from Mt. Hibok-Hibok’s Peak | Photo by rhubsch ofpostscriptadventure.wordpress.com

In arranging a climb to Hibok-Hibok, it is necessary to first secure a permit from the DENR Office in Mambajao (registration fee of ₱200/person). Guides may also be arranged from the office for a day hike fee of ₱1,200. From the office, hire a habal-habal to Ardent Hot Spring to commence the climb.

White IslandMambajao, Camiguin

Off the northern coast of Mambajao is an uninhabited sandbar which is popular for its breathtaking beauty, due to it being surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters, and providing an incredible panoramic view of Mount Hibok-Hibok, Mount Vulcan, and the rest of Camiguin Island.

Not a single speck of vegetation can be found on White Island, thus calling it an island is technically wrong. During high tide, it becomes submerged underwater so it’s important to ask the locals about the high tide schedule prior to renting a boat. Interestingly, ‘White Island’ also changes its shape throughout the year depending on the direction and movement of sea current and tides.

Mt. Hibok-Hibok from White Island, Mambajao, Camiguin

In all of Camiguin, White Island’s sandbar offers the most breathtaking view. Imagine sparkling shallow waters that extends as far as your eyes can see. Snorkeling and diving around the island also introduce visitors to the rich marine life thriving beneath the sea surface. And if you’re lucky, there are times of the year when seabirds breed in the island.

White Beach, Camiguin

To reach White Island from Mambajao center, hire a habal-habal or tricycle to bring you to Brgy. Yumbing near Paras Beach Resort. Beside the resort, boat operators charge ₱300-500 round trip depending on the number of passengers. The boat transfer takes only 15 minutes.

Sunken CemeteryCatarman, Camiguin

After the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vulcan in 1871, the coastal area of the town of Catarman was submerged under the sea. This included a local cemetery in what is now Barangay Bonbon. The Sunken Cemetery can still be seen during low tide until a series of volcanic eruptions between 1948 to 1953 pushed the land further down towards the sea.

To mark the location of the sunken cemetery, a big cross was erected in 1982. Today, not only does it serve as a clear reminder of the island’s violent past, it is also a diving and snorkeling site. Giant clams and a variety of fish take shelter behind the tombstones as well as small cross markers scattered all over the old graveyard.

Sunken Cemetery, Catarman, Camiguin

Barangay Bonbon in the town of Catarman can easily be reached by riding a multicab from Mambajao or renting a habal-habal/tricycle. Just tell the driver to drop you off at the site of the sunken cemetery. There is no entrance fee. A boat ride to the actual big cross marker costs ₱100 for a group of 5, while ₱50 is collected for those who want to do snorkeling around the area.

Katibawasan FallsMambajao, Camiguin

Located 5 kilometers (3 miles) southeast of Mambajao at the foot of Mount Timpoong,Katibawan Falls is the most visited waterfalls in Camiguin. Standing at approximately 250 feet, it drops straight down from a cliff into a narrow waist-deep pool where visitors can have a dip. Since the spot is tucked in the middle of a forest populated by various species of orchids, giant ferns and tropical trees, it creates a cool atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

Katibawasan Falls, Mambajao, Camiguin

To get here, you may rent a habal-habal from Mambajao and just tell the driver you are going to Katibawasan Falls (10-15 minutes). There is an entrance fee of ₱20 per adult. Tables and chairs are available to support small gatherings and picnics.

Tuasan FallsCatarman, Camiguin

Another popular hangout spot in the island is Tuasan Falls – although going there requires a bit more effort. From Mambajao, hire a habal-habal to drive the circumferential road counter clockwise to the village of Compol where a small sign in the road directs to the falls. From the junction, continue towards the small road. At the end of it, the actual falls will be a quick 30-minute hike away. Although Tuasan Falls is shorter in height when compared with Katibawasan, it is certainly quieter and more serene, excellent for those looking for a short hike and easy adventure.

Tuasan Falls, Catarman, Camiguin | Photo by Steve English on Panoramio

Binangawan FallsSagay, Camiguin

If you think the hike to Tuasan Falls was too short and easy and you feel like trying something more challenging, then head to Binangawan Falls in the town of Sagay. “Bangaw” is the Bisayan word for rainbow, which then translates “Binangawan Falls” to rainbowed falls owing to the small rainbow that forms whenever sunlight hits the blanket of mist it produces. With the falls concealed in the highlands of Sagay, only a few people know about its existence. But today, a 5-kilometer dirt road accessible to ahabal-habal now leads to Malingin from the junction in Barangay Bonbon. From Malingin, the falls is still another 1 to 2-hour hike away through a mountainous rainforest trail.

Mantigue IslandMahinog, Camiguin

If White Island is uninhabited, lacks vegetation or in short totally bare, Mantigue Islandin the town of Mahinog on the other hand, hosts a low-dense forest and a few households. With a total size of about 4 hectares surrounded by white sand beaches and rich coral gardens off its coast, a visit to the island is definitely a must when in Camiguin. It is a marine sanctuary which means fishing around the area is prohibited. However, you may bring seafood from mainland Camiguin and have them cooked here; you’ll find small huts set up in the area for picnics.

Mantigue Island, Mahinog, Camiguin | Photo from bahaybakasyunan.com

Going to Mantigue is very easy if you are coming from Benoni Port. Outside the port, just hire a tricycle for a 5-minute ride to Barangay San Roque where the boat station to the island can be found. Boat rental costs ₱550 two-way which includes a waiting time of 4 hours. Beyond this period, an additional ₱150/hour will be charged. A ₱20 municipal and environmental fee plus ₱50 snorkeling fee for those who want to snorkel are collected on the island. Be sure to bring your own snorkeling gear. The waters surrounding the island are to host some of the healthiest coral reefs in Camiguin.

Guiob Church RuinsCatarman, Camiguin

After the 1871 catastrophic eruption of Mount Vulcan, only the coralline walls of a Catholic Church remained standing in Barangay Borbon in the town of Catarman. Now called Guiob Church Ruins, the 16th Century structure is one of the oldest in Camiguin. At the back of the main church, you’ll see the remnants of a bell tower and a convent. Today, a small chapel stands within the walls of the old church, frequented by locals, as well as visitors, who want to find a quiet place to pray. The site is approximately 30 minutes away from the center of Mambajao by habal-habal. It is just along the road and almost everyone in Camiguin knows the place. There is no entrance fee.

Guiob Church Ruins, Catarman, Camiguin | Photo by Neil Nicerio

Ardent Hot SpringMambajao, Camiguin

Hot springs are common in volcanic islands like Camiguin. Among those in the island,Ardent Hot Spring found at the foot of Mount Hibok-Hibok is the most popular. The spring cascades down to six separate pools in which the topmost pool is the hottest at approximately 40 degrees Celsius. As the water gushes down to the lower pools, the temperature decreases giving visitors more options when choosing which pool to pick. If you are dipping in the upper pools, don’t stay in the hot water longer than 20 minutes or you risk skin irritation. If you’re coming from a day climb of Mount Hibok-Hibok, having a quick dip in the hot springs is a good way to relax the muscles. Ardent Hot Spring can be reached by hiring a habal-habal from Mambajao. The entrance fee is ₱30 per person. Huts under the shade of trees are available for rent.

Ardent Hot Spring, Mambajao, Camiguin | Photo from typhooncrazy.com

Mt. Vulcan WalkwayCatarman, Camiguin

Along the slopes of Mt. Vulcan in Barangay Bonbon, in the town of Catarman, lay a series of concrete steps and pathway. White statues depicting the Stations of the Cross stand beside the trail, making this a popular prayer and devotion site during the Christian Holy Week.

Camiguin offers great views of the island and the sea. It also serves as a good way to work out while on vacation. A must especially when you plan to eat a lot of seafood, lanzones, and pastel while in Camiguin. Mount Vulcan Walkway is just about 20 minutes away from Mambajao center by habal-habal. It is only a 5 to 10-minute drive from Paras Beach Resort, the common jump off point to White Island.

Mt. Vulcan Walkway, Catarman, Camiguin | Photo from The Backpacking Pinoy Couple

Sto. Niño Cold SpringCatarman, Camiguin

If crowded places don’t concern you that much and you don’t mind sharing a rather small space with both locals and travelers, then you might want to consider a visit toSto. Niño Cold Spring, in the town of Catarman. The clear, cold waters of the two pools (the bigger one measuring approximately 25m x 40m) attract many locals to take a dip.

With a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, the freshwater coming out of the spring is truly refreshing. One may even swim along with small fishes that frolic in the pools. From the main Camiguin circumferential road, turn at the junction in the village of Looc and from there continue to drive for another 2 kilometers to the spring. There is an entrance fee of ₱20 for adults. Picnic huts can be rented for ₱75 for the first 4 hours.

Sto. Niño Cold Spring, Catarman, Camiguin | Photo by The Backpacking Pinoy Couple

What to Eat in Camiguin

Lanzones

There are at least 3 varieties of lanzones in the country: Paete, Camiguin, and Jolo. Among them, the Camiguin variety is considered to be the sweetest and this is the reason why many visitors to the island make sure to get a taste of this fruit during their trip.

Since lanzones have become synonymous to Camiguin, a festival named after it is held in the month of October. During the celebration houses, floats, and street poles are decorated with lanzones and lanzones leaves. Parades and street dancing also make the roads of Mambajao come alive to the delight of both locals and tourists.

Kiping

A snack that is unique to Camiguin, kiping is made from dried cassava topped with “latik” or caramelized sugar. It is as thin and crispy as a fried potato crisp, but is as large as a regular dining plate. It’s normally sold for just ₱5 and easily found outside the main attractions of the island such as Katibawasan Falls and Sto. Niño Cold Spring.

Kiping from Camiguin

Pastel

Pastel is a delicacy so delicious, it’s now famous throughout the archipelago. It can be found all over Mindanao, in selected stores in the Visayas, and occasionally inside the larger malls in Luzon. These soft sweet buns filled with yema originated from the small island of Camiguin, in a small bakery called Vjandep Bakeshoppe. Together with lanzones and kiping, pastel is certainly a must-try. It’s not surprising if you end up bringing home boxes of it.

Vjandep’s Pastel | Photo from Vjandep’s Facebook Page

Where to Stay in Camiguin

Paras Beach Resort

Rocky Village, Yumbing Mambajao, Camiguin

+63 88 387 9008 / +63 917 715 2285
parasbeachresort.com

Bahay Bakasyunan

Balbagon, Mambajao, Camiguin

+63 88 387 0131 / +63 917 721 2798
bahaybakasyunan.com

Enigmata Treehouse Ecolodge

Maubog, Balbagon, Mambajao, Camiguin

+63 88 387 0273 / +63 906 816 4474
camiguinecolodge.org

Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle

J.P. Rizal St., Mambajao, Camiguin

+63 88 387 0419 / +63 917 308 9293
villaparaisoresortcamiguin.com

Agohay Villa Forte Beach Resort

Agoho, Mambajao, Camiguin

+63 88 387 9543 / +63 919 477 7300
agohayvillaforte.com

Caves Dive Resort

Agoho, Mambajao, Camiguin

+63 88 387 0077 / +63 918 915 7593
facebook.com/camiguincavesdiveresort

Ardent Hot Spring Resort

Esperanze, Mambajao, Camiguin

+63 88 387 0948

ABOUT AUTHOR

HARLY LIMLINGAN MARCUAP

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A young Filipino geologist and travel enthusiast, he is the writer behindAkrosdayunibers. He likes diving, mountain climbing and exploring remote islands across the Philippine Archipelago. His passion is to discover new places and share it with everyone!

Airport CCTV Rehab Delayed Anew

By Raoul Esperas, ABS-CBN

MANILA -- Rehabilitation of the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been delayed anew, after the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) disqualified two winning bidders for the P450-million CCTV rehabilitation project.

Ret. Gen. Vicente Guerzon, senior assistant general manager of MIAA, in an interview with ABS-CBN News, said one winning bidder for the CCTV rehabilitation project was disqualified by the MIAA Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).

The second winning bidder was likewise disqualified by MIAA-BAC due to technical reasons, as well as for failing a post-evaluation check.

MIAA, under the administration of General Manager Jose Angel Honrado, initiated the CCTV rehabilitation project more than four years ago, after airport authorities discovered that most of the cameras installed in the airport complex are either defective or are not working at all.

The rehabilitation project also aims to upgrade old black and white CCTV cameras to newer models.

Airport incidents that were not captured by CCTV cameras include the brawl involving Ramon Tulfo and actors Raymart Santiago and Claudine Baretto, as well as the killing of a local executive.

Guerzon explained that the third winning bidder is now undergoing post evaluation check by MIAA BAC. However, sources disclosed that it may also be disqualified for failing to meet the technical specifications required by airport authorities for all cameras to be installed within the airport complex.

Guerzon said that under the terms of reference, a winning bidder will be given 240 days to complete the installation of cameras in NAIA terminals.

A total of 747 cameras will initially be installed in all three terminals, most of which should be equipped with motion detection and thermal scanning to monitor unauthorized intrusions at the perimeter fence.

Guerzon said they do not expect the project to be finished within the remaining period under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

There have been several cases of intrusions by alleged psychologically troubled persons at the airport complex, all of whom were able to penetrate the perimeter fence undetected.

Most of intruders were able to stray into the tarmac area, while the latest involved a person climbing the wheel of the landing gear of a departing plane at NAIA Terminal 1.