CBCP asks parishes to sing 9 songs at mass as papal visit nears

Organizers of Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines have been requested parishes to have nine songs — one of them reflecting the plight of victims of recent calamities the Pope will break bread with — sung during mass.

"We request that the songs be sung in your parish Masses, the Gloria in the remaining Sundays in Ordinary Time, Simbang Gabi and the Christmas season," organizers said on social media and online.

Notable in the list of songs is "Laudate Dominum" by Fr. Manuel Fransisco, SJ. The song contains lyrics that refer to devastation, disease and great loss, and how people find refuge in God.

Aside from "Laudate Dominum", the organizers included the following songs:


Alay sa Diyos
Aleluya, Credo
Glory to God
Penitential Rite
Santo
Si Kristo
Tinapay ng Buhay

Pope Francis is due to visit the Philippines from Jan. 15 to 19.

His itinerary includes events in Manila and Leyte. Leyte is among the areas devastated by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which left more than 6,300 dead last year.

200 priests from outside the Philippines invited to say Mass with pope in Manila

Some 200 priests from outside the Philippines will be given the chance to concelebrate the Mass with Pope Francis in Manila on January 18.

Fr Rufino Sescon Jr, head of the steering committee for the papal visit, said the 200 slots will be given to priests from dioceses outside the Philippines.

Priests in the Philippines only need to coordinate with their respective dioceses to be able to concelebrate with the pope during the Mass in Luneta Park.

"This is a grace-filled occasion in our priestly life and ministry to break bread with our Holy Father," Sescon said.

"May this experience inspire us further to become merciful and compassionate shepherds. May we become priests rich in mercy and compassion," he added.

The Philippine government, meanwhile, has already started organizing medical teams for the pope's visit next month.

The Health Department said at least 25 medical teams composed of a minimum of four doctors, nurses, and ambulance personnel will be on standby in Manila and the province of Leyte.

Govt rushing infrastructure projects before 2016

   The country is trying to address the infrastructure backlog amid a steady economic growth.

During the Philippine Economic Briefing held on Tuesday (September 30), government leaders said they were working on closing the gap amid mounting problems on port congestion, traffic jams, inefficient mass transit, and dwindling power supply.

Among those who attended the briefing were Secretary Ramon Jimenez of the Deparment of Tourism, Secretary Rogelio Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA),Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya of the Transportation and Communications (DOTC) , and Governo Amando Tetangco Jr. of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

For his part, Jimenez said: "In a situation where resources are tight, where growth, in fact, is new, you will find yourself very frequently – and I assure you're going to see more of it – you're going to see yourself going through periods of very tight capacity, before you actually see expansion."

Abaya announced that the DOTC will bid out projects in the coming months that will provide long-term relief for commuters – among them:

• the rehabilitation of six provincial airports, as well as improvements at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Clark International Airport.
• the expansioin of LRT Lines 1 and 2
• the developoment of the bus rapid transit system in Cebu City, Manila, and the Ortigas Center in Pasig
• the developoment of the Integrated Luzon Railway Project, which will connect Cagayan Valley and Sorsogon in the Bicol Region

Abaya tagged the last as "a truly inclusive project" because it would allow farmers and fisherfolk from the extreme ends of Luzon to send their goods to market and make them competitive.

According Singson, the DPWH also aims to complete the pavement of national roads - spanning a total of 3,000  kilometers - by 2016.

Asked for a reaction, analyst Astro del Castillo, managing director of First Grade Finance Inc., said the government must fast-track these projects if it wants economic growth to continue even after President Benigno Aquino III steps down in 2016.

"We would rather hope that the government really focus on the economic agenda rather than on politics," Del Castillo said.

Both the government and the private sector admit, though, that not everything could be done in the homestretch.

At the end of the day, the reforms should be able to withstand leadership changes to ensure that economic gains will be sustained in the long-term. - 9News Online from a report by Kristine de Guzman

Tutuban-Calamba train marks start of grand plans for PNR

LORRIE de Borja used to endure a two-hour commute from Laguna to Manila, where she runs purchasing errands for her catering business. So when the new Tutuban-Calamba train service opened yesterday, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) found a ready customer in the 55-year-old Calamba resident.

“As a caterer I need to go to Divisoria every day to buy ingredients,” Ms. de Borja said in Filipino. Her former routine involved three transfers, which she can now leave behind with the introduction of a train line that brings her directly to Tutuban, within walking distance of her suppliers.

She even finds the ride comfortable, at least by the standards of Metro Manila’s other troubled commuter-train lines. “It’s a pleasant ride compared with the MRT (Metro Rail Transit),” she said.

The state-owned railway expects the 56-kilometer Calamba service to add an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 passengers to its current ridership of 70,000, a drop in the bucket as far as people-moving goes, but a godsend to those who happen to need a reliable ride into the city center from the capital’s bustling southern periphery.

“I can save about an hour a day so it’s a great help,” Ms. de Borja said. “I hope the government will continue providing services like these.”

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio A. Abaya, who helped inaugurate the Calamba line yesterday, promised commuters that his department will continue to implement projects that will hasten the rehabilitation of the PNR.

Among the projects planned are the rehabilitation, development and extension of the north and south lines of the PNR as well as the revival of the 422-kilometer Bicol Express train service.

“In 2015, we’ll be rehabilitating and overhauling three train coaches that are 25 years old. We are also rehabilitating nine pieces of rolling stock from Korea, which are relatively new, 7-8 years old,” Mr. Abaya said.

He added that the department is also targeting the revival of the Bicol Express train service, which was suspended two years ago after a train derailed in Sariaya, Quezon.

“We’re looking at restoring the train services to Legazpi, Albay in the next few months after a successful trial run last August,” he added.

The department, according to Mr. Abaya, is looking at bidding out the overall rehabilitation of the PNR under the government’s flagship Public-Private Partnership infrastructure program.

“The PNR rehabilitation will cover the entire North and South lines, including branch lines of Tarlac-San Jose in the north, and Calamba-Batangas in the south,” Mr. Abaya said, noting that a team is currently assessing the viability of a northern line to Cagayan. --Chrisee Jalyssa V. Dela Paz

Chinese experts to improve PH railways

Amid mounting complaints and concerns ranging from long queues and train accidents, Chinese experts were dispatched to the Philippines to help local experts improve the railway system.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) chief representative Noriaki Niwa said experts from the Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism have already met with Philippine officials to discuss and map out points of improvements for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Philippine National Railways (PNR). “This mission is part of the JICA’s ongoing cooperation to help improve the Philippine’s public transport system,” he said. “The experiences of China in railway operations will be useful to the Philippines,” he added.

China is known to be among the best in the operation of the railway system in the world while the Philippine government is currently at the receiving end of criticisms for what is perceived to be a lousy operation of the mass transport system in the country.

A number of railway deaths and injuries have been noted in the case of the PNR while the MRT also figured in various technical problems, one of them resulted in one of the coaches overshooting the railway track and eventually ramming the barrier at the Pasay Rotunda.

Currently, Niwa revealed that Japan is financing the capacity enhancements of LRT Lines 1 and 2. Part of the discussion, he revealed, is the conduct of feasibility study for the North-South Commuter Project.

Initially, one of the recommendations from the Chinese experts are those categorized as ‘soft’ that include easy-to-use manuals, accident-prevention and training; and ‘hard’, improvement of traks and rolling stocks. “The mission emphasized the importance of developing a system that will analyze accidents like what Chinese transport safety institutions currently use,” he said.

It was recalled that a much-improved and efficient railway network is one of the focal points of the roadmap study of the Chinese government which was recently approved by the President. The roadmap lists down strategies and priorities that can be implemented by the Philippine government to decongest traffic, ensure seamless mobility, improve living standards, lessen air pollution and lessen transport cost burden for High-income groups in Mega Manila by 2030.

2 papal events open to public

MANILA, Nov. 19, 2014— Only two out of the 11 scheduled activities of Pope Francis’ four-day visit to the country next year will be open to the public.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal said these include the Masses that will be held at the Tacloban City airport in Leyte at 10 a.m. on Jan. 17 and at the Luneta Park in Manila at 3:30pm on Jan. 18.

All the other activities, he said, are by invitation only.

“In some of the events like the encounter with the families… because of the constraint also of the venues, only representatives from different sectors or provinces will be accommodated,” Tagle said.

The cardinal was referring to the “Meeting with the Families” at the Mall of Asia Arena at 5:30pm on Jan. 16.

He said each archdiocese and diocese will send representatives to attend the gathering with the pope at the arena which has a seating capacity of around 15,000 with the ability to hold as many as 20,000 people.

“How these families will selected is up to the bishops of the diocese,” said Tagle.

Only around 2,000 bishops, priests, and religious individuals will be able to get into the Manila Cathedral for the Mass with the pope at 11:15am on Jan. 16, the second day of the papal visit.

Jesuit Archbishop Antonio Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro earlier said the papal visit central committee had asked every diocese to send only 10 priests and five religious women for the liturgical activity.

Msgr. Nestor Cerbo, rector, said security preparations are now underway for the Mass at the cathedral.

He said they will also set up video walls outside the cathedral for people who will not be able to get inside the church.

The pontiff is also scheduled to visit the Palo Cathedral to address the clergy and the religious congregations, and bless the Pope Francis Center for the Poor, a Vatican project for the care of the elderly, the orphans and the less privileged, in Leyte.

In Manila, among the activities is a brief meeting between the pope and the religious leaders of the Philippines and will be followed with an encounter with the youth. Both activities will be held at the University of the Santo Tomas campus in Manila on Jan. 18.

Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Jan. 15 from Sri Lanka. He will go to Port Moresby on Jan. 19-21 and to Singapore on 22, and Suva on 23 and New Zealand and Australia on January 24-February 2. (CBCPNews)

Repair of Quirino Grandstand for Pope Francis visit starts

DPWH workers start the repair and repainting of the Quirino Grandstand on Thursday, November 20, in preparation for Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines on January 15 to 19, 2015.

Quirino Grandstand, pinagaganda para sa papal visit

Matapos ihayag ang itinerary ni Pope Francis sa pagbisita nito sa Maynila, minamadali na ngayon ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ang rehabilitasyon ng Quirino Grandstand sa Luneta Park.

Ayon sa DPWH, target ng kagawaran na makumpleto ang pagkukumpuni sa istruktura bago sumapit ang Disyembre 30.

“Tiwala kaming matatapos ito sa target date,” ayon kay DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo, na nangangasiwa sa regional operations ng ahensiya.

Ang proyekto ay ipinatutupad ng DPWH-South Manila Engineering District at bahagi ng rehabilitasyon ang pagpipintura ng istruktura, pagpapaganda sa mga silid at pagsasaayos ng mga kisame na tumutulo tuwing umuulan.

Magdaraos ng misa ang Papa sa Rizal Park dakong 3:30 ng hapon sa Enero 18, 2015.

Mahigit 2,100 pari ang poposisyon sa north at south wing ng grandstand na may kapasidad na 1,050 bawat isa.

May dalawang holding area sa ibaba ng entablado—isa para kay Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at ang isa pa para kay Pope Francis.

“Maglalagay kami ng 500 detachable seat sa grandstand,” ayon kay DPWH District Engineer Mike Macud.

Magtatayo rin ang DPWH sa kanang bahagi ng Quirino Grandstand ng isang platform para sa media at sa tabi ng mga mamamahayag ang mga choir member na magtatanghal sa misa.

Ang parking area malapit sa Manila Ocean Park ang magsisilbing helipad.

Quirino Grandstand inihahanda na para kay Pope Francis

Puspusan na ang pagkukumpuni sa Quirino Grandstand sa Luneta na pagdadausan ng misa ni Pope Francis sa Enero. Nagpa-Patrol si Abner Mercado.

Pinapalitan na ang mga sirang pundasyon ng Quirino Grandstand sa Luneta. Sinimulan ng DPWH ang trabaho bago pa man ang kumpirmasyon na ang mag-mimisa si Pope Francis sa Enero.

Para kay Michael Martinez at saka mga nagtratrabaho dito para anay ito ng paglilingkod sa para sa lider ng simbahang katolika.

SM City Malolos

"ang huli kong balita ay umabot na sa 40 hectares. Maghintay tayo ng 2014 Annual Report sa May ng susunod na taon. Can't wait. It will be almost as big as the MOA Complex. I hope matuloy yung rumored high rise condominium. Gusto daw ng SM yung kumpleto na may high rise condo, bpo and maybe convention center, and arena. Kung matutuloy ngang parang SM MOA ay posibleng magkakaroon din tayo ng Globe and Cube landmark. May tanong nga sa FB na ano ang susunod dito."

SM Malolos wishlist

• above 250,000 sq m
• Arquitectonica ang firm
• Monolith Construction ang gagawa
• Magkaroon ng sky garden like North Edsa, Cabanatuan City, Seaside City Cebu

MRT-7 Project

The transportation department has cleared a consortium backed by San Miguel Corporation to proceed with the construction of the P62.7-billion Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT 7) elevated railway line that will link Metro Manila to Bulacan province, a senior government official said.

Universal LRT Corporation Limited, which won the right to develop MRT 7, can now obtain a loan to undertake the project, Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya told reporters in an interview late Wednesday. This is after the government released the implementing guidelines and approved the so-called performance undertaking, or financial guarantee.

“That [MRT 7] is good to go. The ball is in their court,” Abaya said, referring to the consortium.

Even after years of delay in approving the performance undertaking, the MRT 7 construction will not likely start within the year, and the project may be completed before 2018, project contractor D.M. Consunji Inc. said. The financial guarantee is typical for the rarely profitable railway business.

As noted, the next step of Universal LRT is to secure official development assistance from the Japanese government, which will finance most of the project cost.

“The government is requesting them to do the financial close as soon as possible,” Abaya said.

Universal LRT is composed of conglomerate San Miguel, which has been diversifying away from food and drinks and into higher yielding infrastructure businesses, and the Zamora Group.

Isidro Consunji, president of DMCI Holdings Inc. which owns D.M. Consunji, said he expected “detailed engineering and financial closing” to take at least a year.

The project may be completed over a period of three years, he added.

Abaya previously noted that Universal LRT “could do advance work” once it gets the approval of the government.

MRT 7 involves the construction of 22.8-kilometer rail line, starting from Araneta-Colinas Verdes Subdivision, San Jose del Monte in Bulacan up to SM City North EDSA Annex in EDSA corner North Avenue, Quezon City.



It will be the first major extension of the MRT-3 in Metro Manila, which operates on EDSA from North Triangle, Quezon City to Taft Avenue, Pasay City.



The railway line is estimated to operate as many as 108 rail cars using a four-car train configuration, based on proponent’s initial plans.

Initial capacity is projected at 448,000 passengers a day, but will eventually be expanded to accommodate as many as 850,000 passengers daily.



According to the National Economic and Development Authority, MRT 7 will start from the North Avenue station on Edsa, Quezon City, passing through Commonwealth Avenue, Regalado Avenue and Quirino Highway, up to the proposed intermodal transportation terminal in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.



The entire line will have 14 stations.





based on the renderings it will be a heavy rail line... only this will be the first "real" state-of-the-art MRT here in Manila, with stations having plasma screens, touch screen ticket vending machines, platform screen doors for underground stations and automatic platform gates for elevated station and trains with dot matrix destination display, digital voice announcements, and LED/LCD displays that displays the next station, advertisements, and safety messages

Integrated Luzon Railway Project

Project Background

The Integrated Luzon Railway Project (ILRP) is part of the Government of the Philippines’ (GOP’s) efforts to promote inclusive and regional growth; the Project aims to revive the railway via Public-Private partnership (PPP) to provide improved public transport along the North-South transit corridor of Mega Manila and NCR, and the whole of Luzon in the future.

Government of The Philippines has recognized the potential of its rail network to reduce traffic congestion and improve quality of life in the city and neighboring provinces. Currently, the rail service offered by the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is limited to the commuter line from Tutuban, Manila to Sta. Rosa, Laguna and a short corridor within Bicol. PNR was offering train services from Manila to Naga City, Camarines Sur, but the operation has been suspended since late 2012.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is eyeing a plan for an elevated railway that will go from Malolos, Bulacan all the way to Los Banos, Laguna.

In an interview on DZMM’s “Failon Ngayon” aired last July 22, 2013, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said there is an on-going feasibility study (FS) for this elevated railway project.

“Basically yung PNR (Philippine National Railways) na nakikita namin, itong Mega Manila na tinatawag mula sa Bulacan hanggang sa may bandang Laguna, itong elevated railway na hanggang Malolos to Calamba possibly Los Banos, on-going naman yung FS dyan,” he said.

He noted the feasibility study is expected to be finished by the first quarter of 2014, after which it will be submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority.

The DOTC is currently evaluating if the project would be funded through the Public-Private Partnership program, which Abaya views as an opportunity for the public-private sector to be part of the infrastructure development of the country.

"Mai-akyat na namin sa NEDA para mai-approve at magawan ng structure, whether PPP or ang pamahalaan ang magpapagawa nito at gagastos," he said.

"However, kung ang bansa ay may pera at mura ang pag-uutang, mukhang nakikita naming mas mabilis gumastos through the national budget dahil walang pribadong sektor na kailangan mong I-negotiate at siguraduhing na mayroon silang kikitain."

Abaya estimated the elevated railway project will take between four to five years to construct.
Location

• The ILRP covers the abandoned Mainline North from Metro Manila to San Fernando, La Union and the suspended Mainline South from Tutuban, Manila, Metro Manila to Legaspi City, Albay. It also includes the abandoned spur lines to the North from San Jose, Nueva Ecija to Cagayan and from Legaspi City, Albay to Matnog, Sorsogon, as well as the possible revival of the Batangas line.
• The North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) alignment is the first phase of this project. This alignment will run from Malolos City, Bulacan to Calamba City, Laguna using the PNR ROW.
• Mainline North would be a revival development while Mainline South could be the rehabilitation the existing PNR line or the construction of a new line.

Stations

Mainline North

1. Laoag (proposed) - Laoag
2. Paoay (proposed) - Paoay
3. Batac (proposed) - Batac City
4. Vigan (proposed) - Vigan
5. Santa (proposed) - Santa
6. Candon (proposed) - Candon City
7. Sudipen - Sudipen (The line was extended here during the Japanese Occupation)
8. Quirino - Brgy. Quirino, Bacnotan
9. Maragayap - Brgy. Maragayap, Bacnotan
10. Santa Cruz - Brgy. Santa Cruz, Bacnotan
11. Bulala - Brgy. Bulala, Bacnotan
12. Bacnotan - Bacnotan (Terminus since 1955)
13. Baroro - Brgy. Baroro, Bacnotan
14. Taboc - Brgy. Taboc, San Juan
15. San Juan - San Juan, La Union
16. Bato - Brgy. Bato, San Juan
17. Mameltac - Brgy. Saoay, San Fernando
18. Biday - Brgy. Biday, San Fernando
19. San Fernando (San Fernando U) - San Fernando City
20. Junction - Brgy. Catbangen, San Fernando
21. Romas - Brgy. Paringay, Bauang
22. Bauang - Bauang
23. Bauang Sur - Brgy. Calumbaya, Bauang
24. Santiago - Brgy. Santiago, Bauang
25. Urayong - Brgy. Urayong, Bauang
26. Caba (Cava) - Caba
27. Aringay - Aringay [Terminus for the Aringay-Baguio Line]
28. Agoo - Agoo
29. Santo Tomas (Santo Tomas U) - Santo Tomas
30. Cupang - Brgy. Cupang, Santo Tomas
31. Damortis - Brgy. Damortis, Rosario [terminus for car/bus shuttle service to Baguio City via Kennon Road]
32. Alacan - Brgy. Alacan, San Fabian
33. San Fabian - San Fabian [Terminus for the San Fabian-Camp One/San Fabian-Binday branch]
34. Mangaldan - Mangaldan
35. Dagupan - Brgy. Mayombo, Dagupan City
36. Calasiao - Calasiao (ruins)
37. Buenlag - Brgy. Buenlag, Calasiao
38. San Carlos - San Carlos City
39. Malasiqui - Malasiqui
40. Bayambang - Bayambang
41. Bautista - Bautista
42. Poponto - Brgy. Poponto, Bautista
43. Moncada - Moncada (ruins)
44. Paniqui - Paniqui
45. Gerona - Gerona (ruins)
46. Parsolingan - Brgy. Parsolingan, Gerona
47. Tarlac City - Tarlac City Proper, Tarlac City
48. San Miguel - Brgy San Miguel, Tarlac City
49. Murcia (San Agustin) - Concepcion, Tarlac
50. Capas - Capas (Museum for the Death March)
51. Bamban (Bambang) - Bamban (ruins)
52. Mabalacat - Mabalacat
53. Dau - Brgy. Dau, Mabalacat
54. Clark International Airport (proposed) - Clark International Airport, Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City
55. Clark Disneyland (proposed) - Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City
56. Balibago - Brgy. Balibago, Angeles City (Main gate - Clark Special Economic Zone)
57. Angeles (Culiat) - Angeles City (ruins)
58. Calulut - Brgy. Calulut, San Fernando City
59. San Fernando (San Fernando P) - San Fernando City (restored)
60. Santo Tomas - Santo Tomas, Pampanga (ruins)
61. Apalit - Apalit
62. Sulipan - Brgy. Sulipan, Apalit
63. Calumpit - Calumpit
64. Malolos - near the Bulacan Provincial Capitol, Malolos City
65. Guiguinto - Guiguinto
66. Balagtas (Bigaa) - Balagtas
67. Bocaue (Bocaue) - Bocaue (ruins)
68. Marilao - Marilao
69. Meycauayan - Meycauayan City
70. Tarlac-San Jose branch railway line
71. Tarlac City - Tarlac City, Tarlac
72. Victoria - Victoria, Tarlac
73. Subol - Brgy. Subol, Guimba, Nueva Ecija
74. Bantug - Brgy. Bantung, Guimba, Nueva Ecija
75. Guimba - Guimba, Nueva Ecija
76. Matarano - Brgy. Mataranoc, Gumimba
77. Cabaruan - Brgy. Cabaruan, Guimba
78. Gabaldon - Brgy. Gabaldon, Muñoz
79. Palosapis - Brgy. Palosapis, Muñoz
80. Muñoz (Muñoz-Talavera) - Science City of Muñoz
81. Central Luzon Agricultural College - Central Luzon State University, Muñoz
82. San Jose - San Jose City (ruins)
83. Cordon - Cordon, Isabela
84. Santiago - Santiago City, Isabela
85. Echague (proposed) - Echague, Isabela [original terminus planned in 1946 and extended to Tuguegarao]
86. Enrile - Enrile, Cagayan
87. Tuguegarao (proposed) - Tuguegarao, Cagayan

Balagtas-Cabanatuan branch railway line

1. Balagtas (Bigaa) - Balagtas
2. Plaridel - Plaridel
3. Pulilan - Pulilan
4. Baliuag - Baliuag
5. Maasim - Brgy. Maasim, San Ildefonso
6. San Ildefonso - San Ildefonso
7. San Miguel (San Miguel Mayumo) - San Miguel
8. Pinambaran - Brgy. Pinambaran, San Miguel, Bulacan
9. Baluarte - Brgy. Balaurte, Bulacan
10. San Isidro - San Isidro
11. Gapan - Gapan
12. Peñaranda - Peñaranda
13. Santa Rosa - Santa Rosa
14. Cabanatuan - Cabanatuan

Fort Stotsenburg-Magalang branch railway line

1. Stotsenburg - Sapang Bato, Angeles
2. Dau - Brgy. Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga
3. Magalang - Magalang, Pampanga

Arayat-Carmen branch railway line

1. Arayat - Arayat, Pampanga
2. Sta. Ana - Brgy. Sta. Ana, Mexico, Pampanga
3. Mexico - Mexico
4. San Fernando - San Fernando, Pampanga
5. Pasudeco - Brgy. Santo Niño, San Fernando
6. Bacolor - Bacolor, Pampanga
7. Cabetican - Brgy. Cabetican, Bacolor
8. Guagua - Guagua, Pampanga
9. Santa Monica - Brgy. Santa Monica, Lubao
10. Lubao - Lubao, Pampanga
11. San Matias - Brgy. San Matias, Lubao
12. Concepcion - Brgy. Concepcion, Lubao
13. San Francisco - Brgy. San Francisco, Lubao
14. Floridablanca - Floridablanca, Pampanga
15. Paguiruan - Brgy. Paguiruan, Floridablanca
16. Del Carmen (Carmen) - Brgy. Del Carmen, Floridablanca

Tayug branch

1. Paniqui - Paniqui
2. Nampicuan - Nampicuan
3. Cuyapo - Cuyapo
4. Bued - Brgy. Bued, Cuyapo
5. Rosales - Rosales
6. Santa Maria - Santa Maria
7. Tayug - Tayug
8. Cabalitian - Brgy. Cabalitian, Umingan
9. San Quintin - San Quintin

Existing Facilities on the PNR Mainline South

• PNR Mainline South consists of a double standard gauge track which runs a total of 478 kilometers from Manila to Legazpi City, Albay. 
• There are about 430 existing bridge structures, 45 stations and 43 flag stops along the Mainline South.

Stations

1. Caloocan (Kalookan) - Sangandaan, Caloocan City
2. Asistio Avenue - Grace Park, Caloocan City
3. C-3 (5th Ave) - Grace Park, Caloocan City
4. Solis - Tondo, Manila
5. Tayuman - Tayuman Street, Tondo, Manila
6. Tutuban (Manila/Tondo) - Tondo, Manila
7. Blumentritt (San Lazaro/Santa Cruz) - Sampaloc,Manila
8. Laong Laan (Dapitan) - Sampaloc, Manila
9. España - Sampaloc, Manila
10. Sampaloc - Sampaloc, Manila
11. Legarda - Sampaloc, Manila
12. Santa Mesa - Santa Mesa, Manila (beside Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
13. Pandacan (Beata) - Pandacan, Manila
14. Paco - Paco, Manila
15. San Andres - San Andres, Manila
16. Vito Cruz - San Andres, Manila
17. Buendia - Brgy. Pio del Pilar, Makati City
18. Pasay Road (Culi-culi/Pio del Pilar) - Brgy. Pio del Pilar, Makati City
19. EDSA - Magallanes Village, Makati City
20. Nichols (Bonifacio-Villamor) - Brgy. Western Bicutan, Taguig City
21. Balagbag - Balagbag, Pasay City
22. FTI - (Balagbag) Brgy. Western Bicutan, Taguig City
23. Philippine-American Embroidery - Brgy. San Martin de Porres, Parañaque City
24. Bicutan - Brgy. San Martin de Porres, Parañaque City
25. Bagumbayan - Brgy. Bagumbayan, Taguig City
26. Batisan - Brgy. Bagumbayan, Taguig City
27. Sucat - Sucat, Muntinlupa City
28. Buli (Cupang) - Brgy. Cupang
29. Alabang - Alabang, Muntinlupa City
30. Muntinlupa - Poblacion, Muntinlupa City
31. Tunasan - Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
32. San Pedro (San Pedro Tunasan) - San Vicente, San Pedro [abandoned Terminus for the San Pedro-Carmona branch line]
33. Pacita Complex - Pacita Complex, San Pedro
34. Golden City 1 - Golden City Subdivision, Biñan City
35. Biñan (Biñang) - Biñan City
36. Santa Rosa - Brgy. Labas, City Proper, Santa Rosa City
37. Golden City 2 - Golden City Subdivision, Santa Rosa City
38. Cabuyao - near Asia Brewery, Inc. Manufacturing Plant, Cabuyao City
39. Mamatid - Brgy. Mamatid, Cabuyao City [Terminus for the Mamatid-Canlubang Line]
40. Banlic - Brgy. Banlic, Cabuyao City
41. Calamba - Brgy. 1, Calamba City [Terminus for the Calamba-Batangas branch line]
42. Pansol - Brgy. Pansol, Calamba
43. Masili - Brgy. Masili, Calamba
44. Los Baños - Brgy. Bambang, Los Baños
45. UP Los Baños (Junction/College) - University of the Philippines, Brgy. Batong Malake, Los Baños [Terminus for the UP Los Baños-Sta. Cruz branch line]
46. Masaya - Brgy. Masaya, Bay
47. San Crispin - Brgy. San Crispin, San Pablo
48. San Pablo - San Pablo City
49. Tiaong (Tiaon) - Tiaong
50. Lusacan - Brgy Lusacan, Tiaong
51. Candelaria - Candelaria
52. Lutucan - Barangay Lutucan, Sariaya
53. Sariaya - Sariaya
54. Conception - Brgy. Conception, Sariaya
55. Lucena - South City Proper, Lucena City
56. Mayao - Brgy. Mayao, Lucena
57. Castillo - Brgy. Castillo, Pagbilao
58. Pagbilao - Pagbilao
59. Pinagbayanan - Brgy. Pinagbayanan, Pagbilao
60. Palsabangon - Brgy. Ibabang Palsabangon, Pagbilao
61. Binahaan - Brgy. Binahaan, Pagbilao
62. Malicboy - Brgy. Malicboy, Pagbilao
63. Sipa - Brgy. Sipa, Pagbilao
64. Hinguiwin - Brgy. Hinguiwin, Padre Burgos
65. Padre Burgos (Laguimanoc) - Padre Burgos
66. Marao - Brgy. Marao, Padre Burgos
67. Pinaninding - Brgy. Danlagan, Padre Burgos
68. San Isidro - Brgy. San Isidro, Padre Burgos
69. Walay - Brgy. Walay, Padre Burgos
70. Cabuyao - Brgy. Cabuyao Sur, Padre Burgos [flag stop]
71. Agdangan - Agdangan
72. Panaon - Brgy. Panaon, Unisan
73. Poctol - Brgy. Poctol, Unisan
74. Atimonan (Summit) - Brgy. Inalig, Atimonan
75. Plaridel (Siain) - Plaridel
76. Inaclagan - Brgy. Inaclagan, Gumaca
77. Gumaca - Gumaca
78. Panikihan - Brgy. Panikihan, Gumaca
79. Bamban - Brgy. Bamban, Gumaca
80. Hagakhakin - Brgy. Hagakhakin, Gumaca
81. San Vicente - Brgy. San Vicente, Gumaca
82. Pansol - Brgy. Pansol Lopez
83. Lopez - Lopez
84. Santa Lucia - Brgy. Santa Lucia, Lopez
85. Hondagua - Brgy. Hondagua, Lopez
86. Calauag - Brgy. Santa Maria, Calauag
87. Sumulong - Brgy. Sumulong, Calauag
88. Santo Domingo - Brgy. Santo Domingo, Calauag
89. Danlagan - Brgy. Danlagan Reserva, Guinayangan
90. Aloneros - Brgy. Aloneros, Guinayangan
91. Cabugwang - Brgy. Cabugwang, Tagkawayan
92. Manato - Brgy. Manato station, Tagkawayan
93. New Aloneros - Brgy. Manato station, Tagkawayan
94. Mangayao - Brgy. Mangayao, Tagkawayan
95. Katimo - Brgy. Katimo, Tagkawayan
96. Buyabod - Brgy. Buyabod, Tagkawayan
97. Kinatakutan - Brgy. Kinatakutan, Tagkawayan
98. Laurel - Brgy. Laurel, Tagkawayan
99. Aliji - Brgy. Aliji, Tagkawayan
100. Morato - Brgy. Morato, Tagkawayan
101. Tagkawayan - Tagkawayan
102. Del Gallego - Del Gallego
103. San Juan - Brgy. San Juan, Del Gallego
104. Sinuknipan - Brgy. Sinuknipan, Del Gallego
105. Catabangan (Godofredo Reyes Sr.) - Brgy. Godofredo Reyes Sr. (Catabangan Junction), Ragay
106. Port Junction - Brgy. Port Junction, Ragay
107. Fort Simeon (Pugod) - Brgy. Fort Simeon, Ragay
108. Liboro - Brgy. Liboro, Ragay
109. Ragay - Ragay
110. Naghoom - Brgy. Naghoom, Ragay
111. Banga Caves - Brgy. Banga Caves, Ragay
112. Del Rosario - Brgy. Colacling (Del Rosario), Lupi [flag stop]
113. Lupi Viejo - Lupi [flag stop]
114. Lupi Nuevo - Brgy. Tapi, Lupi
115. Manangle - Brgy. Manangle, Sipocot
116. Malaguico - Brgy. Malaguico, Sipocot
117. Azucena - Brgy. Azucena, Sipocot
118. Sipocot - Sipocot
119. Awayan - Brgy. Awayan, Sipocot [flag stop]
120. Mantalisay - Brgy. Mantalisay, Libmanan [flag stop]
121. Camambugan - Brgy. Camambugan, Libmanan [flag stop]
122. Libmanan - Libmanan
123. Rongos - Brgy. Rongos, Libmanan [flag stop]
124. Malansad - Brgy. Malansad, Libmanan [flag stop]
125. Mambulo - Brgy. Mambulo Viejo, Libmanan [flag stop]
126. Pamplona - Pamplona
127. Burabod - Brgy. Burabod, Pamplona [flag stop]
128. Sampaloc - Brgy. Sampaloc, Gainza [flag stop]
129. Naga - Brgy. Triangulo, Naga City
130. San Antonio - Brgy. San Antonio, Milaor
131. Maycatmon - Brgy. Maycatmon, Milaor
132. San Jose - Brgy. San Jose, Pili
133. Pili - Pili
134. Bula - Bula
135. Agdangan - Brgy. Agdangan, Baao
136. Baao - Baao
137. Iriga - Iriga City
138. Lourdes Old - Brgy. Lourdes Old, Nabua
139. Lourdes Young - Brgy. Lourdes Young, Nabua
140. Bato - Bato
141. Matacon - Brgy. Matacon, Polangui [flag stop]
142. Santicon - Brgy. Santicon, Polangui
143. Apad - Brgy. Apad, Polangui
144. Polangui - Polangui
145. Oas - Oas
146. Ligao - Ligao City
147. Inascan - Brgy. Inascan, Guinobatan
148. Guinobatan - Brgy. Masarawag, Guinobatan
149. Travesia - Brgy. Travesia, Guinobatan, Albay|Guinobatan
150. Camalig - Camalig [Abandoned because of a diversion line built by the PNR to alleviate the original high gradient, lava affected section between Camalig and Daraga]
151. Comun - Brgy. Comun, Daraga
152. Daraga - Brgy. Sagpon, Daraga
153. Albay - Brgy. 16 Kawit-East Washington Drive, Legazpi
154. Legazpi (Legaspi) - Legazpi City [Terminus for the Legazpi-Tabaco Line]

Legazpi-Tabaco branch

1. Legazpi - Legazpi
2. Santo Domingo (Libog) - Santo Domingo, Albay
3. Bacacay - Bacacay
4. Malilipot - Malilipot
5. Tabaco - Tabaco

Other related projects: North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR)

• The NSCR line will cater mostly to commuters of Greater Metro Manila. It is a 141.2 (80.2 (NorthRail phase 1) + 59.9 (SouthRail) kilometer commuter and rapid railway transit system. The NSCR proposes sixty-four (64) passenger stations, four (4) of which are interchange stations: Blumentritt (LRT Line 1), Santa Mesa (LRT 2), and EDSA (MRT Line 3) and the I-T-S (Integrated Transportation System) provincial bus terminal located at FTI (Food Terminal Inc.), Taguig City. An office and railway depot of about 30 hectares will be constructed in Marilao, Bulacan.
• The new commuter rail facility is envisioned to use train sets of 4 cars each at a maximum running speed of 120 kilometers/hour.
• In addition, a depot will be constructed in Marilao, Bulacan, approximately 30 hectares to provide maintenance works and accommodate larger fleet of trains.
• The indicative project cost for NSCR will be P271.19 billion.
• Phase 2 of this project will include rail services between Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga and Manila International Airport.

Stations 

1. Clark International Airport (proposed) - Clark International Airport, Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City
2. Clark Disneyland (proposed) - Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City
3. Balibago - Brgy. Balibago, Angeles City (Main gate - Clark Special Economic Zone)
4. Angeles (Culiat) - Angeles City
5. Calulut - Brgy. Calulut, San Fernando City
6. San Fernando (San Fernando P) - San Fernando City (restored)
7. Santo Tomas - Santo Tomas, Pampanga (ruins)
8. Apalit - Apalit
9. Sulipan - Brgy. Sulipan, Apalit
10. Calumpit - Calumpit
11. Malolos - near the Bulacan Provincial Capitol, Malolos City
12. Guiguinto - Guiguinto
13. Balagtas (Bigaa) - Balagtas
14. Bocaue (Bocaue) - Bocaue
15. Marilao - Marilao
16. Meycauayan - Meycauayan City
17. Caloocan (Kalookan) - Sangandaan, Caloocan City
18. Asistio Avenue - Grace Park, Caloocan City
19. C-3 (5th Ave) - Grace Park, Caloocan City
20. Solis - Tondo, Manila
21. Tayuman - Tayuman Street, Tondo, Manila
22. Tutuban (Manila/Tondo) - Tondo, Manila
23. Blumentritt (San Lazaro/Santa Cruz) - Sampaloc, Manila
24. Laong Laan (Dapitan) - Sampaloc, Manila
25. España - Sampaloc, Manila
26. Sampaloc - Sampaloc, Manila
27. Legarda - Sampaloc, Manila
28. Santa Mesa - Santa Mesa, Manila (beside Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
29. Pandacan (Beata) - Pandacan, Manila
30. Paco - Paco, Manila
31. San Andres - San Andres, Manila
32. Vito Cruz - San Andres, Manila
33. Buendia - Brgy. Pio del Pilar, Makati City
34. Pasay Road (Culi-culi/Pio del Pilar) - Brgy. Pio del Pilar, Makati City
35. EDSA - Magallanes Village, Makati City
36. Nichols (Bonifacio-Villamor) - Brgy. Western Bicutan, Taguig City
37. Balagbag - Balagbag, Pasay City
38. FTI - (Balagbag) Brgy. Western Bicutan, Taguig City
39. Philippine-American Embroidery - Brgy. San Martin de Porres, Parañaque City
40. Bicutan - Brgy. San Martin de Porres, Parañaque City
41. Bagumbayan - Brgy. Bagumbayan, Taguig City
42. Batisan - Brgy. Bagumbayan, Taguig City
43. Sucat - Sucat, Muntinlupa City
44. Buli (Cupang) - Brgy. Cupang
45. Alabang - Alabang, Muntinlupa City
46. Muntinlupa - Poblacion, Muntinlupa City
47. Tunasan - Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
48. San Pedro (San Pedro Tunasan) - San Vicente, San Pedro
49. Pacita Complex - Pacita Complex, San Pedro
50. Golden City 1 - Golden City Subdivision, Biñan City
51. Biñan (Biñang) - Biñan City
52. Santa Rosa - Brgy. Labas, City Proper, Santa Rosa City
53. Golden City 2 - Golden City Subdivision, Santa Rosa City
54. Cabuyao - near Asia Brewery, Inc. Manufacturing Plant, Cabuyao City
55. Mamatid - Brgy. Mamatid, Cabuyao City [Terminus for the Mamatid-Canlubang Line]
56. Banlic - Brgy. Banlic, Cabuyao City
57. Calamba - Brgy. 1, Calamba City [Terminus for the Calamba-Batangas branch line]
58. Pansol - Brgy. Pansol, Calamba
59. Masili - Brgy. Masili, Calamba
60. Los Baños - Brgy. Bambang, Los Baños
61. UP Los Baños (Junction/College) - University of the Philippines, Brgy. Batong Malake, Los Baños [Terminus for the UP Los Baños-Sta. Cruz branch line]
62. Masaya - Brgy. Masaya, Bay
63. San Crispin - Brgy. San Crispin, San Pablo
64. San Pablo - San Pablo City

San Pedro-Carmona

• San Pedro - San Vicente, San Pedro
• Chrysanthemum Village - San Pedro
• Carmona - San Pedro

Cabuyao-Eton City branch

Mamatid-Buntog branch

• Mamatid - Mamatid, Cabuyao City
• Mayapa - Brgy. Mayapa, Calamba, Laguna
• Canlubang - Canlubang, Calamba
• Locomotive - Canlubang, Calamba
• Buntog - Sitio Buntog, Canlubang, Calamba

Calamba-Bauan branch

• Calamba - Brgy. 1, Calamba City
• Makiling - Brgy. Makiling, Calamba
• Santo Tomas - Santo Tomas
• Tanauan - Tanauan City
• Malvar (Luta) - Brgy. Poblacion, Malvar, Batangas [Terminus for the San Pablo-Malvar Line]
• Lipa - Lipa City
• Padre Garcia (proposed) - Padre Garcia
• San Jose - San Jose, Batangas
• Batangas - near the Batangas Provincial Capitol
• Bauan - Bauan

UP Los Baños-Santa Cruz branch

• UP Los Baños - Barangay Batong Malake, Los Baños
• Bay - Bay
• Victoria (Dayap) - Victoria
• Manaol - Brgy. Manaol, Nagcarlan
• Banca-Banca - Brgy. Banca-Banca, Nagcarlan
• Calumpang - Brgy. Calumpang, Nagcarlan
• Magdalena - Magdalena
• Cabanbanan (Buboy) - Brgy. Pagsawitan, Santa Cruz
• Pagsawitan - Brgy. Pagsawitan, Santa Cruz
• Santa Cruz - near the Laguna Provincial Capitol, Santa Cruz
• Pagsanjan - Town Proper, Pagsanjan

San Pablo-Malvar Branch Railway Line

• San Pablo - San Pablo City
• Santa Monica - Brgy. Santa Monica, San Pablo
• Magampon - San Pablo
• Alaminos - Alaminos, Laguna
• San Andres - Brgy. San Andres, Alaminos
• San Joaquin - Brgy. San Joaquin, Santo Tomas, Batangas
• Camballo - Brgy. San Francisco, Santo Tomas
• Salvarrol - Brgy. San Francisco, Santo Tomas
• Malvar (Luta) - Malvar, Batangas

Project

a. Concession Scope

While the transaction structure is presently being developed, the following concession scope currently being explored is as follows:

• NSCR
• Construction of 89.7km double-track standard gauge commuter rail line (i.e. elevated, viaduct, underground and at-grade structures, depot)
• Supply of rolling stock
• Installation of electro-mechanical systems
• Operations and maintenance of the NSCR Line
• Mainline South and Extension
• Rehabilitation of existing Mainline South Railway (bridges, track, signaling, civil works)
• Construction of new extension line to Matnog, Sorsogon
• Reconstruction of branch line to Batangas
• Operation and maintenance of the Mainline South Railway and extensions
• Supply of rolling stock; refitting of old rolling stock
• Mainline North and Extension
• Reconstruction of new double-track standard gauge railway on Mainline North railbed
• Construction of new extension to Tuguegarao, Cagayan
• Supply of standard gauge rolling stock (DMUs, freight locos and wagons)
• Operation and maintenance of the Mainline North Railway and extensions
• Operation of freight railway

B.  Indicative Schedule

1.      Tender Process / Status for NSCR (or First Stage of ILRP)

The transaction process is likely to be undertaken in 2 stages: a) pre-qualification of prospective bidders and b) selection of preferred bidder.

Milestone	Indicative Timeline
Request for Qualifications / Invitation to Prequalify and Bid	3rd Quarter 2014
Qualification Documents Submission	4th Quarter 2014
Issuance of Bid Documents	4th Quarter 2014
Submission of Bid Documents	3rd Quarter 2015
Issuance of Notice of Award	3rd Quarter 2015
Signing Date of Concession Agreement and Compliance with other requirements	4th Quarter 2015

References: http://ppp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ILRP-Investment-Profile.pdf

Automatic Fare Collection System

The contactless AFCS (automatic fare collection system) will integrate the ticketing system between the LRT and the MRT and PNR. Passengers will no longer have to spend a lot of time lining up just to buy tickets, which can be bought from other retail outlets such as grocery stores.

A new type of ticket will also be used. Instead of the magnetized ones currently being used, the more durable "rechargeable contactless" credit cards will be made available. Just like cellphone cards, these train tickets are also "loadable," as they will be using a technology similar to the Octopus card system in Hong Kong.

Automatic Fare Collection System involves the decommissioning of the old-magnetic-based ticketing system and replacing the same with credit card rechargeable contactless-based smart card technology on LRT Line 1, MRT Line 2 and MRT Line 3, with the introduction of a centralized back office that will perform apportionment of revenues. The private sector will operate and maintain the fare collection system. On January 31, 2014, DOTC awarded the right to build and operate the smart-card system to AF Consortium.  The group comprises Ayala Corporation’s BPI and Globe Telecom, Metro Pacific's Smart Communications and Meralco FinServe, MSI Global, which developed automated fare collection systems’ software in Singapore and Bangkok, and SMRT, which operates Singapore’s mass transit system.

The government and the consortium of Ayala Corporation and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) signed on Monday, March 31 the concession agreement for the modernization of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) ticketing system despite an appeal made by the SM group.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation chairman Manuel Pangilinan and Ayala Corporation chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala signed the agreement for the P1.72-billion Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel Monday.

The AFCS is the first Public-Private Partnership project awarded by government this year. The joint venture of Ayala and MPIC, AF Consortium, bagged the project in a bidding held last December 12.

Abaya said the concession agreement was finally signed after delays due to appeals filed by losing bidders, among them, the SM group.
“We have addressed all the issues,” he noted, stressing that the "project is in good hands."

The AFCS, patterned after mass rail transport payment systems in developed countries such as Singapore’s EZ Link Card, will upgrade the MRT and LRT ticketing system to substantially speed up payments, reduce queuing time and allow passengers seamless transfers from one rail line to another.

At the agreement signing, Pangilinan gave assurances that the project would be completed within the September 2015 deadline set by the Department of Transportation and Communications.

“Now that the bid is over and we are about to conclude this agreement, I think the hard work begins this afternoon. We have 18 months to deliver on this promise,” Pangilinan said.

For his part, Zobel said, “We are absolutely delighted to be here with the MPIC group. Hopefully this won’t be the last time that we will work together.”

This developed as the SM group filed its second motion, asking DOTC to reconsider the award of the project.

AF Consortium submitted a negative bid of P1, 088,103,900 for the AFCS, edging the negative P1, 088,000,000 bid of SM.

SM claimed its bid was better because it offered to pay the government the full amount upfront. It also claimed that AF Consortium's bid was conditional. "Under the terms of the AF Consortium bid, 72% of the total amount will only be paid to government in 2024 or 2025 and only if the conditional [passenger] volume is met. Otherwise, the government will not be able to collect anything at all," the company's president Hans Sy said in an earlier statement.

But DOTC spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal said, "The bid provided a schedule of the different options on how the transaction fee will be paid example x amount for 300 million to 350 million passengers, y amount for 350 million to 400 million. I guess SM chose a different structure. In any case, AF's structure met our requirements."

AF Consortium is eyeing to expand the use of the AFCS to include other transport modes such as buses.

“The timelines for this project -- and I hope you take this down -- target starting date is December 2014; this is all according to my briefing sheet. Target completion is July 2015; target start of AFCS implementation is September 2015.”

John Eric T. Francia, Ayala Corp. managing director and group head for corporate strategy and development, said that the AF Consortium will spend P2 billion on top of its original bid for the project.

Mr. Abaya told reporters on the sidelines of the event that they have de facto denied the second Motion for Reconsideration (MR) from SM Consortium given the contract’s signing.

“I’m sure that there’s a limit,” Mr. Abaya said of SM’s protesting the awarding.

“[DoTC Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo M.] Lotilla from legal [affairs] said that you are rightfully given a chance to do an MR; technically, you should incorporate everything into one MR. It cannot be by installment; we would take forever,” he said.

In a press release yesterday, SM Consortium said it had filed another MR with the DoTC, “seeking to further clarify” the agency’s position on the AFCS.

“The first MR was filed by the SM Consortium last 03 February 2014. A response finally arrived at 7:20 pm after office hours on Friday, 28 March 2014,” the consortium noted in its statement.

It also cited five issues, including that it had the better bid, that another consortium set increased ridership volume as a condition for payment of the project’s balance to the government, and that there was a conflict of interest.

LRT-MRT Expansion project wants to continue

MRT-7, LRT-1 Cavite extension, automatic fare collection, common station, planned extension in Dasmarinas City, Cavite, Subway, Underground loop , Pati pagbili ng bagong bagon, gusto kong tumuloy ni secretary Abaya!

7,000 cops to secure Makati, Manila rallies

(By TJ Burgonio and Cynthia Balana)

Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2014 (INQUIRER) - TRAFFIC will be rerouted. But to ensure that there will be no untoward incident, a total of 7,000 policemen will be deployed in Manila and Makati to secure the rallyists.

In Makati City, Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr., Metro Manila police chief, said that at 6 a.m. October 26, Sunday, the Ayala Avenue, from Herrera Street to Manila Peninsula on Makati Avenue will be closed to all vehicular traffic. Paseo de Roxas, from de la Rosa Street in front of Enterprise Center, Banco Filipino, and BPI Family will likewise be closed.

At 10 a.m. the entire stretch of Ayala to Rustans Buendia will be closed to all vehicular traffic.

The traffic re-routing plan will give way to participants to the pro-democracy rally. The participants will converge at the Ayala-Paseo de Roxas intersection for the main program which will start at 1 p.m.

Alternative routes will be designated by the Makati Parking Authority, Traffic Management Group-PNP, MAPSA, and the Ayala Security Force.

No parking for all vehicles along Ayala Avenue.

Rally organizers have been advised to police their own ranks.

No operation dikit or Operation pinta will be allowed within the Central Business District or the places where the buses are parked.

Another group policemen will be deployed to the Rizal Park to secure the expected mammoth crowd who will attend the DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International Family Appointment with El Shaddai for the annual founding anniversary celebration and grand prayer assembly of the Evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious movement “Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide” on October 25 to 27 in time for the five-day pastoral and state visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines.

Chief Superintendent Rolando Asuncion, Manila police chief, said that some 1,000 policemen will come from the Western Police District while the rest were augmentation force from the National Capital Regional Police Office.

He added that an additional police force would be deployed in the area in case the crowd swells to 5 million. He also raised the red alert from 6 a.m. Saturday, October 25 up to 9 a.m., October 27, Monday.

“We're putting up our own security precautions because the crowd expected will be a bit big now compared to the other El Shaddai gatherings,” Fernandez said in another briefing.

Some 3 million people, consisting mostly of El Shaddai followers, are expected to attend the annual grand gathering.

President Benigno Aquino III and other government officials, Church leaders, foreign dignitaries, sports and showbiz personalities are expected to show up at the annual celebration because Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva is also celebrating his birthday on October 6. Mr. Aquino is expected to address the rally at 5 p.m.

Pope Francis will preside over the 6:45 p.m. thanksgiving Mass, which will be aired on radio, broadcast live on local and foreign television stations and video streamed to an audience of millions around the country and abroad.

Twelve giant LED screens mounted in the field will give participants a better view of the liturgical rites unfolding in the templete, an elevated concrete-and-bamboo structure.

In the 61-hectare site, a national park backfilled with dirt and limestone for the annual grand historic event, most of the participants will have to stand throughout the series of activities which start at 3 p.m. with foot processions

Only vehicles with passes issued by the Archdiocese of Manila as well as shuttle buses which would ferry people to the site are allowed to enter the area.

President Benigno Aquino III and Vice-President Jejomar Binay are among several government officials, city and municipal mayors, Church leaders, foreign dignitaries, sports and showbiz personalities who will grace the event.

Also invited as speakers and guests during the Holy Mass during the celebration are sports icons, fashion models, movie and television celebrities and high society figures led by bag designer Sylvia Santos, fashion designers JC Buendia, Randy Ortiz, Jojie Lloren, Dong Omaga Diaz, Joey Samson, Ivarluski Aseron, Vittorio Barba, Gerry Katigbak, Frederick Peralta, Rajo Laurel, Len Nepomuceno, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Ramon Esteban, PJ Aranador, Edwin Ao, OJ Hofer, Arcy Gayatin, Tippi Ocampo, Avel Bacudio, Jerome Salaya Ang, Joel Escober, Anthony Nocom, Albert Andrada, Noel Crisostomo, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Kristel Yulo, Happy Andrada, Pablo Cabahug and James Reyes, FDAP designers Johnny Abad, Ricky Abad, Dexter Alaza, Nino Angeles, Delby Bragais, Karen Castro, Kirby Cruz, Ivan dela Cruz, Perry Diaz, Lynn Roxas, Boyet Dysanco, Ricco Escaro, Rocky Gathercole, Genar Gozum, Pristine de Guzman, Adin Lara, Paul Ranier Lim, Noelle Llave, Edgar Madamba, Jontie Martinez, Nikkie Martinez, Ole Morabe, Vivo Nazareth, Dave Ocampo, Lito Perez, Nholie Pilapil, Joyce Pilarsky, Aan Pineda, Raoul Ramirez, Yako Reyes, Rholand Roxas, Edgar San Diego, Fanny Serrano, Edwin Uy, Simon Ariel Vasquez, Geoffrey Zordilla, independent fashion designers Jun Escario, Michelle Sison, Patrice Ramos Diaz, Charina Sarte, Cary Santiago, Dennis Lustico, John Paras, Bea Albert, Eric de los Santos, Maureen Desini, Vania Romoff, Martin Bautista, John/Paul Herrera, Ronald Mendoza, Audie Espino, Sidney Perez Sio, Goullee Gorospe and Raoul Ramirez, country’s design icons Inno Sotto, Auggie Cordero, Pepito Albert, Cesar Gaupo, Lulu Tan-Gan, Mike de la Rosa and Loretto, Efren Ocampo and The Dean of Filipino Fashion Designers Ben Farrales, McCann Erickson Client Service Director Bernadette Chincuanco, Coca-Cola ASEAN Business Unit President Manuel Arroyo, Coca-Cola Philippines President & General Manager Guillermo Aponte, marketing director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe and Franchise and Commercial Leadership Director Peter Schaelstraete together with the Coca-Cola Philippines team: Johanna Hife, Steve Little, Rogie Delena, Raymond Villaflor, Teejae Sonza, Jobert Dumlao, Sharon Tanganco, Roki Ferrer, Rachel Cruz, Francis Chua, Franz Decloedt, Yasmin Mallari, Jenny Cinco, Jing Atienza, Criselda Pascual, Mavel Banocnoc, Thess Acuna, Franco Jorge, Stephanie Castillo, Tish Condeno, Jaideep Kibe, Nicamae Baylen, Jenalyn Perez, Barry del Rosario, and Nikki Lee, Suyen Corporation's Nene and Virgilio Lim, Bryan Lim and Suyen Lim, Carlos Chan's children Carlson, Archie, Rinby, Larry, Oszen and Shera, Tony Ferrer, Lawrence Tan, Atty. Joji Villanueva-Alonso, former Ilocos Rep. Roque “Roquito” Ablan, Suyen Corporation Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder Ben Chan, stylist Noel Manapat, Star Magic Vice-President Mariole Alberto, public relations practitioner, events orgainzer and talent manager Keren Pascual, Girlie Rodis and Star Magic handler Monch Novales, 300 Kapamilya stars, Iya Villania and Drew Arellano, Paolo Abrera and Suzi Entrata, Bianca Manalo, Venus Raj and Shamcey Supsup, Sitti Navarro, Jasmine Curtis Smith, James Blanco, Eric Tai, K Brosas, Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago, Randy Santiago, Bamboo Manalac, Binibining Pilipinas 2013 winners Cindy Miranda and Pia Romero, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-Up Ariella Arida, Katherine de Castro-Cruz, Oyo Boy Sotto, Rowell Santiago, Dominique Cojuangco, Dina Bonnevie with husband Ilocos Sur Vice-Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, Jericho Rosales, apl.de.ap, Eddie Garcia and Richard Gomez, Former Professional Models Association of the Philippines board members and fashion luminaries Tina Maristela Ocampo, Izza Gonzales-Agana, Desiree Verdadero-Abesamis, Marina Benipayo, Patty Betita, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Den Abesamis, Hans Montenegro, Grace Molina and Ariel Atendido, Robert Mananquil, models Robby Mananquil, Raya Mananquil-de Leon, and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo with Valerie de los Santos; Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles team manager Paolo Trillo; Current Professional Models Association of the Philippines president Phoemela Baranda also came with Manila’s favourite models Grace Tagle, Bubbles Paraiso, Luke Jickain, Mia Ayesa, Sanya Smith, Mika Lagdameo-Martinez, Antoinette Enciso-Ocampo, Angel Agustin-Co and Marilen Faustino-Montenegro The Philippine STAR Lifestyle section columnists RJ Ledesma, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, and Tim Yap, The Philippine STAR Lifestyle section editor Millet Martinez-Mananquil, Philippine Daily INQUIRER Lifestyle section editor Thelma Sioson-San Juan, MERalCo Bolts coach Norman Black, Ateneo men’s basketball coach Bo Perasol and his players Ponso Gotladera, Kris Porter, Anton Asistio, Isaac Jules Lim, former players JC Intal, Macky Escalona, Nico Salva, Bacon Austria, Tonino Gonzaga, Emman Monfort, Juami Tiongson, Frank Golla, Oping Sumalinog, JP Erram, and Jai Reyes, Sen. Bong Revilla Jr., William Lao, Mother Lily Monteverde, Shirley Kuan, Deedee Sytangco, Sec. Sonny Coloma, Beth Tagle, Rep. Dax and Midy Cua, Dolly Anne Carvajal-Mendoza, Lily Layug, Arthur Manuntag, Christine Singson, Grace Singson, Tess Daza, Jackie Aquino-Gavino, Joy Melendrez, Tonypet Albano, Maricar Bhel, Reps. Uliran Joaquin, Hermilando Mandanas, Annie Susano and Butch Dumpit, Vanessa Francisco, Annabelle Rama-Gutierrez, Boots Anson-Roa, Snow Tago, Charmaine Yu, Greg Yu, Edmund Lim and Ramon Jacinto, Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM) President and EDSA People Power Commissioner Ogie Alcasid and wife Regine Velasquez, Luke Mejares, Nyoy Volante, Wency Cornejo, Maegan Aguilar, Jonathan Badon, Ferdie Topacio, Ricky Davao, Alvin Anson and Gary Berena, Ogie Alcasid’s “babies” Davey Langit and Lara Maigue, Michael Jackson impersonator Jericho Valencia, teleserye stars Jake Cuenca, Erich Gonzales, Paulo Avelino, Coco Martin and Julia Montes, model and television show host Bianca Gonzales and music composer Jim Paredes, economist and former NEDA secretary general Solita Collas-Monsod, actor Robin Padilla with his wife Mariel Rodriguez and brother Rommel, noontime game and variety television show host Willie Revillame, 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, Father and son Pen and Ping Medina, cousins Isabelle Daza and Georgina Wilson, Pokwang Subong, “Wowowee” girls RR Enriquez, Saicy Aguila, and April “Congratulations” Gustilo, Carla Abellana, sexy actress Katrina Halili, models Pancho Magno, John Spainhour, Vince Ferraren and JC Tiuseco, comedian Gelli de Belen, Dra. Vicki Belo, Edward Mendez, volleyball player Gretchen Ho, comedian John Lapus, singer Kean Cipriano, Comedienne Candy Pangilinan and Arnell Ignacio, film and television directors Jose Javier Reyes and Manny Castañeda, Ramon Bautista, Richard Gutierrez, TV host Raymond Gutierrez, Mae Paner, Pinky Amador, Leo Valdez, Noel Trinidad and Jun Urbano, Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, Maricel Soriano, Aiai delas Alas, Vice Ganda, Ruffa Gutierrez, Rustom Padilla, German Moreno and Gardo Versoza, 1986 EDSA veterans Leah Navarro, Mitch Valdez, and Maan Hontiveros, Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Kiko Pangilinan and daughter KC Concepcion, Television host Paolo Bediones, Hall of Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach, former Chicago Bulls center Luc Longley, and comedy superstar Vic Sotto, Kris Aquino, Charlene Gonzales, Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong, Rez Cortez, William Martinez and Yayo Aguila, Lani Mercado-Revilla, Lorna Tolentino-Fernandez, Tirso Cruz III and wife Lyn and son Bodie, Eric Quizon, G. Toengi-Walters and Romnick Sarmenta, Kuh Ledesma, Grace Nono, Louie Heredia and Dingdong Avanzado, Philip Salvador, Smokey Manaloto, Beth Tamayo-Wong, Antoinette Taus, Tom Taus, Janine Gutierrez, and basketball stars, Sunshine Cruz-Montano, Gladys Reyes-Roxas, Daisy Reyes, Rufa Mae Quinto and Isabel Granada, Bro. Eddie Villanueva 2010 presidential election campaign supporters Coney Reyes, Karla Martinez, Piolo Pascual, Dolphy Quizon, Jr., Donita Rose, Nonoy Zuniga and Prof. Jeremias Jangad, “Hawak-Kamay” main cast members Nikki Gil, Zaijian Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Andrea Brillantes, Yesha Camile, supporting cast members Juan Karlos Labajo, Lyca Gairanod, Jacob Dionisio, Axel Torres, Maris Racal, Manolo Pedrosa and Nichole Baranda, PBA players James Yap and sons Joshua and Bimby Aquino-Yap, Marc Pingris and wife Danica Sotto, Gary David, Jimmy Alapag and wife LJ Moreno, Doug Kramer and wife actress Cheska Garcia and daughter Kendra, Larry Fonacier and wife Lora Gahol, and LA Tenorio and wife Cheska, “Fastbreak” charity basketball game players Gerald Anderson, Anne Curtis, Daniel Padilla, Jessy Mendiola, Jose Manalo, Marco Alcaraz, Champ Lui Pio, Derek Ramsay, Luis Alandy, Xian Lim, Lemuelle Pelayo, Jason Abalos, Arthur Solinap, Carl Guevara, Rico Blanco, Jhong Hilario, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford, Chris Tiu, JV Kapunan, Jon Lucas, Ervic Vijandre, Arjo Atayde, Joe Vargas, Gab Valenciano, Jon Hall, Carlo Gonzales and James and Jim Salas, Thirdy Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Kevin Alas, Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual, Chris Newsome, Baser Amer, Von Pessumal, and Nico Elorde, NBA 3x3 Philippines celebrity basketball players Fabio Ide, Rovilson Fernandez, Gerard Acao, Bobby Yan, Andy Smith, Will Devaughn, Robin da Roza and Joross Gamboa, running coach Rio de la Cruz, basketball coaches Vince Hizon and Allan Gregorio, Perlas Pilipinas women’s national basketball team player Melissa Jacob, sports broadcasters Jinno Rufino of Solar Sports, Mark Zambrano of GMA News and Marco Benitez and Anton Roxas of ABS-CBN Sports, “7,107 International Music Festival” celebrity revelers Magalona siblings, KC Montero, Rhian Ramos, Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles, Solenn Heussaff, Coleen Garcia, Sam Pinto, Felix and Dominic Roco, Teresa Herrera-Anthony, Daniel Matsunaga, Lauren Young, Victor Basa, Michelle Madrigal, “Boys Night Out” Radio Disc Jockeys, Kiefer Ravena, Brent Javier, Borgy Manotoc, Ellen Adarna, Bianca King, Phil Younghusband, and more, BENCH/ family stars, “6,200: The Mission Possible Project” personalities and “The Naked Truth: Denim and Underwear Fashion Show” celebrity models Kim Chiu, Karylle, Jeric and Jeron Teng, Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco, Lovi Poe, Rachelle Ann Go and Markki Stroem, Michelle Vito, Sofia Andres, Dianne Medina, Helga Krapf, Melissa Ricks, Djanin Cruz, Kiana Valenciano with Samantha Godinez-Valenciano, Mr. Chinatown 2013 winners Sydney Du, Sky Yang, Jerome Tan and Randy See; Mr. Chinatown 2014 winners David Licuaco and Kurt Joshua Ong, Mark Lopez, Jairus Ferrer, Alec Robes, “Be BENCH/: The Model Search” finalist Ron Morales; Carlos Concepcion; Yeng Constantino; “Pinoy Dream Academy: Season 2” scholar Hansen Nichols with his twin brother GC, “BENCH/ Rajo Laurel Dos collection” models Sam Concepcion, Rocco Nacino, Steven Silva, Enzo Pineda, Sarah Lahbati and Regine Angeles, newest “BENCHsetters” including actors Tom Rodriguez, Dennis Trillo, Martin del Rosario and Dominic Roque, former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons basketball player Andre Paras and De La Salle Green Archers men’s basketball player Arnold van Opstal, “America's Next Top Model”’s Dominique Reighard and Allison Harvard, “Asia’s Next Top Model” finalist Katarina Rodriguez, television commercial, ramp, print and fashion models and actors Benjamin Alves, Jon Avila, Franco Daza, Marx Topacio, Victor Silayan, John James Uy, Marvin Raymundo, Miko Raval and Raphael Robes, Luisito Rabat, models and athletes Anton del Rosario and Sam Richelle, Andrew Wolff and Janka Cederstam, Hideo Muraoka, Catriona Gray, Valerie Bariou-Bondoc, Rima Ostwani, Janeena Chan, GMA Network Artist Center talents Gloria Romero, Pilita Corrales, Aljur Abrenica, Louise delos Reyes, Mark Herras, Yasmien Kurdi, LJ Reyes, Julie Anne San Jose, Kristoffer Martin, Derrick Monasterio, Barbie Forteza, Bela Padilla, Bea Binene, Max Collins, Yassi Pressman, Rafael Rosell, Glaiza de Castro, Rochelle Pangilinan, Mona Louise Rey, Jonalyn Viray, Kyla Calumpad-Alvarez, Jay-R Silliona, Mark Bautista, Chef Boy Logro, Manilyn Reynes, Angelu de Leon, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Gabby Eigenmann, Raymond Bagatsing, Ricky Davao, Anjo Yllana and Wally Bayola, TV5 actor Vin Abrenica, Ritz Azul, Eula Caballero, Martin Escudero, Empoy Marquez, Mr. Fu, GMA News and Public Affairs personalities Mike Enriquez, Arnold Clavio, Sandra Aguinaldo, Raffy Tima, Mariz Umali, Oscar Oida, Mark Salazar, Jun Veneracion, Chino Gaston and Nathaniel Cruz, Media personalities Atty. Dong Puno, Chiqui Roa-Puno, Gerard Garcia, Jeanne Young, Cory Quirino, Mel Tiangco and Jay Sonza, society columnist Mons Romulo, Tonyboy Cojuangco and Gretchen Barretto, Boy Abunda, Cesar Montano, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Alice Dixson, Pops Fernandez, Malou Choa-Fagar, Korina Sanchez, Julius Babao and Tintin Bersola-Babao, Katrina Ponce Enrile and Ling-Ling King; celebrity makeup artist Patrick Rosas; hair stylist Jing Monis; Karen Davila (with her sons David and Lucas), Marjorie Barretto-Padilla and daughter Dani Barretto; Miguel Pastor, Joy Ortega, Edu Manzano, John Prats, “Survivor Philippines” castways Shaun Rodriguez and Suzuki Sadatsugu, teen heartthrobs Robi Domingo and David Chua, Jestoni Alarcon and wife Lizette, Bo Cerrudo, Bayani and Len Agbayani, Alanna Lopez-Montelibano, Richie Coronel Santos, Aries Saludo, Ruby Cojuito of Flawless, Ronald Carballo, Alvin Fortuna, Dennis Coronel, Kenneth Dong, Olai and Roland Espiritu, Carlos Agassi, Marvin Agustin, Danilo Barrios, Streetboys and Ya Chang, Peping Cojuangco daughters Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, China Cojuangco-Gonzalez (and her adorable baby Lucia), Mai-Mai Cojuangco, music composer Ryan Cayabyab and his wife Emmy, Louie Ocampo and wife Jojo, Celeste Legaspi, JM Rodriguez, Arnold Vegafria and Cris Villonco, Amalia Fuentes, Niño Muhlach and son Alonzo, Michela Cazzola, Rita Avila, Shyr Valdez and Yayo Aguila, swimmer Johansen Aguilar, and wrestler Marcus Valda, Gwen Garci, Preview magazine editor in chief Pauline Suaco-Juan, Daryl Chang, Liz Uy, entertainment news reporters Mario Dumaual, Gretchen Fullido, MJ Marfori, Gary Valenciano, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Albert Martinez with daughter Alissa Martinez, Benjie Paras with wife Lyxen, Mylene Dizon, Iza Calzado, Marco Sison, Ivy Violan, Vina Morales, Shaina Magdayao, Bangs Garcia, Jerome Florentino, Erik Santos, Ogie Diaz, Gary Valenciano’s wife Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, Angeline Quinto, Arron Villaflor, Christian Bautista, Basil Valdez, Sam Milby, Gina Tabuena-Godinez, Tonton Gutierrez, Glydel Mercado, Noel Cabangon, Ariel Rivera, Hyubs Azarcon, Heber Bartolome and Paolo Santos, Rhap Salazar, Agot Isidro, Liezel Martinez, Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil, musical director and arranger Homer Flores, ballerina, actress and ballet director Maritoni Rufino-Tordesillas, Nikki Tang, Marcott Almeda, Ruby Chua, Tiffany Chua, Sheree Chua, Aziza Mondonedo, Cristina Gomez, socialites Baby Araneta Fores, Lisa Araneta, Cacho Marcos, Linda Oledan, Veana Fores, Lorrie Reynoso, Vicky Zubiri, Maricris Zobel, Carol Garcia, Maripi Muscat and Margarita Fores, Anton Mendoza, Monch Cruz, Chut Cuerva, Marcel Crespo, Ipe Cruz of Rogue Magazine, Marco Lobregat, Ching Cruz, Tina Cuevas, Agnes Huibonhoa, Fe Rodriguez, Susan Joven, Ian Giron, Andres Vasquez Prada and Al Tengco, Doris Magsaysay Ho, Gina Lopez, Evelyn Forbes, Marc Nelson, Ricco and Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Rikki and Beng Dee, Philip and Tricia Cu-Unjieng, Sander Tantoco, Philippine National Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon, Renna Hechanova Angeles, Karen Santos, Bobby and Chingbee Cuenca, Gina Aboitiz, Baby Girl Fricke, Maurice Arcache and ace photographer Alex Van Hagen, Jojie Dingcong, Jean Goulbourn, Frances Lim and Paul Campos, Dennis and Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Ernest Escaler, Ces Orena-Drilon, Dyan Castillejo-Garcia, Jackie Castillejo-Guingona, Liza Ilarde, Ana Kalaw, Anton San Diego, Raul Teehankee, Pepper Teehankee, Mariko Jacinto, Aye Nuguid, Leah Puyat, Anton Barretto and Jack de Mesa, Renna Angeles, Baby Fricke, Karen Santos, Bing-Bing Quiros, Gina Aboitiz, Nick and Lucille Locsin, Paul Campos, Tony and Chingbee Cuenca, Manny Miñana, J. Anton Mendoza, Budji Layug, Royal Pineda, Ed Calma, Milo Naval, Tony Gonzales, Tes Pasola, Kenneth Cobonpue, Ana Rocha, Bart Guingona, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Jaime Chua, Alvin Anson; Brian Llamanzares; Adel Tamano, Simon Tantoco, indoor volleyball players Dzi Gervacio, Jem Ferrer, Fille Saint Merced Cainglet-Cayetano, A Nacachi, Rachel Anne Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Alyssa Valdez, Denden Lazaro, Coach Charo Soriano, Marge Tejada, Melissa Gohing, Mary Jean Balse, Mayeth Carolino, Michelle Carolino, Ella De Jesus, Kara Acevedo, Karla Bello, Stephanie Gabriel, Mae Tajima, Jayson Ramos, Maica Morada, Jed Montero, Michelle Laborte, Sasa Devanadera, Grethcel Soltones, Joy Benito, Rubie De Leon, Mae Crisostomo, Ynna Hao, Tina Salak, JP Torres, Dahlia Cruz, Nene Bautista, Aiza Maizo, Maika Ortiz, Rhea Dimaculangan, Denise Tan, Venus Bernal, Jheck Dionela, Angge Tabaquero, Mitch Datuin, Abby Praca, Bea Pascual, Judy Caballejo, Maruja Banaticla, AJ Pareja, Myco Antonio, Henry Pecana, Rex Intal, Dindin Santiago, Jaja Santiago, Kathy Bersola, Princess Gaiser, Shiela Marie “Bang” Pineda, Mayette Zapanta, Rosemarie Vargas, Jen Reyes, Angela Benting, Pau Soriano, Lizlee Ann Gata-Pantone, Edwin Tolentino, Peter Den Mar Torres, Michelle Gumabao, Cha Cruz, Stephanie Mercado, Jeshul Wensh Tiu, Abigail Marano, Mika Esperenza, Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes, Victonara Galang, and Cyd Demicillo, Renz Casanova, Chris Macasaet, Philip Cerveza, Joanne Siy, Loren Lantin, Mia Hirotsuji, Pamela Lastimosa, Ingrid Reyes, Jessey De Leon, Carmela Tunay, Chloe Cortez, Alex Cabanos, Patricia Rasmo, Illa Santos, Joanne Bunag, Jacqueline Alarca and Ers Iratay.

Expect tighter security in coming to the 58-heactre national park where the celebration will be held.

At 2 p.m., a fluvial procession along the Pasig River: from Guadalupe, Makati City to Intramuros, Manila will bring the image of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Saint Pedro Calungsod to the back of Quirino Grandstand which houses the main altar.

The churches, all located near the Pasig River await the participation of devotees and tourists to witness the unique display of faith, devotion and celebration of the said feast.

Dubbed as Marian Fluvial Procession, the government, non-government and religious organizations, civic dignitaries and community assure the public of lively presentations and activities with the participation of several musical bands.

The joint fluvial caravan relives the Catholic tradition and to heighten environmental awareness for Pasig River’s protection, revival and preservation.

According to DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Services and Regional Offices Oscar Palabyab, the Feast of the Holy Rosary is one of the country’s annual major religious festivals, along with the triple celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide’s founding anniversary and grand prayer assembly and birthday celebration of Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila and the fluvial parade at Pasig River will be focused on inculcating the values of tradition.

There will be a ceremonial blessing of all participating boats and the Pasig River before the start of the procession.

Three decorated ferries with images of the Blessed Our Lady of the Abandoned on board will be accompanied by the devotees. The Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police will oversee the event’s safety and security requirements. In certain boats, the rosary will be recited in English and Marian songs will be sung.

The parade will proceed from the Guadalupe Ferry Station towards the Escolta Ferry Station where welcome ceremonies will be held, back to Sta. Ana and end at the ferry station of Santa Elena, Marikina City.

At 2 p.m., a fluvial procession along the Pasig River: Guadalupe Ferry Station towards the Escolta Ferry Station will bring the image of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Saint Pedro Calungsod to Sta. Ana and end at the ferry station of Santa Elena, Marikina City to the back of Quirino Grandstand which houses the main altar.

An hour before the sea parade, 76 carrozas carrying patron saints of various parishes in Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Isabela, Cagayan, Batanes, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, Kalinga, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Aurora, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Camiguin, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Zamboanga City, Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will make their way to the venue.

(http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/574756/fluvial-procession-metro-manila)

“We are basically ready although there are still somethings that need fine-tuning,” Msgr. Dennis Villarojo, the overall chairman of the Manila celebration for Calungsod’s sainthood, said.

He urged the people to make use of the celebration to get closer to the Lord.

“We should continue the spirit of penance and prayerful atmosphere so that we will be able to experience the spiritual fruits of the occasion,” Villarojo told Cebu Daily News.

“This is a celebration of the Eucharist. We should keep a solemn demeanor,” he added.

There will be no Masses in all parishes in 81 provinces from 12 noon onwards.

Anyone who can’t go to the Rizal Park can watch the event through GMA Channel 7 and other broadcast television stations all over the world. Internet users can also log on to www.gmanews.tv  for a live streaming of the activities.

Radio stations all over the world will also broadcast the events live.

On site 12 giant LCD screens will be mounted in different parts of the vast field to allow the crowd to see at is going in the altar.

At least 20 golf carts and three electric cars from Intramuros, Manila will transport the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Archbishops and bishops from countries (see below) who will be brought from the Manila Hotel at One Rizal Park and Manila Pavillion Hotel to the Quirino Grandstand through vans. The Hotel serves as their holding area before the Mass.

Although there are 21,000 monobloc chairs for guests, people are urged to bring their own portable chairs.

Sixteen medical stations can also be found in the venue. Each medical station has one standby ambulance. At least three firetrucks will also be stationed at the Rizal Park.

Portalets and comfort rooms are located at the sides of the grandstand.

In going to the Rizal Park, people can take the free shuttle buses. Bus stops are located in front of the parking lots of Port Area and a block away from the Lagusniland tunnel.

The Holy Mass will start at 6:45 p.m.

From the Apostolic Nunciature along Taft Avenue in Malate, Manila, the Pope rode the “Popemobile” into Malacanang Park, four kilometers away. From there, the Holy Father boarded the Presidential Helicopter at the back of the Quirino Grandstand at 7:45 P.M.

Even the Pope was late for Sunday Mass: a fretful 1 hour and 41 minutes at 6:30 P.M. up to 8:11 P.M.

It will be presided over by Pope Francis.

The 76-year-old Pope, who has been the leader of the Worldwide Catholic Church to lead the Holy Mass.

Other than the Pope, the other cardinals who will be present in today’s liturgy include Cardinal Angelo Amato, the prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints; Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Manila Archbishop-Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Nueva Segovia Archbishop-Emeritus Ernesto Antolin Salgado, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Emeritus Edmundo M. Abaya, Nueva Segovia Archbishop Mario M. Perlata, Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio Cardinal L. Utleg, Tuguegarao Archbishop-Emeritus Diosdado A. Talamayan, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop-Emeritus Oscar Cruz, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, San Fernando Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Aniceto, San Fernando Archbishop Florentino Lavarias, Lipa Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles, Nueva Caceres Archbishop Rolando Joven Tria Tirona, Capiz Archbishop Jose Advincula, Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, Cebu Archbishop-Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal J. Vidal, Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma, Palo Archbishop-Emeritus Pedro R. Dean, Jr., Palo Archbishop John F. Du, Davao Archbishop-Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla, Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal B. Quevedo, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop-Emeritus Jesus B. Tuquib, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus A. Dosado, Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo T. Dela Cruz, Singapore Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye, Singapore Archbishop-Emeritus Nicholas Gerald Chia, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop-Emeritus Murphy Pakiam, Kuching Archbishop John Ha Tiong Hock, Kuching Archbishop-Emeritus Peter Chung Hoan Ting, Kota Kinabalu Archbishop John Wong Soo Kau, Kota Kinabalu Archbishop-Emeritus John Lee Hiong Fun-Yit Yaw, Jakata Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Jakarta Archbishop-Emeritus Julius Cardinal Riyadi Darmaatmadja, Palembang Archbishop Aloysius Sudarso, Kupang Archbishop Peter Turang, Makassar Archbishop Johannes Liku Ada, Medan Archbishop Anicetus Bongsu Antonius Sinaga, Medan Archbishop-Emeritus Alfred Gonti Pius Datubara, Pontianak Archbishop Agustinus Agus, Pontianak Archbishop-Emeritus Hieronymus Herculanus Bumbun, Vientiane Archbishop Jean Khamsé Vithavong, Savannakhet Archbishop Jean Marie Vianney Prida Inthirath, Phnom Penh Archbishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Malanday Archbishop Nicholas Mang Thang, Malanday Archbishop-Emeritus Paul Zingtung Grawng, Taunggyi Archbishop Matthias U Shwe, Yangon Archbishop-Emeritus Gabriel Thohey Mahn-Gaby, Yangon Archbishop Charles Maung Bo, Bangkok Archbishop Kriengsak Kovitvanit, Bangkok Archbishop-Emeritus Michael Michai Kitbunchu, Thare and Nonseng Archbishop Louis Chamniern Santisukniram, Hanoi Archbishop Peter Nguyễn Văn Nhơn, Hanoi Archbishop-Emeritus Joseph Ngô Quang Kiệt, Ho Chi Minh City Archbishop Bùi Văn Đọc, Ho Chi Minh City Archbishop-Emeritus Phạm Minh Mẫn, Huế Archbishop-Emeritus Etienne Nguyên Nhu Thê, Huế Archbishop François Xavier Le Van Hong, Delhi Archbishop-Emeritus Vincent Michael Conçessao, Delhi Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto.

Agana, Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron; Most Rev. Giuseppe Pinto; the apostolic nuncio in the Philippines; and Rome-based priest, Rev. Fr. Fernando Rojo, the main postulator for the religious group’s cause will also be around. Msgr. Villarojo said at least Roman Catholic Archbishops, bishops, cardinals, deacons and monsignors, and around 414,313  diocesan and religious priests from 221,740 parishes in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Pacific (Oceania), India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, China, Taiwan, North and South Korea, Japan, United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Chile, Guatemala, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Italy, France, Spain, Poland, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Hungary, Austria, England, Netherlands, Ukraine, Ireland, Slovakia, Crotia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Lituhania, Romania, Slovenia, Belarus, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Lativia, Luxembourg, Malta, Albania, Sweden, Greece, Estonia, Iceland, Uganda, Tanzania, Angola, Chad, Senegal, Gabon, Madagascar, Burundi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan, Zambia, Malawi, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivore, Benin, Burikina Faso, Togo, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Eriterea, Cape Verde, Namibia, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia, Niger, Comoros, Mauritania and Algeria have confirmed to attend the event.

During the holy mass, seminarians, parish choirs and guest artists will render praise songs and traditional music. Meanwhile, bands from the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy will also be on hand to provide music.

During communion, Villarojo advised the people not to flock to the main altar.

“They should stay put until they see a communion distributor marked by umbrellas,” he said.

Villarojo said there are 2,000 communion distributors. Of the number 1,600 are lay ministers. They will be augmented by priests and nuns.

After the communion, Pinto, the papal nuncio, will deliver a message.

President Aquino, who sought the permission of the archdiocese so he can deliver his 30-minute speech to the Filipinos, will have to make his piece after the Mass.

Fr. Raul Gallego, chairperson of the committee on venue, urged the people to bring along radios, water, flashlights, food, candles, portable chairs, and umbrellas.

On the other hand, people are prohibited from bringing guns and bladed weapons.

After the Mass including: the Angelus message and recitation of the Angelus Domini prayer, farewell message and final blessing by the Pope and the message of the president, the special message by Bishop-Emeritus Teodoro Bacani at 11:30 pm, and a cultural dance presentation will be made at 12 midnight of October 27. This will be participated in by Pasigarbo sa Sugbo contingents from Minglanilla, Talisay City, and Mandaue City. The Lumad Basakanon, who has reaped awards during the Sinulog festivities, will also be part of the presentation.

Dinner for the special guests will be served at the Manila Hotel.

At the Luneta and at least 10 shrines around the Philippines, there will be processions to be led by images of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The concelebrated mass, which will project the Philippines as a pilgrimage destination in Asia, will be covered by the national multi-media with possible hook-up by satellite. It will also be recorded, with the videotape to be sent to the Sister Angelica Channel.

The religious activity has been arranged in cooperation with the Wells Spring of Life, Sacred Land of Asia, Marian Movement, Charismatic Movement of the Philippines, Confradia, and Association of Shrine Rectors and Pilgrimage Promoters of the Philippines.

A 12:45 A.M., Monday, October 27, a 45-minute grand fireworks display, sponsored by private businessmen, will light up Manila’s skies and the four barges in Manila Bay 250 meters off the shore, between the Manila Yacht Club and the United States Embassy set up by pyrotechnic experts from Bocaue, Bulacan for P120, 000 lit the night sky and lasted a half-hour and was met with a roar of applause by people at the parade grounds.

After the message of Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani at 11:30 p.m., the cultural dance presentation show at midnight and fireworks display, at about 2:15 a.m with joyful praise and worship songs.

To the delight of everyone, Bishop Bacani, in his white robe and scarlet sash, expressed his joy and appreciation for the presence of the thousands of prayer-partners that evening. 

During the program, a lighting of thousands of candles, a magnificent glow filtered through the darkness of the night filling the 58-hectare Rizal Park and adjacent areas-Roxas Boulevard to north and southbound areas of Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Street and United Nations Avenue into Ermita, extending up to Maria Orosa Street, Padre Burgos Drive, Port Area district, Jones, Ayala, McArthur and Quezon Bridges to Plaza Miranda in Quiapo.

Bro. Mike Velarde, founder and servant-leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Religious Movement (DWXI-PPFI-CCRM) will deliver the 3-hour Worship and Healing Prayer Rally Message for the Family Appointment with El Shaddai was held in thanksgiving for the grand prayer assembly and annual anniversary celebration of evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic Charismatic renewal religious movement “Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide” and annual birthday celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide founder, president and spiritual director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva on Monday Morning, October 27 at 4 a.m. Manila Time (4 p.m. New York Time/8 p.m. London Time) followed by a Morning Breakfast Joyful Salu-Salo at 7 a.m.

Fernandez downplayed reports that certain groups would bomb the annual gathering, saying this was a raw information that needed to be validated.

“At any rate we always adopt the principle of considering the worst-case scenario. We have incorporated that in our plan and we are prepared,” he said.

Fernandez pointed out that their main concern was traffic. “Some people will be coming from Manila and going to Makati and vice versa,” he said.

He however said that he was implementing any re-routing in Manila, unless necessary.

“Initially, we feel that there’s need for re-routing. Our traffic plan is very flexible. Just in case there's a need for a re-routing, we have contingency plans for these,” he said.

Fernandez said the 58-heactre (580,000 square meters) Rizal Park can accommodate 2 million people.

In Manila, both North and South bound lanes of Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, UN Avenue, T.M. Kalaw St., P. Burgos, Calle Muralla, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, McArthur Bridge, Ayala Bridge, and Jones Bridge will be kept open to traffic despite the projected crowd of 2 to 3 million expected to attend the El Shaddai rally.

The T.M. Kalaw, P. Burgos, Calle Muralla, Bonifacio Drive, and the inner streets of the Port area were the designated parking zones.